Chapter 1: Prologue: What if...? An Oath to Return
Summary:
As we all know, a single choice or action can drastically change the course of someone's destiny. But what if the action drastically changed the course of the flow of a universe? The Watcher turns his gaze to a conflict between the Avengers and Kang the Conquer. Desperate to escape back to his timeline, he steals back his time chair to return to the 31st century... only for two of Earth's Mightiest Heroes to interfere. But when all threw a dragged through the time stream... how does this action change this universe forever?
Notes:
I don't own Avengers or Kingdom Hearts. They belong to Disney, Square Enix, and Marvel. Alright... 20th-anniversary event of the Kingdom Hearts event has come and gone and boy did we get a lot...
A preview of the end of Dark Road, the trailer for the new mobile game which looks like it could be entertaining: Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link, and of course the most exciting trailer that knocks all others out of the park: Kingdom Hearts IV! Can't believe I even typed that.
Now to celebrate the 20 years of childhood magic of gaming fun, I thought it would be great if I updated some of my Kingdom Hearts Fanfics. Of course, the one I'm currently working on is over 20k words and is still not ready yet, so during Easter, I came up with an idea of a story... involving a pairing I always wanted to try.
And don't panic this story will have only 5 Disney worlds plus one non-Disney world before moving on to the grand conclusion. It'll have a little something for all fans to enjoy. No, I'm not doing requests for worlds and no, neither of them are Turning Red or Rayna and the Last Dragon as I was not a fan of those films. More so the former, because at least the latter had some enjoyable moments. But that's beside the point, but the main point is... if you wish to guess what worlds will appear, the actual release date for Kingdom Hearts IV (Personally hoping for a 2023 or 2024 release at the latest), or which Kingdom Hearts stories of mine you'd like to see updated. Feel free to write the reviews all well as your thoughts
So, without further ado, here's a small prologue for this story. Enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Prologue: What if...? An Oath to Return
Somewhere in the multiverse, vast realities can be seen. Peggy Carter was being injected with the Super Soldier Serum. Space Pirate taking in a young Prince of Wakanda. "Time."
Nick Fury and Black Widow were standing over the deceased body of Tony Stark. Doctor Strange was risking his entire universe to save the woman he loved. "Space."
Spider-Man along with Black Panther and the head of Scott Lang make a race to Wakanda in hopes of a cure for a deadly virus. Killmonger saving the life of Tony Stark from the Ten Rings. "Reality."
Thor was partying with Jane Foster all over the Earth. Ultron succeeded in getting the body of Vision and getting all six Infinity Stones. "It's more than a linear path. It's a prism of endless possibility, where a single choice can branch out into infinite realities, creating alternate worlds from the one you know."
Various more realities could be seen before revealing the one who watches all transpires in the Multiverse, "I am the Watcher. I am your guide through these vast new realities. Follow me and ponder the question, 'What If...?'"
"Sora," The Watcher smiled with happiness as a young spikey-haired teenage boy explored the worlds outside his own, "A Keyblade Wielder unlike any other. This one boy who can touch the hearts of so many. Can see the good inside anyone's heart before the bad. In many timelines, he left his own world with Donald and Goofy to search for their closest of friends and in doing so had saved the universe many times in multiple realities. His actions alone turned the tide against a war that sought to destroy it all..."
The Watcher's eyes narrowed as it turned to an old Keyblade Master staring at Sora with his eyes, "In many timelines, he would confront many enemies. One, in particular, was a Keyblade Master named: Xehanort. A Seeker of Darkness who used others in his conquest to use Kingdom Hearts to start over with him as a dictator. In many timelines, these two warriors would confront each other with Sora catching him unaware and stopping the would-be conqueror for good."
"But this tale... what if I told you that in a few timelines, these two would face each other yet again... long before they were even meant to and it started on a world that was never supposed to come into the conflict with the Keyblade War..." The Watcher turned to a particular universe on a particular world...
In a green world where most of the planet was covered with water, a mansion stood proudly as was the home of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, "This world has its own fill on Mighty Heroes called the Avengers. Together, they prevented many threats to their own world and defeated many threats no single hero could withstand. But this tale will focus on two in particular..."
"Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, daughter of Magento and Twin Sister of the Leader of the Brotherhood of Mutants, Quicksilver, had recently come to America to make terms with the US government after the unwarranted attack from Genosha. Magento sought the destruction of mankind to protect the mutants by sacrificing the lives of his own people. After banishing her own father, she joined Earth's Mightiest Heroes on behalf of the people of Genosha to show a more positive influence on Mutantkind where she made quite a name for herself even gaining respect from the X-Men." The brunette woman in her red clothing defended several civilians from the Serpent Society alongside Vision, Hawkeye, and Wasp.
On the other side of things, a certain wall-crawler was chasing down a man in a Rhino suit causing damage throughout the city to draw out his attention, "When he was only fifteen, Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider and gained the proportionate speed, strength, and agility of a spider. After the tragic death of his Uncle Ben, Peter learned that with great power, there must also come great responsibility. So, for the past eight years, he dedicated his life to protecting his city as the Amazing Spider-Man. Within that time, he had gained part-time membership of the Avengers, shortly before Wanda joined the team. However, these two heroes would soon join forces against the forces of darkness after an unlikely encounter..."
"AVENGERS," Captain America raised his mighty shield calling out to his team, "ASSEMBLE!"
Iron Man flew straight at their current foe Kang the Conqueror, who currently escaped his cell within a SWORD facility. The Time Conqueror managed to get a hold of most of his equipment except his Time Chair held within the vault containing the most dangerous technology of many of the villains within the cells of the prison. If he got a hold of his chair, he would escape to his own time, most likely to plan for another invasion to conquer their time.
As one of his drones slowly cut the vault open, he turned to face the armored Avenger. Before Iron Man could tackle him, Kang simply raised an arm as a highly technological force field appeared knocking him back. Vision tried to phase through the shield, however, as advanced Vision was, he was still outdated by Kang's future tech as the barrier shocked him. Captain America and Thor tried basing their way threw the shield, but the forcefield was able to defend against the attacks of Cap's mighty shield and Mjölnir, knocking both heroes back.
Kang smirked until the shield seemingly died down. He grumbled in annoyance, "Suit still low on power..."
He quickly tried going to reserves, it had to be enough to get to his Time Chair. With it, it would not only restore his suit to full power but he would be able to return to his time, if not, the Avengers would take him, prisoner, again. The Council of Kangs' warned him if he did not return to his own time soon, something will happen that would threaten the stability of this time and reality and could have devasting consequences. It was why they gave his suit back, unfortunately, not even they could predict that during his last invasion, he used most of his suit's power by the time he was defeated by the Avengers.
He had this one chance to return to his time, to prevent this danger to the timestream. Then once the danger had passed, which would be only seconds to him, he would return to conquer this time and have his revenge. He then heard an arrow shot from the archer. He turned to redirect the explosive arrow back at Hawkeye.
Captain Marvel quickly flew in to defend the archer, tanking the explosive for him but still knocked the both of them back. Suddenly, he heard an all too familiar voice coming him from behind him, "INCOMING!"
Before he could react, Spider-Man kicked the Time-Conqueror into the wall causing him to grunt in pain, the Wall-Crawler landed in front of him as he webbed him on the ground, "Hey, Kangy, long time, no see! How's prison life treating you?"
Kang simply growled in response, "Spider-Man. It would seem you haven't lost your tasteless humor."
"Hey, tons of people find me funny," The Web-Slinger quipped, "You just don't have a sense of humor. Maybe more time in the slammer, you learn some of your own. Besides, I heard it's meatloaf night. You just can't miss meatloaf night!"
Kang used his free finger to forward the time it took to dissolve Spider-Man's webbing. Normally, it would take an hour, but for Kang, it only took a moment. Spider-Man quickly moved to resubdue the villain but using his own skills threw Spider-Man to the ground. As he pulled out a time-ax he commented, "In my time, Spider-Man became the greatest of all the 21st-century heroes. You fought till the end of the age of 85." He then grinned, "Too bad, you'll never live long enough to see that future."
Before he could swing down, he was blasted away by a red mist slamming him against the prison vault. The Scarlet Witch walked her way to the recovering Avengers as she glared at Kang, "I'm afraid I can't let shorten Spider-Man's life."
Spider-Man groaned, he stood beside the daughter of Magento, "Thanks for that..."
She simply nodded as her focus was squarely on Kang. The Time Conqueror groaned as the vault door finally fell. He turned and grinned as the other Avengers stared in horror as the Time Chair floated in the center of the vault. With little power left, Kang made a dash for his chair as Tony Stark called out, "Don't let him get to the chair!"
Spider-Man shot out a web to the ceiling, "Got it!"
Wanda quickly followed behind him. Just as Kang got to his chair, Spider-Man started to grab on to him and force him out of the Time Chair. However, Kang resisted as he complained, "Release me, you meddling insects."
"Oh, come on," Spider-Man complained as they continued to struggle, "Even in the future, people are still confused about the differences between insects and arachnids! Shows how smart would-be conquerors actually are!"
Despite the struggle, Kang managed to access his computers terminal. Realizing he was trying to return to his own him, Wanda caused a hex to mess with the navigation systems as she declared, "You're not going anywhere!"
"No, don't you'll risk the stability of the space-time continuum!" Kang warned her as still tried to make his escape by getting one arm free to activate his chair. However, the mutant girl still refused to stay down. As the Time-Conqueror made his escape the hex backfired as it caught Kang, Spider-Man, and Wanda in the attack. All three screamed before they vanished before the other heroes' eyes.
"Wh-what happened?" Hawkeye asked in confusion.
Thor answered as he summoned his hammer, "He got away. And he took Ms. Maximoff and the Man of Spiders with him."
The World War II Super-Solider turned to the futurist, "Tony. Is there any way we can track them? Find a way to bring them back?"
"That's the problem," The founding Avenger stated, "They can be anywhere or anywhen in time. We have no way to go after them."
"We have to try, wherever and whenever they are, they trapped with Kang," Captain America refused to accept that answer, "We'll regroup at Avengers Tower and gather every thinker we can. Before Kang makes his next move."
Captain Marvel's eyes narrowed, "When he does, we'll be ready for them."
"Unknown to them, Kang would be the least of their worries, as another far more dangerous enemy would arise from the chaos..."
Long ago, on a distant world, Xehanort stood the edge of the Destiny Islands as he watched the sunset on his world. He couldn't help but comment, "This world... is just too small..."
Notes:
And they would conclude the prologue for this tale, now if you can guess from the preview from above and the story so far. The main pairing for this story is Spider-Man and Scarlet Which. The main villain will be Young Xehanort. And Sora will still be the adorable boy we see in Birth By Sleep when we get to him. While the story will mainly focus on Sora, Peter, and Wanda against the Young Xehanort, we will see what the other heroes are doing back on Earth, Midgard, whatever. I haven't come up with a clever name for that world yet.
Now, a few other things worth noting, Peter has had years of experience as Spider-Man so he's no noob in this story. Scarlet Witch is mostly based on her appearances in Wolverine and the X-Men and she's been an Avenger since the end of Season 1 before the sadly canceled Season 2. This is, however, the first time the two have met in this timeline, so the duo will have to learn to work together against the young Keyblade Wielder to protect our spiky protagonist of the Kingdom Hearts series.
Also, keep an eye out for nods to the series as this story will set up the events of the first Kingdom Hearts game ever made. Spoiler, you'll love them, even if it will be different of how things start for Sora's journey. Anyways, hope you enjoyed the prologue. Expect longer chapters in the long run. Be sure to leave a review to show your support and what you're hoping to see in Kingdom Hearts IV or this story. Also, be sure to leave a follow and fav. to show your support. See ya real soon!
Chapter 2: Chapter 1: A boy named Sora
Summary:
It's every man's dream to wake up on an island with a beautiful woman by his side. Of course, Peter never thought it would happen to him of all people with the Scarlet Witch of all women. And the circumstances he could do without. Still, he and Wanda Maximoff must figure out when and where they are if they are to return home. Hopefully, an adorable local boy islander is there to help figure some things out. However, our heroes soon discover Kang is the least of their worries as a new threat rises from the shadows... literally. Can our heroes protect the boy from this man in the black coat?
Notes:
I don't own Kingdom Hearts or the Avengers. They each belong to Marvel, Disney, and Square Enix. Alright, and here's the official first chapter. The world in this chapter is the world that started it all in the Kingdom Hearts series. You know what I'm talking about so, let's start the first chapter of this tale...
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 1: A boy named Sora
In the 31st Century, Kang's army waited for their leader's return from the past. There was currently a panic. A disruption in the timeline unlike any of them has seen before. It would be only a few hours at most before the timeshifted from the altered past. All of a sudden, Kang appeared in his Time Chair alone, back at the peak of his power, and ready for his next attempt to conquer the 21st century. Despite Scarlet Witch's attempt to keep him in the present, he was able to travel threw time despite the pain. He even managed to throw the two meddlesome hitchhikers off between the reaches of time and reality without any side effects... or at least, that's when he thought as he returned to his time.
He certainly didn't expect this much of a panic when he returned. Did something go wrong when traveling through time? Just then, one of his subordinates quickly ran up to him with a panicked look on his face, "What is going on? What happened while I was away?!"
"Sir, this been a massive shift in the space-time continuum," His goon answered, "Something happened in the 21st century that is altering the timeline."
"Impossible," Kang's eyes narrowed, "I was just there. I haven't done anything that would cause this big of an issue."
"It's true, Lord Kang," Another goon answered as he handed him the database, "See? Check it yourself."
Kang took it before quickly analyzing it and blinking in shock. They were telling the truth. He looked for any mistake or flaw in the calculations but found none. This shouldn't be possible. He took his counterparts' advice and returned to his timeline to prevent this from happening. He then looked back to his subordinates, "Did you find the source of the change?"
"That's the thing, sir," The first goon answered, "It happened the moment you returned to the chair and activated the coordinates to this time. Something with your chair malfunctioned and damaged the walls between the 21st century and the worlds outside of it."
Now, that really got Kang's attention, what could have happened that would damage the barriers between worlds as he traveled back to his home time? That's when it occurred to him, "The Witch! Wanda Maximoff's hex must have damaged the safety protocols when we traveled threw time and damaged the barriers!" Dang it, he shouldn't have risked traveling while the woman's powers struck his chair. It caused the very damage he was trying to prevent. Kang asked, "How bad is the damage?"
"Under normal circumstances, since the worlds are almost unaware of each other even in that era, would be an easy fix as they wouldn't understand what happened," The second goon answered, "But someone managed to take notice of this, and has taken advantage of it along the Heartless to appear rough 10 years before they first appeared in that time."
If Kang's eyes could be wider, they fall right out of his skull, only one man in that era could possibly know about the shift of time and knowledge of the Heartless to do this much damage. Master Xehanort. Or very least a version of him. According to his research, Xehanort of that time had no memory of his past events aside from the path that had been etched in his heart. So, Xemnas or Ansem sound not have been around at that time, but one version, that could traverse forward through time to prepare his ultimate plan. And there was only one that could possibly stop him and he was only a child at that point in time He feared to ask this, "And what of Sora? What happened with Sora's time?"
They closed their eyes as if they knew Kang already knew the answer to that question. Kang groaned as he leaned back in his chair, "What have I done..." He closed his eyes as he prepared to ask, "How much time do we have to fix this?"
"Only a few hours at most," One goon answered.
Without wasting time, he checked the status of his Time Chair. When he got the results, they weren't good. When the Scarlet Witch's hex affected his chair as it traveled time, it had sustained heavy damage. He couldn't go back before he returned to his time to undo this. He could only go back to when it already happened. They could be fixed but it would take days and that was time they didn't have. In mere hours, time would shift to the new time. There would never be the 31st century. Nothing left to conquer because Xehanort had already won.
No... NO! He refused to believe that! Kang had mastered time! He knew there must be a way to fix this.
But in order to do so, he needed to think outside the box. If he could get to Sora before Xehanort does, bring him to a world that could protect him and fix the damages Xehanort will cause... it might be enough to fix it. He quickly ran through the simulations, he could make a breach that would allow a portal to appear that could take someone to the Islands just before the Seeker of Darkness could reach him, but he'd still need to be in his chair and it wouldn't have enough power to enter through himself. It would have to be someone in the timestream during the events that could reach...
His eyes widened. Spider-Man and the Scarlet Witch were also there. It was risky but... He quickly turned to his system's AI, "Damocles! Run a simulation! If I send the Avengers known as Scarlet Witch and Spider-Man to the Destiny Islands with the information of the situation could it be enough to fix the damage to the barriers?"
"Running simulation," Damocles began running an algorithm before a result appeared, "Simulation at 78.999999% chance of restoring the current timeline but there could be slight changes."
"Can't be any worse if Xehanort wins," Kang muttered to himself. He hated to turn to the Avengers of all people for help but there was no other option. Xehanort could not be allowed to succeed. Sora must become the hero he was supposed to be in order to stop him. He ordered his men, "Prepare to time-jump. Send me back right before I lost the Avengers within the timestream."
"Sir?" One goon questioned, "Even if you did tell them what's happening? What makes you think they'd believe you?"
"But offering something they cannot refuse to take," Kang answered with his eyes closed, "Now do as I say! NOW!" The goons quickly went to work as Kang prayed that it would be enough to work...
"Had you heard of the ancient Keyblade War?"
"Huh? Of course, I have."
"Long ago, Keyblade wielders waged a war over the ownership of light."
"Yeah, the Master's favorite story."
"I wonder what they planned on doing with Kingdom Hearts after... making it appear."
"Who knows? I don't get why anyone would initiate a war."
"So...you know the 'Lost Masters?'"
"Who?"
"They're the ones who started the Keyblade War."
"Never heard of 'em. Where'd you hear about that?"
"Or... they're the ones for whom the war started."
"I'm not following you."
"You can drop the facade."
"Facade?"
"'On that land shall darkness prevail and light expire.' A prospective Keyblade Master should know this."
"If you say so."
"The Gazing Eye sees the fate of the World. The future... it's already been written."
"Really? I'm not so sure about that. Besides, who's to say I can't change it? And maybe light will prevail."
"Pretty confident. But things aren't in your favor."
"Perhaps. But unlike darkness, there is more to light than meets the eye. You might be surprised."
"Oh, I hope so."
"Hey, hey," A familiar voice lightly shoved Wanda to wake her up, "Are you dead? Please don't be dead. I've got enough guilt on my conscience as it already is."
The Scarlet Witch groaned as she stirred out of unconsciousness opening her eyes slightly to see the masked vigilante Spider-Man staring down at her, "Spider-Man?"
"Phew! You're not dead," Spider-Man sighed in relief as he slowly backed away giving the woman some room.
She rubbed her hand as she pulled herself up on the sandy beach. Wait, beach? They were just in SWORD headquarters with the other Avengers to stop Kang. How'd they ended up on the beach? She took a good look at their surroundings, before realizing they weren't even in America anymore, she turned to Spider-Man, "An Island? How did we end up on an island?"
"Yeah, I was kinda hoping you had an answer to that," Spider-Man admitted as he gestured to his surroundings, "Last thing, I remember was trying to prevent Kang from escaping into the future which we happened to tag along with him."
The Destiny Islands
She then pulled out her Avengers ID card, "This is Scarlet Witch to the Avengers. Can anyone read me?" No response, "Anyone? Cap? Stark? Clint? Vision?"
"Yeah, that was the first thing I tried when I woke up," Spider-Man admitted showing his own ID card, "Same amount of luck as the rest of my life." He admitted, "Gotta say, this isn't how I thought our first team-up would go."
Wanda nodded as she picked herself off from the sand, brushing off her hair and her clothes as Spider-Man continued talking, "Anyways, we never really met before today so, hi, I'm..."
"Spider-Man. Yes," She admitted, "I read all about you from the Bugle."
Spider-Man seemed to blink under his mask, "Oh..." He then rubbed the back of his head, "So... do you don't believe everything you..."
"Relax, the rest of mutant-kind had received worse backlash in the past," She reassured him, "Captain America and Iron Man always had faith in you as well as the X-Men. That's good enough for me."
Spidey sighed in relief, "Oh, thank you..."
"So, since we dealing with Kang," She continued, "I guess the real question is where and when are we? We are dealing with a time traveler after all."
Spider-Man assumed, "Well, I can't say when are we without seeing the people of this time or you know, dinosaurs running around. I would guess this is Hawaii Islands... if they grew star-shaped fruit."
"Star-shaped fruit?" Wanda blinked before Spider-Man pointed to the fruit that washed up on the shore. Sure enough, there really was a star-shaped fruit. Nothing she had ever seen or read about before. She picked it up to observe it before turning to Spider-Man, "You wouldn't by any chance heard of a star-shaped fruit before?"
"Uh, no," Spider-Man shook his head, "I have a degree in chemical engineering, not planting. Besides, I don't recall it being a part of healthy food groups when I was younger."
Wanda nodded in agreement, "Neither have I. Guess we're going to need to look around for more answers."
"Right, I'll swing around to the other end of this island and see what I can find," Spider-Man nodded, "You can check this end and do the same."
The Scarlet Witch nodded as she tossed the fruit aside, "Alright. Guess it's all we can do. But if you run into trouble, use your Avengers ID card. We can still use it to contact each other."
"Right," Spidey nodded as he fired a web to trees above them, "See ya in a bit."
He then swang off to search for anything that could indicate where and when they were. Guess it was up to her to do the same. She then glanced back at the island. Upon looking back at her surroundings, it became apparent that the island may not be as deserted as they had first thought. There were several wooden structures around the island. Such as the small dock behind her and the shack that stood several feet from her.
Along with a wood bridge that connected to a small island. She then gazed up to the large tree off to her left, where she saw a makeshift treehouse built into the tree. It must mean that there are others here as well. That was good, she guessed, if they could find someone, they could answer both when and where they were. From there, they could find a way back home and prepare for whatever plans Kang has in store for them.
Hopefully, they could find someone friendly soon. She cuffed her hands together before starting to call out, "Hello?! Is there anyone there?"
But there was no answer. Only the sounds of the tides and the seagulls which flew overhead. Wanda made her way toward the waterfall.
"We don't mean any harm," she insisted, "My co-worker and I are a little lost."
There was a sudden wooden clank as she felt her foot hit something. She glanced down where she saw a toy sword laying over the sand. The Scarlet Witch knelt down and picked up a wooden toy sword in her hand. It must belong to a child. She glanced up at the treehouse above, scanning the high treetops.
"Please, we're not here to harm any of you." She insisted, "If you could take us to a parent or an adult..."
Just then, she heard something snap, causing her to turn to the source of the sound. A broken stick was stepped, just recently, as something small quickly retreated into the cave next to the waterfall, she quickly called out to them, "Wait! Hold on! I just want to talk!"
She quickly chased after the small individual, hoping she wasn't giving him the wrong impression...
This was not how Peter thought his day was going. It was just your ordinary standard life of Peter Parker. Get out of bed, call to check up on his Aunt May, start his morning patrol as Spider-Man, take a few selfies of himself to sell to the Daily Bugle, get yelled at by his boss for not getting any incriminating evidence that Spider-Man was behind the crimes he stopped before getting paid minimum wage, go on afternoon patrol, stop the Shocker from robbing a bank. Normal stuff, well, normal for his strange and bizarre life.
Then, he gets a call from Captain America on his Avenger's ID card saying that Kang the Conqueror had broken out of his cell and somehow managed to regain his suit. What was he supposed to say to the First Avenger? No? Besides, he recalled how dangerous how Kang was, and Tony had to recruit him as the team leader of the 'New Avengers' in order to stop him.
While he was fine being just a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, maybe going along with this will make him a full-time member. It had to count for something, maybe even pay well. Well, enough to quit the Bugle and pay back his Aunt May for raising him when his own parents couldn't. What could go wrong?
Apparently, getting sent God knows where and God knows when. The only friendly face was the newest full-time member of the Avengers. Now, he heard that she was beautiful but the stories didn't do justice. She was gorgeous. However, getting stuck on an island with her after fighting a Time Conqueror wasn't exactly what he had in mind for their first team-up.
By the time, he reached the other end of the island where he blinked under his mask, "Woah! Check out the obstacle course!"
True enough, there was a whole obstacle course that every child wishes they could have. It even had its own zip line. A freaking zip line. Who even had the time to build all of this?
Well, at least that meant there were people here. The question is, where is everyone? This place should be packed with children at the very least. He gave the whole place a look over and couldn't find anyone. From what he could tell from the sun, wherever they were, it was midday, so unless it's a school day, there should be people here. If that was the cause, maybe they should check the neighboring island. It looked like the whole town was over... Spider-Man's thoughts were put on hold when he spotted something out of place, "Hello? What do we have here?"
He leaped down to the sand and spotted a small round device too advanced for any technology that was around now. This had Kang's name written all over it. He slowly approached the device, "Well, Spider-Sense isn't going off so... it might not be dangerous. It could be a clue to find out what's going on here?"
He picked up the device to examine it a bit more. Just then, his Avenger ID card went off, as he went to answer it, "Yo, Scarlet. I think I might have found something..."
"I think I may have found someone," She answered through the ID card, "Meet me back over here but don't do anything to freak them out. They seem a little shy."
"Right. Be right there," Spider-Man nodded before he webbed the device around his person like a shack. He then swung off to the other end of the island to find Wanda and the mystery person she had found. Maybe they could finally get some answers...
Wanda put away her Avengers card after reporting to Spider-Man that she had found someone. Seemed like he found something too, but it have to wait. She slowly approached the inside of the cave, going down on her knees, she didn't want to scare whoever was in there. She spoke with a very calm and gentle voice, "It's okay. Please, don't be afraid. I promise I'm not here to hurt you or anyone."
From the corner of the cave, a small figure peeked out and stared at Wanda's green eyes, "Are... are you one of the monsters?"
The voice sounded very young, but she was even more concerned by the term 'monsters.' She knew some humans viewed mutants as monsters, but she didn't feel like this was the case. Something else had scared this boy. It might've had something to do with Kang. She reassured the boy, "No, I'm not a monster. I am an Avenger."
The figure tilted his head as if they hadn't ever heard of such a name. Wanda continued, "Please, come out. I only wish to talk. Nothing more."
Finally, the small figure slowly peered from behind the corner, gazing up at Wanda, curiously. She smiled down at the boy, tilting her head to them. As if to try and show the child that she was friendly. The child then emerged from around the corner, stepping into the light. They were then revealed to be a boy no older than five years old. He had spikey brown hair, big blue eyes, wearing a white shirt and red shorts, and brown sandals.
The boy gazed up at the Scarlet Witch, still seeming nervous. Those big blue eyes gazed up at her with a look of awe and fear. Even when met with Wanda's expression of awe, taken by how cute the boy was. She greeted him, "Hi, there."
The boy tilted his head at Wanda's choice of clothing, "That outfit... are you a superhero?"
Wanda chuckled lightly, "As a matter of fact, I am. My name's Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch."
She then waved around her hand showing off her mutant powers a little as the child stared in awe. She then asked, "Now then, what's your name?"
"I'm Sora," He answered excitedly as the fear vanished seeing that she was a for-real superhero.
"Well, it's very nice to meet you, Sora," The daughter of Magento smiled. She then asked him, "Now then, this might seem a little strange, but do you know where I am?"
"You're on the Destiny Islands," Sora revealed to her, "This is the play island where me and my friends like to play but the grownups won't let us come here on our own until we're older."
Destiny Islands? She had heard of many islands but that name seemed to be lost to her. She never even heard of Destiny Islands. She then asked, "Okay, now here's a stranger question still, what's today's date and year."
While very confused about that question, he told her the current date and year. Well, at least she now knew they were still in the present. But if that was the case, why haven't the other Avengers called back to her or Spider-Man's calls? Iron Man stated proudly that the ID card should work worldwide. Although, her thoughts turned concerned when she recalled that Sora mentioned something about monsters and that he wasn't allowed to be here on his own until he was older. Where were his parents?
"Sora," Wanda asked in concern, "Could you tell me what you're doing on the play island all by yourself?"
I was hiding from the monsters." Sora answered her.
"Monsters?" Wanda asked, curiously and concerned.
"We saw monsters last night," Sora insisted to her, "My dad took me here to hide while he went to get mom and my friends, Riku and Kairi. But he's been gone for so long, what's taken him so long?"
Wanda frowned in concern, something was definitely off. Did Kang return with another invasion? No, she and Spider-Man definitely would have seen and heard something by now. Something else was going on. She didn't like the sound of it? She then heard him ask, "Are you here to help us?"
His thoughts turned back to the boy, as she gave him a reassuring smile, "We were originally here to chase a very bad man but we most certainly help." This seemed to work as she offered him her hand, "Come, let's get you back to your family and we'll take care of the monsters."
Sora took it as she escorted the boy out of the cave, unaware that the man in the black coat was watching them two...
As they left through the entrance of the cave, Spider-Man landed in front of them, "Okay, so who did you find?"
Sora quickly hid behind Wanda's leg as the newcomer startled him, she turned back to him with a smile, "No, no, no... it's okay. He's a friend of mine. He's a superhero too, you know."
Sora peaked his head from behind the Scarlet Witch, Spidey noticing the small child knelt down to his level, "Hey there, buddy. What's your name?"
"Sora," The boy answered, "Who are you?"
"I'm Spider-Man," The Web-Head answered, "You must be pretty brave to be all the way out here on your own."
That got Sora smiling a little, much to the heroes' relief, Wanda then turned to the device Spider-Man wore like a handbag, "What's that?"
Spidey turned to the device on his side, "Not sure, gotta be something we must have taken from Kang when he got to his floating throne of the future."
Wanda then pushed Sora back slightly before her eyes narrowed at the device, "So, it could be a bomb?"
"Relax," Spider-Man reassured her, "If was something dangerous, my spider-sense would have told me." She raised an eyebrow before Spider-Man recalled, "Oh, right, this is the first time we're teaming up so you wouldn't know... I have a sixth sense that warns me of danger, and unless it's black goo like alien, it's never been wrong before."
That seemed to relax Wanda a little, if it was truly a power he had then she could see why the other Avengers had taken an interest in the New York vigilante, "And you're absolutely sure it'll stay that way."
"I'm sure, and if my Spider-Sense does pick anything dangerous coming from the device, I'll make sure we're far away from it as possible," He answered. Wanda seemed to accept that answer, as he continued, "And with any luck, it could be our ticket back to the present."
"No need to," She answered getting his attention, "Sora had just told me the current date, we're still in the present day."
"Well, that's a relief," The Wall-Crawler admitted before pulling out his Avenger ID card, "Guess the real question is, why no one has gotten back to us?"
"We've got other problems," Wanda stated as she knelt beside Sora, "Sora also told me that monsters have been appearing on the island and his father brought him here for his own safety. He went to go back to pick up Sora's mother as well as his friends but he hasn't returned."
Spider-Man then asked in concern, "You don't think Kang's behind it, do you? I mean, he does have giant robots and dinosaurs at his beck and call."
"No, Kang would have made his presence known by now," The Scarlet Witch shook her head placing a comforting hand on Sora's back, "I can't help but feel something else is going on. Someone or something even more nefarious than Kang. I told Sora we'd help because..."
"...it's what we do." Spider-Man nodded before turning back to the spiky-haired child, "Don't worry. We'll find out what's going on and deal with whatever monster hiding in the shadows."
Sora beamed happily in gratitude before Wanda got his attention, "Before the monsters, was there anything else strange things are happening around recently? Anything at all could help us understand what's happening."
"Well..." Sora crossed his arms as he thought out loud, "There was one thing. Right before the monsters showed, a stranger in a black coat appeared on the islands. Something in my heart said that I should stay away from him but I don't really know why."
"A man in a black coat," Spider-Man thought to himself before admitting, "Doesn't exactly fit any of my own rogue's gallery..." He then turned to Wanda, "What about you? Do you know anyone of that description on S.H.E.I.L.D.'s most wanted?"
Wanda shook her head, she had only been among the Avengers' ranks for almost a year so, he doubted she knew all of Earth's Most Dangerous Super-Villains... only the ones who weren't mutants considering who her father is. The Scarlet Witch stated, "Our best bet is to head onto the main island and talk to the locals, maybe they can point us in the right direction. Whatever if it's Sora's parents or the man in the black coat."
"Fair enough," Peter nodded before turning back to Sora, "So... is there any way off this island?"
"There might be a spare boat by the docks," The boy suggested as he pointed to his right. The heroes turned in that direction to see the docks the boy just mentioned. Three approached the docks and saw one rowboat remained on the docks. The boy frowned, "Oh... it's dad's boat."
Wanda turned to Spider-Man who shrugged, "Hey, I looked all over. The only ones I could find here were you two." Sora frowned before Spidey quickly changed his statement, "But there's always a chance I could have missed someone. You're dad's probably fine."
Wanda nodded to the part-time Avenger to make sure he didn't keep the boy's spirits down. However, she knew there was still one problem, "I don't know how to use a rowboat."
"I do," Spider-Man admitted getting her attention, "When I was younger I used to go fish with Un-" The Wall Crawler stopped himself before clearing his throat, "Anyways, I know how to use to get us to the main island."
"Okay, then you paddle then," She nodded before turning back to the boy, "Sora, as soon as we make it to the main island unless we find your parents or a parent of a friend you know, you better stay with us until we know it's safe, okay?"
Sora nodded as the Avenger helped Sora on the rowboat before climbing on herself. Spidey joined not long after before he began to untie the rope that kept it from floating away. He took ahold of the rows before rowing back to the mainland. As the three left, the dark figure walked out of the dark cave he watched them off as he muttered to himself, "This world... has been connected."
Meanwhile, far away from the islands, there was a small world with only one building belonging to a retired Keyblade Master. The home of Master Yen Sid.
The Mysterious Tower
After stopping Master Xehanort and Vanitas, in the Keyblade Graveyard, King Mickey Mouse had almost given up on his path to becoming a Keyblade Master himself. While Xehanort had indeed been stopped, Terra had gone missing and hadn't been heard of since. Mickey did manage to find Ven and Aqua but the former's heart was sleeping as if his heart left his body leaving him in a small comma. While Master Aqua took Ven to a safe place until his heart would return before going off to find Terra, only to end up vanishing herself.
He had returned the Star Shard he had borrowed from his mentor, along with his own Keyblade. He had failed his friends when they needed him most. However, with some encouragement from Master Yen Sid, along with his own two best friends, Donald and Goofy, he took on his Keyblade and continued his journey to become a Keyblade Master.
Months ago, he went to visit another friend of his. Ansem the Wise. He heard he had done some research on the heart but he felt concerned it would unlock a danger that threatened the world. When he came to Ansem with his concerns, his friend agreed the experiments must stop before it was too late. While Mickey was relieved his friend understood the reason he should stop, his ambitious new apprentice, Xehanort wanted to proceed anyway.
While Ansem forbade his apprentices from defiling the Door to all Worlds, the name drew some concerns for the mouse king. Xehanort. Thankfully, he didn't seem like the same Xehanort he knew. As far as he could tell, the only thing they had in common was the name. Plus, he trusted Ansem, when he said he see to it that their research would stop. Hopefully, his other apprentices were just as understanding.
Now, at the present, Mickey was completing his Mark of Mastery, when Yen Sid stopped him midtest. Mickey turned to the retired Master, "Master Yen Sid? Is something the matter?"
Yen Sid looked at his student before telling him, "Mickey, I can't help but feel something terrible has happened between the barriers that divided the worlds from each other. I fear something dark is among us."
"What do you mean?" Mickey put away his Star Seeker Keyblade as he approached the elderly man, "The Unversed vanished after Vanitas's defeat. What could be bothering the worlds now."
"I can't say for certain," Yen Sid answered, "But the Heartless seem to be slipping throw the cracks between the Realm of Light and the Realm of Darkness. More so one world in particular."
Mickey gasped in horror. His master warned him of the Heartless when he was younger. Creatures without hearts formed in darkness. But the Door to Darkness was still closed so they shouldn't be getting out that easily. Even more curious is why they only attack one world. There were plenty of worlds out there, why that one in particular? The King of Dinsey Castle asked, "Which one?"
"The Destiny Islands," Yen Sid answered, "Although I could not say why."
Mickey crossed his arms to think. Out of all the populated places out there, why would they attack those islands? Just then, he recalled one thing he had learned long ago, "Oh... Oh no! Master Yen Sid! I think I know why they are there." Yen Sid urged him to continue so Mickey did, "Before Aqua vanished, she told me that Terra had passed down the Keyblade to a boy that lives there. I think they're trying to get to him before he could learn to wield it."
Yen Sid stroked his beard, "Yes... that is the logical choice. The Heartless have a great fear of the Keyblade. They would do whatever it took to destroy the wielder." He closed his eyes, "Still, they could not have acted alone. Even with the cracks between the realms of Light and Darkness, I believe someone from the Realm of Light is leading this attack." Yen Sid turned to his apprentice, "Mickey, due to the crisis, I fear we must put your Mark of Mastery on hold. With Master Eraqus gone and his pupils missing, you are the only Keyblade Wielder that could possibly reach this boy in time."
"You don't even need to ask." Mickey grabbed the Star Shard from his master's desk and resummoned his Keyblade, "I may have failed my friends, but I will not fail this boy."
With that, Mickey ran out of the room to rescue this child from the forces of darkness. Yen Sid closed his eyes as he whispered to the King, "May your heart be your guiding key."
As Spider-Man rowed back to the mainland, the Scarlet Witch kept the boy entertained by asking him, "So, Sora, what are your friends like anyway? You mentioned them before."
"Oh, Riku and Kairi are my bestest friends," Sora beamed not even caring if 'bestest' was actually a word, "We do everything together. Some day, when we get big enough, we're going to build a raft and explore to oceans to see if there are other worlds out there!"
"Really," Spider-Man chuckled as he thought of the memories of how he, Harry, and MJ felt taking the ferry for the first time. He could quite easily see why children loved the idea of exploring the open sea, "Sounds like quite an adventure."
Wanda smiled as well. Before she knew what kind of a man her father was, she had no interest in seeing what lay beyond the shores of Genosha. Especially because of how her life was with her brother before Magento discovered their existence. However, meeting the X-Man, Kurt Wanger, and how her father risked ruining the Earth for a war that no one wins... well, made her rethink her thoughts and her opinions of mankind. It led her to become an Avenger in the first back. She ruffled Sora's hair, "Sounds like a wonderful time."
Moments later, they finally reached the mainland, the boat they had borrowed from Sora's father, came up over the beach of the mainland. Sora came up over the side of the boat and hoped down onto the sandy beach below, "I can't wait to tell Riku and Kairi that I met two real superheroes!"
He then ran off towards the town as Wanda and Spider-Man climbed out of the boat as well. The former called out to the child, "Sora! Wait! Don't go that far ahead."
She turned to Spider-Man, who nodded, "You go on ahead and make sure nothing happens to the kid. I'll secure the boat."
The Scarlet Witch nodded before rushing after Sora. While she did go over the fact that he should go anywhere on his own with him, she had forgotten the fact at the end of the day, he was still a child and could easily get excited for almost anything. As she followed to small child as Spider-Man tied the boat with his webbing to a secure dock, she noticed something was amiss. It was quiet. Too quiet. There was no one around outside of them. No men, women, children, or even animals for that matter. It was like the island was completely deserted.
Just then, she heard Sora gasp out in a panic voice before rushing back to her side, "Sora? What's the matter?" She then looked ahead to see one other individual on the island. A man dressed in black from head to toe gazes down at the two of them or more accurately Sora. The hood seemed to block out any chance of identifying the man in the black coat. She stood on guard before calling out, "Spider-Man! We have company!"
Spider-Man quickly ran to her side to defend the boy from this mysterious new foe, "Well, I'm going to take a wild guess and say this is our guy."
Wanda nodded in agreement, before demanding, "Who are you?! What did you do to the people living here?!"
Instead of answering, the man in the black coat approached them, "How did you two get here? By choice or chance? You cannot control what you're not aware of."
"What do you mean?" Scarlet Witch asked as Sora hid behind her cape, mostly likely hoping this was all but a bad dream.
The man removed his hood to reveal himself. He was a young male adult with silver hair and yellow eyes. Neither Avenger seemed to recognize him so, they could only assume that he was a new villain. He gestured to the heroes, "You two were never supposed to be here." He then smirked to himself, "The again that shift in the time stream did open for some larger opportunities."
"Okay, we get it, you're evil," Spider-Man quipped before going into his battle stance, "Now, you just going to stand there and keep monologing or are we going to fight?"
"Very well," The mysterious new foe simply smirked before snapping his fingers. All of a sudden, a crack through reality opened much to the two Avengers' shock. Darkness oozed out of it and took the form of small shadow-like creatures with yellow eyes. Both heroes stared around as the monsters surrounded them, as the villain threatened, "Had me the child, and perhaps I won't let the Heartless steal your hearts."
"Yeah, I'm not okay with either option," Spider-Man quipped to hide the nervousness from the others, "It's usually women that are way out of my league that tend to steal my heart anyway."
The Scarlet Witch simply glared at silver hair man, "We won't let you take him!"
She then blasted a hex right at him but he vanished before the hex could strike. Spider-Man warned Wanda, "Duck!"
The daughter of Magento narrowly dodged a strike from one of these Heartless before Spider-Man kicked it away from her. She gave him a nod, "Thanks."
With that, the two began holding their own against the strange shadow monsters. Wanda fired red blasts of her own power to send the creatures flying while Spider-Man used the skills he had learned over the years of crimefighting against them. While the monsters, didn't seem so strong, they made up for the weakness with overwhelming numbers. Wanda fired another hex at the monsters but one faded into the ground like a shadow before moving behind the heroes to reach the child. Spider-Man's Spider-Sense warned him of the danger because once the monster came back out from the shadows, he fired a web line at the Heartless before throwing it into a small group of them.
Sora whimpered as he clutched onto the Scarlet Witch's red cape tightly, she took a brief moment to look down at him as she tried reassuring him, "It'll be alright. We won't let them take you."
"Don't make promises you can't keep," The villain reappeared from the rooftops. He knelt down to observe the two Avengers, "You truly have no idea what your up against."
Just then, the world began to shake around them. Spider-Man's eyes widened under his mask, "Ah, Earthquake?!"
"No, the Heartless found the Keyhole to this world," Young Xehanort grinned, "This world is about to be dragged into the deep darkness, almost ten years before the preordained time. I suppose I have you two and the 'Time-Conqueror' to thank for that."
Wanda turned to him in horror, "What do you mean?!"
The young villain simply smirked as he watched the battle for Sora's life continue. Just then, a massive Heartless much larger than the ones they fought before riseing from the ground. Spider-Man groaned, "Oh course... they can be giant too. Like being overwhelmed by numbers wasn't bad enough."
"Keep fighting, Spider-Man," Wanda told the part-time Avenger, "There must be a way to stop them."
Spider-Man nodded as he prepared to fight along the mutant to protect the spiky hair chair to the end. Just as the giant Heartless was about to strike them with a massive fist, light like a shooting star flew from the sky and landed in between the heroes and the large Heartless. The teenager in the black coat hummed before wondering, "I wondered when he'd show up."
Both Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch averted their eyes from when the light came in when it died down, they were able to get a good look at their savior. Hold the giant fist with nothing but an oversized star-themed key, was a large anthropomorphic mouse. Both heroes were dumbfounded by what their savior was and the weapon he wielded, but what perplexed Spider-Man, even more, was the fact this mouse looked like a certain cartoon character he used to watch with his Uncle Ben, "Did we just get saved by Mickey Mouse?"
Mickey shoved the fist back and aimed his weapon at the head, "FIRAGA!" A blast of fire struck the Heartless's face making it back away from the group of heroes slightly, the Disney mascot turned to the three but stayed on guard in case any Heartless attacked, "Looks like I got here just in time!"
Wanda turned to the anthropomorphic mouse confused, but grateful, "Thank you... but who are you..."
Spider-Man turned to her in shock, did this lady not watch cartoons when she was a kid? Mickey simply told her, "I wish I had time to explain but we need to get this little fella to safety."
All three heroes turned to the young boy, he peeked out of hiding. Mickey gave him a friendly smile and his trademark laugh. Wanda then turned to Mickey with a nod, "Right."
"I knew it would be a matter of time before you showed up, 'Your Majesty.'" The villain from the rooftops with a smirk, "Did Master Yen Sid finally sense the cracks in the Realms of Light and Darkness as I have? Personally, I hoped to be long gone before you arrived but this doesn't change the slightest of my goals."
Mickey's eyes narrowed at the villain, "Just who are you?! Why are you doing this?!" Mickey's eyes widened as he quickly recognized the color of his eyes, "Wait... those eyes... Are you... Xehanort?!"
"Observant as always, 'Your Majesty.'" The man in the black coat, now revealed to be Xehanort, "But I'm not the man you met at the Keyblade Graveyard, not yet at least. But you can't stop what's to come."
Mickey quickly turned to the two Avengers, "You two need to take the boy away from this world. No matter what we can't let him take him."
He then aimed his Keyblade to his left as light shined around the tip of the giant key before a beam of light shot out of it creating a portal for them to cross, "Go! I'll try to hold them off as long as I can. I'll find you and explain everything later!"
The two Avengers nodded as the mutant picked up the small child and ran to the portal. Spider-Man quickly followed as they entered the portal. As soon as they were through the portal closed, and King Mickey turned to face the Heartless alone. Mickey's eyes narrowed at the Darkside before charging at him Keyblade in hand to take on anything this Young Xehanort could throw at him...
Notes:
And that will conclude today's chapter. Our two Avengers have met both little Sora and King Mickey. For those wondering, yes, Disney does exist in the Avengers' world so, that's how Spider-Man knows Mickey, but why doesn't the Scarlet Witch doesn't? Why is Xehanort from the past striking now instead of Dream Drop Distance? What could he be possibly up to? Why am I asking you all this? Find out, in the next chapter where our heroes will appear in another familiar world we visited many times in the series before exploring the Disney Worlds. I hope you enjoyed the chapter, be sure to leave a review. Also, if you haven't already be sure to follow and fav. as well. Oh, and before I forget, I do have a poll up regarding the future of another fanfic crossover of mine: Spider-Man: Journey to Kingdom Hearts. Be sure to vote if you haven't already. Until next time, see ya real soon!
Chapter 3: Chapter 2: The Keyblade's Chosen One
Summary:
The two Avengers escape from the islands with the help of Mickey Mouse of all people. Wait... isn't Mickey supposed to be a fictional character? And how did he send them from an island full of shadowy monsters to a city that always seems to be in the evening? Regardless of the endless question, one thing was clear, the man in the black coat, Xehanort was after Sora, and he had an army of monsters called the Heartless behind him. In order to protect the child, the two heroes must learn to trust each other. Thankfully, they have Scrooge McDuck, Merlin, and the Guardians of the Galaxy to back them up! But the biggest question remains, what is the Keyblade?!
Notes:
I don't own Kingdom Hearts or the Avengers. They each belong to Marvel, Disney, and Square Enix. Wow, two updates in one day, that's actually impressive on my part. Anyways, I've got a bunch of juicy stuff in this chapter. Nods to KH1, to Dark Road, and some guest stars with some with their own role in the story. Now with that out of the way, here's the second chapter of this tale! Enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 2: The Keyblade's Chosen One
Long ago, on the very islands, the Avengers and King Mickey defended the one-day Guardian of Light, a young man by the name of Xehanort watched the endless ocean ahead of him. He couldn't help but comment, "This world... is just too small."
It was at this moment, he realized, he was no longer alone on the play island. He around turned to see a figure in a brown robe approach him. The robs covered him head to toe, he couldn't even see any features on his face... if the mysterious figure even had one. Before he could ask who the being was, a voice spoke within the robes, "My waypoint."
Xehanort blinked in confusion, "What?"
"The world from your dreams... It does indeed exist. This is nothing but a prison surrounded by ocean," The figure told the young man, "There is nothing for you here. Is this where you wish to carry out your life?"
Xehanort hesitantly approached the figure, "Who are you?"
"I am your waypoint," The 'man' in the brown robes answered, "As you are mine."
"What do you mean?" Xehanort asked, not at all understanding what the visitor was saying, "Who are you? How did you get here?"
"Answers are meaningless if you lack the knowledge to understand them," The figure replied as he informed the youthful islander, "Here, there is only so much you can learn. You must explore the world outside."
The silver head tilted his head, "Huh?"
The robed figure motions with his arm and a portal, a corridor of darkness, appeared before them, "It's easier than you'd think. One step forward is all it takes. But if you lack the courage and strength, your dreams will remain dreams forever."
Xehanort walked forward and stared into the portal. Could everything he had ever dreamed about just be within arms reach? Was one step all it took? For some reason, in his heart, there was something familiar about this man in the brown robes. He felt like he could trust him just like he trust himself. Xehanort took one step forward and entered the darkness...
Back in the present, Wanda exited the portal of the mouse created for them. Spider-Man followed shortly after by the time they turned around the portal closed behind them. The Scarlet Witched turned to the boy in her arms, "Are you okay?"
Sora looked up to her with a smile and nodded. This made her smile in relief as Spidey looked at the town before them, "So... where are we now?"
The lights of the city shine around them, but it wasn't New York or any city known on the planet Earth...
Traverse Town
"Wherever we are, I think we're safe for now," Scarlet Witch admitted ruffling Sora's hair making him giggle. She then turned to Peter, "So, that mouse... do you think we can trust him?"
"You mean to tell me you never heard of Mickey Mouse," Spider-Man turned to Wanda dumbfounded, "Did Magento never watch you Disney cartoons or movies when you were a kid?"
She still seemed confused of what he was talking about so he went on further, "You mean to tell me, you've never seen movies like the Emperor's New Groove, Lion King, Aladdin, or at the very least you must have seen Frozen?!"
She once again blinked, before recalling, "Oh, you must mean all those children's flicks and that theme park that's mouse themed." She turned to away, "Yeah, most of my childhood has been running from people who tried to kill us for who were are with my brother. Even after my father found and rescued us, I was already too old to watch those sort of things."
"Hey, I happened to be around the same age as you and I still watch Disney films and cartoons," Spider-Man stated with pride, "And I'm not ashamed that I said that out loud because adults still watch them too!"
"You say it like you're proud of it," She muttered to herself not at all understanding the point.
Sora then spoke up with a concerned look, "What do you think happened to the islands? My home? My friends?"
"I'm... I'm sure they're alright," Wanda tried to reassure the child lightly patting his back. However, truth be told, she wasn't quite sure herself, she had never seen monsters like that before.
"Right, we'll put a pin on the Disney discussion for now," Spidey admitted, "The man in the black coat... Xehanort. Did you ever hear that name come up before during Avenger meetings?"
"No, up until today, I never even heard of a Xehanort," She shook her head before raising her eyebrow out of curiosity, "Considering this... Mickey knew him, I figured you say something along the lines of he's an enemy of the mouse of those cartoons."
"No, that would be a fat cat named, Pete," Spidey explained, "Or on occasions Mortimer Mouse." He crossed his arms, "Either way, until today, I didn't think he was real."
Wanda had to admit, Spider-Man had a point. How did a character from a fictional cartoon save them from a real-life threat? It didn't make any sense. Maybe this was all just a really strange dream and she was still in her bed at Avengers Mansion. It was like that strange dream she had about marrying Vision. An Android of all things. She would be crazy if she actually did something like that, that relationship would never work. On the other hand, she never really knew about the Disney Cartoons so she had no idea why she would be dreaming the mascot saved them. And she didn't know why but something in her heart made her think this was no dream. It was all real. Sora was real. And very much in danger as this Xehanort was after him. She hasn't even mentioned to Spider-Man the visions she had of the mystery villain while hopping from place to place ever since Kang.
She sighed, before turning to Spider-Man, "We need to figure out what's going on."
"Well, before he brought us over here, wherever here is, that he would see us again soon with answers," Spider-Man pointed out, "So, probably a good idea if we laid low until he finds us or maybe Goofy or Donald Duck. Anyone who can provide us with answers? Maybe try again to contact the Avengers."
"Guess it's all we really can do," Wanda admitted, "If only we knew where here is."
"You're in Traverse Town, Kupo."
They blinked at the new voices. Both Avengers turned to Sora thinking he said something. Just then the voice called out again, "Down here, Kupo."
All three looked down to see a strange small white creature, with large, spherical heads, small ears sprouting out of the sides of their heads, and stubby hands and feet that lacked distinct digits with large, red, spherical 'pom-poms' attached to the top of its heads by a thin, brown, antenna. After a moment of silence, "What? You never seen a Moogle before Kupo?"
"Uh... no, not really no," Spider-Man admitted mentally wondering if they were still on Earth.
Wanda then asked, "You know where we are?"
"Of course, you're in Traverse Town, Kupo." The Moogle answered before gesturing to the town they were in, "You see, should a world fall into darkness and survivors manage to escape the world's destruction with no one else to go, this world is provided as a shelter. Such as yourselves."
"Hold on," Spider-Man wondered out loud, "Did you say world? As in a completely different planet."
"Yep, that's how it's been for years, Kupo," The Moogle answered, "There more worlds out there outside your own you know. Most people tend to think that the Earth is the planet they are living on, the truth is... the hasn't been an Earth for years, Kupo. No one truly knows how it happened, but it's how the worlds worked for years."
Wanda blinked in realization, "Wait, if that's the case, maybe that's why our Avengers ID cards can't reach the others..."
Spider-Man finished, "They're so far out of range. Kang didn't kick us out of our timeline, he kicked us off the planet."
Sora tilted his head in confusion, "Could someone tell me what you're talking about?"
"We'll tell you later, Sora," Wanda reassured Sora, "I promise."
Sora seemed to accept that answer as he seemed to be a very trusting boy. Spidey turned to the Moogle, "Say, is there any place that could spend the night at."
"You're in luck, Kupo," The Moogle answered, "There's a Motel in the second district. Just head out the large door to North. Then it should be on your left. You can't miss it, Kupo. Another plus is that your world is the first to fall in many years so business should be slow, easy to get a room if you have the munny."
"Thank you," She nodded to the strange creature. They then made their way towards the second district, as Wanda stated, "At least, we've got some answers."
"Yeah, but we have no way to pay for a room," Spider-Man pointed out as he slightly tugged on his tights, "I didn't make this suit with pockets."
Wanda froze as she winced at that though, she didn't have any money on her person either, "You're right."
"But aren't you two superheroes?" Sora tilted his head, "Don't you two have sort of super cool lair or something?"
Spider-Man didn't want to admit it to Sora, but his 'super cool lair' was just the apartment back home. Wasn't much to look at, he wasn't exactly rolling in cash like Tony Stark. Wanda smiled as she told Sora, "We do, unfortunately, that is back on the world Spider-Man and I are from."
"Oh," Sora blinked in understanding, "I guess that makes sense." He then asked, "Then what are we going to do?"
"Don't worry, we'll figure something out until we find Mickey," Spider-Man reassured the boy, "If your friends and family are still out there, we'll find them."
That seemed to ease Sora a little when someone with a Scottish accent spoke up, "Ah, greetings lads and lass, you must be the individuals the King told me about."
The two heroes and Sora turned to see a well-dressed anthropomorphized duck walking up to them with a cane and a friendly grin on his face. Spider-Man blinked under his mask, "Scrooge McDuck?"
The duck blinked in surprise, "So, you've heard of me," He gave a chuckle, "Well, bless my bagpipes, my business must be doing better than I thought if you heard of me from the other side of the galaxy."
"Okay, now how did you know him," Wanda turned to Spider-Man.
The Part-Time Avenger turned to the mutant girl in disbelief, "You know, from Mickey's Christmas Carol?" He got no reaction from her, so he also threw a bit of the old cartoon theme, "Ducktales~ Woo-oo~"
Still, no recognition from her before he crossed his arms, "Remind me to tell the Avengers that you really need to check out what you've been missing."
"And you must be the new key," Scrooge turned to Sora, causing him to tilt his head. The business duck continued to smile, "I can see why the King wants to prioritize your safety above all others. Not ready to defend yourself or the other worlds quite yet."
"Key?" Wanda turned to McDuck, "Why did you call him that?"
"Do you know what's going on," Spider-Man asked one of his old cartoon heroes, "Did... Mickey... sent you?"
"Ah, already on first name basis with the King," Scrooge smiled in response, "Can't say I'm not that surprised, the King is as good as a friend to any who meet him." He then answered, "To answer your question, the King turned to me when he learned how dire the situation truly is. He told me about the key and very likely the lad's parents... but I'm afraid I don't have all the answers you're looking for, but I do have an old friend who might."
Wanda turned to the anthropomorphized duck, "Where can we find him?"
"Don't worry about that, lass, he'll be here soon," The business duck promised, "Right now, the King asked me to help ye get started. I already booked ya two cozy rooms at the motel and five hundred munny to get anything you need for your journey." He proceeded to hand Spider-Man the money, "You'll find all that you need in the second district just ahead. Once my friend's here, I'll take you right to him."
"Thanks," Spider-Man nodded as he stared at this world's currency, "You've been a big help."
"Not at all, lad," Scrooge reassured him, "Just head to the motel when you're ready and tell 'em I sent ya."
"Understood, thanks again," Wanda smiled as they started heading over.
Sora smiled at the heroes as they opened the doors and entered the second district, "He seemed nice."
"Well, hopefully, this means we can finally figure out what's going on here," Spider-Man nodded, "So, five hundred... dollars? I think anyways. I mean, it's money. What do you think we should use it for?"
"You the one who suggested we should lie low," Wanda answered gesturing to the clothes shop, "Our costumes are a big target for Xehanort and his monsters."
Spider-Man blinked, realizing what she was referring to, while it was his idea, it would also mean revealing his secret identity to her and Sora. He hasn't told a soul of who he was, not the Avengers, not his friends, not even his own Aunt. The only one who knows at the moment is Venom, but thankfully, he's kept the secret to himself until he had his revenge. He even admitted, "You're right... but... I've got this whole secret identity... and we only just met and..."
"Wait, are you saying you haven't even told the Avengers," She realized, only to get a deafening silence as a result. She sighed, "Look, you and I are going to have to do a lot of things outside our comfort zone, but I promise I won't tell anyone who you are under that mask without your permission first. Please, for Sora."
Sora turned to Spidey, "Well, you don't have to worry about me. I'm like the best secret keeper in the world!"
Wanda lightly giggled before turning back to Spider-Man, "See. Your secret's in good hands if we have the 'best secret keeper in the world' on your side."
Spider-Man nodded as he ruffled his hand through the boy's hair, "Alright, I'll do it for you, kid."
They then head to the store to pick out some new clothes for themselves. At the same time, a ship flew over the first distract before landing in the hanger bay nearby...
A half an hour later, both Avengers picked out their respective clothing of what they would wear. While Scarlet Witch wanted some of the more fancy dresses she was more accustomed to, she agreed some of the munny should be saved for other things they could need and they didn't want to ask more for what they were given. She settled for jeans, a black T-shirt with a red light jacket. When she tried it on, Spider-Man couldn't help but comment, "Really?"
"What?" She shrugged innocently, "I always liked the color red. It's my favorite."
They also agreed to change one at a time to keep a close eye on Sora. Considering Xehanort and the Heartless seemed to be after him. Scarlet Witch managed to keep him entertained by talking about all his favorite subjects. His friends, his dreams, pirates, and of course superheroes. It was there, she told him all about the Avengers. How they are Earth's Mightiest Heroes and all the tales of the adventures and threats they faced. Sora got excited after hearing every tale, and Wanda promised him once they got to her and Spider-Man's home, they not only introduce him to the team, but they would do everything in their power to defeat the man in the black and find out what happened to his friends and family.
Not long after, Spider-Man left his changing booth, only was no longer in costume. No longer wearing a mask, for his clothes, he wore jeans, a white undershirt, and a green and blue pattern collared button shirt. Wanda was a little shocked seeing Spider-Man's face, for some reason, he always imagined a scarred or furry face with multiple eyes but he had simple caucasian, brunette hair like her own, and hazel eyes. Without the costume, Spider-Man looked like your average human. Hot that there was anything wrong with that, some Homo superiors like her own family didn't appear any different than any other Homosapien. Even more shocking, despite being Spider-Man for eight years, he looked just about the same age as her. She was expecting an older man, how exactly old was he when he first started his career as Spider-Man. His hands were currently in his pockets, as he greeted him, "Well, meet the real me. Boring old Peter Parker."
She quickly snapped out of her shock and gave him a pleasant smile, "It's... nice to meet you, Peter." She picked up her backpack, containing her suit before asking, "So, where did you put your... work clothes?"
Peter lightly pulled over his civilian clothes revealing his suit underneath it all. She blinked in shock, "Isn't that a little uncomfortable?"
"I've gotten used to it," Peter reassured her, before gesturing to the motel building on the other side of the district, "So, shall we?"
After paying for their new clothes, they quickly went over to the motel, which was surely enough owned by a Moogle. Peter mentioned the rooms that Scrooge McDuck had reserved for them. The Moogle gave the key to their joint rooms, and they went right over. Each room contained a queen-sized bed and was nice and tidy waiting for them. Sora was tired from the long day he had, and he was already out by the time they reached the motel. So, Wanda tucked him into the bed in the first room.
She smiled watching the little boy sleep peacefully, despite everything he went through today. She sat on the bed beside him and she didn't want to leave his side in case the Heartless or Xehanort showed up. Peter chuckled lightly, "How's the kid holding up?"
"I think he's more excited about the amazing things he witnessed today and holding hope for the best tomorrow than everything else that's happened," Wanda lightly smiled before frowning, "What could anyone possibly want with him?"
Peter sighed, "I don't know. He seems like a completely normal kid." He looked to the door thinking Scrooge would be there soon, "Hopefully, Scrooge's friend can shed some light on the subject."
Wanda nodded, "I pray you are right. I'm also praying we can get Sora home safely then we can gather the rest of the Avengers to deal with Xehanort and his demons."
"Yeah, this a little above my job level," Peter admitted, "Something tells me we stumbled upon a greater threat than Kang or anyone the Avengers had ever faced."
Suddenly his Spider-Sense went off, it had taken him years to become fully aware of using it to its full capabilities, and something or something was just outside the motel wanting to get in. Wanda turned to him in concern, "What's wrong?"
He whispered to her quietly, "I think we might have company..."
He then gestured to the door to the patio outside the building. Wanda's eyes narrowed and nodded to Peter. While the Wall-Crawler placed on his web-shooters to confront the possible danger outside while Wanda quickly placed on her backpack and prepared to move Sora if the danger came for him. He slowly opened the door to the patio. While the view wasn't much to look at, he couldn't see the danger, because it wasn't in front of him. It was above him. He fired a web in the sky clogging up the large gun aiming at him. Holding said weapon, was a very familiar creature that was definitely not a raccoon, "WHA-?! HEY! YOU CLOGGED UP MY FAVORITE AMBUSH GUN, YOU FLARKIN' HUMMIE!"
Peter blinked in recognition of the assailant, "Rocket?"
Spider-Man looked higher in the sky to see the Malino flying above the Motel, and several other familiar faces appeared surrounding the Part-Time Avenger on all sides, a large live tree-like alien that needed no introduction wondering, "I am Groot?"
Drax the Destroyer pulled out his knives, as he prepared for battle, "I agree with Groot, what's a Terran doing all the way out here."
"You mean other than Quill?" Gamora drew out her sword, "Probably something way out of his league like him."
"Hey, I take offense to that," Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord, leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy flew down to Spider-Man's height, "Now unless you want to be sliced to pieces while your remains get blown up, I suggest you hand over whatever power source you got in there."
"Hey, Quill," Peter sighed as he put his hands up, he really didn't want to do this without his costume on, but he guessed he didn't have much of a choice, "Don't shoot, it's me. Spider-Man."
"Right," Star-Lord rolled his eyes under his helmet, "And I'm Thanos. You're not fooling us so easy."
"Wait," Gamora told the others as she stared at Rocket's clogged-up alien gun, recognizing the webs, she studied Peter's height and body type before asking, "If you are who you say you are, then answer this. During the Secret War, where were we sent, and who were we up against?"
"We were sent to a once peaceful world which was renamed Battleword where several big baddies took control over their cities and their citizens. We fought some space hippie guy called the Beyonder before Dr. Doom stole his powers for his own," Peter proceeded to answer before declaring, "Can't look that one up on the texts books."
Gamora took another minute on guard before putting her sword away, "It's him."
Star-Lord then removed his nano-helmet, "Wait, for real?"
"Yes," Spider-Man nodded before adding, "A Footless is still not the greatest film of all time."
"Oh, don't you start the again," The intergalactic outlaw told him before realizing Gamora was right putting away his weapons, "So, that's what you look under that mask, huh? You look like the kind of guy that gets bullied in school."
"Yeah, that was the case with me," Spidey admitted, "Care to tell me why Rocket nearly blew up my room?"
Rocket complained, "I wasn't going to blow up your room!"
Groot turned to him with a glare, "I am Groot!"
"No, I really wasn't!"
"I am Groot!"
"...fine, maybe a little," Rocket admitted as he put his weapon away.
"We'll explain everything," Gamora walked up to the unmasked hero, "But how about a little privacy? We don't want to attract the wrong people."
"Fine, but be quiet alright," Peter told the Guardians, "I've got a kid who had a rough day today trying to sleep."
All the Guardians stared at the Wall-Crawler, Peter Quill could sum up their thoughts with just a few words, "Say what now-?"
After getting the Guardians to agree to be quiet to let Sora sleep, and making sure Wanda wouldn't blast them upon entering the room, they settled in quietly while the boy slept. While Wanda was aware of the Guardians' existence, she never truly met them until now but still remained cautious around them. They seemed to understand, Drax probably did the most, being a father once himself.
Groot couldn't help but adore Sora, "I am Groot."
"No way that's the cutest thing in existence," Rocket quietly glared at his long-time friend and partner, "This thing is so weak and lazy. Probably can't even move without someone carrying..."
Wanda instantly cut him off, as her eyes began to glow red with her power, "I dare you to finish that sentence."
"Hey, easy," Peter told the mutant woman, "We did not come here to fight."
The Scarlet Witch's eyes narrowed harder at Rocket, "Tell it to the Rodent who tried to blow us up."
Rocket growled quietly, "What did you call me?!"
Sora moaned as Groot shushed the two quietly, "I am Groot!"
Spider-Man turned to Star-Lord, "Speaking of, why are you guys doing here?"
Star-Lord sighed as he told Spider-Man, "Well, I'm not going to sugarcoat it with the kid asleep, but it's bad out there man. Crazy stuff has been happening all over the galaxy."
Rocket nodded in agreement, "Yeah, there's been cracks through time and space popping up all over, releasing a bunch of monsters all over."
"They seem harmless at first," Drax admitted, "But as they consume people's hearts, their numbers grow by the minute."
"Wait," Wanda turned to Sora in concern, "You saying those things eat hearts?!"
Sora moaned again causing a brief moment of silence before he turned over a went back to sleep. Gamora turned to Wanda, "Unfortunately, and once the hearts are gone, everything else gets lost in the darkness. We've been going all over finding them almost everywhere. Knowhere, Xandar, Hala, Sakaar..."
"Thankfully, the cracks are small and manageable, it's the big ones we're concerned about," Rocket stated, "If those bad boys stay open for too long, those worlds will be lost with everyone on them. That's not to mention the other ones will get bigger."
"I am Groot," Groot frowned at the sound of it.
Spider-Man couldn't help but ask, "Is there anything we can do to stop them."
He then turned to Rocket, "I am Groot."
"Yeah, I was getting to that," Rocket nodded to Groot, before the two Avengers, "Well, I built a device that led us to what could possibly fix the cracks in reality, which led us to you three. Not sure how you got here without a ship and I very much don't care. You have the solution to the problem at hand, and that's about sums up the things I care about at the moment."
Groot tilted his head, "I am Groot."
"We can give them a lift back to Terra," The not-raccoon replied to the living tree, "As soon as we save the galaxy."
"We don't even know what you're looking for," Wanda admitted, "If we did, we most certainly would have given it to you by now."
"It's no problem," Star-Lord shrugged, "Rocket, do a quick scan for our reality glue."
"Hardy har har," Rocket faked a laugh as he pulled out the device, "You're hilarious, Quill. Now then, let's see what you got here..." He began scanning the room for the source of the power that will allow them to fix reality, it got little to no response, until he aimed it at the sleeping boy, "What the-?" He double-checked it, triple-checked it to get the same results, he blinked in shock, "You mean to tell the one who can fix the cracks is just a kid?" He angrily smashed the device on the ground as he exclaimed, "THE GALAXY IS DOOMED?!"
Everyone in the room angrily shushed Rocket, but the damage had been done, as Sora slowly began to open his eyes. Everyone glared at Rocket, as Drax stated, "You woke the kid."
Rocket retorted without care, "Well, how else was I supposed to react?"
Sora turned to Wanda and Peter before noticing all the new people around them. Groot lightly waved to him, "I am Groot."
Sora turned to Wanda, "Are these people heroes too?"
Wanda glared at Rocket, "Well... most of them."
Grumbled under his breath, "You wake a child once, and you're on everyone's bad side for life."
"Okay, everyone, this is Sora," Peter introduced the boy, before turning to the boy and introducing the Guardians, "Sora, this is Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and..."
"I am Groot," Groot smiled happily.
Peter shrugged as he gestured to Groot, "He is Groot. They are the Guardians of the Galaxy."
"Oh," Sora smiled brightly, "It's nice to meet you."
Gamora lightly waved to Sora, before turning to Spider-Man and the Scarlet Witch, "So, what's his story? If he's the only one capable of fixing all this then he must have a story."
Wanda crossed her arms before asking, "Have you ever heard of a man named Xehanort?"
"Or at the very least heard of a man in a black coat," Peter added in case they never of the name.
The Guardians of the Galaxy turned to each other before shrugging at each other. Peter Quill answered on his team's behalf, "Not really. No. Who is he?"
"We don't know," Wanda admitted before adding, "But he can control the monsters."
"Impossible," Rocket waved it off, "The Kree tried that, they nearly lost their entire army if it wasn't for us."
"No, it's true," Peter Parker spoke up, "We saw him doing it."
"So, the monsters have a leader," Gamora realized before crossing her arms, "That complicates things."
Wanda continued turning to Sora in concern, "Whoever he is, he wanted Sora... we had no idea why until now..."
"Guess it's because he's the only one who can stop him," Star-Lord realized turning to Sora, "And the poor kid never even realized it."
Sora blinked in confusion, before there was a knock on the door, getting all the Avengers and Guardians' attention. Wanda turned to Spidey, "Your Spider-Sense picking up anything?"
"Nothing," Peter admitted, "Mr. McDuck? Is that you?"
"Aye, I just wanted to tell you my friend has arrived," Scrooge answered, "If the lad's asleep, wake him up. He's gonna want to hear what my friend has to say."
Quill blinked, "Wait, McDuck? And that voice sounds like..."
"Yes, as it turns out," Parker revealed to the Guardians, "Scrooge McDuck and Mickey Mouse are very much real."
While the Guardians didn't know what the two Peters were talking about all Star-Lord had to say in response was, "No... flarking... way!"
When Peter and Wanda said that Scrooge said he had a friend who could answer all their questions, the Guardians followed the two Avengers. Wanda carried Sora as they followed the anthropomorphized duck to the third district of Traverse Town.
When asked if they could bring the Guardians along Scrooge didn't seem to mind as the galaxy and quite possibly the universe was at stake. "The more the merrier."
As they followed the duck to a door with a fire logo on it, Rocket couldn't help but comment, "Why are we following Howard's distant cousin again?"
"Okay, first off, he's not Howard's cousin, he's Donald's Uncle," Parker answered the not-raccoon, "Second because he's got the information we need to understand what's going on."
"Whatever," Rocket shrugged, "So, why are we following him again."
This time Peter Quill answered, "Because if the cartoons hold any truth to the real deal, then he's like stupid rich."
Rocket grinned as he beamed, "Now that, I can get behind! Following the rich duck without any more complaints from me!"
Wanda glared at Rocket, "There's more to life than money."
They followed him on a rocket path across the waters to a small hut on a small island. They entered inside the hut, which felt familiar to an old movie both Parker and Quill had seen before. Scrooge called out, "Hey, Merlin. I brought them here on behalf of the King's request."
Before the heroes could react to what the duck said, a poof of blue smoke appeared to reveal an old man with a long white beard, "Ah, so they've arrived, quite earlier than expected actually. Welcome to my humble home."
"Holy crap!" Star-Lord's eyes widened in shock, "Merlin from Sword and the Stone is real?!"
Wanda glared at Quill, the former had covered Sora's ears to make sure he didn't hear the foul language, and the latter quickly apologized, "Uh... Sorry."
"Still, it's a little hard to take in," Peter admitted as he turned to the wizard, "I used to watch your movie all the time with my family."
"Ah, yes, I remember," Merlin smiled fondly, "Your world seemed to have a link to others, making many films based upon the many worlds that may or already happened." Merlin then turned to the group, "Now then, where's the key?"
His eyes looked through the crowd before smiling brightly, "Ah, Sora! My lad! I should have known you were somehow involved with this!" He then pulled out his watch, "Of course, you're about ten years early, but no matter, I'm glad to see you're safe."
Sora tilted his in confusion, Wanda seemed about equally confused, "Wha... what are you?"
"In the movie, Merlin can travel through time," Spidey turned to her, "He probably meets Sora later on in his future."
"Quite right," Merlin nodded to Spider-Man, "It feels like only yesterday when you came in here to fight the Seekers of..." He then cleared his throat, "Well, I'm getting ahead of myself, not to mention, we've got a serious situation at hand."
"Yes," Gamora nodded, "We know about the monsters and the tears in reality."
"Ah, you must be referring to the Heartless," Merlin assumed before nodding, "Yes, with the Door to Darkness still closed, they shouldn't be escaping the Realm of Darkness. They probably wouldn't have if it wasn't for the tears between the Realms of Light and Darkness."
Wanda turned to Merlin with concern, "What exactly are the Heartless?"
"Well, in short, they are monsters that lack a heart," Merlin answered, "They seemed to be attracted to the darkness in people's hearts and there's darkness in everyone's hearts. The more the hearts they consume, the greater the numbers grow. Frankly, it's a miracle very few worlds have been consumed by the Heartless at this point."
"How do we stop them?" Spider-Man wondered.
"Well, the only way to truly destroy Heartless, is with a Keyblade," Merlin answered, "And it just so happens that one day, the Keyblade will choose Sora."
The Scarlet Witch blinked in shock, "Keyblade?"
Rocket's eyes lit up, "Hold up! I heard about those weapons! I thought they were just a myth!"
"Oh, I assure you, they're real alright as real as you and me," Merlin answered, "King Mickey wields one as well. For many generations, Wielders of the Keyblade are keepers of the peace and protectors of the light of the worlds."
"So, wait, they're like Jedi?" Spider-Man wondered out loud.
Merlin smiled, "Funny you should mention that they were actually the predecessors of the Jedi Order."
"Wait," The Peters gasped in excitement, "Star Wars is real too?!"
Wanda and Gamora lightly elbowed them, "Peter."
"Sorry," They apologized before Quill turned to Parker, "Wait, your name is Peter, too? How come I never knew that?"
Peter pulled out his mask, "It's called a secret identity."
"What happened to them?" Wanda wondered, "If that was the case, the Avengers should have heard all about them."
"I'm afraid as time passed, one by one their numbers lowered to near extinction," Merlin admitted, "Only a few remain today, but Sora was the spark that brought their return when his Keyblade came into form."
Spider-Man then asked, "Then what's Xehanort got to do with this?"
"I beg your pardon," Merlin gasped in shock, "Where in the Worlds did you hear that name?!"
Peter turned to Merlin as Wanda answered while concerned for Sora's safety, "The man in the black coat, he could control the Heartless, and that's what this King Mickey called him."
Merlin stroked his beard, "Oh dear, this is much worse than I imagined."
Peter turned to him, "You know who he is?"
"I'm afraid so," Merlin answered before explaining, "Xehanort was a Keyblade Master who fell to darkness. He's the large reason why Keyblade Wielders are so rare now. The problem is, he's not due to confront Sora for quite some time now."
"Great, so he's like a Sith Lord then," Spider-Man groaned understanding why Xehanort's so dangerous.
"Yes," Merlin nodded, "That would be a good comparison. Question is, why Xehanort is doing all of this? What could he possibly gain by rewriting the present, in fact, if it weren't for these blast tears between the Realms of Light and Darkness it shouldn't be possible."
Just then, they heard a faint beep from Scarlet Witch's backpack. Gamora turned to the source of the sound, "What's that?"
Realizing what the sound was, they unzipped the bag and pulled out the device Spider-Man found on the Destiny Islands. Wanda turned him slowly backing away from it with Sora, "You said it wasn't a bomb."
Peter was about to say his Spider-Sense was picking up any danger from it when Rocket cut him off, "That's because it ain't." Rocket hopped on the table to examine it, "It looks a little different but it's built to send a message."
"A message?" Wanda blinked in shock, "From Kang?"
"Wait, this is a Time Travel thing," Spider-Man realized before turning to Merlin, "Is it possible Kang might know something about all of this?"
"Hmmm... I suppose the tears had to have come from somewhere and at some point in time," Merlin thought aloud, "I think it's best to see what he has to say about all this."
Quill walked up to Rocket, "So, can you play the message?"
"Of course, I can but it only has enough juice to play this sucker once, so better listen up," He replied as he examined the device before pressing a button.
When he had done this, a holographic image of Kang the Conqueror. However, his expression wasn't something they had never seen before. He looked desperate, "Greetings Avengers. I need your help."
Wanda and Peter turned to each other in shock, "Our help?"
"Make no mistake," Kang's eyes narrowed, "Under different circumstances, I would handle this matter myself." He then frowned, "If I didn't play my part in the crisis..."
He then revealed, "When I escaped your 21st-century prison, the two of you tried to stop me, while I was punching in the coordinates back to my time, you, Scarlet Witch, managed to hex my chair but what you didn't know you damaged more than just my chair, you damaged the stability in the barriers of space and time causing tears between the Realms of Light and Darkness allowing creatures known as the Heartless to enter our world almost ten years before they were supposed to."
Wanda blinked in shock and horror, "What?!"
The tears, the Heartless, Sora losing his world... it was all her fault? Peter placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, "Hey, you didn't know. This wasn't your fault."
Wanda then turned to Sora, who gave her a friendly smile, it looked like he didn't blame her either. Kang continued, "To be fair, I should have taken the time to fix the damage before I made the jump back to my time. I too am to blame for all of this."
He closed his eyes before assuming, "I can only hope, you had found a small boy named Sora before the Heartless did. He plays a strong role in the coming Keyblade War and he needs to survive. One day the Keyblade will choose him and he'll make an enemy in a man called Xehanort."
"However, Xehanort from the past took notice of the tears and is using them for his own goals," Kang revealed, "If he gets to Sora before the boy can become the hero he's meant to be, the 31st century will cease to exist."
"My Time Chair was too badly damaged from our last battle, so I cannot get back in time before the battle took place to prevent this from ever happening in the first place," Kang revealed before turning to them, "However, I was able to go back far enough to send the two you to the Destiny Islands with this message. You must find him, find a way to fix this mess or there may not be a future for any of us."
Wanda turned to Spider-Man, "But why just us and not any other Avenger?"
"Because we were caught in the hex too," Peter recalled now remembering what happened after Kang attempted to return to his time, "After he got free of us, he tried to leave us within the time-stream, probably hoping he'd never see or hear from us again but he came back at the last minute to breach open a pocket in time and sent the two of us through because he can't get to anyone else."
Wanda's eyes widened realizing the logic, they weren't the preferred choice but they were all they got, "I suggest you seek the wizard Merlin, he may know how to fix the rifts and stop Xehanort. I have no doubt you're willing to protect the boy anyway, but if you succeed, find his closest friends, and help to become the hero he was meant to be... I will abandon my claim to conquer your time."
Both Avengers and Guardians blinked at what Kang just told them. Did they hear him right? Kang promised, "If you succeed, then you have my word that you'll never see or hear from me again. It pains me to say it but I promise to leave you be if Sora lives and Xehanort's stopped. Good luck and Godspeed."
With that, the message ended and the device died on Merlin's table. Groot turned to his friends, "I... am... Groot?"
"Yeah," Rocket nodded, "I'm having a hard time hearing it too, buddy."
Drax leaned into Rocket's ears, "Hmm... I see nothing clogging up your ears so you shouldn't have any difficulty hearing anything."
Rocket groaned in annoyance, "Get away from my ears."
"Do you think he was telling the truth," Wanda turned to the others, "I mean then again, it's Kang..."
"Kang is many things," Spider-Man crossed his arms, "A liar is not one of them." He then turned to Sora, "Either way, Sora's innocent in all of this and we can't let Xehanort have his way with him."
Wanda nodded, whatever Kang actually promised was true or not, they had to protect Sora. Scrooge turned to Merlin, "Well, Merlin? Do you know how to fix all of this?"
"Well, now that I know the full story," Merlin walked up to the heroes, "I know just how we can save the worlds and stop Xehanort." He then turned to the Scarlet Witch, "You yourself may actually play a large role in it."
"Me?" Wanda turned to Merlin.
"Yes, now that I know the tears between the Realm of Light and Darkness come from you," The wizard nodded, "Your power may be needed to close them." He then cleared his throat, "Now then, I take it some of the smaller tears in reality are still manageable?"
"Yeah, these Heartless are tough but for the most part, those worlds are still around to defend themselves," The leader of the Guardians admitted.
"Good, then that means theirs still time," Merlin nodded before continuing, "Now then, the bigger threats are... well, the bigger tears in reality. The moment the King informed me, I was able to identify how many of those were. There should be about six of them in total. If we're able to seal those tears, the small ones will repair themselves on their own."
"Great," Rocket nodded before asking, "Now how do we fix 'em?"
"Well, truth be told the Keyblade could be used to fix them, but since the King is not currently here, and Sora has yet to wield his, it's not really an option we can do," Merlin admitted getting a groan from everyone in the room, the wizard then spoke up, "Not to worry, I do have a plan be." He then turned to Wanda, "My dear, would you be so kind as to lend me your bag? You might want to take your costume out anyway."
Wanda did after setting Sora down and did what she was told. She quickly emptied the backpack after pulling out her costume and handing the wizard the empty bag. With a wave of Merlin's hand, seven globes of magic appeared in the bag. Blinking in shock, the Scarlet Witch took one out to examine it, "What are these?"
"They are a little something of my creation, these Reality Globes, if put inside the tears will fix them on the inside out," Merlin answered the Scarlet Witch, "I made them just for this sort of occasion but they're very rare so try not to lose them."
"Is that way you gave us a spare," Peter asked the wizard from Sword and the Stone, "You said there were six big tears but you gave us seven Reality Globes."
"Ah, yes, I'm glad you brought that up as there's still one issue even if you are successful in sealing all six," Merlin nodded to Spider-Man, "With Xehanort out there he may do everything in his power to keep the tears from closing with his own Keyblade, the seventh one was made for him. After you seal the six big ones, you must use one of the smaller tears to throw him in and seal him inside, after that, his time should reset before he discovers the tears in the first place and the tears will fix themselves."
"So, let me be sure if I got this right, we've got to find all six tears God only knows where, through swarms of Heartless, use your Reality Globes to fix them," Spider-Man began to list off, "And assuming we survive all of this, draw out the big baddy, throw inside one of the little ones, and uses the last one to make sure he stays down."
"That just about summons it," Merlin nodded, "But we must do it with haste, the longer they remain open, we risk letting the small ones get bigger and it'll be too late to undo it without a Keyblade. So, we need to get you to the big ones quickly," He then turned to Wanda, "That's where you come in, since it was your power that created these tears, your power can also be used to travel to the other worlds through the tears."
The daughter of Magento wondered, "Wait, if we use the globes to close them, then how can I use my power to travel through them."
"Well, the tears will still need a few minutes to close so, once you throw the Reality Globes in, use your power to take you to the next World," Merlin informed her before she nodded. Peter Parker raised his hand, Merlin already knew what he was going to ask, "And yes, most likely those worlds will likely be something you've seen in a movie but don't assume you know everything about that person or the world just because you've seen it on screen. Things could end up very differently than the stories you know."
"So, like Jafar could actually be a misunderstood hero while Aladdin can be a horny psycho villain," Spidey commented, "Noted. I've seen Twisted on YouTube."
"Yes!" Star-Lord beamed, "I dreamed of going on an adventure like this! Reliving all the best films of all time! Footloose! Ghost Busters! Ninja Turtles! King Kong! This will be the best thing that's ever happened!"
"Not so fast. First of all, all of those are actually fiction," Merlin told Star-Lord causing him to be shocked and disappointed. "Second, not all of you can go. The mutant abilities Wanda possesses are great but they can only be used to bring herself and two others. Sora must go without a second thought as he's the key to all of this and must be protected at all costs as well. As for the second, well, I'll leave that up to you."
Wanda thought for a moment, "Peter..." Quill lightly beamed before she told him, "Not you Quill, I meant Parker." Star-Lord frowned as she turned to the Wall Crawler, "Kang asked the both of us to do this. Plus, I could use another Avenger on this."
"Even if I am just a part-timer?" Spidey wondered. Wanda smiled as she nodded. He nodded, "Alright, I'll do it. We did both promise to keep Sora safe so, I guess it has to be us."
Sora tilted his head with a little excitement, "So, we will really be exploring other worlds?"
"It would appear so," Wanda smiled as she knelt down to him, "Looks like you get to live your dreams sooner than expected!"
Sora cheered happily, "This is so awesome! I can't wait!" He then stopped to frown, "Then what about Riku and Kairi? Where are they?"
"Not to worry, Riku and Kairi play an important role in the future that even Xehanort wouldn't risk losing either of them," Merlin reassured the child, "They could very well be on the worlds you visit or on one where the smaller ones are."
"Then that's what I'll do," Scrooge vowed, "I'll do my part in saving the universe." He turned to Star-Lord, "Mr. Quill. I will be hiring you and your crew to take me and look around the worlds for these missing little ones. As well as letting the King know where we sent the key."
Star-Lord and Rocket beamed quietly at that, sure, Scrooge McDuck was joining them but not only that, they were getting paid by the richest duck in Duckburg. The former quickly pulled himself together, "Yes, sir. We're honored to have you aboard our ship, we just need to make sure we have everything we need then we can depart immediately."
"Yeah, yeah," Rocket waved off his leader, "What he said. We'll send you the bill when we save the galaxy again."
Drax turned to him confused, "But wouldn't Spider-Man, Scarlet Witch, and Sora be doing the galaxy-saving?"
"Eh," The not-raccoon shrugged, "Details."
Peter turned to Wanda, "We should probably suit up. We're likely going to face a lot of monsters and bad guys on this journey."
She nodded as she stared at her own costume before turning back to Merlin, "Do you have anywhere private where we can change?"
his Parker didn't take long to change as most of his suit was under his clothes, all he needed was to put on his boots, gloves, and mask afterward. Wanda's however was a bit more complex and needed more time to suit up. Sometime later, she returned to her teammate and Sora as she placed the red wimple on her hair, "Now then, you two ready to save the galaxy?"
Sora eagerly bounced up and down with his hand raised in the air, "I do! I do!"
Both Avengers chuckled at Sora's excitement. Groot lightly tapped Sora's shoulder, and told him, "I am Groot."
Rocket walked up to Sora, and told him, "He said you better not screw this all up."
"No, he didn't," The future Keyblade's Chosen shook his head, "He was just wishing me good luck and to stay safe."
Sora then joined the two Avengers as the dumbfounded Rocket stared at Sora in shock, "Wait... You can understand Groot?!"
Wanda picked Sora up as Gamora told them, "Stay safe and be ready for anything. If all goes well, we'll meet the three of you on Terra and help you stop Xehanort once and for all."
"To you as well," Spider-Man nodded under his mask, "And if you find the other kids, make sure the others don't do anything that a child isn't supposed to see."
Gamora smirked, after being raised by Thanos, she knew exactly what to make sure another child never experienced, "Will do."
Spider-Man, picked up the backpack with all the Reality Globes, before turning to Merlin, "Okay, so now what?"
The advisor of King Arthur smiled, "Well, now we need to get you three throw that first world. Fortunately, I discovered the small crack in Traverse Town quickly before the Heartless could get loose, we can use that to get you started." He turned to the Scarlet Witch, "I'll help with the first one, after that, you're on your on your own."
"So, these big cracks," Peter commented, "They're not going to be easy to find are they."
"If that was the case anyone would find them," Merlin chuckled before getting serious, "No, if Xehanort's smart, he likely hid the cracks to those who would use the Heartless for their own gain, I suggest you find allies on those worlds in order to stop them and find the cracks between the Realms of Light and Darkness."
The two nodded as Merlin presented them with the first crack. It looked very similar to the one Xehanort used on the Destiny Islands to summon the Heartless. He turned to Wanda, "Ready?"
She nodded as the two raised their hands, Merlin opened his fingers to make the crack just big enough for them to fit through before Wanda blasted it with her powers creating a small portal. Her power spread to herself, Spider-Man, and Sora before they walked through the portal before they vanished from the eyes of the others. Gamora turned to Merlin, "So, you think they can pull this off."
"I hope so, God willing," The wizard admitted, "It'll take a miracle."
Star Lord then got his team's attention, "Alright, Guardians. While they fix the big breaches in reality, we'll look over the smaller ones and try to find Sora's friends. And find King Mickey and let him know the plan so we can all arrive on Earth to stop Xehanort. Mr. McDuck will be joining us for this so hopefully by the end of the week, the galaxy will be saved and we'll get paid handsomely for it."
With that, everyone followed the Star-Lord while Merlin turned to the stars above to notice a small GummiShip arrive in the town. He sighed to himself, "So, this is how it all begins..."
Meanwhile, on the GummiShip, Cid Highwind, in his early thirties, got everyone aboard his ship as they lost Rad... Hollow Bastion to the witch, Maleficent, and her own Heartless. He managed as many people on the ship as he could but they were mostly children. A young teenage girl dressed in pink prayed that everyone back on their homeworld made it off-world in one piece. A little girl, who dreamed of becoming the greatest ninja, sobbed sadly in a corner. A young teenage boy, with a badge covering his recent injury on his face, walked up to their pilot before asking, "So, this is it, huh?"
"Unfortunately, yeah," Cid nodded to himself, "Until we find that Key, and all of Ansem's notes, we'll just have to stick here and check on the other survivors that their worlds fall by that witch's hand. You sure you alright with that, Squall?"
"We'll do whatever it takes to stop that witch and save the worlds," The teenage boy picked up a gunblade on the side before giving it a few test swings, "And until that day comes, call me Leon..."
Notes:
Bet you weren't expecting to see Leon and the gang at the end there. Hey, they had to be a Traverse Town one day where Sora will meet them in the first Kingdom Hearts game. Also, bet you were also shocked to see the Guardians of the Galaxy too and they're teaming up with Scrooge McDuck to see if they can find Riku and Kairi on the other worlds.
Oh, and Wanda knows Peter Parker is Spider-Man. He kind of had to if they were going to work together. With a little romance later on. Maybe they have a duet. And no one panic, at the end Wanda will start getting into Dinsey.
Now to the preview of the first Disney World. After arriving, they find out about a special prize in a challenge for heroes. Believing it to be the first big crack in reality, they sign up for it, and face monster after monster to become champion. But will it be enough to go the distance when another expert in darkness joins the scene and could one or two heroes in training be enough to help them? Stay tuned! I hope you enjoyed the chapter, be sure to leave a review. Also, if you haven't already be sure to follow and fav. as well. See ya real soon!
Chapter 4: Chapter 3: Let the Games Begin
Summary:
Journeying worlds, most based on Disney properties with Wanda Maximoff and a future wielder of the Keyblade... Peter did not think this was how his life would go down. Yet they came to their first world, back in the days when Hercules was still in training. Believing the first tear in the universe is within the Colliesem, the two Avengers compete in the games and befriend the young Herc along with another young man who dreams of being a hero named Zack. However, Xehanort has made a deal with Hades that could put our heroes in jeopardy. Can they survive their clash with the Lord of the Underworld?!
Notes:
I don't own Kingdom Hearts or Avengers. They belong to Disney, Square Enix, and Marvel. Alright, it's time for our first world on the journey back to the Avengers' homeworld: and that would be Hercules!
I mean, c'mon! It's been in most Kingdom Hearts games except for Dream Drop Distance and from what it seems, it looks like it will be in KH4 so I felt like I had to include it here. Plus, there's another reason why I'm visiting this world. You'll understand why when you guys read the chapter.
Although, I do have to say this is one out of the two returning worlds in the cannon that will be in this story. The three have yet to appear in the KH series and one probably will never show up at all as it's not a Disney film. As for what those worlds are, you'll have to stick around to find out. Now, with that out of the way, here's the next chapter where our heroes appear on their first Disney World! Enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 3: Let the Games Begin
Chapter 3: Let the Games Begin
Rain. The clear blue skies had darkened that day. The clouds weep onto the cemetery at Scala ad Caelum. Xehanort laid an arrangement of flowers at four gravestones of the Keyblade Wielders who were training beside him under the same Master. Each at one point, were his friends. He knelt down, closing his heavy eyes, the rain filled his tears. Another of the sole surviving students, Eraqus approached him, "You're leaving?"
"Yeah," Xehanort nodded as he felt like that was all he could say.
Eraqus walked up to him before standing beside him, "We had some good times, huh?"
Xehanort sighed, still grieving, "Yeah."
"You don't have to leave." The teenage boy clothed in white told him. Xehanort said nothing in response as his friend tried to tell him, "What happened wasn't your fault."
"I just want to see more of what's out there before the Mark of Mastery exam," The young man in black clothes admitted still feeling guilty all the same.
"That's not for a while," Eraqus pointed out, "Besides, you've already seen what's out there."
"Not everything," Xehanort admitted,
Eraqus raised an eyebrow, "What are you looking for?"
Xehanort said nothing before standing on his feet and turning to walk away. Eraqus's sadness turns to frustration, "Fine, but you better come back. We've got a score to settle. I'm at 117 wins, 312 losses, and 8 draws.
Xehanort suddenly came to a stop before correcting him, "You mean 107 wins, 323 losses, and 7 draws."
"Whatever," Earqus shrugged, "Close enough."
Xehanort turned back to him, "Do you seriously mean that?"
Despite the recent losses, Earqus smirked, "Knew I'd get you to turn around. See you soon, buddy."
Xehanort returned the smile, to his long-time best friend, who's been like a brother to him from the very beginning, "See you."
He turned to leave the cemetery and Eraqus's face filled with grief again. As the two Keyblade Wielders went their separate ways, Xehanort spotted the figure in the brown cloak from the Islands, there to visit him yet again...
Back in the present, the Scarlet Witch fell to her knees on the new world, breathing heavily after exerting that much power and witnessing the visions of Xehanort. Why did she keep getting these visions, was it because he was using them just as much as she has?
Sora walked up to her with concern, "Are you okay, Miss Wanda?"
Wanda turned to Sora and gave him a reassuring smile, "I'll be alright. Teleporting to another world is a first for me."
Spider-Man then offered her his hand, turning to him she gladly took it as he pulled her up. Once, she was on her feet, she smiled in gratitude, "Thank you." She then took a good look at their surroundings before wondering, "Um... you sure, we didn't go back in time?"
Olympus Coliseum
"Pretty sure," Spider-Man answered before admitting, "Though it's a little strange this world feels like we're in Ancient Greece."
"Any idea which movie this could be based on?" Wanda asked as Spider-Man turned to her as she pointed out, "You're the movie expert. I have never really seen these kinds of movies. I've always been more into old sitcoms."
Sora tilted his in confusion, "What's a sitcom?"
"Well..." She was about to answer when a Heartless appeared behind Sora. She gasped in horror as she pulled him away as Spider-Man kicked it away from them. She placed Sora behind her as Spider-Man came to her side, "Stay behind us, Sora. We'll protect you."
More Heartless began showing up as the two Avengers prepared to fight them. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps came running in, when a satyr jumped in between Wanda and the Heartless, he turned to her with a smirk and a thumbs up, "Stand back, sweetcheeks. I'll take care of this."
Wanda's eyes widened at the satyr while Spider-Man took a good look at Wanda's 'protector,' his eyes narrowed, "Wait, isn't that...?" His eyes widened in realization, "Oh, now I know which film... place we're in."
Phil turned to the massive group of Heartless as one of the bigger ones approached him. He slowly started backing up in fear before making a run for it and called out, "Herc, they're all yours!"
A skinny teenager came running to his aid and prepared to fight the Heartless. Spider-Man instantly recognized him anywhere. He and Wanda were fighting alongside Hercules... considering he's not as muscular he'd seen after the 'One Last Hope' montage and the remainder of the movie, he must still be in his training phase.
This was proven when he raised a fist but nearly lost balance. He quickly regained his balance and then punched the Heartless destroying it. Spider-Man aided him by webbing some of the Heartless to the ground and the two fought through the Heartless.
The two Crimson Jazz Heartless fired two fireballs at the Scarlet Witch and Sora. The former not wanting the latter to get harmed, used her hex powers to redirect the fireballs at the ground Heartless. She then threw another hex beneath the Heartless that attacked her and Sora, a jet of water sprouting out of the ground destroying them.
With the combined effort of these three heroes, the Heartless were quickly disposed of. Young Hercules turned to the two Avengers, "Was that all of them?"
Spider-Man looked around before nodding, "Yeah, I think so."
Just then, Phil returned as he began to sigh in relief, "Oy! Those wackos almost made gyros outta me!"
"Well, maybe if you didn't keep trying to show off," Hercules points out, "This is the second time this month this has happened."
"Who asked you, kid?" Phil turned to his pupil, "You'll understand more when you're older."
Hercules sighed hearing him telling him the same thing to him last time too, "Yeah, I know..."
"Yeash, we one group of monsters vanish another one just happens to take their place," Phil grumbled as he crossed his arms, "They're taking over the Games."
Sora walked up from behind the mutant woman, "What games?"
Hercules turned to Sora as he explained, "The 'Games' games. To see who's strongest! One day I'm gonna win 'em all and become a true hero."
Sora's eyes lit up with excitement, already dreaming of when he gets big, he wanted to compete and win some of these Games and be a hero like Spider-Man and the Scarlet Witch. Phill continued, "Yeah, and this year's games got more dangerous than ever, so much so, other heroes have been chickening out because of the monsters."
Hercules turned to Spider-Man and the Scarlet Witch, "You two are pretty tough. Are you guys heroes too?"
Before either of them could answer, Sora spoke up excitedly, "Of course, they are! They're Avengers! Real Super Heroes! They fought a bunch of monsters and Super-Villains and save the world all the time!"
"Wow! Really?!" Hercules beamed turning to the two Avengers, "That's incredible!"
Scarlet Witch looked down at Sora with a smile, "Leave it to Sora to get hyped up on superheroes, especially how she told him all about the Avengers the other night."
Spider-Man chuckled in amusement too, before Phil turned to them, "Hold it, if that's true. Then how come we never heard of you before?"
Spider-Man wasn't exactly sure how'd they react to 'we're from another world where you two are fictional characters from a movie I saw as a kid' would go. It sounded crazy even to him so, he just started, "We're from far away from Greece?"
Hercules couldn't help but wonder, "How far are you talking are we about here?"
Ultimately, deciding it was for the best, as they talk about other worlds could be overwhelming, so Wanda added, "As far as you can imagine."
Thankfully, they seemed to accept this answer, Hercules then asked, "So, is that why you came all the way out here? To complete in the Games?"
"Now that ain't a bad idea," Phil smirked as he attempted to flirt with her, "So, sugarcakes, I can sign you up myself. And if you need a trainer, I'd be more than happy to put you through the ropes. You know, I've trained a few heroes in my time. Maybe I could recite ya a little epic poetry."
Hercules turned to his mentor very confused, "But Phil... I had to practically beg you to agree to train me. Why do you not have a problem training people like her and Aqua."
Phil quickly turned to his pupil and shushed him, "Shh! Pipe down, kid! You and she ain't got the same attributes if ya know what I mean."
Sora had overheard the satyr's statements, tilted his head in confusion, "Attributes? What are attributes?"
Wanda slightly pulled Sora away, fully knowing what the Satyr was actually talking about, quickly promised, "I'll tell you when you're older."
Phil looked to Sora, then to Wanda, then to Spider-Man when he groaned in defeat, "Ah, figures. All the good ones are either taken, have a kid, not interested, or all the above."
Peter and Wanda blinked in confusion before turning to each other, then to Sora then back to each other again before understanding what the satyr was saying. Their checks slowly turned red as their costumes before Wanda quickly protested, "Hold on, you think...?! Oh, no! Now you really got the wrong idea!"
"Yeah," Spider-Man nodded, mentally glad he was wearing a mask right now, "We just met and we're just friends. All of us! Not related in any way."
While Wanda nodded in agreement, she was thinking once this was all over, if they were unable to find Sora's parents, she would adopt him. She always wanted to be a mother anyway. Phil, however, took that as good news, "Really?! Then that means I still have a shot!" He then quickly added, "Of signing you up for the games! Because there are only a few spots left. So, maybe I can squeeze you and your friend in."
"Um... give us a minute," Peter thought before the three off-worlders turned to each other, "So, what do you guys think?"
"You should totally sign up!" Sora beamed in excitement, "I wanna see what you two can do!"
Wanda pointed out to the boy, "But if we both participate, who's going to watch after you if Xehanort returns."
"Oh," Sora frowned rubbing the back of his head, "Yeah... I forgot about that..."
"We really shouldn't," Spider-Man admitted, honestly we should find that crack as soon as possible before more Heartless show up for Sora."
Wanda nodded in agreement, "Or worse, Xehanort."
"Well, aren't the monsters in the Games," Sora pointed out, "What if the cracks in there?"
The heroes blinked in shock, at what Sora said, Wanda admitted, "He does have a point." She then wondered, "If that's the case then how should we handle this?"
"Okay, one of us should fight in the Games to find the crack, and whoever's not playing watches Sora close by," Spider-Man suggested.
Wanda thought about it before nodding in agreement. It made the most sense. They turned to each other and told each other, "You should go." They blinked at each other, "Wha...?"
"Hold on, you're a full-time Avenger while I'm just a Part-Timer," Spider-Man admitted, "I can keep Sora safe."
While, Scarlet Witch was well informed about all of the members of the other Avengers, active or non-active, she always wondered why Spider-Man was simply labeled as Part-Time. Whatever that meant. She tried to tell him, "Don't sell yourself short, despite what Bugle says about you, you are no less Avenger than I am. Besides, you have more experience in combat than I have, I can stay with Sora and face whatever Xehanort throws at him."
"Honestly, I did not think this where the conversation was heading," Spider-Man admitted, "I mean, at all."
"I know, part of me was thinking about arguing about going into the games," Wanda full-heartily admitted, "Not who's staying to protect Sora."
"Well," Peter turned to Sora, "Can you look at the face and not like him?"
"I don't think it's possible," Wanda smiled as the boy stared at the two Avengers, "Unless you're very much evil and heartless."
Sora placed his hands behind his head in a relaxed pose, before asking, "Well, if that's the problem. Then why not take turns?"
The two stared at the child shocked that he was coming up with all the ideas. They both turned to Phil as Peter asked, "Say if we were interested, could we switch out between matches just so one of us can keep an eye on Sora?"
"Sure, it's not uncommon for heroic couples to have children without a sitter," Phil nodded, "They trade places between matches, but if even one of you is down then that's it."
Wanda and Peter turned back to each other as the former stated, "Good, let's just not too many matches at once before the switch so that we're not too exhausted to protect."
"Agreed," The Scarlet Witch turned to the satyr and Hercules, "It looks like we're in." She then introduced herself and her two companions, "I'm Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch. This is my teammate, Spider-Man. And this little one is Sora. It's very nice to meet the both of you."
"Likewise," Phil told just the Scarlet Witch, "Now, let's start with a few basics..."
"Thanks," Wanda took a step away from him, "We won't need a trainer."
"Bah! Women! Never changes," Phil scoffed before turning over and heading over to the Coliseum, "So I suppose ya still want me to go and get you two signed up. Meet me in the vestibule when you're ready."
Hercules smiled at the trio, "Hey, I participating in today's games too. Maybe we'll get a match against each other."
Spider-Man waved to the young man, "Well, give it to your best in there. Good luck..." He pretended like he didn't actually know his name, "Um..."
"Oh right, I'm Hercules," The future Greek hero introduced himself, "Herc for short. And to you as well."
Wanda then turned to Peter, "Okay, so, which movie are we in?"
Spider-Man answered, "Hercules."
She raised an eyebrow in confusion, before telling him, "I know who the teenager is but which film are we?"
"I just told you," Spider-Man clarified, "This was Disney's adaption of the mythological Greek Hero: Hercules."
"Oh," The Scarlet Witch now understood. She knew the myth. She also knew an Avenger that claimed to be Hercules. She then wondered, "Isn't the story of Hercules a little dark for children?"
Sora tilted his head in confusion, "Dark?"
She was now especially concerned with Sora there, she didn't want him seeing anything dark at this age. Spider-Man reassured her, "Relax. This story isn't anything like the actual original mythology. So, we should be fine." Spider-Man then thought aloud, "Then again, I don't remember these Games in the movie or the spin-off show either."
"It could be like Merlin said," Wanda pointed out, "Even if you have seen the movie, that doesn't mean the world will be exactly like the film. People could be different or there could be people we meet we never even heard of before."
"Herc seems like a nice guy," Sora admitted.
Wanda turned to Sora with a smile, "And I'm sure he is," She just turned to Spider-Man, "Just don't expect everything to be the same as the story you know."
"Fair enough," Peter nodded before gesturing to the building ahead of them, "We should probably make sure we're all signed up for these Games before the last spots are taken."
Wanda nodded as she held Sora's hand before they walked over to the Coliseum...
Meanwhile, Xehanort had tracked down Sora to this world. After losing him on the islands, he finally caught up to them just as they left Traverse Town, but not before he learned that Merlin gave them away they needed to close the cracks between the Realms of Light and Darkness. It didn't matter though, they wouldn't be able to stop him. Still, he would need some aid in getting to Sora and dealing with his opponents.
He had learned from the man in the brown cloak, his future version of himself's Heartless Sora would one day know him as Ansem had told him the future events and his part in his own future. One of those things was the villains of darkness he would use to gather the original seven Princess of Heart. With the time broken here, he could take advantage of this as well.
He had a secret meeting between himself and the Greek god of the Underworld, Hades. The said villain laughed as he mastered his control over the Heartless, "Oh, I love these little guys! They may be just the thing I need to overthrow Lightning Boy and give him a taste of his own medicine."
He then turned to Xehanort, "And you said they were free."
"Of course," The young Seeker of Darkness smirked, "But if you truly wish to give Zeus a taste of his own medicine, I know two warriors that meet your qualifications, all they need is a little push to the darkness but it would cost you."
Hades smirked to Pain and Panic, "I like this one. Give a little taste then offer something more." He then asked, "So, what would you like? A long-lost loved one from the dead? An army of the undead? You're own comedy show?"
"Nothing that grandeur," He reassured him, "The two warriors also are in possession of a little boy. Give him to me alive, and I will leave his guardians to you."
"Hmm… help you kidnap one a little boy and you give me his two guardians to use against Zeus when I conquer Olympus," Hades mused to himself.
"Going once," Xehanort then stated confidently.
"Wait, would there be a downside to this? I mean, ya gotta consider all your options…"
"Going twice."
"Okay, okay, okay," Hades finally conceded, "The kid goes with you, and the two warriors belong to me. Forever. You got yourself a deal, put her there, kid."
"Do you take me for a fool, Hades," Xehanort warned him before turning away and leaving through a Corridor of Darkness.
"Ah well, you can't blame a guy for wanting to seal a deal like that," Hades shrugged as the Seeker of Darkness left the Underworld. He then turned to Pain and Panic, "Ah, Just think of it only about a little more than 10 years from now, and I'll have it all. The Titans, the Heartless, and a couple of powerful warriors. Should be smooth sailing for conquering Olympus. Especially his little bouncing baby boy is dead! Isn't that right boys?"
The two imps began stuttering nervously as Pain repeated what he told Hades long ago, "Oh, yes, he is most certainly dead. He drank every last drop and then we got rid of him. Right, buddy?"
Panic nodded nervously, "Cannot get any more dead than he already is! Yep! Most definitely!"
Huh? That was a bit odd for them. More than usual. Were they trying to hide something from him? He then shrugged, "Eh! No biggy." He just assumed it had to do something with Heartless before turning to the table where all the pieces of the Heartless in the Games were. Statues of Spider-Man, the Scarlet Witch, and Sora with a statue of the trainer of heroes, "Now, I just get that little boy away from my new future minions of the undead."
Phil had turned to the sign-up seats for the games. He told the two adults, "There. You two are all signed up and there's a seat for the kid and whoever watching him in the front row. Whenever you want to switch between matches just tag 'em in, and you're all set. The first match begins soon so best prepare yourselves now."
He then walked into the area, most likely to give Herc a pep talk. Wanda suggested Spider-Man should go first while she got Sora settled. After that, they would trade spots during the matches. Wanda turned to him, "You up for this?"
"Not really," Spider-Man admitted, "I didn't think I would be in an area that wasn't a game again ever since..."
Dark memories came before Spider-Man, memories of guilt of how prideful and selfish he was. And it all led to the death of his Uncle Ben. Wanda whispered to him, "Spidey? Spider-Man? ...Peter!" He finally snapped back to reality, "You were in the middle of a sentence when you just stopped, are you okay?"
"I'll be fine," Spider-Man reassured her, "It's nothing."
She certainly didn't believe it was nothing. Then again, she had only met him the other day and he didn't need to say anything he wasn't comfortable talking about. She simply nodded, "Be careful out there. And be sure to tag me in. We need to make sure there's someone always watching Sora."
"Right," Peter nodded, "I'll see you soon."
With that, Spider-Man entered the arena, ready for his first match against the Heartless. Wanda turned to him in concern, he was so hyped up before when reliving these childhood films as they tried to save the universe all while protecting Sora. What changed in these first few minutes on this one? Sora tilted his head, "Is he going to be okay?"
"I hope so," Wanda admitted, "Whatever happened to him must be hard to talk about?"
Sora nodded in understanding, before asking, "So, do you think they also serve food here? I'm hungry."
Wanda's eyes widened slightly, realizing no one had anything to eat since Xehanort appeared. Thankfully, they still had some munny left over from the other day. She gave him a small smile, "Don't worry. We'll get you something to eat before the match."
Sora smiled happily at that...
Time had passed since the games began. After Spider-Man stepped into the arena and Wanda and Sora took their seats nearby the match began. As Wall-Crawler fought the first group of Heartless, the other two off-worlders managed to get themselves a few Gyros for themselves. They even saved one for Spider-Man when he was finished with his match, much to his gratitude.
The matches weren't overwhelming to the two Avengers as they won match after match. Trade places between every few matches. Thankfully, no sign of Xehanort, and they prayed to God it'd say that way.
Later in the match, Wanda came face to face with not a Heartless but a soldier with black hair that was spikier than Sora's. He drew out his sword and went into the battle stance, "Okay, third time's the charm."
Guess the poor guy must have lost two matches beforehand, she felt bad for him but she needed to seal that crack and get herself, Spider-Man, and Sora back to their world so they could protect the boy. So, she knew she had to win.
Sora was cheering her on, "Go, Miss Wanda! You've got this!"
While the eldest daughter of Magento was focused on the match, she couldn't help but smile at Sora's cheers and it seemed to hype up the crowd as well.
The mysterious soldier charged in with a battle cry as he prepared to fight the Avenger. However, it wasn't much of a fight as he was caught by the Scarlet Witch's power before getting thrown out of the area where he landed with a thud by Spider-Man and Sora. He groaned as the crowd went wild.
Sora looked down at him as the man groaned turning to him, "Oh, hey Ven. When did you get here?"
"Huh?" Sora stared in confusion, "My name's not Ven. It's Sora."
The soldier blinked when his vision cleared to see that was the case. He blinked in shock, "Oop! Sorry, kid. Must be more out of it than I thought."
He got back to his feet as the crowd continued cheering on the Scarlet Witch as waved back to them, "Thank you! You're too kind!"
She could have sworn that some of the men in the crowd exclaimed, "I'm in love!"
She rolled her eyes as she walked back to the crowd, she apologized to the soldier, "Sorry if I threw you too hard. I just wanted to win the match."
"It's alright," He reassured her offering a hand, "It was a good match. Even if it was one-sided. Congratulations...?"
"Wanda," She smiled and shook his hand, "This is my friend Spider-Man and the little one is Sora."
"Nice to meet you," The eighteen-year-old smiled, "The name's Zack." Just then, the match for the Semi-Finals was about to begin. He turned to Wanda, "Guess, you're up again."
Spider-Man gave her a pat on the shoulder, "I've got the next one."
She nodded as Spidey left the stands. She went to sit beside Sora. She turned to the boy with a smile, "You having a good time!"
Sora nodded in agreement, "Yeah! Do heroes get to do stuff like this all the time?!"
Before she could answer, Zack spoke up to the child, "You know it, kid." She turned to her opponent in the ring in the last match, "Sorry. You mind if I stick around? I don't have anything else going on today."
"Sure," The Scarlet Witch nodded, "We don't mind."
Zack joined them in the seats himself, "So, the kid? Is he yours or..."
"No, he's not mine," Wanda frowned, "But Spidey and I are watching after him until we can find his parents."
Zack blinked before nodding, "Ah, I see..." He turned to Sora, "I hope you find your parents."
Sora smiled slightly in apperception, Wanda then turned to Zack, "So, do you wanna be a hero too?"
"Yeah, it's always been a dream of mine since I was a kid," Zack nodded before adding, "Plus I got a date with a beautiful girl when I become one." He rubbed the back of his head, "Guess I still need some work."
"Well," Wanda smiled at him, "I hope you do become one."
She could tell Zack had a good heart and did have the makings of a great hero. She just wondered who this girl he was talking about. Just then, she heard Zack say, "Is that... Oh, hey, Herc!"
Her thoughts snapped back to reality when she spotted Spider-Man's opponent. Young Hercules waved to Zack, "Oh, hey, Zack! Were you a part of the games too?!"
"I was," He admitted before gesturing to Wanda, "I lost to her."
"Oh, guess I know who my next opponent is then," Hercules turned to Spider-Man, "Wish me luck!"
Wanda turned to him in shock, "You know Hercules?"
"Oh, yeah," Zack nodded, "He's a friend. A couple of Games ago, we actually had a match together. The monsters attacked the town so we both threw the match to help a friend fight them off. Although, he was definitely faster and made up his mind quicker than me. I can imagine he's going to go the distance and be a true hero."
Wanda smiled at that as she turned her attention to the match. Spider-Man and Hercules went into their battle stances as the latter stated, "May the best hero win."
Spidey nodded to him, "Same."
With that, the match began. The two charged at each other, Herc threw the first punch but Spider-Man easily avoided it. If he was as strong as he was in the movies or the Hercules on his world, Spidey knew he had to avoid those kinds of hits.
Spider-Man proceeded with a counter-attack but Hercules was able to block it. The match lasted longer than the others though as Hercules's training with Phil was paying off.
Neither hero seemed could land a blow on the other. That was until Spider-Man had an idea, when Hercules threw his next punch, the Web-Head dodged it before to his shoulders and proceeded to trap him with a thick coating of his webs. Knowing he didn't have long until Hercules broke free, so he seized the moment and kicked the trapped hero-in-training out of the ring. By the time, Hercules freed himself, the match was already over. The crowd cheered for the good match. Spider-Man helped the future true hero to his feet.
Herc smiled, "Guess I'm going need a bit more training."
"Don't take it too hard, you nearly had me a few times," Spider-Man reassured him, "You're definitely getting there."
"Thanks," Herc nodded, "That means a lot coming from a true hero like you."
Wanda, Sora, and Zack also clapped for the two. Zack turned to the mutant woman, "You're husband's pretty good."
"He's not my husband," The full-time Avenger turned back to him with a blush, "He's my boyfri... friend, who just happens to be a boy. Well, Man."
Sora tilted his head as he asked innocently, "Miss Wanda? Why is your face all red? Is that one of your superpowers too?"
Wanda groaned placing her hands on her face, hoping her blush would vanish. Sure, she wouldn't deny Peter was handsome but they just met. So, why was she a bumbling mess when people kept getting the wrong idea? Just then, a new voice spoke up, "Ah, kids. Gotta love them."
Just then, she turned to the source of the new voice to see a man with misty clothing, blue skin, yellow eyes, and blue fire for hair. Zack instantly glared at the newcomer, "Hades!"
Both Hercules and Spider-Man turned to Zack's accusation and spotted the villain of the original film, the latter stated, "Uh-oh! Trouble!"
The two quickly ran back to their friends as Scarlet Witch stood in front of Sora, ready to defend him, "Who are you?"
"What?" Hades seemed to be a little offended, "Didn't the mosquito already mention my name?"
Now, Zack was completely offended, "Stop calling me that!"
Hades didn't pay him any mind as he kept his attention on the young woman, "Anyways, Name's Hades. God of the Dead, Lord of the Underworld, your future master, yadda, yadda. How ya doin'?"
"My future master?" Wanda's eyes narrowed, "Why in God's name would I ever serve you?!"
"Well, I never said it would be willingly," Hades smirked before turning to see the last match opponents, "Ah and there's the other one insect boy and..." His eyes narrowed at Hercules, "Do I know you from somewhere?"
Hercules was about to speak, the Lord of the Dead shrugged him off, "Eh, it's probably nothing."
"What's this about Hades," Spider-Man eyes narrowed under his mask, "I mean I know your goons aren't the brightest of minions but they're yours."
"Well, an old chum of yours gave me these wonderful new lackeys," Hades smirked before snapping his fingers as Heartless appeared causing the four to stay on guard before the Greek god of the dead sent them away. Hades smirked, "And seeing how I'm your final opponent in the games, I get to destroy and bring you back as my undead servants where you do, in return, he gets that little kiddo of yours."
Sora hid behind Wanda as Spider-Man along with Zack and Hercules stood in their path. It didn't take the Avengers long to figure out that this was Xehanort's doing. The Scarlet Witch's eyes narrowed, "Never going to happen!"
"Yeah, I'm going take a pass, I got a reserved seat in Heaven," Spider-Man quipped, "And I hate to cancel. Also, Sora's not yours to take."
"Eh," Hades shrugged, "That's for the match to decide. See on in the Finals."
Hades then vanished before them. Wanda then grabbed Sora. The boy shivered in fear, "There, there. It's going to be okay. We're not going to let him take you and we're not going anywhere."
Hercules and Zack turned to the two Avengers in confusion, as the latter wondered, "Why does Hades want with Sora?"
Phil ran up to the four of them, "Okay, you two need a serious explanation of why Hades is so interested in you and that kid of yours."
Fifteen minutes later, they regrouped at the vestibule. The two Avengers agreed to let the three natives of this world only know what they needed to know. While they didn't say a word about other worlds and that fact where they're from, they were movie characters but did mention learning that Sora would one day become a here and a man named Xehanort was an enemy that he would have. They also mentioned Xehanort was using the monsters to make sure that Sora would never become the hero who would stand up to him. Spider-Man concluded, "And that's our story."
Hercules, Zack, and Phil began to process the new information. Herc couldn't help but think to himself out loud, "Huh? I don't know why but I can't help but feel like Sora's story is somewhat familiar..."
Peter might know why. If Hercules's story was exactly like the Disney film then, Hades was planning to free the Titans to take over Olympus. The Fates told Hades that he would succeed unless Hercules joined the first so he sent his minions' Pain and Panic to turn him mortal and kill him. However, since he didn't drink the last drop of the potion, he still retained his super-strength and was able to defeat the imps, even as a baby. Right now, he had a feeling Hades didn't know that the son of Zeus was still alive, and would one day foil his evil plans. Although it would be best if Herc learned it on his own, so he simply shrugged, "Huh? Really? Weird..."
"Guess Xehanort must have made a deal with Hades," Phil thought aloud, "He gets him the kid while he takes two of you to the Underworld to be a part of his undead army."
"I know all too well what it's like to be Hades's pawn," Zack glared as he tightened his fist, he then warned the two Avengers, "Heads up, last games, Hades didn't fight Aqua one on one, he also brought a giant ice Titian with him."
"What?!" Wanda gasped in shock, "That's not fair!"
"Unfortunately, it still aligns with the rules," Phil sighed as he rubbed his forehead, "'Rule #2: Combatants may call for backup.' So, I highly recommend not trying to take him on one on one."
"That's probably what Hades is counting on," Spider-Man realized, "While he and whatever giant monster he has deals with the two of us, Sora will be defenseless so all Xehanort or the Heartless have to do is grab him."
Hercules thought about it before his eyes lit up, "But what if he wasn't defenseless?" Everyone turned to Hercules confused, so clarified, "Hear me out, Hades expects the two of you to take him on, and leave Sora alone but what if he wasn't? Hades or Xehanort won't expect that Sora will be protected because..."
"...we will be there to protect him," Zack smirked, catching on to what Herc was suggesting.
The two Avengers and Phil turned to them shocked, as the latter pointed out, "Kid, this is going to be the real deal. You sure you two are up for this?"
"Of course," Hercules's eyes narrowed in determination, "There's no way I'm going let Hades or this Xehanort guy harm an innocent child because I'm a hero..." He then shrugged, "Or at least, going to be one."
"And don't count me out," Zack also spoke up as he performed squats, "I've got my sights of being a hero too. I don't want anything happening to Sora. Besides I have a score to settle with Hades for when he made me his pawn."
The two Avengers looked to them in gratitude, Wanda turned to the two young heroes-in-training, "Thank you, both of you."
Phil's eyes narrowed as he turned to the group of heroes ready to fight whatever Hades and Xehanort throw at them, "Then I've got two words of advice for you: Prepare! For! Anything!"
Sora started counting the actual amount of words the satyr said with his fingers, "One, two... um...?"
He turned to Wanda as he held up three fingers, she smiled and nodded to Sora that he was right as Phil went on, "We don't know what kind of monsters they'll throw at you so rest up now and remember your training. You just might be able to pull this off."
As the four heroes prepared for the upcoming battle Hercules turned to Zack, "Hey, I never asked. Why do you want to be a hero so badly?"
"Where I come from, I grew up with a learning bunch of heroes in my life," The spiky hair teenager answered, "There was one in particular named Sephiroth. He was practically a legend. Fighting monsters, ending wars, and saving lives. It inspired me to become one as well."
As she made sure that she and Spider-Man were prepared to take on Hades, Wanda then turned to Hercules, "And what about you? Why do wish to be a hero so badly?"
"Well, you see," Herc rubbed his hand behind the back of his head, "My dad is Zeus. King of the gods of Olympus."
Little Sora and Zack turned to Hercules in shock, as the latter exclaimed, "Whoa! Herc? You're a god?!"
"No, no..." He reassured them, "I'm a mortal. When I was a baby, somebody stole me from my parents, and... figured out how to take away my godhood. My foster parents found me and took me in. I love them but all my life I've felt different from everyone else. I always try to fit in, but I can't. For the longest time, I've felt like really don't belong here. Like I'm supposed to be... someplace else."
As Hercules spoke up there was music started playing in around them as Sora and Wanda looked around. The latter asked, "Where is that coming from?"
"Right, there's a lot of Disney films out there that are musicals," Peter recalled as he stated, "So, I gotta feeling we're going to be experiencing a lot of songs and dancing."
"That's not possible," Wanda shook her head, "At least, it shouldn't be possible."
"Tell him that," Peter gestured to Hercules.
Before anyone could, Hercules started singing, "I have often dreamed~ Of a far off place~ where a great warm welcome for me~"
Wanda was amazed at of well the young man sang as the son of Zeus continued to sing, "And the crowds would cheer~ when they see my face~ And a voice keeps saying~ This is where I'm meant to be~"
"I'll find my way~ I can go the distance~" Hercules sang as getting amazed looks all-around while Peter quietly hummed the song to himself, "I'll be there some day~ If I can be strong~ I know every mile~ will be will be worth my while~ I would go most anywhere to feel like I belong~"
Wanda turned to Peter wondering if this song was on Earth. He confirmed with a nod, she then turned to Herc, "Then why not be with your family on Olympus? Why did your father never come for you?"
Herc answered, "Well that's the thing, only gods can live on Olympus. Otherwise, he and my mom would have brought me back a long time ago."
Sora couldn't help but wonder, "And this true hero thing?"
"It's the only way I can restore my godhood," He answered, "If I can prove myself a true hero, here on Earth, I can finally come home where I belong."
Zack began to rub the back of his hair, "Man... you really got your work cut out for you."
Spider-Man turned to the two of them, "Hopefully, protecting Sora from Hades and Xehanort puts off to a good start."
Hercules chuckled, "Well, that's the plan. Either way, if it keeps Sora safe so he can be a hero too, one day, then I'm happy to help."
"Helping them close the crack that's sending out the monsters will probably help too," Zack pointed out.
Herc nodded to him, "True."
"Alright, everyone, does remember the plan?" Wanda wondered.
"I stay with Herc and Zack," Sora stated proudly, "Until the bad guys' butts are kicked."
She nodded to Sora, "Very good."
She then turned to Hercules and Zack as the latter answered, "We'll protect Sora from Xehanort and monsters. Listen to Phil if he spots a monster from a blind spot and only jump in to help you if Sora's 100% safe."
"And we'll deal with Hades and seal the crack," Spider-Man smiled as he raised a fist slightly, "So... Avengers Assemble?"
Sora, Zack, and Hercules tilted their heads in confusion, as Wanda clarified, "It's a battle cry we have, where we're from. Just take care of Sora."
The two heroes-in-training nodded as they started to head to the arena for the final match...
Later that evening, everyone went into position. Phil went to higher ground to advise the heroes. Herc and Zack stood by Sora, ready to stand in the way of any darkness that came for the boy. Finally, the two Avengers waited for the opponent in the arena. Spider-Man looked up to Phil, "Anything yet?"
"So far nothing," Phil admitted, "If he doesn't show up soon, he'll be disqualified, and you two will be champions and hopefully the kid will be safe."
Spider-Man nodded, "Yeah, that would be a nice break, but I gotta feeling my Park Luck is going to strike again."
"You ready for this?" Wanda turned to the part-time Avenger.
"I wasn't ready to fight to fix reality," Peter admitted, "This even less. And something tells me it's only going to get stranger as the week goes on." He then turned to the small islander, "But one thing is for sure, we can't lose Sora the same way I lost Uncle Ben."
She raised an eyebrow with concern and was about to question what happened to Peter's Uncle when all of a sudden, the ground began to shake beneath their feet. Phil looked down to warn the two Avengers, and warned them, "Guys! Something's coming your way! Something huge!"
The two Avengers turned to face the coming monster. Hercules, Sora, and Zack were on the edge of their seats seeing if they could a good look at it. All of a sudden, a massive foot with talon-like claws, Earth's Mightiest Heroes looked up and their eyes widened in horror as they stared into the beast's eyes. Spidey groaned, "Of course, it had to be this thing."
Both mentally wished they had some heavy hitters like Thor or the Hulk right about now. The massive, dragon-like creature with dark purple scaly skin, looked down upon the two Avengers. Wanda turned to Phil, "Uh... what is that thing?"
"Two words!" Phil exclaimed as the monster let out a large roar, "AM-SCRAY!"
Hades then appeared alongside it, "What do you think of my blood-thirsty hydra?"
"Uh..." Spider-Man raised a finger, "A little overkill much?"
"Well duh!" Hades turned to him and gave him a look that asked 'are you stupid or something,' "Who do you think I am? Overkill is my jam."
From the seats in the stadium, Zack's eyes widened, "Whoa! Look at the size of that thing!"
"I wish we could go in there and help but," Hercules turned to the young boy they were looking after, "We've got other responsibilities."
Sora cheered on the Avengers, "Go, Miss Wanda and Mr. Spider-Man! Kick their ugly butts!"
"Yahoo! Go Hades!"
"You've got them, sir!"
From the other side of the arena, Pain and Panic cheered on the Greek Lord of the Underworld. They were wearing Hades merchandise as they waved their flags and held up a #1 foam finger. In fact, they were the only ones cheering Hades and the Hydra on. Pain turned to Wanda as he called out to her, "Hey, red! When that thing eats you, give me a call in the Underworld!"
Wanda wanted to gag at that comment, she'd rather kiss the goat-man... although not by much. However, she had much bigger things to worry about. Both figuratively and literally. Hades blasted her with fire while she countered his flames with her own hex. The hydra tried to get at her and tried to bite her. Thankfully, Spider-Man pulled her out of the way. Realizing what would have happened, she nodded to him, "Thanks."
"Thank me if we survive this," Spider-Man told her as he blinded the Hydra by webbing its eyes shut. It roared in before Spidey fired two webs at the monster's head before yanking its head to the ground hard with his Spider-Strength.
Wanda used a hex to wave a fireball that was thrown at her aside. Hades smirked as he snapped out his fingers burning off the webs that were blinding the Hydra, "Is that all you got?"
It glared at the Avengers before going after them once again. Wanda blasted the Hydra's head away before it attacked Spider-Man before moving as it then went after her.
Meanwhile, Herc, Zack, and Sora watched from the safety of the bleachers. Each one was concerned for the lives of the two Avengers. At the same time, someone slowly approached Sora from behind. Even with the bigger battle in front of them, Herc's training with Phil overheard the sneaking up footsteps. He lightly turned to Zack. His friend's eyes narrowed as he nodded towards Herc. Just as the figure could grab Sora, both teenagers turned to attack the figure before they could grab the boy. They vanished before the two heroes in training could hit him.
Sora turned to them as they each stood in front of the boy, ready to defend him with their lives. The kidnapper reappeared on the edge of the Coliseum, revealed to be Xehanort. He smirked, "So, the heroes were smart enough to provide some protection for Sora. Hmph. No matter. You're only delaying my plans for him, one way or another, I will have him."
Xehanort snapped his fingers as Heartless appeared all around them. Hercules briefly turned to Sora, "Stay behind us. We'll protect you."
"Stay on your toes!" Phil called to them before turning back to the Avengers, "All of you!"
Zack had already stuck down two Heartless as Hercules punched through a large body. They refused to let even one Heartless get to the boy. As they held their ground, Spider-Man attempted to kick the fire-haired villain only to go right through him. Hades then threw a fireball at him but he easily managed to dodge it, as he sighed to himself, "It's never that easy."
He then avoided another fireball at Spider-Man as Pain and Panic cheered their boss on. Wanda found herself firing hexes at the Hydra while trying to keep a distance from its maw. After firing off another hex at the Hydra, she turned to the crowd as her eyes widened to see Sora taking cover as Hercules and Zack defended him from Heartless. From the distance, she saw Xehanort watching from above. She glared hard at him before Phil's voice caught her attention, "Hey, sweetcakes! Above you!"
She looked up just in time to watch the Hydra's head, head straight towards her with its mouth wide open. At the last possible minute, she used a hex to stop it from consuming her. However, it wasn't giving up so easily as it pushed down harder to eat her. The Scarlet Witch started to sweat as she was doing everything she could to keep the Hydra any closer. She didn't want to die, she couldn't die, she refused to die. Sora needed her. However, she fell a knee and could smell its horrible breath and almost lost her hold over it.
Thankfully, Spider-Man kicked it away from her causing her a small break. She took a moment to breathe as she watched Spider-Man draw its attention to keep the mythical monster away from her. It roared as it tried to eat Spider-Man but he caught it by the teeth. He winced, "Phew! When was the last time you brushed at least take a mint before you try to eat me!"
Now with both Spider-Man and Sora in danger, she knew she had to quickly recover and act fast if she wanted to save them. Hades basted another blast of fire at her which she dodged before firing a hex back at him causing him to avoid it. Wanda called out to the crowd, "Zack! I need to borrow your sword for a minute!"
Zack heard this just as he sliced a Heartless in two, turned to the Scarlet Witch, and tossed her his blade, "Here!"
Wanda caught the blade before running to the Hydra's neck as she called out to the boy, "Sora! Close your eyes!"
Sora did what he was told as she raised the blade and stuck down hard. Spider-Man struggled to keep the monster back before it just stopped and its head fell to the ground with a thud and they could hear the crowd cheering loudly. He looked behind its head as his eyes widened under his mask. Wanda had sliced the Hydra's head clean off with Zack's sword before tossing it back to him, "Thanks!"
He nodded as he took back the sword and helped Hercules fight off the Heartless. As she ran over to her partner while the crowd continued to cheer as Phil joined them, "All right! All right! You've got beauty and brawn!"
Sora cheered clapping his hands, "Yay! Miss Wanda wins!"
Pain and Panic shivered in fear as they looked at Hades with nervousness. The Greek god of the Underworld didn't seem even the slightest worried as he reassured them, "Guys, guys, relax. It's only halftime."
"Alright," Wanda walked up to the Web-Head, "Now, let's take care of Hades then we can help protect Sor-"
Spider-Man exclaimed in shock and horror, cutting her off, "What did you do?!"
Now, the Scarlet Witch seemed a little offended as she glared, "Um... saved your life. I know you're not into killing but-"
"No! I mean, do you know how much you made things worse for us?" Peter pointed to the seemingly dead monster.
Wanda blinked in confusion, "Made things worse?"
"Okay, I know at some point you fought HYDRA," Spider-Man pointed out, "Remember their old say? 'If you cut off one head..."
She continued to stare in confusion until her eyes widened as she finally understood what he was saying, and truly understood how much she screwed the two of them, "...'two more shall take its place.'"
Just then, they heard movement coming from the Hydra's headless body, getting everyone's attention. Phil couldn't help but say, "That didn't sound good."
The body then rose on its feet and stuck its remaining neck into the ground. They could hear movement coming from beneath them as Spider-Man's spider-sense went off. He grabbed Wanda, bride style, before moving just as a Hydra head popped out where they were along with two more on each side of the one. Wanda's eyes widened in horror, "THREE?!"
Phil froze in horror, "Definitely not good!"
Spider-Man set the Scarlet Witch on her feet as they prepared to face off against the three Hydra heads that looked at them. And they looked like they were hungry. Peter muttered quietly, "I don't like the way it's looking at us."
"Me neither," Wanda admitted as they began to fight off the heads. Spider-Man punched one as Wanda blasted another with a hex. Spider-Man webbed another's mouth shut as it tried to free itself from the webs. Just then, his sixth sense went off again, using his agility to dodge the fireballs from Hades. He tried webbing him up but his webs went right through him.
Realizing they were going to need help, the trainer of heroes started to think about what to do. What could he do to help them, he watched the two Avengers fighting off the monster's heads and Hades on top of that. He then turned to the Hydra's back. His eyes lit up as he started to head over to that section of the coliseum.
Hercules and Zack finished off the remaining Heartless through at them. They then turned their attention to Xehanort, who looked unimpressed. Zack turned to Herc, "You thinking what I'm thinking?"
The son of Zeus nodded, "Let's go."
Zack leaped up as Hercules caught him but the legs before he spun the soldier around and threw him at the man in black. Zack roared out a battle cry as he prepared to strike down the villain. Xehanort raised a hand and summoned a Keyblade to block the strike. Zack glared at Xehanort as the latter commented, "Of all of the Guardians of Light's friends and allies I had been told about, I haven't heard much about you."
He then threw Zack off of him back to the ground, thankfully, the hero-in-training landed on his feet. Unfortunately, he landed in the arena, where one of the heads took notice of him. He quickly realized this as he moved out of the way just in time as the head struck. Xehanort then called from below, "Hades! Remember our bargain!"
Hades turned to Xehanort then to both Hercules and Sora, before smirking. He then vanished from the fight and appeared in the stadium. Herc came to Sora in defense before flicking the former aside. He turned to his sights on Sora, "I have no idea what Silver wants with you but hey, as long as I get your guardians as a part of my army, I could care less, shorty."
However, before he could grab him, Hercules punched Hades in the face knocking him back into the arena. Hades looked slightly irritated at the young hero in training. Zack noticed to Greek god was back and dodged a Hydra head before running at him with his sword in hand, "It's payback time, Hades!"
"Oh vey," Hades rolled his eyes at Zack, "I just never seemed to have that mosquito replant around when I need it."
Zack roared in anger as he raised his blade only for Hades to vanish and reappear behind him and flick him into the wall. As soon as Zack recovered more Heartless appeared beside Hades and surrounded the two heroes-in-training and Sora. Xehanort smirked at that as he put away his Keyblade with a flash of light.
One of the Hydra's heads broke free of Spider-Man's webbing as it roared in anger. Spider-Man and Wanda turned to see Hades focused on Sora's last line of defense. Wanda turned to Peter, "We've got to finish this thing so we can help them!"
"I'm open to suggestions," Spider-Man admitted as the avoided the bites of the Hydra.
"Hey, Spidey! Sweetcakes!" They heard Phil call out to them. They turned to the satyr as he gestured to Hydra's body, "Get up on the Hydra's back!"
The Scarlet Witch held two of the Hydra's heads back with her hexes as she told Spider-Man, "Go! I'll be fine on my own for a little bit!"
He nodded as he began to swing past the Hydra heads. When Phil saw that Spider-Man was in range, he lifted a large size vase and threw it over. Seeing what he was planning, Spider-Man shot a web at the vase and spun it around as fast as he could before throwing it on the Hydra's back stunning the heads. Spider-Man gave the trainer of heroes a thumbs up as he ran back to Wanda.
The mutant woman wanted to finish this quickly, so her hand began to glow red with her power before slamming it on the ground. The hole beneath them crumbled and broke off their necks as the three heads fell to the ground. Wanda sighed in relief, thinking the Hydra was finally dead. Then all of a sudden movement came from the Hydra's body. It rose from the ground with nine heads to replace the three fallen ones. Both Avengers stared at the horror they now had to face before the part-timer turned to Wanda. All she had to say for herself was, "Oops."
Phil couldn't help but exclaim, "Will you forget the head-slicing thing?!"
Pain and Panic couldn't help but cheer for Hades and the Hydra. Panic turned to holding his beverage and waving his Team Hades flag, "You know, this is going so my better than I thought it would."
"I know," Pain smiled raising his #1 foam finger as his partner in crime took a ship of his drink, "I don't see how it can possibly turn around on us."
Spider-Man had grabbed Wanda's bride style as he carried her and himself out of reach of the monster's heads. Hades couldn't help but smirk at his handy work as he turned to his current job, only to be dumbfounded as the two heroes-in-training managed to defeat the last of the next wave of Heartless before turning to face him while guarding Sora. Hades snarled, "Okay, you are starting to get on my nerves!" His blue flames briefly turned orange before gesturing to Hercules as he demanded, "Just who do you think you are?!"
"I'm Hercules," The future true hero proudly stated, "Future hero and I'm not letting you anywhere near Sora!"
For the first time in his afterlife, Hades froze in shock and horror. Pain and Panic also seemed to recognize the same as they stopped cheering as the latter wondered, "Hercules. Why does that name ring a bell?"
"I don't know," Pain admitted he started eating a handful of popcorn before suggesting, "Maybe we owe him munny?"
Hades then exclaimed loudly, "OKAY! EVERYBODY TIME OUT!"
Just then, everyone went silent, even the Hydra, as the Avengers were previously trying to hold back their heads but stopped to turn to Hades. He then looked to Herc with a glare, "Now... What was that name, again?"
"Um... Hercules," The son of Zeus raised an eyebrow not noticing Hades's anger as his fire hair turned bright orange as he turned to the two who were supposed to deal with Zeus's bouncing baby boy long ago. Herc went on, "Hero-in-training?"
Sora turned to Zack confused, "Um... why is the fireman doesn't like that name, Hercules."
The other hero-in-training shrugged, "How should I know? All he said was that his name is Hercules."
That's when Pain remembered as he turned to Panic, "Wait a minute. Wasn't Hercules the name of that kid we were supposed to..." That's when Panic remembered and more importantly, Hades knew the truth as they turned to him. Their eyes widened in horror as they both exclaimed, "Oh my gods!" Hades stretched out his smoky hands towards them as they ditched the merchandise and tried to escape, "Run for it!"
However, Hades grabbed them by their tails and pulled them into the arena towards him. He growled, "So you took care of him, huh?! Dead as a doornail!" Once close enough he grabbed them both by the throats, "Weren't those your exact words?!"
Pain tried to come up with an excuse, "Now hold on! He might be a different Hercules!"
"Yeah! I mean, Hercules is a..." Panic nodded in agreement before Hades tightened his grip making the imp chock out, "...very popular name nowadays!"
Pain tried to come up with an example of Panic's excuse, "Remember, like, a few years ago, every other boy was named Jason, and the girls were all named Brittany?"
However, their boss could see clearly through their lies, "We're about to rearrange the cosmos..." He then threw them on the ground as they turned into cockroaches to survive Hades's wrath, "...and the one SCHLEMIEL who can louse it up... IS WALTZING AROUND IN THE WORLD!"
He then burst into flames burning everything around him, Hercules and Zack forced Sora to duck and nearly avoided the flames. Once, Hades blew out his anger, Pain called out in his cockroach form before turning back to his true form, "We can still cut in on his waltzing."
"That's right," Panic recalled as he turned back to his true form, "And-And at least we made him mortal. That's a good thing." He then turned to Pain, "Didn't we?"
The imp nodded in agreement, as Hades thought for a moment before smirking, "Well... in that case..." He then called out to the Hydra, "HEY YOU! FORGET THOSE TWO!" All Hydra heads turned him then back to the two Avengers then back to Hades again, even if once to lick Wanda much to her disgust. Hades then pointed to Hercules, "GET HIM!"
Doing what its master commanded the Hydra turned away from the Avengers and turned to Hercules. Zack couldn't help but comment, "Oh, that's not good."
"Oh, yeah," Herc fully nodded in agreement before telling him, "Get Sora away, I'll try to distract it."
Zack nodded as he put his sword away, grabbed Sora, and carried him to safety while Hercules ran in the opposite direction. The Hydra pursued Hercules but left Zack and Sora be for now. Wanda whipped the slim off of her, "That was disgusting."
They then spotted Zack running over to them with Sora, "Guys, I don't know what's Hades's beef with Herc, but he's keeping that monster busy."
Wanda gladly took Sora back as she comforted him, "At least, Sora's safe for the moment."
"Although, we should probably find a way to stop that thing before it destroys the coliseum," Spider-Man pointed out as the Hydra continued to pressure the son of Zeus, as he added, "And eats Herc."
"Right," Wanda nodded before wondering, "Now how do we do that? We didn't have much luck before."
"Um... Give me a minute," Peter rubbed his chin as he began to think as he looked around the arena.
He spotted Herc throwing a boulder at it to keep at bay but it didn't last long as Zack commented, "Herc doesn't exactly have a minute!"
He then turned to Hades who was grinning hard. Spider-Man then snapped his fingers, "I've got it! Leave it to me! Wanda when that thing is down! We're going to need your help with Hades. Zack..."
"I'll stay and protect Sora in case Xehanort tries anything," The spiky-haired young adult gave the superheroes a thumbs up, "Got it!"
The daughter of Magento turned to him in concern, "What exactly is your plan?"
Spider-Man then started web swing towards the Hercules and the Hydra, "You'll see! You'll know when to join the fight!"
As they watched Spidey swing to aid Hercules, Sora turned to Wanda, "Are they gonna be okay?"
"I hope so, sweetie," Wanda admitted concern for her new friend.
Just as the Hydra was about to catch up to Hercules, Spider-Man got him away in the nick of time. Herc then turned to the Avenger, "Spidey! I think it was Hades that stole my immortality but I don't have a clue why he wants me dead so badly!"
"Probably the same reason, Xehanort wants Sora so badly," Spidey 'guessed' as he kept his distance from the Hydra, "Which gives me an idea how to stop the Hydra."
Herc turned to him, "Really? How?" Spidey quickly whispered the plan to Herc before he blinked for a moment, "Really? You think it'll work?"
"Well, he really doesn't like you, and annoying the heck out of bad guys is my specialty," Spider-Man admitted, before thinking back to the movie, "Otherwise, I don't think nothing short of landsides going to stop that thing."
"Right," Herc nodded with determination, "Let's do it."
After getting a good distance away from the Hydra, they landed right between the monster and Hercules. Hades snarled in anger, "Why won't you just die already?"
"Awe," Spidey smirked under his mask, "Is the 'Lord' of the Underworld losing his touch?"
"Yeah," Herc smiled as he joined in, "If you couldn't kill me as a baby then I highly doubt you can destroy me now."
Hades's eyebrow began to twitch, "What did you just say?!"
"Uh-oh..." Panic whispered as he and Pain slowly backed away, turned into cockroaches, and made a dash as far away from the Coliseum as possible.
"I mean are those flames just for show," Spider-Man continued to quip, "I bet you can't even light a candle."
"How'd you end up ruling the Underworld anyway," Herc smirked even as the Hydra started to catch up to them, "Was it because you couldn't do any other job on Olympus?"
Hades started turning red as his flames slowly began to rise, Spidey continued, "Man, I bet the parties he throws are so boring, everyone tries to find a way to keep booking the dates to stay away."
Herc raised a finger, "Even the dead."
"That's it!" Hades finally lost it, "You're going to regret the days you were born!"
Hades threw the largest ball of fire at the two of them. Peter told Herc, "Move!"
They moved out of the way, just in time, but the Hydra wasn't so lucky. The only thing it could do is stare into the ball of fire as all of the heads' eyes widened in horror before the flames consumed the beast. When the flames died down, the only thing that remained of the monster was its feet. Hades blinked in shock, did they just trick him into killing his own monster?
From a distance, Scarlet Witch, Zack, and Sora all witnessed what happened. Zack couldn't help but comment, "That was actually a pretty good plan."
"Yeah," Wanda nodded in agreement, "Now, it's just him and Xehanort." She then handed Sora to Zack as she told the former, "Stay with Zack. I'm going to help them."
Hades continued looking dumbfounded as Spidey continued mocking him, "Sucker!"
Hades glared at both Spider-Man and Hercules, he was about to attack them yet again, when he was stuck in the back by Wanda's hexes. Hades groaned before glaring at her as she glared back with her hands glowing red. The two Heroes and Hercules surrounded him on all sides. Hades burst into flames trying to destroy all three of his enemies in the arena, "BURN!"
They avoided the flames as Wanda blasted him with another hex, stopping the villain's attack. Spider-Man and Hercules then began throwing punches at Herc's evil Uncle. The crowd cheered them as Hades grunted in pain from every punch. Hades's eyes narrowed in anger before bursting into flames again as the three pulled back. Herc's eyes widened, "We're actually hurting him. How are we hurting him?"
"If I had to guess," Spider-Man assumed, "He's probably strongest in the Underworld, it's why he brought in Hydra for backup. Up here, he's robbed of that advantage."
"He may be immortal," Wanda smirked, "But that doesn't mean he can't be beaten."
Hercules's eyes narrowed with determination, "Then let's win this thing!"
Phil cheered on his pupil, "Atta boy, champ! Send that loser back to the Underworld where he belongs!"
Zack also cheered, "You three got this!"
Hades's eyes narrowed at the three of them, Hercules in particular, "YOU CAN'T STOP THIS! I PUT YEARS INTO MY PLANS TO OVERTHROW YOUR OLD MAN AND I WON'T LET YOU RUIN THEM!"
"I don't know what you have against my father or me, but now," Herc then vowed, "Whatever it is you are planning when I become a True Hero, I'll never let you win!"
Hades then growled loudly as he prepared for his next attack. Sora cheered on the three, "Avengers Assemble!"
The Lord of the Dead blasted fire at the three of them as Wanda blasted him with her powers. The two powerhouses clashed against one another, each one trying to overpower the other. Wanda's eyes narrowed with determination and pushed harder. All of a sudden, the Omega Mutant's powers prevailed overpowering Hades, and knocking him back. While he was stunned, Spider-Man and Hercules moved in. The forming blinded him with his webbing, making him struggle to remove it from his eyes. Spidey then gave Herc a boost and threw him Hades. The hero-in-training reared his fist back as he finally removed the webbing. His eyes widened seeing Hercules. He could see his nephew coming throwing a fist, but before he even got a chance to avoid it, the fist made contact with his face. The punch landed so hard it knocked Hades flying separating something of him. The crack in reality. This one was much bigger than the one they used in Traverse Town.
Hades groaned as he slowly picked himself up before his eyes narrowed as he vowed, "This... isn't... over..."
He then vanished from the arena. With the Hydra dead and Hades gone. Scarlet Witch and Spider-Man were champions of the Games. The crowds cheered for them as Phil, Zack, and Sora joined them. The boy ran up to the two Avengers, "You did it! You beat them!"
Wanda giggled as she pulled Sora into a hug. Spider-Man turned to Zack, "What about Xehanort?'
Zack then pointed over where the Hydra last stood, "Over there!"
The seven turned to the dark Keyblade Wielder, who was slowly clapping for them, "Well, done. You survived our first clash. I should have known the 'Lord of the Underworld' wouldn't be able to pull this off. However, this war for Sora's destiny... has only just begun."
He then vanished through a Corridor of Darkness leaving them be... for now. They then turned to the crack in reality. Herc then assumed, "So, this thing is responsible for all the new monsters?"
"And it's our path forward," Wanda confirmed as she turned to Phil, "Do you have it?"
The trainer of heroes handed them the backpack full of Reality Orbs, "You sure these things will close that thing?"
"Only one way to find out," Peter admitted before turning to their new friends, "But this also means goodbye, we've got to keep moving and close these things until Sora's safely back home."
"Is there anything we can do to help," Zack asked two of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
Spider-Man nodded, "Keep training. Even with Hades defeated and even if we do stop Xehanort, I'll have no doubt they'll be back to try again. The world needs new heroes like you if they're going to be stopped."
Zack and Herc smiled and nodded to them. Phil then turned to the two Avengers, "Well, before you leave. There's one more thing before you go." They turned to satyr confused before he handed them a large trophy, "Here. You both earned this."
"Hey, that's right!" Zack realized, "You two are the champs!"
Peter took the trophy and stared at it, as the crowd cheered and threw flowers and confetti at them. Sora stared in awe as Peter decided to hand over the trophy to Hercules, "Hold on to this for us will you?"
Herc blinked in shock, "Wha... me?"
"Yeah, I don't really see myself carrying this empty cup everywhere during the journey home," Peter smirked under his mask, "This little guy's a handful enough as it is. Besides, this is just as much your victory as it is ours."
"Wow," Herc accepted the trophy as he rubbed the back of his head, "I-I don't know what to say?"
"Oh, and here's some advice for the two of you," Spider-Man told the two heroes in training, "Remember, being a hero isn't about fame or fortune. I learned that the hard way long ago, don't ever make the same mistake I did. Remember these words, with great power, comes great responsibility."
Wanda turned to Peter in shock and amazement at this understanding. Herc looked into the eyes behind Peter's mask before nodding. Zack did the same. Herc added, "So, think you three will come back to visit?"
"Of course," Wanda smiled, "Maybe we can bring some of our other friends within the Avengers next time, and Sora will probably be in need of training to be a hero himself."
"Hey, when the kid is big enough and Herc becomes a full-grown hero," Phil smiled, "I'd be happy to take him on."
Sora beamed, "Really?"
Phil nodded as Herc smiled, "Let's both grow into the heroes that will always stand up to people like Hades and Xehanort."
The two young heroes smiled as they locked hands, unknowingly would be doing it again in the distant future when they both start making a name for themselves, after letting go. Zack waved to Sora, "See you later!"
As they said their goodbyes as they turned to face the crack. Peter picked up one of the Reality Orbs that the wizard, Merlin, gave to them and tossed in the crack. The crake light of brightly from the power of the orb. Before it began to close, Wanda began to use her power as Merlin showed her into the crack. Her power spread to herself, Spider-Man, and Sora before they walked through the portal before they vanished from the eyes of the others. The crack sealed itself as the crowd continued to cheer. Herc stared at the trophy proudly, as he sang to himself, "I am on my way~"
"I can go the distance~" He sang after everyone had left to train for the next games, "I don't care how far~ Somehow I'll be strong~"
Phil continued to drill the routine of what it took to be a hero into his head as Herc continued, "I know every mile~ Will be worth my while~ I will go almost anywhere to find where I belong~"
He briefly took to Mount Olympus as he recalled what he learned from all his new friends, "When I go the distance I'll be right! Where! I! Beeeeelooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnngggggggg~"
Zack smirked as he watched his friend train to be a hero and he began thinking of ideas of how he was going to train to be a hero as well...
Meanwhile, in the Underworld, Hades growled at the image of Hercules on his table, "I can't believe that little sunspot of Zeus is still around!" He then pointed an accusing finger at Pain and Panic, who were shivering with fear, "And it's because you two not only didn't finish the job but you also kept quiet about it for all these years!"
They narrowly avoided the blast of fire coming from Hades before he calmed himself down. He sighed, "Okay, okay... there's still plenty of time before the planet's alignment, I just need to find the perfect monster to destroy him. He can't win every battle."
Just then a Corridor of Darkness opened in the Underworld, he groaned, "Oh, now what?!"
From the dark portal, a horn-cloaked woman exited the portal holding a staff on her side and a large cat came in beside her. The woman smirked, "Greetings, Hades. I am Maleficent. I believe I have a solution that should benefit us both. If we succeed, this world will not just be ours for the taking but every world in existence."
Hades's raised an eyebrow with interest, "Go on. I'm listening."
Maleficent smirked as she began to explain her plan to the Greek god of the Underworld...
Notes:
And that will conclude today's chapter. Okay, that chapter was much shorter and easier to write than my take on Olympus Coliseum. Did you like all the nods in this chapter? Did you notice the references to the future Kingdom Hearts games? I'm sure you at least know about how Hades ends up in Maleficent's group in KH1.
Well, that's one big crack in reality down and five to go before they reach their own world. But what of the heroes on Earth? What have they been up to since Spidey and Wanda ended up here? I might show a little of that in the next chapter.
As for the preview of the next chapter; our heroes enter the next world but everything seems so big compared to their size. The size of mice for that matter but their journey will become a whole lot bigger as they take on this world's greatest criminal mind with the help of this worlds greatest detective but will be enough to stop what the rat's cooking up. With Xehanort's help with the Heartless? Stay tuned. I hope you enjoyed the chapter, be sure to leave a review. Also, if you haven't already be sure to follow and fav. as well. See ya real soon!
Chapter 5: Chapter 4: The Great Mouse Detective
Summary:
After teaming up with a demi-god to defeat Hades and his bloodthirsty hydra, you would think things would go smoothly sailing here, right? WRONG! Now our heroes are in a world based on England and now as small as a mouse. As Wanda's visions of Xehanort are getting stronger and what he wants with the young islander boy remains a mystery, the two meet Dr. Dawson, who was already helping a young girl in need, they turn to the one mouse who can point them in the right direction. Most would say this mouse is the Great Mouse Detective! But can they survive the clash with Basil of Baker Street's arch-nemesis: Professor Ratigan?!
Meanwhile, in an age of Fairy Tales, a man who can see into the future takes notice of the changes in the Book of Prophecies...
Notes:
I don't own Kingdom Hearts or the Avengers. They each belong to Marvel, Disney, and Square Enix. And here we are on the second world of the story. The Great Mouse Detective. I've been wanting this world for quite a while and I do hope Square does bring this world into the cannon even if it's not a numbered sequel. Until then, we've got fanfiction. Also, small spoiler. Unlike the last world, this world will be split into two parts. It's a shorter story anyways, so this way I can update this one a little quicker than some of my others. Also, saw Doctor Strange: Madness of the Multiverse. LOVED IT! I don't want to spoil anything of that movie so, you guys and gals enjoy it yourselves. Now then, just a little note.
Fanfic guest reviews had gone a little crazy on Fanfiction.Net and hoped I would include every villain known in the Marvel Universe, even though I just said we might see a Spider-Man villain or two that could be an obstacle for our heroes. So, I just want to clarify it here, just in case:
Sora, Scarlet Witch, and Spider-Man are the main heroes, Xehanort and the villains of the worlds we visit are the antagonist, and only one or two Spidey villains may show up on the other worlds. Sorry, if that seems repetitive. Just want to make sure everyone's on the same page. Just some of the reviews were just nuts, one even suggested I make Riku evil even though at this point in time is only 5...
Yeah, I didn't like that idea either. Just seems wrong to me. Okay, with that out of the way, let's finally dive into this chapter...
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 4: The Great Mouse Detective
Many years had passed since Xehanort and Eraqus passed the Mark of Mastery. The two young pupils were now each powerful Keyblade Masters. Each in their own right. While Master Eraqus took great honor in taking the role of the Guardian with his Master Keeper Keyblade. Master Xehanort took the role of the Seeker as he continued searching for answers. One day, he believed he found the solution and confronted his old friend about it. After a long discussion, Eraqus stopped right before Xehanort left the Land of Departure, "Wait, Xehanort. There is a reason the precepts bar us from such knowledge. Why do you seek the X-blade? Would you blanket all the worlds in darkness, reduce them to nothing?!"
"But darkness did cover the world once, in legend. We know so little about the Keyblade War... only that it was just the beginning. Amidst that crisis, a precious light was found," Xehanort recalled from his years of studying, "It is a curious tale-and one worth exploring. They say ruin brings about creation. So what, then, would another Keyblade War bring? When the darkness falls, will we be found worthy of the precious light the legend speaks of? I must have these answers!" The once youthful and hopeful young man was replaced by a bald elder man as he declared, "The X-blade needs to be forged, and with it, the door to the Keyblade War unlocked!"
"Fool...," Earqus's eyes narrowed, he could have forgiven for many of the mistakes he made in the past years but this? This couldn't be allowed to happen, "You would risk an apocalypse out of sheer curiosity? I will never allow it, Xehanort. Not while I live!"
"But once again you have it all wrong, Eraqus. Darkness is a beginning, you see, not an end," The older man told his old friend, "At birth, every one of us emerges from darkness into a world of light, do we not?"
The Guardian denied that statement, "Poetic excuses!" Xehanort knowing there was no way to convince Earqus of his plans had merit, he began to walk away from his old friend. However, the Guardian of Light wasn't going to let him leave so easily after learning what he was planning to do, "If words won't dissuade you, only one thing will."
Master Earqus summoned his Keyblade to his side and charge in after him. He couldn't allow him to leave. Unfortunately, Xehanort summons his No Name Keyblade, the eldest Keyblade in existence, and fired two blasts of darkness at the unexpected Keyblade Master, hitting him in the face and causing him to collapse. Master Xehanort, with a dark aura, approaches the fallen Master Eraqus, now on his knees. Feeling the dark power that would literally scare him for life, "That power... Has the darkness taken you, Xehanort?"
The Keyblade Master then turned to leave, no longer believing his old friend to be a threat at the moment, "Not your concern."
Time had passed again, and Xehanort had taken an apprentice named Ventus as he believed the boy had ties to the ancient Keyblade War. He could be the very person he needed to forge the X-blade. During one attempt to forge the ancient weapon, in the Badlands of the Keyblade Graveyard, Ventus was surrounded by NeoShadow Heartless. He held his Wayward Wind Keyblade as the monsters surrounded him, he looked up to his master with a pleading voice, "Please don't do this, Master! I'm not strong enough!
Master Xehanort stood on higher ground as he watched his plan go into fruition, "No. It is because you are trying to hold it in. Let the dark impulses waken in the pit of your heart. Release them, here and now! Sharpen your fear into rage!" More and more Heartless surrounded the worried boy, "You must! If you do not let the storm within you run its course, it will wipe you from the face of the world, make no mistake! Do it! Embrace the darkness! Produce for your Master the X-blade!"
However, he did not get the results he wanted. Ven didn't give in to the darkness even with his life at risk. After Ven was defeated by the creatures from the Realm of Darkness, Xehanort had no choice but the call the Heartless back before he lost the boy altogether. The Dark Seeker approached him with disappointment in his eyes, "Really? You would rather die than use the power? Feckless neophyte." He then used his foot to lie Ventus on his back, "If I must... I will extract the darkness from within you myself."
He summoned his weapon before aiming it over Ventus's chest. A beam of light struck Ven, causing him to gasp in pain before the darkness in his heart had been extracted. As the part half of the boy's heart floated in the air, more darkness surrounded it before creating a body for it. It took shape as a faceless boy, who stood before his dark master. Master Xehanort gazed upon him before declaring, "Empty creature from Ventus riven...to you, the name Vanitas shall be given."
The new being, Vanitas bowed his head in response, "Yes, Master."
For the first time in forever, Xehanort, wearing the black coat that he wore so long ago, returned to the islands where he was born, with the sleeping body of Ventus wrapped in a white blanket. He had hoped young Ventus would clash with his dark counterpart to forge the X-blade. Unfortunately, the process left Ven in a comatose state with his broken heart of pure light slowly fading out. He ultimately thought it was best for the boy to live out his days on this world. He gently lied him on a paopu fruit tree, "There, you see? An empty world, like a prison. I imagine you'll be right at home."
He then began to turn to leave, to think of a new plan. He was getting old and he needed to find a new solution to reforge the weapon soon. Just then, much to his shock, Ventus raised his arm and summoned his weapon, "Ah, a Keyblade!"
Light swirled around the end of the blade and fired a beam of light into the evening sky. As the boy seemed to recover from his comatose state, with no memory of his past, Xehanort smirked. He believed it was time he visited his old friend once again...
Wanda found herself panting yet again after journeying to the next world. She whispered to herself, "Keyblade War? Keyblade? Those boys? Just what does it all mean?"
"Wanda?" She turned to face a concerned Spider-Man and an equally concerned Sora. The former couldn't help but ask, "What were you saying?"
"I-I'll explain later," She reassured him as the part-time Avenger helped her up. Her eyes then gazed at the foggy streets and giant buildings around them. The Scarlet Witch couldn't help but wonder, "Now where are we? And why are the buildings so huge?"
"You know," Peter couldn't help but speak up, "But this place is kinda familiar?"
Wanda turned to him, "Have you seen the film based on this world?"
"Not sure," Peter admitted before looking above, "I'm going to check out this city from a spider's view to get a better idea of where we are."
She nodded as she would make sure she stick with Sora in case Xehanort or the Heartless try anything. Spidey was about to fire a web line to swing on before nothing came out. His eyes widened under his mask, "Wha...?!" He then tried the other one only to get the same result, "Oh no! I must have used the rest of my web fluid on Hades and the Hydra."
"Web fluid?" Wanda wondered, "You mean your webs do not come naturally?"
"Would save me a whole lot of money, if I could," Peter admitted before rolling down his sleeve to reveal a sliver device on his arm, "I make web fluid and store it in small pressurized containers then load it into these web-shooters I built."
Wanda blinked in shock and amazement as she went to observe them, "You made these?"
"Uh... yeah..." Peter blushed slightly as the daughter of Magento was closer to examine his web shooters. He went on to explain, "The web fluid was originally a formula that my father worked on, but he never finished. I studied his work and was able to perfect it and use it to my advantage. The trigger is this sensitive electrode located here in my palm. It requires exact pressure from these two fingers so I don't accidentally activate it when I make a fist or grab something."
The gorgeous woman continued to admire the craftsmanship of his web-shooters, "Incredible..."
Sora then approached the two heroes, before he asked the New Yorker, "Can't you make more of the web stuff if you're out?"
"I could," Peter turned to the boy, "But the thing is, is that I would need a lab and the chemicals needed to make it. I just hope this world has someone who can provide both."
Wanda finally realized how close she was to Peter before backing away lightly blushing, "Sorry... I just wanted to get a better look..."
Spider-Man lightly chuckled as the rubbed the back of his mask, while Sora stared at them, confused about what was going on. Just then, a new voice spoke up, "Excuse me, sir and ma'am? You two wouldn't by any chance know a Basil of Baker Street?"
Both heroes blinked before turning around to see a human-sized mouse about only slightly shorter and with him was a small-sized child mouse. The older own blinked in shock, "Oh my... Please don't take this the wrong way but... I've never seen mice like you before."
Wanda and Peter blinked in shock, as they whispered in shock, "Mice?"
Sora tilted his head just as confused. Spider-Man thought about what the older mouse the name he just called them. He also recognized his appearance, he remembered which film both the mice were from. Now knowing where they were and why they were small. Wanda turned to him in realization, "Wait, they're mice and they think we're...?"
"I think I know which movie we're in," Spidey whispered to her, "Just follow my lead." She nodded in agreement, as Spider-Man turned back to the old mouse, "No offense taken, anyway, we were just looking for him ourselves. Mr..."
"Ah, I never introduced myself," The mouse smiled kindly, "My name is Dr. David Q. Dawson. I just arrived in London after lengthy service in Afghanistan, when I found Miss Flaversham. Someone had kidnapped her father and Mr. Basil might be the only one who can find him."
"Oh, the poor thing," Wanda's eyes widened in horror, "Sora's friends and family were also taken by monsters taking orders from a ma..." She stoppers herself before adding, "...mouse in a black coat."
Dawson gasped in shock, "Goodness me! You don't think they're connected, do you?"
"Guess that means we need to find this Basil quickly if they are linked," Spider-Man replied, "Unfortunately, we're new in town, so we don't know where Baker Street is."
"Fortunately, I do," Dawson smiled, "I can get us all there..." He then paused, "I'm terribly sorry but I don't believe I ever got your names..."
"I'm... Wanda Maximoff," The Scarlet Witch introduced herself before gesturing to Spider-Man, "And this is..."
She stopped herself as she wasn't sure how to answer. She couldn't say Spider-Man, without raising eyebrows and she couldn't say Peter Parker either because she promised she wouldn't say his secret identity. Peter thankfully came up with a solution, "Friends call me, Spidey. It's good to meet you, Dr. Dawson."
"Likewise," Dawson nodded before gesturing to the path ahead of them, "Baker Street is this way. Follow me."
With that, the two Avengers and Sora followed Dawson and the little girl...
Mousedom
Sometime later, Wanda ended up carrying Sora who had fallen asleep on their journey to Baker Street. As they followed the doctor, Wanda turned to Peter and whispered to him, "Okay, so where are we really? I know he said London but..."
"This world resembles a movie that I've seen when I was younger," Peter admitted, "It was called, 'The Great Mouse Detective.' In short, Basil is a mouse version of Sherlock Homes."
"Oh," Wanda smiled at the last bit, "I've read those books, that means Dawson is a version of Dr. Watson."
"Pretty much," Spider-Man nodded.
The Scarlet Witch smiled, "I do love a good mystery. But why are we going to this Basil? To help the girl?"
"That's part of the reason," Peter admitted before reminding her, "Remember, back in the Coliseum, where Xehanort turned to Hades for help getting Sora?"
"Don't remind me," Wanda groaned as she turned to the sleeping boy, "I almost had a heart attack when he got too close to Sora."
"Yeah, that's the thing," Peter pointed out, "Hades could have just ended him on the spot, even before Hercules could reach him but he didn't."
Wanda blinked at Peter in shock, "You think he wants him alive?"
"He has to," Peter admitted, "But why? I don't know. Basil might be able to figure it out or at least find us a vital clue that could be the key to all of this. Uh, no pun intended."
Wanda thought to herself, thinking of what she saw in her last vision, "Could it be related to the Keyblade War?"
Peter turned to her, "What was that?"
Wanda blinked realizing she said it out loud. She never told him of the visions she's had of Xehanort. She owed him an explanation if they were going to keep Sora safe. She turned to him to explain what's been happening, "Well, you see..."
"We're here," Dawson told the two heroes. They turned to face the door to what was presumedly where Basil was staying.
She turned to him, "I'll explain later."
He nodded as they turned to face the mouse-sized door, which just happened to be by 221B Baker Street. Dawson turned to the two Avengers, "Well, I suppose we should knock."
The doctor knocked on the door, and after a moment, a female mouse, clearly the maid, opened the door, her arms loaded down with clothes and books.
"Ah, good evening, madam" Dawson removed his hat courteously "Is this the residence of Basil of Baker Street?"
"I'm afraid it is," She answered opening the door wider allowing them to come inside, "He's not here at the moment but you're all free to come in and wait."
"Oh, I-I don't want to impose. It's just…" He then gestured to the sleeping Sora and little mouse girl, "...these children."
However, that's when they realized the only one who was awake was nowhere at their side. All the adults turned to see, that young Flaversham was sitting by the fire, playing with a magnifying glass.
The maid thrust her load into the unexpected Spidey's arms, gestured to Scarlet Witch to bring the boy inside, and rushes to the girl's side, "Oh my! You poor things! You must be chilled to the bone!" The maid's eyes lit up as she removed the girl's hat and scarf, "Oh, but I know just the thing. Let me fetch you both a pot of tea and some of my fresh cheese crumpets."
As the maid ran off to do so, Wanda smiled with apperception, "Thank you." Sora yawned as he slowly woke up, she apologized, "Sorry for disturbing you, sweetie, but we're here."
Sora then took notice of everything around them as he and the girl stared with awe, "Wow!"
Spider-Man gently set the everything that the maid handed him to aid the children down safely to the side as well as their backpack with the Reality Orbs. As Dawson hung up his coat, he and Wanda couldn't help but notice all the unorthodox technology around the room as well. Some were used to gather and analyze evidence or simply to heat up his pipe. Wanda turned to Spider-Man, "You sure he'll be able to help us?"
"Yeah," Peter nodded, "From what I've... heard, he always manages to get results."
At that moment, another voice, its tone triumphant, cut in.
"Aha! The villain's slipped this time! I shall have him!"
The door burst open to reveal a fat white mouse dressed in Chinese robes, a revolver in hand, and a crazed look in his eyes. Dawson gasped, while Wanda immediately went on the defensive, before Spidey stopped her, "It's okay."
She turned to him dumbfounded, as the mouse dashed into the room. He shouted, "Out of my way! Out of my way!"
He tossed his hat aside, landing on Sora's head. He turned to the mouse girl confused, who simply shrugged in response. Wanda turned to the newcomer into the room, "Wha-just who are you?"
Finally taking notice of the other people in the room, "What? Oh!" He then grabbed his face before revealing himself to be wearing a mask. Underneath was a slender brown mouse, "Basil of Baker Street, my good madame."
Basil just smirked at the group's confused looks as he pulled a cord inside his robe, deflating it and revealing himself to be wearing a fat suit. Olivia eagerly approached him.
"Mr. Basil, I need your help-"
"All in good time," Basil replied, clearly not listening to her as he approached a house robe hanging on the wall by a dart, removing it and putting on the robe before scoring a perfect bullseye on the dartboard.
"But you don't understand!" Olivia pleaded. "I'm in terrible trouble!"
"If you'll excuse me." Basil said flippantly as he walked past everyone as if they weren't there.
"Excuse me, sir," Wanda then tried to get his attention, "We've come a long way to ask for your..." However he simply walked past her as if she wasn't even there, her eyes narrowed in annoyance, "...assistance."
"Now see here!" Dawson glared at the mouse detective, "These young ones are in need of assistance! I think you ought to-"
"Will you hold this please, Doctor?" Basil interrupted, handing him the gun.
"Of course," Dawson said, taking the gun, and then jumped when he realized he was aiming the revolver at himself. He quickly held it out at arm's length until Basil retrieved it. He then couldn't help but wonder, "Ah, wait just a moment. How did you know I was a doctor?"
"A surgeon, to be exact," Basil went on as he loaded a bullet into the gun, "Just returned from military duty in Afghanistan. Am I right?"
Dawson chuckled, "Why, yes. Major David Q. Dawson. But how could you possibly-"
"Quite simple, really," Basil said, holding up Dawson's arm to reveal a stitch mark on his coat sleeve. "You've sewn your torn cuff together with the Lembert stitch, which of course, only a surgeon uses." He continued speaking as he gathered several pillows. "And the thread is a unique form of catgut distinguished by its peculiar pungency found only in the Afghan provinces."
He tossed the pillows one by one at Dawson, who caught them all, who couldn't help but be impressed, "Amazing!"
Even Wanda couldn't help but be impressed by the detective's quick conclusion. Basil then aimed his guns at the pillows, "Actually, it's elementary, my dear Dawson."
The daughter of Magento couldn't help but smile at the similarities between this mouse and the protagonist from the books she read of his human counterpart. At least, until she realized what he was about to do. She quickly warned Dawson, "Um... Doctor? You might want to..."
Coming to the same conclusion as she did, his eyes widened in horror, "I believe you may be right, madame."
He quickly threw the pillows onto the armchair, as he took cover. Wanda grabbed the children as she did as well. Spider-Man simply stepped aside to avoid the shot. Basil fired the gun, and the pillows exploded into a cloud of feathers as the others cautiously peaked out.
The Scarlet Witch turned to the children, "You two okay?"
The children, both human and mouse, nodded as they watched the feathers fall from above. The door to the kitchen burst open, and the maid came in, gasping at the sight of all the pillow feathers.
"My good pillows!" She shrieked, before glaring at Basil, who was still rummaging around in the chair. "Mr. Basil!" The detective stood up from the chair as the maid stomped over to him, furious, "How many times have I told you not to..."
"There, there, Mrs. Judson. It's quite all right," Basil raised a hand to silence her before sniffing the air, "I believe I smell some of those delightful cheese crumpets of yours. Why don't you fetch our guests some? Both to the ones of this world or the ones just visiting?"
Ignoring Mrs. Judson's protests, Basil gently pushed her over to the kitchen door, shutting it behind her. Dawson couldn't help but comment, "This world? Visiting? What on Earth do you mean by that?"
Basil gestured to the Scarlet Witch, Spider-Man, and Sora, "You see, these three come from a world outside our one. If you look at them closely, they're no mice, and are way too small to be human from this world."
As he looked around on the floor, he gestured to the adults, "Gathering from their outfits, and body build, they use their superhuman abilities, to defend their world." Wanda and Peter blinked in shock while gesturing to Sora, "And this young man was born on islands with rare fruit, must be or will be more likely to be the Key Bearer. Chosen warriors of the Keyblade to defend the light of the world from darkness. While most are long gone, it would appear they are due to return."
Everyone in the room blinked at that, Basil managed to figure it out so quickly. Dawson turned to the three, "Is that true?"
"Honestly," Spider-Man admitted, "I don't think you would have believed us if we told you when we met."
"Incredible," Dawson gasped in amazement, "Both you and Basil..."
"As I've said," Basil smiled as he continued to search for the bullet, "It's elementary, my dear Dawson." He then turned his attention back to finding the bullet he fired, "Now then, I know that bullet's here somewhere." He continued searching for it when it was revealed that the little girl had already found it and handed it over to him, he grudgingly took it, "Thank you, Miss…"
"Flaversham," She introduced herself with a smile, "Olivia Flaversham."
"Whatever," Basil said rudely, approaching a table with a microscope on it.
Olivia tried to speak up to him, "Yes but you don't understand..."
Basil shushed her yet again as he observed the two bullets under the microscope. Everyone gathered around the great mouse detective curious about what he was up to. Spider-Man had a general idea, but since Hercules's world didn't quite follow the movie plot, he didn't want to say anything... if Basil even allowed him to anyway.
He comments quietly and happily at the first two readings. But from the third direction, the markings go off in separate directions.
"NOOOOOOO! Drat!" He exclaimed before falling into a state of depression, "Another dead end."
Feeling dejected Basil tossed the extra bullet aside and slowly walks over to his chair leaving the others confused, "He was within my grasp!"
He slunk into his chair and slowly reaches for his violin. As Basil plays a dreary mournful tune, as Wanda turned to Spider-Man as she whispered, "Do you know what that was all about?"
"Possibly," Spider-Man admitted, "But I could not say for sure."
She nodded in understanding as the little girl approached Basil, hoping she finally had a moment of his time, "Now will you please listen to me? My daddy's gone and I'm all alone."
Basil stopped playing for a moment and looked at Olivia. "Young lady, this is a most inopportune time," he said sadly before resuming his playing. After a moment, he looked at Olivia again and decided to humor her, "Surely, your mother knows where he is."
Olivia's face fell, "I... don't have a mother."
Everyone winced at that, even Basil who briefly went off-key because of it. He turned his attention back to her, "Umm... well... um... well, then perhaps..." Basil stammered uncertainly, before regaining his thunder. Turning his back on her before crossing his arms, "Now, see here! I simply have no time for lost fathers!"
"I didn't lose him!" Olivia was so annoyed, and put her hands on her hips, "He was taken by a bat!"
Basil's eyes widened in shock before turning back to the girl, now fully interested, "Did you say... bat?" Olivia nodded, then he asked, "Did he have a crippled wing?"
"I don't know," Olivia replied. "But he had a peg leg!"
"Aha!" He exclaimed, standing up in his chair, his arms spread wide.
The Scarlet Witch turned to the mouse detective in shock, "Wait! You don't say you actually know that thug!"
"Know him?" Basil replied, sitting atop his chair. "That bat, one Fidget by name, is in the employ of the fiend who was the very target of my experiment! The horror of my every waking moment. The nefarious Professor Padraic Ratigan!"
Basil pointed the bow of his violin to his fireplace, where the photo of a well-dressed rat with a sinister grin on his face sat on the mantle frame. As if on cue, the flames in the fireplace burst, and lightning struck.
Dawson looked at Basil, "Ratigan?"
Basil leaned over the top of his chair. "He's a genius, Dawson. A genius... twisted for evil. The Napoleon of Crime!"
As he spoke, Basil moved from location to location around the room to accentuate his speech, starting at the top of his chair, then ducking down and reappearing at the side, then popping out in front. Dawson asked, "As bad as all that, eh?"
"Worse!" came Basil's voice from behind them, startling everyone, who turned around to see Basil on the stairs, poking his head through the banister. Sora slightly scared clung to Wanda's leg, she knelt down to comfort him as the detective continued, "For years, I've tried to capture him and I've come close... so very close. But each time, he's narrowly evaded my grasp."
He stole a glare at Ratigan's photo, "Not a corner of London's safe while Ratigan's at large. There's no evil scheme he wouldn't concoct! No depravity he wouldn't commit! Who knows what dastardly scheme that villain may be plotting even as we speak..."
Meanwhile, deep within the sewers of London sat a large barrel on its side, with an iron-barred door as the entrance to this makeshift building.
Inside the barrel sat a tall mouse with a red mustache, controlling a robot at a podium as the robot poured tea into a cup. It was Hiram Flaversham, Olivia's father. And standing at the door, monitoring his progress, was Professor Ratigan himself, smoking a cigarette in a golden holder.
"Quite an ingenious scheme, eh, Flaversham?" Ratigan chuckled, his voice oily and gentleman-like, "And aren't you proud to be a part of it?"
Hiram shook his head, even as he worked the controls to the robot, getting it to pour a spoonful of sugar into a teacup and stir.
"This whole thing," Hiram stared at his creation in horror, "It's... monstrous!"
Ratigan shrugged, "We will have our device ready by tomorrow evening, won't we? You know what will happen if you... fail, don't you?"
As he finished his sentence, Ratigan drew a small golden bell from his coat pocket and rang it once. Hiram recoiled briefly, but it quickly turned to anger, "I... I don't CARE!"
With that, he jerked hard on the controls, making the robot dump the cup of tea on its own head. The robot then seized the teapot and dumped its contents on itself before throwing it at Ratigan, who just barely managed to dodge the projectile.
After flailing around for a minute, the robot stopped, squirting oil onto Ratigan, who scowled at the stain on his coat.
Hiram glared at Ratigan defiantly, "You can do whatever you want with me, Ratigan! But I won't be a part of this... evil any longer!"
Under normal circumstances, the criminal mastermind would have lost it, but he wasn't worried. A 'mouse' like himself was anything but not prepared in his defiance, "Very well. If that is your decision... Oh, by the way, I'm taking the liberty of having your daughter brought here."
With that, he grabbed a small toy shaped like a rosebud and started winding the key on it. Hiram froze as he saw the toy, his daughter's birthday present. "Olivia?"
Ratigan nodded as he finished winding the toy and set it on the counter, the bud opening up to reveal a mouse ballerina that started to dance, playing a small tune as the villain turned at him with mock sympathy, "Yes, I would spend many a sleepless night if anything... unfortunate were to befall her."
Hiram gasped in horror, "No... you wouldn't?!"
"Are you so certain of that?" Ratigan asked as he grabbed the doll in his hands. With a maniacal look on his face, he squeezed the doll in his fist until its head popped off with a loud boing. After gazing at the doll in mock sorrow, he threw it down on the table and glared at Hiram, "Now finish it, Flaversham, or else!"
With a heavy heart, Hiram went back to work on the robot as Ratigan exited the cell, closing and locking it behind him, humming to himself as he held a list in his hands, "Oh, I do love it when I'm nasty."
He then turned to another marked barrel with the letter R on it, where, hanging from the faucet, slept a bat with a peg leg, none other than Fidget. He called out to him, "Fidget?"
When he didn't get a response, Ratigan approached him and yelled in his ear, "FIDGET!"
Startled, Fidget fell from his perch and rolled down the stairs to land at Ratigan's feet.
"Bright and alert as always," Ratigan stated sarcastically, handing him the list, "Here's the list. You know what to do, and no mistakes!"
"No, no," Fidget said, shaking his head. "No mistakes, sir." He quickly looked over the list. "Tools, gears, girl, uniforms-"
"NOW, Fidget!" Ratigan yelled impatiently from the doorway.
Fidget jumped. "I'm going, I'm going! I'm going!" With that, he scampered over to a drain grate, lifted it up, and disappeared below. When Ratigan thought he was alone a new voice spoke up, "Good help is so hard to find these days."
Ratigan turned around as a corridor of darkness opened allowing Xehanort to enter the lair of this world's greatest criminal mind. The young villain smirked, "Wouldn't you agree?"
Ratigan raised an eyebrow, "Who invited you in?"
The evil professor knew all criminals both his goons and his rivals, and he would have most certainly remembered a mouse that closely resembled a human. Xehanort smirked, "I invited myself. And I've come to bargain but first a gift for you."
Ratigan raised an eyebrow with somewhat interest, "A gift, you say? Alright, you pulled my tail, what is it?"
He figured if he didn't like the gift or whatever bargain this stranger had to offer, he could always feed him to his pet. The man in a black coat then pulled out, a crack in reality, and waved it over to Ratigan. Suddenly, much to the villain's surprise, it merged with him. Not long after, Heartless rose from the ground, the criminal mastermind gasped, "What is this?"
"The Heartless. Creatures born of the darkness within people's hearts," Xehanort answered, "And they are yours to command."
Ratigan raised a hand before gesturing where they should go, and the monsters wherever he commanded. He began to smirk, "Oh, I love them! I love them!" He then turned his attention to Xehanort, "Now, then what can I do you for you, Mr..."
"Xehanort," The Seeker of Darkness introduced himself before telling him, "And what if I told you that there are other worlds outside your own?"
Ratigan was most certainly intrigued, "I'm listening."
"I could show you how to traverse to them and show you how to conquer all of the worlds under your rule," Xehanort offered, making the sewer rat laugh with glee.
"Oh, I do love the sound of that," The villain admitted with a smirk, "And what would you like in exchange?"
"I have my own plans for the worlds and there's this boy who is needed for my plans to come into formation," Xehanort admitted, "Although, managed to get powerful allies. Heroes."
"Ah, yes, the bane of our existence," Ratigan scowled rubbing his eyebrows, "Heroes are so annoying." He could already think of one second-rate detective that always interfered with his nefarious plans. He then turned his attention to him, "Let me guess, you wish for me to get this boy for you."
"Yes, alive," Xehanort nodded, "You may do whatever to his guardians, but I need the boy."
"Prey tell," The villain of this world rubbed his hands together, "What could possibly need from such a small boy."
After a moment of thinking to himself, Xehanort smirked, "Very well, I'll assume you, but this stays between the two of us."
Ratigan lifted an ear as Xehanort whispered the plans he had for this boy. As the seeker of darkness explained the details, Ratigan's grin grew wider and wider, "Yes, yes... Oh, I love it! I LOVE IT!"
"Alright, you've got yourself a deal," Ratigan shook hand with the fellow villain, "I see this as the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
Later on, Ragtian, who was in a very happy mood, rounded up his goons. He approached the throne on the far end of the barrel, his men cheering him on. Ratigan sat down and held out his cigarette, to which several of his men offered lit matches. Ratigan lit his cigarette and inhaled, blowing out several rings of smoke.
"My friends," The crime lord declared, "We are about to embark on the most odious, the most evil, the most diabolical scheme of my illustrious career! A crime to top all crimes! A crime that will live in infamy!"
Most of his men are cheered at this bit of news, save one mouse, Bartholomew, whose attention was focused on his empty mug. He held it upside down and watched sadly as the last drop of beer falls to the floor. Ratigan holds up a newspaper featuring the Queen's picture on the front page, "Tomorrow evening, our beloved monarch celebrates her Diamond Jubilee, and… with the enthusiastic help of our good friend, Mr. Flaversham, and our new business partner, Xehanort, it promises to be a night she will never forget!"
To punctuate his words, Ratigan burned the queen's picture with his cigarette before continuing. "Her last night...and my first, as supreme ruler of all mousedom!"
His men cheered at this as he calmly pins his collar back and smoothes his hair, then saunters down the red carpet as a spotlight shined on him and an evil tune plays.
One of his men hands him his top hat, which he rolls down his arms before putting it on. He gives an evil laugh and began to sing, "From the brain that brought you the Big Ben Caper~ The head that made headlines in every newspaper~"
"And wondrous things like the Tower Bridge Job~ That cunning display that made Londoners sob~" Ratigan danced over to a nearby fountain and pulled on a rope, causing the wine to pour down from a mounted wine bottle and fill the fountain. Bartholomew beamed at the sight, tossed his glass aside, and started drinking it up from the spouts, "Now comes the real tour de force~ Tricky and wicked, of course~ My earlier crimes were fine for their times~ But now that I'm at it again~"
He kicked the small mouse into the fountain before leaning to his henchmen, "An even grimmer plot has been simmering~ In my great criminal brain~"
"Even meaner?" Ratigan goons sang with eagerness, "You mean it? Worse than the widows and orphans you drowned?"
"You're the best of the worst around~" They declared much to Ratigan's pleasure, "Oh, Ratigan~ Oh, Ratigan~ The rest fall behind~To Ratigan~ To Ratigan~ The world's greatest criminal mind~"
Ratigan smirked as he took a seat at the harp and began to play a small tune, "Thank you. Thank you." Then his voice took on a more somber tone, "But it hasn't all been champagne and caviar. I've had my share of adversity, thanks to that miserable second-rate detective, Basil of Baker Street."
Ratigan glared over at a small mouse doll dressed like a detective, impaled in multiple places with needles. Ratigan's henchmen started booing and jeering at the mention of Basil's name. With apparent sorrow, Ratigan covered his eyes with one arm and sunk to his knees. "For years, that insufferable pipsqueak has interfered with my plans. I haven't had a moment's peace of mind."
"Awwwwww," His goons looked to their boss in sympathy. While Bartholomew, now quite drunk, sniffled and began to cry.
At that, Ratigan's mood shifted immediately, going from depressed to excited, "But all that's in the past. This time, nothing, not even Basil, can stand in my way! All will bow before me!"
The henchmen bowed to him before continuing to sing, "Oh, Ratigan~ Oh, Ratigan~ You're tops and that's that~ To Ratigan ~To Ratigan~
As Ratigan took a sip of his glass, the small drunk mouse hiccuped, "To Ratigan, the world's greatest rat~"
With that last lyric, Ratigan spat out his drink as the other criminal gasped in shock and horror. The crime lord turned to whirled around and stomped over to Bartholomew. "What... was... THAT?!"
Bartholomew innocently hiccuped again as Ratigan loomed over him, "What did you call me?!"
"Oh, he didn't mean it, Professor!" One thug spoke frantically in Bartholomew's defense.
"Yeah, it was just a slip of the tongue!" Another added in defense.
Ratigan ignored them and jerked Bartholomew out of the fountain by the back of his sweatshirt, the latter too drunk to even realize what was happening, as the former snarled, "I am not a rat!"
"Of course, you're not!" The second thug insisted, "You're a mouse!"
The first one nodded in agreement, "Yeah, that's right! Right! A mouse!"
"Yeah!" The lizard goon agreed, "A big mouse!"
"SILENCE!" Ratigan bellowed as he bodily threw Bartholomew out the door. Bartholomew rolled as he hit the ground, shaking his head as he sat up.
"Oh, my dear Bartholomew," Ratigan said in mock pity as he descended the stairs, as men stared in horror as they knew the consequences of upsetting him, "I'm afraid you've gone and upset me."
Then his voice took on a more malicious tone as he withdrew the little gold bell from his pocket. "And you know what happens when someone upsets me..."
With that, the thugs gasped as Ratigan rang the bell, and out of the darkness came a morbidly obese beige-furred female cat with a purple bow in her hair. The cat approached the drunk, oblivious Bartholomew, all while the thugs watched in horror as Ratigan calmly smoked his cigarette.
Unaware of the danger, the drunk mouse sang, "Oh, Ratigan~ Oh, Ratigan~ You're the tops and that's that~" The mouse hiccuped even as the cat lifted him up, "To Ratigan~ To Ratigan~ To Ratigan~ the world's greateeeeest-"
Some of the criminals tried to raise their voices to warn him but the cat had already dropped the mouse into her mouth and swallowed him whole with a gulp. With that, the henchmen removed their hats and shred some tears, for the loss of their drunk friend. Ratigan approached the cat, patting her mouth with a napkin, "Oh Felicia, my precious baby," He cooed, hugging the cat, "Did Daddy's little honey bun enjoy her treat?"
Felicia belched in response, as Ratigan recoiled briefly before shrugging and dismissing the cat, "I trust there will be no further interruptions." He calmly returned to the barrel as his henchmen watched him enter, "Now then, as you were singing?"
Singing was clearly the last thing they have on their minds as they huddle close together in fear. But as Ratigan pulls out the bell again, they get their inspiration back, "Even louder~We'll shout it~ No one can doubt what we know you can do~"
Several of his thugs rushed towards him, handing him a robe, a crown, and a diamond topped scepter, "You're more evil than even you~ Oh, Ratigan~ Oh, Ratigan~ You're one of a kind~ To Ratigan ~To Ratigan~"
The Thugs began to use Ratigan's many jewels to form a pyramid. The mouse on the bottom couldn't keep his balance on the pearl, and they all began to tumble. Above, others have been swinging from chandeliers, and one mouse began to fall. Ratigan holds out his robe to catch him, but at the last moment, pulls back, letting the mouse hit the floor. The Thugs dramatically sing the final line of the song, "The world's greatest~ criminal~ miiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnndddddddd~"
As the song ends, they offer one last toast, while Ratigan finishes the rest of his wine with a smirk...
Lightning struck again near Basil's home, as Olivia explained the past events to Basil, Dawson, the two Avengers, and Sora.
Basil looked away for a moment in thought. "This case is most intriguing, with its multiplicity of elements, its many twists, and turns," he turned to Olivia. "Now, are you certain you've told me everything? The slightest detail may be important."
Olivia nodded. "It's just as I said. And then my father was gone."
"So, what do you make of it?" Dawson asked.
Basil puffed on his pipe, pacing. "Ratigan's up to something. A crime of the most sinister nature, no doubt." He then turned to the three off-worlders, "Sinister enough that brought you three here. What brought to our world anyway."
"Well," Wanda answered, "We were following a war criminal when we met Sora. When then met a man in a black coat called Xehanort been using these cracks in reality to summon monsters and descend worlds into darkness. Sora has the spark to wield the Keyblade and we believe he may be after him before he could use it."
Dawson gasped in shock, "Good Lord. What could he possibly gain from all of this?"
"That's the thing, we don't know," Spider-Man answered, "But we think he may want Sora alive for whatever he's planning. We've been trying the fix these cracks to protect the worlds and Sora, but we thought Basil could help us figure out Xehanort's end game."
Blowing his pipe again, Basil asked, "Most intriguing. Tell me, from the worlds you've journeyed so far, did he make any allies on those worlds to aid him."
"Yeah," Wanda answered, "He recruited a Greek myth for backup, in fact, after we defeated Hades, that's where the crack in reality was hidden."
"I thought so," Basil's eyes narrowed, "Xehanort must be using the worst of the worst to protect these cracks and help him find the boy. And I have no doubt he turned his sights to Ratigan, so it'll only be a matter of time before they make a move on Sora."
Wanda comforted the young islander, before wondering, "Then what does this Ratigan want with a toymaker."
The mouse detective hummed in thought when Olivia turned toward the window, and as lightning struck, it illuminated the terrifying visage of Fidget himself, a toothy grin on his face, hanging upside down. Olivia let out a scream of fear, causing the others to turn toward the window and see the villain.
This quickly got the adults' attention noticing the startled villain. Wanda quickly retaliated, blasting the goon with a hex, through the window, and away from the children. Basil dashed towards the door, "Quickly, there's not a moment to lose!"
"W-we're right behind you, Basil," Dawson declared following the great mouse detective.
The two Avengers followed them as well but not before Wanda told Sora, "Sora! You and Olivia stay with Ms. Judson!"
Sora nodded as the Scarlet Witch joined the others outside, ready for a fight. The four quickly came upon the group of Heartless then appeared before them. Dawson gasped in shock, "Oh my! Are these the-?!"
"Let's see. Creepy yellow eyes? Appeared from the shadows?" Spider-Man quipped by doing a check-off, "They're Heartless alright!"
"Let's take them out quickly," Basil declared, "We can't let that bat getaway!"
The four quickly went into their battle stances as they prepared to fight the monsters of darkness. While it was difficult to fight without his webs, Spider-Man made up for it with his own speed strength, and agility.
While the Scarlet Witch, who was never handy-capped, used her powers to deal with the Heartless. Basil's years of crime-fighting and Dawson's time in the military easily kept up with the Avengers against the Heartless. Soon, Spidey kicked away the last one, before looking around, "Okay, now, where's that bat?"
After taking a quick look around, the Fidget was nowhere to be seen making Dawson comment, "No sign of the blackguard anywhere."
"Not quite, Dawson," Basil smirked as he gestured to the ground to some unusual footprints, "He left some rather unusual footprints. They obviously belong to the same fiend who abducted the girl's father: Ratigan's peg-legged lackey."
"Wait," The Scarlet Witch turned to him, "If this creep's a bat, couldn't he have flown off? Why bother running at all when he can fly?"
"Under normal circumstances, his kind would be able to do so, but Fidget has a bad wing," The detective answered, "He can not fly even if his life was at stake."
As the four examined the footprints, Dawson spotted a fallen hat, likely belonging to the kidnapper, which he picked off the ground before getting the detective's attention, "Um... Basil?"
Basil looked over to him, and excitedly swiped the hat out of Dawson's hands, laughing giddily, "Excellent work, old man!"
He dashed back into the house, Wanda turned to Peter, "Um... what's so special about the hat?"
While this world seemed to follow the plot of the original film, he didn't want to make any assumptions, he then leaned to Wanda, "I'll explain later."
She then nodded as the two Avengers and Dawson followed back inside, where the children stood beside the maid. Ms. Judson reassured the two, "Now… there's nothing to be afraid of, little ones."
Just then, Basil rushed through the door with the hat of the criminal in his hands. As Dawson and the other two Avengers followed him, Wanda knelt to the two children, "It's okay. The creep and the monsters are gone."
Basil laughed as he removed his robe, replacing it with a brown jacket he removed from a nearby grandfather clock, "But not for long, Miss Flamhammer."
"Flaversham!" Olivia snapped.
"Whatever," Basil said simply, retrieving a brown Inverness cape from a suit of armor and putting that on as well. "Now, we simply pursue our peg-legged friend until he leads us to the girl's father."
"And then you'll get my daddy back?!" Olivia said excitedly, running over and grabbing Basil in a bear hug. Basil visibly tensed, and then pushed Olivia away.
"Yes," he said curtly. "And quite soon, if I'm not mistaken. Now, come along, Dawson and the rest of you. We must be off to Toby's?"
"Toby's?" Wanda and Dawson turned to Basil in confusion.
"Oh, you must meet him," Basil replied as he placed a deerstalker cap on his head. "He's just the chap for this."
"You want me to come?" Dawson said curiously.
Basil shrugged. "I should think a stout-hearted army mouse like you would leap at the chance for adventure." He then turned to the two Avengers, "As for you two, seeing how well the two of you can hold your own in a fight and the fact, that you're here to stop the monsters and seal the crack anyways, your assistance is most welcome."
Dawson chuckled, "Well, I am rather curious."
"We're in too," Wanda nodded.
Spider-Man lifted a finger before Basil cut him off, "Yes, you may use my chemistry kit to create your webbing for your devices on your wrists."
Peter lowed his finger, not even bother questioning how he managed to figure it out, he just shrugged, "Thank you."
"Do hurry though," Basil smirked at the cap of the criminal, "The game is afoot."
Sora beamed in excitement, "Game?! I wanna play!"
"Wait for me! I'm coming too!" Olivia shouted, dashing over to Basil's chair and snatching her hat and scarf. In the process, she knocked Basil's violin over; Basil dove forward, catching it.
"What?!" He shook his head, setting the violin back on the chair. "Certainly not! This is no business for children."
"Are we going to take a cab?" Olivia said, ignoring his comment as she pocketed several cheese crumpets that Mrs. Judson had left on a tray. Sora took one for himself to nibble on.
Annoyed, Basil placed a hand on his forehead. "My dear, you do not seem to understand. It will be quite dangerous."
As he said "dangerous," Basil sat down in his chair... right on top of his violin. A loud crunch was heard, and Basil gasped as he pulled the ruined instrument out from under him.
Basil spent several seconds furiously gagging on his words. Wanda tried to reassure him, "Calm down. It was just an accident. No one is really to blame here."
The detective managed to compose himself, a large false smile on his face. "Young lady, young man, you two are most definitely not accompanying us, and that. Is. FINAL!"
Wanda sighed before waving her hand as the broken instrument out of Basil's hands much to everyone's shock. She then waved her hand again as the violin repaired itself before returning to its owner. After staring at the repaired string instrument, Dawson gasped, "My word..."
Basil sighed before turning to Wanda, "Thank you, Miss..."
"Maximoff. Wanda Maximoff," She introduced herself before gesturing to Spider-Man, "That's my co-worker, Spider-Man."
As Peter worked on the chemicals for his web shooters, he raised a hand, "Yo!"
Sora finished his cheese crumpet as he then introduced himself, "And I'm Sora."
Dawson turned to them curiously, "So, you and Spider-Man are not married?"
Wanda's face turned red while Spidey nearly spilled the chemicals for his webs, the former started waving her arms in panic, "Oh, no, no, no... we're not... We're not even dating... A-and we really just met a few... days ago... so yeah! N-not married!"
Sora looked up to Wanda in confusion, "Miss Wanda, you're face is red again."
She quickly managed to pull herself together, "That's not what I wanted to take about." She then went back to the main subject, "Anyways, with Xehanort and the Heartless around, it's probably best for the children to stay with us. I have nothing against Miss Judson but we have a better chance of defending them with us than them staying here."
Basil listened to Wanda's suggestion before coming to a conclusion, "Your logic is sound. Very well. But I'll leave watching them to you, your co-worker, and the good doctor."
"Fair enough," Wanda and the other heroes nodded in agreement, "Now, where do we find this Toby?"
It turned out, that Toby didn't live too far away, he lived in the same building, with a human living there as well. After Spider-Man stocked up on webbing, they followed Basil to the backup they needed to track down Ratigan's righthand bat. Olivia walked beside Dr. Dawson while Sora held the hand of the Scarlet Witch. Spider-Man whispered to her, "So, back before we came to Baker Street... you mentioned something about a Keyblade War?"
"Oh, right," Wanda nodded, "I keep on forgetting to explain that." She then turned to him, "Ever since we've started to travel to these worlds... I've been having visions of Xehanort."
Spider-Man's eyes widened under his mask, "Really? What about him?"
"From what I have seen so far, it appears to be his past, or future maybe. I'm honestly not quite sure," The Scarlet Witch admitted, "Nothing like this really ever happened to me before."
"Tell me what you saw," Peter told her. Wanda quickly summoned up what she had seen so far. A mysterious figure in brown robes met Xehanort on the Destiny Islands and showed him the dark pathways to other worlds. He befriended another wielder of the Keyblade named Earqus and they trained, laughed, and played together.
They also witness tradies of the deaths of their fellow classmates as they were the only survivors. Later when they became masters old and wise, was when things really began to fall apart between them. Xehanort had his eyes dead set on the secrets of something called the Keyblade War and a Keyblade that it would unlock its secrets. He wanted to recreate the events to see what would happen but as a result, could start an apocalypse that turned the Keyblade Masters against each other. Earqus knew he couldn't allow that to happen and tried to stop him. As a result, Xehanort scared his old friend and escaped to the other worlds. He later met a boy named Ventus, who he believed could create the prize he sought. However, Ventus would rather die than create such a weapon so he divided his heart in two to create a being of darkness, who he named, Vanitas.
This left Ventus in a coma, which he was going to abandon on the Islands where Sora once lived until he recovered with a Keyblade in his hand. Wanda concluded, "That's where I at so far. What do you think this could mean?"
"I have no idea," Spider-Man admitted, "As fun as working with my once fictional childhood heroes as been, this seems more of a Doctor Strange situation than what we signed up for."
"If this Keyblade War is really as bad as this Earqus says," Wanda couldn't help but wonder, "Then what would Xehanort gain by risking another?"
"Why would Xehanort want another Keyblade forge when he already has one? If Xehanort in the present is currently an old man, why is the one we met so young," Peter pointed out, "So far, we only have more questions. For now, it's best we keep moving forward with getting Sora to our homeworld and figure out what Xehanort's up to along the way."
Wanda looked down to Sora with a smile, letting him know that everything was going to be alright. She then turned to Spidey, "So, how's the problem of this world compared to the plot movie so far?"
"So far, with the exception of us and the Heartless," Peter observed, "Exactly the same."
The Scarlet Witch couldn't help but wonder, "Then why not tell Basil that you know where Ratigan has Olivia's father and what he wants from him?"
"Based on what facts? That fact I've seen how things will go because I've seen it all through moving pictures and sound," Peter pointed out how crazy that sounded, "Yeah, that sounds exactly something a sane man would say, besides I wasn't expecting us to face the Hydra so soon and I never heard of a hero-in-training named Zack in the original film or TV series, so something could change at the last split second that wasn't in the film."
Wanda thought about it before nodding, "Fair point, guess all we can do for now is make it up as we go."
Basil then pushed open a secret door within the walls of the building, before Olivia pushed it open the rest of the way. He gave the girl a glare, "Not a word out of you. Is that clear?"
When there was no sign of any humans, other than the three tiny off-worlders, they entered the large room. As they did Peter smirked under his mask, "Can't believe we're in the apartment of Sherlock Holmes..."
"Wait, really?" Wanda turned to him shocked, after receiving a confirmation nod, she started to smile, "Okay, even I can admit, that's pretty cool."
As they walked through the large room, Basil called out loudly, "Toby?! Toby?!"
Sora then quietly whispered to Wanda, "Miss Wanda? Who's Toby?"
"Well, sweetie, Toby is..." Wanda was about to answer before freezing, "Toby is...?" She couldn't remember a Toby in the Sherlock Holmes books, so she turned to their Disney expert, "Peter? Do you know who Toby is?"
Before she could receive an answer, thundering footsteps sounded, and a shadow fell over the group. Spider-Man commented, "That's probably him now."
"Ahh! Here he is now!" Basil told the group as everyone looked up to see a basset hound with a blue-collar, the dog obviously happy to see the mouse detective.
Sora beamed at the sight, "Doggy!"
"Yes," Wanda slowly nodded at the dog towering over them, "A very, very big doggy."
"Well, technically speaking, he's a normal sized dog," Peter pointed out, "We're just very small..." Wanda turned to Spidey with a look making him stop mid sentence, "And you don't care at the moment."
Basil shoved up Dawson, who was very nervous about meet the hound dog now, as he introduced, "Dawson... Toby."
Dawson nervously tipped his hat and pats Toby's nose, "Charmed, I'm sure."
Without warning, Toby bared his teeth and growled at Dawson, who quickly hid behind a chair. Basil quickly scolded the dog making him back away, "Now Toby! Toby, stop that! Toby, cease! Desist! Ha!"
"Terribly sorry, old man," Basil apologized to Dawson as the dog checked out the new scents in the room, "Toby has the most splendid sense of smell of any hound I've ever encountered. But he can be quite frisky."
Toby wandered over to Sora and the two Avengers as they were not of this world. Sora giggled as the giant dog sniffed him. The dog have him a happy lick before going back to sniffing. The islander then turned to the two Avengers, "Can we keep him? Please?"
"Sora," Peter gestured to the dog's collar, "He already has an owner."
"Spider-Man is right," Wanda nodded in agreement, "Besides a pet is a big responsibility. Dogs need food, exercise, training..." Then her eyes looked at the dog before seeing how adorable Toby was, "Belly rubs, and cuddles, and kisses between his little ears..."
Peter coughed over to her, "Wanda!"
She then snapped out of it, "But yes, he already has an owner and if you're going to get a pet... you really should ask your parents first."
Sora sighed and nodded in agreement, "Okay..."
Toby then tracked down the scent of Olivia hiding under one of Sherlock's footrests, as the little girl shyly came out of hiding. She greeted the dog, "Hello, Toby!"
She gave her a pat on the noise causing him to sniff her again making her giggle, "Silly doggy!" She then pulled out a spare cheese crumpet from earlier, "Would you like a crumpet?"
Toby nodded eagerly, as she offered the crumpet to him, which he quickly ate up. Basil then began digging in his own pockets for Figdet's hat, "Here now, Toby? Toby! To the matter at hand. I want you to..."
He stopped to realize that the dog wasn't listening to him. Toby was getting three belly rubs from Olivia, Sora, and Wanda. Spider-Man just face palmed himself as he probably should have seen this coming. The hound was have the best time when Basil whistled over to him. Toby turned to the great mouse detective, who was tapping his foot impatiently. As the dog turned back to his own feet, the three slide off his belly.
"Good," Basil nodded, pulling out Fidget's hat. "Now then, Toby, I want you to find... this fiend!"
Toby sniffed the hat, and then growled making Basil smirk, "Yes, you know the type. A villain. A scoundrel! Low brow. Close set eyes. Broken wing." Toby stopped before blinking in confusion. Basil quickly realized this and quickly explained, "Oh, he's a peg-legged bat with a broken wing."
Now understanding, began growling again, getting excitement from Basil, "Yes! That's the spirit! Got his scent?" Toby nodded happily, as Basil brought in his leash, "Good boy!"
He was about to put it on, before Toby turned back to the others. Basil then walked over to Toby as he told the little girl, "Miss Flamchester..."
Everyone quickly corrected him, "Flaversham!"
"Whatever," Basil shook his head before hooking the leash on Toby's collar, "Your father is as good as found."
"Toby!" The dog quickly went into his 'pointer' pose to Figdet's trail as Basil ordered, "Sick 'em!" The dog accident stepped on the detective while pressuring the trail. Despite his dazed state, Basil held onto the leash and was pulled along, as he excitedly exclaimed, "Ah-ha! Yoicks! Tally ho! Ha-ha, ha-ha!"
Dawson quickly picked up Olivia while Wanda did the same with Sora as the two and Spider-Man chased after Basil and Toby into the city streets...
When Toby slowed down, to relocate the scent, everyone was able to climb on and ride the hound dog. As Sora sat on the lap of the Scarlet Witch, the latter turned to Peter, "I have to say, I never thought I'd be riding a dog of all things."
"I never thought I'd be reliving my old favorite movies when I was a kid," Peter added before gesturing to the world around them, "And yet, here we are." Wanda giggled slightly until Peter warned her, "Heads up. We might want to hold on to something and make sure Sora doesn't fly off."
Wanda was about to question why, when Toby found Figdet's scent and hollowed loudly. He began barking as he charged in. Peter quickly grabbed the collar of the dog, along with Wanda who held on to Sora. Peter made sure the three of them wouldn't go flying off Toby. Basil also held on to collar and leash, while Olive held onto the detective's waist. The former exclaimed, "The thrill of the hunt, eh, Dawson!"
Nearly falling off himself, Dawson caught on Toby's tail for his dear life as he replied, "Q-quite!"
Basil continued to laugh as they held on the the hound dog as went after Figdet, "Oh-hoo-hoo. Our peg-legged quarry can't be far now."
Toby tracked the scent to a closed children's store for humans. Basil patted the dog on the head, "Splendid job, Toby!"
Toby aided them to the store window's ledge where Basil jumped onto. Olivia held out her arms to Basil silently asking him to catch her. Basil was clearly annoyed but complied by holding out his arms to catch the young mouse. When she made the jump, he caught her.
Spider-Man hopped on to the ledge next, before opening his arms to Sora and Wanda. The Scarlet Witch was hesitant, but Spidey reassured her, "He'll be fine. I'll catch him."
Ultimately, trusting her fellow Avenger, she threw the boy into the arms of Spidey. When he set the boy down, he told her, "Okay, it's your turn."
The Scarlet Witch nodded before making the jump herself, she barley made it nearly falling off the ledge before Spidey caught her hand and pulled her towards him. Wanda smiled in apperception before whispering to him, "Thank you, Peter."
"You're welcome," He nodded.
Realizing he was still holding on, she lightly blushed, "You can let go now."
"Oh," Spider-Man quickly complied slightly embarrassed, "Sorry."
Dawson was the last one to get off, Toby growled at him with his eyes narrowed. The doctor tipped his hat nervously and prepared to make a hasty jump but Toby gave a deliberate sneeze to send Dawson tumbling head over heels bumping into Basil.
The mouse detective then turned to the dog, "Now Toby… sit!"
Toby remained standing wagging his tail in happiness. Basil marched back down the window still and stood in front of the dog before once again ordering, "Toby sit!"
"Sit Toby!" Sora and Olivia told the dog with a smile.
The dog finally complied, still painting happily, Basil looked over to the children before muttering, "Good boy." He then march back to the group, "Now, if you'll excuse me."
Olivia turned to the happy dog, "You be good now." She then whispered to him, "We're going to find my father."
Basil hummed as he inspecting the window. Soon, he found a small hole in one part of the window, and pointed at it triumphantly, "Aha! Here is our friend's entrance!"
Wanda raised an eyebrow at that, "You're kidding, right?"
"I agree," Dawson nodded, "Basil, how could he fit through such a tiny..."
Basil cut him off, taking Dawson's pointer. "Observe, doctor."
With that, he stuck Dawson's finger in the hole, and watched confidently as Dawson pulled his hand back, and the window swung open as if on a hinge.
The Scarlet Witch blinked in amazement, "Oh. That's how."
Dawson chuckled in awe, "Basil, you astound me!"
Basil and the two Avengers shushed him as Spider-Man whispered, "We don't want Figdet to know that we're on to him."
Dawson nodded in agreement as one by one, they entered the toy story. Dawson was the last one to enter as he then closed the window behind them. As Dawson caught up with the others he thought he accidentally bumped into someone, "Oh! I beg your pardon, I..."
The doctor stopped when he realized that he actually bumped into a giant doll. The heroes and two children walk through the store marveling at all the numerous toys: dolls, stuffed animals, mechanical and musical toys of all forms in the time period. Dawson gasped, "Oh my. Upon my word I've never seen so many toys."
Sora's first instinct was to rush in a check everything out, but he was stopped by Wanda, "Not so fast, young man." She then knelt down to face him, "I know you want to check out every single toy in the store but I need you to remember that there's a very bad man... bat in here. A quite possible a number of monsters with him. I need you to stay by me the whole time, and then when the crisis is over, we'll visit one of the biggest toy stores I know of back home."
Sora thought about it for a moment, before asking, "Can Riku and Kairi come too?"
"Of course," She smiled, before telling him, "But I need you to stay in the group until then, okay?"
Sora smiled and nodded. Wanda took his hand as they followed Basil, who warned the group, "Behind any of which could lurk a bloodthirsty assassin! So please, everyone... be very careful."
Everyone nodded before Sora wondered, "Where's Olivia?"
That's when they realized there was one child who wasn't present. They were about to wonder where she was, when all of a sudden, a crashing sound from behind causes them to freeze. Dawson leaps into Basil's arms as Wanda picked up Sora and Spider-Man prepared for a fight. Only to find out that Olivia had turned on a music box. Basil groaned out loud, "Oh! What the dev… Ooh!"
With quick action, Spider-Man jumped over to the music box and hit the switch turning off the device. Everyone then shushed Olivia, as Basil told Dawson, "Don't let this girl out of your sight!" He then pointed to watch, "The same with the boy!"
The other adults nodded as they continued their way through the store. The Scarlet Witch then turned to Spider-Man, "Is that Spider-Sense of yours picking up anything?"
Dawson turned to them out of curiosity, "Spider-Sense?"
"A sixth sense I have that picks up danger," Peter clarified to the doctor, "While faint, I can tell he is here."
"Very good," Basil smiled before gesturing to the footprints ahead of him, "I also found evidence of our peg-legged adversary."
Pulling out his magnified glass, Basil followed the trail while the others followed him. They pursued the footprints until arriving at many undressed dolls. Basil began rubbing his chin, as the gears in his brain were turning, "Hmm... How odd..."
Dawson turned to the detective, "What is it?"
"Isn't it painfully obvious, Doctor?" He asked as he gestured to the dolls and then the box they originated from, "These dolls have been stripped of their uniforms. And not by any child, either."
Wanda's eyes narrowed at the box, "He's right. But why would someone like Ratigan want with those uniforms?"
"And not just the clothes," Basil continued getting everyone's attention at some other toys that had been taken apart, "Someone has taken the liberty of removing the clockwork mechanisms from these toys."
Wanda couldn't help but ask, "Is it possible Ratigan is using the parts to create something?"
Basil hummed before nodding, "That very well could be, it could be why Figdet took the girl's father... still, it still doesn't quite answer why he took the uniforms too."
Just then, Dawson stepped on a piece of paper, after picking it up, he tried to inform the detective, "Basil..."
"Please, I'm trying to concentrate." The mouse detective told him.
"But Basil, I-I-"
Suddenly, music boxes begin playing, toys began speaking and winding toys are moving along the shelves. Everyone turned to the children as Wanda stated, "It wasn't them."
Soon nearly every toy in the shop is operating on its own as if by magic. While, he was tempted to explore the toy story, he recalled his promise to Wanda. If there was one thing Sora was good at, he always kept his promises.
Unfortunately, Olivia made no such promises and started wandering through the store. Spider-Man's eyes widened under his mask as his Spider-Sense went crazy. Remembering this part of the film, as the hero whispered to her, "Olivia! Don't!"
He wanted to spare everyone of this part but as soon as Olivia checked out the baby carriage, Figdet jumped, grabbed the girl, and stuffed her into his bag, "Gotcha!"
The other adults' eyes widened in horror, as Dawson gasped, "Olivia!"
"No!" Wanda exclaimed.
As Fidget made his escape, toy-like Heartless appeared behind him covering his escape. Basil told the two Avengers, "Protect Sora! Dawson and I'll go after that scoundrel!"
"R-right!" The doctor nodded as the Avengers went into their battle stances. As soon as they left the battlefield, Peter told Wanda, "They might not reach her in time, let's try to end the fight quickly then we can help the girl!"
Wanda's eyes narrowed with determination, "Right!" She then went into her own battle stance, "Stay close, Sora!"
The boy nodded as the Heartless begun their attack. The Toy Trooper Heartless aimed their toy laser guns started shoot at the Heroes. Thankfully, Spider-Man was used to be shot at by criminals back on earth with normal guns, so he quite easy dodged and avoided the lasers. Spidey quipped, "Nice to see you monsters have your classic Stormtrooper aim!"
As the Heartless continued to shoot at the masked hero, only for a hex to spread around the guns causing them to jam and explode in the monsters hands, which destroyed them and their weapons. Wanda narrowly avoided another laser before lifting her hand again to do the same to that Heartless.
As she countered the monsters attacks but using their own against them. Spider-Man moved it to deal with the ones in close combat. He blinded one with his webbing, before kicking away another. His Spider-Sense then alerted him to anything incoming attack from a Shadow Heartless. He easily dodged it before firing a web at the Heartless and threw it into the one he blinded.
The two Avengers fought side by side, protecting Sora from the Heartless ambush until none remained. Spider-Man sighed, "That's the last of them."
Wanda picked up Sora before telling Spider-Man, "C'mon! Let's catch up with Basil and Dawson! Maybe we can still save Olivia."
The two Avengers rushed through the toy store avoiding the damaged or fallen toys around them. They found the doctor, rubbing his head as his coat was caught on a spear, pinning him to a dartboard. Wanda gasped, "Dawson!"
Spider-Man helped the doctor loose as he set him down, "Oh, thank you, Spidey."
Sora asked in concern, "Are you alright?"
"I'll be fine," Dawson reassured them before wondering, "But where are Basil and Olivia."
"You were the first one we found," Spider-Man told him before groaning, "Oh no. Don't tell me..."
They soon hear the sound of a doll repeatedly saying Mama. They searched carefully until they found Basil who was tangled to the doll's pull string furiously trying to untie himself, "She's gone, Dawson! Confound it! I told you to watch over the girl!" Basil finally managed to free himself and fell to the ground. Spider-Man caught him, but Basil that didn't change Basil's mood, "Now she's been spirited away by that maniacal little monster. Soon to be in the clutches of the most depraved mind in all of London! Even if the boy's okay, I should have known better than to…"
He stopped mid-rant to realize Dawson looked down feeling guilty enough as he already was. Finally, calming down, Basil looked to him in concern, "Dawson?" When he didn't get a response, the group walked up closer to him in concern as Basil called out again with a calmer voice, "Dawson?"
Dawson sniffled and wiped his face with his handkerchief, "Oh, ah, poor girl. I should have watched her more closely."
"It wasn't entirely your fault, Dawson," Spider-Man tried reassured him, "I've should have gotten to her before the Figdet or the Heartless showed up."
That didn't change his mood, Basil gave him a sad smile, "Don't worry, old fellow. It's not…entirely hopeless." He placed a friendly hand on his back as he promised, "We'll get her back."
Dawson turned to the group as Wanda smiled, "We will. We won't go anywhere until she's safe and sound."
"Do-do you think there's a chance?" The Doctor wondered.
"There's always a chance!" Basil declared, lighting his pipe before pacing around and smoking. "As long as one can think. Look around, there might be a clue he might've left behind."
Everyone quickly went to work, even Sora looked around to try to find anything suspicious. Then Dawson recalled the paper he had found and pulled it out. Wanda turned to him, "What's that?"
"I'm not sure," Dawson admitted, "I found it before all this madness happened."
Wanda took a closer look at it as she read, "Gears, uniforms, girl..."
Basil's eyes light up as he took the list from them. He laughed joyfully, "Dawson! You've done it! This list is exactly what we need!"
Sora tilted his head confusion, "It is?"
Spider-Man took a look at it before nodding, "Sure is! I bet Ratigan gave his lackey this list before he sent him out. It might lead us to their hideout!"
Basil then ran quickly back to the window as he told the group, "Hurry! Back to Baker Street! There's not a moment to lose!"
Everyone quickly followed Basil to Tobey as the hound dog quickly brought them back to Baker Street...
Long ago, during the Age of Fairy Tales, there once was a book that told the events of the future.
The book contained forbidden knowledge, meant to be read by a select few, including the one who put his own "eye" into a keyblade to write said book. This book contained every adventure, every tragedy, every moment that would come after this one. It was meant as a safeguard, a guide for how the war would end, start, and end again. Once it was finished, the author would go off and do his thing once the pieces were in place. It was a messy business, sure, but it was necessary. This plan has been in place longer than he would ever admit to any of his apprentices… well, all except one.
For the longest time, this book has remained the same. The author made sure of that by constantly checking it. The book was like an extension of his own life. Any change in the ink of the pages, even a comma taken in or out, and he would know. If anything were to happen to it, all that time and planning, all the death about to happen and will happen, all the worlds swallowed up into the dark… it would've been in vain or at risk.
So, imagine the author's surprise when he was reading the book again one day, and saw that one of the pages disappeared before his very eyes, and then reappeared as something completely new…
The book once said that three future Keyblade Wielders would leave their island moments before it was consumed by the darkness to start the journey of the three. Now, it said it was destroyed ten years earlier. Consumed by the darkness and only one managed to escape the destruction with the aid of two heroes that were never meant to be a part of this. When he saw one day while reading through again that the words and images faded away, he fell out of his chair. Getting back up in a hurry to check if he wasn't going crazy, he saw the words reappear, except words that weren't there before, and a new set of images, ones detailing a fated meeting between a champion of light and darkness…earlier than it should've happened.
"Hello…" The Master of Masters said to himself. Something was happening, something out of his control. He did not like that one bit. After observing what the cause that lead to this new future, which was the cracks in reality, that showed after a clash between Earth's Mightiest Heroes and a Time Conquer, he muttered to himself, "Well, looks like I'm going take a slight detour... And make sure everything else stays on track."
Notes:
And that will conclude today's chapter. Now, the Master of Masters has taken notice of the change of events. Events we knew were never meant to happen. What will he do about it? And can our heroes manage to pull a rescue for both Olivia and her father from Ratigan while keeping Sora out of his reach? Stay tuned for the second half of this world! I hope you enjoyed the chapter, be sure to leave a review. Also, if you haven't already be sure to follow and fav. as well. See ya real soon!
Chapter 6: Chapter 5: The Game is Afoot
Summary:
Olivia Flaversham has been KIDNAPPED! While successful in keeping Sora safe from the latest Heartless assault, our heroes failed to keep the young mouse safe from Ratigan's clutches. Thankfully, Basil managed to find a lead, which led them straight into a trap. Now the fate of the heroes and this world lies in the hands of Sora, but how can one boy find his protectors from the clutches of these devious villains such as Ratigan and Xehanort?
Notes:
I don't own Kingdom Hearts or the Avengers. They each belong to Marvel, Disney, and Square Enix. And here were are with the second half of the world of the Great Mouse Detective. Alright then, without further delay, let's conclude the second half of the Great Mouse Detective world! Enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 5: The Game is Afoot
Later that evening, in the lair of Professor Ratigan, Hiram sat bitterly, working on the robot. He tensed up as Ratigan entered the workroom while holding his cape dramatically, "Ah, Mr. Flaversham, allow me to present... your charming daughter!"
With that, he moved his cape to reveal Olivia in Fidget's grasp. Hiram's eyes widened in shock, "Olivia!"
"Father!" Olivia shouted, struggling to get away from Fidget.
Finally, she stomped on Fidget's foot and ran over to her father as Fidget hopped up and down in pain holding his foot, "Ow! My foot! My only foot!"
As Fidget did so, Olivia buried her face into Hiram's chest, crying, "Oh, Father! I thought I'd never find you!"
Hiram stroked her head comfortingly, "There, there, my dear. I'm alright. Oh, I was so worried about you."
Ratigan feigned sniffling and mockingly wiped his fake tears with a handkerchief. "Oh, how sweet... I just love tearful reunions." With that, he roughly snatched Olivia out of her father's arms, "Now, come along, my dear."
"No, please!" Olivia pleaded, struggling as Ratigan handed her back over to Fidget. "Father!"
Hiram tried to run to his only daughter, but Ratigan forcibly held him back, "Olivia!" He then turned to plea to the crime lord, "Oh, please, Professor..."
"Now, now, Fidget will take good care of her." Ratigan lightly patted his head before his face darkened, and he added threateningly, "That is, as long as we have no further delays!"
Hiram fearfully nodded, not for his sake but for his daughter's, as he quickly returned his work, "Yes, I'll finish it! Please, just don't hurt my daughter!"
Ratigan made his way over to the door, grabbing the knob, as he reminded him, "Remember, it must be ready... by tonight!"
With that, Ratigan slammed the door behind him...
Fidget made his way to a giant green glass despite the little girl's protests, "Stop! Let me go!"
He then stuffed the girl inside before putting a cork over it to prevent her escape, "That ought to hold ya!"
"Help! Let me out!" Olivia demanded as she knocked on the inside of the glass bottle, "LET ME OUT!"
"See how you like that!" The pegged legged bat declared before blowing a raspberry at her. He then hummed a catchy tune as he returned to his boss.
Speaking of whom, Ratigan was going over the other things Fidget stole for him. Pulling out the clothes that were once for the toy soldiers, the crime lord smirked, "Ah, the uniforms! I knew I could rely on you, Fidget. You just be the perfect bat for the job of your next assignment to bring me the boy for our dear friend Xehanort. That is... if you didn't forget anything?"
"No problem, I took care of everything. Everything on the list." The minion declared proudly as opened his left wing to present him with the checklist, unfortunately for him, it wasn't there. His eyes widened in shock, "Uh-oh..."
Ratigan's eyes narrowed at him, "What's wrong?"
"The list..." He frantically began to search his pockets for it, "I know..."
"Where's the list?!" The evil professor demanded.
Fidget gulped nervously, "The list, yeah, yeah, yeah. Well you see, uh, it was like this," The bat then retold the events that he had just gone through, "I was in the toy store getting uniforms when I heard," He went on all fours mimicking the dog, "A-roo! A-roo!"
Ratigan raised an eyebrow, mentally questioning Fidget's sanity, before admitting, "I don't follow."
Fidget was in the middle of panting like a dog as he went on, "A dog came, and I ran! I got the girl in the bag, and Basil and some costumed good-doers chased me even with the monsters backing me..."
"WHAT?!" Ratigan exclaimed glaring at Fidget, "Basil's on the case?! And those heroes with the child I need to learn the secrets of ruling all worlds are with him?!"
"Why you gibbering little…!" Fidget cowered before his boss as Ratigan clutched his chest, as if he was having a heart attack at the moment. His face turned beet-red in anger, but he calmed himself down and chuckled, scooping Fidget into his arms, "Oh, my dear Fidget. You have been hanging upside down too long."
"You mean you're not mad?" Fidget asked, before sighing in relief, "I'm glad you're taking this so well."
Ratigan proceeded to carry Fidget around to the back, once the latter thought he was no longer in danger, Ratigan rang his bell. Felicia the cat wasn't so far behind as the bat screamed, "Not me, you idiot. No, stop you stupid fur ball!" Unlike the drunk mouse, Fidget put up a fight for survival, even after being stuffed in the cat's mouth, "Open up! Open up! Ai, ai, ai! Oh, ow! You're hurting my wings!"
Ratigan ignored Fidwig's pleads as he rubbed his head in annoyance, "How dare that idiot Basil poke his stupid nose into my wonderful scheme and foul up everything! It was bad enough on this world, with him on the case, he'll never allow me to conquer others, let alone leave this world!"
The bat managed to climb out of Felicia's mouth, "Let me out! Let me out! HELP!"
It didn't take the cat long before stuffing Fidget back into her mouth. The criminal mastermind began banging his head on an empty glass bottle, "Oh, I can just see that insufferable grin on his smug face." He continued doing so before coming to a sudden realization as his scowl turned into a massive grin, "Yes… Yes, I can just see it."
He knew that Basil was coming, and those heroes from another would be with him. Chances were, that the boy would be with them. Which meant, he could set up a trap. He could make his deal to Xehanort and get rid of all of their enemies in a single strike. He chuckled before turning to his pet, "Felicia, release him."
"I'm too young to die!" Fidget exclaimed as the cat was about to swallow him until Ratigan stopped her.
She pouted for a moment before spitting him back out. Ratigan walked over and held him up by his cheeks, "Fidget, you delightful little maniac. You've presented me with a singular opportunity."
He then dropped the bat on the ground before putting a false concerned face, "Poor Basil..." He then grinned wickedly, "Oh, he is in for a little surprise."
Back at Basil's home on Baker Street, the doctor, the two Avengers, and the islander had all gathered around the great mouse detective as he inspected the checklist of Fidget. Wanda turned to him slightly curious, "So, can you deduce anything from it."
"Offhand, very little." Basil admitted before continuing, "Only that the words are written with a broad pointed quill pen which has spattered twice. That the paper is of…" He tosses the paper in his hand to test the weight and determine the type, "...Native Mongolian manufacture, no water mark and has..." He paused to put the paper to his lips and smack it several times "...been gummed, if I'm not very much in error..." He then sniffs at the paper drawing back in slight disgust "...by a bat who has been drinking Rodent's Delight! A cheap brandy sold only in the seediest pubs."
Dawson couldn't help but once again be impressed, "Amazing!"
"Oh, not really, Doctor. We still don't know where it came from." Basil shrugged before rummaging at his desk until he found his microscope, "Perhaps a close inspection will tell us something."
Sora was currently have some more cheese crumpets before Wanda spoke up again, "Quick question, on the list did it say anything..."
"No, it didn't say anything about the boy," Basil answered as he placed the paper under the microscope, "Which means, Ratigan didn't meet Xehanort until after he sent Fidget off."
"That explains why he never even bothered going after Sora back at the toy store," Spider-Man realized before adding, "You know, other than the fact, we were there."
Sora turned to heroes, "Are we going to find Olivia?"
Wanda turned to the boy as she smiled and nodded, "We will. Basil's going to use that list to find out where that bad bat took her and then we'll rescue her and her father."
"Good. Once she's safe, we can continue looking for Riku and Kairi," Sora smiled in confidence.
"Yes, and we've got friends out there looking for them too," Wanda reassured the boy, "One way or another. We'll will find them and bring them home safe and sound."
Basil hummed aloud, before Spider-Man asked the detective, "What is it, Basil?"
"Coal dust," He answered before turning aware for other equipment, "Clearly of the type used in sewer lamps."
Dawson decided to take a look at this himself through the microscope, but Basil pulled it away and held it over a small flame, allowing it to catch fire. Wanda blinked in shocked, "Wasn't that our only clue?"
Basil shushed her as he let the ashen remains of the list fall into the bowl, and patted it down with a small wooden masher. He proceeded to pour the contents into a small jar containing a yellow chemical, which turned blue upon the addition. The others stared at the liquid as Basil picked up a vial containing red liquid.
"Excuse me," He told the two Avengers, as they obediently moving as Basil carefully let a single drop fall into the jar.
"This was my favorite part of the movie," Spider-Man muttered quietly to himself as a puff of smoke came out as the chemical turned purple. Basil proceeded to set the jar below a glass spout and reached around to the other side of the chemistry set, turning on a small flame below a beaker containing a green chemical.
The green chemical bubbled up and slowly made its way through the tubes, eventually making its way to the spout above the purple chemical. The group watched intently as a single green drop fell upon the chemical violet chemical, turning it red.
"Aha!" Basil cheered, putting his arm around Dawson, "We've done it! This reaction could only have been triggered by the paper's extreme saturation with distillation of sodium chloride."
Sora tilted his head in confusion, as Peter clarified, "That's salt water, spiky."
The islander boy then understood, "Oh, why didn't he just say that?"
Instead of answering him, Basil began looking through a pile of maps, "It proves beyond a doubt, this list came from the riverfront area."
Once, finding the right map, he began to use darts to pin it to the wall. Dawson walked up to Basil, unsure about that, "Ah, now steady on there, Basil."
"Elementary, my dear Dawson. We merely look for a seedy pub at the only... spot..." As he said this he placed one final dart where the location where the paper originated from and was mostly likely where Fidget was hanging out, "...where the sewer connects to the waterfront."
Wanda leaned at the map's location, before asking, "So, we go to this location, find that bat, and follow him to Ratigan's lair..."
"...precisely where the girl and her father are being held. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy," Basil stated proudly before his eyes narrowed, "Still, there does present a problem."
"What is it?" Wanda turned to him in concern.
"I have disguises to get myself and Dawson inside without drawing unwanted attention," Basil admitted, "But you three will stick out like a sore thumb, and the last thing we need is to lose the boy, too. However, even if Dawson and I go in alone, there would be no way you could follow and provide an alternative entrance."
Spider-Man's eyes widened under his mask, "I think I might have a solution to that problem."
Spider-Man pulled up his shirt much to Wanda's shock making blush slightly. He then pulled out a small device, Dawson couldn't help but wonder, "What is that thing?"
"On my world, I created these Spider-Tracers to help me fight crime. If I wanted to follow a criminal to their hideout, I would stick them on one and I can follow quietly behind," Spider-Man answered pulling his shirt down before handing the Spider-Tracer to the great mouse detective, "But if I give to you and follow you on another path on Toby..."
"...you'll be close enough to us and we can provide you another way in to Ratigan's lair," Basil smiled observing the small device, "Brilliant!" He then turned to doctor, "Come on, Dawson. I have the perfect disguise for you."
Dawson lifted an eyebrow, "Disguise?"
Later, dispute how uncomfortable Dawson was in his shipmate disguise, the group of heroes rode Toby close to where the bar was. After dropping, Basil and Dawson off, the two Avengers waited with Sora on the hound dog. Time had passed as Peter gave the dog a light pat on the head, "That's it, boy. Steady."
Sora was currently napping on the Scarlet Witch shoulder. She then spoke up, "Hey, since we're working with each other, you don't mind if I ask you about well... you?"
"Oh, right," Peter nodded after removing his mask, "What do you wanna know?"
"You know, ever since I first heard of you, and how your not exactly the most lovable hero, I always assumed that you were a mutant," She admitted, "Are you..."
"Definitely not," Peter answered before raising his hands quickly, hoping he didn't offend her, "Not that there's anything wrong with mutants."
"No, no... it's okay," Wanda reassured him, "I always wondered why you never came to Genosha. Other than who once ruled it."
"Well, even if I was," The web-head lightly chuckled, "I probably couldn't afford transport to get there. I'm no Tony Stark."
"Okay, so how did you get your powers?" The Scarlet Witch wondered.
Peter sighed as he recalled the events, "I was still a freshman in high school when it happened. I was on a field trip to an OsCorp lab, learning about some of the stuff they were developing, including genetically altered spider's that had the traits of many different kinds of spiders to create fifteen super spiders. However, they didn't realize one of those spider's got lose and found it's what to my hand where it... bit me."
Wanda blinked in confusion, "Wait, so your telling me that you have your powers because you were bit by a spider?"
"Genetically altered spider," Peter corrected before nodding, "But yes."
Wanda stared at him before finally processing at what he just told her, she cover her mouth in an attempt to stop herself from laughing. However, several giggles came out, Peter groaned, as she tried to control herself, "I'm- I'm sorry... but are you serious?"
"Yes," Peter nodded making her giggle a minute more before she finally pulled herself together. He continued, "After that, I can assume the spider's venom altered my DNA, giving me the abilities to do, well... whatever a spider can." He then gestured to his body, "It also surprising gave me a six pack."
Wanda blushed again, "I... um... I've noticed..."
"Can I ask you something now?" Spider-Man asked. Wanda nodded, seemed only fair to her, he then asked, "So, how come you've never seen a Disney movie? From what I've heard, Magento raised you like a Princess."
She sighed, before admitting, "Well, not many people know this but Pietro and I... we never knew our father straight from birth nor he knew about us."
He blinked in shock, "Really?"
"Our mother, Magda, was married to our father," She answered, "But he thought he lost her in a fire while we were in the womb, but she barely survived, I believe due to my own mutant powers at time. She passed after we were born and were raised by Olek and Iryna in Sokovia."
"They raised and loved us as their own, while they couldn't afford Disney films the man who raised us helped us learn English was able to get his hands on some old sitcoms and make it more comfortable during dark times," She continued with a smile before frown, "Then one day, a missile destroyed our home, Peitro and I survived but they didn't. That's when we truly learned of our mutant abilities, although the people back there thought it was witchcraft."
Peter winced at that before sympathizing with her, "I'm so sorry, Wanda... I had no idea you've been through so much."
"It's not your fault," She reassured him, "Besides, not long after Magneto saved us from being burned on the stake. He had heard rumors of his wife's, our mother's, survival and came for her. That's when he found us and offered us sanctuary in Genosha. It was there we learned of our true inheritance."
She then turned to Peter, "Magento gave anything I asked, I guess I've could have asked for some Disney films but... I always like sitcoms... it reminds me of the people that did raise me."
Peter rubbed the back of his head, "I can understand that, watching old Disney films reminded me of good times I've had with my Uncle."
Wanda then recalled, "You've mentioned him before... back on Hercules's world... you were close to him, weren't you?"
"Yeah," Peter nodded before admitting, "To be honest, I can barely even remember my own parents, they died when I was very young, it was him and my Aunt May that took me in and raised me."
She nodded in understanding, she and Pietro never knew their own mother either, she asked, "What happened to him?"
Guilt appeared on Peter's face, before answering, "After I got my powers, I thought I could make some cash off of them, pay back for the kindness they gave me, maybe even impress a girl... so I sighed up for a contest to last three minutes in the ring with the champion. I managed beat him in two. However, they cheated me out of the money, I didn't think it was fair, and they said it wasn't their problem. I was about to leave when I found out they were getting robbed, the guy ran past me, I didn't need to do much to stop him, but I was so angry I just let him go."
Wanda blinked in shock, "You... you just let him go?"
"I know," Peter hated the terrible choice he made, "I hated what I didn't do back then but I didn't think it was my problem so I just head home but... when I got there, our home was surrounded by the police and my Aunt looked heart broken. Someone had broken into our house and stole our car. My Uncle tried to stop him but the guy had a gun and he... he didn't make it."
Wanda's eyes widened before now looking to him with sympathy. She whispered, "I'm so sorry..."
After taking a deep breath to regain himself, Peter returned to his story. "I immediately asked the officer if they had tracked him down yet, and he told me that a squad had cornered him not far from where we lived. Once I heard that I raced out as fast as I could, thinking the police could have whatever was left of the scum who had stolen the life of a good man for a lousy car, because I wanted him first, and nothing was going to stop Spider-Man. When I caught up to the crook, I easily took him down but before I delivered the final blow, I finally got a good look at his face. I was horrified as I recognized who he was. It was the same crook from the area. The one that I could've and should've stopped."
She couldn't hold back her gasp, to think that Peter could have saved his Uncle if he had just acted sooner was something she had not expected to hear at all. She placed a comforting hand on him, "Listen... that... you were angry, and you didn't know that would happened. I'm sure if you knew you would have..."
"That's the thing," Peter pointed out, "What happened to my Uncle could have happened to anyone. Someone's mother. Someone's father. Someone's son or daughter. If I just done the right thing from the start, if I remembered what my Uncle had been trying to teach me... I would have still be alive. With great power..."
Wanda gave a sad smile, recalling what Peter told the heroes-in-training, "...comes great responsibility." She then realized, "So, that's why you became Spider-Man."
"Yeah," Peter smiled sadly, "I couldn't let what happened to Uncle Ben happen to anyone else. I made a vow that I would remember his lessons and never look the other way again."
They smiled at each other before they heard a beeping sound, Wanda's eyes widened, "What was that?"
Spider-Man then pulled out a device, "Basil and Dawson are on the move."
Sora groaned as he slowly woke up, "Wha...?"
"Sorry, Sora," Peter apologized, "Next time, we'll try to let you get some decent sleep. But we picked up the bad guy's trail."
That woke Sora up, and he smiled brightly, "That means we can help Olivia and her father, and save them from the bad guys." The child beamed, "Let's go, Toby!"
The dog barked in response and charged straight ahead as the two Avengers quickly stumbled to hold to Toby and make sure they or Sora wouldn't fall off. As the dog charged forward, Peter told the dog, "Other way, Toby!"
The dog turned around in quick haste, before following the directions that the spider-tracer led them. As Peter told the dog where to go, he made sure neither Wanda or Sora fell off. No one was aware that this experience drew the two Avengers close to each other except the watchful eyes of the Watcher, staring down at them in the cloudy evening sky...
Soon enough, they came to a stop when Peter realized that Basil and Dawson's trail stopped as well. Spidey slid his mask back on, "We must be close to Ratigan's lair."
Wanda nodded as she told the hound dog, "Set us down, Toby."
Toby complied growling as he already recognized Fidget's scent from the hat. Spider-Man whispered to Wanda, "In case things go south, let's have Sora stay here. If I'm right, this whole thing could be a trap."
Wanda nodded as he slid off the dog's back. She then turned to Sora, "Hey, Honey. I could you stay here with Toby?"
Sora blinked in confusion, "Why? I wanna help too."
"I know... it's just..." She thought of a way to explain it to Sora when an idea struck, "Well, Toby will be out here all on his own and that can be very lonely to a dog and he could use a friend to hang out with him until we return."
Sora's face instantly brightened up, "Oh, I get it. He's so big he can't come in and help. Well, I don't want him to be alone so I'll stay and hang out with him."
"That's it," Wanda smiled as she reassure him, "We won't be long. We'll be back before you two know it."
Sora smiled and nodded. She then slide off Toby as Peter helped her down. She smiled in gratitude before turning back to the dog, "Toby. Keep Sora safe from any monsters or bad men."
The dog used his ear to salute the mutant woman, she giggled before petting the dog, "Good boy."
Toby panted happily in response as the two Avengers headed over to Ratigan's lair. Spider-Man quietly wondered as they looked around, "Okay, so now where's our entrance."
"Psst! Over here!" A voice whispered to them. They found Basil, with a fake mustache and a sailor captain's disguise, opening a mouse door discreetly, "Quickly."
The two Avengers ran over as Basil let them in. Once inside, Basil closed the door, as Wanda smiled, "Glad to see you two pull it off."
As Dawson removed his eyepatch, he looked around in concern, "So, where's Sora?"
"He's fine," Peter told him, "We left him with Toby."
"Smart move," Basil nodded, "If Ratigan or Xehanort try anything, Toby will keep him safe. Come then, we've got another child to save and villains to stop."
Everyone nodded as they followed Basil into the lair of the crime lord. Wanda took a look around, "So, this is Ratigan's lair."
Basil nodded as he commented, "It's even filthier than I imagined."
Dawson then spotted a large bottle with someone inside of it. Despite being curled up, and quite possibly asleep, he easily recognized the clothes they were wearing, "There she is!"
Everyone turned to where the doctor pointed out, Wanda gasped, "Olivia..."
The four heroes quickly came to her aid, however, Peter couldn't help but think to himself, "Oh, please don't be exactly like the movie."
"Spidey," Basil went over to the cork holding her inside, "Help me open this."
Peter nodded and came to his as they worked together to open the bottle. Wanda and Dawson knocked on the glass bottle, as the former whispered to her, "Olivia. It's us. We're here to get you out of here."
Just then, Spider-Man's Spider-Sense went off just as they were about to remove the cork. He mentally groaned to himself, "Walt... you're laughing beyond the grave. I just know it."
The figure turned around and revealed not to be Olivia but Fidget in disguise. The bat blew a raspberry at them, Wanda gasped, "It's a trap!"
Basil and Spidey removed the cork and that's when balloons and confetti fell from above, and a banner that read, 'Welcome Basil' appeared as well. Voices from all around them exclaimed, "SURPRISE!"
Ratigan's thugs, as well as the Heartless, emerged from the shadows, applauding, and Ratigan himself emerged from the barrel, applauding himself. The two Avengers quickly went into their battle stances but when they realized there was no way to fight them all without risking the lives of Basil and Dawson they stood down.
"Bravo! Bravo! A marvelous performance!" he cheered as he approached them, smirking. Basil glared at him with pure hatred as Ratigan pulled out a pocket watch, "Though frankly, I expected you all fifteen minutes earlier." He smirked, "Trouble with the chemistry set, old boy?"
Basil stiffened, before calming down as he replied with a friendly voice, "Ratigan, no one can have a higher opinion than you than I have..." Then his friendly voice vanished along his smile that was replaced with a glare, "...and I think you're a slimy, contemptible sewer rat!"
On any other time, Ratigan would have been offended by that statement but he was far too good in a mood. He calmly shut his pocket watch and put it away, chuckling, "By the way, I just love your disguise, Basil."
He then angrily removed Basil's fake mustache, along with his hat as he inspected the latter with a mocking voice, "Really, one would hardly recognize you. The greatest…" He began to laugh as he nudge him, "…detective…" He finally broke down laughing as he finished, "...in all Mousedom!"
Finally, Basil could no longer take it as he spat, "Ratigan! So help me... I'll see you behind bars yet!"
"You fool!" Ratigan glared at his archenemy as he shook him by the collar, "You just don't get it, do you?! The superior mind has triumphed! I've won!"
He dropped Basil and laughed even louder, and his goons joined in. Basil tried to steel himself against the jeering and pointing, but soon slumped and hung his head, utterly defeated...
Sometime later, the two Avengers were tied up tightly to a poll on the side, while Basil and Dawson were tied down in a mouse trap. Ratigan approached the two Avengers, "It would appear that one of you does not appear to be with us. Would you be so kind as to tell me where so he can conclude our little game?"
Wanda glared him the rat, "You're not getting him. You or Xehanort!"
Ratigan shrugged, "Eh, no matter. It's more fun this way."
One of the goons returned to him, in one of the stolen uniforms, "Professor, we searched the area, but there's no trace of the boy."
"It won't matter," Ratigan smirked, "After today, there's nowhere he can hide." He chuckled slightly to the Avengers, "Ah if only you knew what he has planned for him... it really is quite nasty and that's coming from me!"
Ratigan laughed as Wanda struggled to get free along with Spider-Man. She groaned in annoyance, "I can't get free! If I could move my hands..." She then turned to his teammate, "Can you?"
"No, but I should be able to if this was ordinary rope," Spider-Man answered as he nodded to the rope, "Look!"
Wanda took a good look at the rope, as a dark energy oozed off the rope, "What is this?"
"If I had to guess, I say it's a similar darkness that creates the Heartless," Peter guessed, before admitting, "I can't say for sure though, this isn't really my area of expertise."
Ratigan finally stopped laughing as he placed a hand over his heart, "It does my heart good to see evil is a continuing influence on the next generation."
He then walked over to where Basil and Dawson were tied up, he looked down at Basil and Dawson. "You don't know what a delightful dilemma it was, trying to decide on the most appropriate method for your demise. I had so many ingenious ideas, I didn't know which to choose... so I decided to use them all."
Everyone looked at the entirety of the death trap, revealing a human-sized revolver, crossbow, and axe all aimed directly at the mousetrap, and a massive anvil hanging directly above it.
Ratigan chuckled evilly, "Marvelous, isn't it?"
"Um... a little overkill much," Wanda couldn't help but comment.
"And not to mention," Peter quipped seeing the death trap in the movie, "Overly complicated. I mean, when did you have the time to set this all up? Even if you were expecting us."
Ratigan glared at the two Avengers, "Funny, I don't remember asking what you two thought." He then smirked but at the depressed detective, "Now, let me show you how it works. Picture this."
He gestured to a nearby record player, where Fidget stood, and where a cord was tied, leading to a cork that was propping up a wine glass with a metal ball inside, complete with a slide constructed of wood and pipes leading from below the ball to the mousetrap's trigger mechanism.
"First, a sprightly little tune I've recorded especially for you," Ratigan explained, "As the song plays, the cord tightens, and when the song ends, the metal ball is released, rolling down its merry way until..."
As he continued, Ratigan gestured to the mousetrap, gun, crossbow, axe, and anvil in that order, "Snap. Boom. Twang. Thunk." He spread out his arms dramatically, "SPLAT!"
Everyone winced at that, as Ratigan mockingly removed his hat. "And so ends the short, undistinguished career of Basil of Baker Street..." He gestured to the two members of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, "...as well all witnessed of our honored guest. And hey, if it worked so well with you then they get to go next."
Dawson glared at the sewer rat, "You're… despicable!"
"Yes," The criminal mastermind smirked as Fidget walked over to him, now in a stolen uniform as well, "Everything's ready, Fidget?"
Several more of Ratigan's thugs, dressed in the same guard uniform, pushed over a large white box with a pink ribbon. Ratigan peeked inside and chuckled evilly, "Oh, this is wicked! So delightfully wicked!"
The thugs moved the package as Ratigan went over to Hiram, bound and gagged, standing by Olivia's bottle, which held the girl inside. He knocked on the glass as he hung an arm around Mr. Flaversham in a friendly like manner, "Mr. Flaversham, let me congratulate you on a superb piece of craftsmanship. See what you can do with the proper motivation?"
He cackled and pinched Hiram's cheek as more of his disguised thugs climbed onto Felicia's back, "You all know the plan."
"Right, Professor," The thugs answered, saluting him, as Felicia meowed as she trotted off with his goons.
Ratigan turned back to Basil, "It was my fond hope to stay and witness your final scene, but you were fifteen minutes late..."
Spider-Man then quipped, "Or as standard villain practices go, you must now conveniently leave the room assuming the killing device achieves its purpose."
Ratigan glared at Spider-Man, "I'm beginning to regret not gagging the two of you..." He then turned back to Basil, "But I do have an important engagement at... Buckingham Palace then once I find the boy, the rest of the worlds will be mine for the taking."
Dawson and Wanda turned to Ratigan in confusion, before the villain gestured to the human-sized camera, "Do remember to smile for the camera, will you? I wouldn't want our missing party member missing out on all the action."
"You fiend!" Dawson shouted.
Ratigan shrugged as he went over to the record player. "Sorry, chubby. You and those meddlesome heroes should've chosen your friends more carefully."
He started the record, as a catch tune started to play. At that moment, Fidget came out, flying a dirigible, to which the mysterious package was attached by a rope. A rope ladder came down, and Ratigan climbed on, "Adieu, auf wiedersehen, arrivederci, farewell!"
"Goodbye~ so soon~ and isn't this a crime~ We know by now that time knows how to fly~ So here's goodbye~ so soon~"
Ratigan then gave a mockingly heartfelt final goodbye to his long-time foe, "Bye-bye, Basil."
"You'll find your separate way~ With time so short I'll say so long~ And go~ so soon~ Goodbye~ You followed me~ I followed you~ We were like each other's Shadows for a while~ Now as you see~ This game is through~ So although it hurts~ I'll try to smile~ As I say so long~"
As the heroes watched helplessly as Ratigan took off to Buckingham Palace. Wanda turned to Spider-Man, "Peter? What did Ratigan mean when he said he had an engagement in this Buckingham Palace?"
Before Spider-Man could answer, Basil overheard her and sighed, seemingly unconcerned, "Oh, haven't you figured it out yet, Ms. Maximoff? The Queen's in danger, and the empire's doomed."
"Yeah," Peter nodded at Basil's conclusion, "What he said."
Dawson and Wanda gasped, "The Queen?!"
Meanwhile, inside her bedroom, Queen Mousetoria was preparing herself, only to be distracted by a knock on her door. She adjusted her crown before answering, "Come in."
The guards, which in reality were Ratigan's minions in the stolen uniforms, entered the room. One of them told her, "Begging your pardon, Your Majesty, but a present has just arrived in honor of your Jubilee."
"A present?" The Queen smiled, delighted by this new information, "Oh, how wonderful!"
She quickly walked over to them. Another guard, actually a disguised Fidget, handed her the attached note, "Here you are, sweetheart."
The Queen eyed him suspiciously for a moment, "Have you… been with us… long?" She then turned back to the letter, placed on her reading glasses, and read it out loud, "'To our beloved Queen this gift we send, as her 60-year reign…'" She paused in confusion at the last part of the letter, "'...comes to an end?'"
She thought that was weird, she had no intention of retiring any time soon, and she just checked in with her doctor, and he told her she still had plenty of years left. There was also nothing in the letter saying who the gift was from. Without any further delay, the disguised minions, unwrapped the gift, revealing an exact robotic replica of the Queen. She gasped, and studied it closely, "How extraordinary."
Suddenly, the robot came to life startling her, "Goodness gracious!"
She made a run for it but her robot double chased after her until Ratigan entered the room and the robot was being controlled by Mr. Flaversham. The villain chuckled, "Amazing likeness, isn't it, Your Majesty?"
"Professor Ratigan!" The Queen glared at him hard. She should have known he was behind this. While she couldn't have arrested without actual proof of his other crimes, she most certainly could now. She ordered, "Guards! Seize this despicable creature!"
Fidget and the 'guards' merely snickered, as Ratigan held up a speaker and spoke into it, the robot Queen mimicking his words, "Guards, seize this despicable creature!"
His thugs promptly grabbed the Queen and dragged her off. She struggled to get free as she demanded, "Let go of me, you ruffians!"
"Move along, honey!"
Fidget kept shoving her to the door, as his boss rang the bell to summon Felicia as the Queen continued to struggle, "Fiends! Traitors!"
Back with Toby and Sora, they waited patiently for the others. The boy had his arms crossed in concern, "They've been gone for a long time."
He climbed over to the dog's head and looked down to his huge eyes, "You don't think something bad's happened to them, do you?"
Toby whimpered in response, before Sora thought for a minute, "They might need help. That man in the back coat might be there. We've got to help them."
The dog nodded in agreement before sniffing around for another entrance. A minute later, the hound caught a new scent, as Sora tilted his head, "What is it, boy?"
Toby lowered to the ground and allowed Sora to take a closer look. He walked to up where the dog was pointing, and saw a single long string of hair, "What's this?"
He then thought to himself, "I know I'm not that smart, but if I'm going to find my friends... I need to think like Basil..." He then observed the hair more close before turning to Toby's angry face, his eyes lit up, "Oh, it's not hair... it's fur!"
He turned to Toby as he then asked, "It's cat fur, right?"
The dog confirmed with a nod, which made sense to even Sora. Most dogs didn't like cats. Hence why Toby is so mad. His eyes light up again, "So if the bad guy owns a cat, they need a way for it to get in and out."
He then turned to Toby excitedly, "If we find that entrance, we can go in a save our friends!"
Toby went from angry to confused, then after hearing Sora's explanation, from confused to happy. Sora then ran back to Toby and the dog let him on his head again as Sora declared, "Follow that scent!"
Toby barked in response before tracking down the cat's scent...
Back in Ratigan's lair, the four heroes were still trapped and two of them continued listening to the song, waiting for the trap to go off.
"It's through so although it hurts~ I'll try to smile as I say goodbye~ So soon~ and isn't this a crime~"
Wanda continued to struggle, as she turned to Peter, "Any luck?"
Peter grunted as he admitted, "Nothing. I gotta feeling only Basil can find us a way out of this."
"Fair enough," Wanda nodded as she called over to the great mouse detective, "BASIL! STOP FEELING SORRY FOR YOURSELF AND GET US OUT OF THIS!"
Spider-Man called out to them, "Not to that blur but yes, what she said!"
Basil could only groan in response, "Oh, how could I have been so blind? Ratigan's proved he's more clever than I." He then scoffed, "He would never have walked into such an obvious trap."
Dawson glared at Basil, "Oh, pull yourself together! They're right! We all make mistakes! But we can't let that stop us! You can stop that villain!"
"He can't."
Dawson blinked as a Corridor of Darkness opened up, as Xehanort walked out, "My word! That coat... you're that villain that's after Sora!"
Wanda's eyes narrowed in anger, "Xehanort!"
Xehanort smirked as he approached the girl, as Dawson took noticed the record was stuck on 'so long' as the villain approached the two Avengers, "So, you took the time to learn about me. I'm flattered."
He stopped as the two Avengers glared at him, as he continued, "Coincidentally, I took the time to visit your world and learn about the two of you."
He turned to the mutant woman with a smirk, "Wanda Maximoff. The Scarlet Witch. Daughter of Magento. The twin sister of Quicksilver. And the half-sister of Polaris. Currently the ruler of Genosha and currently a full-time Avenger."
"And then there's you, Peter Parker," He then turned to Spider-Man as he blinked behind his mask, "The 'Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. Only a part-time, and yet has had a much larger history of heroics than the mutant woman has yet to achieve."
While he was shocked Xehanort knew his secret identity, but he tried to play it off, "Peter Parker? You think I'm that guy who takes pictures of me for Pickle Puss?"
Xehanort chuckled, "Funny. Most people seem to buy that act. But don't insult my intelligence, I'm not most people, Mr. Parker." He walked back to Wanda as he continued to talk, "How would Jameson react to find out his prized photographer has been the man he hated all along? How would your dear sweet Aunt May react to learn that her nephew had been secretly risking his life every night due to a guilty conscience."
Spider-Man's eyes narrowed under his mask. Xehanort continued, "I have no quarrel with either of you. In fact, I'm here to make you an offer."
Wanda's eyes narrowed, "Not interest."
"I suggest you listen, to the offer before you reject it," Xehanort advised before telling them, "You two were never supposed to be a part of this. In fact, your world was out of the equation of my destined path. So, if you surrender the boy without question, I will spare your world from the Heartless."
"Spare us from what? So can destroy the universe out of pure curiosity?" Spider-Man's eyes narrowed, "Our world's going to be caught in the middle whether you have Sora or not!"
"Besides, even if it didn't," Wanda glared even harder, "We still won't."
Neither hero would willingly risk the life of a child if it meant protecting their world. Heck, if something happened to him, and even if their world was spared, trillions would die from the conflict. No matter the circumstances, they wouldn't surrender the child even if they were up against the devil himself.
Xehanort raised an eyebrow, curious about how they knew that before simply assuming someone told them, he simply sighed, "One who knows nothing, can understand nothing."
Suddenly, they heard Dawson exclaim, "That's Enough!"
Xehanort turned to the doctor with an eyebrow raised as the record finally fixed itself.
"We know by now that time knows how to fly~ So here's goodbye~ so soon~ You'll find your separate way~"
Dawson winced at both unintentionally fixing the record and getting Xehanort's brief attention. After a few seconds of glaring, he turned his attention back to Peter and Wanda. The doctor quickly then turned to Basil and whispered to him, "Dash it all, Basil! The Queen's in danger. Sora and Olivia counting on us. Wanda and Spidey are been interrogated by a madman. We're about to be horribly splattered and all you can do is lie there feeling sorry for yourself. Well, I know you can save us, but if you've given up then why don't we set it off now and be done with it?"
At the same time, Xehanort smirked, "What are you waiting for? Surely you want to save your friends in this world and your own. Along with your own families. Why risk it all for a boy? What do you expect? The detective gets a second wind and saves you all? He has lost all hope. Darkness will overtake his heart. Honestly, at this point, I'm surprised he hasn't set it off now and get it over with."
Wanda's eyes narrowed before Spider-Man slowly smirked under his mask. Xehanort raised an eyebrow, "What are you smirking about?"
Spidey didn't answer as Basil repeated, "Set it off now." An idea sprung in his head from what both Dawson and Xehanort had just said as he started laughing, "Set it… off… now? Ye…Yeah! Yes! We'll… We'll set the trap off now!"
Xehanort, Wanda, and Dawson all stared at Basil in shock as the daughter of Magento stared at him in shock, "Uh... what?!"
Dawson looked at him as if he lost his mind, "Basil, wait! I didn't mean that we ought..."
"With time so short I'll say so long~ And go~ so soon~ Goodbye~"
With that, much to Dawson's horror, the music stopped, and the ball started rolling. Xehanort raised an eyebrow, "Times running out."
Peter whispered to Wanda, "It's already. Basil's got this."
Basil, now back to his confident self, began muttering to himself as the ball came closer. The two Avengers and Xehanort could make out from his muttering was, "The angle of the trajectory multiplied by the square root of an isosceles triangle... dividing Guttermeg's principle of opposing forces in motion... and adjusting for the difference in equilibrium..." He then turned to the doctor, "Dawson, at the exact moment I tell you, we must release the triggering mechanism!"
Dawson gulped but nonetheless nodded as the ball got closer.
"Get ready, Dawson..." Basil told him, watching the ball, "Steady... NOW!"
They sprung the mousetrap, which caught on the ball and set off a chain reaction.
The vibration of the trap loosened one of the pegs, which ricocheted towards the gun, knocking it upwards. The gun fired, hitting the crossbow, which, instead of hitting Basil and Dawson, fired at the ax, slicing off the top of the ax and head to where the humans from another world were.
Xehanort's eyes widened in horror before teleporting away before the ax could hit him. Instead, it cut the two Avengers' bindings, much to the mutant's shock. The ax then fell lengthwise, cutting through the mousetrap and sending Basil and Dawson out of harm's way as the anvil fell, narrowly missing them.
The force of the anvil hitting the ground rattled Olivia's bottle, popping the cork and sending Olivia flying out. Spider-Man quickly leaped in the air and caught the girl mid-flight before landing on Basil who composed himself and changed into his hat and coat. He put his arm around Dawson, "Thank you, Dawson."
Xehanort reappeared in front of Basil, and his eyes narrowed, "So you managed to escape... no matter, you haven't won yet."
Just then he heard barking behind him, and through the door where Felicia left with Ratigan's fake soldiers, Toby burst through growling at Xehanort forcing him to summon his Keyblade. The dog growled at him but stood his ground. Xehanort's eyes narrowed before lacing behind him where a smirking Basil, a dumbfounded Dawson, and two Avengers, one of which held the little girl in his arms, all stood to oppose them. While Xehanort did believe he could take them on, he believed it wasn't worth the effort, and simply smirked, "Very well... you survive this day, but that boy will be mine."
He put away his Keyblade, he chuckled, "You have no idea what you're all up against."
The man in a black coat then vanished through a Corridor of Darkness. Everyone eased up before Toby started panting again. Wanda looked up at the dog, "Toby? How did you get in here?"
Sora then appeared on the dog's head, as he beamed, "Hi, everyone!"
Spider-Man, Scarlet Witch, and Dawson gasped in shock, "Sora?!"
The islander gestured to the door behind them, "Look! We found the door that the bad guy's cat uses!"
Basil chuckled, "Nice work, Sora! Not bad detective work for a beginner!"
Sora jumped off to join them as Wanda caught him. Basil then pulled the group in front of the camera as he told the group, "Smile everyone."
Toby was even able to stick his nose next to them as the camera flashed taking the photo of the heroes and children. The dog then proceeded to lick the two children. Basil then turned to Toby, "Well done, Toby. You put Xehanort on the run but the game is afoot! Our Queen is in mortal danger!"
Basil growled and knelt down to allow the others to climb on his back.
"To Buckingham Palace!" Basil declared once everyone was on as Toby took off through the entrance they came...
Meanwhile, back at the palace, Ratigan's disguised thugs played trumpets to announce the queen's entrance. The robotic queen stepped out, and everyone in attendance was fooled by it.
"On this momentous occasion," The robot spoke, "...we are gathered here not only to commemorate my 60 years as Queen but to honor one of truly noble stature!"
Unbeknownst to the crowd, behind the curtains were Hiram and Ratigan as the former was speaking into a microphone attached to the robot queen, while Mortimer held him at gunpoint to force him to read the notecards another thug was holding up.
Back outside, everyone eagerly awaited who the person the 'Queen' was talking about with eagerness as the robot continued, "I present to you a statesman among mice, a gifted leader, a crusader for justice, a majestic mountain of humility, and my new Royal Consort... Professor Padraic Ratigan!"
At that, Ratigan burst out onto the balcony, dressed in a crown and purple robes decorated with medals. The crowd backed away, horrified. One boy, in particular, blew a raspberry at him, his mother almost instantly covering his mouth.
Meanwhile, Fidget was dragging the real Queen Mousetoria, bound and gagged, to the balcony. The Queen looked down in horror to see Felicia lurking outside, jaws wide open, eager for a snack fit for a queen.
"Here, kitty, kitty," Fidget said. "Time for mouse chow."
Back at the palace, Ratigan bowed mockingly to the robot queen.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," He thanked the false Queen, "And now, as your new Royal Consort, I have a few...slight suggestions."
With that, he pulled out a rolled-up piece of paper and let it fall, where it rolled down the aisle of the Grand Hall and well past the curtain, where one of his men had opened it for him.
"Ahem," Ratigan cleared his throat. "Item one..."
As this was going on, Fidget continued carrying the real queen to the hungry jaws of Felicia, while Toby had just arrived at the palace. He held his nose to a ledge, where Basil, Dawson, the Avengers, and the children rushed into a mouse hole. Basil turned to Peter, "Quickly, in the story... where did Fidget take the Queen?"
Peter blinked in shock, "Wait, how did you...?!"
"Mr. Parker," Basil shook his head, "The Queen's in mortal danger, there's no time for an explanation! Now tell us, at this point of the story! What's Fidget going to do with the Queen?!"
Peter ultimately knew Basil was right before admitting, "Okay, let's see, we're here. Ratigan's importing his new 'laws,' then that means, Fidget's trying to feed the real Queen to the cat!"
"Of course," Basil's eyes narrowed with determination, "Quickly, we must stop Felicia before it's too late."
As everyone quickly ran their way through the place, Peter couldn't help but mutter to himself, "The cat's name is Felicia... that's a disturbing coincidence that the cat shares the same name as my ex."
Wanda turned to him for a moment not sure she heard him right, "Um... what?"
"Long story," Peter told her as they continued their attempt to rescue the Queen...
It didn't take long for them to find both Fidget and the Queen. The latter managed to kick the bat a few times before heading over to the balcony. They gasped to see Fidget having reached the balcony, about to toss the Queen off and quickly ran towards them.
"Open wide! Bye-bye!" Fidget declared, but just as he was about to throw the Queen to Felicia, Basil and Spidey reached him and grabbed her out of his hands, causing Fidget to lose his balance and narrowly grab onto the edge of the balcony, as Felicia snapped and bit at him. Fidget panicked, "Down, down, kitty! Down!"
A string of webbing caught on to the pegged-legged bat and yanked him back on the balcony. Felica tried to jump after him as Wanda prepared to fight the cat as she admitted, "I never was much of a cat-person."
All of a sudden, everyone heard barking coming closer. Everyone turned to see Toby charging in after the cat. Felica's eyes widened in horror, "MEOW!"
The cat lost all interest in food and ran for her life as Toby pursued her. Sora cheered on the hound dog, "GET HER, TOBY!"
Wanda smiled as she cheered on the large dog, "Good boy, Toby!"
Meanwhile, back with Ratigan, he was continuing down his list of tyrannical laws, "Item 96: a heavy tax shall be levied against all parasites and sponges... such as the elderly, the infirm, and especially little children."
As he said the last part, he sneered at the little boy from before, who glared at him defiantly. An old man with a leg cast and crutch approached, and objected, "That's ridiculous! You're insane!"
"Perhaps I haven't made myself clear," Ratigan glared at the old man before snatching the crutch away from the old mouse, causing him to fall down as the crowd gasped as he broke the crutch in his bare hands, "I have the power!"
The robot Queen nodded full-heartedly, "Of course, you do."
"I am supreme!" He declared.
The robot replied, "Only you."
"This is my kingdom!" He laughed maniacally as the crowd cowered before him, before calming down and clearing his throat as he turned to the fake Queen, "That is, of course, with Your Highness' permission."
The robot didn't answer right away, thinking it was just a glitch Ratigan gave it a light slap to start it up again. The robot finally answered, "Most assuredly," Before suddenly glaring at him and talking in a much angrier tone, "...you insidious fiend!"
Ratigan was taken aback, "What?!"
"You're not my Royal Consort!" The robot declared.
Ratigan quickly covered its mouth, chuckling nervously at the crowd, "What a sense of humor..."
The robot slipped out of his grasp, "You're a cheap fraud and impostor."
Ratigan angrily glared down the hall, "Flaversham!"
What Ratigan didn't know was that it was Basil, not Hiram, who was now behind the controls. His thugs had been defeated by the heroes, who were all tied up in spider webs. Olivia was happily reunited with her rescued father. The heroes and the real Queen watched as Basil spoke through the speaker, "A corrupt, vicious, demented, lowlife scoundrel! There's no evil scheme you wouldn't concoct!"
He jerked on the controls...
...which caused the robot's head to fly up and spin, biting Ratigan's nose. He forced the head back down, but both arms sprang out, hitting him in the stomach. He tried to hide the robot from the crowd, but by now, they had caught on to his scheme with their own smirks. The robot continued speaking whatever Basil said, "No depravity you wouldn't commit!"
Ratigan tried to force the robot down with his weight, but it sprang upwards, bringing him up with it and dropping him. As the robot finally began to fall apart, it spoke its final words, "You, Professor, are nothing more than a foul stenchus rodentus. Commonly known as a..."
"DON'T SAY IT!" Ratigan begged as he held the robot's remains
At that, Basil burst out from the curtain and pointed at his nemesis, Dawson, and the Avengers in tow as the detective finished, "SEWER RAT!" Ratigan let out a scream of fury as Basil spoke up on the real Queen's behalf, "ARREST THAT FIEND!"
Ratigan turned around, shocked to see Basil alive and the heroes freed. Basil, Dawson, Spider-Man, and the Queen tackled the villain into the crowd, where they too piled on him to hold him down. The people also aided the Scarlet Witch in dealing with Ratigan's henchmen. As Sora and Olivia watched the fight, they failed to notice Fidget managed to grab a small knife as he began to cut himself free of Spider-Man's webbing...
At the same time, Felicia was still fleeing from Toby. She darted through bushes and flower beds before scrambling up a wall, where Toby was unable to do more than jump up halfway and bark at her. Felicia snickered mockingly at the basset hound, lifting her tail and making a show of jumping down the other side to safety.
If only she noticed the sign on the dog that read, 'Royal Guard Dogs' Kennel,' she might not have jumped to the other side. All she could do was let on a terrifying screech as all the dogs closed in on her. Felicia was never seen or heard from again...
As everyone tried to subdue Ratigan, the villain tore his robes off and threw everyone off him. Just then, they heard a whistle from a high balcony, and everyone looked up to see Fidget holding both Sora and Olivia, "I got the kids!"
Wanda's eyes widened in horror, "Olivia! SORA! NO!"
Everyone made a dash to the captive children but Ratigan managed to escape the crowd and got to them first. He held both children as he threatened, "Stay where you are, or the girl dies first!"
Ratigan knew he couldn't do anything to Sora if he was going to rule all worlds but the girl he had no reason to use other than a hostage to keep the heroes off of him. He then made his escape. Wanda turned to Basil pleadingly, "We can't let him get away!"
"Not this time," Basil nodded, "We save the children!" He then ordered the group, "Quickly! Follow me!"
Spider-Man, Scarlet Witch, Dawson, and Mr. Flaversham quickly followed Basil out of the palace. Once outside, they saw Ratigan's dirigible flying away. Basil then scaled the flagpole as he told the others, "Everyone! Gather those Balloons!"
As the others gathered the balloons, Basil began to lower the British flag...
Meanwhile, on the dirigible, Fidget was pedaling as Ratigan steered, but with no one guarding the children, Sora and Olivia began yanking on the criminal mastermind's tail. The latter told the villain, "Just wait! Basil's smarter than you! And Wanda and Spidey are stronger than you! They're going to put you in jail. "
"Yeah," Sora nodded in agreement as they continued to pull off the rat's tail, "They're not afraid of a big, old, ugly, rat like you."
Ratigan whirled around and yanked his tail out of their hands, as he glared at them, "Would you both kindly sit down and SHUT UP?!"
The force of the yell was so strong it sent Sora and Olivia flying back to the back of the flying vehicle. Ratigan turned back, only to see the British flag flying up ahead of them, blocking their path.
The flag moved higher, revealing that Basil and the other heroes had used it, a mass of balloons, and a matchbox to create a makeshift hot air balloon. Spider-Man crossed his arms, "Let the children go, Professor, and we won't hurt you..."
"...much," Wanda's eyes narrowed as she went into her battle stance. Ratigan simply sneered, he may have lost his chance to rule Mousedom but he wasn't losing his one ticket to rule the others, and turned the dirigible as Fidget began to pedal faster.
Basil turned to Dawson and Mr. Flaversham, as he ordered them, "Let her go, chaps!"
The two mice released air from an open balloon to propel them forward. Ratigan led them on a chase around roofs and chimneys, up and around a statue of Lord Nelson, and straight ahead towards the Tower Bridge.
Fidget pedaled as fast as he could as Ratigan steered the dirigible just below the bridge. Dawson braced himself in case they crashed but at the last moment, they moved downward, just missing it.
Up ahead, Fidget stopped pedaling, out of breath and exhausted. Ratigan glared at his remaining goon as the bat hopped inside and gestured towards Sora and Olivia, "We need to... lighten the load."
"Ohhh..." He replied mockingly, "You want to lighten the load?" Fidget turned to the two children with a grin on his face, but it vanished when Ratigan grabbed him instead, "Excellent idea!"
"No, not me!" Fidget pleaded as his boss lifted him over the edge, "I can't fly! I can't fly!"
Ratigan couldn't care less as he threw the bat overboard. Fidget screamed as he flapped his broken wing as hard as he could but he still fell to his doom in the waters below. He then hopped on the propeller and began moving, unaware that Basil and company were about to catch up to him.
"Steady!" Basil declared as he and Spider-Man were about to jump.
Wanda turned to Peter, "Bring them both back safely."
Spider-Man's eyes narrowed in determination, "We will."
With that, Spidey and Basil made the jump. The latter caught the tail of the dirigible, swinging forward. His feet just barely missed Ratigan, and the two enemies glared at one another. Spider-Man managed to land safely on the enemy ship, "Okay, let's get you two..."
Both children started to scream just as Peter's Spider-Sense went off, he gestured behind him, "We're about to crash into Big Ben, aren't we?"
Ratigan and Basil then took notice as it would appear to be the case. The former screamed as Spidey turned around and he couldn't help but comment, "Yep. This is gonna hurt."
The dirigible slammed into Big Ben, and everything went black...
Inside the clock tower, Peter began to come to as he groaned, "Oooooh, did someone catch the number of that..."
His eyes widened under his mask, as he noticed the gears and cogs of the clock tower turning all around him. He muttered to himself, "Okay... when I said I wanted to see Big Ben someday, this wasn't exactly what I had in mind."
He then heard Basil groan. Spider-Man turned to the great mouse detective as he too regained consciousness. Peter quickly helped him up, "You okay?"
"We're alive for the moment," Basil commented before noticing the clockwork. He looked around, "Any sign of the children? Ratigan?"
As the two heroes, looked around their surroundings, they failed to notice Ratigan sneaking up behind them. In one arm, he held the two young hostages in his arms to cover their mouths, while the other was raised to strike his foes. Olivia managed to get her mouth free as she warned them, "Basil! Spidey! Look out!"
Spider-Man's Spider-Sense went off and warned him of the attack at the same time as Olivia's warning, both heroes turned to face the wrath of Ratigan. Peter's years of experience managed to avoid the blow with his agility but Basil wasn't so fortunate as he was sent flying. Thankfully, he managed to hold onto the end of the rotating gear.
Spider-Man went into a battle stance, as he commented, "You know, I don't understand why you're so offended being called a rat when it's quite literally in your name. Rat-igan! Can't you hear it?"
The evil Professor didn't like Spider-Man's comment about him and prepared to strike him when Olivia managed to bite his hand. Ratigan screamed in pain as Peter grabbed onto the professor's cape, tangling it between two gears.
Ratigan gagged and was forced to drop the children in order to hold onto his cape and keep from getting strangled. Spider-Man knew it wouldn't kill him but it would have made him let the kids go. It also gave time for Basil to climb back on. He'd make sure he wouldn't kill him and maybe have him live a long life behind bars... if the Queen of this world felt merciful.
However, Ratigan kicked the two children. Spider-Man quickly reacted and caught Sora. Basil tried to catch Olivia but missed as she fell off the gear and into a much larger one, connected to another one that would soon crush her.
Basil turned to Peter, "I'll save her. Get Sora to the others, I'll meet you there."
Spider-Man nodded as he fired a web to higher ground as he swung Sora to safety. Basil jumped from the gear and onto a lever, which was lifting up a chain towards Olivia. He rapidly ascended, and grabbed Olivia's hand, yanking her out of the gear mere seconds before the gears connected; he gave the little mouse a smile as the chain continued to lift them to the top of the tower.
As Peter landed on higher ground, he turned to Sora, "You okay, spiky."
Sora smiled and nodded, "Yeah. That old rat doesn't scare me."
Spidey lightly chuckled before Basil and Olivia joined them. Basil took Olivia's hand as he told the two visitors of Mousedom, "Quickly! We need to get them out of here! Then we'll go after Ratigan!"
"Right," Peter nodded as he picked up Sora, "C'mon!"
As they did so, Ratigan looked on, his rage building. Seeing their escape, he snapped, and darkness began to ooze off of him, tearing his cape to shreds in a burst of strength, freeing himself, and began to pursue them.
Spider-Man and Basil stopped at an opening at the top of the tower, trapped as a thunderstorm had begun. They looked around before Sora spotted the makeshift air balloon, "Miss Wanda! We're over here!"
Wanda looked down and spotted Basil, her fellow Avenger, and the two children. She turned to the other mice with her, "It's them! Get us closer!"
Dawson managed to move their ride closer as both Spider-Man and Basil made sure the children got to safety first. Basil told the doctor, "Closer, Dawson! Closer!"
Olivia's father quickly tried to grab his daughter's hand, while Wanda did the same with Sora. She called out, "Sora! Take my hand!"
"Miss Wanda! I can't reach!"
"Daddy! I can't reach!" The two children exclaimed.
Just then, Spider-Man's Spider-Sense went nuts and noticed an angry rat was getting closer. Basil noticed the same and thinking the same thing as the Wall-Crawler he gave Peter a nod. Spidey called out, "Get ready to catch them!"
Both adults nodded as Basil and Spidey tossed the children to safety before getting tackled by Ratigan. Wanda managed to catch Sora while Mr. Flaversham caught his daughter. Both pulled the children in a tight embrace until Wanda's concern turned to her fellow Avenger, "PETER!"
She didn't even realize she called Spider-Man by his real name, as the two heroes and the villainous rat began to fall. Spider-Man managed to grab Basil and fired a web line on the bell tower. However, Ratigan caught onto Peter's ankle as he tried to swing the detective to safety. The sudden weight made Peter's webbing snap, causing them to fall lover to the bell tower. Thankfully Spidey fired another web and landed on the hour hand with Basil. Peter sighed, "That was close!"
Basil nodded in agreement as they looked around for their friends. Just then, they spotted them again when Dawson called out to them, "Basil! Spidey! Over here!"
"Stay where you are," Wanda added, "We're coming to get you."
The two heroes smiled at that, until Peter's sixth sense went off again, "MOVE!"
The two managed to avoid another strike from Ratigan, however, the villain managed to scratch Peter's suit, leaving three claw marks on his chest, "Hey! Uncool! Do you know how much these Spidey suits cost?!"
Ratigan didn't seem to care at this point as he wanted to kill these heroes for ruining his plans. Avoiding another strike, Peter retaliates by punching the villain in the face. The villain was taken back from the strength of Peter's blow before receiving more from the Wall Crawler. Ratigan tried to swing another fist at Peter but he dodged it. This gave Basil the opportunity to throw some of his own punches in.
As Spider-Man and Basil stared to beat the snot out of Ratigan, Peter quipped a parody of his song, "Oh Ratigan~ Oh Ratigan~ You dumb and that that~ Oh Ratigan~ Oh Ratigan~ You're the world's ugliest rat~"
"SHUT! UP!" The villain exclaimed as a boost of power came from him in the form of darkness. This knocked the heroes to the edge of the hour hand. Ratigan snarled, "There's no escape this time, Basil! For you or your annoying insect friend!"
Spider-Man groaned as he and Basil tried to regain their balance on the edge of the clock tower, "For the hundredth time! It's arachnid! At least when I get upset, it's because someone calls me the wrong species! Not because they get it right!"
"I DON'T CARE! JUST DIE!" Ratigan exclaimed knocking the two heroes off the hour hand. Wanda tried reaching out for them but she couldn't allowing them to fall.
Ratigan was in disbelief, but that quickly changed, a cruel smile spreading across his face. He cheered, "I did it! I've won!"
"On the contrary," Came the voice of Basil, "The game's not over yet!"
Ratigan and the others looked down to see Spider-Man had managed to grab Basil and clung to the wall of the bell tower. Basil held up the bell Ratigan had used to summon his cat and rang it once, and Ratigan had just enough time to check his pocket for the bell before the clock struck 10:00. Big Ben sounded off, and the vibrations of the bell disoriented Ratigan, splitting him away from the crack in reality, and made him lose balance.
Both the villain and the crack began to fall. Basil managed to grab onto the crack as well as Ratigan. However, the villain lost his grip on the crack as he then fell to his doom. The villain vanished with the foggy streets below.
While Peter and Basil would have preferred seeing Ratigan behind bars than the same fate he shared in the movie, everyone was safe, they had the crack, and Ratigan wouldn't be hurting anyone again. Meanwhile, the makeshift balloon lowered down to them as they cheered on the two heroes. They smiled as they knew the battle for this world had been won.
Meanwhile, from the rooftops, Xehanort frowned, it would appear this day belonged to the Avengers once again. He then looked around to see Maleficent and Pete, proper human size, standing on a rooftop next to his. Pete turned to Maleficent, "So, what brings us to this place?"
"In order to claim the seven Princesses of Heart," Maleficent's eyes narrowed, "We need a vessel to bring them to Hollow Bastion safely to unlock the power to rule all worlds."
Pete turned to her in confusion, "So, the vessel we're looking for is in this place."
"No," Maleficent smirked as she turned to Big Ben, or more accurately, the even sky next to it, "It'll be on the world... the second star to the right and straight on until morning."
Pete turned to her even more confused as the evil fairy opened a Corridor of Darkness and entered it. Pete followed shortly afterward. Xehanort stared where they once were before vanishing through his own Corridor of Darkness. Perhaps he would have better luck on the next world, these Avengers couldn't keep delaying the inevitable forever...
Later, everyone returned safely to Basil's home. Hanging on the wall was a newspaper clipping, the front picture showing Basil, Dawson, Spidey, and the Scarlet Witch bowing before Queen Mousetoria, apparently being knighted for their bravery. The headline read: 'Queen Honours Detective,' along with the subheadlines 'Queen Praises Detective Basil, Medal to be Given,' and 'Time Runs Out for Ratigan,' confirming that Ratigan did not survive the fall.
"To be thanked by the Queen herself!" Dawson couldn't believe the words coming from his own mouth, "Oh, how very thrilling, eh, Basil?"
Basil smiled as he placed Ratigan's bell on top of the mantle, as a memento of the case, "All in a day's work, Dawson."
Peter was currently without his shirt as Wanda used her powers to restore his ripped shirt. She handed it back to him, "There we are, good as new."
"Thanks, Wanda," Peter nodded in gratitude, "Saved me some time sewing it back together myself."
He placed the shirt back on as Wanda blushed. Olivia turned to Sora in confusion, "Why is her face all red?"
Sora shrugged as he admitted, "How should I know?"
Mr. Flaversham merely chuckled, "I'm sure you two will find out when you're older."
Both children tilted their heads before Olivia turned to Dawson, "Oh, Dr. Dawson, you were wonderful!"
Dawson chuckled bashfully. Olivia's father nodded in agreement, "Indeed." He then chucked his pocket watch, "Oh, my, we're late to catch our train. Come along, Olivia."
"Goodbye, Spidey. Goodbye Basil," Olivia sniffed, "I'll never forget you."
Basil smiled and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Nor I you, Miss... Miss Flangerhanger."
While he still butchered the name, everyone could smile as he actually was very sincere about it. Peter couldn't hide the laugh, "Whatever."
"Goodbye Dr. Dawson, Goodbye Wanda, Goodbye Sora," Olivia waved her goodbyes to everyone else. She then added to Sora, "I hope you find your friends."
Sora nodded in apperception as everyone waved farewell as she and her father left through the door, "Goodbye."
Spider-Man added, "Stay safe you two."
Olivia waved one final, "Goodbye."
She then put on her hat and left with her father. Basil couldn't help but admit as he sniffed, "Well, um… Not a bad little girl, actually."
"Not at all," Dawson nodded in agreement before turning to Basil, "What do you think happened to that fiend Xehanort?"
Basil presented the two Avengers with the crack in reality, "Chances are, with Ratigan both defeated and gone, he's likely moved on to the next world to try again."
"So, what do you think he does want with Sora?" Wanda asked as picked up the small boy.
They had just informed the great mouse detective of the visions Wanda had been having of the villain. Basil gave them a sad smile, "I can only deduce, that the Xehanort, the older one who came from this time, must have found a way to contact himself in the past. He's obsessed with finding the secrets of this Keyblade War and this could be one of his many backup plans. However, without the evidence, I could not say what he needs of Sora or why he has to gain from this forbidden knowledge. Unfortunately, the other worlds are out of my jurisdiction."
He then gestured to the crack in reality, "You'll have to keep moving. Try to learn of Xehanort's anything motives in the past. The slightest detail may be important."
Wanda nodded as Spider-Man wondered, "By the way, how did you know that I knew you through a... story? And I never actually told you my name."
"Quite simple, Mr. Parker," Basil admitted, "The moment you arrived here, you always spoke to us with fondness in your voice. At first, I thought it could be because of the Doctor's and my own careers but you spoke the same level of fondness with Olivia which threw me into a loop until you couldn't help compare reality with fiction on every note." He gestured to his ears, "These things are just for show you know."
Peter's eyes widened under his mask, so that's how he knew, he overheard every private conversation with Wanda. Dawson couldn't help but gasp, "We like fiction in your world. Did that mean he knew everything that was going to happen?"
"Not quite," Basil smiled, "Hearts are always a tricky thing to predict. He couldn't say anything if even the slightest chance something could have been off from this fiction."
"I say," Dawson couldn't help but gasp in amazement before turning to the three from another world, "This must be quite the adventure for you."
Spider-Man coil help but chuckle, "It has been."
"So, what will you two do now," Wanda asked, "I know you can't help us anymore with Xehanort or the Heartless."
"There's still plenty of mysteries out there and criminals that need to be stopped," Basil answered before turning to Dawson, "And I could use a friend by my side."
Dawson couldn't help but gasp, "Me?"
Basil smiled as he nodded, "Honestly, I don't think we would have solved the case without your help."
The good doctor chuckled before shaking Basil's hand, "I would be honored."
Wanda giggled, "I guess this world is as good as safe with you two on the case." She smiled, "Take care you two."
"To you three of you as well," Basil smiled, "Do try to visit whenever you're in the neighborhood."
"We most certainly will," Peter promised as he lifted up their backpack and pulled a reality orb out.
Sora waved goodbye, "Tell Toby we said goodbye to him too."
Suddenly there was a loud friendly bark from outside, Dawson chuckled, "I've to say, he's already heard."
Wanda turned to Sora with a friendly smile, "Ready?"
Sora nodded as he took the Scarlet Witch's hand, as Peter tossed the orb into the crack. The crake light of brightly from the power of the orb. Before it began to close, Wanda began to use her power into the crack like the last before this one. Her power spread to herself, Spider-Man, and Sora before they walked through the portal before they vanished from the eyes of the others. Dawson only had enough time to tell the heroes and Sora, "Godspeed."
Meanwhile, in a World that Never Was, Braig... or better now known as Xigbar was feeling out his black coat. He lightly chuckled in amusement, "Can't remember the last time I wore this thing."
"Yeah, it would have been quite a while for you."
Xigbar was taken aback as he recognized the voice, he lightly chuckled, "He... Didn't expect you to see you this 'early,' Master."
The Master of Masters stood behind the new member of the new organization of Nobodies. He then shrugged, "What can't all old Master check on his pupil, Luxu?"
"Now that's a name no one called me in a long time," Xigbar, once known as an old Keyblade apprentice of the Master, Luxu, turned to him, "So, what brings you here? My role in this time isn't quite finished yet."
"Well, I can't say this is a very sociable visit. An interesting development has taken place in the age of Fairy Tales," The Master answered, "A page in the Book of Prochies has changed."
Xigbar blinked with his one good eye in shock, "Changed? Like it has been rewritten?" He rubbed the back of his head, "That never happened before. Well, I can't say I can help you too much, you never gave me a copy to avoid any paradoxes."
"True, you've been filling out your role perfectly," The Master wasn't going to deny that, "It's more so that the current barrier of our old 'No Name' Keyblade has done."
"The old coot?" Xigbar raised an eyebrow, "As if! I've been keeping an eye on him as Braig ever since he showed up on the world formerly known as Radiant Garden, I haven't seen him do a thing that seemed out of place. Though without the book, I couldn't say for certain."
"Oh, it's nothing that the present-time Xehanort has done," The Lost Master answered, "It's more of what his past self is doing."
"Oh, you mean the version of the old coot's past self," Luxu recalled when Xemnas told him his true plans for Kingdom Hearts, "The one that's supposed to be looking for the true thirteen dark vessels for the real Organization XIII? What about him? He can't change things that were destined to happen."
"Well, he couldn't until now," The Master answered, "There's been a lot of opening between the Realms of Light and Darkness hasn't there?"
"Yes, Xemnas and the other members have been interested in them for quite some time," Xigbar admitted, "Can't make heads or tails of it." His good eye widened, "Wait, you're not saying, they were never meant to be here?"
"Unfortunately, yes," The Master of Masters answered, "And that gave him a new opportunity. One that doesn't align with our own plans."
"Oh, man..." Luxu groaned, "That ain't good." He then turned to him, "So, what are we going to do about it?"
"Well, thanks to your role," The Master smirked under his hood, "I was able to get myself from point A to point B where I was able to discover the source of the problem on a world that was never supposed to be involved with any of this."
Luxu turned his head in confusion, "What do you mean?"
"I mean the two from that world that caused all this are also the key to fixing all of this," He then pulled out a page, "And so far, they've been successful." He then handed Luxu the page, "Make sure the other members of the first attempt of the Organization stay off these worlds for the moment, we can't have any more changes in the timeline that there already is."
Luxu took the list as he nodded, "You've got it." After observing the list, he then asked, "So, what will you be doing?"
"These two Avengers have been doing a great job keeping this guardian safe," The Master admitted, "But in order to truly succeed they're going to need a guide and who is better suited than me."
Xigbar nodded as the Master turned to leave, "Good luck."
As the Master left the Organization's current headquarters, he told his old apprentice, "May your heart be your guiding key."
Notes:
And that will conclude today's chapter along with the world of the Great Mouse Detective. Hey, you've got to see a little development from Maleficent and Pete set up the events of KH1 and the Master speaking with Luxu back when the Organization had just started. Just a heads up, this will likely be Luxu's only appearance and we won't see Maleficent again until the final world but did you see who she was going to recruit next? I gave a very subtle hint. Just a heads up, that won't be a world in this fanfiction so you can cross that off your theory list. The Master of Master's though, he will be sort of a guide and mentor to Peter and Wanda, even if they don't trust his mischievous nature. You'll get to see how they react to him.
Now then, on to the previous, unlike the previous worlds, our heroes end up away from human civilization deep within a jungle full of wildlife. All of which can speak proper English. This is lucky for them because they'll need all the help they can get since everyone wants to get their hands on Sora. Most of which for good reasons, Xehanort even sends an old foe of Spidey to track them down. But they're not the only visitors to the world as the Master sends some backup for this one. A friendly creature that's bouncey, trouncey, ouncey, pouncey, fun, fun, fun, fun, fun. And will it be enough? Will Peter ever stop making Tarzan or George of the Jungle jokes? Will the two Avengers ever stop blushing at their new outfits? Will Sora ever understand why they're blushing? Can they survive the next conflict with the other visitor, a black panther, and a bear at their side? Stay tuned and find out! I hope you enjoyed the chapter, be sure to leave a review. Also, if you haven't already be sure to follow and fav. as well. See ya real soon!
Chapter 7: Chapter 6: In the Jungle, the Mighty Jungle...
Summary:
You would think being as small as a mouse would be the strangest thing that would happen to the two Avengers, but things take a turn when they're suddenly dressed like their friends in the Savage Land, who cosplay as Tarzan and Jane every day! Despite the setback, they still have to keep an innocent young boy safe, not only from Heartless but from the dangers of the wildlife in the jungle... another problem is Peter Parker has never watched The Jungle Book. Thankfully, they still have allies on this world: a black panther, a friendly papa bear, and a friend who is bouncey, trouncey, ouncey, pouncey, fun, fun, fun, fun, FUN!
Wait... since when was Tigger in the Jungle Book?!
Also, as the threat starts to come to Earth, Xehanort starts to turn to Spider-Man's enemies to deal with our Avengers. Will Peter and Wanda rise to become Lord and Queen of the Jungle or will this world finally bring their undoing?!
Notes:
I don't own Kingdom Hearts or Avengers. They belong to Disney, Square Enix, and Marvel. Okay, I'm pretty sure most of you figured out the next world was the Jungle Book. Hey, it was supposed to appear in Birth By Sleep, so why not here? Hopefully, they'll try it again for the upcoming games for Kingdom Hearts... and if they do, they do the animated version. Nothing against the new one, I just like the older one better. Now then, here's the first half of the world of the Jungle Book...
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 6: In the Jungle, the Mighty Jungle...
Years had passed since Master Xehanort had brought his old apprentice to his old friend. While Eraquas was skeptical of Xehanort's sudden change of heart, he bought the act that the older man seemingly changed. The time had come for both Eraquas's own pupils, Terra and Aqua face their own Mark of Mastery, which Xehanort agreed to oversee. Although he had his own reasons why he came, and it wasn't just about Ventus. Earqus even agreed on how to perform the test by his suggestions. He played along, sitting alongside Eraqus, on the seats of Keyblade Masters. He glanced at young Ventus, who still had no memories from his time with him. He seemed nervous about why he looked at him like that, but stood at attention as Master Earquas approached his two young pupils. He then declared, "Today, you will be examined for the Mark of Mastery. Not one but two of the Keyblade's chosen stand here as candidates... but this is neither a competition nor a battle for supremacy... not a test of wills, but a test of heart. Both of you may prevail, or neither. But I am sure our guest, Master Xehanort... did not travel all this way to see our youngest prospects in years fall short of the Mark." The elder Keyblade Master nodded in agreement before he assumed, "I trust you are ready."
"Yes," The two eager apprentices answered.
Master Eraques then raised his Keyblade as he declared, "Then let the examination begin."
Orbs of light appeared to face the two potential Keyblade Masters. Terra summoned his Earthshaker Keyblader while Aqua summoned her own Rainfall Keyblade as they faced their test. To make things more interesting, Xehanort secretly added some darkness to the orbs, causing them to act out unexpectedly. Eraqus's eyes widened in shock as he gasped, "What?"
Xehanort smirked as the two apprentices faced a more dangerous task. They each managed to destroy one, but much to their horror, one came right towards Ventus, "Ven!"
Ventus summoned his own Keyblade and destroyed it on the spot, "Don't worry about me. You two focus on the exam!"
"But Ven, you're in danger here," Aqua told the younger Keyblade Wielder like an older sister, "Go wait in your room!"
"No way," Ven shook his head as he went into his own battle stance, "I've been looking forward to this... seeing you two become Masters. I'm not gonna miss it now!"
"He can take care of himself," Terra reassured her, fully confident in their young friend, "He's been out there training just as hard as us."
Ven nodded in apperception, "Yeah!"
Aqua then turned her attention back to the battlefield, "Stay sharp, Ven!"
Xehanort watched as the three Keyblade Wielders faced off against this quite dangerous test. He turned to Earqus, wondering if he would intervene, but much to his surprise and relief, he didn't. Xehanort smirked at this as they threw and destroyed the remaining darkened light orbs.
Once they were all destroyed, Ven returned to watch from the sidelines as Aqua and Terra turned to stand at attention to the Keyblade Masters. Eraqus approached the two, "That was unexpected, but one must keep a still heart even in the most trying of circumstances. It was an excellent test, one I chose to let unfold. Which brings us to your next trial."
He then had Terra and Aqua turn to face each other with their respective Keyblades in hand. He then instructed the two, "Now, Terra and Aqua, the two of you will face each other in combat. Remember, there are no winners... only truths, for when equal powers clash, their nature is revealed. Begin!"
The two potential Keyblade Masters charged at each other, clashing their blades against each other. They both seemed evenly matched until up to a point, Aqua nearly had the upper hand as Terra narrowly dodged her last strike. As Aqua charged into re-engaging in the fight, Terra began to worry he wouldn't pass the exam. In his hand, darkness appeared. Quickly noticing it in horror, he dispelled it and blocked Aqua's next strike. The rest of the fight didn't matter to Xehanort; he smirked as he finally found who he had been looking for.
When the match ended, Aqua and Terra eagerly awaited to hear their results from the two Keyblade Masters. Eraqus approached them as he told them the results, " We have deliberated and reached a decision. Terra, Aqua, you both performed commendably. However, only Aqua has shown the Mark of Mastery."
Both gasped at the fact that only Aqua passed, but listen to the reason as Eraqus turned to him, "Terra, you failed to keep the darkness within you sufficiently in check. But there is always next time. That is all."
He then turned to the newest Keyblade Master, "Aqua, as our newest Keyblade Master, you are entitled to certain knowledge. Please wait here for further instruction."
As Eraqus left, Xehanort turned to leave not long after. Aqua turned to him with sorrow in her eyes, "Hey..."
Ven ran up to the dejected student and gave him his condolences, "Terra, I'm sorry."
Terra couldn't help but wonder, "The darkness... where did it come from?"
Xehanort walked down the stairs to meet with Vanitas, who currently had his helmet off, but it was blurred out, making his face unknown. The dark Keyblade Master turned to him, "What do you make of Ventus?"
"He ain't going to cut it," The dark half of Ven's heart answered, "Somebody's gotta break that loser in."
Xehanort's eyes narrowed, "Not here, you won't. I have to keep up appearances."
He couldn't let Eraqus know of his plans too soon; he couldn't let him know he was still interested in the Keyblade War. Not yet, at least. He had to make sure that at least Terra and Ventus grew stronger to do what must be done. Vanitas placed his helmet on as he replied, "I know that. He just needs a little incentive to leave home."
With that, the dark master and his apprentice walked through the castle before splitting ways. The apprentice would convince Ventus to leave the worlds to go after Terra while the master went to see the young man.
He found him sitting on the stairs by the door. Probably trying to understand why he failed. He probably even thought he was strong enough to hold it back. Xehanort smirked, "Yes, you are indeed strong." Terra turned to him, surprised that he was still here as the old man continued, "The darkness is nothing to fear."
Terra looked up to him in shock, "Master Xehanort..."
"And yet...how frustrating that Eraqus refutes its power," Xehanort told the young man, "Why, you could train with him forever and still... you'd never be a Master in his eyes."
"But why?" Terra asked, "Help me understand, Master Xehanort. What is it that I have failed to learn?"
As Xehanort walked past him, he answered, "You are fine as you are. Darkness cannot be destroyed. It can only be channeled."
Terra then bowed in respect to the Keyblade Master, "Yes. Thank you, Master."
With that, the bells of the castle began to ring, summoning Terra back inside. Once he was gone, Master Xehanort laughed to himself before leaving the world in a Corridor of Darkness...
Wanda groaned, rubbing her forehead. The visions happened again. This time, Xehanort looked like he was using his friend for his own plans. She understood Ventus was the key to forging a different Keyblade that would allow him to unlock the secrets of this Keyblade War. That she more or less understood. Then there was Terra, who was also being tempted by the same power Xehanort uses. And he encouraged the apprentice of his friend to use that power.
"Um... you okay, Wanda?" She heard Peter ask her. Why did he sound so nervous? They've talked before. Heck, they've been talking ever since they got caught up in this mess.
She smiled in apperception, as she was about to open her eyes to look at him, "I'm fine. But there's something you should... know..."
She stopped, finally looking at Peter and Sora, as her eyes widened in shock. Peter was there, and from the looks of it, they were back to normal size. But Peter's suit was gone, and he looked away at her blushing. She blushed too as she realized the only thing he was wearing was a red lion's cloth. She turned to Sora as who was wearing the small version of the same thing as Peter. She pulled herself together as she wondered, "Um... what happened to your clothes?"
Peter blinked, looking between her and the jungle area around them, "Well... y-you... see... the thing is..."
Sora tilted his head as he cut him off, "Do you mean our clothes? You're superhero costume's gone too."
Peter nodded, "Yeah... that..."
Wanda blinked at Sora and Peter's before slowly looking down at herself. Her usual clothing that she wore even before she was an Avenger was gone; now, like Peter and Sora, the only thing she wore was a red loincloth, but she also had a red tube top around her chest. Her eyes widened in horror as the blush returned harder than it had before, looking back at Peter. Part of her wanted to cover herself or hide behind a tree, but she didn't want to leave Sora both confused and concerned when they had faced crime lords, Greek myths, and tons of monsters. The only words she could make out were, "When... how..."
"The moment we got here," Peter answered as he gestured to the world, "I get why we had to be small on the last world, but we end up in the middle of a jungle, and we end up wearing the fashion choices of Tarzan, Jane, and... I'm not sure if they ever had a kid, but if they did, they'd be wearing what Sora is wearing."
Sora tilted his head in confusion, "A swimsuit?"
Poor kid didn't even know what he was wearing, and probably didn't get the idea why the adults were so embarrassed about wearing them. Especially in front of each other. Peter then turned back to Wanda, "As for the how... I was kinda hoping you would know. It's your power that brought us here."
"How should I know?!" Wanda exclaimed before gesturing to herself, "You think I wanted us to run around in a jungle dressed like this?!" She then looked around at their surroundings, "Just where are we anyway?!"
The Ancient Jungle
"I gotta level with you..." Peter admitted, "I don't know."
Wanda turned to him, "What about the movie? Can't that tell us anything?"
"Well, here's the thing," Peter admitted, "I'm not sure about that either. There are at least four Disney movies that take place in a jungle, one of which was a remake of the original, and I can't say for certain which one it is until we meet someone."
Wanda sighed before nodding in understanding, "Fair enough. Could you let us know those options at the very least?"
"Well, we've got Tarzan, George of the Jungle, or Jungle Book. Both original and remake." Peter answered before adding, "Though I kinda hope it's not Jungle Book."
Wanda looked concerned, "Why not?"
"Well... I never saw Jungle Book as a kid," Peter confessed, "And I didn't have time to see the reboot either. So, if this world is like that movie..."
"We're flying in blind," Wanda sighed to herself, "Great. And you don't know anything about the plot?"
"Maybe some of the characters and the songs," Peter shrugged, "But that's as far as I can tell ya."
She then turned to Sora with concern, before going back to Peter, "Did any of those movies have to worry about predators?"
"I think," Peter nodded, "Although some might be on our side."
"I'm not taking any chances," Wanda crossed her arms as Sora spotted something, "Is there any sort of civilization nearby or other humans at the very least?"
"Yeah," Spider-Man admitted, unaware that Sora went off on his own for a moment before coming back with something in his hands, "But it's not like I would know where?"
Sora then handed him a large rolled-up paper, "Can this help?"
Both heroes blinked in shock before Peter took the paper and unrolled it. His eyes widened, "It's a map!"
Wanda turned to the boy, "Where did you find it, Sora?"
Sora gestured to his right, "In that chest."
Both heroes turned to see a large chest open up, leaning against a large tree. Wanda then turned to Sora, with concern Pom her face, "Okay, we think it's nice you want to help, but you can't just wander off on your own. Even without Xehanort or the Heartless, there are predators all around here. You need to stay with us the entire time so we can protect you. You gave us both a scare when Ratigan had you."
Sora frowned, "Sorry, Miss Wanda." He then asked, "But what if Riku and Kairi are here?"
"Then we'll find them," She promised before asking, "But do you understand what we're asking of you?"
The islander nodded in agreement, "Stay with you and Peter the whole time."
"Good," Wanda smiled as she picked up the boy before turning to Peter, "So, did you figure that map out?"
"Yeah, I think so," Peter stared at the map, "It looks like we're here." He pointed to one spot on the map before going to another, "And it looks like there's a village right over there."
"Alright, let's go," Wanda told him, "Maybe we can get the next crack there... and possibly better clothes."
Peter nodded as he proceeded to lead the group, "I hope you're right."
Wanda's eyes widened in realization, "The backpack... Where's the backpack?!"
"Relax," He reassured her as he picked up the bag full of the Reality Orbs, "That's the one thing that stuck with us."
"Oh, that's a relief," Wanda sighed, before slightly hoping, "Any chance of any spare clothing?"
"That was the second thing I checked," Peter shook his head, disappointed, "Nada."
Wanda groaned as she prayed quietly, "Please don't let this be a long walk."
Little did they know, Xehanort watched the group and already had a problem. Just as he arrived on this world, the crack had already been discovered and joined with a dark force on this world. The good news is that he would use this new power on the heroes. Bad news, he won't listen to Xehanort even if he tried and would swear to kill Sora if he discovered him, something he couldn't allow to happen.
There were others close to the darkness, but all of them would want the boy for food or their reasons. He needed a third party. He crossed his arms, thinking to himself, before smirking, "Fine. If you two are so instant on joining our war, then I shall bring one of yours to deal with all of you."
He just happened to know the perfect candidate for this situation; he vanished through a Corridor of Darkness. Even he was unaware of the third party watching both parties, "So... you decided to call in a favor from another world. Well... two can play that game." He then pulled out a special children's book, "Hope Merlin, don't mind if I borrow this."
On the cover, the book read, 'Winnie the Pooh,' the Master of Masters looked through the pages, "Let's see, Pooh... nope. Piglet... definitely not. Poor little guy scared of his own shadow. Owl... probably bore the kid to death with his stories. Kanga... we've already got a mother figure here. Roo... No." He skimmed through a few more pages, "Eeyore, Rabbit... C'mon... I've got to get something better to help them out in the long run..." He then spotted one particular page, "Oh... you'll do."
He opened the book as if he were going to present it to the world, before waving his hand, causing light to shine from the book before someone bounced right out of it...
An hour later, Peter observed the map again, "Uh... I think we go..." He gestured to his right, "That way."
"How much longer until we get there," Wanda asked as she carried the very sleepy boy on her shoulder. "It's starting to get dark out, and Sora can barely keep his eyes open, and my feet are killing me."
"Can't be too much farther," Peter answered as he held the map to his side, "But yeah, couldn't we've at least gotten sandals?"
As the two Avengers wished they weren't barefoot or half-naked, Wanda asked, "Can't you just swing us there?"
Peter held his fingers in the air as if he was going to shoot a web, but nothing came out. "Yeah, when the clothes vanished, so did my web-shooters. I would if I could."
Sora, who was currently half-awake, gestured to the vines high in the trees, "Why not swing on the plant ropes?"
Wanda giggled as she ruffled the islander's head, "Those are called vines, Sora." She then turned to Peter, "But not a bad idea, what do you think, Peter?"
"So, you want me to go all Tarzan, eh?" Spidey turned to her, "I mean, I guess I could give it a try. It'd be a little difficult since I won't be able to shoot webs on the fl,y but I think I can manage without going George of the Jungle on every tree."
"Um..." The Scarlet Witch blinked in confusion, "George the who now?"
"Long story, but the real challenge is to carry both you and Sora will vine-swinging," The New Yorker admitted, "If it were my webs, it'd be no problem,m but I'm not used to the vines, I'm not sure I could carry both of you."
Wanda thought for a moment before suggesting, "Then how about you teach me how to swing?"
"You?" Peter blinked in shock.
Wanda nodded in agreement, "Yes, that way you can carry Sora and I can follow behind you."
"You sure?" Peter asked in concern, "It took me quite a few bruises before I got the hang of web-swinging."
"I'll be fine. I'm a full-time Avenger, remember," She smiled at him, "I'm sure I can adapt and become Queen of the Jungle..." Peter blinked in confusion before she sighed, "That last bit was my attempt at humor... did I not say it right?"
"Oh no, I just wasn't expecting it, that's all," Peter lightly chuckled with a blush on his face, taking in her beauty. "Okay, how about we just get to the river, then we can figure out how to set up camp. Then in the morning, after I try it out, I can teach you when we're all fully awake."
"Fair enough," She wondered, "We almost there?"
"Yeah, should be just ahead," Peter nodded as they walked past the trees ahead... only to arrive at a place with no rivers. Peter blinked in shock, "What? I could have sworn... There should be a river right here!"
Wanda then asked, "How about I see that map?"
Peter nodded as he took the boy, and she took the map. She gave a quick scan before her eyes widened, "Um... Peter... I think you've been reading the map upside down."
"I've been what?!" Peter gasped in shock, making Sora fully awake as she showed in the map, holding it the correct way. He groaned, "Of course, I did! Of all the lousy luck!"
She looked at him with sympathy, "It's okay, Peter. These things happen." She then frowned, "Though, it looks like we're not going to the village for a few days now."
"Yeah," Peter sighed, "So, you still want to set up camp?"
"Right..." She nodded before wondering, "How are we going to do it though?"
"You can always buy a tent, Kupo."
All three blinked in shock before turning to see a Moogle standing there. Peter turned to the alien seller, "Wait, you guys are here too."
"Of course, Kupo," The Moogle answered, "You didn't think we make all our munny by staying on the same world 24/7, did ya? We're all over the world," The Moogle sighed, "Of course, unless you're from another world or you're on a world where actually from, no one can see us, so you're my first customers here in a long time. So, how'd you like that tent for half the price?"
"That'd... that actually be great," Peter smiled in appreciation, before realizing, "Except my loincloth doesn't have any pockets on me."
"Oh, that's not a problem, Kupo," The Moogle reassured him, "Just open up your palm."
The two Avengers raised an eyebrow, but the spider-themed hero did as requested. Sure enough, the right amount of munny appeared in his hand, "Huh?"
Wanda gasped in shock before attempting to do the same and succeeded. She whispered, "How is this possible?"
"That's the beauty of munny, Kupo," The Moogle answered, "It not only changes into the world's currency, but on the chances you're on a world where you have to blend in, even if you don't have pockets, your munny is never too far from ya, Kupo."
Later, Wanda was preparing the tent for the group, as Peter went to buy some food and hopefully clothes for them. She had just finished setting up before smiling at her work. Sora yawned as she smiled, "Well, I guess we can always get you something to eat in the morning."
She picked up the small child and tucked him into a sleeping bag. She smiled fondly at the boy, as he snuggled in the bag before falling asleep, she whispered to him, "Good night, Sora."
She crawled back outside, before seeing Peter with some fresh fruit in his hands, "So... I take it the kiddo's knocked out."
"Yeah, it's been a long journey home," The mutant woman answered, "So... any luck?"
"I didn't want to get anything that could litter, so I just got us some fruit," He offered, placing some in the tent next to the sleeping child. Wanda smiled as he handed her an apple, which she happily took and took a bite. Peter took a banana for himself, before unpeeling it, "But when I asked him about the clothes... he just burst out laughing at me."
She swallowed the piece of the apple before frowning, "So... guess we're going to be dressed like this for a few days?"
"Or until we find the crack," Peter admitted as he took a bite from his banana, "Whichever comes first. I just hope on the next world we visit, we don't end up having any clothes at all."
Wanda's eyes widened in horror, nearly choking on her apple, "Don't jinx us... I do not want to scar Sora for life than Xehanort already has."
"Sorry," Peter apologized before finishing his banana, "I wish I had better luck to spare..." He tossed the peel aside before looking around, "I should probably gather some wood to start a fire. You know, in case of predators."
"Go ahead," Wanda nodded, "I'll keep an eye on Sora in case Xehanort, the Heartless, or any predator that tries to come for Sora." She then raised a hand with her red power shining, "I'm best suited for that task anyway."
"Yeah," Peter smirked, "I pity any monster, lion, tiger, or bear that comes within an inch of Sora. Heck, I almost even pity Xehanort."
"You're sweet, Peter," Wanda giggled before giving him a light peck on the cheek. Peter blinked in shock before Wanda pulled away equally shocked, blushing, "I- I'm sorry... I don't know what came over me."
"Oh, it's... It's fine," Peter blushed. He slowly backed away, "I'm going to get that firewood." He turned around, bumping into a tree, he looked back even more embarrassed, "Heh, tree."
He then looked around to pick up some loose wood they could use for a fire. As he went off to gather some wood, Wanda smiled before turning back to the tent Sora slept in.
As she finished her apple, her concerns continued to grow for Sora. As far as they knew, this boy was the only one who managed to escape the destruction of his world. She knew she had promised him they'd help find his friends and parents, but what if they couldn't? What if they didn't escape the fall of the Destiny Islands?
So far, they have visited four worlds, including this one, with no sign of any of them. No, she couldn't think like that; she didn't want to give up on Sora's hopes, maybe they ended up on a world they had visited yet. Maybe Scrooge and the Guardians of the Galaxy already found them, and we're bringing them back home.
Sora seemed certain that they were still out there. His friends, at least. But what of his parents? If they were gone, who would raise the boy? It was no secret that she always wanted to be a mother, and she loved Sora as if he were her child. She sat down by a large tree. As she watched the child sleep, she thought to herself, "If the worst situation comes, maybe I could raise the child. He would most certainly be safe at Avengers Mansion or Genosha. And Peter could help..."
She quickly blushed again. What was she thinking? It had only been a few days, and she was already considering raising Sora with him. No one could fall in love within a short amount of time. She may be traveling to worlds of Peter's childhood films where that sort of thing happens, but that sort of thing doesn't happen in the real world.
"I mean... he is kind... and handsome. Good with kids. And not to mention that six pa..." Wanda thought before blushing harder, she closed her eyes in embarrassment, "No, no, no... can't think those thoughts! I have to stay focused on the task at hand!"
However, with this brief distraction, she failed to notice the tail of a large serpent, which lowered its tail from the trees above before wrapping its coils around her waist. Feeling the cold-blooded body around her, she took notice of it, "Wha...?!"
She was then pulled up to the branches above her, "Hey!"
Once, she was upon the level, she came face to face with a python, as she observed her with hunger in his eyes, "Ssssssssay now, what have we here? It 'ssssss a mate of a man. A deliciousssss mate of man."
As Wanda quickly unwrapped the snake's tail from her body, and stood on the large tree branch. She quickly pushed its head away from her, as it was getting too close for comfort, "Go away. Trust me, I'm one woman you wouldn't want to make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry."
The last thing she wanted was for this predator to discover the young, defenseless child in the tent below them. Since it could take, she thought she would give it a fair warning before she blasted it away from their camp. She knew she could handle anything the snake could throw at her.
However, this was no ordinary python. This was Kaa, and he, too, had a power that would always lure in prey. He smirked as he stared right at her eyes, "Sssssomeone issssss cranky. Perhapssss ssssssome ressssst will be good for you."
"I warned y-" She glared as she raised her hands, and was about to send this creep to the other end of the world... except she didn't. She felt her arms going limp as she gazed into Kaa's eyes, "What... what's... happen...?"
Her thoughts, her will to resist the beast, were slowly slipping. But why? She never hesitated to fight an enemy before. The only thing she could do was be enchanted by the pretty colors of Kaa's eyes. She sat right back down in the coils that were slowly wrapping around her body, "Go to ssssssssleep. Resssst in peace."
Wanda suddenly felt very sleepy, although part of her knew she was in danger and tried to resist. If she didn't break free of the spell soon, Peter and Sora would be in danger as well. However, she could do nothing as the coils reached her shoulders. Kaa commanded her, "Ssssssssleeeep. Ssssssssleeeep."
Wanda was almost completely under Kaa's power, but the daughter of Magento mustered enough force of will to weakly moan, "N-n-no, I-I won't... 'GULP'!
His coils tightened around her neck, causing her to lose breath and be completely under the python's control. She forced a dizzy smile as the snake nodded as he lifted her body with his coils, "That'ssss it jussssst ressssst... and trussssssst in me."
He opened jaws over the woman's head, ready to feast...
Minutes earlier, Sora slept soundly in his sleeping bag underneath the tent. Just then, he heard Wanda's voice cry out, "Hey!"
Sora's eyes opened up as he looked around, "Miss Wanda?"
He turned to see the fruit beside him, then he climbed out of the tent. And saw that he was very much alone. He called out quietly, "Hello? Miss Wanda? Mr. Peter?"
Then he heard bushes to his left shake a little, "Hello?"
When Sora didn't get a response, he saw a fallen twig beside him. He picked up the stick, giving a few swings before going into his battle stance as if he were going to fight Riku. He wasn't sure if the person in the bushes was a friend or foe, so he slowly approached it, without letting his guard down. He asked again, "Miss Wanda? Mr. Peter?" Taking another step closer, he whispered, "Riku? Kairi? Is that you?"
All of a sudden, an orange cat-like animal with black stripes jumped out of the bushes and tackled Sora to the ground. The two tumbled around for a moment before Sora was lying on his back while the animal looked down upon him with a friendly smile, "Hello, I'm Tigger!"
Seeing how he wasn't going to harm him, Sora sighed in relief, "You almost gave me a scare there."
Tigger nodded as he stood on all fours on Sora's bare chest with a laugh, "Yeah, sure I did. Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo! Everyone's scared of Tiggers. Who are you?"
"I'm Sora," The islander introduced himself."
"Oh, Sora, sure," Tigger nodded before looking at the boy's face in confusion, "Eh, what's a Sora?"
Sora answered, "Well, you're standing on one."
"I am?" Tigger asked before looking down to see if that was the case. He then finally got off the boy, then helped him up, all while shaking his hand, "Oh, well, glad to meet you! Name's Tigger! T-I-double-Guh-er. That spells Tigger."
Sora was currently learning spelling and the alphabet, so he was quite sure if that was spelled correctly. However, he nodded, "Nice to meet you, too." He then couldn't help but wonder, "So, what are you doing all the way out here?"
"Well, funny you should ask," Tigger smiled as he recalled the events that led to him meeting Sora, "I was bouncing in Long Ears' garden when suddenly the was this huge flash of light, so I bounced towards it! Then I ended up in a part of the Hundred Acre Woods that I had never been before."
Sora tilted his head, "So, you're lost?"
"Don't be ridiculous," Tigger waved it off, "Tiggers never get lost." He then rubbed the back of his head, "Although all my friends seem to have disappeared."
Sora nodded in understanding. He knew what Tigger was going through, too. Tigger then smiled, "So, I decided to go look for 'em! I thought I heard Buddy Bear's voice, and well, I bounced into you."
"I'm looking for my friends too," Sora told the Tigger.
Tigger gasped in amazement, "Really? What a small world we live in." He then wondered, "You don't suppose our friends are friends too, do ya?"
"I mean, we're friends, so I guess," Sora rubbed the back of his head, "I bet if we work together, we can find them."
Tigger laughed as he bounced around him, "Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo! I like the way you think, Sora!" He then stopped in front of him, "So, any ideas where we should look?"
"Well, I heard Miss Wanda's voice when you... bounced into me," Sora admitted, "So maybe she found one of your friends."
"Make sense to me," Tigger nodded as they looked around, "So, they've gotta be close..."
Sora looked up to see something wrapping up the Scarlet Witch from the trees above, "There! I see Miss Wanda!"
Tigger looked up and smiled, "Good eye! Pooh Boy must be up there, too!"
Sora tilted his head, "What do you think they're doing?"
"I don't know..." Tigger admitted as he stared at the wrapped-up Wanda, "Doesn't look too comfy though..."
"We've gotta get up there." Sora looked around to find a way up he tried climbing it, but the tree was too wide. The boy then thought again, before turning to Tigger, "Can you bounce us up there?"
"Of course," Tigger smiled as he picked up Sora and placed him on his shoulders, "Why bouncing is what Tiggers do best!" Sora's new friend started bouncing on his tail, going higher and higher before they started over to the first branch, "Here we go! Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!"
Once they were out of sight, Peter returned with a bundle of wood, "Okay, Wanda. I'm back. How's our sleepy little..." He blinked in shock to discover she was no longer there, "Uh... Wanda?"
He looked around, "Wanda? Where did you go?"
Okay, he was used to having attractive women ditch him since high school, but he thought she would be different. There was definitely no way she would leave Sora on his own. She's been very protective of him from the moment they met the boy. Something must have happened to her. His Spider-Sense went off as he located the danger. He looked up to see a familiar-looking snake lifting a hypnotized young woman, preparing to eat her whole, "Oh no!"
Wasting no time, Peter quickly jumped and scaled the tree with the speed and agility of a spider. Once he reached the branch, he dashed his way to save his teammate, "Let her go!"
Peter punched the snake away from the woman, and the snake groaned in pain, "My ssssssssinussssss!" He turned to Spidey with a glare, "You have jusssssst made a sssssserioussssss missssstake, little man, a very stupid..." Peter looked away from the python's eyes, ready to blind him with his webbing, only for when he pressed on his palms, there were no web-shooters, "...missssstake."
While Kaa was focused on Spidey, Wanda was free from the snake's control. Her eyes widened in horror as she remembered what had happened. She tried to wiggle herself free. If she could at least get one of her hands freed, she would be able to handle the serpent. The problem was that Kaa's coils were still around her tightly. Not too tight that she couldn't breathe, but still pretty tight.
As she tried to squirm herself free, she heard a few 'bong' noises beside her. She turned as Peter, unfortunately, didn't get one of his eyes closed fast enough. He fought with all of his willpower, "No... I won't... let you... win..."
"Both eyessssss pleasssssse," Kaa ordered the unmasked hero. Peter complied with that, opening his other eye; he was now in Kaa's complete control.
Wanda saw Sora on the shoulders of some sort of living 'stuff tiger toy' who managed to get on their level. Sora opened his mouth to speak, but Wanda quickly shook her head; she didn't want Sora to get that snake's attention. He stopped where he and the tiger stood before she whispered to him, "Go! Hide!"
Sora complied with what Wanda told him, as he turned to the other end of the tree branch with the living toy. Kaa turned his attention back to Wanda, "Don't think I've forgotten about you."
Wanda quickly shut her eyes before Kaa could get her under her spell again. Kaa mocked, "Don't be rude. Look at me when I'm talking to you."
He tightened his coils around her as she groaned in pain, although she still refused to look into his eyes. She could only hope she could hold up long enough for Peter to break out of Kaa's control. However, that's not what happened. The stuffed tiger bounced out of his hiding spot and landed on the snake's head. Tigger rubbed his head in confusion, "That's funny. I could have sworn I heard Pooh Bear's voice."
He started bouncing on Kaa's head, "Hello?! Where are you, Buddy Boy?!"
Kaa grunted in pain with every bounce, loosening some of his coils around Wanda, bringing her some relief. She opened her eyes to see her unintentional savior, still bouncing on the snake's head. Kaa tried to speak up as Tigger continued bouncing him, "Get... off... of... me!"
Tigger stopped before noticing the snake's head, "Oh, hello there! I didn't see ya there! I'm Tigger!" He then wondered, "So, why do you sound like my friend?"
Sora looked over to the rest of Kaa's body and noticed the danger the adults were in. He gasped, "Tigger! That snake is a bad guy!"
"Bad guy?!" He gasped in shock.
Kaa briefly turned his attention to Sora, "Ssssssay... isssss that a man-cub?" With that, Tigger started bouncing on him again, "Oof! Ouch!"
"Tiggers do not like bad guys!" Tigger glared at the snake as he continued to bounce, "Take this! And that!"
Kaa continued to wince in pain as Wanda struggled to get herself free. As she did this, she turned to Peter, "Snap out of it, Peter! Sora needs us!"
Spidey, however, remained in his current state. Sora looked at the trail to Kaa's body and saw where the majority of him was hanging. He then spotted a vine before leaping over to it and climbing upon it. He had a much easier time, especially with Tigger keeping the snake distracted.
He reached the branch above him, ran over to Kaa's body, and tried pushing him off the tree. He made very little effort, though. He was still small and not strong enough yet. Suddenly, he heard a loud yawn, followed by a complaint, "What is all that racket?!"
A black panther was trying to get some sleep and went to investigate the source of the noise. He blinked in shock to see Sora there, "What...? A man-cub?" He walked over to the boy, "What are you doing all the way out here?"
Sora turned to the panther as he continued pushing Kaa's body off the tree, "We're trying to save our friends from the snake."
"We?" The panther blinked as he looked down to see Tigger continue to bounce on Kaa, the Scarlet Witch in Kaa's coils, trying to free herself, and Spidey was entranced. He didn't need to think long about what happened. He knew the law of the jungle said he was supposed to stay away from mankind, but he could not in good conscience let Kaa make an orphan of this man-cub. He turned to Sora, "Here. Let me help."
Placing a firm paw on the Kaa, he helped Sora push the snake off the tree. The python continued getting bounced on his head when suddenly, he was forcibly unwound from the branches of the tree, as well as Wanda, hitting his head in the process before crashing down to the ground. The young woman fell not far from him, hard as the two tried to recover. Sora turned to the panther, "Thank you."
"You're very welcome," The Panther smiled at the boy.
As Kaa began to recover, he turned to Wanda, who had recovered first... and she wasn't happy. Her eyes were glowing red as her hands glowed with that same power. He laughed nervously, "Y-you look stresssssssed ... jussssst... look into my eyesssss and relax..."
She glared at the snake a bit longer before smirking, "What eyes?"
The next thing Kaa knew, his eyelids were closed shut and refused to open. In actuality, Wanda had bent reality to make it so Kaa never had eyes. He was blind. The snake began to panic.
In truth, Wanda hated using that power. It was part of the reason why the people of Sokovia thought she was an actual witch. She never wanted to use that power again, although, for Kaa, she made an exception.
Kaa screamed as Wanda then lifted Kaa with her power as she warned him, "Never come near me, my friends, or my kid ever again."
The now blinded snake nodded in fear before she blasted him away from their camp. Tigger shook a fist, "And stay out!"
Wanda looked up to see Sora, "Sora! Sweetie! Are you okay?!"
"I'm fine!" Sora beamed and waved his hand from above of tree branches as the black panther wondered what just happened, "Come meet my new friends! They helped me save you!"
Tigger smiled and waved to her as the panther simply nodded. Even seeing the panther there, she could tell he wasn't going to hurt them, "Thank you. Both of you."
"You're welcome," The panther nodded, "But you might want to check on your mate."
"My mate?" Wanda blinked in confusion as her eyes widened in realization of who he was referring to, "Peter?!"
Spider-Man was still under Kaa's spell as she ran up to the tree and began to climb up to it, the best she could. She asked the panther who helped them, "Could you help Sora to the branch out other friends are on?"
"Might as well," The panther nodded before turning to the boy, "Come now, Man-Cub. Let's join the others."
Sora climbed on the panther's back, and he hopped down to the branch where Peter and Tigger were on. Wanda grunted as she finally climbed onto the large tree branch where her teammate was on. She ran up to Peter, "Peter? It's me, Wanda. The snake's gone. You have to snap out of this."
Tigger turned to Sora, "Say, how was your friend able to do that?"
"Oh, Miss Wanda and Mr. Peter are superheroes," Sora proudly stated.
While the panther turned to Sora in confusion, Tigger gasped in amazement, "Really?" After receiving a confirmation nod from Sora, Tigger bounced passed Wanda and onto Peter, making them tumble over until Tigger stood on Peter's chest, "I never met superheroes in person before, let alone save them. Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!"
Peter blinked in shock and gasped out, "Tigger?!"
"That's right, I'm Tigger," Tigger nodded as he helped Spider-Man up as he shook his hand, "T-I-double-Guh-er. That spells Tigger." He chuckled, "You really must be a superhero if you knew my name like that."
Sora tilted his head in confusion, "You know, I forgot to ask. What exactly is a Tigger?"
"Well, I'm glad you asked," Tigger smiled before the music started playing as he laughed, "Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!"
Peter realized what was coming next, "And here comes the song."
"The wonderful thing about Tiggers~" Tigger started to sing as he danced, "Is Tiggers are wonderful things~!"
"Their tops are made out of rubber~" Tigger explained as he pulled his ears before bouncing on his tail around Sora, Peter, Wanda, and the panther, "Their bottoms are made out of springs~! They're bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy! Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun! But the most wonderful thing about Tiggers is I'm the only one~"
Tigger then proudly declared, "IIIIIII'm the only one~"
Tigger made a small growl at the end of his song. The panther shook his head, "You are no doubt the strangest tiger I have ever met."
"Ah, you forgot the second 'gah' in there," Tigger wrapped an arm around the panther, "But yeah, that's because I'm the only one!"
Wanda turned to Peter as she whispered, "Okay, so where are we?"
"Definitely Jungle Book," Peter answered, "But Tigger isn't supposed to be here. He's part of the Winnie the Pooh franchise."
"I thought he felt out of place with everything else with the world," Wanda nodded before turning back to the panther, "Anyways, thanks again for your help."
"You're welcome," The panther nodded before asking, "But why are you here?"
The two Avengers were quite sure how to answer, before Sora tried to answer, "Oh, we're to save the..."
Acting quickly, Wanda covered the boy's mouth before he said too much. She answered for him, "We have friends missing... and we're trying to find our way back to the village to see if they arrived there." She then turned to Sora, "Isn't that right, Sora?"
Despite having his mouth covered, Sora nodded. Peter then asked, "We have a map to show us the way back, but we kinda took the wrong turn..."
Sora tilted his head, "You mean, you were looking at the map upside down?"
Peter groaned as Wanda giggled, "It's alright, Peter. I'm sure you're not the only one who's done it."
"If you know what's good for you, Kaa is the least of your worries," The panther told them, "The jungle isn't as safe as it once was. I suggest you head back to the man-village."
"Let me guess," Peter sighed, "It's because of all the monsters that have been running around."
"So, you've met them," The panther realized, "Besides them, Shere Kahn has returned and he's sworn to kill your cub."
"Me?!" Sora gasped in shock.
Wanda instantly held Sora protectively, "Who is Shere Kahn? And what does he want, Sora? He's only been here for a few hours."
"He's a Tiger," He answered, "And he hates man. Shere Kahn is not going to allow him to grow up to become a man, just another hunter with a gun."
Wanda became really concerned about what the panther was saying about this Shere Kahn. She didn't want this tiger anywhere near her kid. However, shook his head, "No, no... It's pronounced Tigger. And he can't be a Tigger after all..."
"You're the only one," The panther rolled his eyes, "You've made that very clear."
Tigger crossed his arms, "Who does this... this... impostor think is going after my new friend like that?! Why, I'd like to give him a piece of my mind!"
"But I don't wanna be a hunter," Sora frowned, "I wanna be a superhero just like Miss Wanda and Mr. Peter."
Wanda was deeply touched by this statement, "Awwwwwwwwww!" She then shook her head, "Can't we just explain to Shere Kahn that Sora would never become a hunter?"
"Nonsense," The panther answered, "No one explains anything to Shere Khan. He won't listen to reason."
Wanda couldn't help but ask, "Will he be safe if we take him to this Man-Village?"
"Yes," He nodded, "Even Shere Kahn wouldn't risk going into Man-Village."
"Okay, T'Challa," Peter nodded, "We could use a guide to get there safely. Something tells me you know a lot more of this jungle than we do."
"The name's Bagheera, actually," The panther corrected, not understanding the joke, "But yes, I do happen to know where the man-village is, and I don't want anything happening to the Man-Cub, so I'll help you."
"Thank you again," Wanda nodded, "My name's Wanda, that's Peter, and you've met Sora... and I think we all know Tigger at this point."
Everyone turned to Tigger, who happily waved to them. Bagheera sighed, "Well, at least you're not a certain bear I know of. I suggest you rest for the night; we'll travel at dawn tomorrow. If you start a fire, it should work off anyone else trying to come for you. At least for the moment."
Peter nodded, "I'll work on it. And thanks again."
Wanda then handed Sora to him, "Here. You're a better climber when you're carrying someone down. Could you..."
"...yeah, I'll make sure the little guy gets back safely," Peter reassured her, taking the child as he climbed both of them back down, "I can help you down in a second, too."
"I'll be fine," She reassured him.
As she watched as he watched Spider-Man carry Sora back to the camp. Tigger bounced over to Wanda, "Say, can I stick with you guys, too? I've had friends who are lost, too."
Wanda couldn't help but smile in amusement, "Well, I suppose you did help save us, so you can stay until we find friends."
Tigger nodded before looking down from the tee branch, "Uh... a little help down would be nice to... I have this little thing against heights."
"Figures," Wanda thought to herself before calling back down, "Peter!"
"Yep!" Peter already climbed back up, "I've got him too."
He took Tigger before helping him back down from the tree. Wanda followed shortly, but not before warning him, "Don't look up my... outfit."
"Sorry." Peter apologized, looking down and focusing on climbing Tigger down...
Later that evening, Sora slept soundly in his tent while Tigger slept in the sleeping bag next to them. Peter found Moogle and bought a second tent for the adults, but not before starting a fire.
It was a bit difficult without matches or a lighter; it took longer to make because of it, but Peter managed to accomplish it. Bagheera kept watching until the flames started up.
Afterward, Wanda kept the fire going while Peter set up the second tent for them. As Peter finished, "So, if this world is like the film The Jungle Book, how did Tigger get here?"
"I can't say," Peter admitted, "Could be a number of reasons. It could be like Sora; his world could have been overrun with Heartless, or stumbled upon something like one of the cracks in reality and traveled through them much as we did. Either way, I'm glad he was here because I'm not sure what would have happened if he hadn't bounced in."
"Same," Wanda nodded, "Maybe if we can find King Mickey, perhaps he can get us some more answers."
"Speaking of answers, you never explained the visions of Xehanort when he traveled here," Peter reminded her.
"Oh, that's right. Our... jungle clothes... kinda through us in a loop," Wanda blushed slightly before answering, "But anyways, Xehanort 'patched' things up with Eraqus and he was able to help him judge his students in some sort of final exam..."
Wanda, like before, told Peter everything she had seen in the vision before they arrived in the jungle. After she finished, Peter crossed his arms, "So, after failing this Terra because of darkness in his heart, he then tells him that it's a good thing. Yeah, he's acting like a Sith Lor,d alright, it's right up their alley."
"What is a Sith?" Wanda admitted, "I never saw the... Star Trek movies."
"Star Wars,but I do love a good Star Trek film and show as well," Peter corrected her, before answering, "But in most of the lore, they were the ancient enemy of these keepers of Peace and Justice of the Republic Jedi. They both use this power called the Force."
Wanda raised an eyebrow, "The Force."
"It's what gives them their power," Peter answered, quoting the words of Obi-Wan Kenobi, "It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together. While the Jedi use the light side of the Force for others, the Sith crave the dark power for themselves to rule. And they happen to be experts in manipulating people to evil."
"And now I see the comparison," Wanda realized, "But I haven't a clue what he wants with him. A new pupil other than Vanitas?"
"No, that can't be the only reason," Peter shook his head, "There has to be more to it than that."
"So, keep going, focus on the visions until we find something vital we can figure out what he wants with Sora," Wanda assumed, "Is that all we can do?"
"Unfortunately, other than keeping the kid safe and alive, it's all we can do," Spidey admitted as he threw more wood into the fire. He turned to her as she gazed into the fire, "What's wrong? If it's about Sora, I'm with ya on that. I'm worried about the kid, too, but we can keep safe from Shere Kahn and Xehanort. I know we had a few close calls with Ratigan and Kaa, but once we get home, we can deal with the Palpatine junior with the rest of the..."
"It's not that, I know we can do that," Wanda stared at her hands, "It's just I'm concerned about what I will become after what I did..."
"I don't follow," Peter blinked, unaware of what had happened with Kaa. He was informed that after Sora and Bagheera freed her, she beat him and practically flew him to the other end of the jungle.
"Peter, my mutant abilities, they're a lot more dangerous than the public knows," Wanda informed him, "After our foster parents died, I wanted to do anything to bring them back and wanted everything to go back to normal... and for a moment, they were back, damage to our home had gone, and they're still around. Like nothing had ever happened."
Peter turned to her in confusion. Wanda continued to explain, "I didn't even understand what was happening, and neither did my brother. I was just pulled into it, and everything was normal again. However, people began to ask questions... questions they couldn't answer... as it turns out, 'they' weren't real. I had, in a way, brought them into existence from my mind."
Peter blinked in shock, "What do you mean?"
"My mutant abilities to create 'hexes,'" Wanda began to clarify, "There's more to them that I don't quite fully understand... I can sort of bend reality."
"Bend reality?" Peter repeated.
"It was how I was able to repair Basil's violin and your costume," Wanda answered, "They were small and manageable, but a much bigger one like making fake parents over the ones that had just been killed... it can have a nasty effect on my mind."
"Really," Peter gasped in shock.
"While we were happy for a time, but when people kept asking our 'parents' questions that they couldn't answer, I just wanted them to keep their mouths shut," Wanda's eyes narrowed before widening in horror, "I was shocked when their mouths just... vanished from their faces."
"Yikes!" Peter's eyes widened in horror.
"Yeah," Wanda nodded in agreement, "That was a mild version of our reaction too." She continued, "Thanks to a talk from our 'parents,' I ended the illusion, including them, but when people saw the truth..."
"...they thought you were an actual witch," Peter realized.
"If it wasn't for my father, my real father," Wanda nodded, "My brother and I would have been burned on a stake."
"Look. You were only really figuring out how your powers work, and you missed your family," Peter reassured her, "That wasn't your fault, and you made it right in the end."
"That may be," She sighed, "But not long after, my father turned to Charles Xavier for help. He managed to fix my mind but warned us what would happen if I tried something like that again... or I could make things worse for the world."
"Well, as I grew, so did my powers," She continued, "Xavier had a theory if I fully intended what I did long ago to the entire world... I would go mad and might even bring the mutant race to an end with a simple three words. I promise myself to never use that power again... but when that snake tried to eat us, I feared what would happen if what would happen to Sora if we weren't there for him... so I put the fear of God into him, by making his eyelids stuck closed as if he never had eyes."
"Uh..." Peter's eyes widened in shock, "Does this mean..."
"No, I didn't make it permanent, that wouldn't have been good for my mind," Wanda reassured him, "But I said I would if he ever came back. I just hope Sora didn't notice."
Peter turned to the sleeping child in the tent ahead of them, who seemed to be happily dreaming, "It looks like he's managing just fine."
"Good," Wanda stated before yawning, "We still have... a long journey ahead of us."
"Why don't you catch some shut-eye?" Peter offered, "I'll keep the fire going."
She turned to him, concerned, "No, I can stay up a bit longer."
"I'll be fine," He reassured her, "I'm used to late shifts like this; besides, I'll wake you up in a few hours so I can get some sleep as well."
"Take turns, huh?" Wanda thought out loud, "I guess I'm fine with that..." She then turned to their tent, "Just don't forget to wake me up."
"No problem, it's for the best anyway," Peter nodded as she crawled inside, "I don't want to give your boyfriend the wrong idea."
Wanda blinked in shock, turning back to him, "I- I don't have a boyfriend."
"You don't?" Peter blinked in shock, "I... would have thought..."
"Yeah, dating the daughter of the man wanting to wage war on the human race where no one wins," The Scarlet Witch pointed out as she opened her sleeping bag, "Guys aren't exactly lining up on my doorstep, I'm afraid." She then turned to him, "What about you? Do you have... some lucky girl back home?"
Even though she asked this, she hoped he would say no. She knew he had an ex, so she was hoping he was still single.
"Oh, no..." Peter shook his head slightly, frowning, "My luck with women... hasn't been so kind. Guess, it's just not in the cards for me."
While Wanda was relieved to hear that he wasn't in a current relationship... that last part, for some reason, looked like he had lost all hope in finding the right woman for him. But why? What could have happened to a guy like him? She smiled softly at him, "Maybe you just haven't found the right woman yet. You shouldn't give up just yet."
Peter thought of all the girls in his life, his relationship with Liz as a bust, Gwen was... well, it went even worse than he could have imagined, Black Cat was just bad luck, and MJ... she helped him get through the loss of Gwen, but it really didn't go anywhere outside of friendship. Was Wanda insinuating that she was interested in him?
That would be great if she did, but he didn't want to get the wrong idea, as he did with Sally. He regretted asking her out ever since.
Either way, if Wanda had feelings for him or not. It was late, and they were both tired. Peter asked, "Could we continue this discussion another night?"
Wanda nodded as she whispered, "Good night, Peter."
She then tried to get some sleep as Peter gazed into the fire, throwing some more wood in there...
Peter and Wanda switched out taking places to keep the fire lit, as they went through the night. The sun was rising as Peter, Bagheera, Sora, and Tiger slept soundly. Wanda could barely keep her eyes as the fire was dying out. She yawned as she turned to keep watch was almost over; she could use some more sleep or, at the bare minimum, a hot cup of coffee.
All of a sudden, they could hear the stomping of footsteps, waking her up as she prepared to attack whatever came at them. The stomping woke Sora and Tigger up, and what they saw were no monsters, but a herd of elephants, marching like a military force saying, "Hup, two, three, four! Keep it up! Two, three, four! Hup, two, three, four! Keep it up! Two, three, four!Hup, two, three, four!"
Wanda blinked in shock, lowering her arms, "Elephants?"
Sora gasped in amazement in his tent, "A parade!"
"Oh no," Bagheera cried from the tree above as he tried covering his ears, "The Dawn Patrol again."
The leader of the Dawn Patrol ordered, "Company, sound off!"
The elephants sang as they continued to march, "The aim of our patrol~"
A single male elephant then added, "Is a question rather droll~"
"For to march and drill~ over field and hill~" The elephants sang before blowing the trunks.
The leader of the herd sang, "Is a military goal~!"
"Is a military goal~!" The rest of the herd repeated as they continued to march, "Hup, two, three, four! Dress it up, two, three, four!"
From inside their tent, Tigger couldn't help but comment, "That's quite a lot of Heffalumps."
Sora turned to the Tigger, "Don't you mean elephants?"
"That's what I said. Heffalumps. Minus the Woozles." Tigger didn't realize the difference, "They steal honey."
Sora looked around before stating, "But we don't have any honey."
Tigger looked around and saw that what Sora said was true, as he couldn't help but comment, "I suppose there's not. So, I guess we're good."
As they watched the military elephants march by, Sora couldn't help but ask, "So, you think it's safe to get a closer look? I've never seen elephants before."
Tigger thought about more a moment before smiling, "I don't see why not. Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!"
Both Tigger and the jungle boy exited their tent, unaware of Wanda to get a closer look at the elephants. As Sora ran to them as Tigger bounced, they could hear them sing, "By the ranks or single file~ Over every jungle mile~ We stamp and crush through the underbrush~"
As the two watched in awe at the large elephants, they were quite surprised to see that at the end was a much smaller elephant. As the young elephant blew his trunk before singing, "In a military style~!"
"In a military style~!" The rest of the elephants sang.
Sora and Tigger walked beside the calf as the former asked, "What are you doing?"
"Shhh..." The child elephant shushed him before answering, "Drilling."
"Say, it looks like fun," Tigger beamed quietly.
Sora couldn't help but admit but agree with Tigger as he whispered to the calf, "Can we join, too?"
"Sure. Just do what I do," The calf nodded before telling them, "But don't talk in ranks. It's against regulations."
Sora and Tigger nodded. The latter joined in behind the calf while the jungle boy followed behind the latter...
Meanwhile, with the adults, Peter yawned as he crawled out of his tent. He asked the Scarlet Witch, "What's all the noise?"
"Apparently," The woman gestured to the elephants, "The elephants are the military around here."
Peter rubbed his eyes, "Really? Are they pink?"
"Um..." Wanda stared at him curiously, "Nooooo."
"Oh, I must be thinking of a different movie then," Peter stretched his arms, before stopping as he realized two familiar people at the end of the herd, "Uh... It would seem you lost track of Sora and Tigger."
Wanda turned to him, slightly concerned, "What do you mean?"
Peter gestured to the end of the elephant herd, "Uh... did you not see their latest recruits?"
Wanda raised her eyebrow before noticing Tigger and Sora following a child elephant on all fours. She blinked in shock, "Oh! Sora!"
She then stumbled to her feet as she ran after the boy and Tigger. Peter rolled his eyes in amusement before calling out, "Hey, Bagheera! We're missing two certain individuals!"
The black panther removed his paws from his ears to see what Spider-Man was talking about, before noticing Sora and Tigger as Wanda tried to reach him. He groaned, finally waking up, "Oh, I'm getting too old for this."
He then climbed down from the tree, "Come now. Hopefully, the Colonel won't be too upset when he discovers those two!"
Peter and Bagheera chased after Wanda as they went to catch up with the child and Tigger...
Back with the elephant herd, Tigger and Sora continued mimicking what the young elephant did until the leader of the herd ordered, "To the rear! March!"
Tigger and Sora continued moving forward,d only to be shocked to see the herd heading in their direction as Tigger's head collided with the calf's while Sora's head was now on Tigger's tail. As the two for the outside world began walking backward, the young elephant told them, "The other way. Turn around."
Both Tigger and Sora turned around and started marching the other way on all fours. Sora whispered, "I think we're getting the hang of this."
Tigger nodded in agreement when all of a sudden they heard the leader's voice again, "Hup, two, three, four! Keep it up! Two, three, four! To the rear! Ho!"
The elephants turned around to the two, unaware of Sora and Tigger. The latter noticed and quickly got Sora's attention. They to turned around again just in time to hear the leader exclaim, "Company! Halt!"
When noticing the elephants stopping where they stood, Tigger stopped, but Sora bumped into him and fell on his back. The young elephant explained, "That means stop."
Sora groaned as he got back on his feet, "Now he tells us."
The leader of the herd stood in front of the patrol before ordering, "Company… left face!"
With that, the elephants turned to the left,t facing him. A female elephant named Winfred complained quietly, "March, march, march. My feet are killing me."
An elephant next to her spoke up, "I'm putting in for a transfer to another herd."
The leader, Colonel Hathi, overheard the grumbling, and he then ordered, "Silence in the ranks!"
Hathi walked behind the elephants and saw their rears were close to the ground. "Dress up that line!" The elephants stood up straight, except Winifred. He whipped his bamboo at her, and she stood up straight, "Pull it in, Winifred."
Hathi walked back up to the front of the patrol line, "Inspection! Arms!"
The elephants stuck their trunks out for inspection. Tigger and Sora turned to the youngest of the elephants in confusion as he whispered to them, "Stick your nose out."
Sora and Tigger complied as the latter asked, "Like this."
The calf nodded, "That's right."
Tigger chuckled quietly to himself, "Tiggers love inspections."
Hathi began inspecting the elephant's trunks, starting with the one next to Winifred, "Tsk-tsk-tsk. Dusty muzzle. Soldier, remember in battle that a trunk can save your life. Take good care of it, my man."
The elephant stood at attention, "Yes, sir!"
"Very good, carry on." Hathi nodded before inspecting the next elephant, who was chewing on grass, as he had rotting tusks and looked bored out of his mind. Hati gave him a hard glare, "Ahem. Mmm. Let's have a little more spit and polish on those bayonets."
The elephant dropped the grass and stood at attention, "Yes, sir!"
"Esprit do Corps! That's the way I earned my commission in the Maharaja's pachyderm brigade." Hathi told his herd, "Back in '88 it was, or was it?"
While Tigger, Sora, and the young elephant couldn't help staring in awe, the other elephants rolled their eyes. Winifred grumbled, "Here it comes, the Victoria-cross bit again."
"It was then I received the Victoria Cross for bravery above and beyond the call of duty. Ha-ha!" Hathi continued with a chuckle, "Those were the days!" He leaned on his bamboo stick until it snapped in half, "Discipline. Discipline was the thing. Builds character and all that sort of thing."
Noticing his broken stick, he seemed to lose track of where he was, "Oh… Where was I?"
Sora went back to sticking his nose in the air as he reminded him, "Inspection, sir?"
"Ah, yes," Hati nodded over to Sora's voice, unaware that he was a man-cub, "Thank you, young man."
Hathi continued inspection. He looked at the next elephant in the platoon, "Well, very good."
He then turned to the next elephant, who had a huge smile on his face, until Hati scolded him, "Wipe off that silly grin, soldier. This is the army."
The smiling elephant frowned as Hati turned to the next elephant. His eyes were distracted by a fly buzzing around his face. Hathi swatted the bug, "Ahem. Eyes front."
The elephant turned his attention back to him before the Colonel turned to the next elephant, who had very long hair, "Tsk-tsk-tsk. Lieutenant, that haircut is not regulation. Rather on the gaudy side, don't you think?" Hathi used his bamboo stick to straighten out the Lieutenant's hair before cutting it into a short military-style haircut, "There. That's better."
"And as for you…" Colonel Hati turned to the next elephant only to realize the next one wasn't his height. He looked down to see the young elephant, who just happened to be his son. He chuckled happily with pride, "Oh, there you are. Heh-heh-heh. Let's keep those heels together, shall we, son?"
"Okay, Pop," His son replied, doing so, before correcting his response, "Sir."
"Very good," Colonel Hati nodded before turning to Tigger and Sora, "Well, new recruits, eh? Hahahaha!" He couldn't help but wonder, "I say, what happened to your trunk?"
He pointed the bamboo stick in their faces, as Sora answered, "We don't have ones, sir."
That's when Hathi finally realized that they weren't elephants, "A tiger? And a man-cub?! This is treason!" He grabbed Sora with his trunk, "Sabotage! I'll have no man-cub in my jungle!"
"Sorry, sir," Sora apologized to him, "It's just... I have never seen elephants before, not and... well, you're just so cool."
Hathi was taken aback by Sora's response; he couldn't help but chuckle, "Well, ha ha ha, I suppose I can't fault you there." He cleared his throat, setting the boy down, "Be that as it may, you belong with your own kind. Now, where are your parents?"
Sora frowned as he hadn't seen his parents since the islands. Just then, he heard Wanda's voice speak up, "Sora!"
She ran up to the Colonel, as he turned to Wanda, "Ah! Ma'am! I take it this is your cub?"
"Yes," Wanda smiled in relief as she picked him up, "I'm so sorry for any trouble he may have caused."
"It's quite alright," Hathi nodded, "He's quite a respectable man-cub, but can be too curious for his own good. Best to teach him not to let it get the best of him."
Tigger then cleared his throat, getting the Colonel's attention, "Excuse me, sir. You forgot the second 'gah'."
"Gah?" Hati raised an eyebrow.
"That's right. It's Tigger, not tiger," Tigger nodded as he spelled his name once again, "T-I-double-Guh-er. That spells Tigger."
Hati blinked in shock as he couldn't help but wonder, "What exactly is a Tigger?"
Sora and Wanda noticed the music started picking up, and the latter couldn't help but ask, "Again?"
"Tiggers are cuddly fellas~" Tigger answered as he offered followers to the Winifred, "Tiggers are awfully sweet~"
He turned back to the Colonel, "Ev'ryone el-us is jealous~ That's why I repeat and repeat!"
"The wonderful thing about Tiggers~ Is Tiggers are marvelous claps~ They're loaded with vim and vigor~ They love to leap in your laps~" Tigger sang, bouncing around the Colonel, his son, Sora, and Wanda, "They're bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy! Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun! But the most wonderful thing about Tiggers is I'm the only one~"
Tigger then proudly declared, "IIIIIII'm the only one~"
"Well... that was... educational, I suppose," Hathi was quite sure how to respond to Tigger's song, "But I think it's best you stick with bouncing, you don't seem cut out for the military life."
"Very well," Tigger shrugged, "After all, bouncing is what Tiggers do best!"
Just then, Peter and Bagheera appeared before Hathi on a branch as the latter called out, "Hold it, hold it! I can explain Hathi."
Hati turned to the panther, "Colonel Hathi, if you please, sir."
"Oh yes, yes, Colonel Hathi." Bagheera grumbled in annoyance, "The man, his mate, and their cub are with me. I'm taking them to the man village. The... uh... Tigger is helping me."
Peter and Wanda blushed at that statement, as the latter couldn't help but wonder, "Why does everyone assume we're together?"
"Well, to be fair," Peter rubbed the back of his head, "We're young adults with a kid who kinda looks like us."
Wanda blinked before turning to Sora with a confused look. She took a moment before finally seeing it. Except for the spiky hair, she could see how one could think that Sora was their blood child. The Colonel turned to the panther, "To stay?"
"You have the word of Bagheera," Bagheera promised the leader of the herd of elephants.
"Good," The Colonel nodded, "The jungle is no place to raise a man-cub. Especially with all the monsters on the loose."
Sora raised his hand, "Excuse me, Colonel? I have information about the monsters."
"You do?" Hathi turned to the boy in shock, "Well, what are you waiting for? What do you know of the enemy?"
Sora whispered to Colonel Hathi's ears, as he hummed and nodded, "Yes... Yes... hmm... a description of their leader? ...man... silver hair... yellow eyes... dresses in black... goes by the name of Xehanort..." He turned to the adults, "Is what the boy says true?"
They both nodded. Hathi laughed as he patted the boy on the head, making him giggle, "Ah, then it is good intelligence! Excellent work! Keep your nose clean and maybe.. You can have a small place in this herd as a scout or spy!"
Sora beamed as he saluted him with the wrong hand, "Oh, thank you, sir!"
"Other hand, buddy," Peter whispered to the child. Sora switched hands and properly saluted the Colonel, much to the adults' amusement.
"Good man... cub! Man-Cub!" The Colonel nodded as he stated proudly, "And remember, an elephant never forgets."
"Aye aye!" Tigger also saluted the leader of the herd.
While he was making his way to the front, he was mumbling to himself about what the army had gotten to. The elephants were dozed off until the Hathi ordered, "Ahem, let's get on with it. Right face!"
The elephants woke up before turning to the front, only to squish up against each other until Hathi ordered, "Forward March!"
With that, the elephants began marching again. As they marched off, Winifred came to his side, "Dear, haven't you forgotten something?"
Hathi turned to his wife with a confident grin on his face, "Nonsense, Winifred, old girl. An elephant never forgets."
"Well," She gestured behind the herd, "You just forgot our son."
"Ah, yes... Son? Son?" He blinked in shock before turning behind him to see that Wanda had set the boy down as their son, Hathi Jr, was playing with the man-cub, "Oh yes, quite right!" He then ordered the herd, "To the rear! March!"
The elephants turned around, smushing against each other before marching back to pick up the Colonel's son.
Back with the others, Junior turned to Sora as he told him, "When I grow up, I'm gonna be a colonel. Just like my pop."
As much as he wanted to be proud of his boy, the colonel wasn't happy as they nearly left him behind. He picked his son up with his trunk as he scolded, "If I told you once, I've told you a thousand times..."
Wanda lifted a finger to warn the colonel that his herd was still marching towards him from behind, "Uh... sir?"
Junior also noticed this and tried to warn him, "Pop! Look out!"
Everyone winced for the elephants as they crashed right into each other, forming a huge elephant pile. Junior was the only elephant unharmed as he looked down at his father, "Pop, you forgot to say 'halt.'"
Wanda and Peter were holding back their laughter while Sora and Tigger laughed out loud, as Peter chuckled, "An elephant never forgets, huh?"
Bagheera gave them an unamused look, "That's not funny."
"Well, it kind of is," She giggled before clearing her throat as she turned to Sora, "But we really shouldn't laugh."
Sora tried to calm himself down, as he chuckled, "Sorry."
Peter cleared his throat, "So, man village?"
"Yes, without further delay," The panther nodded, "We'll never know if the monsters or worse, Shere Kahn will show up."
The two Avengers nodded in agreement, as Peter stated, "Alright, I'll pack up the camp, then we can keep going."
"Fair enough," Bagheera nodded as it sounded fair to him, "Quickly now."
Wanda picked up the child as she carried him back to their camp, as Tigger bounced beside them...
As Wanda drowned out the fire, Peter finished packing up the tents before they vanished once they were packed up. Peter muttered to himself, "I'll never understand magic."
Sora sat on Bagheera's back with Tigger, who carried their backpack with the reality orbs. Wanda then turned to Peter, "Hey, remember what I said last night?"
"We talked about a lot of things last night," Peter recalled, "You're going to need to be more specific."
"You know," She replied before mimicking his swinging, "Swinging practice."
"Oh, that!" Peter finally recalled, "You sure about this? It's not going to be easy..."
"I'll be fine, Peter," The Scarlet Witch reassured him, "Besides, we need this in case we need to move quickly with Sora. We'll probably get the village faster this way."
"She has a point," Bagheera couldn't help but nod in agreement, "The sooner we get to the village, the safer your cub will be."
Peter sighed but nodded, "Okay..." He gestured to the tree behind him, "Let's try this tree over here."
Wanda nodded before Peter picked up bridal style, making her blush. Peter leaped from branch to branch with the young woman in his arms. Once on a strong tree branch, he set her down. She nodded, "Okay... now what?"
"Okay, this is going to be a little different from what I'm used to, so..." Peter tried to explain, "I'll go first, then once I figure out the basics, then I'll teach you."
She nodded in agreement before grabbing a vine; he tested its strength to see if it was strong enough to hold him. After seeing that it was, he began swinging. Peter's years of experience impressed everyone. Peter went from one vine to the next. After a few minutes of swinging, he swung back to Wanda. Sora and Tigger clapped and cheered from below. Wanda couldn't help but do the same, "Not bad, Tarzan."
Peter nodded in apperception, not surprised that she knew Tarzan. He was a famous fictional character even before Disney. Peter smirked, "Okay, Princess. Your turn."
She stood on her feet as he handed the vine to her. He then instructed, "Okay, so you want to get a good grip..." She took to and did as instructed as he continued, "... since this is your first time, and we're working with vines, try to wrap your legs around it to hold on to it better..."
She once again did as instructed, before telling her, Then while you swing, try to grab on to the next vine of where you want to go, but make sure you know where you're going or you'll get George'd..."
Wanda blinked, turning to him in confusion, "George'd?"
"You know..." Peter lightly joked, "George'd... like George of the Jungle?" He got a blank stare in response, so he shook it off, "Never mind. Just be careful, okay?"
"I'll be fine," Wanda reassured him, "I promise!"
Sora cheered from the ground below, "Go, Miss Wanda!"
"You've got this, Miss superhero!" Tigger joined in as well.
Wanda smiled at the others as Peter asked her, "Ready?"
The full-time Avenger took a deep breath before nodding, "Ready."
He gave her a light push, causing her to yelp, clinging onto the vine as she swung. She screamed as she swung,g quickly spotted the next vine and grabbed onto it to change her direction. Her screams turned to laughter as she seemed to be enjoying herself.
Sora, Tigger, and even Bagheera cheered for the Scarlet Witch. Peter just stared at her in amazement. She was like a Queen of the Jungle... like she joked for earlier. She was just so beautiful, fun... he hadn't felt this close to a woman since Gwen. He felt like he was in love all over again. He almost forgot what it was like as Wanda continued laughing a swinging...
...but she seemed to get distracted by all the cheering; she forgot to look where she was going. Everyone turned concerned as Peter warned her, "Wanda, watch out for that...!"
Wanda then just noticed the tree directly ahead of her. Her eyes widened as she had no other vine to turn her away or even stop. All she could do was scream, "AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH-OOF!"
She crashed into it, leaving an imprint of her body on the tree. Everyone winced in pain, "Ooooooooh..."
Peter muttered that last bit as he opened an eye, "Tree..."
Wanda let out a groan of pain, "Oooooooooooooowwwwwwww..."
She let go of the vine and began to fall. Acting quickly, Peter took a vine and began to swing towards her. He caught her mid-fall before easily bringing her to the ground, where the others were. Peter carried her in his arms, "Wanda, are you okay?"
She turned to Peter, seemly out of it, she muttered, "Peter... you never told me you had brothers... they all look just like you..."
Peter chuckled in amusement, "Hey, you did great for your first time. Last longer than I did with my webs before I got George'd." He muttered to himself, "You didn't even have a spider-sense."
She stared at him lovingly before finally recovering. She turned away, blushing, "Um... thank you, Peter. I can see why you like swinging." She cleared her throat, "You can put me down now."
"Huh?" Spider-Man blinked before realizing she was still holding the beautiful mutant woman, "Oh, right. Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine," She reassured him as he set her on her feet. Still, not fully recovered, she nearly fell over and held on to the closest person to her. Which happened to be Peter again. She smiled sheepishly, "Um... maybe I will be in a minute."
Bagheera rolled his eyes, but was clear he was happy for the two of them. Sora raised his hand, "Can I go next?!"
"No... none of that until your..." Wanda shook her head before turning to her current crush.
He suggested the same age as his portage back home, "14."
Wanda nodded back in agreement, "14."
Sora frowned in disappointment as Tigger patted him on the bag, "Ah, you'll be swinging with superheroes in no time. Just you wait."
The panther then recalled Sora's description of the leader of the monsters from earlier, so he couldn't help but ask, "So... how exactly does Sora know this man... who leads the monsters?"
Wanda winced before realizing they owed him an explanation. She then turned to Tigger, "Tigger, could you take Sora and give us some privacy."
"Sure thing," Tigger nodded as he took Sora from the panther's back, "C'mon, Sora! Let's bounce!"
With that, the two bounced off, before Wanda called out, "But not too far, okay?! And come back to the moment you see trouble!"
When they were out of earshot, Wanda had finally recovered and stood on her own two feet. Peter then turned to Bagheera, "You want the long version or the short version?"
Meanwhile, Tigger and Sora laughed as they bounced as they sang Tigger's theme together, "Oh, they're bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy! Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun!"
"But the most wonderful thing about Tiggers is that I'm the only one~" Tigger concluded, "IIIIIII'm the only one~"
Once in a clear environment, Sora couldn't help but ask, "So, what should we play until the grown-ups are done taking?"
Tigger thought to himself, "Let's see... not quite ready for a bouncing contest... can't you play Pooh Sticks..."
Sora thought, "How about hide and seek?"
"Oh, Tiggers love hide and seek!" Tigger declared, "You can hide first!"
Sora nodded eagerly before Tigger covered his eyes and started counting, "1, 2, 3..."
The jungle boy looked around, looking for a good hiding spot. He spotted a big rock to hide behind. He ran over to it and hid behind it, giggling to himself as Tigger finished, "...9, 10. Ready or not, here I come!"
He could hear Tigger bouncing around looking for him, "Oh, where could he be?"
The bouncing then became distant, just then from the bushes came a large sloth bear who was strolling around the jungle singing to himself, "Doo-bee doo-bee doo-bee dee-doo~ Well, it's a doo-bah-dee-do~ Yes, it's a doo-bah-dee-do~ I mean a doo-be doo-bee doo-be~ Doo-be doo-bee dee-doo~"
The bear didn't even notice Sora as he continued singing to himself, "And with—"
That's when the bear finally noticed the small child, "Well now, ha-ha! What have we here?" He then walked up closer to Sora, "Hmm... Hey, what a funny little bit of a—"
"Shhhhh!" Sora shushed the bea,r much to his shock, he whispered to him, "I'm playing hide and go seek."
"Ah! Hide and seek!" The bear understood rubbing the back of his neck, "Now that's a classic." He then whispered to him, "But what are you doing playing it over here?"
"Miss Wanda and Mr. Peter wanted to talk in private," The boy answered, "I think they're discussing about training me to be a superhero."
"A superhero, huh?" The bear thought out loud. He may not know the difference between a superhero and a regular hero, but he did know one thing, "So, if you're going to be a hero, it means you're going to need to learn how to defend yourself and others, is that right?"
He nodded as the bear smiled, picking the boy up, "Well, you're in luck. Because old Baloo is gonna learn you to fight like a bear."
"Really," Sora's voice went from less quiet to amazement.
"You better believe it," The bear, now known as Baloo, nodded, setting the boy down, "Come on. I'm gonna show ya."
Baloo growled and began to dance around in a fighting stance. Sora began dancing too to mimic Baloo's moves, "Like this?"
"Ha-ha. Yeah!" Baloo nodded excitedly. "All right now, kid, loosen up, get real loosen, then start to weave, weave a little, now move." Baloo instructed the islander as the two began to weave around each other in their fighting stances, "That's it, kid! Now you're gettin' it!"
They continued to dance around each other like two boxers in a match before they finally stopped. Baloo then instructed him, "Now give me a big bear growl! Scare me!"
Sora nodded eagerly before making an angry look and raising his hands like bear claws, "Roar!"
After hearing that tiny sound, Baloo couldn't help but tsk as he shook his head, "Tsk-tsk-tsk. Oh boy."
It looked like he was going to have his work cut out for him. He then instructed, "I'm talkin' about like a big bear! Like this!"
"RRRRRRRROOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAARRRRRR!" Baloo let out a mighty roar that knocked the little island boy back...
A few moments earlier, Peter and Wanda tried to explain the situation the best they could to Bagheera without letting him know they were all from another world. However, from what they did tell him, the panther was able to put the pieces together, "So, your man-cub has been chosen by the Keyblade?"
The two Avengers blinked in shock, as Peter couldn't help but ask, "Wait, how do you know about the Keyblade?"
"In case you don't know. We don't see a lot of men this far in the jungle. And no man can do the things your mate can do," Bagheera spoke directly.
"We're not married," Wanda denied with a blush.
While they did get to the point where they admitted Sora was not their son, they hadn't quite gotten to the point where they admitted they were not married. Bagheera blinked, "Really? Not even dating?" They shook their heads as the panther shrugged, "That's a shame. You two make a handsome couple."
"Okay, can we turn our attention back to Sora," Peter tried to get back on topic as the two superheroes tried to pull themselves together, "Look, the point is, Xehanort, who also can wield the Keyblade, is controlling the monsters. He's been after him since day one, and we haven't got a clue why."
"But from what we heard about him, it can't be anything good," Wanda continued, "We're worried for him. It's why we need to get him back home. The Avengers, our pack, can protect him."
"And the monsters," Bagheera asked.
"They've come from these cracks in reality," Peter told him as he removed the backpack with the reality orbs, "We use these to close them and to traverse to other worlds with Wanda's power. Once they're closed, that should take care of the monsters."
"However, with this Shere Kahn, and God knows what else in this jungle," Wanda spoke up, "It'll be a challenge to keep Sora safe from both Xehanort and his forces as well as every danger in this jungle. If it wasn't for you, Tigger, and Sora realizing something was wrong... I don't think we'd be here right now to protect him."
"I see," Bagheera nodded in understanding, "Even if this crack is not in the man village, the man-cub will be better protected over there while you two find the crack and find a way back to your world where you can truly protect until he grows and makes the Keyblade his power." He nodded, "I'll do what I can to help you and protect the boy."
They smiled in appreciation as the panther stated, "Now then, let's see.. We should probably call Sora and Tigger back and head on over to the man-village."
Just then, they heard a loud, "RRRRRRRROOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAARRRRRR!"
Wanda's eyes widened in horror, "Sora! SORA"
"C'mon!" Peter told the others as he slipped the backpack over his shoulder, "Let's check on him and Tigger and make sure their not in any sort of trouble."
The other two nodded as they rushed off to find the duo...
Tigger was looking behind a tree when he heard the roar, thinking it was Sora, he smirked as he started bouncing his way over to him...
Back with Sora and Baloo, they continued to growl at each other, showing the toughness of a bear. Sora attempted another bear roar, "Roar!"
Baloo followed through with another powerful roar, "RRRRRRRROOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAARRRRRR!"
"Roar!" Sora growled a little louder, "Rooooaaaaar!"
Baloo nodded as he encouraged him, "That's it! A big one, right from your toes!"
Sora looked up to him after another attempt at a bear roar, "How was that?"
The bear smiled as he complimented, "You're getting it, kid!"
Just then, the two Avengers and the panther joined the scene. Wanda prepared to attack the bear in case he tried anything to Sora, Peter calmed down when he saw who it was, while Bagheera's eyes widened in horror, "Oh no! It's Baloo!"
Wanda blinked as she turned to their panther guide, "Wait... you know this bear?"
"Oh, I know that shiftless, stupid jungle bum," The panther grumbled under his breath. He sighed, "You can calm down, he won't try to kill him."
Sora beamed at the Avengers, "Look! Baloo's teaching me how to fight like a bear!"
"And he's doing great," Baloo added, getting Sora's attention back to him, "Alright, come on, kid! Let's keep goin'!"
The islander turned jungle boy, and the bear went back to the boxing stance. Wanda turned to Peter cautiously, "I know this wasn't one of the films you saw, but can we trust him?"
"Yeah, I know enough to know he's one of the good guys," Peter reassured her, "Of course, I didn't expect this."
He knew this film was supposed to be a bond between Baloo and the boy, Mowgli. Except, where was he? Was Sora supposed to take his place as one of the main protagonists of this world?
"Weave about, now look for an opening. Keep movin', keep…" The bear instructed as Sora attempted a few light hits as Baloo commented, "Ha-ha! Ya, you're getting it, kid, ha-ha. Come on, that's it. Ha-ha-ha!"
The two laughed playfully, making Wanda feel more at ease. It didn't seem like this Baloo was trying to harm the boy in any way. Until Baloo playfully slaps Sora a little too hard, "He's a dandy!"
Sora continued to tumble until he bumped into a rock. Wanda quickly went to check on him, "Sora!"
Bagheera sighed after seeing what happened before laughing and sarcastically told him, "Heh-heh. Fine teacher you are, old Iron Paws."
"Oh," Baloo noticed the face of an old friend, not at all detecting the sarcasm, "Thanks, Bagheera."
"Yeah, tell me, tell me after you know your pupil senseless," The panther asked as Wanda aided Sora like a mother checking on her injured child, "How do you expect him to remember the lesson?"
Baloo rubbed the back of his head, looking concerned for the boy, "Well, I-I- Well, I didn't mean to lay it on him so hard."
Sora shook it off with a big smile on his face, "I'm alright! I'm fine!"
Wanda asked again in concern, "Are you sure, sweetie?"
"Yeah," Sora nodded to her, "After this, I'll be as tough as you, Mr. Peter, and Baloo are."
The bear couldn't help but smile in relief from that comment, "You better believe it."
Sora was about to join back in the training session before Tigger bounced out of the bushes and tackled Sora to the ground. He once again stood on Sora's chest, "Ho-ho-ho-ho! I found ya!"
Sora chuckled, "You sure did, Tigger. Guess what, I'm getting taught to fight like a bear."
"Oooh, really now," Tigger smiled, intrigued by this new information, "By who?"
"By me," Baloo smiled to the newcomer, "Name's Baloo."
"Oh, hey," Tigger shook the bear's paw, "Good to meet you. I'm Tigger. T-I-double-gah-er. That spells Tigger."
Bagheera groaned as he face-pawed himself, "Of course, they had to meet."
Peter chuckled to himself as Tigger helped Sora up, "Well, don't stop on my account. Get in there and show him what you got!"
Baloo gave Tigger a nod, thanking him, as he told Sora, "You heard the man! Now let's go once more!"
Both Sora and Baloo went back into their battle stances as Wanda mouthed to the latter, "Be gentle." She then turned to Tigger, "And where were you?"
"Sora and I were playing hide and seek," Tigger answered, "He hid, and I went to find him. Guess Baloo beat me to it."
Wanda facepalmed herself. On any other occasion, she would have been fine with hide and seek, but not when everything out there was out to get him. Whether Baloo heard her statement to be gentle with Sora or not, the bear instructed the boy, "Now you keep circling' or I'm gonna knock your roof in again, you better keep movin'..." Just then, Sora's little fist just reached Baloo's jaw. Acting like he landed a punch, "Ooph! Hey! Right on the button!"
Baloo then playfully lay down, 'unconscious.' Wanda sighed in relief to realize the bear was just playing with him. Peter then walked up to Sora and whispered something to Sora. He turned to Spidey, who encouraged him, "Go on."
Sora smirked mischievously as he ran over to the downed bear. Wanda asked him, "What did you just say to him?"
"Keep watching..." Peter told the young woman.
Sora then climbed onto Baloo and started tickling him, making the bear laugh, "No, no, we don't do that here, no cheating, no, you're tickling, I can't stand tickling, heh-heh-heh!"
"Atta boy, Sora!" Tigger cheered as he bounced, "You've got him on the ropes!"
Peter snickered to himself as Wanda rolled her eyes but giggled all the same. Baloo laughed as Sora continued tickling the bear, "Help! Bagheera!"
Bagheera couldn't help but grin, "Now that's all he needs. More confidence."
Sora continued to tickle the bear before asking, "Give up, Baloo?"
"I give up, I told ya! I give..." Baloo laughed. Sora finally stopped tickling him, letting the bear sit up. He smiled at the young boy, "You know something? You're all right, kid." He then asked, "What do they call you?"
"I'm Sora," The boy introduced himself, before adding, "We're going to the man-village."
"The man-village?!" He glared at Bagheera, "They'll ruin 'im! They'll make a man out of 'im."
Well, they were actually taking him to the Avengers' world, but they weren't going to let him know that. Sora added, "We're also looking for my friends, Riku and Kairi. They might be somewhere too. Can we look for them?"
"If they're anything like," Baloo nodded, "Then you better believe it. We search every corner of this jungle until we do."
Sora seemed happy about that answer, and Tigger did too. Wanda and Peter were glad the bear wanted to help, but they believed it would be safer in the man village. Bagheera had similar thoughts and criticized him, "Oh? And just how do you think he will survive?"
"'How do you think he will' - What do you mean 'How do you think he will'?" Baloo asked, mimicking Bagheera's word, leaving a nasty taste in his mouth, "He's with me, ain't he? And I'll learn him all I know."
"Learn him?" Wanda blinked. The word Baloo should have used was: teach. She couldn't help but feel concerned, "Why do I have a feeling to be concerned about that?"
"You'll see," Bagheera answered, "It wouldn't be long before he teaches him all he knows."
She didn't feel comfortable with that statement, as Baloo turned to Sora, "Look, now, it's like this, Little Spiky. All you've got to do is..." He clapped his paws together as he sang, "Look for the bare necessities~ The simple bare necessities~ Forget about your worries and your strife~ I mean the bare necessities~ Are Mother Nature's recipes~ That bring the bare necessities of life."
Sora and Tigger started dancing along to the bear's song. Wanda couldn't help but look around, "Just where is that music coming from?"
"I wouldn't worry about that too much," Peter told her as he gestured to the dancing trio.
Baloo grabbed himself a coconut from a tree, "Wherever I wander~" He then proceeded to throw another to the four-year-old, "Wherever I roam~" He began twirling the coconut with his claw before splitting it open with his head, "I couldn't be fonder~ Of my big home~"
Sora tried to do the same with his head. Before he could, Wanda quickly cast a hex that split it open before he hurt himself. The boy was shocked by this as Baloo continued to sing and dance, "The bees are buzzing in the tree to make some honey just for me~"
"When you look under the rocks and plants~" Baloo lifted a large rock revealing underneath it, "And take a glance at the fancy ants~ Then maybe try a few~"
Sora turned to Baloo, shocked, feeling uneasy, "You eat ants?!"
"You better believe," The bear answered after licking some off the ground, "And you're gonna love the way they tickle."
Sora turned to Wanda, who quickly shook her head, telling him that he didn't have to eat ants. Peter muttered to himself, "Good thing Hank isn't here... or Scott for that matter."
Baloo then dropped the rock, much to Peter's, Wanda's, and Bagheera's horror, "Sora! LOOK OUT!"
Peter quickly hustled getting Sora out of the way before it could fall upon him. Everyone eased up when they knew the boy was okay as Baloo sang, "The bare necessities of life will come to you~"
"But when?" Sora turned to the bear as Peter picked himself up.
"They'll come to you," Baloo sang in response as he bumped a banana tree, and a whole branch of bananas fell into his claws. The bear picked one out and tossed the rest aside. Baloo unpeeled the banana before eating the fruit in one gulp, "Look for the bare necessities~ The simple bare necessities~ Forget about your worries and your strife~"
He then lowered the tree so the islander could take one. Sora grabbed a banana before Baloo let go. The boy smiled at his prize until the peel fell open to reveal that it was the only thing he grabbed onto. Sora blinked before looking back up at the banana tree. Just then, the banana tree shook and another banana fell to Sora's feet. He began to dance again happily, but a pile of bananas fell on him. Wanda rushed over to him and helped him out of the pile of bananas as Baloo continued singing, "I mean the bare necessities~ Are Mother Nature's recipes~ That bring the bare necessities of life."
Baloo then danced over to the prickly plants, as he sang, "Now when you pick a paw-paw~ Or a prickly pear~" As Baloo collected some for himself, Sora tried to do the sam,e only to be saved again, by Scarlet Witch, who pulled his hand back to avoid getting injured by the thorns. She then gestured to the thorns, making the boy glad he didn't pick one as Baloo sang, "And you prick a raw paw~ Well, next time beware~"
The bear picked more prickly plants with his claws. He then began to stack the plants along with leaves, a banana, a and a mango into a line. He then gulped them all down with one bite, as he advised Sora, "Don't pick the prickly pear by the paw~ When you pick a pear, try to use the claw~"
He then bumped another tree as two mangos fell to his claws before tossing one to Sora, "But you don't need to use the claw~ When you pick a pair of the big paw-paw~" Wanda caught it before handing it over to Sora much to his happiness, as Baloo asked, "Have I given you a clue~?"
"Yeah," Sora nodded in gratitude, "Thanks, Baloo." He then turned to the two Avengers, "You too, Mr. Peter and Miss Wanda."
Wanda had to catch her breath trying to keep Sora out of harm's way. She nodded, "Yeah... no problem, Sora."
"You need me to take over," Peter offered her.
"Yeah," She nodded, "Just make sure nothing happens to him. I'll just be a minute."
"Paw-paw, ha! Of all the silly gibberish." Bagheera complained, "Making Sora's guardians run back and forth to make sure he's okay."
Tigger then pulled on the panther's tail, as he told him, "Lighten up, Baggy Boy! Bounce to the beat!"
Baloo continued to sing, "The bare necessities of life will come to you~"
Sora and Tigger hopped to Baloo's back as he went on all fours, "They'll come to us?"
"They come to you~" Baloo confirmed. As they gave them a ride, the bear couldn't help but ask, "How 'bout scratchin' that old left shoulder while you're up there, Sora?"
"Sure thing, Baloo," Sora nodded. He was always happy to help a friend. He started scratching Baloo's back as the boy told Tigger, "Come on, Tigger."
Tigger joined in the scratching, much to Baloo's gratitude. The bear instructed the duo, "No. Just a hair lower. There. Right there. That's it. This is beautiful. That's good."
Peter just shook his head in amusemen, as Wanda joined him. Peter asked her, "You okay?"
"Honestly, I'm more concerned for our kid," The Scarlet Witch admitted before freezing with a slight blush on her face, "We'll not that I don't love yo... Sora! I meant, Sora! I love Sora as if he were our own son... but it's like we're not together..."
Peter chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head, "I get the idea."
Wanda blushed in embarrassment before clearing her throat, "So... he's still in one piece?"
"For the moment," Peter gestured to him with Tigger and Baloo, who as as now where just scratching their backs by rubbing them against trees, "Just trying to get that itch."
Wanda blinked as they went from trees to rocks until Baloo finally got it as he sighed in relief, "Oh, man... This is really living..."
He then slid into the water of the river, he floated along the current as he slowly sang, "So just try and relax~ Yeah~"
Sora jumped in and joined the bear as he swam up to him. Tigger rubbed the back of his head, "Well, that was fun, but Tiggers don't swim."
Peter, Wanda, and Bagheera walked up to the river, as the part-time member of the Avengers declared, "We'll follow them on land then. Come on!"
Spider-Man led the others by the riverside, as Baloo continued, "Cool it~ Fall apart in my back yard~ 'Cause let me tell you something, Little Spiky~"
The four-year-old climbed on the bear's chest as Baloo gestured to the bee and the flowers nearby, "If you act like that bee~ Uh-uh~ You're working too hard~"
"And don't spend your time looking around for something you want~ that can't be found~" Baloo advised the boy as the stream picked up. Tigger started bouncing past the others to keep up. Baloo and Sora splashed in the small waterfalls and as they reached the surface, the former picked up the beat of the song, "When you find out you can live without it~ And go along not thinking about it~ and I'll tell you something true~ The bare necessities of life will come to you~ They'll come to you~"
Peter grumbled in annoyance, "We're losing them."
Wanda looked up to the trees above as she started to climb up one, "Then we'll swing there!"
Peter and Bagheera turned to her in concern. The latter asked, "You sure about this? You had a nasty crash last time."
"I'll be fine," Wanda grunted as she reached a high branch. She then took a vine as she began to swing after the future Keyblade Wielder, "I'm not losing him!"
"Uh... Wanda?" Peter looked to her as she wasn't paying attention to where she was swinging into as he tried to warn her, "You might want to watch out for that..."
"OOF!" Wanda crashed into another tree before groaning in pain, "Ow~"
Peter and Bagheera looked to her with sympathy, "Tree..."
Meanwhile, Sora and Baloo continued floating down the river as the latter told the former, "Sora, how about you singin'?"
"Okay," Sora nodded excitedly before he sang with the bear, "Look for the bare necessities~ the simple bare necessities~ Forget about your worries and your strife~"
Sora sat up on the bear's stomach, as he agreed, "Yeah, man!"
"I mean the bare necessities~," The duo sang together, "That's why a bear can rest at ease, with just the bare necessities of life~"
"Yeah!" Baloo exclaimed in glee as they finished the song, "With just the bare necessities of life~"
"Yeah, man!" Sora exclaimed in glee.
"Beautiful," The bear compliments Sora, "That's real jungle harmony."
"Hello!" From just over the river beside them, Tigger bounced along beside them.
Sora and Baloo waved over to them as the latter greeted him, "Hey, Tigger! Where are the others?!"
"Oh, Wanda tried swinging again," Tigger answered as he bounced along the riverside.
Sora smiled, "Did she do any better this time?"
Tigger stopped bouncing as he rubbed the back of his head, "Well, not exactly..."
Wanda lay in Peter's arms unconscious, as he and Bagheera watched the unconscious woman. Peter tried to wake her up, "Come on, come on, Wanda... Sora needs us..."
Tigger smiled in amusement, "Donkey boy could probably teach her a thing or two about swinging! Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!"
Sora turned to Baloo, "You think she's going to be okay?"
"I'm sure she'll be fine," He reassured him, "Your mother seems like a tough woman."
Sora blinked in confusion, "Miss Wanda's not my mom."
Baloo blinked in shock, "Really? Then where are your folks?"
Sora frowned at that before Baloo gave him a sympathetic smile, "Tell ya what, when we find your friends, you can stick around with me until we find them too."
"Really?" Sora brightened up a little.
"You better believe it," Baloo nodded as they went into a thinker part of the jungle. Tigger had to bounce around as Baloo told him, "You're going to make one swell bear."
When they exited the thicker part, Sora was gone and replaced by a monkey. Baloo, not even staring at him, even realized Sora was missing, and continued, "Why, you even sing like one."
While Baloo was starting to feel sleepy and singing, a fly landed on his nose. "Hey, Sora, how 'bout you flickin' that old mean fly off of your papa bear's nose?"
The monkey then grabbed a stick and, with a sneaky grin, smacked Baloo on the nose, "Ow!" Baloo wasn't even angry as he rubbed his nose, "Ha, ha! Boy, when you flick a fly, you really..."
When he finally opened his eyes, he saw who really hit him. His shocked expression quickly turned to anger as he realized who sent him, "Why, you, flat-nosed, little-eyed, flaky creep!"
He swung his claw at the monkey but missed. From above, the real Sora was held captive by other monkeys. He glared at them, "Hey! Let me go! That is so unfriendly!"
The monkeys simply laughed at him. Baloo walked himself out of the water as he exclaimed, "Take your flea-picking hands off my cub!"
"Come on and get him, champ!" One monkey said with mischief in his tone.
"He ain't no champs, he's a chump!" The monkey next to him said mockingly.
"Baloo!" Sora cried out to Baloo while he was being swung around by the monkeys.
"Yeah! Ha-ha! A big hothead!" Another monkey said,making gestures with his hands.
"Okay, you guys asked for it, I ll-OOF!" Baloo tripped and fell into the lake.
"That'll cool him off!" Another monkey said before laughing wildly.
Tigger then bounced out of the bushes, hearing Baloo's anger, "Say, what happened here!"
"Those little freaks have Sora!" Baloo pointed to the monkeys who were mocking them.
Tigger saw this was the case, and glared at the monkeys, "Hey! Let go of our friend!"
Two monkeys lowered Sora to the front of a tree as one of them told Baloo and Tigger, "Here he is, come and get him!"
The former ran to the tree, but the monkeys yanked the islander turned jungle boy back up into the trees. Baloo crashed into the tree, and in a daze, he fell flat to the ground.
"That's how a bear can rest at ease!" Another monkey said,d making fun of Baloo.
"Here are some bare necessities!" Another monkey exclaimed as it began throwing fruit at them. Tigger managed to dodge the incoming fruits, but Baloo wasn't so lucky,y as he was getting pelted by fruit. He started to get more annoyed at the monkeys, "Now just try that again, you-"
Before he could finish, another fruit smacked him in the face. A monkey laughing wildly, "That was a bare necessity!"
"Alright," Tigger raised his fists, "Turn him loose or I'll show you all why everyone's scared of Tiggers."
"We give up! Here he comes!" The monkey swinging the boy exclaimed, and then he threw Sora, sending him flying.
"Baloo! Tigger! Catch me!" Sora cried out.
Both Tigger and Baloo brought their hands out to catch him and were running in one direction to catch him as the former exclaimed, "We've got ya! We've got ya! We've..."
However, neither of them paid attention to the two monkeys, holding a fallen vine, tripping both of them as another monkey caught the panicked four-year-old, as they mocked, "A rolling bear or tiger gathers no hair!"
As they tumbled down the hill, the rocks they bumped into rolled after them. When they reached ground level, the rocks hit Baloo on the head.
Feeling dazed, the two new friends of Sora watched helplessly as they carried the child away. As he called out for them, "Baloo! Tigger! Bagheera! Miss Wanda! Mr. Peter!"
Tigger snapped his fingers in anger, "They got away!"
"Bagheera!" Baloo called out to the others, "Peter! Wanda!"
Wanda finally began to open her eyes, moaning in pain as she gazed at her teammate, "Peter?"
"Yeah," He smiled in relief, "You crashed again."
"So, that's why I feel so much in pain..." She rubbed her head as she sat up on her own. She then looked around, "Where's Sora?"
"Still with Baloo," Bagheera answered, "Tigger went after him... but that's not saying much."
Wanda's eyes narrowed, "We've got to go after them."
She tried to stand on her feet, but she tumbled into Peter, "Hey, easy... You need to take a few minutes to rest... I'll go after them. I'm sure Sora's fine."
That's when the three heard Baloo's voice, "BAGHEERA!"
Everyone's eyes widened as Peter admitted, "Though I could be wrong."
Bagheera told the two Avengers, "Come on! We'd better find them!"
Wanda turned to Peter, "I'm going too."
"Fine," Peter nodded as he carried her, "But this time, I'll swing."
She nodded in agreement as Peter carried her with quick and amazing agility to get to the trees above, as he swung her to keep up with Bagheera as if they were Tarzan and Jane. When they reached a small cliff, they saw a bear with Tigger climb just in the exact moment they arrived, as Baloo yelled, "Bagheeraaaaa!" Everyone screeched and sat stunned for a while as the bear laughed sheepishly, "Oh, you heard me, huh?"
Wanda began looking around them, looking for the islander. She mentally prayed that he was there with them. She called out, "Sora? SORA?!"
The panther glared at Baloo and Tigger, "All right, what happened? Where's Sora?!"
Baloo recalled the whole event, "They ambushed me, thousands of them! I jabbed with my left!"
Tigger then filled in, "The I bounced in from the right."
Baloo nodded in agreement with Tigger, "We tried to fight them off but..."
A red mist had begun moving around them, and everyone turned to a fully recovered Wanda, who did not look very happy. She glared at them while her eyes turned red, "WHO?! HAS?! MY?! BABY?!"
Everyone took a step back in fear as she looked like she was going to tear this world in half if it meant finding Sora. Baloo raised his hands, "Easy! Easy! It's like I told ya, them mangy monkeys carried him off."
"It's true," Tigger nodded in agreement before adding, "Please don't hurt us!"
"YOU MEAN MY LITTLE BOY IS IN THE HANDS OF A BUNCH OF MONKEYS!" Wanda snarled as she continued to glare.
Everyone else backed away in fear, except for Peter, who took her hand, "Wanda. Calm down. We'll get him back."
Turning to Peter, she began to ease up before taking a deep breath, and calmed down, apologized, "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me." She then turned to Bagheera, "Do you know where they could have taken them?"
The panther's eyes widened in realization, "The ancient ruins. Oh, I hate to think of what will happen when he meets that king of theirs."
Everyone, except Baloo, was confused about what the Panther was talking about as the Master of Masters watched the events from the tree branch above them...
Meanwhile, back on Earth, in the Sword base, where the Avengers attempted to stop Kang from escaping, two sword agents guarded the scene to prevent anyone from tampering with the evidence. All of a sudden, a dart struck one of the guards, and he began to tumble over and went into a deep sleep.
"What the-?" One of the guards raised his gun, trying to figure out who took out his friend, only to be also struck by a dart. He tried to stay awake but began to lose consciousness, "What... is... going... who..."
He dropped his weapon before falling into a deep sleep himself. The intruder approached them and spoke with a Russian accent, "Sleep. This hunt does not concern you."
Sergi Kravinoff, better known as Kraven the Hunter, stepped out of the shadows. He had heard that his greatest prey had vanished from the newspapers. Cruel as the Bugle was, it did provide some truth. He sniffed around before realizing, "So, he was here."
He began sniffing around, he turned to the scorch marks on the ground and sniffed them too, "In a great battle, although I cannot determine the victor. Could it really be that you..."
Kraven's eyes narrowed with determination, "No, you cannot be. You would not fall so easily. You are the only prey worthy of Kraven. It doesn't matter where or when you are... I will find you, Spider."
"I'm glad to hear."
Kraven drew one of his knives at the new voice. Xehanort simply smirked, not at all threatened, "Sergi Kravinoff... I believe I have an offer that should benefit us both."
Kraven narrowed his eyes, not sure who this individual was, but if he knew where his greatest challenge was, "If you know where he is... tell me..."
Xehanort's smirk grew as he knew he'd be perfect for his goals...
At the same time, in the Sanctum Sanctorum, Dr. Stephen Strange and Wong had also received a message that Spider-Man and the Scarlet Witch were missing. Strange was a good friend to both of them, and he suspected that there was more to Wanda's mutant abilities than met the eye, so he agreed to meet them. Of course, that was a few days ago; they had to stop another of the dreaded Dormammu schemes.
Thankfully, with the Eye of Agamotto, he made a bargain that would keep him at bay for a time. So, because of this, they didn't hear about the two heroes' disappearances until now. So, they thought they'd stop to get some lunch and then head right over to help. Except there was one problem with Wong, as Strange stared at him,m shaking his head, "I still can't believe you don't have any money."
Wong turned to him as they headed down the stairs, "You should know by now that attachment to the material is detachment from the spiritual."
"I'll tell the guys at the deli," Strange replied sarcastically, "Maybe they'll make you a metaphysical Ham on Rye."
When Wong checked his pockets again before realizing, "Oh, wait, wait, wait, I think I have 200."
"Dollars?" Strange hoped he didn't need to buy the guy lunch again.
Wong shook his head as he corrected, "Rupees."
The Sorcerer Supreme raised an eyebrow, "Which is?"
The Keeper of the Ancient Books did a rough estimate in his head, "Uh, buck and a half."
Strange rubbed his eyes as they turned back to the door before sighing, "What do you want?"
Wong smiled in apperception, "I wouldn't say no to a Tuna Melt."
Suddenly, there was a cracking noise behind them. The two sorcerers turned to each other. Dr. Strange asked, "You heard that too, right?"
Wong nodded as they turned to face the sound behind them. Much to their shock and horror, reality began to crack behind them...
...and something was trying to crawl its way out of the crack. Strange and Wong quickly prepared to face this new threat with powerful magic as a Neo-Shadow leaped out to attack the two Sorcerers...
Notes:
And that will conclude the first half of the world of the Jungle Book. You just gotta love those cliffhangers! On the bright side, we get to see what's happening on the Avengers world where very STRANGE things are happening... Pun intended! XD
And yes, many of you have guessed it! Kraven's on the hunt! It doesn't look for our heroes. Peter's not in his costume so nothing is stopping Kraven from knowing he is under that mask, Sora's been captured and is on his way to King Louie, and it's only a matter of time before Shere Kahn learns of Sora. Can our heroes save young Sora? Will they be able to keep him safe from the dangers of this world and the others? Can Dr. Strange and Wong stop the Heartless long enough until they figure out how to fix their universe? Stay tuned!
Chapter 8: Chapter 7: The Spider Sleeps Tonight
Summary:
Sora is now in the clutches of King Louie, who wants the secrets of man's red fire, so our Avengers, Baloo, Bagehraa, and Tigger must rescue the young boy, but if they're successful, the heroes might need to come to terms of how Sora might be the only survivor from the Destiny Islands. How can a young child react to everyone he knows and love might be gone from the realm of light? As our heroes seek to protect the young boy... Shere Kahn and Kraven the Hunter also learn of the man-cub, putting the boy in further jeopardy. Can Wanda get the hang of swinging in order to find the young man before the tiger does? Can Peter survive a clash with the crazed hunter without his suit and gear?
Also, what happens when a certain Master of Magnetism finds out his daughter is missing?
Notes:
I don't own Kingdom Hearts or Marvel. They are owned by Marvel, Disney, and Square Enix. And here's the second half of the world of the Jungle Book. The last time we were here, Sora was on his way to King Louie, and the two Avengers, Baloo, Bagheera, and Tigger too, were all on their way to rescue the boy. So, with that out of the way, here's the second half of Jungle Book!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 7: The Spider Sleeps Tonight
Xehanort had returned to the world of the two Avengers were currently on with Kraven. Once they exited the Corridor of Darkness, he once again aimed his knives at the dark Keyblade Wielder, "What is this? Where have you brought me?"
"Go on," Xehanort smirked, "Smell and tell me who's in this jungle."
The Hunter raised an eyebrow refusing to let his guard down, but he did take a sniff. He blinked in shock, was that scent right? He sniffed again. Kraven lowered his weapons, "The Spider is here."
Xehanort nodded as gestured to the jungle world, "Indeed. Now your hunt can continue."
Kraven stared at the silver head, "Don't take Kraven for a fool. You wouldn't have brought me here if you didn't want something in return."
"Yes, I have of need for your skills," Xehanort nodded, "Along with the other missing Avenger, Spider-Man travels with a child. A boy. In order for my own goals to achieve I must have him, normally, I would go to this world's best source for help but... I doubt he'd bring in the boy alive. A tiger who hates mankind wishes to destroy him before can grow to be a... if you will... hunter as well. You may hunt the Spider if you wish. Even the Avenger that he was taken an interest in as well if you wish. However, I do need the boy. If you bring him to me unharmed, I can give you the power to transport yourself to any world you wish. The worlds full of prey worthy of your talents."
Kraven would be lying by saying he wasn't interested, however, while many did view him as a criminal, he still had his honor. He told him, "I will hunt the Spider because he's a worthy prey. A challenge like an Avenger is a bonus. However, if I bring you the boy, I want your word saying you will not harm the child."
Kraven was many things, but he never went after children of either beast or man. Xehanort smirked, "Alright. I assure you that no harm will come to the child for what I have planned for him."
"I will hold you to it because if I find out otherwise, my next hunt will be you," Kraven narrowed his eyes, before turning to his greatest hunt. He was easily able to get the scent of the Spider. It has not changed even on another world. He then began to follow the scent of the hero, leaving a smirking Xehanort was.
If only Kraven really knew what Xehanort was planning, if he did, he'd probably try to kill him on the spot. He'd lose, of course, but he'd differently try...
Meanwhile, in the Ancient Ruins, King Louie was singing to himself as the other monkeys danced around, when one of his subjects reported, "Ha, ha, we got him, King Louie!"
"Man, we got him, we got him!" Another nodded as they began lowering the four-year-old boy to him
King Louie began to inspect the young Sora, "Ha, ha, ha, So you're the man-cub? Crazy!"
"You're the one who's being crazy! Put me down!" Sora told King Louie as he tried to free himself from his goons. The monkeys then dropped Sora on the ground. He glared at them, "You knew that's not what I meant!"
"Cool it, boy. Unwind yourself." King told him before briefly singing to himself again. He then shook the boy's hand with his foot, "Now come on. Let's shake, cousin."
"What do you even want with me?" Sora just couldn't understand why every bad guy out there was after him.
"Word has grabbed my royal ear," He began to explain before pulling out a banana, "Have a banana..." He suddenly threw a banana into Sora's mouth before he continued, "...that you're looking for some lost friends of yours. Man-cubs like yourself."
"My friends? You mean Riku and Kairi?" Sora asked despite having his mouth full of fruit before admitting, "I sure do."
"Good. And ol' King Louie..." He told him as he briefly sang to himself before gesturing to himself, "...that's me, have the resources to help you find them. Have two bananas..." He then threw two more bananas into Sora's mouth as he asked, "Have we got a deal?"
Sora nodded with his mouth even fuller as he pulled the remaining fruit out, "Yes, sir. I'll almost anything to find them."
He was young and eager and really wanted to find his friends. However, he was raised to not fully agree to anything if it was something wrong. However, it seemed good enough for King Louie
"Well then. I'll lay it on the line for ya." He told him as he jumped down from his throne, "A bop-bop do-do do-be-do..." He clapped his hands and sang, "Now I am the king of the swingers, oooh~ The jungle V.I.P~ I've reached that top and had to stop~ And that's what's botherin' me~"
"I wanna be a man, man-cub~ And stroll right into town~" He pulled Sora in closer before checking his spiky hair for fleas, "And be just like the other men~ I'm tired of monkeyin' around~" King Louie then jumped away from his throne as he gestured to his goons as if cueing them, "Ohh, oobie-do~"
"Bop-do-wee..." The monkeys sang.
Louie pointed to Sora, "I wanna be like you~"
"Hum dee oobee-do-ba~"
"I wanna walk like you~" He admitted.
The monkeys joined in, "Tee~"
"Talk like you~" King Louie continued.
"Too~"
"Too~" King Louie sang.
"Wee be-dee be-dee do~"
"You see it's true~" He went on.
"Shoo-ba dee-do~"
"An ape like me~" King Louie gestured to himself.
"Shoo-be do-bee do-bee..."
"Can learn to be~ Human~ too~" He sang before performing a trumpet solo unaware that another of his goons went to do his own trumpet solo. He tried shooing him off but he would not stop. The monkey even threw the leaf fan at him as he started to whistle much to King Louie's annoyance. He finally stopped when King Lowie threw the leaf fan back at him and sang, "Roo-baka-tee-gah, roo-baka-tee-gee! Zoo-baka too-baka too-baka too-baka too-baka! Too-bee pau-wagau to-pah!"
His loyal subjects cheered for their King as Sora laughed as he danced along, "Gee, King Louie... That's a real catchy song!"
"Now, here's your part of the deal, cuz." Louie leaned to the boy as he whispered, "Lay the secret on me of man's red fire."
Sora blinked in confusion, that's what the whole thing was about? Fire? Well, sure, it could have been a worse offer but there was still another problem. Sora tried to explain, "But... but I don't know how to make fire."
Louie raised an eyebrow before thought he was just joking so he took him by the hand, "Now, don't try to kid me, man-cub~ I'll make a deal with you~ What I desire is man's red fire~ To make my dream come true~"
At the same time, Bagheera snuck himself, Baloo, Tigger, Spider-Man, and Scarlet Witch into the ruins. Peter helped Wanda climb up the more difficult parts of the old abandoned kingdom. As he brought her up to the rest of the group, she smiled in appreciation, before they ran inside to find Sora. As they went deeper into the palace, they could hear the song, "Now give me the secret, man-cub~ Come on~ Clue me what to do~ Give me the power of man's red flower~ And I'll find your friends, it's true~"
They kept their heads low as they approached the balcony but spotted Sora dancing with the monkeys. Bagheera managed to figure out what King Louie want from Sora from the lyrics of the song, "Fire! So that's what that scoundrel's after."
"Sora," Wanda smiled seeing the boy dance around with the King of the monkeys, feeling so much relieved, "He's okay!"
Tigger chuckled, "Yeah! And it actually looks like he's having a fun time! Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!"
"Well, I doubt he'll still have a good time if Louie learns that Sora doesn't actually know how to make fire," Peter pointed out.
Wanda's eyes widened in realization, before declaring, "We've got to get him out of there!"
Peter placed a hand on her shoulder, "We will. We won't leave without him."
Wanda felt at ease at Peter's statement. Despite not actually working with Peter until Kang, she felt like she could trust him... she only wished they weren't running around half-naked. Baloo's eyes narrowed with determination, "I'll tear him limb from limb, I'll beat him, I'll... I'll.." Soon, he started dancing to the beat of the music, "...mmm, yeah, well, man, what a beat!"
"Will you stop that silly beat business and listen!" Bagheera told the bear, "This will take brains, not brawn."
Baloo nodded as he continued to dance, "You better believe it! And I'm loaded with both!"
Bagheera glared at him, "Will you knock that off and just listen?!"
"Oh, yeah, yeah..." Baloo stopped... for about five seconds before he started to dance again.
"Bagheera's right," Peter admitted, "We don't need to fight them, if play our cards right, we can grab him while they're all distracted."
"We might need a bigger one if we're going to get the man-cub out of there," Bagheera stated before telling the bear, "Now, while you create a disturbance, Baloo, the rest of us can rescue Sora."
Everyone nodded as it did sound like a good plan until they saw the bear walking and dancing away as he told them, "We're gone then, solid gone."
Both Bagheera and Wanda exclaimed, "Not yet, Baloo!"
Peter's eyes lit up with an idea, "Wait, does Louie know of Shere Kahn? Is he afraid of him?"
"Of course," Bagheera nodded, "Many in the Jungle are."
Spidey then turned to Tigger, "So, what if they all thought he was here right now?"
All eyes turned to Tigger as Bagheera smirked, "You know... that might not be sure a bad idea."
Tigger tilted his head in confusion, "Why is everyone looking at me like that?"
"I'll explain in a moment, Tigger," Peter turned to Bagheera, "Take Wanda and try to reach Sora if you can, try to get his attention without alerting the monkeys. If he sees you, he actually might come running to you."
Bagheera nodded before gesturing Wanda to follow him, she was about to when she turned to Peter, with a concerned look, "Be careful, Peter."
"You too," Peter lightly smiled as she followed the panther, Peter then leaned to Tigger's ear, "Now Tigger, here's what you're going to do."
As Spidey explained to Tigger, Bahgreea and Wanda sneaked around the ruins as they tried to reach Sora. Once, Bagheera was close enough to the boy, Scarlet Witch gave him a nod. The panther nodded back as he tried to reach the boy when he gets slammed in the face with a door by Baloo as he entered the Ruins disguised as monkeys as he sang, "Hey! Da-zaap bon-ronee~ Hap ba-dee dee-lap-da-non~. Hene-bebe-re~ Doot zaba-doo-dee-day~ Doo-bam doo-boo-bee-bay~ Bo-bom, za-ba-pa-panney~"
"Wow. Just... wow. I didn't know Baloo was this world's RuPaul." Peter whispered a quip seeing Baloo dance in his outfit.
Wanda groaned and shook her head in annoyance, they were here to rescue her child, not join the party. King Louie on the other hand was overjoyed to see the newcomer and went off to greet him, "Abba-do-dee~?"
"With a reep-bon-naza~" Baloo sang in response.
Louie replied with a, "Eh ba-daba doy~"
Baloo sang, "Well-a-la-ba zini~"
Louie sing, "War-la-bop, boor-la-bop~"
"See-ble-bop, dooney~" Baloo sang.
Louie sang, "Ooh, ooh, ooh!"
"With a huh, huh, huh, huh!" Baloo joined in.
Louie sang, "Rrrawr, rrrawr~"
"Get mad, baby!" Baloo nodded.
Louie sang, "Hada-lada hada-lada~"
"With a hada-lada hadoo-doo~" Baloo sang.
Louie sang, "Oodle-loodle-oodle-loodle~"
"Ooh-doo-daa-daa-daa~" Baloo sang.
As they joined together as Louie sang, "Doodle-doot, doodle-doot~"
"Zee-ba-da-da~ Haba-da~" Baloo finished.
King Louie sang, "Yoo-hoo-hoo~"
"Bop-do-wee~" The monkeys sang, as Wanda peeked out of her new hiding spot, seeing Sora dancing with one of the monkeys.
She whispered over quietly to him, "Sora!"
"I wanna be like you~" Baloo sang as the boy managed to catch Wanda's whisper and turned to her with a bright smile.
"Hum dee oobee-do-ba~" The monkeys sang as the full-time Avenger placed a finger to her lips and gestured for Sora to come to her. The boy moved away from the monkey he was dancing with and ran over to the Scarlet Witch as if she was his mother.
"I wanna walk like you~" Both Baloo and Louie sang as Wanda opened her arms wide at the approaching jungle boy.
"Dee~"
Just as he was just about to reach her, another monkey grabbed him and made him dance with him away from Wanda as she gasped in horror, "No."
Sora even when dancing with the monkey, tried to get his eyes set on the Avenger, so he could find his way back to her. He heard Louie and the new-comer sing, "Talk like you~"
"Too~"
"Too~" Baloo sang.
"Wee be-dee be-dee do~" The monkeys continued to sing as Bagheera moved onto the ceiling to grab Sora and get him to safety.
"You see it's true~" The two sang as Baloo swung on Bagheera's tail almost making him lose his balance and winced in pain, "Someone like me~"
King Louie sang, "Can learn to be like someone like me~"
Sora once again tried to go for Wanda, only to end up dancing with another monkey. The Scarlet Witch was very tempted to tear the Ancient Ruins apart if it meant getting the boy back. The disguised Baloo beamed, "Take me home, Daddy!"
"Can learn to be like someone like you~" Louie and Baloo sang together.
King Louie slapped him on the back, "One more time!"
However, Baloo's disguise falls off revealing he really is much to Louie's anger and Sora's shock as the bear sang, "Yeah! Can learn to be like someone like me~ Zee-dee-dee bop-bop-botta~ Doodle-dat un-dat un-dat un-dat un-dat un-dat~" He then realized that the jig was up as he groaned, "Man..."
Wanda groaned to herself, "So much for stealth."
"It's Baloo, the bear!" A monkey recognized.
"It's him alright! How'd that square get in here?" Another asked.
Spider-Man peeked out of his hiding spot, as he couldn't help but comment, "Square? Who actually says that any... oh, wait. This movie was made in the '60s wasn't it? Guess that would make sense actually."
While they were all distracted, Sora made a dash to his new friends, "Baloo! Miss Wanda! You're here!"
As Baloo went to get Sora, King Louie grabbed him first and made a dash for it. However, Baloo the bear chased after them. While the King of the monkeys, was running off with Sora, Wanda stepped in his way. Her eyes were glowing red and her power began to glow through her hands stunning Louie. The Scarlet Witch glared at him, "You will hand my kid to me, or else I will tear your entire kingdom to the..."
Just then, a bunch of monkeys jumped at her from all sides, and started tackling her to the ground, "Hey!"
Louie smirked as he continued to run for it, with Baloo in pursuit. Peter then leaped down from his spot to save his teammate from the monkeys. He punched and kicked them off of her. He couldn't help but comment, "I'm glad JJ isn't here to comment on this." He then mimicked him, "SPIDER-MAN! ANIMAL ABUSER!"
As she preceded to use her hexes to remove the remaining monkeys, "Thanks! I'll take care of things from here! Go rescue Sora!"
Peter nodded as he followed Baloo to get Sora back, as Wanda began to free herself from the remaining monkeys holding her. Louie tried to make his escape with the boy but Bagheera cut him off, roaring at him making him return the way he came. Baloo charged at him with a huge stick he found, but Louie saw this coming and avoided it just in time going a different direction with the boy in his arms. As a result, Baloo accidentally hit Bagheera in the head instead.
He looked at him sheepishly as Peter ran passed him easily catching up with Louie. He grabbed the little boy, who was happy to see him, from Louie's grasp,
He then made his way back to Wanda, Bagheera, and Baloo with the boy. However, he got snagged by another monkey as he complained, "Oh, come on!"
The monkey then ran back to King Louie with him, which the king of the monkeys gladly took him. Peter then realized, it was time to play his little trick. He let on a horrible gasp, "Oh, no! What's that Tiger doing here?!"
The monkeys turned to where Peter pointed out and saw the tail of a tiger peak around the corner making growling sounds. They screamed in horror, "It's Shere Kahn!"
"What's that tiger doing here?!"
"Everyone," Louie ordered completely terrified of the tiger, "Scram!"
Every monkey ran off in different directions, including King Louie. Baloo couldn't help but wonder, "What's that tiger doing here?!"
Wanda, Peter, and Bagheera shushed him as they smirked. The panther continued to smirk, "Keep watching."
Louie tried to run off with the boy when something leaped up ahead of him from the shadows, frightening him. He looked away, trembling, "P-please don't hurt me." He then offered him Sora, "Is this what you're after? Take him! Just don't hurt me!"
And so... Tigger did smirking. He placed Sora under his shoulders before shaking his hand, "Thanks chap! Nice place you got here." Louie turned to Tigger dumbfounded to realize that he had been tricked. He wasn't Shere Kahn at all. It was that weird tiger his goons mentioned that the man-cub with. Tigger finally stopped shaking his hand, "Thanks for my little friend back so TTFN! Ta ta for now!"
He then bounced away with Sora as an angry King Louie chased after them. He quickly caught up with Tigger hand caught Sora's hand and a pillar to pull him away from the intruder. However, the pillar wasn't that strong and broke apart.
While he was able to get Sora from Tigger's grasp, he turned in horror to see his kingdom was beginning to fall apart. He handed Sora back to Tigger as he rushed off to save the ruins by trying to hold it all together himself. As everyone else joined Tigger, Baloo smirked, "You know, I say we should teach him a lesson for messing with Sora."
Tigger nodded in agreement, "Yeah, and I know just the thing."
He then handed Sora to a very much happy Wanda, who pulled him in for a hug, as Peter raised an eyebrow, "What are you going to do Tigger? Bounce on him?"
"Not quite," Tigger approached the monkey king, "This requires a special bounce on mine." He then licked his thumb feeling the wind on his thumb. He then turned to King Louie before placing it on his chest, "Right there."
Louie began to look nervous as Tigger twisted his tail and his stomach. Peter's eyes widened as he realized what he was about to do, "We should go now."
Not wanting to argue with him, they followed Peter into the Jungle. Then Tigger's lower half of his body began spinning like crazy before Tigger blasted off away from Louie laughing, "Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!"
With quick and amazing speeds, Tigger bounced all over the Ancient Ruins before finally bouncing into Louie knocking him to another pillar holding up the ruins. Tigger then saluted him mockingly, "Cheerio!"
He then bounced after the others as the whole ruins began to collapse on itself, and everyone ran off trying to get out of the ruins before it crumbles on them. Wanda continued running with Sora making sure he didn't get hit by the debris before Peter carried them both to safety using his speed and agility. With everyone else at a safe distance, the ancient ruins were destroyed, and Louie only held a piece of what was once his Kingdom. With everyone safe, Sora turned to destroy the ruins, he couldn't help but wonder, "Where did it all go?"
Tigger bounced beside him as he answered, "It's in the basement."
Bagheera turned to Tigger, "But the ruins never had a basement."
"It does now. Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!" Tigger laughed...
Later, that evening Wanda and Peter had set up camp once again. The latter went out to check for anyone else who would try to make a move on the boy. Sora slept soundly in Baloo's arms until the camp was ready, Wanda then took him from his arms, "Okay, everything is ready."
She then tucked him into the sleeping bag. Baloo turned to Tigger, "That was a neat trick that you pulled on Louie. And that bouncing. Never seen anything like it."
"Ah, that impostor's giving me a bad name, I thought I return the favor," Tigger smirked, "As for that bounce, it was only the Whoop-de-Dooper Loop-de-Looper Alley-Ooper Bounce. I have a whole song about it but I don't want to wake the little guy."
"Fair enough," Baloo nodded in agreement as Wanda ruffled his hair.
Peter then joined the others, "I think we're in the clear, not a monkey, snake, tiger, or monster in sight."
"Good," Bagheera nodded before turning to Baloo, "And furthermore, Baloo, as well behaved Sora is, he seems to also o have man's ability to get into trouble."
"You know," Peter commented, "I would be offended by that if it wasn't true."
Ignoring Peter's comment, the panther continued, "The point is your influence hasn't been exactly..."
Baloo shushed them, "Shhh! Keep it down, you're gonna wake little buddy. Yeah. He's had a big day, it was a real sockaroo. You know it ain't easy learning to be like me."
Bagheera replied, "Pah! A disgraceful performance. Associating with those undesirable, scatterbrained apes. Huh. I hope he learned something from that experience."
"Yeah~ scooby-dooby, dooby-doo~" Sora sang in his sleep.
Wanda face palmed herself as Baloo laughed, "Ha, ha. That's my boy."
Bagheera groaned as Peter and Wanda along with Tigger walked toward the water, "Oh, nonsense. Baloo, come over here. I need to have a word with you."
He raised an eyebrow as he followed, "A word? You gonna talk some more?"
While Bagheera groaned in annoyance, Peter checked up on Wanda, "You okay."
"Better now that Sora's safe," She admitted before apologizing, "I'm sorry I nearly lost it earlier."
"It's okay, you were worried about him," Peter reassured her as he was confused, "I was worried about the kid too, you know."
"I know," She nodded in understanding, before deciding to change the subject, "So... no one special in your life, huh?"
"Yeah, it just doesn't seem in the cards for me," Peter admitted before turning back to her, "What about you? You really don't have a guy? I've heard rumors that you and Vision were... you know..."
"Oh no!" Wanda groaned, "Not you too!"
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" He quickly apologized.
"No, I suppose I should have expected this sooner or later but..." She started to explain, "Look! I team-upped with Vision for one mission and everyone saw and that's when the rumors started!" She admitted, "I mean nothing against Vision and he's a nice guy but... let's face it, and the end of the day... he's an android. The most advanced I have seen, but an android nonetheless. If I dated Vision or married him, I would be absolutely out of my mind. It would never work!"
"Yeah, I would be a little weird if you actually did," Peter lightly chuckled, "Sorry again, I'm the last guy who should be judging you on false articles on the paper."
"It's fine really," Wanda admitted, "It's just annoying having to tell that to people all the time. Besides, these are coming from the same people that assumed you were dating a cat burglar, but I know that could have never happened."
Peter then laughed sheepishly, "Yeah... funny story about that..."
"Wait... Peter... did you date an actual criminal one time," Wanda wondered, "As in full intentionally knowing."
Peter was silent for a time before admitting, "... I was going through a rough time!"
Wanda felt her jaw fall to the ground in shock, "Peter?! You actually dated a criminal?!"
"Yeah, Felicia Hardy, the Black Cat," Spidey recalled, "I met her before and she's had a crush on me... er... Spider-Man for a long time. And when I was going through a rough moment in my life, I partnered up with her. I figured I could you know reform her. It worked for a time... until I found out she was stealing from the people we stopped and sometimes saved."
Wanda winced in sympathy, "Yikes."
"Yeah, she played me good," Peter admitted, "I never found out where she kept that stolen loot."
"What exactly was this though time," Wanda asked.
"I-I lost someone important to me," Peter frowned.
Wanda turned to him with concern, "Who was it?"
"Gwen Stacy," Spider-Man admitted, "The first real love of my life. Gwen and I were best friends for as long as I can remember. Back then it was just her, Harry, and Eddie Brock, who I've known since childhood. At first, we just saw each other as friends, then we started to see each other as something more. I still remember the time she kissed me on Thanksgiving. That was when I knew. Gwen was smart, beautiful, and kind. She always saw the best in everyone. Anytime we did something wrong she would always give us 'The look.'"
"The look?" The Scarlet Witch wondered.
Peter explained with a small smile, "Let's just say, you never want to be in the same with her when she's angry. You wouldn't like her when she's angry."
Wanda lightly smirked, although she was a little jealous of this Gwen, she kept those thoughts to herself, as Peter continued, "We had a tough time telling each other how we felt at first. Mainly because I was dating Liz, later becoming Harry's wife, at the time, and Gwen was dating Harry. But we knew in our hearts that we wanted to be with each other. I finally got my chance when she and Harry broke up. Harry didn't take it too well. He started becoming addicted to the Globulin Green again."
"Globulin Green?" Wanda asked in confusion.
Peter explained, "An early stage, experimental performance enhancer. Highly unstable and extremely addictive. Harry stole some of it from OsCorp when we were younger. He started blacking out because of it." Peter nodded, "It also gave birth to one of my arch-enemies, the Green Goblin."
"I heard of him. Wasn't he once a businessman like Stark," She recalled the villain's name, "Norman Osborn?"
"That's him," Peter confirmed, "So far, the closet villain I came close to relating to that maniac is Xehanort."
Wanda's eyes narrowed at that, she may have never met the Green Goblin but if he was anything like Xehanort, then she didn't like him either. Peter continued, "He was a total psychopath… a real monster… and for a while, we believed it to be Harry when it was his father all along."
"Okay, that makes sense," Wanda nodded in understanding, "Your friend Harry had an addiction to this... Globulin Green before so it would make sense to assume that it was him."
"Next year, we found out later that Norman was just trying to frame him to save his own butt," Peter explained.
Wanda gasped in horror, "He tried to frame him?! HIS OWN SON?!"
How could a father do that to his own child?! How could any parent do that to their own child?! As misguided as her father was, Magento never did that to any of his children. And she would never do that to Sora. Peter nodded, "Yeah, I had the same exact reaction. Later on, he discovered my identity when he exposed me to some kind of gas that weakened my spider-sense. He must have seen me remove my mask or something. We fought one other time and he ended up hitting some electrical power lines and he ended up getting amnesia because of it. At first, I thought the whole nightmare was over…but I was wrong."
"Why?" Wanda asked.
"One day, when Gwen broke up with Harry and started dating me... it caused Harry to go back to his addiction to the Green, he almost died of an overdose," Peter explained making Wanda gasp. He quickly reassured her, "He's okay now. Although, it took a while for the doctors to help him get the stuff out of his system."
Wanda sighed in relief, "That's good to hear."
"His father didn't see it that way," Peter frowned, "When he found out, he blamed Gwen and I for what happened to him. It was because of his hatred towards me that his memories of being the Green Goblin began to resurface. I fought later that day when he tried going after my aunt. I managed to keep her safe but he managed to get away." Peter continued, "Since he also blamed Gwen for what happened to Harry he decided to go after her. When I called her on my iPhone to check up on her, guess who answered?"
It didn't take long for Wanda to figure out who actually answered the phone, he gasped, "No..."
"All I heard was his laugh asking if Spider-Man could come out to play. Gobby told me that he had Gwen and if I wanted to see her again, I had to meet him at the Brooklyn Bridge. I swung over there in a heartbeat." Peter explained.
Peter began to tell them about the confrontation on the bridge. His plan was to keep the Goblin at bay so he could have enough time to take Gwen to safety. Norman had other plans. Having quickly recovered from a hard blow from the wall-crawler, he was able to fly back to where Spider-Man and Gwen were and ram himself right into the Web-Head causing him to lose his grip on Gwen sending her hurtling off the bridge. As Gwen was falling off the bridge, Spider-Man, in a desperate attempt to save her, shot out a web line that latched onto her leg, putting her into an immediate stop. When Spider-Man pulled her up, having been so relieved that he saved her, he checked her pulse… there was no pulse. Wanda looked at him with sympathy, "Oh, Peter..."
Peter nodded his head and tears of his own begin to fall, "It all happened so fast. When I saw her fall, I didn't know what to do. Everything I did was out of instinct, and it ended up getting her killed. Now I have to deal with the fact that she wasn't killed by Goblin ramming into her or the fall. She died from the webbing that I tried to save her... She died at the hands of Spider-Man."
Peter cried as his tears fell on the wild earth, "And I promised her dying father that I would protect her. I failed."
Wanda remembered reading in the newspaper that Spider-Man had murdered an innocent woman but she never believed that to be true. She never knew that she and Peter were once close. She had finally heard enough. Despite what little clothes they wore, she pulled him in for a hug. She whispered to him, "It wasn't your fault. You weren't the one who threw her off that bridge, you were trying to save her."
She then pulled away as she added, "And from the rest of our team, they knew you'd never take a life. Innocent or guilty. We always admired that about you."
After wiping away a few tears, she asked, "I heard reports of the Goblin's death and from what we've heard is that he killed himself not long after. Is that true?"
"Yeah, that was his last-ditch effort to kill me," Peter admitted, "I was about to turn him to the police for what he had done but my spider-sense warned of Goblin's deception and I was able to get out of the way in time. Osborn wasn't so lucky. It took a couple of years to explain to Harry that I never killed his father before he realized that was telling the truth."
"So, you and Harry," Wanda smiled slightly.
Peter nodded, "Still best friends. He now runs his father's company and got married to Liz."
"That's great news," Wanda smiled before she wondered, "So, I take it he knows..."
"Yes, he knows I'm Spider-Man," He admitted, "He's helped me out in the past these days as New Goblin."
The Scarlet Witch smiled before asking in concern, "But what about you? What happened after Gwen's..."
"Well, I carried on, tried to, um... try to keep going, try to keep being the uh... that 'Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man,' 'cause I knew that's what she would have wanted," Peter answered, "But at some point, I just... I stopped pulling my punches. I got rageful. I got bitter. I thought being with Cat fixed that but... MJ was the one who truly helped put me together again."
Wanda blinked at that, "MJ?"
"Mary Jane Watson. She's my next-door neighbor, and she may have played matchmaker between Gwen and I," Peter lightly joked, "After she died though, she helped put me back together to my old self again. It didn't get anywhere serious but she's been a good friend."
Wanda smiled, "I may have a friend who's like that." Peter turned to her as she explained, "His name is Kurt Wagner but you might know him better as..."
"Nightcrawler," Peter immediately knew who she was thinking of, "I know him as well. He and the rest of the X-Men are old friends of mine."
Wanda lightly chuckled, "I probably could have guessed that." She then continued, "Anyway, when the X-Men were putting themselves back together, he sought sanctuary in Genosha. My father asked me to be his tour guide and for a while we were happy."
"Sounds like you two were close," Peter lightly joked.
"Well, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a crush on him at one point," Wanda admitted before continuing, "But it was he, who truly opened my eyes to see right and wrong. I would even say, he's the reason why I became an Avenger."
"The last I heard of him, he was going to become a Catholic Priest," Peter recalled.
"He did, and I'm happy for him," Wanda smiled, "God knows we need more priests."
Tigger groaned as they turned to Tigger, "Tiggers have never been a fan of that touchy-feely stuff."
Both Avengers chuckled in amusement. Before they could continue their conversation about their love life, Baloo and Bagheera joined them, the former asked, "All right, what's up, Baggy?"
"Baloo, Sora must go back to the man-village," The panther told him, "The jungle's no place to raise him."
"I grew up in the jungle," Baloo argued before gesturing to himself, "Take a look at me."
"Yes, just look at yourself. Look at that eye." Bagheera told him as they stared into the river.
Baloo smiled, "Yeah. It's beautiful, ain't it?"
"Frankly, you're a disreputable sight," Bagheera argued.
Baloo smiled, "Why, you don't look exactly like a basket of fruit yourself."
Bagheera then noticed he himself had a black eye before groaning, "D'oh! Baloo, you can't adopt Sora as your son."
"I know he has parents even if he's lost them," Baloo admitted before asking, "But even if he didn't, why not?"
"How can I put it?" The black panther thought out loud before replying, "Baloo, birds of a feather should flock together." Baloo shrugged as Bagheera proceeded to ask, "You wouldn't marry a panther, would you?"
"I don't know." The bear shrugged before joking, "Ha ha, come to think of it, no panther ever asked me."
Bagheera told him, "Baloo, you've got to be serious about this."
"Oh, stop worrying, Baggy, stop worrying, I'll take care of him," Baloo told him, "Heck when we find his friends, I'll take care of them too!"
That's when the Avengers and Tigger joined them as Wanda pointed out, "You mean like you did when Sora was kidnapped by the monkeys?"
"Not in the jungle," Wanda crossed her arms, "Anything out here could kill him if we're not careful."
"And another thing, sooner or later, Sora will meet this Shere Khan," Bagheera spoke up.
"The tiger? I thought he was just a trick pulled by Tigger, he really is here?" Baloo asked in concern, "What's he got against the kid?"
"He hates man with a vengeance, you know that," The panther answered, "Because he fears man's gun and man's fire. And that's not even mentioning his future ability to wield the Keyblade."
"But little Sora don't have those things." Baloo pointed out, "And I never seen him use this key thing."
Bagheera replied as he imitated Kahn's strike with his claws, "Shere Khan won't wait until he does. He'll get Sora while he's young and helpless. Just one swipe..."
Baloo's eyes widened in horror, "No. Well, what are we gonna do?!"
Peter told the bear, "We'll do what's best for him."
"You better believe it, you name it now," The bear nodded in agreement, "I'll do it."
"Good," Bagheera nodded glad to see Baloo had came to his senses for once, "Then you'll help take Sora to the man-village with us."
Baloo was shocked, "Are you out of your mind? I promised him he could stay here in the jungle with me so we could find his friends!"
"That's just the point. As long as he remains with you, he's in danger," Peter pointed out, "Even if Shere Kahn doesn't find him. Xehanort or the monsters will."
"Xehanort?" Baloo wondered, "Who the heck is Xehanort?! What's he want with the kid?!"
"We don't know but we do know he and Shere Kahn have control over the monsters," Peter explains, "And we also know he is both powerful and evil. He may put Sora in an even worse state than death for all we know."
"We have a solution for the monsters," Wanda gestured to the backpack with the orbs inside on Peter's back, "But Sora's in more danger here than any other place we came to before. He'll be safer there until Peter and I are ready to take him home with us."
Baloo frowned starting to see their point, but that didn't mean he liked it, "I love that kid. I love him like he was my own cub."
"Then think of what's best for Sora and not yourself," Wanda frowned knowing exactly how he felt, "He's already lost his parents in the conflict when his home was destroyed and I'm not even sure his friends made it."
Unaware to them, Sora had overheard everything. He woke up wondering where everyone was when he saw everyone talking to each other. He knew that the man-village would keep him safe from Shere Kahn and he had no intention of disobeying the heroes protecting him. However, hearing that his parents were dead and... that his friends might have too... it broke his little heart.
Why did he have this power everyone seemed interested in? Why did everyone he loved had died because of it?
Concerned that his new friends would share their fate, the boy turned away from them and ran deep into the jungle, where no one would find him... no one would have to die for him again...
Wanda continued to explain to the bear, "I know exactly how you feel Baloo. I love Sora if he was my own son as well. That's why we need to go through with this, once we deal with the monsters, Peter and I can take him with us to our home where he will be safe."
"But without his parents then who will..." Baloo asked.
"I'll raise and love him as my own," Wanda answered without even hesitation, and Peter turned to her in shock, "He'll be safe with me. I promise I won't let anything happen to him."
Baloo sighed as he admitted, "Well, from how you reacted when those fleabags took him, then I'll believe ya. I'll help ya get him there safely and then help ya deal with the monsters before Shere Kahn or Xehanort find him."
Wanda smiled at that, "Thank you."
Seeing how the sun was coming up, Bagheera commented, "Well, it looks like it's morning, we should get Sora and get moving. The village isn't too far from here."
Everyone nodded as they turned back to camp, Peter whispered to her, "Wanda? Are you sure about this?"
"I am," She nodded, "He can stay with me at Avengers Mansion or Genosha. Either way, he'll be both safe and loved."
"Wanda. This is parenthood we're talking about," Peter told her, "Taking care of a child is a big responsibility."
"I can handle it, I always wanted to be a mother anyway," Wanda answered, "It feels like God's calling me to do this."
"Sure, but you're not exactly married," Peter pointed out, "Sure, there's a lot of single parents too and it's not a bad thing but the boy could use a father in his life too."
"I won't argue with you there," Wanda admitted, "That's why he needs you." Spider-Man blinked in shock, she shook her hands because of it, "I'm not saying we should get married right away, make Sora a brother or sister, or anything crazy like that."
Tigger rubbed his head, "Make a brother or sister? How does one do that?" He then began to bounce, "Can you tell me how?! Please!
She gestured to him, "Look, in the past week, we've already become a big influence on his life. I can be a mother to him, but he also needs a father figure in his life..."
Peter rubbed the back of his head, "I'm... I'm not sure if I'm ready to become that."
"Some aren't," Wanda pointed out, "However, the children still need parents. Just like Sora needs us. Can't you be there for him, like your Uncle and Aunt were there for you?"
Peter had to admit, he wasn't sure how would have ended up if it wasn't for Uncle Ben and Aunt May. He knew they'd probably kick his butt if tried to walk out of this and he wasn't lying if he said he didn't love Sora too, "Well, when you put it like that..."
"Sora? Sora?!" Bagheera cried out, "Where's Sora?!"
Both Avengers' eyes widened as they turned to check on the child. They saw Baloo checking in the tent, "He's not in here?!"
"What?!" Wanda began to freak out, "But he was just sleeping in there?! Where could he have gone?!"
Peter then knelt to the slightly bent out-of-place bush as if a child was peeking through. His eyes widened, "Uh... I think Sora may have overheard our last conversation."
Wanda's skin turned pale, "Oh no..." She called out, "Sora! SORA! PLEASE COME BACK! IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK!"
"Why, don't just stand there. Let's separate," Bagheera told the group, "We've got to find him!"
"I'll save him," Tigger was already bouncing into the jungle, "Sora! Sora! Come out! Come out wherever you are!"
Baloo then ran off to a different section of the jungle, "Oh, if anything happens to that little guy, I'll never forgive myself."
Wanda couldn't help but agree as she began climbing the nearest tree to the best of her capability. Peter followed her with ease, "You really going to swing again? After you already crashed hard twice?"
"We need to find him quickly before anyone else does," The Scarlet Witch declared, "We'll move fast around the jungle if we swing."
"Let me go with you at least," Peter told her.
"No, we'll find him quicker if we split up," She denied as she climbed up to the branch, grabbing the nearest vine. She then pulled out her Avenger's ID card, "Look. As soon as we see him, we contact each other with our Avengers' ID cards with our location. Then we get to each other as fast as we're able."
Peter blinked in confusion, "Uh... where exactly have you been keeping that?" He then gestured to the outfits they were currently wearing, "We don't exactly have pockets or belts to keep them."
Wanda answered, "I've been using the same magic space we keeping our tents. Where have you keeping yours?"
Peter started feeling awkward as Wanda realized where he put it and was really wishing she didn't. Wanda face palmed himself as he sighed, "Okay, let's pretend the last few minutes and never discuss this again."
Peter nodded in agreement, "Agreed." He then went back to the main topic, "Just be careful out there."
"You too," Wanda nodded as she started to swing.
Peter then warned her, "And watch out for that..."
"Ooooooooh NNNNNNNNNOOOOOO-OOF!" Wanda screamed before crashing into another tree making Peter wince.
"You sure you'll be fine on your own?!" Peter called out.
Wanda pulled her face out of the tree before grabbing another vine as she groaned in response, "I'll be alright. Just find Sora."
She then swung off but more cautiously this time, Peter sighed, "I don't understand how Ka-Zar can handle living out here."
He then swung off into the jungle as he searched for their lost man-cub...
Meanwhile, back with King Louie, he and his monkeys were trying to rebuild the destroyed Ancient Ruins. They had brief success in staking one of the towers before it came crumbling again. Louie sighed to himself when suddenly, Kraven appeared amongst the group much to his shock.
Knowing that he was a hunter, unlike the ones he'd seen before him, he and the remaining monkeys retreated. Now alone, Kraven sniffed the ground beneath his feet. The Spider was here, along with the missing Avenger, and a young boy.
The best part was that he knew the Spider was too far away, he smirked, "The hunt continues."
With that, Kraven the Hunter followed the trail of his greatest prey...
Meanwhile, the tiger, Shere Khan, was prowling in the grass. He snuck up close to a deer, who was grazing. The tiger lay down ready to pounce, but elephants trumpeted and scared the deer away. He groaned in annoyance, there goes his breakfast. The elephants marched as they sang, "Hup, two, three, four~ Hup, two, three, four~ Keep it up, two, three, four~"
"What beastly luck. Confound that ridiculous Colonel Hathi." Shere Kahn muttered to himself.
Hathi ordered, "Company, sound off!"
The elephants marched and sang, "Oh we march from here to there~"
"And it doesn't matter where~" One elephant sang.
The elephants sang, "You can hear us push~ Through the deepest bush~ Hup, two, three, four~"
"With a military air!~" Hathi sang.
As the others repeated, "With a military air~!"
At the same time, Bagheera was searching for Sora, when he heard the elephants coming. His eyes lit up, "The jungle patrol."
The black panther realized they could help find the lost man-cub and ran in their direction...
The elephants continued to march and sing, "We're a crackerjack bridge~ On a pachyderm parade~ But we'd rather stroll~ To a water hole~"
"Hup, two, three, four~" The youngest elephant sang.
As the Elephants sang, "For a furlough in the shade~"
Shere Kahn was about to leave to look for a meal elsewhere when he spotted Bagheera approaching the elephants. Sure, they were exactly friends, but from what he's heard, he had little tolerance for Hathi and his jungle patrol as he did. Curious why he'd come to them, he stayed to see what was going on.
"STOP!" The panther told them. But they didn't hear him but then realized they'd use a different term, "Wait a minute... HALT!"
The elephants stopped, crashing into each other. Hathi demanded, "Who said 'Halt?!' I give the commands around here! Now speak up, who was it?!"
Bagheera ran up to the Colonel as he admitted, "Oh, it was me, Colonel."
Hathi glared at him, "What do you mean, taking over my command? Highly irregular you know."
"Colonel, I am sorry, but... but I need your help." He pleaded.
Shere Kahn was curious about what this was about so he came closer to hear but not too close so no one could see him. Hathi told him, "Impossible. We're on a cross-country march."
"It's an emergency, colonel. The man-cub must be found." Bagheera told him.
Hathi raised an eyebrow, "What man-cub?"
"How interesting..." Shere Kahn smirked as he continued to listen in.
Bagheera explained, "The one I was taking to the man-village with his guardians."
"Ah, yes, him. He was a good lad but It's where he belongs. Now sir, if you don't mind, we'd like to get on with the march." He told him.
Bagheera explained, "No, no, you don't understand, Hathi. He's lost. He ran away."
Shere Kahn brightened up even more, hearing that news, "How delightful."
"So, his curiosity got the best of him yet again, eh?" The Colonel realized, "Now, look I like the lad but his mother should have kept a better eye on him. Perhaps, this event could teach a lesson from running away from his herd."
"But-but Shere Khan, the tiger, he's sure to pick up the man-cub's trail, and the creatures who aided him are a danger to all," Bagheera replied as Shere Kahn nodded at that. He had by chance found this strange occurrence in the jungle and since then, these dark creatures did his bidding, making it easier in tracking prey or get rid of those pesky hunters.
Hathi shook his head and chuckled. "Share Khan nonsense, poor boy. Share Khan isn't within miles of the area."
Share Khan heard that and snickered in a low growl amused by how oblivious this elephant was.
Bagheera also tried to explain, "He's not the only one after him though. Xehanort, who as you know is responsible for monsters, is after him too. If he gets him, the Man-Cub may end up in a fate worse than death!"
Worse than death, eh? Shere Kahn was mildly intrigued by this. However, worse than death wasn't quite the same as death. Perhaps, he'd be doing a man-cub a kindness by putting him out of his misery.
"Oh, sorry, Bagheera, all of you. Fortunes of war all that sort of thing you know." Hathi sighed, "Besides, we were in the middle of tracking down this Xehanort, thanks to the boy's description of him. The boy will have to fend for himself until that scoundrel has been kicked out of this jungle."
That's when Hathi's wife, Winfred, marched up to him, with their son just behind her as she declared, "This has gone far enough... Now just a minute, you pompous old windbag!"
"Winifred? What are you doing out of ranks?" He asked in shock.
She told him, "Never mind that! How would you like our boy lost and alone in the jungle?!"
Their son, Hathi Jr., poses as an illustration for the words. Hathi replied, "Our son? But Winifred, old girl, that's an entirely different matter."
"Humph!" His wife glared at him.
Hathi nodded, "Different. Entirely."
"That boy is no different than our own son. Now you help find him or I'm taking over command." Winifred threatened.
Hathi was shocked, "What? A female leading my herd? Utterly preposterous."
Just then, Hathi Jr turned to his father, "Pop. The Man-Cub and I are friends. He'll get hurt if we don't find him. Please Pop, sir? Please?"
Hathi smiled down at him caving to his son's soft side. He stated as if he really was going to find Sora all along, "Now don't you worry son. Your father had a plan in mind all the time."
"Uh-uh... Sure you did." His wife rolled her eyes earning a look from Hathi.
The Colonel turned to the other elephants, "Troopers, Company, left face!" All elephants turned to him in attention before he told them, "Volunteers for a special mission will step one pace forward."
As he looked away, all elephants took one step back, except one, who then notices this before backing up with the others as well, hoping no one noticed. When Hathi saw this he chuckled, "Ha, ha. That's what I like to see. Devotion to duty." He then turned to Bagheera's group, "You volunteers will find the lost Man-Cub."
"Thank you, Colonel. Now there's no time to lose." Bagheera thanked him as he left to search for the future Keyblade Wielder.
"Yes...yes... Good luck." Colonel Hathi cleared his throat and gave the order. "Well. Muglar. When the Man-Cub is sighted. You will sound your trumpet three times."
"Yes sir." Muglar saluted and tried blowing his trunk like a horn. Only for Hathi to grab it and stop him with his trunk.
"Shh! Not now, soldier." Hathi scolded with a whisper.
"Sorry, sir." Muglar wheezed in a high voice from his trunk being covered.
Then Hathi gave the order to another elephant who was an acting Lieutenant.
"Lieutenant. Our strategy will be the element of surprise. You, will take one squad and cover the right flank." Hathi whispered his order, not knowing that Shere Khan was listening in which was exposing their plans to the evil tiger.
"Yes sir," His Lieutenant nodded.
"And I shall lead the other squad, on the left flank," Hathi explained making some of the other elephants raise an ear to listen to what the plan was. Then he stopped whispering and announced to his troops. "Well... COMPANY!"
Hathi yelled his march order out so so loud it even made Shere Khan wince, "Forward! March!"
The elephants began their march through the jungle knocking then any greenery in their path. Shere Kahn chuckled to himself, "Element of surprise? I say. Ha, ha, ha. And now for my rendezvous with the lost Man-Cub."
He turned around as he began his own search, knowing he'd have better luck than the others...
Wanda continued swinging through the jungle as she called out, "SORA! SORA! WHERE ARE YOU?!"
She grabbed the next vine as she continued to swing like a pro. She looked around, "SORA! COME BACK! WHAT HAPPENED WASN'T YOUR FAULT!"
"PLEASE! I NEED TO KNOW THAT YOU OKA-Oof!" Wanda slammed into a tree branch as she muttered in annoyance, "At least it was just a branch this time."
She climbed up on it, and went to look for a vine to swing on, when a new voice spoke, "Lose someone?"
Wanda turned to see a man in a black coat, sitting on the same tree branch that she stood on. Thinking it was Xehanort, she turned to face him, "XEHANORT! WHAT HAVE YOU-?!"
"Calm down, I'm not the young Seeker of Darkness or related to any version of him in any way," The figure tried to reassure her, not at all feeling threatened, "I haven't even touched the boy."
She was so angry and worried, that she didn't hear a word he said, "STAY AWAY FROM SORA!"
She blasted a hex at him. He simply raised his hand and much to her shock caught it. He then began observing it, "Oooooh, Chaos Magic. Man, that's a rarity even in my time."
She blinked in shock, no one ever managed to do that before, as she repeated, "Chaos Magic?"
"What? No one told you?" The Master of Masters turned to her, "Man, you really don't understand the power you have." He then waved it off as if he cast the hex, "But I'm not here talk about you mutant magic powers, I'm here to help you find the little boy you and your not-boyfriend have become so fond of."
"What are you talking about?" Wanda glared at him, "You've been after him since the start. You're the reason he's lost his friends, family, and the entire world."
"No... that was Xehanort. I'm not Xehanort. Listen to my voice. Check out my height and body build. They're all different," He shook his head before gesturing to his body, "What makes you think I'm..." He then let out a gasp, "Wait! Is it because we wear similar fashion choices?! Oh, you think every guy dressed in a black coat is automatically the bad guy?!"
"What?!" Wanda blinked, taken back by this response, "No! I..."
The Master shook his head, "Relax. I'm just messing with ya." He then continued, "Let's get back to the cute little guy. I've been helping you since you, Spidey, Kang, and especially Xehanort messed with the timeline."
She raised her eyebrow, "You know about that?" She then wondered, "Are you from the future?"
"Try the past," The Master admitted, "I noticed something had gone wrong when... well, I'll tell you another time. For now, consider me your guide in getting Sora back to your world."
"What makes you think I'll listen to anything you have to say?" Wanda crossed her arms, not trusting a word he had to say.
"I'll give you two," The Master raised two fingers from his hand, before lowering one of them down, "One, if it wasn't for me, you'd be dealing with the snake with the creepy Winnie-the-Pooh voice." He then gestured to the branch over, where Wanda spotted Kaa, who was beaten and tied up to the tree branch. The mysterious master continued, "He's alive if you're wondering. He just won't be bothering anyone for a while."
"I could care less of that snake," Wanda turned her attention back to him, "What's your second reason?"
"Oh, you'll love this one," The Master smirked underneath his hood, "I know where Sora's dearest friends are."
She blinked in shock, letting out a small gasp, "You mean they're..."
"Scared and confused," The Master answered as he stood up on the branch, "But they're unharmed."
Riku and Kairi were alive! Sora would certainly be over the moon if he learned that they were okay. She then asked, "And his parents."
"Yeah... sorry, but those three kids are the only ones that managed to escape," The Master answered with a frown. Wanda frowned at that, she felt awful, but at least his friends were okay and when she found him she would take him in and find homes for his friends too. He then continued, "Which means there's still a chance for the worlds."
Wanda blinked in confusion, "What do you mean?" She shook her head, "No, wait, where are they?"
"I'll tell you where and how to get them once Sora's on your world," The Master reassured her, "As of right now, your priority is finding the kid. Shere Kahn is closing in."
Wanda's eyes narrowed, "Where is he?!"
"Such hostility," The Master commented, "Is this the thanks I get for sending Tigger for backup?" Wanda blinked, this guy brought Tigger for help, "Hey, it was the best I can do for the moment. I'll try to get someone better later down the line if he's still okay by then."
He then placed his hand on the woman's shoulder, "Look as of right now, he's currently near the end part of the jungle. He's safe with kindly vultures for now, but Shere Kahn is getting closer to the boy as we speak."
He then gestured to her left, "If you swing along this way, you just might reach him in time. Though I'd avoid crashing into any more trees if you're going into this fight."
"I-I haven't crashed into any more trees!" She denied.
"Hmmm... let's see how many Wanda-sized impressions on trees can I see on this part of the jungle alone," The Master then pointed to each tree she recently crashed into, "One, two, three, four..."
"Fine! Okay! You made your point!" She snapped, "Keep my eyes looking where I'm going!"
The Master shrugged, "Still, better heal up before you go." He raised his hand, "Curaga!"
A green light shined over her as her wounds began to heal. She blinked in shock as she stared at herself. The Master smirked to himself, "There you go! Good as new! So, what do you say?"
While it seemed like this black-coated figure was trying to help, there was something about him, that made her not want to trust him. Wanda began to swing on her vine to find Sora, "I've got my eye on you."
"Uh," The Master raised a finger, "You might wanna watch out for that..."
Wanda screamed seeing that she was getting too close to the next tree, "AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH-OOF!"
"Ah, I'm pretty sure you figured out what I was going to say," As the lost Master watched the daughter of Magento recover before trying to go the next vine, he whispered, "May your heart be your guiding key."
Meanwhile, Peter swung through the jungle with ease, as he began to think to him, "Sora... I get feeling guilty over the loss of friends and family... I've been a pro at it for years now."
"Heck, I nearly pushed away the people closest to me after Gwen was murdered," Peter landed by a nearby tree branch, "But I have to find him. I've got a crazy strong tiger who wants to him before he can grow up, and then there's Xehanort, who I haven't the slightest clue of what he could want from what I've heard from Wanda's visions."
"Maybe if we can find Mickey among the worlds, he can fill us in. He seemed to know Xehanort too," Peter thought to himself as he grabbed another vine, "First things first, I have to find him before any of the bad guys get him to him. Or at least hope that Wanda or even any of our friends on this world get to him first."
Just then, his spider-sense went off, and he found himself avoiding an arrow that was shot at him. Peter blinked in shock as a familiar face revealed himself, "Final, we meet again Spider-Man. And this time, we hunt it on my terms now."
"Kraven?!" Peter blinked in shock, "How'd he get here?!" His eyes widened in horror, "Oh, great! No mask! Quick! Play dumb!"
"Who's Spider-Man?" Peter weakly smiled.
"Not that dumb!" He thought to himself.
"I mean, I think you've got the wrong guy!" Peter tried to play his 'Puny Parker' act, "I'm not Spider-Man. I just take his pictures for him for the Bugle."
Kraven didn't look amused, "Don't think Kraven a fool, Spider. The moment I was brought to this world, I tracked your scent here, in the jungle where no other people live in this part. No crowd to hide under."
Peter glared at Kraven before the Hunter continued, "I never cared who you were under that mask. The only thing I ever cared about was the hunt, and now we can resume!"
Kraven then fired another arrow at Spider-Man, and the hero managed to dodge the incoming arrow. He mentally groaned to himself, "So much for the secret identity. At least I won't have to worry about going after..."
He then realized, "Wait! How did you get here, Sergi?! And how'd you managed to keep your clothes and gear?! When I arrived here, I wore and still am less than you are now!"
"A mutual acquaintance of ours brought me here when I reached the end of your trail back in the concrete jungle," Kraven answered as he threw the bow aside and drew out two hunting knives, "He offered me a way to travel among the worlds to seek worthy prey..."
"Of course! Xehanort! He must have brought him to keep Wanda and me distracted while he tries to get to Sora first!" Peter thought to himself before glaring at Kraven as he went into a battle stance, "Let me guess, he wants Scarlet Witch and me dead and Sora brought to him."
"That is right," The world's greatest hunter swung his blades at Peter as he dodged the attacks.
As the New York Vigilante continued to go on the defense, "Kraven! I get our history together and why you want to do this, but you can't honestly believe you can trust Xehanort! Are you really going to hand over an innocent kid to him?! Leave him and Scarlet Witch out of this!"
"Please, like Kraven would ever miss the opportunity to hunt an Avenger but I have no intentions of handing him the boy!" The Hunter continued his attacks even as Peter leaped from tree to tree, "Once the hunt is finished, Kraven will protect the boy from him. Kraven knows when a man is not true to their word. Kraven knows that boy has within him and Kraven will train him to be the universe's greatest hunter!"
Peter groaned to himself, "Great, now we've got a third psycho after Sora." Peter tightened his fist and prepared for a fight, "This won't be easy without my web shooters, but I need to take care of this quickly, then continue my search for Sora."
Kraven roared as he charged at him as Peter threw his first punch...
Meanwhile, a group of vultures was sitting on a dead tree on the dead part of the jungle. The one called Buzzy wondered, "Hey, Flaps, what we gonna do?"
"I don't know. What you wanna do?" Flaps shrugged.
One vulture named Ziggy beamed, "I got it! Let's flap over to the east side of the jungle! They've always got a bit of action, a bit of a swinging scene. All right?"
"Ah, come off it! Things are right dead all over." Buzzy replied.
Ziggy smirked, "You mean you wish they were!"
The vultures laughed at that as Dizzy chuckled, "Very funny."
Buzzy nodded, "Okay, so what are we gonna do?"
"I don't know, what you wanna do?" Flaps shrugged again.
Buzzy signed, "Look, Flaps, first I say, 'what we gonna do?' and then you say, 'what you wanna do?' then I say, 'what are we gonna do?' you say 'what you wanna do?' 'what you gonna do?' 'what you wanna...' Let's do something!"
"Okay. What you wanna do?" Flaps asked.
Buzzy groaned, "Oh, blimey, there you go again. The same once again!"
"I've got it! This time, I've really got it." Ziggy beamed again.
Buzzy nodded, "So you got it. So what are we gonna do?"
"Hold it, lads. Look, look what's coming our way." Dizzy gestured to a small boy entering their part of the jungle.
Flaps stared at the spiky-haired boy as he wondered, "Hey, what in the world is that?"
"What a crazy-looking bunch of bones," Ziggy commented.
Dizzy nodded, "Yeah, and they're all walking about by themselves."
They watched as Sora sat down on a stone alone. Buzzy then turned to the group, "So what are we gonna do?"
"I don't know..." Flaps started before realizing what was happening as he glared at Buzzy, "Oh, now don't start that again!"
Ziggy lightly pushed the group off the dead tree branch as he told them, "Come on lads, come one let's have some fun with this little fella, this little flockey?"
They nodded as they all flew down to the islander. Flaps commented, "Blimey, look at his fur. It's almost like the back of a porcupine's backside."
"Like a stork, heh-heh, but he ain't got no quills," Buzzy joked making the entire group of vultures burst out laughing.
Sora didn't react to the jokes as he told the group of vultures, "Go ahead. Laugh. I don't care."
He then walked off as they realized something was bugging him. Dizzy asked, "What's wrong with him?"
Flaps began to feel guilty, "I think we overdid it."
"We were just having a bit of fun that's all," Dizzy frowned.
Buzzy began to realize something about the boy, "Just look at him. What a poor little fella. You know, he must be down on his luck."
"Yeah, or he wouldn't be in our neighborhood." Buzzy nodded in agreement before calling out to him, "Hey, new kid, wait a minute, hey!"
"Just leave me alone," Sora told them.
Buzzy asked, "Oh, come on, come on, what's wrong? You know, you look like you haven't got a friend in the world."
"I haven't." He admitted, "Not anymore. They're all gone
Really becoming concerned, Dizzy asked, "Haven't you got a mother or a father?"
"No, they're gone too," Sora teared up, "It feels like every I care about just get taken away from me."
Buzzy signed as he admitted, "Yeah, we know how you feel."
"With all the monsters that been showing up," Dizzy commented, "People are losing friends and family all over. Even us."
Buzzy told Sora, "We may look a bit shabby, but we've got hearts."
"And feelings, too," Dizzy added.
Buzzy smiled, "And just to prove it to you, we're gonna let you join our little group."
"Kid, we'd like to make you an honorary vulture." Flaps nodded liking the idea.
"Thanks, but I'd rather be on my own alone." Sora admitted, "You would all be safer that way."
"Uh, now look, kid, everybody's got to have friends," Buzzy walked up to the boy before an idea struck him before turning to the other vultures, he asked them, "Hey, fellas, are we his friends?"
Having the same idea, Flaps, Dizzy, Ziggy nodded as they began to sing, "We're your friends~ We're your friends~ We're your friends to the bitter end~"
"The bitter end~" Buzzy sang.
Flaps sang, "When you're alone~"
As the other vultures sang, "When you're alone~"
"Who comes around~" Flaps sang.
As Buzzy, Dizzy, Ziggy joined in, "Who comes around~"
"To pluck you up~" Flaps sang as they lifted him into the air.
"To pluck you up~" The vultures sang as Sora stared at them in confusion as Buzzy told him, "Give us a smile."
Sora gave a little smile as they brought him back down, "When you are down~"
The other vultures joined in, "When you are down~"
"And when you're~" Flaps began as the others joined in, "...outside looking in who's there~ To open the door~"
"Come on, kid, we need a tenor," Buzzy whispered as he encouraged him to join along.
The vultures sang as they offered Sora to shake their feet, "That's what friends are for~Who's always eager to extend~ A friendly claw~"
Sora smiled as he shook their feet before they started dancing around the four-year-old, "That's what friends are for~ And when you're lost~ In dire need~ Who's at your side~ At lightning speed~"
Little did Sora and the vultures know that Shere Khan walked his way to them even as they continued to sing, "We're friends of ev'ry creature~ Coming down the pike~ In fact, we never met an animal~ We didn't like~"
"Heh, heh. you take it, kid." Buzzy qued Sora.
The islander, now in a better mood, joined the group, "Didn't like~"
"So you can see~" Buzzy sang
As Ziggy joined in, "Can see~"
"We're friends~" Buzzy sang.
Ziggy and Dizzy joined in, "We're friends~"
"We're friends in need~" Buzzy sang
The rest of the vultures joined singing, "Friends in need~"
"And friends indeed~" Buzzy sang
All the vultures all stood on each other, "Friends indeed~"
"Take it easy lads, steady, steady. W-w-watch it!" Buzzy said as he tried to keep balance.
The rest of the vultures sang, "We'll keep you safe in the jungle~ Forevermore~"
Decide to make his appearance known to them, Shere Kahn then sang getting everyone else's attention, "That's what friends~ Aaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeee~ Fffffffffffoooooooorrrrrrrrr~"
"Bravo, bravo! An extraordinary performance," Shere Kahn clapped for the vultures. He had to admit, he always loved a good tune with a good singing so they earned a clap. Even better as it came with an unexpected bonus, "And thank you for detaining my victim."
Flaps shook in fear, "D-don't mention it, your highness."
"Ha-ha-ha." Shere Kahn chuckled before adding, "Boo."
Vultures run and fly back to their tree as Dizzy said, "Let's get out of here!"
"Give me room! Run friend! Run!" Buzzy warned the islander boy, concerned for their new friend.
The young jungle boy lifted an eyebrow, "Run? Why should I run?"
"Why should you run?" Shere Kahn blinked in shock before asking him, "Could it be possible that you don't know who I am?"
Sora ruffled his hair before remembering, "Oh, yeah! You're the imposter Tigger, Shere Kahn!"
"Well... yes..." Shere Kahn blinked for a moment, "Uh... did you mean to say: tiger?"
"No, Tigger was very specific about the double 'gah' in Tigger," Sora admitted, recalling how often Tigger spelled his name, "He said that he was the only one and that you were an impostor."
"...I see," Was all Shere Kahn could say about that comment. Shere Kahn thought to himself that apparently there was another tiger in this jungle, just not a very bright one. He then corrected, "Well, I am a real tiger, one g or 'gah' as you put it, and as you know that everyone runs from Shere Khan."
"I know why you're after me, but I want to let you know that I have no intentions of becoming a hunter," Sora told the tiger, "We don't need to be enemies."
"It's nothing personal, man-cub. I'm not taking any chances with you," The tiger told the boy as he flexed his claws, as he turned to the vultures, "And I'm not going to let anyone stand in my way to do what needs to be done."
Sora tightened a fist, before telling him, "I already lost enough friends, I won't let you hurt anyone else. I'm not afraid of you."
"Ah, you have spirit for one so small. And such spirit is deserving of a sporting chance. Now, I am going to close my eyes and count to ten. It makes the chase more interesting. For me." He told him, as the vultures' eyes widened in concern for their new friend, as he turned away to close his eyes before he counted, "One. Two. Three. Four..."
Shere Khan turned back to peek and saw to see Sora picking up a branch fallen tree branch and holding it like he would his toy sword back when he spared with Riku. He signed and warned him, "You're trying my patience..."
Not hearing the 'bong bong bong' heading their way, Shere Kahn quickly counted, "5-6-7-8-9-10!"
Shere Khan pounces at Sora, who was prepared to fight the tiger, only to be tackled by a third party. Tigger once again bounced on Sora's chest much to Shere Kahn's shock. Tigger laughed, "There you are, Sora! Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo! I finally found ya!"
"Tigger! You found me?!" Sora blinked in shock and relief.
Tigger nodded, "Sure did. I told ya, Tiggers never get lost."
Shere Kahn only continued to stare at the scene. Was that the dumb tiger Sora mentioned? Tigger was no doubt the strangest tiger he had ever seen. Sora then asked Tigger, "Tigger? There is another 'gah' in Tigger, right."
"That's right," Tigger nodded as he proudly spelled, "T-I-double-Guh-er. That spells Tigger."
"And you said, you were the only one," Sora continued to ask as Tigger nodded in agreement. The boy then gestured to Shere Kahn, "Then what's Shere Kahn then?"
Finally noticing the tiger, Tigger stared at the tiger with mild interest, "Oh, look, look, look! What a strange-looking creature!" Tigger hummed as he thought aloud, " Look at those beady little eyes, and that preposterous chin," He then chuckled as he twirled his own tail, "And those ricky-diculous striped pajamas!"
"He kinda looks like another bigger and meaner Tigger to me," Sora admitted as he picked himself up and his newly acquired weapon.
"Oh no, it's not. I'm the only Tigger!" Tigger declared, before smirking, "Watch me scare the stripes of this impostor." Tigger then turned to Shere Kahn growling at him, while Shere Kahn looked unamused, which actually scared Tigger as he retreated behind the other vultures, "You know, running is another option."
"Well, that was no doubt the strangest encounter I ever had," Shere Kahn admitted before wondering, "Now, where was I?"
"Um... you were going to let me and my friends go with just a warning," Sora lied as he smiled brightly, he turned to both the vultures and Tigger, "Right, guys?"
They nodded as they all murmured in agreement as well. Shere Kahn wasn't fooled as he stated, "Nice try, man-cub." He then prepared to pounce, "Now then, let's try this again, shall we?"
The group of Vultures stared in horror as Sora prepared for an actual fight. At the same time, Wanda finally reached where Sora, Tigger, and the vultures were. Her eyes widened in horror before glaring in anger at Shere Kahn. She grabbed another vine as she swung straight at the tiger, letting out a female Tarzan yell. Just as the villainous tiger pounced, he was knocked away by Wanda of the Jungle, with a swinging kick.
Sora beamed at the sight of the Avenger, "Miss Wanda!"
Shere Kahn was beginning to get annoyed. First, the small strange tiger interferes, and now this mate for man?! He then recalled saying Baheera mentioned a boy's guardians that were traveling with him. Could be the man-cub's foster mother. She called out to the boy, "Sora! Hide! I'll handle him!"
Sora smiled before his eyes widened, "Uh, Miss Wanda?"
The vultures saw where she was going as they all tried to warn her, "WATCH OUT FOR THAT...!"
Wanda then just noticed the tree directly ahead of her. Her eyes widened as she complained, "OH COME ON! OOF!"
She crashed into it, leaving an imprint of her body on the tree. Everyone, even Shere Kahn, winced in pain, "Ooooooooh..."
Sora weakly finished opening one eye, "...tree."
Wanda pulled herself from the plant but lost her grip on both vine and tree and began to fall. As she fell, she crashed into tree branches which bent or broke apart on impact until finally, she landed on her back. She moaned in pain as she muttered, "Why, God? What did I do to offend you to deserve this pain?"
As she picked herself up Sora ran to her, "Miss Wanda!"
Suddenly, Heartless appeared standing between him from the Avenger. Sora stopped where he was, as he turned back to Shere Kahn, "No more interruptions!" Unaware that Baloo, also managed to find his way to Sora, the tiger continued, "You die now!"
Shere Khan pounces at Sora, but Baloo held him by the tail, "Run, Sora, run!"
"Let go, you big oaf!" Sheet Kahn demanded as he started chasing after Baloo.
However, Baloo kept his distance all while holding his tail to hold him back. Buzzy beamed, "He's got a tiger by the tail."
Dizzy nodded, "And he'd better hang on, too."
As Baloo kept Shere Kahn at bay, some of the Heartless closed in on Wanda while others surrounded Sora preventing his escape. The Scarlet Witch managed to recover, blasting the Heartless away with a hex. She then pulled out her Avengers ID card and activated it, "Peter! Baloo, Tigger, and I found Sora but so did Shere Kahn and the Heartless!"
"Yeah! Yikes! Sounds about right!" Peter responded through the card.
Wanda blinked in confusion and concern, it sounded like Peter was in the middle of a fight, "Um... Peter? Why does it sound like you're in the middle of a fight?"
At the same time, Peter avoided Kraven's attacks, "As it turns out, Xehanort brought one of my enemies to this world to kill us and take Sora."
"He did?!" Wanda exclaimed, as Peter kicked the deadly Hunter away from him. She then groaned, "Of course, he did! Well, finish the fight quickly or lose him! We need you, Spider-Man!"
"Okay! I'll see you soon," Peter nodded as he grabbed a couple of loose vines. He stared at them, "Well, they aren't webs, but they'll have to do!"
Kraven tried to go in for another strike but Peter easily dodged wrapping a vine around his wrist and forcing him to drop his knife. He then blocked the other arm from Kraven's strike before proceeding to disarm him of his other knife too. He then proceeded to use the vines to wrap the Hunter firmly on the tree. Peter turned to him, "Listen. I've got my hands full enough trying to keep Sora safe from Shere Kahn and the Heartless. I doubt this will hold you but by some off chance it does, I'll be back to take you home when this is all over. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to save my sudden surrogate family."
Peter then leaped to the trees above. Using his Avengers ID card, he swung over to Wanda's current location, hoping he wasn't too late. At the same time, Kraven was giving up so easily as he revealed a secret knife hidden within his sleeves and started cutting himself free. The hunt was far from over...
Back at the dead part of the jungle, Sora used his stick to try to keep the Heartless coming at him at bay. Wanda had fully recovered as she quickly fought through the Heartless trying to reach the islander boy.
Shere Kahn continued chasing Baloo, who still held the tiger's tail, around a dead tree, "Take it easy, hold it, hold it. Whoa, easy, easy."
However, Shere Khan managed to get behind Baloo and bit him, "YEOW!"
Acting quickly, Sora picked up a rock and threw it at the tiger, "Hey, bully! Leave my friends alone!"
The vultures cheered as Sora continued throwing rocks at the tiger, "Let him have it again, kid! Hit him again, kid! Go on!"
Shere Khan then turned his attention back to Sora as he chased after the boy as Wanda warned the child, "RUN SORA RUN!"
Seeing how the tiger was getting a little too close for comfort, Sora nodded in agreement. His races with Riku were starting to play off as he was keeping ahead of the tiger. Baloo holding the tiger back by holding his tail helped too.
Wanda turned to Tigger, who still trying to hide from Shere Kahn, behind the vultures, she asked him slightly angrily, "Aren't you going to help?!"
"N-no," Tigger shivered with fear, "It looks like you two got this. Keep up the good work!"
Wanda sighed as she fought her way through the Heartless as Baloo cried out, "Somebody do something with that kid!"
"Come on, lads!" Dizzy nodded as the vultures swooped in to help them while Tigger covered himself with his hands.
Flaps and Ziggy flew over to Sora as they picked him up and flew him away to safety. Buzzy told Baloo, "He's safe now, ha-ha-ha, you can let go, Baloo!"
"Are you kiddin'?!" Baloo turned to him while giving him a disbelief look, "There's teeth on the other end!"
His neck then hooked onto a branch sending both Baloo and Shere Kahn back. The latter was furious as he flipped the former to the ground and started to slash at him, "I'll kill you for this!"
Sora's eyes widened in horror as he told the Vultures, "We've gotta go back! Baloo needs help!"
As Shere Kahn continued attacking the bear, a shooting star fell from the sky getting everyone's attention. The tiger exclaimed, "What?!"
When the light faded, Mickey Mouse with his classic red shorts and his yellow shoes appeared, Keyblade in hand, "I finally made it!"
Wanda blinked in both shock and relief, "You... you're the king!"
Mickey smiled at Wanda, "Yep! I managed to escape the island's destruction and found my way back to ya!"
He then ran over to deal with the Heartless, which she was currently fighting. With quick speed and attacks, they were destroyed. She nodded with apperception, "Thank you!"
Both Mickey and Wanda turned to face the tiger who glared at them both, "I had enough with the interference! I'll kill you all if I must!"
Before he could though, Spider-Man kicked the tiger away from the two separating the crack from the villainous tiger. He turned to Wanda and Mickey, "Sorry I'm late!"
"Actually, it looks like you made it in the nick of time," Wanda smiled as he took a reality orb from his bag, "All we need to do is defeat Shere Kahn and seal the..."
Just then, Kraven kicked her from behind and threw the orb into the crack and it sealed itself before they could use it to travel to the next world. Wanda's eyes widened in horror, "NO!"
The crazed Hunter declared, "No one is leaving until this hunt is over."
Shere Kahn growled at the hunter as he charged at Kraven and the two began fighting against each other. Peter rubbed his head in annoyance, "Oh, great. He got free. Should have seen that coming."
Wanda then stood back up, "Was this the guy who delayed you? Who is he?"
"Sergi Kravinoff, also known as Kraven the Hunter," Peter introduced as he explained, "Back home, he's been trying to hunt me for years."
Wanda blinked before narrowing her eyes, "And by hunt you mean the terms, mounting your head as a trophy."
"Yep," Peter nodded, "Does it every time he comes into the neighborhood. Knocks me up, he makes me do his hunts. I try to escape and defeat him. Fun times."
While Wanda now knew that Peter was human, he seemed to have some of the mutant backlashes that some humans had against mutant-kind. His battles with Kraven seemed all too familiar. It reminded her of the time when Mojo had his own hunters hunt her and Kurt on live television. However, that didn't matter at the moment, while they were stuck on this world with the crack now gone, Sora was still in danger from both Shere Kahn and Kraven. Wanda pointed out, "We could let them tear each other apart and then deal with the winner..."
Both Mickey and Peter turned to her in shock, she sighed, "I know... we've gotta do the right thing." She then told the duo, "I've got Shere Kahn. You two can deal with Kraven."
Mickey and Spidey nodded as the latter sent a ball of light at Kraven, who was currently mid-battle with Shere Kahn, which knocked the hunter back. Shere Kahn blinked in confusion as both the King and Web-Head went after him, before a red mist appeared behind him, "What?"
He turned to see Scarlet Witch slowly approach him, as she told him, "It was never Sora you should have feared..." She glared at the tiger with her glowing red eyes, "...you will fear me!"
She then blasted the tiger away with a hex. Shere Kahn tumbled to the ground in pain, he slowly recovered as darkness oozed off him, "Foolish woman! You're not the only one with that kind of power."
With newly enhanced speeds, charged at the Scarlet Witch with murder in his eyes as the Avenger prepared for attack. At the same time, Kraven landed on his two feet as he recovered from the Mouse King's attack. He looked up to see both Spider-Man and the mascot of Disney face him. The former smirked, "You're in trouble now Kraven. I suggest you give up now before he locks you in the Dinsey Vault and owns you!"
"Please, Kraven has faced worse than a mouse," The Hunter declared as he twirled around two machetes, "And I'm not afraid to hunt a national children's icon."
The two heroes charged at him as the mouse's Keybade clashed against the Hunter's weapons while Spider-Man threw his fists at any openings he could find. As the King and the two Avengers held off the forces of darkness, the vultures got Sora away from the battle to safety as Tigger joined them. The boy watched his friends defend him from the two villains. Sora turned to Tigger and the vultures, "We've got to do something! We have to help!"
Tigger still scared of the tiger still shivered in fear, "Don't be ridiculous. We can't beat them."
"I'm afraid the small tiger is right," Buzzy nodded in agreement, "The only thing old stripes is afraid of is fire, and unless lightning starts one, I don't see us get one any time soon."
Dizzy added, "Besides, we're no match for a hunter. What can we do?"
Sora thought for a moment. What could they do? That's when he recalled that the whole reason why everyone is after him was that he had a special power. Maybe he could use that power to save his friends. He closed his eyes and concentrated, hoping he would do something that would happen. Something would help them in their time of need. Suddenly light shined around Sora much to the Vultures' shock. Tigger even opened his eyes to see what was happening.
Just then, giant footsteps stepped out of the light and appeared over Sora. Ziggy gasped, "What kind of wolf is that?"
"It's actually bigger than an elephant," Buzzy added.
Sora blinked as he looked up to see a familiar giant-sized hound dog looking down at him, "Toby?"
Toby, while not quite sure how he was no longer in Mousedom, was more than happy to see the boy again. He greeted him by licking the boy making him giggle. Tigger and the Vultures could only stare in shock as the small boy patted the giant dog. Sora then looked to Scarlet Witch as she kept Shere Kahn at bay before back at Toby, who was panting happily, Sora's eyes lit up as he called out to Tigger and Vultures, "Hey, guys, I have an idea!"
The group of vultures plus Tigger gathered around the jungle boy as he whispered the plan to them. Toby lifted an ear to try to hear what they were discussing. As they discussed Tigger and the vultures took one glance at the giant hound and then the evil tiger. Buzzy stated, "Kid, this idea of yours is crazy..." He then smirked as well as the other vultures as he finished, "Just crazy enough to work."
"But what if tries bouncing away," Tigger still afraid, "He may be a better Tigger than me."
"No, he's not," Sora shook his head, "He's been trying to kill me all evening and he hasn't bounced even once."
"He hasn't?" Tigger gasped in shock.
"Nope," Sora proudly stated, "He may look like a Tigger but you're still the only Tigger!"
"In that case, this plan is foolproof!" Tigger beamed as he bounced for joy.
Dizzy declared, "We'll keep Kraven busy while Toby goes to help the woman."
With that, the vultures flew off to aid the king and web-slinger. Tigger and Sora turned to the giant hound dog, as the latter stated, "Look, Toby! That mean cat is trying to hurt our friends!"
Toby blinked to see where Sora was pointing, he spotted the Scarlet Jungle Woman keeping the dark tiger on his toes. Toby's eyes narrowed with anger as he began to snarl. Sora told the dog, "Go help her!"
The dog slowly began to approach the battle...
At the same time, Wanda began to realize why the other animals feared this tiger. If it wasn't for her mutant abilities, she probably be no match for him. However, she was holding her own, even if the tiger had access to the power of darkness. She fired another hex as Shere Kahn dodged around her attacks looking for an opening.
The Scarlet Witch was about to fire again before her eyes widened in something. Shere Kahn grinned, "Now do you fully realize your doom."
However, much to his shock, she simply crossed her arms and smirked. He raised an eyebrow, "What are you so happy about?"
"You might want to turn around," She answered, "There's something behind you."
"Oh, please," Shere Kahn rolled his eyes in annoyance, "I'm not going to fall for that-"
Before he could finish, he finally heard the loud footsteps from behind as well as the growling. He blinked as he turned around to see the giant hound dog, snarling at him. Shere Kahn's eyes widened in shock as if he felt his stripes vanish and his entire body turned white from fear. There was very little he feared outside of fire and guns, but a new one had been born. He gulped slowly backing away as Toby continued growling at him, "H-hey easy... it's... it's not what it looks like. I- I just wanted to kill the boy..."
Poor choice of words as the giant growled louder. Wanda then ordered with a wicked grin, "Toby. Sic 'em."
The giant dog then started barking loudly as the tiger screeched like a frightened house cat. Shere Kahn ran for his life as Toby pursued the tiger throughout the dead jungle...
Moments earlier, Spider-Man and Mickey continued to press the attack on Kraven. The King leaped into the air smacking the world's greatest hunter with his Keyblade. While stunned, Kraven also received attacks from Spider-Man, who threw several strong punches at him knocking him back. Even without his webs and suit, Spider-Man still proved to be a force to be reckoned with. One Kraven was proud to be his greatest prey. The cartoon mouse was also quite the challenge as well. Kraven always did love a challenge in the hunt.
The Hunter recovered swinging his blades before Mickey blocked and paired his attacks. Kraven was about to strike again when the vultures flew in action, "CHARGE!"
The group of vultures began swarming around Kraven, he began grumbling in annoyance, "Stay out of this, you mangy fools!"
They only continued their assault as they mocked him much to the Web-Head's approval. As they pulled on his hair and clothes, he tried slashing his respective weapons at them only to miss, "Yeah, yeah, missed by a mile!"
"Yeah, pull his mainly of his!"
"He's just a guy with small knives!" They continued to taunt him.
Dizzy flew over to Mickey and Peter, as he gave them a heads up, "You two might want to back up a little."
Hearing the giant footsteps and angry barking, the two heroes took their advice. With that, the vultures finally backed away as Shere Kahn knocked Kraven over as he ran for his life, "STAY AWAY FROM ME!"
Kraven then groaned, he sat back up, "Now what!"
Feeling the ground shake he turned to see the giant hound dog, barking angrily as he pursued the tiger, unaware he was about to step on him. Kraven's eyes widened in horror as all he had time to say was, "Oh, son of a..."
That's when Toby's huge paw stepped on him knocking him back on the ground as the hound continued to chase after the tiger. Peter blinked in shock as Wanda approached him, "How in the world did Toby get here?!"
"You really complaining that our giant dog friend is making our job a whole lot easier?" Wanda smirked as she watched Shere Kahn run for the hills.
Peter shook his head, "No, it's actually a nice change of pace for once."
"I'VE GOT TO GET OUT OF HERE!" Shere Kahn screamed as he ran deeper into the jungle as Toby was gaining on him.
The vultures laughed in amusement, as Buzzy said, "Well, that was the last of him."
"Old stripes took off like a flaming comet," Ziggy added, "He such as scaredy-cat!"
Kraven groaned as he stepped out of the giant dog's footprint in pain, he could barely stand on his own two feet, "The hunt... is... not... over."
Wanda simply then blasted him with a hex, knocking him out for the count, she smirked as the redness of power shined for her power, "Now, it's over."
They then hurried Buzzy to declare, "Well, come on, let's go congratulate our friends."
However, Dizzy frowned, "Hold it, fellas. Now's not the time for it. Look."
Everyone turned to where Baloo had fallen, everyone's eyes widened in horror, as he didn't seem to be moving. Sora slowly approached their fallen friend with Tigger, "Baloo? Baloo, get up. Oh please, get up."
"Oh no," Wanda gasped as they all went to check on Sora and their fallen friend.
Tigger also shoved him, "Hey, this is no time to take a nap, we beat the impostor Tigger."
However, nothing they could do would wake him up. Bagheera joined the rest of the group shortly after the battle ended, he didn't need long to realize what had happened. The panther walked up to the boy and gave him a sympathetic smile, "Sora, try to understand."
"Bagheera, what's the matter with him?" The man-cub asked the panther as the Avengers and the King approached him.
Peter blinked as he placed a hand on the boy's shoulder trying to find a way to explain that Baloo was no longer in the land of the living, "Sora... I... well..."
Wanda knelt down to Sora, "You've got to be brave like Baloo was."
"Was?" Tigger blinked in shock, "Don't cya mean is?"
"You mean Baloo is..." The boy turned to them in shock, only to receive sad nods in response, before tearing up, "Oh, no... Not you too, Baloo."
Tigger began tearing up too, "No... Baloo..." He sniffed as he wiped his tears, "I never lost a friend like this before. Makes a guy not want to bounce anymore."
Bagheera walked up to the islander, "Now, now. I know how you feel. But you must remember, Sora, greater love hath no one than he who lays down his life for his friend." Unknown to them, Baloo opens his eyes as he was actually still alive as Bagheera continued, "When great deeds are remembered in this jungle one name will stand above all others. Our friend, Baloo the bear."
Baloo began to teared up, "He's cracking me up..."
Bagheera continued, "The memory of Baloo's sacrifice and bravery will forever be engraved on our saddened hearts."
Mickey nodded, "I may not have known him, but... if he was willing to protect you despite being outmatched, he must a been a true friend indeed."
Beautiful." Baloo sniffed as the rain stopped and the sun began to shine.
Bagheera added, "This spot where Baloo fell will always be a hallowed place in the jungle, for there lies one of nature's noblest creatures."
"Sora, I wish you didn't have to experience a loss this way," Peter told the boy, "I felt the same way when I lost my Uncle Ben, and even with the little time he had with you, it seems you two shared that special bond too."
"You know, no one is ever truly gone, especially for those who were brave like Baloo," Wanda gave the boy a sad smile, "Death is never truly the end. He's with everyone who had departed over this world and they are watching us in the next in peace."
"I wish my mother could've heard this." Baloo was deeply touched by everyone's words.
Bagheera sighed as he told the group, "It's best we leave now. Come along, everyone."
Everyone frowned as they turned away to most likely tie up Kraven and find another way back to the Avengers' world. That's when Baloo finally spoke up with a big grin on his face, "Hey, don't stop now, guys, you're doing great! There's more, lots more!"
Everyone turned back as their eyes widened with joy that Baloo wasn't actually dead...well almost everyone. Bagheera exclaimed, "Why you, big fraud! You, you four-flusher! I-I'm fed up!"
Sora ran up to the bear to tackle him with a hug, "BALOO! You're alright!"
"Who me? Sure, I am," Baloo chuckled as he stood back up hugging the islander, "Never felt... better."
Tigger pounced in to hug the bear again, "Ah, don't ever scare us like that again, Baloo boy. Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!"
Wanda giggled as she admitted, "You really did give us a scare."
Peter chuckled as he joined her, "Yeah, we're all glad you're still with us." He then turned to Bagheera, "Right, Baggy?"
The panther grumbled as Mickey chuckled to himself, he kind of reminded him of Donald when his nephews pulled a fast one on him. Xehanort looked down from a tree branch above as the heroes managed to keep the boy safe from his hands once again. He should have known the Hunter would fail in eliminating Sora's protectors. Next time, he would get a more dependable agent to get the boy. He then vanished through a corridor of darkness. The bear turned to Bagheera, "Hey Baggy. Too bad you and the others missed all the action. You should've seen how I made a sucker out of old stripes. I mean, those superheroes, vultures, and giant wolf-looking creature helped out a bit, but I went up with a left up in his face boom boom!" Baloo mimicked a boxer, "I was giving him Wam!"
Bagheera raised an eyebrow in confusion, "Giant wolf-looking creature?"
Everyone laughed in amusement, Mickey smiled, "I'm just glad everyone made it out okay."
Sora smiled before thinking back to those on the island, "I wish I could say the same for my family and friends from the island."
Mickey frowned at that, he had done his best to keep his world from falling into the Realm of Darkness. However, it proved to be too much for the King and now this boy was an orphan and everything and everyone he ever knew was gone. Wanda then recalled what the cloaked man had told her before the fight, "Sora, I... received word that your friends are still out there."
Sora blinked in shock and hopefulness, "What?"
"They're alive," She smiled at the boy, "Both Riku and Kairi."
Sora brightened up at that, all of his closest friends were still alive. He could find them! Sora then blinked and hoped, "And mom and dad too?"
The Scarlet Witch frowned slightly before doing her best to smile, "I'm sorry, Sora. I wish I could say that was the case."
"Oh..." Sora frowned, so they really were gone. He then thought more positively, "Well, at least, Riku and Kairi made it. And Baloo too!"
Peter turned to the full-time Avenger, wondering how she knew that. She whispered to him, "I'll explain later."
Sora then frowned, "But... what will happen to me when this is all over? I don't have a home or a mommy or daddy to go back to."
Wanda smiled as she pulled him into a hug, "Yes, you will. You'll stay with me. Peter and I will watch after you. And we'll find new homes for Riku and Kairi too."
"Really?" Sora blinked in amazement.
"Of course," She smiled before turning to Spider of the Jungle, "Right, Spidey."
Peter was taken back before admitting, "Yeah, we will."
Sora smiled in appreciation before they heard Toby running back to them panting happily. Bagheera gasped in amazement, "Goodness me, that really is a big beast."
"Yeah," Dizzy smirked, "Made old stripes run for the hills he was so scared!"
Peter gave the dog a pat, "No, really, how did Toby get here? I thought he was back home with Basil and Dawson."
"I'm not sure," Wanda admitted, "I didn't think he followed us when we left."
"I think I brought him here," Sora spoke up.
Everyone turned to the man-cub in shock, as the Scarlet Witch wondered, "What makes you think that?"
"Well, we Baloo got hurt and you were fighting the bad guys," Sora answered, "I thought I could use the power that's inside of me to help you."
Mickey smiled as he spoke up, "That could be the case. Wielders of the Keyblade in the past could call upon the connections they have with their friends to aid them in their time of need. Your heart must be so strong it even brought a friend from another..." Mickey then stopped himself realizing they were surrounded by so many people, "Well, let's just say friends who are far away from here."
"Guess it's no wonder why everyone wants you, Sora," Peter smiled as they noticed the light shined around Toby as he returned to his world. Spidey gave a dog a pat, "Well, thanks again, boy."
Toby barked at that before returning to his own world as everyone said their goodbyes to the hound, and that's when Buzzy wondered, "So, now what are we going to do?"
"I don't know..." Flaps shrugged before realizing, "Hey! Now, don't start that again!"
"No really, what are we going to do," Peter frowned as he gestured to the unconscious supervillain, "That's to the ill-behaved hunter with two moms, he stopped our ride to the next world before we could defeat Shao Kahn's spirit animal."
Everyone gathered around Kraven, as Wanda glared at him, "Yes, and how come he gets to keep his clothes?!"
Peter gestured to Wanda, "I know, right!" He then mentioned, "Not to mention, we still don't know how to send Tigger back because I don't think Sora called his help."
"True," Tigger nodded in agreement, "I sort of bounced in."
"Well, guess it's a good enough time as any to join in."
Wanda recognize the voice and turned to see the other man who wasn't Xehanort, standing behind them with his arms behind his back. The animals acted quickly and stood in front of Sora to defend him from this man. Peter's eyes narrowed, "Xehanort?"
"Nope," The Master introduced himself, "I'm actually here to help."
Mickey then summoned his Keyblade and aimed it at the mystery man, "If you're not Xehanort, then who are you?"
"That doesn't matter, what actually matters is that I'm on your side," He told the mouse king before gesturing to the Scarlet Witch, "She can vouch for that."
Peter turned to Wanda in shock, as she admitted, "He's the one who knew where to find Sora. He also sent Tigger for help. He also assured me that Riku and Kairi are still alive." She then turned to Peter, "But I still don't trust him."
"Ouch," The Master pounded his heart, "Is this really the thanks I get?" He reminded her, "Don't forget, if I wanted Sora for myself, I would have grabbed him way before any of you could find him."
Peter groaned in annoyance, "I hate to say it but he has a point."
"And to show of good faith," The Master spoke up, as he pulled up a book from his back, "I'm here to take Tigger back to his world. Back home."
The two Avengers blinked before turning to each other in confusion, before back at the Lost Master, "Tigger's home is in a book?"
"Whoa, you think all worlds with life out there are just floating rocks in space?!" The Master started chuckling, "Yeah, right!" He then gestured to the book, "You see, the more to a heart than people of many worlds know. Hearts can generally live anywhere. Be it on the pages of a beloved children's book or inside of data." He then pointed to Sora, "And as the kiddo grows, he'll learn this for himself too."
Sora blinked in confusion, as the Master continued, "Now then, I believe that certain friends of Tigger's are missing him back home. So..." He then opened to the book to a certain page, "...you ready to go home?"
Everyone turned to Tigger, Sora smiled at him, "Hey, at least you'll be able to find your friends now."
"Yes, but before I return to the Hundred Arced Woods, I want you to remember this one thing, Sora," Tigger said with seriousness in his eyes, "Life is not about how fast you run or how high you climb but how well you bounce. The path of the hero is a dangerous one but the bounce will be a necessary tool to survive as I should know... while this jungle is safe from the imposter tiger, the Hundred Arced Woods still needs a hero, Sora boy, and I'm the one."
Sora smiled as he knew where this was leading to. Tigger's attitude changed as he danced to the book singing, "Ooooooh~ They're bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy! Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun! But the most wonderful thing about Tiggers is I'm the only one~" As light shined from the book as Tigger bounced inside of it, as he proudly declared, "I'm~ the only one~! Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!"
With that, Tigger was finally gone from this world and finally home. Sora waved to Tigger, "Good-bye, Tigger! Hope to see you soon!"
"Uh... Baggy?" Baloo turned to the panther in confusion, "You saw that too, right?"
"Saw it, but don't believe it," Bagheera admitted still staring at the children's book.
"Good," Baloo nodded, "I thought it was just me."
Peter assured the animals, "Yeah, we saw it too."
Putting the book away, much to the animals' and superhumans' shock, the Master proclaimed, "Now then, I'll return this book to Merlin so he has it next time you appear in Traverse Town, Sora."
"What makes you think he'll be in Traverse Town again?" Peter's eyes narrowed.
Wanda turned to him, "The same way Kang knew we'd end up on the islands."
Peter blinked as he turned to him, in confusion, "You're a time-traveler?"
"Ah, there's that little science brain of yours," The Lost Master admitted before approaching them, "Yep, just not quite from the future."
"So, you're from the past," Mickey realized, "But how are you here and how would you know..."
"While I love a good game of twenty questions," The Master of Masters cut the King off, "Don't you have a reason why you're here? Isn't saving our future wielder of the Keyblade our top priority?"
"He's hiding something," She whispered to Peter.
"I know, but if he truly knows where the other children are," Peter turned to her, "We'll have to play along for now. Once on Earth, we can have Jean read his mind and find out what he knows."
Wanda nodded in agreement, as Mickey turned to them, "Listen, my Master wishes to speak with you. He may be able to help you find the other cracks in reality and get you there. He may even have some information on Xehanort..." The King then gestured to the Lost Master, "Maybe even our mystery ally."
The two Avengers knew they could trust Mickey more than this mystery man in the black coat. She then turned to Mickey, "Take us to him then."
"Um..." Peter's thoughts went back to Kraven, "What about the crazed hunter over there? We can't exactly leave plus he knows who I am back on Earth."
"Don't worry," Mickey gave him a reassuring smile, "Just bring him along and my Master can whip his memory of this incident. We can drop him off back on your world when this is all over."
Peter nodded as he grabbed some vines to wrap Kraven up, "Fair enough."
Wanda then turned to the other animals, "Baloo. Bagheera. Everyone. Thank you for helping us protect Sora."
"It's not a problem at all, ma'am," Flaps nodded in agreement.
Ziggy nodded, "We'll always be there to help a friend in need."
Buzzy added, "Yeah, Sora's one of us."
Dizzy also added, "It's been a pleasure."
Baloo frowned, "Do ya really need to go?"
"Baloo, Sora belongs with them," Bagheera smiled at him, "He belongs with his own kind. Besides, this Xehanort is still out there and Sora will be safer with them than anywhere else in this jungle."
Sora smiled at Baloo, "I'll come back to visit!"
The bear turned to the boy, "You will?"
"You better believe it," Sora smiled, "Maybe you can teach Riku and Kairi how to fight like bears too."
"Well, in that case," Baloo smiled as he rubbed the boy's head, "I'll see you then."
Bagheera smiled at the Avengers, "Good luck, you two."
"Thank you," Wanda smiled before turning to Mickey, "So, without the cracks, how will we get to your Master's world? Will we use the Key of yours again?"
"Not quite," Mickey smiled before pulling a star-shaped object from his pocket, "We'll just use the star-shard this time."
Wanda blinked as Sora tilted his head in confusion. The former muttered to herself, "Star-shard?"
Just then, Peter joined them with a tied-up Kraven on his shoulders, "Okay, I've got our early Christmas gift for Rykers back home. Just hope, Mickey's master can do something to make sure he doesn't remember a thing about this."
"You know, I've been meaning to ask," Wanda turned to the web-head, "How'd you manage to catch up with us so quickly? Did you use the tracker on our Avenger ID cards?"
"Well, at first, but then I saw the many impressions you made on the trees and just followed those," Peter gestured to all the trees Wanda crashed into much to her embarrassment, he reassured her, "Hey, you did really great for your first time. Without web-shooters or a spider-sense, I might add."
"I just wish I didn't crash into so many trees," The mutant woman groaned, "I know it's only been a couple of days but..."
"Look, it's easier with a pair of web-shooters and a lot fewer obstacles in your way. We can take the time to practice when we get home," Peter smiled at her earning a smile back. He then asked, "So, how exactly are we supposed to get to the next place."
"Apparently, we're using something called a star-shard," The Scarlet Witch answered before she asked, "Any clues from the cartoons of what a star-shard is?"
"Not a clue," Peter admitted, "Never heard of a Keyblade either until we met Sora."
Wanda nodded in understanding as Mickey explained as he presented them with the star shard, "This Star Shard will take us anywhere we wanna go." Mickey then smiled sheepishly, "Well, at least that's how I originally thought it worked. I haven't quite got the fine points down, like...when, or where... For a while, I thought it just kinda kicks in whenever it wants to but after my last journey with my friends, it takes me to wherever I need to be."
"Like back on the islands," Wanda realized, "Or here now."
"So, either that thing can take us to your master," Peter realized, "Or to wherever the larger cracks are."
"That's the general idea," Mickey smiled.
The Scarlet Witch then gestured to their lack of clothes, "Can we stop to change either way."
Looked back to where the other animals world before Mickey whispered to them, "Don't worry. Your clothes and sometimes your physical appearance only changed to blend into the world to avoid suspicion your coming from another world, they should return to normal on the next world."
"Good," Wanda sighed in relief, "I don't know how much longer we could have stand wearing..."
Sora tilted his head, "Swimsuits?"
"Yes, Sora," She nodded letting him roll with the belief that their clothes were swimsuits before turning back to Mickey, "Swimsuits in the jungle."
"Awe, I'm sure your husband didn't mind," Mickey smiled to Peter.
Peter and Wanda blinked again before being frustrated yet again as they both exclaimed, "We're not married!"
"Huh?" Mickey blinked while the Star-Shared shined before he asked, "Boyfriend?"
"NO!" They exclaimed as the light shined around them.
Sora waved one last goodbye to his friends of this world of the Ancient Jungle, "Bye everyone!"
Everyone waved back at Sora, saying their own goodbyes as the visitors were shot up to the sky and blasted off like a shooting star. Flaps smiled, "Look at them go!"
"Now, that's something you don't see every day," Buzzy nodded, "Glad we got to be a part of it all."
Baloo frowned slightly, "So... he's gone."
Bagheera turned to the bear with a smile, "It was inevitable, Baloo. It couldn't be helped. Sora is going to where he belongs now. Peter and Wanda will take care of him and with any luck, he'll be reunited with his friends too."
"Sure will," The Master of Masters spoke up again, "The future is counting on it."
"What do you mean?" Baloo turned to the cloaked figure.
"Nothing you have to worry about," The Lost Master turned to leave, "I should probably get going too. They still have a long journey and it couldn't hurt if Sora had a friend that could keep up with those Avengers." As he vanished from the animals' sights, he wished them, "May your hearts be your guiding keys."
"You think they'll be okay with the man out there," Zippy wondered.
"You better believe it," Baloo smirked as he stated, "I still say Sora would have made a swell bear." He then turned to Bagheera, "Well, come on, Baggy buddy. Let's get back to where we belong. And get with the beat!" Baloo sang as he lifted the panther over his shoulder as they left, "Look for the bare necessities~ The simple bare necessities~"
"Forget about your worries and your strife~" Baghreea actually sang along.
Everyone else joined in the singing too, "I mean the bare necessities~ Are Mother Nature's recipes~ That bring the bare necessities of life~"
As everyone watched the bear and panther danced off to the sunset. Dizzy commented, "It's going to be a bit dull without those bunch."
"Yeah," Buzzy agreed, "So what are we gonna do?"
"I don't know..." Flaps started before turning to him with a glare, "Oh, for the love of Pete, will you stop that!"
Meanwhile, in Avengers Tower, one of the two homes of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, the team regrouped, and they weren't the only ones invited. The Fantastic Four and the X-Men were also summoned as well. All of them were concerned of the disappearances of the Scarlet Witch and Spider-Man.
The members of the X-Men that showed up were Wolverine, Nightcrawler, Beast, Storm, Jean Grey, Cyclops, Shadow Cat, Rogue, and Iceman. All founding members of the Avengers were there as well as Captain America, Black Panther, Scott Lang, Vision, Black Widow, and even the Winter Soldier. Hank Pym looked around the room, "So, where's Strange?"
"I've tried calling him through his Avenger ID card," Tony explained, "But neither he or Wong are responded."
The Human Torch shrugged it off, "Eh, he's probably in another dimension or something. It's probably no big deal."
"I hate to say it," Reed Richards glanced to his brother-in-law, "But I have to agree with Johnny. We can start without him."
"Very well," Captain America looked among the other heroes in the room, "As many of you are aware, after Kang's escape, our friends Wanda and Spider-Man have gone missing. They could be within anywhere or any time."
"Are they alright," Kurt wondered, "Do any of you know what truly happened?"
"We don't know," Tony answered, "All we can truly say for sure is that wherever and whenever Kang escaped to, he brought them with him when Wanda used her hex."
"Hmmm..." Hank McCoy hummed to himself before turning to the leader of the Fantastic 4, "Reed. You studied Kang's tech. Could you duplicate Kang's technology so we could follow Kang through time?"
"Not in the same way," Reed shook his head, "Some of the technology used to create Kang's tech hasn't been invented, and I'm still looking for other means to time travel."
Bobby Drake groaned to himself, "This time travel stuff always gives me a headache."
The Fantastic 4 and Avengers members turned to him in confusion, as Kitty simply explained, "It's a bit of a long story."
Jean then spoke up, "Is there anything else we could try? The X-Men had been friends with Spider-Man since he first appeared and he's always had our backs."
Her boyfriend, Scott Summers nodded in agreement, "Is there anything else we can try?"
"That's why we're here," Hank Pym answered, "Finding and getting them isn't going to be easy since most of Kang's tech was destroyed during the Skrull invasion and what was left Kang stole when he returned to the future."
Wolverine looked like he was about to say something when he sniffed as his eyes widened, "I think we have another problem."
The Hulk turned to Logan, "What is it, little man?"
"I can't move," The leader of the X-Men grunted as he was sent flying back.
Storm's eyes widened, "Oh, no... not him."
Vision flew in to aid Logan but he too was sent flying as something began to tear Avengers tower apart making a large opening. The heroes quickly went on the defensive as a metal platform slowly rose carrying the Brotherhood of Mutants. Quicksilver, Blob, Mystique, Avalahnce, Toad, Dominio, and the unstoppable Juggernaut all glared at Earth's Heroes. The floating down caring the X-Man and the android Avenger with his magnetic powers, glaring at them with anger in his eyes was the father of Wanda Maximoff. The Master of Magnetism, and the former leader of Genosha, Magento. He then demanded, "Where is my daughter? What have you done with her?"
Notes:
And that will conclude today's chapter as well as our journey in the Jungle Book world. I want to give a special shout-out to twilightnite13 who helped me out with the last bit in the chapter so go check out some of his work when you can. He's writing some great stuff.
Also, for those of you that heard or are interested in playing the upcoming Midnight Suns game, don't you find it a little bit funny that the two Avengers I'm currently writing about just happened to be playable characters in the game. XD I find it hilarious. Now, I doubt they're be anything between them especially since romance won't be part of the game. (Probably for the best anyways.) Anyways, I'm looking forward to the game and look forward to playing it for myself.
Sorry, for getting off-topic, let's get back topic. Now, in the next chapter, we won't really be a long chapter. So, don't expect a world in that chapter. But I'll set up the preview... As Magento and his Brother assault Avengers Tower, Dr. Strange has been doing his best to keep the cracks and Heartless at bay while searching for a solution to the problem where he stumbles upon a clue to where the missing two Avengers are. All while Sora, Scarlet Witch, and Spider-Man join Mickey at the home of the retired Keyblade Master as they try to understand who exactly Xehanort is and try to figure out who the Lost Master is. Can Master Yen Sid help our heroes get on track? Can Strange stop Meganto and Earth's heroes from killing each other over Wanda? Stay tuned... I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Be sure to leave a review! Also if you haven't already, be sure to follow and fav. as well. See ya real soon!
Chapter 9: Chapter 8: Darkness in Xehanort
Summary:
Wanda and Peter are finally able to catch a break when Mickey brings them to his old master's home, the Mysterious Tower! There they learn of Master Xehanort, his past, and his connection to three young missing Keyblade Wielders: Terra, Aqua, and Ventus. With this key information, our two Avengers have a clearer picture of why Xehanort is after Sora, and Yen Sid is able to get them back on their journey.
However, back on Earth as Doctor Strange and Wong try to figure out the current crisis, the rest of the Avengers, along with X-Men and Fantastic Four are up against Magento and his followers as they are will to tear the planet apart to get Wanda back. Can Earth's heroes defend the Earth long enough to make Wanda's father realize that they share a common goal... and quite possibly a common enemy?
Notes:
I don't own Kingdom Hearts or Avengers. They are owned by Marvel, Disney, and Square Enix. And we've got the full chapter, good and ready. The big halftime event, I gotta say, this had to be the more difficult part of the story as I had to make sure I had all the KH lore right and the big fight scene against the Brotherhood. Hopefully, it was worth the wait. Now then with that out of the way, let's start rolling the next chapter!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 8: The Darkness of Xehanort
Unaware that Avengers Tower was under attack, Dr. Strange and Wong made it their personal task to seek and contain the cracks releasing the creatures of darkness. Both Strange and Wong returned to the Sanctum Sanctorum, through the portals they made. The Sorceror Supreme turned to his friend, "Okay, so I contained two in Eygpt, three in Wakanda, and four in England. You?"
"Three in the Savage Land and two in Latveria," Wong frowned, "Neither of which were pleasant visits."
Strange sighed, "That made 616 now..." Strange walked past the barrier that used to contain the one in the Sanctum as the Heartless tried to pound their way out, "And the protection spells we cast won't hold them forever." He walked into the library containing the books of ancient knowledge as he turned to Wong, "So... any clue to what they are because I'm at a loss."
"The Heartless," Wong answered, "The Ancient One warned the Kamar-Taj of them long ago before you joined the Master of the Mystic Arts. They're creatures born of darkness and if they ever escape from the Realm of Darkness, they will consume everything that contains a heart. Including the world, we stand on."
"Wait, you're saying the Earth has a heart?" Strange turned to Wong in confusion.
"After everything you have seen," The Keeper of the Ancient Books, "That's where you draw the line."
"Point taken," The former surgeon nodded as he proceeded to ask, "You wouldn't recall if she said anything of how to stop them."
"I'm afraid that information is long lost to the world of man," Wong frowned, "But if we can find out how to close the cracks in reality..."
"...it should prevent our creatures of darkness from escaping and ending the world," Strange smirked, "Which is something we can figure out."
With a wave of his hand, several books flew out of the shelves and opened before the two Sorcerors, Wong turned to him, "It won't be easy knowledge though, these cracks broke in-between space, time, and reality itself. Otherwise, the Time Stone, or at the very minimum, we should be more than capable to repair them."
"Spider-Man and Wanda are going to have to wait until we figure this out," Strange muttered to himself as he began looking through the books.
Time began to pass as they searched through the books. After skimming through several books with zero results, Wong thought aloud, "Hmmm... Perhaps the Book of Vishanti?"
"The one that can give a sorcerer whatever power they need to vanquish their enemy?" Strange replied after flipping through the pages of his current book, "It could work if we had the time but at this rate, these cracks are showing, we don't have enough to search that unreachable book."
Wong nodded as he proceeded to the next book. Strange did the same as it was the Darkhold but it looked burned away by a familiar red power. He shrugged it off, "Probably for the best, the Book of the Dammed always has a price to pay."
He tossed the destroyed dark book aside as it burned to ashes. Wong sighed as he skimmed through his book, "We should probably check to see if there are any new cracks."
Strange nodded as he began doing a global magic search for all the cracks in reality. An image of the Earth appeared before the two of them... with thankfully only a few more cracks showing. Wong frowned, "At least it's only a few."
However, something didn't feel right to the Sorcerer Supreme, "Hold on. I'm going to expand our search."
Putting his hands together, he expanded the search for the cracks, and its results... were horrifying. Wong gasped, "Good Lord. Help us all."
"It's not just happening on our world," Strange stared at all the known cracks in reality, "It's happening on all of them. Worlds have already fallen to darkness."
"There's no way we can stop them all," Wong realized, "Even if we did know how to close them... We can't be everywhere in the universe all at once."
"Okay, this is really bad," Strange commented observing each of the cracks, "Some worlds have already fallen and some of the cracks are getting bigger. If we don't find a way to stop this soon there will be nothing left to..." But before he could finish, he took notice one of the larger cracks in reality repaired itself, Strange turned to Wong, "You saw that too right?"
"Someone found a way to repair them," Wong commented before gesturing to the other cracks, "And the other cracks in reality are becoming weaker because of it."
Dr. Strange then turned to the crack within the Sanctum getting smaller, even as the Heartless tried to get free. Curious to who was responsible for figuring out a way to save their universe, Strange zoomed in to where the last crack had been repaired to see three familiar faces. One was Mickey Mouse from all the Disney Cartoons much to the Sorcerors' shock, but even more so of who was alongside him. Even without her costume, Strange immediately recognized Wanda Maximoff in her Queen of the Jungle look. As for the Tarzan cosplay, if Strange had to guess, he would say that's Spider-Man. Wong's eyes narrowed, "Are those...?"
"Wong," Strange turned to the Keeper of the Ancient Books, "I think we found our missing friends... and they might be our only hope to save the universe."
Meanwhile, back at the Mysterious Tower, the King's two best friends sat outside by the entrance. The Captain of the Royal Knights, Goofy couldn't help but comment, "Gwarsh, the King's been gone for a while now."
The King's Magician, Donald Duck sighed, "Yeah, it's just like the last time too..."
Goofy then wondered, "You don't think this will start becoming a habit, do ya?" He then thought at the back of his hand, "Like in about ten years from now, when we think he's not going to do that again, he does. Leaving a letter hand-delivered to us by Pluto, with only vague instructions on what we're supposed to do and we spend the next few years going after him."
Donald turned to him in confusion, it seemed oddly specific, before responding, "Goofy, the day that happens, is the day where we don't blast off the Gummiship and start falling the other end of Disney Castle."
Suddenly, much like months before, a light resembling a shooting star bounced off the sky before crashing down to the ground below. Both Donald and Goofy stood on alert as the latter beamed, "King Mickey?!"
"Wait, let's not jump to conclusions," Donald pointed out, "Remember the last time?"
"Except it really is him this time! Look!" Goofy pointed out as the smoke cleared revealing King Mickey, Sora, Scarlet Witch, Spider-Man, and an unconscious tied-up Kraven the Hunter. Donald beamed as he joined Goofy in exclaiming, "Your Majesty!"
"Donald, Goofy." Mickey smiled as the other three travelers recovered from the journey, "Hope I didn't keep you two waiting."
Donald and Goofy quickly stood at attention, as they stated, "Of course not, your majesty." They then took notice of the two Avengers and the child they were protecting, as the latter wondered, "Gwarsh, and who are they?"
"It's okay. We can trust them," Mickey smiled as he gestured to the boy who stood in awe at the new world around them, "They've kept our future Keyblade Master safe from the darkness."
"What?" Donald commented in shock staring at Sora, "But he looks younger than my own nephews." He couldn't help but grumble to himself, "Who never seem to age..."
Wanda rubbed her forehead as she muttered to herself, "I almost prefer jumping through the rifts." She then noticed she rubbed her forehead with a gloved hand. Her eyes widened in shock before observing herself. Her clothes were back. She then turned to Sora and Peter whose clothes were also back to where they were at the start of their journey. She hugged herself with a smile, "Ah, clothing... I shall never take you for granted again!"
Spider-Man also realized that their clothes were back, "Okay, our clothes are back. Does this mean..." He then removed one of his gloves to reveal his web-shooter on his wrist as he mentally cheered, "Yes! Web-shooters are back as well! Hope I never have to run into that issue again on this crazy journey."
Sora then waved to Mickey's friends, "Hi, I'm Sora!"
"Please to meet you, Sora," Goofy smiled as he waved back, "I'm..."
Spider-Man then recognized the duo, "Donald and Goofy."
Overhearing the web-slinger, Goofy nodded, "Hey, he's right."
"But how do you know that?" Donald asked suspiciously before turning to Mickey.
Mickey rubbed the back of his head, "Gosh, I didn't think I mentioned your names at all." Mickey then turned to the two Avengers, "Wait, the world you're from? It's not the Destiny Islands, right? There's a theme park and mascots of us, right?"
"Yep," Peter nodded in confusion.
"Oh!" The King smiled, "You two must be from the Marvelous World!"
"Marvelous world?" Wanda commented in confusion.
"Yep!" Mickey smiled, "It's no wonder why you knew us even before we met. Gosh, it's nice to hear that the company Walt started, is doing so well."
"Wait," Spidey blinked under his mask, "You knew Walt Disney?!"
"Of course," Mickey smiled, "I met him after I first began exploring the other worlds. He was a good friend. He also did a great impression of my voice."
"But he died over 50 years ago, wouldn't that make you," Peter gasped in shock, "Wouldn't that make you...?"
"Funny you should mention it," The King of Disney Castle smiled, "My people age a lot more slowly than others, I'm still young though."
Donald sighed, "Makes raising three nephews a nightmare."
Mickey then proceeded to ask, "So, what are your names?"
"I'm Wanda Maximoff. Back home, I'm known as the Scarlet Witch," She introduced herself before gesturing to Peter, "And this is Spider-Man. As you can see, he's a fan."
"Sup," Peter smiled, "I would have gone to your theme park back home... if I was a rich man."
Mickey smiled, "Nice to meet the both of you. I wish it was under better circumstances."
Goofy then rubbed the back of his head, "So, how did you two end on another world?"
Donald then gestured to the tied-up hunter, "And who's he?"
"It's a long story," Wanda admitted as she finally began to stand along with Peter.
She took the young boy as Spidey continued, "We received the cliff notes from Merlin and... even an old enemy of ours... We're hoping Mickey's Master could shed some light of what Xehanort is up to."
Donald and Goofy gasped in shock, "Xehanort?!"
The wizard turned to the King, "You never mentioned he was involved."
"I didn't know until I met our new friends on the islands," Mickey admitted, "And I'm not even sure if it's the same Xehanort we stopped last time." His eyes narrowed, "Still, if he's anything like the ones our friends paid the ultimate price to stop him, then he has to be stopped."
Mickey then turned to the two Avengers, "C'mon. Hopefully, Master Yen Sid can shed some light on why Xehanort is here, and who our mystery ally is."
Wanda turned to the tower, "So, he lives here?"
Spider-Man then took notice of where they were standing, as he replied nervously, "Uh... I think it's the only place anything can live in this place."
The Scarlet Witch then took a good look around beyond the plants and trees and... her eyes widened in shock. The land that was there. It wasn't much. It was roughly the size of a medium-sized asteroid. Sora blinked in amazement, "Whoa!"
It didn't seem possible anything could build a home, let alone live on this chunk of rock. Mickey chuckled, "Like it? He keeps it mobile to stay ahead of the forces of darkness. Although, I wouldn't get too close to the edge. Don't want to go floating off in the vacuum of space."
"Speaking of," Spidey raised a finger, "How are we not already? How are we even breathing right now?"
Mickey smiled, "Magic."
"Figures," Spidey just decided to go with it, there was no scientific solution he could use to explain how this was possible, the only things he could think of were either an act of God or very powerful magic.
Wanda started heading towards the tower, "Let's head inside. We shouldn't keep him waiting..." She then muttered to herself, "And I don't want Sora anywhere near the edge of this floating rock."
Spider-Man nodded in agreement, "Fair enough." Seeing how she was carrying the small child, he turned to Kraven as he lifted the defeated supervillain over his right shoulder, "Guess, I'm the lucky guy who gets to carry the 'nowhere near as loveable as Sora' inside. Figures."
With that, the two Avengers, three anamorphic cartoon animals, and the boy entered the tower and began climbing the stairs, which turned out to be longer than the three humans thought. Spider-Man muttered to himself, "Boy... whoever Mickey's master is, he's making Strange look like a street magician."
When they finally reached the top, they entered the door to the King's teacher, and Spider-Man instantly recognized the elderly man sitting in the chair by the desk. Peter's eyes widened, "The Sorceror from the Fantasia movie is Mickey's teacher?!" He then thought about it, "You know, saying it out loud kinda makes sense."
He then turned to the King, "Hey, did the whole thing with the brooms and the water pales...?"
"Yep, that happened," Mickey smiled sheepishly, "I got a little carried away when I was younger."
Wanda turned to Peter in confusion, "Umm... Brooms and water pales?"
Before Spidey could answer her, Mickey, Donald, and Goofy immediately stood at the attention of the Sorceror, as the King said, "Master Yen Sid. I brought the future Keyblade Wielder and his guardians that I mentioned."
"Ah, yes," Yen Sid turned to the visitors, "It would appear we are grateful for protecting him so far."
"It's no problem," Wanda approached him, "We are just as concerned as you are about him."
Spider-Man set Kraven off to the side before approaching him, "Uh, sir? We came here hoping to get some answers. In particular about Xehanort."
"So, Xehanort is the one responsible for all this destruction," The retired Keyblade Master turned to the wall-crawler, "I feared as much."
"But how is he here now?" Mickey wondered, "I was sure the sacrifices that Terra, Aqua, and Ven made stopped him for good. And he looked so much younger than he did before."
"I think we might have an answer for that," Spidey spoke up getting Mickey and Yen Sid's attention, "Before all of this, a villain from our world called Kang the Conqueror was trying to escape the prison we put him behind. He could travel through time with his time chair. When he made a move for it, Wanda and I tried to stop him."
Wanda picked up where Peter left off, "Before he used it to travel back to his own time, I used my mutant powers to put a hex on it in hopes it would malfunction, but instead it dragged us with him, and it... well... unintentionally creating the cracks you've seen. Kang actually saw what happened and sent the two of us to the Destiny Islands before its destruction."
"Since this is time travel we're talking about," Peter thought aloud, "Is it possible a young version of him saw the cracks and traveled through time."
"A solid theory," Master Yen Sid admitted before shaking his head, "But for this, it would even be difficult even for him."
"What do you mean?" Wanda wondered, before shaking her head, "On second thought, just who is Xehanort, and what could he possibly what with this sweet little boy."
Yen Sid closed his eyes before answering, "As you may already know, Xehanort has a gift like few others. However, as he grew older his mind was often plagued by a single great question. What is the essence of the human heart that weakens us, or empowers us?" The retired Keyblade Master continued, "The answer, he believed, would be found in the 'Keyblade War.'"
Wanda blinked, recalling the visions of Xehanort's conversations with Earqus, she even remembered how he was obsessed with this 'Keyblade War.' A war that nearly led to the destruction of their universe. Heck, apparently it was enough to shatter the Earth all over their universe and make everyone believe that their chunk of Earth is the true Earth. Yen Sid continued, "What if the challenges of our past were, in fact, a map to the light and darkness that battles within us all? Xehanort had to know, so he renounced his duties as master and chose the seeker's life."
Spider-Man then crossed his arms, "And let me guess, that led him on a dark path leading us to deal with the psycho that we're fighting today."
"Correct," The Retired Master nodded, "Since that day he turned to darkness, he has clashed with protectors of the light. Ventus, Aqua, and Terra." He then turned to Wanda, "But this you already knew."
"Yes," Wanda blinked in shock, "But how did you...?"
"I assumed as much. Chaos magic is unpredictable," Yen Sid answered, puzzling the young mutant, "However, it was safe to assume while its power was the cause of the cracks in reality, Xehanort's own connection to them, allowed you to see on his own path in the past."
"Chaos magic?" Spidey blinked under his mask, "Last I checked, she's a mutant, not an actual witch or sorcerous."
"And she is, but her 'x-gene' as you call it," The retired Keyblade Master continued, "...ties into ancient and dangerous magic. Even rarer, is that it had never been taught to her, it was given to her without her knowing of its consequences."
"I-I never knew this," Wanda blinked in shock before thinking, "Although, it would explain why Strange had always been intrigued by my power."
"It's not your fault," He reassured her, "Although, I'd advise caution when fully extending your powers. Chaos magic is very dangerous to be used. For light or darkness. The way you used it so far, is okay and responsible, but any reality-bending, could have a dangerous effect on the mind. It could turn you into a force that could threaten the multiverse, especially if in the possession of the Darkhold."
"Darkhold?" Wanda blinked in confusion.
"I wouldn't worry too much about it," Yen Sid reassured her, "That book has recently been destroyed throughout all the multiverse by someone with your power."
"Multiverse?" Sora tilted his head in confusion.
"Let's just worry about the fate of this universe," Spidey rubbed the boy's head, "Let's back it up to the three protectors of light you mentioned." He turned to Yen Sid, "You mentioned that they stopped Xehanort before, right? Could you summon them, I'm sure with both Keyblade Masters and Avengers together can bring this younger wacko version of him in."
Mickey frowned at that, and even Donald and Goofy looked down to the ground, as the King admitted, "Well, that's the thing, we don't know what happened to them."
Spider-Man turned to the King concerned, "What do you mean by that?"
"Not long after Xehanort had mercilessly struck down their master, Earqus," Master Yen Sid began to explain, "They went off the stop him in one final battle in Keyblade Graveyard. He fully intended it as he and his pupil Vanitas used them as an attempt to forge the χ-blade."
"Keyblade?" Peter blinked before turning to Wanda, "Didn't you say Xehanort wanted to forge a Keyblade even though he already had one?"
Wanda nodded before Mickey shook his head, "It's not that kind of weapon. The Keyblades that we carry are pale reflections compared to that weapon."
Master Yen Sid nodded before he waved his hand and made an image of the letter, "χ. It's an ancient letter. Some pronounce it kye but the meaning is the same. Death... A letter that spells endings."
"Well, that's not terrifying or anything," Spider-Man commented, "χ-blade, huh? You know, what? I'm just going to call it the X-blade. Because χ-blade sounds too much like Keyblade and it's way too confusing."
Sora raised his hand, "I like that idea!"
Wanda just giggled at that despite the situation before getting back serious, "So, this χ-blade or X-blade... what so special about it that Xehanort is risking the destruction of our universe just to forge it."
"Aside from being far more powerful than any other Keyblade," Yen Sid answered, "It can both summon and unlock the secrets within its counterpart... the true Kingdom Hearts."
"Kingdom Hearts?" Peter blinked in confusion, "What's that?"
"The source of all hearts of all people and worlds," Mickey answered, "It's Xehanort's ultimate goal. It's why he's risking the stability of the universe. Once he gets his hands on the χ-blade, he'll summon Kingdom Hearts and unlock it."
"That's it?! That's his ultimate evil scheme?!" Spider-Man exclaimed, "He's doing all of this for a place for a bunch of pumping organs?! WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT THAT PLACE THAT SOMEONE WILLING THE RISK THE SPACETIME CONTINUUM JUST TO GET A VAST SUPPLY OF SOMETHING WE'RE AUTOMATICALLY BORN WITH?!
Yen Sid calmly replied, "Now, then young man, there's far more to a heart than any science can uncover. After all, it's how future generations of Keyblade Wielders are chosen. Through the connection of hearts." He then gestured to the young boy, "After all, something special about this young man's heart deemed him worthy to be chosen by the Keyblade."
"He has a point, Spidey," Wanda spoke up getting his attention, "Hearts ultimately help shape us who we are. There's no scientific explanation for what it does other than just keeping us alive. Besides, that fact that Sora's life, as well as everyone else's, are at stake because of this madman."
Peter didn't seem to grasp the concept fully but she was right about that. He then turned his attention back to Yen Sid, "What happened when they confronted Xehanort and his lackey?"
"Well, we're not exactly sure what happened to Terra," Mickey admitted, "He ran after Xehanort but vanished without a trace. I found Aqua unconscious but alive. Once she came to, we found Ven but I noticed something wasn't right. Ven was wielding the χ-blade, and his eyes were turned orange. That's when I realized Vanitas's heart was controlling Ventus. Together, we were able to stop him and destroy the χ-blade, thanks to Ven's own heart fighting back. We returned here but Ven's heart never returned to him."
"So are saying he's..." Wanda started concerned.
Mickey shook his head, "No, thankfully, he has a chance for his heart to return to him. As long as we keep believing, I'm sure his heart will return to him. Aqua was taking him somewhere he'd be safe until that day comes, then to go look for Terra. Then she ended up vanishing too. We don't know where any of them are."
Spider-Man sighed, "Translation, we can't depend on their help any time soon."
Mickey then turned to Wanda, "Wait, you've been looking into Xehanort's past, if there's anything about locating where my three missing friends are could you..."
"Of course," Wanda smiled, "If there's something in the dreams I've been having about what happened to your friends, I'll let you know."
Mickey smiled in gratitude. The Scarlet Witch then turned to Yen Sid, "You said it couldn't be possible for Xehanort to use the rifts to be here now. Why is that?"
"There are rules when traveling through time,' The retired Keyblade Master explained, "First, you must leave your body behind to do it. Then, there must be a version of you waiting at the destination. Upon arrival, you can only move forward as per the laws of time. And you cannot rewrite the events that are destined to happen." Yen Sid turned to the two Avengers with seriousness in his eyes, "Theoretically, Xehanort could bypass the rule that would have prevented from changing events that are destined to happen, but even he would have needed to follow the other rules."
"So, if he were to accomplish traveling through time," Wanda realized, "A version of him had to have been here now in the present to meet him here? What about his current version of himself then? Could he send his past version of himself after Sora?"
"No, I don't think so," Yen Sid shook his head, "We believed Xehanort perished during the battle of the Keyblade Graveyard."
"Hey, unless you see the body," Spidey pointed out, "Then that means still alive. Just like Captain America, Jean Grey, Charles Xavier..."
Wanda gestured to Spidey, "He has a point. We believed people from our world to be dead before only to reveal that they've been alive the whole time."
Yen Sid stroked his beard at this new information, "Hmmm... I suppose you may have a point. It's quite possible for Xehanort to use his younger self to pick up the pace while he recovers. Still, how would his past version of himself know to come here now without any knowledge of the future?"
That puzzled the two Avengers as well as the residents of Disney Castle. Mickey then walked up to Master Yen Sid, "There's one other thing. When I rejoined our three new friends on Ancient Jungle, there was a man in a Black Coat that has been somewhat helping there. Even bringing a friend from another world to help them but we haven't had a clue of who he is, we were hoping that you might know."
"I would say that this mysterious new ally of yours was another Keyblade Master who could care less of meddling in the affairs of other worlds," Yen Sid admitted, "But the only remaining Masters these days are missing in action, I'm hoping your Mark of Mastery would change that."
"Then who could he be then," Wanda wondered.
"During the Age of Fairy Tales," Yen Sid declared, "There were few Keyblade Masters that vanished shortly before the Keyblade War started, they contained much knowledge that has been lost over centuries of time."
Spider-Man raised an eyebrow under his mask, "So, you're saying we could be dealing with a... Lost Master or perhaps one of their own secret pupils?"
Yen Sid muttered to himself, "I must not make assumptions... not without actual proof."
"But the possibility exists, right?" Peter asked again.
Master Yen Sid relucted nodded, "Yes, it is possible but I could not say for sure that's who we're dealing with."
"He seems to know that the timeline changed despite being from the past," Wanda spoke up, "How would it be possible that he would know that timeline changed because of Xehanort?"
"It's likely due to the Book of Prophecies," The retired Keyblade Master answered.
King Mickey gasped in shock, "The Book of Prophecies?! I thought it was only a myth?!"
"The book exists," Yen Sid told his apprentice, "It is as real as the Book of Vanshti."
"What does pro-for-C's mean?" Sora asked innocently to the two Avengers.
"It's prophecies," The Scarlet Witch lightly giggled before explaining, "It's things said that will happen in the future, no matter what you do it will surely happen."
"You're saying there's a book out there that can tell us the future," Peter blinked in shock, "What about alternate timelines we've prevented? Isn't the future always changing?"
"While it's true that we can choose our own paths," Master Yen Sid began to explain, "What truly makes the book special no matter what changes one makes within our timeline or different path they take, the book supposedly never changes. No alternate timelines. No paradoxes. It would not change in the slightest. It would focus on the one true timeline."
"So, what you're saying is," Spider-Man realized, "No matter what we say or do wouldn't change the course of the future. For better or worse."
"Exactly," The Sorceror nodded.
Peter muttered to himself, "Now that's a little freaky."
"There's more to it," Mickey replied, "There's one prophecy on that book we're trying to prevent." Mickey then recited the prophecy, "On that fated land, a great war shall transpire. Darkness will prevail and the light expire."
"What do you mean light expire," Wanda asked in concern, "It better not mean what I think it means."
"If light were to expire, then that would mean the end of all life as we know it," Yen Sid closed his eyes confessing the truth, "Master Eraqus always believed light could catch the darkness off guard and stop the prophecy from coming true. Although, Xehanort believed otherwise."
Spider-Man crossed his arms, before thinking aloud, "Wait... if Xehanort really believed that... then why go through so much effort of going after Sora?"
"Well, before she vanished," Mickey spoke up to the two Avengers, "Aqua told me that she met two boys on the Destiny Islands she considered passing the Keyblade on to but she learned that Terra had already done so. I think wants Sora to make things easier for him to accomplish his goals."
Sora blinked in confusion, Wanda genitally set Sora down before asking him, "Sora, do you recall this happening? Did you see any visitors arrive before us?"
"Well, there was this guy Riku was talking to but he never told me who he was or what they were talking about. He said it was a secret and he even kept it from me," Sora slightly pouted.
Wanda let out an overdramatic gasp, "From the best secret keeper in the world?!"
"Exactly," Sora nodded, "He should have told me!"
"Well, it sounds like your friend Riku spoke with Terra," Mickey walked up to the boy, "But what about Aqua?"
Sora then turned to Mickey, "Does she have blue hair?"
"Yep!" The King of Disney Castle smiled, "That's her!"
"Then yes, Riku and I talked to her," The islander answered, "She made me promise to look after Riku in case he went down the wrong path... whatever that means. She seemed nice."
"She is," Mickey smiled before blinking, "Wait... if Aqua didn't pass down the Keyblade to you or Terra... then did you meet a boy named Ventus?"
Sora thought for a moment before shaking his head, "No, after they left the only new people to come to the islands was Kairi." He then frowned, "Then the bad man and the monsters." He then brightened up again, "And then you showed up."
Wanda turned to Master Yen Sid in confusion, "Well, from the sound of things, none of them passed down their Keyblade to Sora. This Terra might have with Riku though."
"That's weird," Mickey admitted, "If Sora's friend Riku was the one chosen by the Keyblade passed down by Terra, then how was Sora able to summon a friend from another world to help us beat Shere Kahn and Kraven? Why are Xehanort and the Heartless going after him at all?"
"There are other means of being chosen," Yen Sid answered, "It's likely the Keyblade saw something in Sora as well and decided he too should be a wielder without the knowledge of our three missing Key Bearers."
"Yes but that still doesn't explain why Xehanort is after Sora. If the prophecy says that darkness, which is most likely his big bad present self, why not stick to whatever plans he has?" Spider-Man pointed out, "Why even bother going through all this trouble of alternating the timeline at all if he knows he'll win."
Everyone turned to Spider-Man at that, Wanda asked, "Spidey, what are you suggesting?"
"Wanda, you've been seeing Xehanort's past because your power was... partially unintentionally responsible for damaging the rifts between light and darkness," Spidey answered, "What if Young Xehanort can do the same except seeing his future self... far beyond what the current Xehanort is planning?"
Goofy then spoke up, "Are you suggesting that Xehanort saw something in his future involving Sora that interests him?"
"Or he saw something he didn't like," Spidey smirked under his mask, "Like say... the dark prophecy never comes to pass."
Wanda then realized what he was saying, "Wait, you don't mean, all of this... years from now... when Sora does become a Keyblade Wielder and meets his present self... that he'll actually manage to stop him for good?"
Spidey nodded, as Mickey beamed, "Oh, now I get it! Xehanort saw his own defeat at the hands of Sora so he's using the rifts in time to his advantage to prevent Sora from ever becoming the Keyblade Wielder he's going to be!" Mickey turned to the boy, "Guess this makes you all the more special."
"Wait, I'm going to beat the bad guy in the future?" Sora blinked in amazement before turning to the Avengers, "Does this mean I'm going to be a superhero when I grow up?"
"Well," Peter smiled slightly under his mask, "That depends on you. Nothing is set in stone. This whole journey so far has proven that much."
"It could be a good thing though," Mickey smiled, "You make the right choices and the worlds just might have a chance."
"Oh, okay," Sora placed his hands behind his head, "But if I do make the right choices, can I be an Avenger too?"
"Sora, you keep making the right choices," The Scarlet Witch smiled, "And I'll guarantee that you'll be an Avenger."
"YAY!" The little boy cheered, "I'm going to be a superhero too!"
Everyone smiled at that, before Wanda thought, "Okay, so we know why Xehanort is after Sora... but why does he need him alive?"
Mickey crossed his arms, "You know, that's what I'm wondering." He then turned to Wanda, "I guess we'll just have to find out together. As we fix the tears in reality, you look deeper into Xehanort's past. It could be the key to all of this."
"And once we seal the last of the big rifts, we gather as many heroes back home as possible to stop Xehanort, send him through the rifts trapping him inside and hopefully that should close the remaining cracks," Spider-Man smirked behind his mask, "Then we can focus on dealing with the Xehanort of this time."
Sora then looked up to the adults with concern on his face, "And my friends?"
Remembering what they promised Sora, and learning from this possible Lost Master that his friends were indeed alive, the two Avengers looked to each other and nodded. The Scarlet Witch turned to Master Yen Sid, "Excuse me, but we promised Sora that we would find his friends. Riku and Kairi. The man in the black coat told us that they are still out there but we're not entirely sure where. Is there anything you can do to help?"
"Yes, if the boy, Riku is also expected to receive a Keyblade," Master Yen Sid nodded, "He too may have a role to play in all of this. Kairi might also be special if she came from another world before meeting these boys." He then turned to the mutant woman, "If I am not mistaken, Donald's Uncle Scrooge has been working with your Guardians of the Galaxy to find them. Once, you depart to seal the remaining tears, I will send Mickey to aid in their search."
"But where do we even begin to look," Mickey wondered, "There are countless worlds out there. It's impossible to search them all with the short amount of time we have."
"True, and reaching them might not be as easy as it seems," The King's Mentor stroked his beard, "When the Destiny Islands fell, I could sense the few who still linger in the realm of light, but outside of Sora, I have been unable to directly locate the other children."
Spider-Man's eyes narrowed under his mask, "But that guy in the coat knows..."
"Indeed," The Sorceror nodded, "While he may not be on Xehanort's side, we cannot assume his truly our ally." Yen Sid turned to his pupil, "Mickey, your goal is to locate this Lost Master and get him to talk. Do whatever you can to make him tell you where to find the children."
"Yes, Master," Mickey bowed to his mentor, "He said about getting Sora some extra help, I'll take Donald and Goofy and ask around people among the other worlds... if anyone had gone missing. I'm sure he'll leave a trail."
"Good, but should you be unable to locate him by the time, our new friends finish sealing the larger cracks in reality," Yen Sid added, "You should take your friends, Scrooge, and the Guardians back to earth. Stopping Xehanort and ensuring Sora's safety is our top priority. Afterward, we'll work with Earth's Mightiest Heroes to find them."
Spider-Man placed a hand on Sora's shoulder, "And we'll keep an eye out on the worlds we visit too."
Sora smiled in appreciation before the heroes heard a small groan from Kraven. Spider-Man added, "Oh, that reminds me, Xehanort sent one of my old enemies Kraven after us, he also saw me without my mask, is there any way you can... not send him home without remembering ever leaving his world."
"Yes," Yen Sid stood up from his seat before approaching Kraven, "The other worlds have enough issues with Xehanort out there. The last thing anyone needs is a mad hunter out there as well." Waving his hands over the supervillain's head, Kraven was poofed away and vanished from the Mysterious Tower, "There. Kraven will not recollect anything he's seen for the past few days and was sent home to the proper authorities."
Wanda smiled in relief, "Well, that's one less problem we have to worry about." She then thought aloud, "Still leaves one other issue..."
Donald groaned, "Now what?"
"Well, before we actually defeated Kraven, he closed the rift preventing us from going to the next world to seal the crack," She answered, "We're hoping you could help us get back on the path."
"Ah, yes, your Reality Orbs," Yen Sid nodded as he gazed to the backpack Peter was carrying, "It just so happens, that I found a crack that I was able to contain, you can use it to reach the next world. However, you only have 4 more orbs left, I suggest you be more careful when you use them. Otherwise, getting from one world to the next without a Keyblade will be difficult."
"Then why not let the King go with them," Goofy wondered, "Wouldn't he be able to help them get there safely too?"
Donald nodded in agreement, "Yeah, and us too."
"Now, fellas," Mickey spoke on the Avengers' behalf, "There are other children that need our help too. Our best bet is to find this Lost Master, if we investigate, we can find him and make him tell us where the children are... maybe we can even find out what Xehanort wants Sora alive."
Donald and Goofy smiled in agreement before Yen Sid warned him, "Don't underestimate him. If he trying is a 'Lost Master,' then he won't allow himself to be found so easily. Let alone defeat. He could be more powerful than any of us realize."
Mickey nodded in agreement as Wanda picked Sora back up, "Okay, we should probably get moving then..."
Then the King spoke up, "Wait, I have one more thing I need to tell you." Sora, Peter, and Wanda all turned to Mickey before he told them, "I always feared that the Heartless were on the verge of coming back even before the rifts. So, I visited an old friend..."
Not that long ago, on the world of Radiant Garden, Mickey was in the castle and home of his good friend, Ansem the Wise. He had recently come to learn of his studies of the heart which brought some concerns to the mouse king. In Ansem's study, Mickey turned to him, "Wise Ansem, I seek your advice."
Ansem sat on his chair with his favorite treat in his hand, a sea-salt ice cream bar, "I'm glad we have the opportunity to speak like this, my friend. I'm intrigued by your hypothesis... and I'm finding it difficult to stave off the urge to test it. Still, I'm concerned about the stability of the worlds."
"Yep," Mickey nodded in agreement, "That's what worries me too."
"The doors that appeared," Ansem rested his arm on the table, his hand on his forehead, "The place the Heartless seek. I fear my research may have brought this upon us..."
Suddenly, there knock on the door. Ansem looked up and Mickey turned around. A man in a lab coat with white hair opened the door and entered the room. He bowed slightly, "Master Ansem. Regarding the experiment I presented the other day... With your permission, I'd like to proceed-"
"I FORBID IT!" Ansem snapped as he stood up standing up as he slammed his hands on his desk, "Forget this talk of doors, and the heart of all worlds. That place must not be defiled!"
However, the young scientist tried to convince him otherwise, "But, Master Ansem! I've been thinking..."
"Xehanort..." Ansem refused to hear it, "Those thoughts are best forgotten."
Mickey blinked in shock hearing the name from the young man. Xehanort restrained himself, bowed once more, closing the door behind him as he left...
"I spoke with him not long after I left," Mickey continued, "He didn't seem like Xehanort and he had no memories before showing up on Ansem's doorsteps... but I can't help but wonder now... if he was at the very least related to him."
"So, you think he could have been Xehanort's son or close relative," Spider-Man asked, "Who likely could have helped the Xehanort we're currently up against?"
Wanda then added, "From what you told us, he sounded very interested in the same power Xehanort is after. Do you think he truly stopped after your friend forbade him to?"
"I know I can trust Ansem," Mickey replied, "But I lost contact with him not that long ago... so you two may be on to something. Either way, it could be a vital clue to figuring out Xehanort's current plans and may even aid us in dealing with his younger self."
"We'll definitely look into it," Wanda nodded before adding, "Thank you, your majesty."
"Aw, there's no need for that," Mickey reassured the Scarlet Witch, "Just call me, Mickey."
"Thank you, Mickey," The daughter of Magento smiled before turning to Master Yen Sid, "We're ready."
As Master Yen Sid was about to present him with the crack, Spider-Man spoke up, "Wait, if you were able to send Kraven back home. Couldn't you also send Sora there? He would be safer with the Avengers."
"I could," Yen Sid admitted, "But they wouldn't know how dire the situation truly is and it would be hard for a child to explain. Not to mention, it's not just Wanda's power that allows you to travel from one world to another. You still need the heart of a future Keyblade to travel with you. Otherwise, you could just end up on the wrong world."
"Me?" Sora blinked in confusion.
"Yes, little one," The Sorcerer nodded, "You are a compass for your guardians. They need you to guide them home just as you need them to protect you."
"Guess, we're still stuck with each other," Wanda smiled softly, "Which I don't mind. But it was a good idea for Sora to be safe back home."
"Yeah," Spider-Man nodded, "Well, we're about halfway there at this point. Let's get through the other half together."
Yen Sid summoned the crack in reality, as Wanda used her power on it. As they vanished from their sight, Mickey promised them, "We'll meet you on the Marvelous World, hopefully with Riku and Kairi with us."
Yen Sid added, "May your hearts be your guiding key."
Meanwhile, back on Earth, Magento lifted both Wolverine and Vision with his magnetic power. He then demanded, "Tell me what happened to my daughter or I'll have the Brotherhood tear this Homosapien tower of yours apart."
"Are you freaking kidding me?!" Wolverine grunted as he could feel the Magento pulling at his adamantium-covered bones, "We're trying to save her you son of a..."
"Please, Wolverine," Magento glared at him, "As if I could ever trust, my daughter in the hands of the Homosuperior pretenders that only seem to protect their own kind. Which is why I had Pietro had frequent checks to make sure no one tried anything... so when he told me she vanished from the face of the Earth..."
The Avengers, Fantastic Four, and the X-Men prepared to face off against the Brotherhood. Captain America spoke up, "Listen to me, we don't know what happened to her. That's what we're trying to figure out..."
"Fine, play it that way," Erik's eyes narrowed before gesturing to the Brotherhood, "Tear them apart until you find her..."
Juggernaut smirked as he charged at them. Hulk roared in response as he went to engage the half-brother of Charles Xavier. Two behemoths clashed, creating a shockwave that shattered the glass of the tower. The two fell out of the tower as they threw fists at each other on the streets below.
"Oh, you picked the wrong day to mess with us," Thing declared as he charged at Blob, "IT'S CLOBBERIN' TIME!"
Blob's eyes narrowed as he braced for impact but still got knocked out of the building with Thing.
Quicksilver began running around circles around the other heroes, knocking out their only telepath, Jean Grey, before targeting the shrinking Avengers knocking out Antman and Yellowjacket, but Wasp was able to shrink to avoid the assault just in time. She tried firing her stingers at Quicksilver as she did her best to pressure him. An angered Scott Summers also fried his optic beam at the commander of the Brotherhood. However, Quicksilver seemed to prove to be too fast as he avoided the counterattacks.
Iron Man quickly suited up in his armor, getting an odd look from Clint Barton, who was currently having a stand-off against Domino, "You sure wearing a metal suit is the best idea when going against a guy could probably crush you like a tin can with a mere thought?"
"He's gotta point," Shadowcat added as she phased through the ground, hoping to ambush an unexpected brotherhood member from below.
"Relax," Tony smirked as his helmet closed up, "This suit is made out of carbon nanotubes. No metal for him to control."
Magento stared at the armor before smirking, "Too true. But can you say the same for the rest of your armor?"
The Master of Magnetism raised a hand as Avengers Tower began to rubble as Iron Man's other suits of armor burst from the floor below flying into the air before turning on the creator and his friends. The Invisible Woman quickly created a force field to defend herself from the Iron Men's repulsor blasts. The Human Torch glared at Stark, "Did you have to make so many suits of armor?"
All Tony had to say for himself was, "Sorry," Before three of his own suits tackled him into another building nearby making him grunt in pain on impact, "GAH!"
Captain America repelled a repulser blasted with his vibranium shield before throwing it at the suits of armor. The bounced off three of them knocking them away before returning to its owner. Only to be punched in the face, but the mutant speedster. Wasp continued her pursuit of Quicksilver when Toad noticed her. Figuring she'd be the easiest of the group for him to fight, he launched his tongue at her.
"Come on! Hold still will ya-gah!" Wasp was caught off guard by Toad's tongue and was yanked towards his mouth. She then quickly grew back to full size much to the weakest member of the Brotherhood's horror as she was coming right at him with a kick. Her foot made an impact on his face knocking him to the ground. She glared at him as she yanked back her fist, "Oh, you're so asking for this!"
"I give up! I give-" Toad begged only to get a full stinger to the face knocking him out of the fight.
Wasp was about to rejoin the battle when Quicksilver knocked her out too. Pietro smirked to himself, "Earth's Mightiest Heroes, right? This is too easy!"
Just then, he was almost hit by Cyclops's optic blast, as he narrowly avoided it. He then noticed, in slow motion to him, Thor destroying the Iron Men that were in control of his father, throwing his hammer at him. As the hammer returned to its owner. Quicksilver ran up to it and thought of all the damage he could do with that hammer. He grabbed it to use it on the heroes only to be yanked toward Thor much to his horror.
Thor caught his hammer, noticing the speedster attached to it. The son of Magento only had time to say, "Uh-oh!"
The Asgardian punched him toward Captain America who slammed him in the face with his shield. Cap's eyes narrowed at him, "Stay down, son."
Pietro only groaned in pain in response. Shadowcat ran threw one of the Iron Men causing it to explode as a result. She then quipped to herself, "I hope Stark has good insurance on his suits of armor."
She then ran towards the battle taking away Domino's guns before phasing through the ground. Hawkeye then used an eclectic arrow to knock her out. Ice Man froze the suits of armor while the Human Torch tried to melt them the best he could. However, both were overwhelmed by the Iron Men. Thankfully Storm used the winds to ease them to the ground before destroying the suits with her own lighting. One was about to take a shot from behind but Black Panther threw a vibranium dagger at the arm slicing it off before throwing another at the arc reactor causing an explosion.
Strom smiled sweetly to the King of Wakanda who simply nodded in response...
Meanwhile, on the ground, Hulk and Thing were having their own battles against the Brotherhood's own brutes. Juggernaut and Blob didn't seem to care about collateral damage while the heroes were trying to take the fight away from the city. Thing glared at the green goliath, "I thought you get stronger the angrier you get? Well, get mad you dumb monster!"
Ben Grimm then threw a fist at Banner's alter ego who quite easily caught it and lifted him into the air with a glare, "I already am mad."
Hulk roared as he proceeded to use Thing as a weapon knocking both Juggernaut and Blob back unaware of the dark shadows rising from the ground...
During the battle at Avengers Tower, Hawkeye was shooting down some of the Iron Men with some explosive arrows when he noticed Black Widow approach him, "Nat! Good! I could use some backup!"
"I'll get right on it," 'Nat' smirked before kicking him in the head, she then revealed herself to be Mystique. Just then, she found herself overtaken by gunfire as the real Black Widow, and the Winter Solider pursued her. The shift-shaper made a quick retreat as the Iron Men came in to aid her.
Black Widow turned to the Captain's long-lost partner, "Cover me!"
He nodded before he started shooting the Iron Men out of the sky while Black Widow went after Mystique. Mr. Fantastic wrapped himself around Magento, "Listen to us! We're just as concerned about what happened to Wanda. We're trying to find a way to save her and Spider-Man."
"As if I'd ever trust of a word of a Homosapien," Magento's eyes narrowed before throwing both Wolverine and Vision at him causing him to lose his grip on the former leader of Genosha.
Just then, a lightning storm started striking down many of the Iron Men. Several people turned to Storm, as she shook her head, "This isn't my doing..."
The real cause of the storm was Thor as he twirled his hammer, "ENOUGH! WE DID NOT WANT THIS FIGHT BUT THE SON OF ODIN SHALL END IT! NONE CAN WITHSTAND THE POWER OF MJOLNIR!"
He then threw his hammer with all of his might at Magento, as Iceman smirked, "Ah, he's screwed now!"
Mjolnir headed straight for the Master of Magnetism when all of a sudden... it stopped just short of Magento's face. Shadowcat peeked her head from the ground, "Um... why did you stop?"
"He didn't," Magento smirked as the hammer turned around ending up in his hand much to everyone's horror, "I did."
"Odin's beard..." Thor gasped in shock, "How?"
Magento couldn't be worthy, far from it. Iron Man blasted the other Iron Men off of him before scanning both Magento and the hammer, "Uh oh... It's his power, he's using it to use his hammer!"
Magento then raised his hammer causing a lighting storm of his own, "At long last, I can wipe out all you humans off the face of the Earth."
Mr. Fantastic's eyes widened in horror as he saw what Magento was trying to do, "He's trying to cause a tsunami... we need to stop him here and now!"
While still under Magento's control, Wolverine grunted, "STORM! STALL HIM! YOU'RE THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN!"
Strom nodded as she took to the skies and commanded the tsunami to stop before it could reach the land, "HURRY! I DON'T KNOW! HOW LONG I CAN HOLD IT!"
As Cyclops blasted an Iron Man out of the sky, Jean began to regain consciousness. Scott turned to her, "Jean! Speak to me!"
"His helmet..." She groaned, "We have to remove it."
Cap nodded as he called out, "You heard the lady, knock that helmet right off him!"
Iron Man flew directly at Magento to do so, only for the villain to strike him with Thor's hammer knocking him away through a building. Thor roared in anger, "MAGENTO! YOU WILL NOT TAINT MJOLNIR WITH YOUR EVIL!"
Magento didn't seem to care as he threw Vision at him who he swiftly dodged only to be knocked away by Wolverine. Nightcrawler teleported himself on Magento's back and tried to remove his helmet but was stopped by an Iron Man armor under his control. Ice Man tried to get it close with an ice path but was cut off by Avalanche, who destroyed his ice path with his power. Thankfully, he was saved by Beast before he hit the ground. The ice mutant groaned, "Where's Captain Marvel when you need her?"
"I believe she claimed to be searching for the Guardians of the Galaxy to come to aid in our search," Hank McCoy answered before looking up to Magento with Thor's hammer still trying to cause a giant tsunami, "Although, I will admit it's incredible poor timed."
"No kidding," He nodded, "He's trying to start the events of Noah's Ark all over just for his daughter!"
Despite the chaos in the sky, Hulk continued using the ever-blue-eye Thing as a weapon against Juggernunt and Blob. Hulk roared, "HULK SMASH BROTHERHOOD OF EVIL MUTANTS!"
"Hit me all you want," Juggenernut smirked, "Nothing stops the Juggernaut!"
Just then, they were about to be struck in the back by the shadow of Heartless only for someone else to strike them down. The four brutes stopped fighting, as Blob wondered, "Uh, what was that?"
Blade landed on the roof of the car, as he turned his blade to more of the Shadows. He briefly turned his gaze among both heroes and villains alike, "You four going to continue hitting each other or help me stop the creatures from destroying our world."
The four turned to each other before nodding in a truce to stop the real monsters. Thing asked Hulk, "Are you going put me down now?"
Instead, Hulk roared and used Thing to crush the Heartless coming at them as Blob and Juggernaut joined the fight with the daywalker. As a portal opened up behind them...
As Black Widow finally subdued Mystique and Rogue was able to absorb enough of Avalance's life force to take him out of the fight. The heroes still standing then turned their attention to the leader of the Brotherhood. As they were about to reach him, Magento declared, "ENOUGH!" With that, he either used their own weapons and gear against them or whatever metal was nearby to subdue them all, "I grow tired of this fight! If you do not reveal where my daughter is then the humans will suffer for this..."
Just then, a portal opened up by Magento as he turned to face the Sorceror Supreme. Dr. Strange declared, "Okay, this fight has gone long enough..."
Magneto rolled his eyes, "Oh, please, I don't care who you are, you won't last a minute against the Master of..." Strange then struck his palm at Magento, knocking his astral body from his physical body, much to Eric's shock, "What?"
With everyone free from Magento's grasp, Thor reclaimed his hammer as Shadowcat removed Magento's hammer before phasing deep within the damaged Avengers Tower. With the threat defeated, Storm calmed down the tsunami and once the ocean was still she fell to the ground before being caught by the King of Wakanda. The Iron Men under his control fell from the sky. Toad began to regain consciousness, "What happened?" He then noticed both Magento's physical body and astral body, he then screamed, "AAAAAAHHHH! MAGENTO'S A GHOST!" He then hid behind Quicksilver, "I'M SO SORRY THAT I MADE FUN OF YOUR HELMET BEHIND YOUR BACK WHEN YOU WERE ALIVE! PLEASE DON'T DRAG ME DOWN TO THE BAD PLACE!"
Magento paused at that, "Uh, what?"
"Oh," Toad hid his head behind Magneto's son, "Uh... nothing..."
"Oh, calm down, he's not dead he's..." Pietro told Toad as he turned to Dr. Strange, "What did you do to my father?"
"Yes," Magento couldn't help but agree with his son before turning to the good doctor, "What did you do to me?"
"You've just been separated from your physical form," Dr. Stange answered, "And you'll stay that way until everyone listens to what I have to say."
Iron Man then landed, "Forget that! This guy just tried to commit genocide! He's going straight to the Negative Zone for what he's..."
"This is much bigger than a debate if humans and mutants should go to war with each other or peace," Strange told the armored Avenger, "And we can use all the help we can get."
"As if I would trust the word of a..." Magento started.
Stange then cut him off, "Save it, weren't you the one that agreed with Kelly to end your war to avoid a grim future but tried to do it anyway?" Magento paused at that, as he couldn't come up with a retort, "Besides, I may have found your daughter and Spider-Man."
Magento's eyes widened, as well getting both the heroes and the Brotherhood's attention. Wasp flew up to him, "You found them?!"
"Yes," Strange nodded.
Quicksilver then demanded, "Well, then where are they?"
"First, you all need to know how dire the situation is," The Sorceror Supreme answered before casting a spell showing the earth as well as all the current cracks in reality, "Ever since Kang escaped and our friends vanished, there have been tears, in reality, opening up to the Realm of Darkness, bring monsters from their realm to our own."
"M-monsters?" Toad shivered in fear.
"These creatures are very old and very dangerous as they've been known to consume entire worlds," Strange revealed, "And every single being on them."
Wasp asked, "So, we're talking about another Galactus?"
"Big whoop," Johnny Storm shrugged, "We kicked that purple butt to the Negative Zone, I'm sure these guys will be a piece of cake."
"No, this is far worse," Strange answered, "There is only one Galactus, and how only cared about his own hunger. These creatures on the other hand are many come in many shapes and sizes, and the more they consume, the more of them there will be. Wong and I have been containing the tears but they won't hold forever..."
"They might get free sooner than expected," Wong spoke up as everyone turned to an open portal as he, Blade, Hulk, Thing, Blob, and Juggernunt entered Avengers Tower, "Some have already escaped the breach, thankfully Blade happened to be nearby and was able to get your brutes to defeat the escapees."
Cap turned to the Daywalker, "Blade?"
"I swore I'd deal with all dwellers of darkness that threaten humanity," The vampire-hunter answered, "Not just vampires. The Midnight Suns all over the globe have noticed them and have been doing their best to keep them at bay."
Rogue lifted an eyebrow, "Midnight Suns?"
"Long story short, they're on our side," Strange answered, "A good thing too because we need all the help we can get."
Mr. Fantasic then proceeded to ask, "Even the Brotherhood?"
"The situation is much worse than we realized," Strange then expanded the search across the entire known universe, "Take a look."
Thor's eyes widened, "Odin's beard!"
"You said it, Blondy," Thing's added, "These suckers are everywhere."
"So, in order to stop them," Iron Man realized, "We need to find a way to seal all the cracks at the same time... that's not going to be easy."
"Tony is right," Reed Richards nodded in agreement, "Even if we were able to find a way to seal the cracks, it would take a billion lifetimes to seal them all."
"Yeah, I can only think of a few who might live that long, if the universe is still in one piece by then," Wolverine commented with arms crossed.
Magento turned to the Sorceror, "And where does my daughter fit in all of this?"
Sue Richards then added, "And Spider-Man?"
"I was getting there," Doctor Strange added, "The cracks will only get bigger if they are left unchecked, and when I took notice where one of the bigger tears were, one began to seal itself, which means..."
"Someone was able to find a way to seal them," Cyclops realized.
"Well," Iceman realized, "That's good right?"
"Not just that," Strange pointed out, "Sealing the bigger cracks weakened the rest, so when I went to find out who's responsible and behold..."
He then zoomed in on one of the tears to see Spider-Man and the Scarlet Witch traveling through them. Yellow Jacket's eyes widened, "It's them!"
Magento's eyes widened in shock that was his daughter alright. While the Avengers and the rest of the Brotherhood were focused squarely on them, he noticed they were accompanied by a small spikey-haired boy. Who was that? Did... did Wanda have a son? Was this his grandson?
It had been so long since he last spoke to her, but he didn't know that he might have been a...
Just then, Captain America spoke up getting Magento's focus back on the main topic, "So, while we've been looking for them, they've been handling this threat alone?"
"We've gotta find a way to help them," Wasp added.
"Can you take us to them?" Clint turned to Strange.
"I cannot," Dr. Strange answered.
Quicksilver ran up to him, "And why the heck not."
"There are barriers to worlds, not even the Sorceror Supreme can reach without aid," The Sorceror Supreme admitted, "The worlds had invisible barriers to prevent anyone from discovering them. While our friends may have found a way to use the cracks to travel through them safely, that information is lost to me."
"So, who's behind the monsters," Tony couldn't help but wonder, "Kang?"
Black Panther pointed out, "You have mentioned that they appeared shortly after Kang escaped."
"I doubt it. Kang would have just as much to lose as the rest of us," Steven shook his head before admitting, "Though I can not say for certain." He then turned back to Magento, "Which is why we should put our differences aside until the danger to our universe has passed."
"Yeah, right," Quicksilver rolled his eyes, "As if we'd ever work for you..."
"I agree," Magento cut his son off.
The rest of the Brotherhood turned to their leader in shock, as Pietro gasped, "Father?!"
"You heard me," Magento turned to his son before turning back to Strange, "If these creatures are as dangerous as you say, and my daughter is caught in the middle of it, then on behalf of mutant-kind I'm willing to work with you 'heroes'... for now."
Scott turned to the love of his life, "Jean?"
She read Magento's mind, "He's telling the truth."
"I don't like this," Tony admitted.
Eric turned to the armored Avenger, "The feeling is mutual."
Tony Stark then turned to Cap, "Okay, Cap. It's your call."
"If the Brotherhood wants to help us find our friends and save our friends then they can help," Cap answered before turning to Magento, "But as insurance, we'll be hanging onto your helmet. If Jean even senses a chance you might betray us, she shuts you down."
Jean nodded in agreement, "And I will do it."
Wolverine crossed his arms narrowing his eyes, as Magento looked back into Wolverine's, "I agree to your terms."
"Father," Pietro gasped in shock.
Wolverine then nodded in Strange. With that, the Sorceror Supreme returned Magento's astral body back to his physical body as if nothing happened. Shocked at what happened, the father of Pietro, Wanda, and Lorna flexed his fingers feeling the magnetic power back in his fingertips. He then turned to the other heroes, "So, what's the plan?"
"Well, since you trashed Avengers Tower, and this is a..." Tony stated before nearly gagging on the next word, "...magic... situation. We'll be observing the situation at Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum."
Wong turned to the others, "Please don't touch anything. The last thing we need is unintentionally to bring the Dark Dimension into all of this." He then added, "That I just cleaned the place and I'd hate if someone trashed it."
The Brotherhood then turned to Toad as he laughed sheepishly, "Uh... I'll be on my best behavior..."
Just then, Kitty's head peaked up from the ground, "Okay, I put Magento's helmet so deep into the Earth, there's no way he can..." She then noticed the fighting had stopped and it wasn't because they beat Brotherhood or the other way around. She then turned to her boyfriend, "Bobby, what did I miss?"
And that will finally conclude today's chapter. Man, it wasn't easy. Especially with babies around (gotta love them), but I finally did it. We finally finished the halfway point of the chapter. And in just case there are those of you who missed the preview of the HISHE for this, I'll post it up again.
In the SWORD Facility, two SWORD Scientists walked away from a vault containing supervillain gear. One of them turned to his buddy, "Looks like we're done, you sure all this supervillain tech is secure in the vault."
"Yeah," The other scientist nodded, "I'm sure it's alright."
Just then a third scientist with glasses walked his way over to the two of them. He glared at them as he pointed at them with an accusing finger, "Here's a bright idea, how about you dismantle all this dangerous supervillain tech instead of assuming this vault can withstand anything just in case a supervillain breaks out which leads to a boy to become several traumatized of the death of his home and loved ones, just because you're too lazy to safely do your job to ensure that no one would be hurt by this dangerous technology again? Hmmm?"
The other two scientists stared at him before the second one groaned, "Ugh! Okay! Fine!"
Later on, Kang had finally broke into the vault he assumed contained his time chair, but when the vault finally opened up. It turned out to be a break room for SWORD employees where all the SWORD scientists were hanging out, as the scientist who reluctantly changed the vault into a break room, "You know, this is much nicer." He then noticed Kang, "Oh, look! A supervillain really did try to steal back his tech!"
"What the-?!" Kang gasped in shock, "Where's all my stuff?!"
"Oh, we dismantled your chair, so it can never be used again," The scientist answered with a grin on his face, "And now it's gone forever."
"YOU DID WHAT?!" Kang exclaimed as his suit finally ran out of power just as Spider-Man leaped in to web him up, "NO! NOT AGAIN!"
Spidey then turned to the Scarlet Witch, "Well, that was easy. I was beginning to think this was going to lead to this whole adventure where you and I team up and end up falling in love and adopting a kid we happened to help."
"What was that?" Wanda turned to Spider-Man.
"Oh, uh..." Spider-Man rubbed the back of his head, "Nothing! You wanna get a cup of coffee sometime?"
Wanda thought about it before smiling, "You know, why not?"
As the two left the building, Vision watched them walk off, "What?! What about WandaVision?!"
"Yeah," Wanda called back, "It would never work! I'd probably go crazy if I did!"
Vision thought about it before admitting, "She's probably right..."
How Avengers: Darkness in Kingdom Hearts Should Have Ended
Notes:
And that will finally conclude today's chapter. Man, it wasn't easy. Especially with babies around (gotta love them, I'm a proud Uncle), but I finally did it. We finally finished the halfway point of the chapter. Okay, now, at long last the preview of the next world our heroes will visit. A returning world from the KH series, our heroes are just in time for a little fun for the Feast of Fools. Nothing ever could possibly go wrong with a holiday going on... except something does go wrong when a deformed man is harshly treated due to his appearance, and when our heroes and some new friends come to help... we'll let's just say someone's not a big fan of witches whether if their real witches or not. Especially in Wanda's case. This part of the journey is the tale of a man and a monster. So, until next time, here is a riddle to guess if you can: what makes a monster and what makes a man? Stay tuned for the answer... I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Be sure to leave a review! Also if you haven't already, be sure to follow and fav. as well. See ya real soon!
Chapter 10: Chapter 9: The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Summary:
Back right into the action, our two Avengers end up on a special world where Notre Dame still stands. More excitedly, it's celebrating a special holiday: Topsy Turvey Day! Should be pretty smooth to blend in this world with the gypsies walking about without getting in trouble. Not if Judge Frollo has anything to say about it! After helping the poor hunchback, Quasimodo, and aiding Esmeralda against the Heartless, they claim sanctuary within the Chatholic Church! Of course, they can't stay in there forever as they need to find the crack in reality on this world! But can they find it before Frollo gains nasty thoughts for both Wanda and Esmeralda?
Notes:
I don't own Kingdom Hearts or Avengers. They are owned by Marvel, Disney, and Square Enix. And we are back in the Disney action. Was kinda hoping for a new Kingdom Hearts trailer last Friday or even a trailer for Spider-Man 2, Wolverine, or Jedi Survivor but I was pretty happy with Midnight Suns update and the reveal for the Captain America and Black Panther team-up game. Looking forward to hearing more of those.
Now then, as for the next world, I'm sure you all guessed it was the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Another classic. This took some time to work on as real life hit hard and I really wanted this world to be included and done right. Hope the first half is proof that it was worth the wait. Now then, with that out of the way, here's the first half of the world of the Hunchback of Notre Dame...
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 9: The Hunchback of Notre Dame
In a barren wasteland, the very same world where he split Vantias from Ventus heart, Xehanort stood by himself near a cliff as if he was waiting for someone. Just then, a man in armor on a flying key-shape motorbike flew down from the sky before landing by Xehanort. Both the armor and the vehicle vanished in a flash of light before revealing himself to be Terra. The young man confronted the Keyblade Master but in a respectful manner, "I have been to other worlds. I know all about the things you've done. I just don't understand why."
"Someone had to safeguard the light... from the demon, I unleashed," Xehanort told the young Keyblade Master, before assuming, "You must know about the boy by now, the one in the mask." He then revealed to him, "His name is Vanitas. A creature of pure darkness. One of my making."
"Vanitas..." Terra hummed at the name before asking, "Are you telling me he came from you?"
The old Keyblade Master shook his head before correcting him, "He came from Ventus."
Terra gasped in shock, "Ventus?!"
Master Xehanort nodded as he admitted, "Yes. Vanitas is the darkness that was inside your friend."
Terra couldn't believe what he was hearing, Ventus didn't seem even capable of even thinking of darkness. That's when Xehanort lied about the truth about Vanitas's origin, "It was an accident. While training with me, Ventus succumbed to darkness, and there was but one way to save him... strip that part of him away. And thus Vanitas was made. In the process, I damaged Ventus's heart in the most horrific way."
"So I did what I felt was right, and left him with Eraqus," Xehanort looked away pretending to feel deep regret, "I knew the boy could not stay with me, the man who did him such grievous harm."
After a moment of silence, Terra looked at him with compassion, believing in the lie, "Master Xehanort..." He comforted him placing a hand over the old man's shoulder, "Ventus has gotten a lot better since then. You shouldn't blame yourself for trying to save him."
Xehanort barely held back a smirk, "Well... Thank you, lad. You know how to put an old man's heart at ease."
"So that's what it was," Terra thought to himself of why his friend couldn't remember anything other than his own name. He then turned his attention back to Master Xehanort, "Master... Why is Vanitas still free?"
"Ah, yes." Xehanort began to tell another lie, "Well, I did my best to contain him the moment he emerged, but..."
"He managed to escape," Terra assumed, once again believing in the lie.
"Mmmm..." The Keyblade Master nodded, "Vanitas uses the Keyblade to sow seeds of darkness. And now, you see... the worlds teem with his ghastly underlings."
Terra gasped in horror, "The Unversed!"
"He has no control over the darkness in his heart. The Keyblade is not his to bear," He turned to Terra with a pleading look in his eyes, "He's an abomination beyond hope of salvation. Lend me your strength, Terra. Right this wrong that I have wrought."
The young Keyblade Wielder looked like he wanted to help but was unsure of what to do, "But I have no idea where to find him."
"What I can tell you about Vanitas amounts to this... his darkness is drawn to the light, which he seeks to disrupt... and then destroy," Xehanort advised the young man, "It stands to reason that he will strike next in the city of light, Radiant Garden."
Terra looked like he was in deep thought before snapping out of it, he then bowed to Xehanort in gratitude as he now believed of where to go next, "Don't worry, Master. I'll take care of Vanitas."
With that, Terra summoned back his armor and vehicle before leaving the world Xehanort stood on. The elder man began chuckling to himself...
When Wanda flashed back to reality, she breathed heavily as Sora ran up to her in concern, "Miss Wanda?! Are you okay?!"
She gave the child a reassuring smile, "It's quite alright, Sora. I'll be fine." Spider-Man then offered her a hand, which she accepted, "Thanks."
"You're welcome," Peter nodded helping her up, "So, another vision?"
"Yup," Wanda nodded, "I'll tell you about it later..." She then looked around at their surroundings, "...as soon as we figure out where we are."
"Oh, I already figured that one out," Spidey reassured her, "Paris, France."
"What makes you say that?" Wanda wondered before Spider-Man gestured to a large church in the distance, Wanda's eyes widened as she recognized, "Oh... that's a pretty good guess."
From the distance, she could see the church: Notre Dame...
"Morning in Paris~ the city awakes to the bells of Notre Dame~ The fisherman fishes~ the baker man bakes to the bells of Notre Dame~ To the big bells as loud as the thunder~ To the little bells soft as a psalm~ And some say the soul of the city's the toll of the bells~ The bells of Notre Dame~"
La Cité des Cloches
"Notre Dame..." She gasped in amazement before turning to Spider-Man, "Didn't they keep the crown of thorns here?"
"Yep," Peter nodded with a smile.
"You mean the same one Jesus wore when he died on the cross," Sora tilted his head getting the attention of two Avengers.
Wanda was shocked Sora knew this but smiled softly, "That is exactly right, Sora."
"Well, good to know Sora goes to Sunday School," Spidey smiled behind the mask, "...and we know what faith his parents were trying to teach him."
The Scarlet Witch nodded to Spider-Man, "True, it'll be easier to teach him our religion this way. I'm sure Kurt would be willing to help too." She then turned to Spider-Man, "So, what Disney Film takes place in Paris?"
"While there's a couple I can think of at the top of my head," Peter replied, "If I'm right about the time period, there's one movie that matches up with this world."
"Which is it?" Wanda wondered aloud.
"Okay, first things first," Peter started to warn the Scarlet Witch, "We might wanna stick to your real name on this world."
"Um, okay," Wanda blinked in confusion, it's not like she hated her own name but she liked her mutant name as well, "Why?"
"Oh, we're a time period where people never heard of mutants and might think of as a w-i-t-c-h," Spidey warned the young woman, "And you know what people tried to do to you and your brother back in Sokovia before your father showed up."
Wanda quickly managed to put together what that meant. Witches would be burned. Not something she wanted to go through again. She nodded in agreement to keep quiet about her mutant name. And powers if it could be helped. She then began to realize another thing, "Wait... why aren't people giving us odd looks?"
Peter chuckled lightly as he gestured to the people around, "Likely because of the fashion choice of the festival."
"Festival?" She then noticed people in silly clothes, tights, and other strange outfits as everyone was preparing for some sort of festival.
Loud music began to play, as the three could hear the people sing, "Come one~ Come all~ Leave your loops and milking stools~ Coop the hens and pen the mules~" The two Avengers and the little boy walked up closer to the group of people gathered around the festival, Come one~ come all~ Close the churches and the schools~ It's the day for breaking rules~ Come and join the feast~ of~"
"Fools~" A man in a mask sang before laughing.
Sora turned to his superhero guardians, "Feast of fools?"
"Spidey," Wanda turned to the web-head, "Explanation."
"Yeah," Spider-Man answered, "This world is based on the Hunchback of Notre Dame."
Wanda's eyes widened, "Oh! Is this based on the book written by Victor Hugo?" Peter blinked in shock as she answered, "Just because I haven't seen a Disney film doesn't mean I haven't read anything back on Genosha."
She then turned to him in concern, "Isn't the story supposed to be a little... dark?"
Sora was easily amazed by the events going around him, "It doesn't seem that dark to me! The sun's out!"
"Not that kind of dark, sweetie," The Scarlet Witch smiled softly at Sora before turning back.
"Well, yes," Peter admitted, "And this movie retains some of those dark themes..." Wanda looked deeply concerned before Peter reassured her, "But it has a happy ending."
Wanda stared at him in concern before sighing, "Fine, I suppose with us here, we can keep things from getting out of hand... we just need to do it... carefully..."
"Oh, yeah," Spidey nodded in total agreement, before looking around, "Uh... where did our cute little spikey hair guy go?"
"Sora?" Wanda blinked before gesturing to her side, "He's right..." She then turned to where she was pointing at before noticing that the boy was definitely not right next to her. She began to panic, "GAH! WHERE'D HE GO?!"
They quickly looked around before noticing the boy was looking around among the main attraction, giggling in amazement at every sight. Wanda ran in after him, "SORA!"
Peter sighed to himself as he followed her, "Here we go again..."
However, before they could reach him, the man from before, which if Spidey recalled from the Disney film, went by the name of Clopin leaped in front of them unaware who they were trying to get to. He started singing, "Once a year~ We throw a party here in town~" He took the Scarlet Witch's hand and twirled her around much to her shook, "Once a year~ We turn all Paris upside down~"
"Every man's a king and every king's a clown~" Clopin sang as he danced with Wanda as much she tried to get out of it, to look for Sora, "Once again it's topsy turvy day~"
"Great..." Spidey spoke up from behind Clopin, "Can I have my Wanda back?"
"Certainly, my friend," As he passed her off to dance with the web-head, as he continued singing, "It's the day the devil in us gets released~"
"Your Wanda?" Wanda repeated blinking at Spidey with a slight blush.
"Er..." Spidey winced, "Let's get back to finding the kid."
She nodded as she added, "Sure, but can we stop dancing first?"
Spidey realized they still were, quickly stopping they went to find where they last saw Sora before picking up their search as Clopin continued, "It's the day we mock the prig and shock the priest~ Everything is topsy turvy at the feast of fools~"
Sora bright in amazement seeing all the acrobats, stunts, and attractions at the festival. He witnesses some pretty odd things, like dogs walking their owners as the people sang, "Topsy turvy!"
"Everything is upsy daisy~" Clopin sang as he lift the boy onto his shoulders much to the latter's enjoyment.
"Topsy turvy!" The crowd as once more.
He then entered a tent with Sora on his shoulders as he sang, "Everyone is acting crazy~" He then reappeared out of another tent with dancing women and Clopin in another, "Dross is gold and weeds are a bouquet~ That's the way on Topsy Turvy day~"
Sora wasn't entirely sure how he ended up like this but he didn't seem to mind. He was currently having the time of his life. When he was finally set down, he accidentally fell into another tent as he let out a, "OOF!"
Just then, a goat with a gold earring came to inspect him sniffing at him as a young woman looked down at him, "We're just getting all kinds of unexpected visitors today, huh, Djali?" She helped the boy up, "Hey, sweetie. Got caught up in all the fun, huh?"
"Uh-huh!" Sora nodded.
She couldn't help but wonder, "Where are your parents?"
Before Sora could answer, Wanda's head peeked inside a tent as the woman turned to her. The Scarlet Witch quickly asked in desperation, "I'm so sorry but have you seen a...?!"
"Small spikey hair easily excited boy?" The other woman finished with a smile on her face.
Wanda blinked in shock, "You've seen him?"
"Yep," She nodded she then gestured to the little boy, who was giggling as Djali continued to sniff him, "He just dropped in."
"Sora! Oh, thank God above!" Wanda sighed in relief as she went to pick him up, as she did she turned to the woman who found him, "Thank you so much! I'm so sorry if he caused any trouble!"
"It's quite alright," She reassured the Mutant Woman, "Children are excited on any holiday; be it Topsy Turvy or Christmas." She crossed her arms, "So, new in town?"
"Was it that obvious? " Wanda asked sheepishly.
"Pretty much," She nodded before offering her hand, "My name is Esmeralda."
"Wanda," Wanda shook Esmeralda's hand, "Nice to meet you. You already met Sora."
"Yes," She smiled before she gestured to her pet goat, "And this is Djali." The goat tilted his head at the two, before wondering, "So, where's the boy's father?"
"Looking elsewhere in the festival," Wanda answered, "I should probably find him and let him know our kid's okay before he ends up lost."
"We'll see you around then," Esmeralda nodded, "Stay safe. Frollo and the soldiers aren't particularly welcoming to gypsies."
While Wanda never watched the Disney film, she knew enough from the book of what Frollo was capable of. If this world even closely resembled the book, it was safe to assume who the villain was, and it would probably be a matter of time before Xehanort recruited him to his cause. Wanda nodded, "We will. Thanks again."
With that, they left the tent before Wanda quietly scolded Sora, "Sora! You can't just run off like that! You scared us half to death! What if Xehanort or another bad person found you before we could!"
"Sorry, Miss Wanda," Sora looked with an apologetic look.
"Sora, I need you to promise me, just like you did in Mousedom," She told the boy, "Not to run off on your own again. You stay with me, Spidey, or any adult friends we know we can trust."
"I promise," Sora nodded.
"Good," Wanda nodded back, "Now, let's find Peter and let him know you're okay."
Just as they walked through the festival, they heard people continue to sing, "Topsy Truvy!"
"Beat the drums and blow the trumpets~" Clopin sang.
"Topsy Truvy!"
Then they spotted Spidey using his agility to look above the crowd for Sora in a believable way, much to everyone's amazement, thinking it was part of the act. Wanda called out to him, "Spidey!"
Seeing both Wanda and Sora, he sighed in relief, "You found him. Thank God."
He then leaped in to join them as a higher power entered the area all while Clopin sang, "Join the bums and thieves and strumpets~ Streaming in from Chartres to Calais~ Scurvy knaves are extra scurvy~ on the sixth of January~ all because it's Topsy Turvy day~"
"Where did you find him?" Spidey wondered.
She leaned in to whisper, "I just met Esmeralda. She found him."
"Ah," Peter nodded as he whispered back, "Good. Better her than Frollo."
"Speaking of which," Wanda nodded, "According to her, Frollo's not a big particular fan of gypsies."
"Sounds right," Spidey nodded, "He hated them, sinners, as well as anyone willing to step up to him saying he's as bad as he thinks everyone else is in the film too."
"So, safe bet he's going to think we're all three," Wanda assumed, "Along with the fact, Xehanort could make him his pawn."
The web-slinger nodded in agreement, "Better keep Sora as far away from him as possible."
She nodded in agreement as suddenly Clopin called out to the people watching, "Come one, come all! Hurry, hurry here's your chance~See the mystery and romance~ Come one, come all! See the finest girl in France~ Make an entrance to entrance~ Dance la Esmeralda~ Dance!"
All of a sudden, Clopin disappeared in a puff of smoke, and the girl from earlier appeared in his place. She proceeds to perform a sultry dance. Wanda blinked in shock, what were the odds of seeing her again so soon... then again, she was one of the major characters in the original story. She then heard the elder man in the booth comment, "Look at that disgusting display."
The man in the gold armor beamed, "Yes, sir!"
She then glanced at Peter then the old man, "Is that him?"
"Yep," Spidey nodded, "That's Frollo, alright?"
She then raised an eyebrow at the golden knight, "Who's the guy in the gold suit?"
"If I remember correctly," Peter replied quietly, "That would be Phoebus. At this point, he should be captain of the guard."
"Will he be trouble," She wondered before turning back to watch Esmeralda's performance.
"Well, that depends if his actions mirror the version of him in the film," Peter replied quietly, "He could be an alley but I'll keep an eye on him just in case."
She nodded in agreement as Esmeralda pulled out a handkerchief and wrapped it around Frollo's head playfully, using it to pull him closer. She moves in to kiss him but jumps away at the last moment. Frollo yanks the handkerchief off his head in anger. She then finished her dance. Everyone cheered for her and began to toss coins to her while Sora, the two Avengers, and the man in a blue cloak just a few feet apart from them clapped for her. The gypsy noticed the few familiar faces among the crowd and assumed Spidey was the husband of Wanda and the father of Sora and gave them a wave in response.
Clopin then reappeared as he declared, "And now, ladies and gentlemen, the piece de resistance!" He sang, "Here it is, the moment you've been waiting for~ Here it is, you know exactly what's in store~ Now's the time we laugh until our sides get sore~ Now's the time we crown the King of Fools~" He then gestured to his right, "You all remember last year's king!?"
Last year's king, carried on the shoulders of the crowd, belched loudly. Sora called out, "Excuse you!"
Which earned several laughs from the crowd and a few cooing the adopted child of the Avengers. Clopin then sang, "So make a face that's horrible and frightening~ Make a face as gruesome as a gargoyle's wing~ For the face that's ugliest will be the King of Fools~ Why?!"
"Topsy Turvy!" Everyone sang in response.
Clopin sang, "Ugly folks, forget your shyness!"
"Topsy Turvy!"
Clopin continued, "You could soon be called Your Highness~" That's when the crowd joined in as Clopin and Esmeralda pulled serval contestants onto the stage, "Put your foulest features on display~ Be the king of Topsy Turvy Day~"
The dancing gypsy pulled the man in the pull cloak into the crowd leaving his cloak behind. The dancing girl works her way down the line, ripping off masks and revealing the ugly faces underneath. The crowd booed them as one by one Djali knocked them off the stage into the mud. She then appeared the remaining man on stage causing the goat to back away frightened. She tried to pull his mask off, only to find in shock that it wasn't a mask at all. It didn't take long for everyone to realize this as well. The visitors from another world could hear people talking about him, "That's no mask!"
"It's his face!"
"He's hideous!"
"It's the bell ringer from Notre Dame!"
The two Avengers immediately knew that was Quasimodo, the main protagonist of the book and film. Frollo also recognized the deformed man for obvious reasons. Quasimodo realizing that people are disgusted by him, was devastated. Clopin, trying to keep things festive, jumps in, "Ladies and gentlemen, don't panic. We asked for the ugliest face in Paris, and here he is! Quasimodo, the hunchback of Notre Dame!" Upon hearing Clopin, the crowd once again grew festive, as Clopin crowned Quasimodo as the King of Fools, "Everybody!"
"Once a year~ We throw a party here in town~" Everyone sang as they carried the deformed man.
Clopin declared as he passed the visitors from other worlds, "Hail to the King~"
"Once a year~" The crowd sang as Quasimodo started to cheer up a little, "We turn all Paris upside down~"
"Oh~ What a King~" Clopin sang as they removed the old king from his seat before being replaced by the deformed man.
"Once a year~" The crowd carried him to the center of the festival much to Frollo's anger, "The ugliest will wear the crown~"
"Girls, give a kiss!" Clopin told the women by Quasimodo's side as they did as instructed making the King of Fools blush.
"Once a year on Topsy Turvy Day~" The crowd sang.
"We've never had a king like this~" Clopin sang as he joined in the crowd to sing, "And it's the day we do the things that we deplore~ On the other three hundred and sixty-four~"
"Once a year we love to drop in~ Where the beer is never stoppin'~" They dropped Quasimodo on a different stage as Clopin handed him a scepter as the other placed a royal cape on him, "For the chance to pop some popinjay~ And pick a king who'll put the top~ In Topsy Turvy Day~"
"Topsy Turvy! Mad and crazy, upsy daisy, Topsy Turvy Day~!" They finished their song. Sora and the crowd cheered for the current King of Fools unaware from above three living gargoyles also cheered for their friend. Frollo glared at Quasimodo while the crowd chanted his name.
Wanda looked around worrying someone would start something. Peter turned to her, "You okay?"
"In my experience, when humans see someone born differently like mutants," She started as Sora continued to cheer for Quasimodo, "They don't end up this positive. Not to mention, I don't recall people being so accepting of him in the book."
"Well..." Peter rubbed the back of his mask, "If I'm right, things start turning for the worse from here..."
Before she could ask, she heard a guard behind her mutter to another guard, "You think he's ugly now? Watch this!"
Before either Avengers could react, the guard threw a tomato at Quasi, hitting him square in the face and making the crowd quickly go quiet. The guard laughed, "Now that's ugly!"
Wanda turned to glare at the guard as Sora whispered to her, "Why did he do that?"
Before she could explain to Sora, Another guard exclaimed mockingly as he threw another tomato, "Hail to the king!"
Moments later, Quasimodo was being pelted by other kinds of produce. Shouts and laughter could be heard from all sides. Sora was horrified to see such cruelty to one man just because he was born different. He turned to the two Avengers, "Why is everybody being so mean to that man? He didn't do anything wrong?"
"Your right, Sora," Wanda told the boy, "No one deserves this kind of cruelty. It's what we're trying to prevent back on our world to mutant kind."
Sora tilted his head at that as the deformed man was lassoed and tied down on a rotating platform. He tried breaking from but they were too many of them. He then spun around and was pelted by even more tomatoes as they scorned and laughed at him. Quasimodo turned to Frollo with a pleading look in his eyes, "Master! Master, please! Help me!"
However, it didn't seem like he was going to be helping him anytime soon. Spider-Man looked like he was about to leap into action, Wanda whispered to him although a little loudly, "Peter?! What are you doing?!"
"I'm going to save a certain hunchback," Spider-Man admitted, "Why?"
"I know that," Wanda nodded as she wanted to jump in and help too, "But if people see you use your powers and know it's more than a stunt they think you're a witch too!"
Spider-Man stood back up on his feet as he turned to her, "Wouldn't the technical term be warlock?"
She simply just glared in response, making him raise his hands in defense, "Okay, okay I get it. Not the point. I get the point. Unless Heartless and Xehanort, no powers. Still, we've got to do something."
"Agreed," Wanda nodded as she turned to the poor tormented man, "We just got to do it... the old-fashioned way."
They then made their way through the crowd as Spidey told the people, "Excuse us, pardon us, coming through."
"Excuse me," Wanda added, "Woman with a poor confused little boy here."
Soon, as they went closer to Quasimodo, Peter was close enough to turn to Phoebus, "Yo, Captain, Commander, Sergeant? Whatever? I don't mean to tell you how to do your job but aren't you going to do something to help?"
The Captain of the Guard turned to Spidey, unsure how to react to that the masked gypsy called him other ranks or the fact he had never heard of the term, 'yo,' but he had to admit, the guy in the mask had a point. Phoebus turned to Judge Frollo, "Sir, request permission to stop this cruelty."
"In just a moment, Captain," Frollo replied, "A lesson needs to be learned here."
"Dude, it's a weekend," Spider-Man quipped, "School's out!"
Sora pumped a fist, "Yeah!"
Frollo glared at Spider-Man before the crowd went silent and stepped aside, making their path clear. Wanda blinked in confusion, "Was that you?"
"No, stuff like this never happens with me," Peter admitted, "I thought it was you."
However, they realized they didn't clear a path for the two Avengers and their child. They cleared a path for the gypsy Esmeralda, who walked up to Quasimodo, filled with compassion. Peter whispered to the crowd, "We're with her."
They followed the native woman, as she walked up on the platform where The deformed man turned to her as she pulled out a handkerchief, gently telling him, "Don't be afraid." She then proceeded to wash his face, "I'm sorry. This wasn't supposed to happen."
Frollo wasn't too fond of what was happening as he glared at the four that came to Quasimodo's aid, "All of you, Gypsies! Get down at once!"
Esmeralda turned to him, "Yes, your honor. Just as soon as we free this poor creature."
"I forbid it," Frollo told them.
"Hey, can I borrow this," Spider-Man turned to a guard and swiped his sword from him faster than he could react, "Thanks."
He then handed it to Esmeralda, who nodded to the New Yorker in apperception, before cutting the ropes that held down the poor hunchback. Frollo glared at them, "How dare you defy me!"
"So, you're okay with people, most of which came from your own guards, persecuting one guy who did absolutely nothing wrong," Spidey raised an eyebrow under his mask, "But you're not okay with people helping their fellow man? I know it's supposed to be Topsy Turvey Day, but did someone drop on your head when you were a baby."
Frollo glared at him as Esmeralda spook up where Spidey left off but in a more serious tone, "You mistreat this poor boy the same way you mistreat my people. You speak of justice, yet you are cruel to those most in need of your help."
She told Frollo. He demanded, "Silence!"
"Justice!" She called out.
Frollo glared, "Mark my words, gypsies. You will pay for this insolence."
"Sorry, we're a little short on cash," Spider-Man quipped, "Can I just leave an 'I-owe-you' note?"
Esmeralda turned to Wanda, making the latter whisper to the former, "Yeah, he jokes when he's nervous."
"I wasn't judging you or your husband," She reassured her before turning back to Frollo and speaking up as she took the hunchback's crown, "Then it appears we've crowned the wrong fool. The only fool I see is you!"
She then threw the crown at Frollo as Spidey quipped, "Man, I can feel the burn from here."
Frollo's eyes narrowed in anger before turning to the Captain of the Guard, "Captain Phoebus! Arrest her and her accomplice."
"Sir," Phoebus raised an eyebrow, "You do realize one of them is just a boy."
"Then take him from them," He ordered, "And arrest the others!"
The Captain of the Guard complied with those orders before pointing a finger at the group. The soldiers then slowly approached the group, with swords drawn. Esmeralda whispered to Wanda, "You and your family follow my lead." Wanda nodded as the gypsy woman then proceeded to count the soldiers, " Now, let's see. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten of you, and three of us." She then pretended to start tearing up, pulling out another handkerchief, "What's a poor girl to do?"
She then pulled her handkerchief causing a poof of smoke to appear covering their escape. Frollo's eyes widened in shock, "Witchcraft!"
"Oh, boys~ Over here~!" Esmeralda's voice called out to Frollo and the soldiers. They all turned to see the group at another location.
Spider-Man called out, "What are you all doing over there?! I thought you were trying to arrest us?! You need to have your eyes checked!"
Sora giggled as he waved to them. Frollo snarled, "Get them!"
The soldiers then pursued them as Spider-Man's spider-sense tingled, as he muttered, "Spider-Senses tingling?"
"Like we really need it when the bad guys are right in front of us," Wanda quietly replied.
"Yeah, but the odd thing is, the danger is actually coming from..." Spider-Man turned around before realizing the danger, "Oh... of course, you had to show."
The two women, the goat, and the future Keyblade Wielder all turned around to see Heartless appear behind them. Esmeralda gasped, "What on Earth...?!"
Wanda's eyes narrowed, "Heartless!"
The guards stopped from their attack, noticing the Heartless too, as one proceeded to scream like a little girl, "MONSTERS!"
With that the guards turned tail and made a run for it, Frollo ordered, "Come back and arrest them, you cowards!"
Pheobus drew out his sword in case any of them came near him, Frollo, or the civilians. A Heartless leaped at them, as Wanda blasted it away with her power earning some gasps from the crowd. Esmeralda and her goat looked equally as shocked, "Wanda? How did you...?"
"Um... I can explain..." Wanda froze for a moment before noticing the Heartless were closing in, "But maybe when we're not surrounded by monsters!"
Esmeralda stared at her a moment more before nodding, "Fair enough! What are these things?!"
"Monsters that are after people's hearts," Spidey explained, "But in particular they're after Sora..."
"They're after your kid?!" The gypsy gasped in horror before her eyes narrowed in anger, "Say no more! We'll help you protect him!"
With that, they began fighting off the monsters, Spider-Man quietly added to himself, "Well, since the secret is out..." He then fired a web at a Heartless before throwing it back making them crash into each other as he exclaimed, "YES! IT'S GOOD TO BE BACK!"
While Peter was more than happy to use his web-shooters in combat once again, Frollo snarled, "More witchcraft! Captain Phoebus! Stop standing there and arrest them!"
The Captain of the Guard managed to cut down a Heartless as he turned to the dark judge, "Sir, right now, these demons are the bigger threat and we don't have the manpower to take on both simultaneously!" He then pointed out as Spider-Man saved a few of the civilians from the monsters, "And from the looks of it, they're actually trying to help us!"
Frollo didn't seem to care very much about that, "It's obviously a ruse!" He snarled, "Fine! I'll have every guard in Paris come here for your manpower!"
"If we survive this encounter you mean," Pheobus muttered as he dodged another Heartless strike.
Djali knocked away a group of Heartless before joining Esmeralda. The latter knocked down a cage holding an old man with a long beard before she and Djali hopped on and used it to roll over some of the Heartless until it finally came to stop and broke the lock. Realizing he could get out, the old man stepped out of it as he cheered, "I'm free! I'm free!" Unfortunately, He tripped and fell into the stockade, which closed and locked, trapping him once more as he groaned, "Dang it!"
Wanda ran getting Sora away and clear from the monsters as she blasted away the ones that came after her. Spider-Man fired web-balls at them knocking them away from both her and the child. Deciding the lead them a hand, Esmerelda picked up a fallen soldier's helmet and threw it like a frisbee at the monster taking three of them out before nearly chopping Phoebus' head off. He couldn't help but beam, "What a woman!"
Spider-Man swung by the women, boy, and goat, "Only a few of them left. It won't be long before the soldiers rework their courage."
"Then finish this fight and follow me," The gypsy woman told the group, "I know how to lose them."
They nodded as they followed Esmeralda threw the city streets as the Heartless chased after them. Spider-Man fired a web line before swinging back and taking out the Heartless with a kick as he beamed, "Web-swinging! I'll never take you for granted again!"
He then rejoined them as they charged right at Frollo as Esermelda told Wanda, "Take out the stand!"
Wanda nodded before firing a hex at the stand, making the dark judge take cover as the stand fell apart as they ran around him. He then stood up unharmed to glare at them before they climb onto a different stand before Esmeralda made herself, Djali, and their new friends disappear just as the soldiers returned. Frollo snarled with anger before ordering, "Find them, Captain! I want them alive!"
"Yes, sir. Seal off the area, men. Find the gypsies, and do not harm them!" Captain Phoebus told the other guards.
As they began their search, Frollo approached Quasimodo, who was still shocked at what had happened ever as it began to rain. Frollo glared at the deformed man making him turn back to the cathedral. He apologized to him, "I'm sorry, master. I will never disobey you again."
"So the poor hunchback retreated back in through the doors of Notre Dame~"
Sometime later, as the guards continued their search for the gypsies, three cloaked figures entered the church as well. Only a certain captain seemed to realize who those cloaked figures really were...
"And there followed the visitors who'd never been through the doors of Notre Dame~"
Inside Notre Dame, the three figures removed their cloaks, one was Esmerelda with Djali on her shoulders, another was Spider-Man with Sora on his shoulders, and the remaining one was the Scarlet Witch herself.
"And they stopped and beheld all the beauty~ Like a beggar receiving an alm~ And each window and pillar~ and arch seemed to fill them with light~ The light of Notre Dame~"
After a brief moment staring in awe, Peter quietly told the others, "We should be safe for the moment."
"From Frollo or the Heartless," Wanda turned to him.
"Both," Peter answered honestly as he set the boy down.
Wanda turned to Esmeralda, "Thanks again out there."
"We really have to stop meeting like this," Esmeralda smiled before turning to Spider-Man, "So, I take it you're the lucky guy." She then introduced herself, "I'm Esmeralda."
"I'm Spider-Man," He shook her head, "Friends call me Spidey."
"So, the costume isn't just a gimmick," She realized, "You really can do whatever a spider can."
"Yep," Peter nodded, "But for the record, we're not witches or warlocks."
"I believe you," She nodded, "Good luck trying to tell Frollo that..." She then couldn't help but wonder, "So, if your not witches or warlocks... what exactly are you... because last I checked ordinary people don't do the things you do."
"Well..." Wanda tried to explain, "...it's a bit of a long story."
Spider-Man's eyes widened, "Uh... which may have to wait."
Everyone turned to see that Pheobus, the Captain of the Guard, had also followed them in the church. Esmeralda turned to glare at Phoebus, "You!"
She forced him to the floor, before drawing out the Captain's own sword, and aimed the tip of the blade at his throat. He raised his hands in surrender, "Easy, easy... I just shaved this morning."
Esmerdla replied and she pointed the sword closer, "Oh, really? You missed a spot."
"All right, all right. Just calm down. Just give me a chance to apologize." He tried to tell her.
Esmeralda raised an eyebrow, "For what?"
That moment she let down her guard, Phoebus took the sword back from her hands and turned it on her, "That, for example."
"You sneaky son of a..." Esmeralda glared.
Before Phoebus waved a finger, "Ah, ah, ah! Watch it... you're in a church and theirs a child present."
Wanda had covered Sora's ears at the moment, as she told their new friend, "But seriously if you could watch your language, I would really appreciate it."
She slightly glanced at the mutant woman, "Sorry." She then turned back to Pheobus, as she then picked up a tall branched candlestick, and went into an offensive stance, "Are you always this charming, or am I just lucky?"
She then swung her newly acquired weapon in her hands which he blocked with his sword. As the two clashed, the two Avengers and the child watched from a distance. Wanda turned to Peter, "Um... should we help her?"
"Nah," Peter smiled under his mask as he crossed his arms, remembering how it went down in the film, "She's got this."
Between blocking Esmeralda's strikes, Pheobus couldn't help but comment, "Candlelight...privacy... music. Can't think of a better place for hand-to-hand combat! You fight almost as well as a man!"
"Funny. I was going to say the same thing about you." She glared as her 'weapon' clashed against his.
Pheobus seemed a little hurt by that statement, "That's hitting a little below the belt, don't you think?"
"No. This is!" Esmeralda declared.
She swung one end of the staff at Phoebus' crotch but he managed to block it in time, only to be hit by the other end of the candelabra, briefly stunning him as he blinked, "Touché!"
Suddenly, Djali head-butts him in the chest. He winced in pain, "I didn't know you had a kid."
The two glared at him remaining on guard before Esmeralda replied, "Well, he doesn't take kindly to soldiers."
"Eh, I noticed," The captain chucked briefly before introducing himself, "Permit me. I'm Phoebus. It means 'sun god.'" Everyone just gave him odd looks, before he asked, "And you are?"
"Is this an interrogation?" Esmeralda asked as she put the candelabra down.
Pheobus answered, "It's called an introduction."
Both Esmeralda and Wanda blinked in shock as the latter asked, "Wait, you're not here to arrest us?"
"Not as long as you're in here. I can't," Pheobus admitted, "Besides, the citizens are all okay because all of you stopped those monsters from harming anyone. Hopefully, everyone else will realize that too."
The gypsy woman stared at him a minute longer before stating, "You're not at all like the other soldiers."
"Thank you." He smiled. Esmeralda asked, "So, if you're not going to arrest us, what do you want?"
He answered, "I'd settle for your names."
She then introduced herself, "Esmeralda."
Wanda followed suit, "Wanda..." She then gestured to the boy, "This is Sora."
Spider-Man nodded, "Spider-Man." Pheobus raised an eyebrow at that, as Spidey added, "Don't forget the hyphen in between Spider and Man."
He turned to Wanda as she admitted, "It's a long story..."
"Well, I gotta say Esmeralda is much better than Phoebus, anyway," Pheobus commented towards the gypsy girl, "It's very beautiful."
As they gazed into each other's eyes, Sora looked back and forth between the two, before turning to Wanda, "Um... what is happening right now?"
"I'm..." Wanda blinked in shock, "I'm not entirely sure myself."
Spider-Man slightly smirking under his mask, "I do."
While it had been quite some time since he saw Hunchback of Notre Dame, he did remember that Phoebus and Esmeralda ended up together.
As the two approached closer to each other, the door to the church swung open as Frollo and the soldiers entered Notre Dame. Frollo called out to the Captain of the Guard, "Good work, Captain! Now, arrest them!"
Phoebus turned to Frollo before back to Esmeralda, the Avengers, and the child as he told them quietly, "Claim Sanctuary."
Esmeralda simply glared at him while Wanda held Sora in a defensive position and Spider-Man prepared for a fight in cause Frollo tried to come after anyway because they could do 'witchcraft.' Phoebus whispered to them again, "Say it."
"You tricked us." Esmeralda accused him.
Frollo was beginning to lose his patience, "I'm waiting, Captain."
Not wanting to risk a fight over Sora in a church, Wanda declared, "We claim Sanctuary."
"I'm sorry, sir. They claimed sanctuary. There's nothing I can do." Much to his relief, Phoebus turned to Frollo with an apologetic look.
Frollo's eyes narrowed, "Then drag them outside at..."
All of a sudden, the archdeacon of the church approached Frollo with a glare, "Frollo! You will not touch them!" He then rubbed the head of the boy making him giggle as he reassured the group, "Don't worry. Minister Frollo learned years ago to respect the sanctity of the church."
The judge snarled with anger as Wanda noticed darkness oozing off of him. However, he appeared to do as he was told and turned to leave with Phoebus and the soldiers. However as the archdeacon escorted them out, Frollo quickly hide behind a pillar until he believed he was alone with the 'Gypsies.' He was about to grab Esmeralda from behind, when Spider-Man stood in his way, "Weren't you leaving?"
Frollo's eyes widened in shock, "How did you...?!"
"My Spider-Senses were tingling," Spider-Man answered before mentally adding, "That and I remember this part of the film quite well. And I really don't want to explain to Sora your creepy obsession with Esmeralda... and hope you don't have the same lust for Wanda. But you don't need to know that."
Frollo growled in anger, before keeping his temper at bay for now, "You think you and your friends have outwitted me, but I am a patient man, and gypsies don't do well inside stone walls."
"Hmm...I suppose I would be threatened," Spider-Man crossed his arms as he smirked under his mask, "If the guy threatening me wasn't wearing a dress."
"Wha...?!" Frollo was taken back by Spider-Man's insult, while the woman held back their laughter, "I'm not wearing a..."
Funny enough Sora turned to Wanda, "Miss Wanda? Why is that old meanie wearing a dress?"
With the comment coming from Sora both women burst out laughing. Frollo growled in anger, "So, help me I see a rope around your necks yet!"
"Right," Spider-Man's eyes narrowed his mask as he whispered, "You and I both know you're having other thoughts of what you're doing to those young women..."
Frollo blinked in shock, as if surprised if Spider-Man knew what he was thinking, before shaking his head, "Such a clever warlock. So typical of your kind, to twist the truth to cloud the mind with unholy thoughts."
Spider-Man shook his head, "Certainly no witch or warlock can twist whatever thoughts in your head... you did that yourself."
Frollo growled again, "How dare you...!" He then shook his head, "Well, no matter. You've chosen a magnificent prison, but it is a prison nonetheless. Set one foot outside, and you're all mine!"
With that, Frollo left the church slamming the doors shut. That's when Sora asked, "But seriously, why was he wearing a dress?"
Wanda snickered again as Esmeralda rushed to another door and opened it only to hear the guards say, "Frollo's orders! Post a guard at every door."
She slammed the door back shut, Wanda turned to her concern, before turning to Sora, "Hey, Sora. Why don't you pray for God's help in finding your friends and for a safe journey home."
Sora nodded, "Oh, okay!"
She set him down as Sora ran towards the pews as Wanda approached her with Spider-Man and Djali by her side. The mutant woman asked her, "You okay?"
"I'll be fine," She answered turning to them, "If Frollo thinks he can keep us here, he's wrong."
"Don't act rashly, child. You and your friends created quite a stir at the festival. It would be unwise to arouse Frollo's anger further." The Archdeacon warned them as he lit the candles in the church, "Even after you stopped those creatures of the dark."
"You saw what he did out there, letting the crowd torture that poor boy. I thought if just one person could stand up to him, then..." Esmeralda started before sighing, "What do they have against people who are different, anyway?"
"Mankind has always feared what it doesn't understand," Wanda admitted, "Many mutants have been persecuted just as that young man."
Esmeralda turned to Wanda in confusion, "Mutants?"
"People born with an extra gene, an X-Gene if you will," Peter started to explain, getting the gypsy's attention, "While usually not active until their teenage years, those how have it gain powers and sometimes psychical changes to their body. Some say it's the next step in human evolution, others an act of God, but one things for sure, they live among us."
Esmeralda blinked before turning back to Wanda, "And you're all mutants."
"I am," Wanda admitted, "Spidey is a special case... as he's technically human. Not mutants."
The native woman nodded in understanding, before turning Spider-Man, "Then how'd you get your abilities."
"I got bit by a spider," Peter admitted.
Esmeralda smiled in amusement, "Figures..." She then turned to the little boy who was currently kneeling by the alter while he said a prayer, "What about your son? You said those demons were after him. Is he special like the two of you?"
"In many ways, yes..." Wanda admitted before telling her, "Although, he's not technically our son."
Esmeralda blink in confusion as the two Avengers gave her a quick rundown of what happened as of late without letting her know of the other worlds. They did say the land Sora was born from was destroyed by the Heartless lead by a man called Xehanort. They also mentioned they learned that Sora's power would destroy the monsters and very likely one day defeat Xehanort himself, and the Seeker of Darkness was insuring that he'd make sure Sora would never grow into the man that would defeat him, killing his family and people just to get to him. Esmeralda gasped in horror, "Oh, God..."
"Yeah," Wanda nodded in agreement.
"Just..." Esmeralda turned to the boy with sympathy, "What kind of evil monster would even do such a thing?"
"That's why we're trying to get him back to our home," Spider-Man explained, "We have friends back there who can help us protect him and train him to use use his powers to help people. Humans and mutants."
"Which I doubt Frollo will let us if he has anything to say about it," Wanda crossed her arms in anger.
Esmeralda thought for a moment, "I might be able to help, if we can get you to our safe haven in the city, the Court of Miracles... we might be able to sneak out of the city before Frollo realized what's happened."
"You can't right all the wrongs in this world by yourself," The archdeacon told them, "Powers or not."
Esmerelda sighed, "No one else out there's going to help, that's for sure."
"Perhaps there's someone in here who can." He gracefully motioned towards the inside of the church before leaving, "The boy certainly knew who to turn to."
Esmeralda walked deeper into Notre Dame, staring at a statue of Mary holding baby Jesus before singing, "I don't know if You can hear me~ or if You re even there~"
I don't know if You would listen~ To a gypsy's prayer~" The Gypsy continued, "Yes, I know I'm just an outcast~ I shouldn't speak to You~ Still I see Your face and wonder~ Were You once an outcast too~?"
Wanda walked up to Esmeralda, joining with her in prayer, "God help the outcasts~ Hungry from birth~ Show them the mercy~ They don't find on Earth~"
"God help our people~" Esmeralda sang, "We look to you still~"
Both women sang together, "God help the outcasts~ Or nobody will~"
"I don't know if there's a reason~ why some are blessed, some not~" Esmeralda sang, "Why the few you seem to favor~"
Wanda also prayed, "They fear us~ hate us~ try not to see us~"
Unaware to them, a certain Hunchback was overhearing them as they sang, "God help the outcasts~ The tattered, the torn~ Seeking an answer to why we were born~ Winds of misfortune have blown them about~ You made the outcasts~ don't cast them out~"
"The humans and mutants~" Wanda prayered as Esmeralda joined in, "The weak and the odd~" The young women sang, "We thought we all were~ the Children of God~"
Meanwhile, a parishioner has spotted Quasimodo listening in, "You! Bell ringer! What are you doing down here!?"
Startled, he jumped and knocked over a candlestaff. The man continued to shout, "Haven't you caused enough trouble already?!"
He then quickly dashed back for the bell tower, as the gypsy, Avengers noticed the hunchback. Esmeralda went after him as she told the others, "C'mon! We need to see if he's okay!"
They nodded and followed her but Wanda stopped to see Sora finish up his pray, "...please help my friends have new families on the superhero world too! Amen!"
With his prayer finished Wanda picked the boy up and followed the others to the bell tower. Esmeralda called out to him, "Wait! We want to talk to you!"
Eventually, they caught up to him as if he just had stopped to have conversation with someone else. Esmeralda sighed in relief, "Here you are. I was afraid we'd lost you."
"Yes. Um, well, I uh, I have chores to do. It was, uh, nice...seeing...you...again. Ohh..." Quasimodo told them nervously before climbing up a ladder.
"No, wait," The gypsy woman called out to him as they followed him except for Djali, who took a look at the gargoyles before one briefly came to life making kissing faces at the goat, "I'm really sorry about this afternoon. I had no idea who you were. I would never in my life had... pulled... you... up on the... stage."
As they reached Quasi's room, they couldn't help but admire the model of the city of Paris. Sora was the first the approach it, "Wow!"
Esmeralda in awe couldn't help but wonder, "What is this place?"
Quasimodo answered, "This is where I live."
"Did you make all these things yourself?" Esmerelda asked.
He nodded, "Most of them."
She fingers the mobile, "This is beautiful. If I could do this, you wouldn't find me dancing in the streets for coins."
"But you're a wonderful dancer." Quasimodo complemented.
She replied as Sora started playing with some of the toy replicas of the model, "Well, it keeps bread on the table, anyway." She then noticed something covered on the model, "What's this?"
"Oh, no, please oh, I'm not finished... I still have to paint them..." Quasimodo said as she removed the cover.
Esmerelda immediately recognized them, "The blacksmith, and the baker. You're a surprising person, Quasimodo."
"Not to mention lucky," Peter gestured to the bell tower, "This certainly beats my lame apartment back home."
Quasimodo replied, "Well, it's not just me... there's the gargoyles, and of course the bells. Would you like to see them?"
"Yes, of course. Wouldn't we, Djali?" Djali, who has been munching on an unpainted figure, slurps it into his mouth.
"Follow me. I'll introduce you." Quasimodo gestured deeper into the bell tower.
Up in the bell tower, Esmeralda went ahead, "Never knew there were so many."
Quasimodo swung around on the ropes as he introduced the bells, "That's Little Sophia, and...Jean Marie, Ann Marie, and Louise Marie. Triplets, you know."
"And who's this?" Esmerelda asked as she gestured to bell next to her.
He landed next to her, "Big Marie."
"Hello-o-o!" She said inside the bell as she heard the echo.
"She likes you." Quasimodo smiled before asking, "Would you like to see more?"
"How 'bout it, Djali?" She asked the goat. Djali, under Big Marie, belches loudly, which in turn echoes and resonates richly earning a giggle from Sora from below. Esmerelda answered with a smile, "We'd love to."
"Good. I've saved the best for last!" He replied excitedly.
Peter and Wanda climbed up just behind Quasimodo and Esmeralda. The Scarlet Witch couldn't help but notice, "He seems a bit excited."
"Can you blame him?" Peter couldn't help but comment, "She's probably the first single woman that he's able to connect to that doesn't mind how he looks."
"True," Wanda admitted, "Seriously, good for him."
The gargoyles behind them came to life, "Indisputably."
"He's tough." Added the shorter one.
The female gargoyle stated, "We may be hard as stone, but Quasi's stronger."
Wanda not realizing who spoke up, turned to them, "Oh, guess we're not the only ones..." Finally taking a glance at who was speaking she back up in shock, "WOAH?! Talking gargoyles?!"
The female gargoyle crossed her arms as a bunch of birds flew onto her back, "Excuses us for havin' personality!"
Wanda still shocked at the fact that the gargoyles were actually alive. Spider-Man webbed down to her, as he whispered to her, "Yeah, I may have forgotten to mention in some of these movies, there's living inanimate objects which in this case are the gargoyles."
"Now he tells me..." Wanda thought to herself, "Then again, we did see talking animals for the past few worlds... and Tigger..."
She took a deep breath, as she turned back to the gargoyles, "I'm sorry... it's just... I've never seen... talk to... well..."
The tall male gargoyle reassured her, "Water under the bridge. In fairness, other than Quasimodo, we haven't really talked to anyone really."
The shorter then smirked at the female, who was covered in birds, "And of course, all the birds that come to visit."
The female frowned before scaring them off, "HAVE NONE OF YOU HEARD OF PERSONAL SPACE?!" She quickly calmed down before turning back to the two Avengers, "Now then, we saw what you did out there, and overheard your own crisis with the boy and those monsters that are after him. We figured we'd lend you hand in all of this."
"We'll take it," Spider-Man happily accepted before asking, "Say, by any chance do you know a gargoyle named Bruce."
Wanda gave him an odd look, before Peter quickly explained, "Yeah, there's a gargoyle I named Bruce back home, never talks back, but he never calls me a threat or menace."
Wanda began to sympathize for him, the Bugle must have painted such a bad reputation of him, and with his own secret identity, he doesn't have anyone to talk to about his personal life. She offered a gentle hand, "You know, you could always talk to me about... you know life in general..." She blushed slightly, "Or any of the Avengers in general... but I'm willing to listen."
"...Thanks, Wanda," Peter replied after a moment.
Even though he was wearing his mask, she could tell she was smiling. The female gargoyle answered to Peter's previous question, "Never heard of a Bruce but I'm Laverne." She then gestured to the other living gargoyles, "These two knuckleheads are Hugo, and Victor."
The two gargoyles nodded as Laverne mentioned their names. Sora climbed up the ladder after them, overhearing their conversation, and never missed an opportunity to make new friends, "And I'm Sora."
Wanda rushed over to help Sora up as Hugo smiled, "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, young man. It's not often we get visitors."
"Yeah," Victor smirked, "Especially, ones who don't freak out when you talk when you're made of stone."
"Where's Quasi and Esmeralda?" Sora looked around the bell tower.
"C'mon!" Hugo gestured over, "We'll show you."
"If we're in lucky," Laverne told the boy, "We might even see Quasi finally have the special someone he so badly needed."
As Wanda set him down, Sora walked off with the gargoyles to see what they were talking about. Spidey offered, "Hey, how about we see the same thing from a spider's point of view?"
Wanda smiled in response as Spider-Man carried her bridal style before leaping up high but from a distance from Esmeralda and Quasimodo. The two natives of this world proceed outside to a beautiful view of Paris. Esmerelda stared in amazement, "I bet the king himself doesn't have a view like this! I could stay up here forever."
Quasi offered, "You could, you know."
"No, I couldn't." She frowned.
The hunchback pointed out, "Oh, yes, you have sanctuary!"
"But not freedom," She admitted, she hated to agree with Frollo, but he was right on one thing, "Gypsies don't do well inside stone walls."
"But you're not like other gypsies," He told her, "They're...evil."
Esmeralda tilted her head that, "Who told you that?"
Quasimodo answered, "My master, Frollo. He raised me."
She blinked in shocked, "How could such a cruel man have raised someone like you?"
"Cruel?! Oh, no," Quasimodo shook his head in denial, "He saved my life. He took me in when no one else would. I am a monster, you know."
Esmeralda presumed, "He told you that?"
"Look at me." He gestured to himself.
Esmerelda realized Frollo never once show him true kindness so she decided to do something about that, "Give me your hand."
She took his hand and looked at his palm, making Quasimodo looked confused, "What for?"
"Just let me see." She told him as she began tracing his palm lines with her finger, "Hmm, a long life line... oh, and this one means you're shy. Hmm. Hmm, hmm, hmm... well, that's funny..."
The hunchback blinked in confusion, "What?!"
Esmerelda replied, "I don't see any."
He asked again, "Any what?"
"Monster lines," The gypsy answered, "Not a single one."
He smiled at that before she proceeded to ask him, "Now you look at me. Do you think I'm evil?"
He quickly shook his head, "No, no, no! You are kind, and good, and..."
"...and a gypsy. And maybe Frollo's wrong about the both of us." She told him.
Meanwhile, with Sora and the gargoyles, they we're trying to overhear what they were say. Sora suddenly let out a slight gasp, "I knew it!"
"What?" Hugo asked the boy, "What did she say?"
"Frollo's noise is long and he wears a dress!" Sora answered, completely miss hearing what she actually said.
Laverne also miss hearing, confirmed with a nod, "The boy's right. I heard everything."
Hugo beamed as he turned to Victor, "Hah! Told ya! Pay up!"
Victor reluctantly handed him a gold coin before they turned back to overhear the conversion.
Peter and Wanda couldn't help but smile at the moment, even if they knew they weren't likely to end up together, at least it gave the hunchback some hope. In response, Quasimodo made a decision, "You helped me. Now I will help you."
"But there's no way out. There's soldiers at every door." Esmerelda pointed out.
"Then we won't use a door," Quasimodo reassured her.
It didn't take long for Esmeralda to realize what the hunchback was suggesting, "You mean...climb down?"
"Sure. You carry him..." Quasimodo nodded as he gestured to Djali before back to her, "I carry you."
After a moment, she nodded, "Okay. Come on Djali."
The goat hopped in her arms before Quasimodo took them and climbed down. As they watched him climb down, Peter turned to Wanda, "Should we escape too? We do need to find the crack in reality."
"Yes, but it's late and Sora needs food and sleep, he can sneak out tomorrow morning," Wanda answered, "Besides I think Quasimodo could use some friends who aren't made out of stone."
Peter nodded in agreement, as he began to climb them back down. At the same time, Sora turned to the three gargoyles, "So, how come you and Quasimato-moro-Um..."
"Don't give yourself a stroke, kid," Hugo told the kid, "Just call him Quasi."
"Okay," Sora nodded before going back to ask, "So, how come you and Quasi are so close?"
"We've been friends for years." Laverne answered.
Victor added, "More than a decade of camaraderie."
"Breakfast, lunch, and dinner!" Hugo raised a hand.
Sora tilted his head, "He never leaves?"
"Oh, he's not allowed to leave. Judge Frollo forbids it." Laverne explained.
Sora wondered, "Why?"
"Care to pull up a stool?" Victor asked the boy.
Hugo simply explained, "The short version is, Frollo thinks he's doing Quasi a favor by keeping folks from seeing that mug of his."
"After a lifetime of watching from the nosebleed seats, Quasi just wanted to go to the Feast of Fools," Larvene explained before smiling, "And we're so proud of him for finally working up the courage to do it."
"'Tis a shame everyone there dashed his hopes," Victor sighed, "The monsters certainly didn't help things either."
Hugo turned to him in response, "You should talk. When did you last look in a mirror?"
"Well, you broke it!" He accused causing the two to glare at each other.
Hugo raised his fists, "Oh, a wise guy, eh?"
"Knock it off! Ya couple of blockheads!" Laverne told them getting in between them. She then frowned, "I just hope this one failure doesn't cause Quasi to give up. He was so close."
Sora crossed his arms as he whispered to himself, "He can't let his heart be a prison."
Just then, Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch joined up with Sora and the three gargoyles. Wanda knelt down to Sora, "Hey, it's getting late, let's get you some supper and then bedtime."
She picked the child before Victor told her, "You are most welcome to join us. We'll see what he can do about getting some food for you."
"Thank you," Wanda smiled softly.
The three gargoyles led the young couple and child around the corner when they suddenly stopped as Victor muttered, "Uh-oh!"
Quickly turning themselves back to lifeless stone, the Avengers saw Phoebus approach them, "Hello again. Spidey, Wanda, Sora."
"Phoebus? What are you doing up here?" Wanda asked before wondering, "Is Frollo with you?"
"No, he's back in the Palace of Justice," He reassured them, "I'm sorry about earlier. I had no intention of what happened happen but it was the only thing I could think of..."
"...to protect us without losing your job," Spider-Man nodded understandingly, "I get it, you were in a bad position and you helped us the only way you could."
"Thanks for understanding," The Captain of the Guard sighed in relief before hoping, "I just hope Esmeralda understands that." He then asked, "Listen, about those monsters... do you know what they are?"
Both Avengers turned to each other, mentally wondering if they should tell him about the Heartless and Xehanort, before nodding in agreement considering how big of a threat they were. Wanda answered, "They're called Heartless... from what we've learned they're after the darkness in people's hearts... and they're being controlled by a man named Xehanort."
Phoebus's eyes narrowed, "Xehanort?"
"He's been after Sora for quite some time, he's murdered Sora's family and village just to get him," Spidey whispered to Phoebus, not to upset the boy any further than he was.
"This kid here?" Phoebus turned to the Spiky hair boy, "But... but he's just a boy."
"It's true though," Spider-Man added, "Xehanort's a monster. We're trying to get him back home but he's been on our tail since the whole thing started."
"If what you say is true, and there is a killer in Paris," The Captain of the Guard replied, "Then I have him brought in for questioning. What does he look like?"
Wanda answered, "He looked like he was in his late teens or early twenties. Silver hair, yellow eyes, and he wears a black coat."
"Alright, I'll keep my eyes out for him," Phoebus nodded, "In the meantime, I was hoping I could apologize to Esmeralda too. Where is she?"
Not wanting to get her in trouble, Spidey answered, "She's with Quasimodo. If you want to speak to her, you might want to take it up with him."
"Fair enough," He nodded, "Where can I find him?"
Just then they heard Quasimodo climbing back up. Phoebus turned to him as he reached them, "Hi there. I'm looking for the gypsy girl. Have you seen her?"
Quasimodo immediately got very angry at the sight of a guard. He took a swing at him. Phoebus walked backwards avoiding his punches, "Whoa, whoa! Easy!"
"No soldiers! Sanctuary! Get out!" Quasi told him.
The captain tried to explain, "Wait! All I wanted was to…"
"Go!" He told him as he continued his attack.
He tried to reassure him, "I mean her no harm!"
"Go!" Quasi grabbed a torch and begins swinging it at Phoebus. Phoebus backed off, but Quasi continued to swing. Backed down the stairs, Phoebus finally drew his sword and blocked the torch against the wall. Quasimodo has grabbed Phoebus by the chest. He asked him, "You tell her from me, I didn't mean to trap her here, but it was the only way to save her life along with her friends. Will you tell her that? Will you?"
After a moment of thought, he answered, "If you go. Now!"
"I'll go," He reassured him before clearing his throat, "Now, will you put me down, please?"
Quasi had been holding Phoebus several feet off the ground. The hunchback finally set the Captain down. Phoebus turned to leave, but not before turning back to add, 'Oh, And one more thing. Tell Esmeralda she's very lucky."
"Why?" He asked.
Phoebus answered as he left, "To have a friend like you."
Quasi was puzzled by this but returned to his room and the others. With Phoebus gone, the gargoyles sprung to life, and cheered for their friend. Hugo cheered, "Hey, hey! There he is!"
Victor added, "You ejected that tin-plated baboon with great panache!"
"The nerve of him! Snooping around here trying to steal your girl." Hugo added.
That comment made the hunchback stop turning to the Gargoyles with a small blush, "My girl?"
"Esmeralda... Dark hair... works with a goat... Remember?" Laverne asked.
Hugo smirked, "Boy, I do! Way to go, loverboy!"
"Loverboy!? Oh, no, no..." He blushed harder.
Laverne told him, "Oh, don't be so modest."
"Look. I appreciate what you're all trying to do, but let's not fool ourselves," Quasimodo told the Gargoyles before reminding them, "Ugliest face in all Paris, remember? I don't think I'm her type."
He turned away, as Wanda spotted a Moogle, before back at Peter, "Peter? Why don't you get Sora a little something for dinner? I'm going to have a word with Quasimodo."
Also noticing the Moogle, Spidey replied, "Yeah, maybe since where in a city where they're likely have their own garbage system, maybe I can get us something a little special."
She nodded setting the child down, as the web-head went to get something from the Moogle. Wanda approached the Hunchback, "Quasimodo?"
The bell ringer turned back to the Scarlet Witch, "Oh, Wanda, was it?"
"Yes," She nodded as she sat down beside him, "Do you really think of yourself unworthy of love?"
Quasimodo gestured to himself, "Have you seen at me?"
She sighed, shaking her head, "You know, you remind me of an old friend. And a bit of myself actually
The hunchback blinked in confusion, "What do you mean?"
She looked out to the city of Paris, as she admitted, "I had my own Judge Frollo..."
"Really?" Quasimodo blinked in shock, "Who?"
"My father..." She answered shocking the bell ringer, "I was not raised by him growing up but when he did find me, he brought me to Genosha. My own sanctuary. As well as countless other mutants. It was supposed to be a save haven from the humans who persecuted us. He told me that humans were cruel and hated us. Then I met Kurt, who had been persecuted his whole because how he looked..."
"Wait, was he deformed too," The hunchback asked slightly shock.
"Not in same way as you," The Scarlet Witch answered, "He's blue, covered in fur, only three fingers and toes, and he has a tail."
"Wait," Quasimodo blinked in shocked, "He looks like a..."
"Yes, and many people treated him that way," Wanda confirmed, "But despite how he looks, he is a very holy man. Very strong in the Catholic faith. In fact, he's currently on his way of becoming a priest."
"That's wonderful," The hunchback smiled.
"Maybe in a another lifetime we could have been..." She thought fondly with her time with the X-Man.
Realizing what she was insulating, Quasimodo's eyes widened in shock, "Wait... you mean... he were your..."
"Yes, but God called him for a different path," She answered, "And ultimately He knows best. But if Kurt and I had a chance, don't you think you have a chance at love. It may take a few tries to find the right one though..."
Quasimodo was no longer listening, instead he sang softly to himself, "So many times out there~ I've watched a happy pair~ Of lovers walking in the night~" Hugo signed as he leaned on Larvene who punched him in returned. Quasimodo sang as he looked at the couples below him, "They had a kind of glow around them~ It almost looked like heaven's light~"
"I knew I'd never know~ That warm and loving glow~ Though I might wish with all my might~" The hunchback continued as Wanda smiled before turning back to her child as he watched Peter order them some pizza, "No face as hideous as my face~ Was ever meant for heaven's light~"
The Larvene handed him some wood to work on, "But suddenly an angel has smiled at me~ And kissed my cheek without a trace of fright~"
While Peter was paying for the food, Sora and the gargoyles working on their own art work of Esmeralda for the bell ringer, "I dare to dream that she might even care for me~"
As they showed off their drawings of her, Quasimodo finished his model of her. However, Sora didn't just draw Esmeralda, he also drew pictures of Riku, Kairi, Spider-Man, Scarlet Witch, and all the new friends they've met on their journey. Wanda smiled giving him a head rub but when Hugo presented his drawing, it was a drawing of a goat, getting odd looks from everyone else.
"And as I ring these bells tonight~" Quasimodo smiled as he made his way towards the bells, as Peter presented the pizza for everyone, "My cold dark tower seems so bright~ I swear~ It must be Heaven's light~"
With that, Quasimodo rang the evening bells of Notre Dame, for the one time in his life, he was truly happy...
Meanwhile, at the Palace of Justice, Frollo watch from the outdoors of his room as the Archdeacon and others following him while sing in Latin, "Confiteor deo omnipotenti~ Beatae Mariae semper virgini~ Beato Michaeli archangel~ Sanctis apostolis omnibus sanctis~"
Despite the Spider's interference, he couldn't shake his mind of the two gypsy women who defied him. So, he look up to the Heavens above and sang, "Beata Maria~ You know I am a righteous man~ Of my virtue I am justly proud~"
"Et tibit Pater~"
"Beata Maria~ You know I'm so much purer than~ The common, vulgar, weak, licentious crowd~" The Judge continued as he turned to the fireplace.
"Quia peccavi nimis~"
"Then tell me, Maria~ Why I see them dancing there~?" He asked seeing images of Esmeralda and Wanda in the fire, "Why their smold'ring eyes still scorch my soul~"
"Cogitatione~"
"I feel them, I see them, the sun caught in their waving hair~ Is blazing in me out of all control~" He sang as failing to see the darkness sprouted from him.
"Like fire~ Hellfire~ This fire in my skin~ " He sang as he pulled out Esmeredla's handkerchief, "This burning desire~ Is turning me to sin~"
Just then, he was surrounded by hooded men. He sang, "It's not my fault!"
"Mea culpa~"
"I'm not to blame!" He refused to believe.
"Mea culpa~"
"It is the gypsy girls, the witches, who sent this flame!" He tried to shift the blame.
"Mea maxima culpa~"
"It's not my fault!" He denied once more.
"Mea culpa~"
He then wondered, "If in God's plan~"
"Mea culpa~"
"...He made the Devil so much stronger than a man~" He sang as darkness surrounded him.
"Mea maxima culpa~"
"Protect me, Maria~ Don't let these sirens cast their spell~ Don't let their fire sear my flesh and bone~" He sang as he held up the handkerchief, "Destroy gypsy women, and let them taste the fires of hell… Or else let them be mine and mine alone~"
He then tried to hug smoke figures that looked like Wanda and Esmerelda before they vanished. Just then a corridor of darkness opened up as Xehanort stepped out of the dark portal, "Judge Claud Frollo, I presume."
Frollo turned to the dark Keyblade Wielder in shock, "Who are you? How did you get in her?"
"Relax," Xehanort raised a hand to calm Frollo, "I came into your city legally." He then pulled out the proper forms, "See?"
Frollo did a quick scan through them, they appeared to check out, "That still doesn't explain why you're in my chambers?"
"Apologies, but it couldn't wait," Xehanort acted apologetically but his smirk remained, "You see, I been tracking down two vigilantes who have come to your city illegally. Spider-Man and his Scarlet Witch, with a child that is not their own. I was told that you knew where they were."
Frollo thought that was all the proof, he need that this Wanda was a witch, but he frowned, "It's true. However, I cannot touch them, not under the protection of Sanctuary but when they do..."
"When they do, do with the criminals as you may," Xehanort answered, "I ask only for the child so I can... bring to where he belongs." He then eyes widened, "Oh, and that reminds me, the gypsy that helped them, Esmeralda, managed to escape."
Frollo's eyes widened in shock, "What?"
"She's no longer in the cathedral," He told Judge Frollo, "She is gone."
"But how?! I...?!" The older man tried to make sense of it all, he had placed guards around all the exits. There was no way she could have escaped.
"Allow me to aid you in her capture," Xehanort bowed in false respect, "And gift you with the power of... righteous judgment."
With a wave of his hand, a crack in reality appear from Xehanort and into Frollo as now, he was in control of the Heartless. The judge stared at his new dark power before clutching his fists as he vowed, "I will find her... I will find her if I have to burn down all of Paris!"
"Hellfire~ Dark fire~ Now gypsies, it's your turn~" Forllo sang, "Choose me or your pyre~ Be mine or you will burn~"
Xehanort smirked as Frollo threw the handkerchief into the fire.
"Kyrie Eleison~"
"God, have mercy on them~" Frollo sang backing up to a wall.
"Kyrie Eleison~"
"God, have mercy on me~" He prayed as he leaned up against the wall.
"Kyrie Eleison~"
"But they will be mine~ Or THEY~ WILL~ BURN~" Frollo finished as a choir sang in the background before the flames died out as Frollo slammed his fists on the floor...
Notes:
And that will conclude today's chapter! Now, I'd like to state for the record that I do not approve of harems or dating more than one girl at the same time. It's very much against my religion. I just thought it would be even creepier if Frollo was after another woman as well as Esmeralda. Shows how much of a creep he really is and why he needs to be stopped. It does make a good story plot for our heroes to overcome. Don't expect me to do this for any heroes that I write please as it would be out of character for them. I did with Frollo as it is still in his character to be consumed by lust and hatred and still think himself righteous.
Thankfully Spidey stopped him from sniffing Esmeralda's hair. Good luck trying to explain that to a child.
Oh, and here's a fun fact, I even included a nod to it in this chapter. Did you know the crown of thrones Jesus wore during his crucifixion was kept at Notre Dame? I didn't. I only learned about it after the fire. It even survived after all of that, and I thought as unfortunate as what happened at the cathedral, I thought it was really cool. Plus only three were injured, I'd say that was nothing short of a miracle there.
You learn something new every day!
Sorry, getting back on topic here, this will conclude the first half of the Hunchback world. I start the second half of this asap and hopefully, it won't be as long as a wait. Although, before I get to the preview, I want to bring a little topic. Now then, as you know, I've do some polls that sometimes affect what I do with my fanfics. As of recently, to keep you guys occupied while I work on future updates for any of my stories, I included some fun little discussion polls. The current one on my profile page is if you were to write your own version of a story about a hero saving a young Sora from the wrath of a villain's plot before he gets a chance to use the Keyblade, which hero or heroes would you use? Now, it would affect any stories or upcoming stories at the point, I'm just curious and thought be a fun topic to discuss. You can even add your reasoning during your review of this chapter. Heck, maybe your option isn't up there and you could say who and why. If it all goes well, maybe we can continue further in this discussion with different polls, so be sure to vote, and who knows what will happen.
Now to the preview, the hunt for Esmeralda is on, Judge Frollo and the Heartless burn through the city of Paris looking for the gypsy woman and bring our heroes out of the protection of Notre Dame. When Pheobus turns on Frollo, he gets injured and is only saved by Esmeralda... and Peter Parker. After returning to the church, and aiding in Esmeralda's escape once again, our heroes learn Frollo knows where the Court of Miracles is and plans to attack them with a thousand men and monsters. Can our heroes warn before it's too late? Will Wanda and Esmeralda burn in Frollo's blind fury? Will Sora have to convince Quasimodo to help him save the day? And what have our heroes on the Marvelous World been up to? And what of the Master of Masters? Stay tuned and find out!
I hope you enjoyed the chapter, be sure to leave a review! Also, if you haven't already, leave a fav and follow this fanfic and I'll see you again real soon! God bless!
Chapter 11: Chapter 10: The Monster vs The Man
Summary:
The Avengers didn't set the world on fire, but Frollo's obsession with the two young women made him believe otherwise. Now with the Heartless under his control, the corrupted judge is condemning everyone he believes is helping the gypsies. Especially Esmeralda! Now, Spider-Man must move throughout the city as Peter Parker to help all he can. Bringing a wounded Pheobus, who defied Frollo's orders, learns that Frollo has found the Court of Miracles. Forcing Sora to stay behind in the cathedral, the only place the Heartless dare not enter, the two Avengers, Quasimodo, and the former Captian of the Guard must warn the gypsies before it's too late... however, Peter feelings like he's forgetting a certain plot point in the original movie...
Notes:
I don't own Kingdom Hearts or the Avengers. They belong to Disney, Marvel, and Square Enix. Well, we're back with another chapter. The second half of the Hunchback of Notre Dame world. Why it took so long... it was a combination of work, being an Uncle, and playing the new Gotham Knights game! (It's really fun btw. Already beat it with Nightwing, Red Hood, and Batgirl, and now on my fourth playthrough with Robin. It honestly deserves more credit than what's been said by the ranters.)
Now then, with that out of the way, let's start the chapter! Enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 10: The Monster Vs The Man
Early the next morning, Captain Phoebus awaited for Judge Frollo with the soldiers as his carriage pulled up. The old man exited his transport as the Captain of the Guard greeted him, "Good Morning, sir."
Frollo moaned as he rubbed his eyes. Phoebus asked in concern, "Are you feeling all right?"
He lied, "I had a little trouble with the fireplace."
"I see," Phoebus nodded before asking, "Orders, sir?"
"The other gypsy vermin," Frollo turned to him, "Are they still in the Cathedral?"
"Yes sir," Phoebus answered, "But with all due respect sir, it would seem they only wish to keep the boy safe. I believe they are simply protecting him from a killer that's after him. One that goes by the name of..."
"That doesn't matter. Make sure that we have soldiers at every entrance to seize them the moment they try to leave," The corrupt judge cut him off, "Have everyone else find the gypsy girl."
Meanwhile, Sora slept soundly in the place of Notre Dame. Wanda and Spidey helped Quasimodo and the gargoyles clean the room. Wanda turned to the hunchback, "Thanks for letting us stay here for the night."
"Sure, it's no problem," Quasi nodded, "It's the least I can do, after helping me the other day and after everything you've been through."
Quasimodo had overheard what the two Avengers what happened with Sora to Esmeralda, and wanted to do his part of help the boy be safe. Victor added, "Yes, I still can't even fathom what kind cruel sick person would murder a whole village for one small helpless boy."
"Yeah," Hugo nodded, "It's like he and Frollo were cut from the same cloth."
"Oh, c'mon," Quasimodo shook his head, "My Master is not that bad."
Just as he said this screams could be heard from the bell tower, Laverne turned to the city, "What's all the commotion?"
Everyone rushed outside to see what was going on, everyone started seeing buildings burning, and soldiers and Heartless barraging into other buildings and dragging out the people who lived there. Wanda's eyes widened, "My God! What's going on out there?!"
"It looks like the soldiers are helping the Heartless drag people out of their homes," Spidey stared in horror, "Frollo must not have taken Esmeralda's escape too well."
Quasimodo frown at that, "No, he couldn't... why would he...?" He then wondered, "Was it all my fault?"
"No, it's not," Wanda turned to him, "You were helping her just as she helped you. This is on Frollo. And him alone."
"Well, with the Heartless involved, I say Xehanort might be part of the blame too," Peter added as he removed his mask.
Wanda turned to him, shocked that he easily moved his mask, "What are you doing?"
"I going to help get the innocent away from Frollo's wrath," Spidey answered as he pulled out his civilian clothes, "And since Spider-Man can't leave, Peter Parker will have to instead."
"That's great!" Hugo beamed before whispering to the other gargoyles, "Who's Peter Parker?"
Laverne bonked him on the head, "That's Spider-Man's real name doofus!"
"Peter..." Wanda whispered in concern, "I know why you want to go out there and help but even if Frollo doesn't send someone here to see if we're all here, even if he doesn't know who who are underneath the mask... Xehanort does. If he catches you, he might reveal that information to that mad man if he hasn't already."
"I'll be careful," Peter reassured her, before turning to Quasimodo, "I can even check to see if Esmeralda's safe."
The hunchback blink before smiling in apperception, "Thank you, Spidey... I mean... Peter."
With his civilian clothes on, he hopped over the edge of the church, "Pray for me."
Everyone nodded as using his 'stick 'em' powers, he easily scaled down the walls a bypassed Frollo's guards and Heartless. Wanda quietly whispered to Peter, "Stay safe, Peter."
As Peter hide on the wall of another building, he also took notice that the Heartless could stand getting too close to Notre Dame, "So, the Heartless aren't Church folk... interesting..."
He made a mental note to remember that in the long run before reaching ground level. He quietly walked his way through the city before noticing a burning building hearing screams and cries from inside. Quickly rushing, he could hear a woman's voice call out from within, "Let us out! There's children in here for God's sakes!"
Peter's eyes widened before noticing a weak wall not far from him. He rushed to it before kicking it down. He called out to the people trapped inside, "This way! Hurry!"
Just then, a mother with two young children by her side and a baby in her arms. She looked to Peter with gratefulness in her eyes, "I thought we were going to die in there. Thank you."
"What happened?" Peter asked the mother.
"It... It was Judge Frollo," The woman coughed before answering, "He had these soldiers and these demons... we always helped the needy before and he accuses us for helping gypsies and offered us money of where he could find one called... Esmeralda."
"Let me guess," Peter sighed, "You didn't have a clue and he tried burning you alive when you told him that."
"Not just that!" She frowned, "He took arrested both my husband and my mother-in-law who was staying with us."
"He's completely lost it," Peter muttered to himself, "Get to Notre Dame when your ready to move. Claim Sanctuary. You and your children will be safe there."
"We will," The mother smiled with gratitude, "God bless, sir. Bless you."
Once the family was safe, he turned to the other burning buildings around the city, "Looks like I got my work cut out... This is so much more terrifying in real life..."
"All through the city~ at more fevered pitch than the bells of Notre Dame~"
As the day went through, the troops and Hearless ransacking every home, eventually finding a group of gypsies hidden in a trap door. They lined the gypsies outside, Frollo offered them, "Ten pieces of silver for the gypsy, Esmeralda."
However, the gypsies remained silent, glaring at old man. When Frollo realized they weren't going to talk, he ordered, "Lock them up!"
All while Peter help another group of gypsies and other civilians that failed to get notice by the enemy escape...
"Frollo's men and monsters~ sought Esmeralda the witch with the might of Notre Dame~"
Sometime later, Frollo's men pushed a carriage into the Seine. When it began to sink, gypsies come floating to the surface. Once again, they're lined up, Frollo offered them, "Twenty pieces of silver for the gypsy Esmeralda!"
Still no one was willing to sell her out. This made Frollo even angrier, "Take them away!"
One spotted Peter aiding some of their people and others escape from the villain but said nothing but smile knowing someone had their back in all of this.
At the same time, Pheobus began to realize Frollo's obsession with Esmerelda was getting out of control as the city burned and the monsters were getting out of hand...
"Till at last, they were told of a Miller~ Who sometimes helped travelers from harm~ But the owner, that man~ Begged and pleaded to the Saints~ The Saints of Notre Dame~"
When they reached a large windmill, Frollo interrogated the miller, "We found this gypsy talisman on your property. Have you been harboring gypsies?"
"Our home is always open to the weary traveler," He admitted before begging, "Have mercy, my lord."
Frollo replied, "I am placing you and your family under house arrest until I get to the bottom of this. If what you say is true, you are innocent and you have nothing to fear."
"But we are innocent, I assure you! We know nothing of these gypsies!" He tried to tell him but it fell on deaf ears...
From a distance, Peter hid among the crowd as they waited and watched what Frollo would do to the family inside. Although, Peter knew at this point what the answer was already. Even if he hadn't seen the movie, he knew Frollo would most likely try to burn it and everyone inside with it. However, this time Phoebus was here, he just hope he was as good of a man as he was in the film than the book.
Just then, he saw an elderly person in a blue coat approach, trying to get a good look at what had happened. However, he knew better. It was the same disguise they used to sneak into Notre Dame. Knowing who it really was, the photographer for the Daily Bugle approached her. He whispered, "Esmeralda?"
The figure turned quickly ready to knock him, before he quickly waving his hands, "Wait, wait! It's just me!"
Esmeralda, with her goat sitting on her soldiers, under the cloak blinked for a moment, slightly recognizing the voice. To show further evidence, he tugged on the collared shirt, revealing the spider suit underneath. She blinked in shock, lowering her fist, "Spider-Man?"
Peter pulled back up the collar and placed a finger on his lips as a soldier walked past them. Once the coast was clear, he whispered, "When I'm not in my suit, call me Peter."
She nodded before whispering, "What are you doing here?"
"Saw Frollo was taking the expression, 'set the world on fire' way too literally," Peter quietly joked, "So I snuck out of Notre Dame and tried to help anyone I can."
Esmeralda seemed shocked, "That was you?" She then asked, "Where are they now?"
"The gypsy I saved said about going to the Court of Miracles," Peter answered, "Everyone else I saved claimed Sanctuary at Notre Dame. Either way. They're safe."
She sighed in relief, "Thank God."
"I just wished I could have gotten to all of them in time," Peter frowned as he crossed his arms.
"You did all you could without getting caught yourself," She reassured him, before wondering, "Where's Wanda and Sora?"
"Still in Notre Dame," He answered, "Sora's safer there and Wanda and Quasimodo are there to protect him just in case Xehanrot or Frollo try anything."
She nodded at that as Frollo left the miller as he closed the door behind him and bared the door shut with a soldier's staff. He then turned to Captain Phoebus before ordering, "Burn it."
The Captian's eyes widened in shock, "What?!"
Frollo clarified as he handed him a torch, "Until it smolders. These people are traitors and must be made examples of."
Staring into the flames of the torch, he then turned to glare at Frollo, "With all due respect, sir, I was not trained to murder the innocent."
"But you were trained to follow orders," Frollo replied as silently demanding he did what he was told.
Phoebus's glare remained, seeing Frollo had lost all sense of justice or honesty, he just wasn't sure if it was due to the monsters, or something long before he the guard. Either way, he refused to follow this madman's orders any longer. So, he made his way toward a barrel of water and used it to dose the flames. Frollo's anger spiked at this act of defiance, "Insolent coward."
All of a sudden, a giant gargoyle-like Heartless flew above everyone's heads as Esmeralda gasped in shock, "What on Earth...?!"
"That is one big Heartless," Peter nodded in agreement.
The former Captain of the Guard drew his sword as he stared at the creature of darkness, "What demon is this?!"
"Oh, you are mistaken, Captain Phoebus. This is no demon. It is righteous judgment! I have been granted this power so that I may smite all gypsies now and forever!" Frollo smirked as the Heartless breathed fire upon the windmill. The entire structure is quickly engulfed in flame. Phoebus's eyes widened in horror, he dropped his weapon and dived into a window of the burning building. Moments later, he kicked down the door with children in his arms as he lead the family out. Once they were safe, he handed the children to their relieved parents.
All of a sudden, several small Shadow Heartless tackled Phoebus to the group and held him down. Frollo looked down at him with a glare, "The sentence for insubordination is death. Such a pity... you threw away a promising career."
"Consider it my highest honor, sir." He smirked knowing at least his consciousness was clear when he came to face God.
As Frollo raised a spear, ready to kill the former Captain, Peter aimed one of his web-shooters at Frollo to stop him when Esmeralda placed a hand on his shoulder. He turned to her as the gypsy replied, "You put yourself on the line to help my people and countless others more than anyone else has. Wanda needs you and Sora needs a father. Let me take care of this one."
He nodded, trusting her. Acting quickly, Esmeralda used a stone, throwing it as David did with Goliath long ago, causing fear into Frollo's horse, and knocking his owner off. Seeing the opportunity to escape, he threw the Heartless off of him and rode off on the horse. As the dark judge recovered, he ordered both the soldiers and the Heartless, "Shoot him but don't hit my horse!"
Darkness took control of the remaining soldiers and aided the creatures of darkness. As Phoebus tried to escape, he is showered with arrows. One of them goes through his shoulder, and he falls off the horse, off the bridge that he's riding over, and into the river. The guards fired a volley of arrows and follow him in the water. Esmeralda and Peter gasped in horror. He told both the guard and Heartless, "Don't waste your arrows. Let the traitor rot in his watery grave! Find the girl! If you have to burn the city to the ground, so be it!"
Esmeralda and Peter ran down the hill to the river, keeping under cover. They both divided into the water as the goat waited on the surface. She comes back up with the unconscious ran down the hill to the river, keeping under cover. She wades into the water, then dives under. They returned to the surface moments later with the unconscious Phoebus. As they brought him to shore, the gypsy turned to the New Yorker, "Is he...?"
Peter quickly checked his pulse, before telling her, "I may not be a doctor but I know he has a pulse. He's alive, but we need to hide him somewhere where we can treat his wounds."
It didn't take long for them to come up with the same solution, as they both turned to Notre Dame. Esmeralda turned Spider-Man, "Seems like the only place Frollo isn't searching."
"Just as well," Peter agreed, "We better get there before Frollo realizes your not the only one who escaped his grasp."
She nodded as they proceeded back to the cathedral...
Hours later, a guard reported to Frollo, "Sir! We've looked everywhere, and still no sign of the gypsy girl."
Frollo was still puzzled about how she managed to escape when the other three were confirmed to be still inside, "I had the entire cathedral surrounded, guards at every door. There was no way she could have escaped, unless..."
Frollo then turned his attention back to the bell tower, where Quasimodo lived and Wanda, Sora, and Spider-Man, he believed, were still within his reach...
Back in the Bell Tower, Wanda and the gargoyles were worried both for Peter and Esmeralda's safety. Sora was for a while too, but the Scarlet Witch gave him her phone, and let him watch some of the children-appropriate digital films, Janet had put on there for her before she vanished from their world. He was currently watching a 'Winnie-the-Pooh' film that featured their old friend, Tigger, on this Disney-themed app called Disney Plus.
While this did keep the boy occupied, the others still worried. Laverne commented, "Oh, it doesn't look good."
Victor frowned, "It's hopeless. Absolutely hopeless."
"You're telling me! I'm losing to a bird!" Hugo complained about his game of cards.
"That's what you're concerned about?!" Wanda glared at Hugo, "Esmeralda and the man I fell in l-" She quickly stopped herself with a small blush, "...into this situation with..." before continuing with a glare, "...are out there in a city filled with monsters that are setting the city on fire on Frollo and Xehanort's orders! And you worried about a card game!"
Victor couldn't help but agree, "Oh, Peter and that poor gypsy girl. I'm beginning to fear the worst."
Sora looked up from the film concerned, "What do you mean?"
"It's nothing." Wanda quickly reassured Sora, "Peter is fine. He's a superhero like me. We always save the day."
Sora smiled in relief. Wanda frowned slightly at that, she didn't want to lie to Sora. As heroes sometimes did fail. Sometimes a villain will get away. Another is they fail someone they love when they needed them the most. And sometimes, they couldn't save everyone. But the boy needed to believe they could overcome this, that they could protect him and their friends. Especially after everything that happened to him and his home world. Laverne also spoke up, "She's right. Now, don't you say anything to upset Quasimodo or Sora. They're worried enough already."
Hugo realized, "Yeah, you're right. We'd better lighten up."
"Shh, shh, shh! Here he comes!" Victor warned everyone.
Laverne reminded Victor, "Now just stay calm."
"Not a word." Victor agreed.
Hugo added, "Easy does it."
"Stone-faced." He nodded in agreement.
Quasimodo walked up to them as Wanda waved to him, "Hey, Quasi."
"Hey, Wanda. Thanks again for the... uh... pizza last night."
She smiled, "It's no problem."
He then looked out to the city, "Any sign of her?"
No one needed to ask who 'her' was. Victor barely held himself together before bursting out crying, "Oh, it's a lost cause! She could be anywhere! In the stocks, in the dungeon, on the rack, dragged to the depths of darkness the monsters spawned from! Alongside Peter!"
As the gargoyle sobbed, the hunchback gave him comforting pats while Sora watched what happened. Wanda and the other gargoyles glared at Victor as she sarcastically told him, "Nice work, Victor."
"No, he's right. What are we going to do?" Quasimodo sighed, "Peter hasn't gotten back to us, so anything could have happened to either one of them."
"What are you guys talking about? If I know Esmeralda and Peter, they're three steps ahead of Frollo, and well out of harm's way!" Victor told them as he showed cards representing them.
Sora nodded in agreement, "Yeah, and Peter's a superhero! Which means they're extra okay!"
The hunchback asked, "Do you really think so?"
"Hey, when things cool off, they'll be back. You'll see." Hugo reassured his long-time friend.
Quasi blinked in confusion, "What makes you so sure?"
"Because she likes you," Laverne answered, "We always said you were the cute one."
Hugo complained as he ate a bit of pizza crust from last night, "I thought I was the cute one!"
"No," Laverne snapped as she turned to glare at him, "You're the fat, stupid one with the big mouth!"
Wanda had covered Sora's ears again, as both he and Hugo blinked in confusion before the latter asked, "What are you saying, exactly?"
Sora removed Wanda's hands from his ears, "Which one am I then?"
She smiled softly rubbing his head, "The sweet and adorable one of course!"
The islander giggled at that as Laverne turned back to the hunchback with a smile, "Take it from us, Quasi. You've got nothing to worry about."
Wanda immediately thought back to the ending of the original book written by Victor Hugo, and the way Esmeralda was looking at a certain Captain of the Guard, she awkwardly thought to herself, "Well, I wouldn't say that..."
Hugo smiled, "Yeah, you're irresistible."
"Knights in shining armor certainly aren't her type." Victor agreed finally cheering up.
Hugo nodded, "And those guys are a dime a dozen. But you? You're one of a kind."
As a soft musical beat started to play Wanda smiled, "And there's the music cue."
"Look..." Victor began to sing as he pulled out a hot dog a stick, "Paris~ the city of lovers is glowing this evening~"
The gargoyle sighed happily as Sora blinked in confusion, "But isn't that because..."
"True~ that's because it's on fire~" Hugo finished the boy's thoughts as she pulled the stick back as the hot dog was in flames, "But still~ there's 'l'amour~'"
Hugo quickly blew out the flame before taking a bite out of the meat as Sora blinked at his last lyric, "What does that mean?"
"Somewhere out there in the night~" The gargoyle continued while playing with a deck of cards as Sora looked up to the evening sky, "Her Heart is also alight~"
"Wouldn't that hurt?" Sora asked innocently making Wanda giggle at the boy's commentary.
As he passed Quasimodo an ace, he blew on the hot dog like a cigar, "And I know the guy she just might be burning for~"
"I don't get it," Sora stated even as he blew a smoke heart at the bashful hunchback.
Tossing the hotdog aside, he sang to Quasi, "A guy like you~ She's never known, kid~ A guy like you~ A girl does not meet ev'ry day~"
Wanda then whispered to the boy what he was referring to, making his eyes widen, "Ooooooooh! Now I get it!"
"You've got a look~ That's all your own, kid~" Hugo sang as he backed away and unintentionally bumped his head causing to see double, "Could there be two~?"
"Like you~?" Victor and Laverne joined in, "No way~"
"Those other guys~ That she could dangle~ All look the same~ From ev'ry boring point of view~!" Hugo sang as he used a model of a hanging execution as Quasi saw his reflections from the bells of Notre Dame, "You're a surprise~ From ev'ry angle~"
"Mon Dieu above~" Hugo sang as he, Sora, and the other gargoyles rang the bells above the hunchback, "She's gotta love~ A guy like you~"
Everyone soon found themselves on a poker table as Sora and Wanda blinked confused of why they didn't see it there before as Victor sang, "A guy like you~ gets extra credit~ Because it's true~ You've got a... certain... something more~"
"You're aces, kid!" Hugo simply stated showing the bell ringer even more aces.
Suddenly, they found themselves in a barbershop-like area, with Quasi in the chair while the rest of them were in barber outfits over their clothes. Wanda blinked, "Okay, how is this happening?"
As Victor and Hugo worked on giving Quasimodo a new look, Laverne sang, "Ya see that face~ Ya don't forget it~"
"Want something new~?" Victor and Laverne sang as Quasi now wore a white powdered wig.
"That's you!" Hugo offered to check out the hunchback's reflection through a mirror only for it to break seconds later. Hugo sheepishly tossed it aside as the gargoyles sang, "For sure~"
"We all have gaped~" Laverne sang as they ditched the barber shirts as the gargoyles stared at a headless model statue as Hugo took the heads place and Victor covered up a piece no one should see, much to Wanda's gratitude, "At some Adonis~"
Victor dug threw a bread basket before pulling out a croissant, "But then we crave a meal~ more nourishing to chew~"
"And since you've shaped~ Like a croissant is~" Hugo sang as everyone joined in, "No question of~ She's gotta love~ A guy like you~"
Hugo tried to run off with the croissant but the pigeons chased after him. Moments later, Victor started playing the piano while Laverne laying on top of it. While Sora and Wanda watched as the adult commented, "Has that piano always been there?"
No one answered her question as the only female gargoyle sang, "Call me a hopeless romantic~ But Quasi, I feel it~"
Even as the pigeons chased Hugo out the door, Victor continued to play, "She wants you so~ Any moment she'll walk through that door~"
All of a sudden, Hugo burst through the door, dressed like Esmeralda, "For~"
This raised bigger eyebrows from Wanda, "Where did you get that outfit?"
Again falling on deaf ears, as Hugo and Victor continued, "A guy so swell~"
The music picked up again as Laverne sang, "A guy like you~"
They soon bounced themselves and Sora on a white cloth as Hugo and Victor sang, "With all you bring her~"
Laverne added, "I tell you Quasi~"
"A fool could tell~" The two male gargoyles sang as they continued to sing even as Hugo's horns got caught in a wooden beam as he watched his friends continue to bounce.
Laverne sang, "There never was~"
"It's why she fell~" Victor and Hugo sang.
At the same time, Laverne sang, "Another, was he~"
"For you-know-who~" The male gargoyles sang as Sora had bast bouncing until he was caught by Wanda.
Laverne sang, "From king to serf~ To the bourgeoisie~"
"You ring the bell~" Hugo sang as they rang the bells as Laverne and Victor joined him, "They're all a second-stringer~"
"You're the bell ringer~" Everyone sang as they began to snap their fingers, even the statues of many saints much to Wanda's shock, "When she wants oo-la-la... Then she wants you la-la~ She will discover, guy~ you're one heck of guy~ Who wouldn't love a guy~ LIKE~ YOU~"
Hugo finished the song as they decorated the room with romantic statues and flowers, "You got a lot~ The rest have not~ So she's gotta love~ A guy like you~"
Hugo handed him a red ace card when a voice called out, "Quasi? Quasimodo? Wanda? Sora?"
As the gargoyles stood still, Quasimodo beamed, "Esmeralda?!"
Moments earlier, Peter, Esmeralda, and a few innocents they helped along the way back to Notre Dame, carried the wounded Captain as they ditched his armor. Peter whispered to the others, "We're just about there... one problem though..."
He gestured to Esmeralda to check it out, the gypsy girl and her goat peaked around the corner, "Oh no... monsters..."
The Heartless were waiting by the entrance of the church, waiting to strike anyone that dared to come into or out. She wondered, "How are we going to sneak them out without setting off an alarm?"
"They're not chatty," Peter commented, If we can take them out quickly, we might not have any problems. And I just might know how but I'll need Djali's help."
The goat blinked in shock, as Peter instructed the goat, "On the count of three, I need you to ram the monster on the left into Notre Dame. I'll do the other on the right. Can you do that?"
The goat stared at the moment before nodding. Peter and the goat go into position, "One... two... three!"
Both Peter and Djali charged straight at the Heartless, ramming them both into the walls of the church. Just as the monsters crashed into the wall, they instantly vanished as if struck with great light. The goat blinked in shock while Peter pumped a fist, "I knew it."
Esmeralda walked up to him, "Care to share what happened?"
"When I escaped, I noticed while the Heartless were standing guard," Peter explained, "They were that big of a fan of Church ground. That got me thinking. If Heartless are drawn to the darkness in people's hearts..."
Realizing what he was saying, Esmeralda finished, "...they can't withstand the light."
"What light is greater than God?" Peter asked rhetorically, "Which means He still watching after us and won't let them enter His temple."
Esmeralda smiled at that, "That's good to know that He's on our side."
She then gestured for the others to carry the wounded Captain and brought him inside Notre Dame.
As they made their way to Quasimodo, Peter could hear singing from above, "...Who wouldn't love a guy~ LIKE~ YOU~"
"You got a lot~ The rest have not~ So she's gotta love~ A guy like you~" He heard Hugo sing. He opened the door causing he did the singing to stop.
Esmeralda didn't seem to notice the song, as she called out, "Quasi? Quasimodo? Wanda? Sora?"
As the gargoyles stood still, Quasimodo beamed, "Esmeralda?!" He ran up to greet her happily, "Esmeralda! You're all right! I knew you'd come back."
Wanda ran over to Peter with Sora in her arms, "Peter!"
She gave him a hug after setting the boy down, she then blushed slightly, pulling away, "Oh, I'm glad you're okay..."
"Yeah," Peter blushed slightly, before asking, "Has Xehanort..."
"No," Wanda told him, "He hasn't tried anything, Sora just hung out with his new friends and I put on a few Disney movies for Sora on my iPhone."
Peter blinked in confusion, "Wait, you never watch a Disney film but you had some on your iPhone?"
"Thanks to Wasp," She smiled, "She downloaded the app, had me logged in to Stark's account, and downloaded a few movies for me to try out. I agreed to it so she would stop pestering me, but now I'm grateful she did."
"Okay..." Peter slowly nodded, that made sense, and it sounded something Wasp would do but something was still off, "...how were you able to conserve power? I haven't seen a world we've been to with modern-day electricity since Traverse Town."
Before she could answer, Sora walked up to her with her phone, "Miss Wanda. You're phone's almost out of power again."
"Watch," She told Peter as she knelt down taking her phone from the child before placing a finger next to it. Not even a second later, a spark of her power went into where the cord would enter to charge. The phone beeped confirming a quick 100% charge much to Peter's shock. Wanda handed the phone back to Sora, "Here you go..."
"Thanks," Sora smiled as he went back to watching the cartoon.
Peter realized what she had done, "You used your powers to bend reality to charge your phone."
"Yep," She nodded, "Just like I did when I fixed your costume in Mousedom." Seeing his concern, she reassured him, "Relax, I've done this all the time in the past. It's not that big that it would affect my mind. Wi-fi on a world that hasn't discovered it yet on the other hand..."
Peter sighed in relief, as he asked her, "Just promise me you won't go overboard even if it is for Sora."
"I promise," She smiled sweetly back at him, "Now, how bad things are things out there."
"Worse," Peter shook his head, "Frollo's going after anyone, whether they had anything to do with gypsies or not. He tried to burn down buildings with innocents still inside. He's allied himself with the Heartless, and is executing anyone who stands up to him."
"My God..." Wanda gasped in horror, "Peter! We have to stop him!"
"We will," Peter promised before continuing, "But we first gotta deal... with..." He then noticed all the flowers and romantic statues by the currently still gargoyles, "...what exactly happened in here?"
"I..." Wanda raised a finger, "...don't quite understand what happened myself. One thing led to another, there was another song, and..."
She just gestured to everything, as Peter Peter shook his head, "Nevermind, listen. Esmeralda and I found out that the Heartless can't enter the Church..."
"Which means..." Wanda's eyes widened in realization, "If the Heartless come to our world..."
"We have churches all over where we can get people to safety while we close the tears for good," Peter finished, "Not everyone might like it, but it's the best defense we've got."
At the same time, Esmeralda turned to Quasimodo, "You've done so much for me already, my friend, but I must ask your help one more time."
The hunchback nodded eagerly, "Yes, anything."
Moments later, he saw the victims Peter rescued carry up the unconscious body of one former Captian Pheobus. Wanda blinked in shock, "Pheobus?"
"Yeah," Peter nodded, "Remember when I said Frollo's executing anyone who stands up to him. Pheobus was one of them after defying orders to burn down a building with an innocent family."
Esmeralda explained, "This is Phoebus. He's wounded, and a fugitive like me, Peter, and Wanda. He can't go on much longer. I knew he'd be safe here. Please, can you hide him?"
Quasimodo frowned at the sight of the ex-solider but nodded, "This way."
Sora saw them carry in the wounded man and paused the film on Wanda's phone to help the adults. They laid Phoebus down on Quasi's bed. He moaned gently as he woke up, "Esmeralda?"
"Shh, shh, shh. You'll hide here until you're strong enough to move." She told as she pulled out a flask of alcohol.
"Great. I could use a drink." She then pours it on his wound, and he cries out in pain, "Ah, yes! Hmmm! Feels like a 1470 burgundy. Not a good year."
Sora whispered to Wanda, "What's wrong with him?"
"He's hurt," The mutant woman whispered to the child, "Very badly. We're trying to help him."
Sora crossed his arms to think, before knowing exactly what to do. He then whispered to her, "I know how to help! Could I borrow some munny?"
The Scarlet Witch stared at the child but shrugged and nodded. She then handed the islander some munny as he then ran over to the moogle. Peter turned to her, "Uhhh... why exactly did you do that?"
"I don't know but..." Wanda thought as he handed the moogle the munny and handed Sora a round vial of green liquid, "Considering how crazy some of these places we've been to, he might know something we don't."
"I like to point out that he's still just a boy," Spider-Man pointed out as the child rushed back to them with the vail, "And I doubt he know that much about treating wounds."
Sora then offered the drink to the former captain, "Drink this!"
Phoebus blinked as he took the vial of green liquid, "Umm... okay? What is it?"
"Healing potion," Sora smiled happily.
Everyone stared at the boy, while thinking he was over exaggerating, but Pheobus shrugged, "Well, it's not like I have anything else to lose."
He then opened to vial and began to drink it. Just then, green light shined over and his wounds sealed itself. Everyone blinked in amazement, as the former Captain touched it. The pain was gone too. Peter muttered to himself, "I stand corrected."
"Sora," Wanda blinked in amazement, "How did you know that would work?"
"Easy, Riku and I use it all the time after sparring," Sora smiled, "Mom says it can heal almost any wound within seconds."
Wanda and Peter stared in shock before turning to the Moogle that sold him the potion, who only shrugged, "It's true, Kupo!"
Pheobus chuckled as he rubbed the boys hair, "Thanks, kid. I owe ya big."
The boy chuckled as Esmeralda smiled at him, "That family owes you their lives. You're either the single bravest soldier I've ever seen, or the craziest."
"Ex-soldier, remember? Why is it, whenever we meet, I end up bleeding?" Pheobus asked with a slight joke.
Esmeralda replied, "You're lucky. That arrow almost pierced your heart."
"I'm not so sure it didn't." He smiled before they leaned in to kiss.
Wanda winced as the poor hunchback stared in great sorrow at this moment. She was afraid it was going to come to this. Well, that or she dies by Frollo's hand. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, "I'm so sorry, Quasimodo. But don't give up hope. There's... plenty of fish in the sea..."
However, despite her comforting words, it didn't help the deformed man as he already made up his conclusion. He sung softly in his head, "I knew I'd never know~ That warm and loving glow~ Though I might wish with all my might~ No face as hideous as my face~ was even meant for Heaven's light~"
He then pulled out the ace card Hugo gave him before ripping it in half. All of a sudden, Djali, looking out the window, begins to bleat excitedly. Sora rushed to the window and gasped, "The creepy guy in a dress is coming back!"
Everyone gasped at that, as the Hunchback sprung into action, "You must leave. Quick, follow me! Go down the south tower steps!"
As Quasimodo show Esmeralda and the gypsies the way out, Wanda turned to Peter, "Put back on your suit! Quickly! Frollo doesn't know you ever left!"
As Peter went to do that, the gypsy woman turned to the Hunchback before she left, "Be careful, my friend. Promise you won't let anything happen to him."
"I promise." He nodded.
She smiled, "Thank you."
When she and Djali leave, the gargoyles came back to life. Laverne quickly exclaimed, "Quick, we gotta stash the stiff!"
As Peter put his boots back on, Wanda and Quasimodo helped move the former Captain of the guard underneath the table where the model of the city stood on.
Peter quickly pulled back on his mask, as Wanda took her phone from Sora, knowing Frollo would only consider witchcraft as not even the telephone had been invented on this world yet. Both Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch acted like they were putting Sora to bed as the latter whispered to the boy, "Not a word about Esmeralda and Pheobus when Frollo's around."
Sora quickly nodded as Wanda tucked him in, as Quasimodo quickly tried to set his models straight when Frollo entered the room with a basket in his hand. The hunchback winced in shock, "Oh, master, I didn't think you'd be coming…"
"I'm never too busy to share a meal with you, dear boy. I brought a little treat." He revealed the grapes to him. He then glanced to see that the two Avengers and the boy were still here. Wanda put on a false smile, "Good evening, we were just putting Sora to bed."
Frollo snarled to himself, he had heard those three had yet to escape, despite having the power to do so. Which also meant he couldn't touch them. Sora gave out a little yawn, seemingly selling the act.
Frollo made no comment at the moment, knowing they couldn't stay in Notre Dame forever. Instead, he turned back his attention to the hunchback before clearing this throat. Quasi quickly realized he hasn't set the table. He rushed off to grab the dishes, and was obviously flustered, dropping and breaking things. Once he returned, he quickly set the table before sitting down. Frollo asked, "Is there something troubling you, Quasimodo?"
"No. No!" Quasi quickly shook his head.
Frollo grinned, "Oh, but there is. I know there is." Frollo pulled out the grapes but one falls to the floor, near Phoebus. Quasi cautiously picked it up. Frollo replied, "I think... you're hiding something."
"Oh, no, master. There's nothing…" Quasi denied.
Until Frollo cut him off, "You're not eating, boy."
The hunchback gobbled up the fruit, he replied with the food still in his mouth, "It's very good. Thank you."
Phoebus suddenly moaned. Quasi moaned similarly, indicating he enjoys the food, hoping it would block out the former captain's moan. Phoebus sighed louder. Quasi kicks him, knocking him out, then pretends to cough to cover up the noise. He explained, "Seeds."
Frollo gave Quasi an odd look before he turned to the model of the city, "What's different in here?"
Quasimodo lied, "Nothing, sir."
"Isn't this one new?" He asked as he picked up the Esmeralda figure, "It's awfully good. Looks very much like the gypsy girl. I know…." A nasty look crept across his face as his voice rises, "…You've helped her escape!"
"But I…" Quasi tried to explain.
Sora gasped slightly at this, and Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch wanted to jump in, but they couldn't for the islander boy's sake. Frollo accused, "And now, all Paris is burning because of you!"
"She was kind to me, master." He explained.
Frollo smashes the table and its setting, "You idiot! That wasn't kindness! It was cunning! She's a gypsy! Gypsies are not capable of real love! Think, boy! Think of your mother!"
The poor hunchback backed away in fear until Sora spoke up, "Quasimodo didn't set fire to the city..." The corrupt judge turned to the boy as the two Avengers stood by the boy protectively, as he went on, "That was you. Only you."
"Silence, boy," The judge glared at him, "You know not what you speak."
"I may not know a lot," The child admitted, "But I do know that Quasi didn't make you burn the city. You did that on your own and why? What did Esmeralda even do?"
"She's a gypsy," The older man snarled.
Sora only stared in confusion, "So...? She's still a good friend unlike you."
Frollo marched his way to the child, as Peter and Wanda stood in front of him, the latter stated, "In case you've forgotten, we're under the protection of Sanctuary. And even if we weren't, we still wouldn't let you hurt our kid."
Spider-Man then gestured above, "And don't forget, God's still watching."
Frollo backed away in slight fear before regained his cool as he stated, "But what chance could a poor, misshapen child like you, or any any child, have against her heathen treachery? Or these freaks of nature of well. Well, never you mind, Quasimodo. They will be out of our lives soon enough. I will free you from their evil spell. Esmeralda will torment you no longer and once this witch and warlock leave the Church, neither will they and the child will be handed to more capable hands."
The Avengers didn't need to ask who the more 'capable' hands were to know, he was referring to Xehanort. Still, Quasimodo couldn't help but ask, "What do you mean?"
Frollo stabbed the doll of Esmeralda with a knife and used a candle to set on fire as he explained, "I know where her hideout is, and tomorrow, at dawn, I attack with a thousand men and another thousand of agents of justice." As Frollo turned to leave, he turned to the Avengers, "And should you two try to help your fellow witch, you'll be mine!"
As the corrupt judge walked down the stairs, Sora called out, "Oh, yeah! Well, at least, we know better than to wear a dress!"
"IT'S NOT A DRESS!"
With that, Frollo was long gone, leaving Quasimodo and the heroes pondering what to do. Just then, a now recovered Pheobus came out from his hiding spot and declared, "We have to find the Court of Miracles, before daybreak. If Frollo gets there first..." He didn't want to even say it, especially not in front of Sora, he turned to Quasimodo, "Are you coming with me?"
"I can't." Quasimodo frowned.
Sora gasped in shock, "But isn't Esmeralda your friend too?"
"Frollo's my master. I can't disobey him again." Quasi stated.
The former captain replied, "She stood up for you. You've got a funny way of showing gratitude. Well, I'm not going to sit by and watch Frollo massacre innocent people. You do what you think is right. I got to get there Frollo and his army of demons show up. That man's made a deal with the Devil whether he knows it or not."
Peter then removed his mask, "Don't worry, you won't go alone. I'll help too."
"Thank you," Pheobus nodded to him in gratitude, "Ummm...?"
Peter realized even though Pheobus saw his face, he didn't know his name with everything going on. He introduced himself, "Peter."
The former captain nodded at that, "Thank you, Peter."
He then turned to Wanda, "I would ask you but if you feel the need to stay to watch your kid, I would understand."
He then turned to leave, as Peter told Wanda and Sora, "I'll be back soon."
With the two men gone, Wanda, Sora, and the gargoyles all turned to Quasimodo. The hunchback shrugged, "Look. What am I supposed to do? Go out there and rescue the girl from the jaws of death, and the whole town will cheer like I'm some sort of hero? She already has her knight in shining armor, and it's not me. Frollo was right. Frollo was right about everything. I'm tired of trying to be something I'm not."
"Quasimodo. Frollo is in the wrong here. You've seen what he's doing out there, he'd wipe out all life in the city until he gets what he wants," Wanda told the bell ringer, "And you may not see it yet, but you are one. You could have told Frollo about Pheobus, or the fact Peter left sometime after Esmeralda to help but you didn't. Yes, she doesn't feel the same way you feel about her but you definitely still care about what happens to her. You know what will happen if Frollo finds him first."
Quasi took her words to thought as Laverne handed him his cloak. He sighed to himself, "I must be out of my mind!"
He then took the cloak before Wanda proceeded to hand Sora her Avengers ID card, "Okay, I'm going to help to. You should be safe here, but should Xehanort or Frollo come for you, contact me immediately, and Peter and I will be right back."
Sora smiled and nodded as she then turned to the gargoyles, "Could you watch after him while I'm gone?"
Laverne reassured the mutant woman, "He's in good hands."
"Yeah," Hugo smirked as he punched his left hand into his right palm, "I'd like to see try to take Sora from us."
"We'd risk letting others know of our existence," Victor smiled, "But if it means keeping Sora safe, then it's worth it."
She smiled and nodded at them as she followed the Hunchback...
Outside, the main entrance, Peter and Pheobus quickly knocked down the guards standing by the entrance of Notre Dame before they could sound an alarm. They laid their unconscious bodies upright, as the latter turned to the former, "Let's go."
All of a sudden, Quasi carrying Wanda, now in her civilian clothes, on his back hopped down in front of them much to their shock. "Pheobus. Peter. We're coming with you."
"I'm glad you changed your mind." Phoebus smiled.
Quasi replied, "I'm not doing it for you. I'm doing it for her."
"You sure Sora will be fine on his own," Peter asked in concern.
"You said so yourself," Wanda whispered to Peter, "The Heartless can't enter the church. Maybe it'll also prevent Xehanort from opening his dark portals and entering as well. Plus, the Archdeacon and the gargoyles are there with him. He should be fine. I also gave him my Avengers ID card. Just in case."
Peter sighed in relief, believing she was right. If something was wrong, Sora could contact them immediately. Pheobus then spoke up, "So... does anyone know where she is?"
Everyone shook their heads as the hunchback pulled out a talisman, "No, but she said this would help us find her."
"Good, good, good! Ahhh. Great!" The former captain smiled before grabbing it. He then began to wonder, "What is it?"
Quasimodo frowned, "I'm not sure."
"Hmm. Must be some sort of code." Pheobus thought out loud, "Maybe it's Arabic. No, no, it's not Arabic. Maybe it's ancient Greek..."
Wanda turned to Peter in concern, "Peter... in the... film... do we find her first."
"I think so," Peter admitted before his eyes narrowed, "But... I feel like I'm forgetting something... something important that happens in the film."
Wanda assumed it was likely the answer to the talisman, she turned to the hunchback, "Was there... anything Esmeralda said to you when she gave you the talisman."
"Yes," The bell ringer admitted before repeating, "'When you wear this woven band, you hold the city in your hand.'"
Everyone began to think of what the answer to the riddle was, before Peter thought, "Maybe... ugh... it's at the tip of my tongue."
"A map!" Quasimodo gasped in realization.
Everyone turned to the hunchback as Pheobus asked, "What is?"
"Look, the city was woven on here," He pointed to the centre, "See, here's the cathedral, and the river, and this little..."
"She showed you where we could find her!" Wanda's eyes widened.
Pheobus still not seeing it, shook his head, "Now hold up, I've never seen a map that looks like this and..." They began to argue with each other as they ended with, "….and this is (not) it!"
Peter decided to play peace keeper, "Look, the longer we stand her arguing about this, the less time we have to warn her before Frollo finds her."
Quasi and Pheobus both breathe deeply, then Phoebus gives in, "All right, okay. You say it's a map, fine, it's a map. If we're going to find Esmeralda, we have to work together. Truce?"
He slaps Quasi on the back. He nodded, "Well...okay." Quasi slaps Phoebus back. Phoebus winces from the pain. As they began to walk off Quasi apologized, "Sorry."
"No, you're not." Pheobus argued.
Wanda sighed as she rolled her eyes, "Boys... they don't change. No matter where you go."
The two heroes followed the natives of this world, as Peter admitted, "As a boy myself, I second that opinion."
Soon, they approach a central grave, with a symbol on it. Phoebus observed it, "This looks like the symbol on the map."
"Any clue to what it could mean?" Wanda wondered out loud.
Phoebus replied, "Hmm. I'm not sure. I can make out an inscription, but it's going to take a few minutes to translate it." Quasi pushed off the lid off the grave, revealing a staircase going down much to everyone's shock. Phoebus nodded, "Yes, well, or we could just go down those stairs."
The four adults quickly went down the stairs, as Peter closed the entrance behind them. His spider-sense was going off, but he didn't see Frollo's men or any Heartless. No Xehanort for that matter. So, he continued on. Wanda was slightly disgusted by the smell and the fact they were in the sewers, "This the Court of Miracles?"
"Offhand, I'd say it's the Court of Ankle Deep Sewage. Must be the old catacombs." Pheobus commented.
Peter sighed as he stated, "If I had a nickel for every time, I had to travel by sewer..." He then thought about it, "Well... I guess I could get a candy bar."
As they proceed, the four fail to notice three of the skeletons rise behind them. Peter's spider-sense warned him of the danger but when he turned around, he only saw the skeletons. Phoebus commented, "Cheerful place. Kinda makes you wish you got out more often, eh Quasi?"
"Not me," Quasimodo shook his head, "I just want to warn Esmeralda and get back to the bell tower. I don't want to get in any more trouble."
"Speaking of trouble," Wanda raised an eyebrow, "We should have run in to some by now."
"What do you mean?" Quasimodo turned to the mutant woman.
"For a long time, I lived in a sanctuary island for... people like us..." The Scarlet Witch explained, "...while it was peaceful... on the chances we had those who would invade our home, we would have guards, booby traps..."
Suddenly the fire from their torches blew out, as Peter finally realized the danger they were in, "What about an ambush?"
"Yep," Wanda nodded in the dark, "Definitely, an ambush."
Suddenly, the chamber is fully lit, and skeletons surround them. They force them to their knees in front of a now unmasked Clopin, "Well, well, well. What have we here?"
"Trespassers! They gypsies declared, "Spies!"
Phoebus spoke up, "We are not spies!"
Quasi tried to explain, "Can't you listen…"
Before, they could explain, all four of them were all gaged before the could say anything Clopin told them, "Don't interrupt me! You're very clever to have found our hideaway. Unfortunately, you won't live to tell the tale."
They are led into a complete underground town, teeming with gypsies, "Maybe you've heard of a terrible place where the scoundrels of Paris collect in a lair~ Maybe you've heard of that mythical place called the Court of Miracles~"
Clopin finished, "Hello, you're there~"
"Where the lame can walk~" A few people sang as they pretended to be crippled before revealing that they weren't. At the same time a few people who look blind removed their disguises, "And the blind can see~"
"But the dead don't talk~ So you won't be around to reveal what you've found~" Clopin sang as the other gypsies joined them singing "We have a method for spies and intruders rather like bees protecting their hive~ Here in the Court of Miracles~ Where it's a miracle if you get out alive~"
The four adults had been taken up to a platform, where nooses are placed around their necks. Clopin got everyone's attention, "Gather around, everybody! There's good "noose" tonight!"
The gypsies got a good laugh as Daiji instantly recognized who they were and ran off to find Esmeralda. Clopin continued, "It's a quadruple header, a group of Frollo's spies!"
Everyone booed as he explained, "And two of them are not just any spies! His captain of the guard, and his loyal, bell ringing henchman!" He continued, "Justice is swift in the Court of Miracles~ I am the lawyers and judge all in one~ We like to get the trial over with quickly because it's the sentence that's really the fun~!"
Clopin was about to pull the handle to drop the floor out from underneath Quasi, Sora, Peter, and Wanda. He asked them, "Any last words?" They all tried to protest and warn them that Frollo was coming but the gags only let out mumbles. Clopin smirked, "That's what they all say!"
"Now that we've seen all the evidence~" Clopin sang as his puppet popped out, "Wait! I object!"
"Overruled!" He replied.
The puppet spoke once more, "I object!"
"Quiet!" He told him as he put his Frollo head on the puppet.
The puppet slouched down in defeat, "Dang!"
"We find you totally innocent~ Which is the worst crime of all~ So you're going to hang~!" He declared.
Clopin starts to pull the handle to hang them, but stopped as a familiar voice called out, "Stop!"
Chopin stopped as everyone turned to see a friendly face. The four non-gypsies mumbled out, "Esmeralda!"
She ran up to them to free them, "These men and woman aren't spies! They're our friends!"
"Why didn't they say so!?" Clopin asked smiling sheepishly.
"We did say so!" They all exclaimed finally free of the gags.
"This is the soldier that saved the miller's family, Quasimodo helped me escape the cathedral," Esmeralda spoke on their behalf before moving to the Avengers, "And Peter and Wanda just want to protect their child from a monster worse than Frollo along helping anyone they could."
"We came to warn you! Frollo's coming! He says he knows where you're hiding, and he's attacking at dawn with a thousand men and monsters!" Pheobus warned everybody making them gasp in horror.
Esmeralda nodded, "Then let's waste no time! We must leave immediately!"
Gypsies begin running everywhere, beginning to pack up as Wanda added, "Take only the essentials! Your lives and the lives of your family and friends come first!"
Seeing everyone was going to be in a hurry, the full time Avenger sighed in relief. That was until Peter hummed to himself, she turned to him, "What is it?"
"Okay... I feel like I'm really forgetting something here. Something that's supposed to happen next and it's killing me," The photographer of the Daily Bugle stated as he tried hard to remember what happened next.
"Well, we did nearly get hung but we got here before Frollo and everyone will be safe from..." Wanda reassured him.
"No... I remember that they still end up his captives," Her crush admitted, "But I'm not sure how."
"What?!" Wanda gasped in shock quietly trying not to stir a panic, "Where?! When?! How?!"
Before Peter could answer, Esmeralda walked up to thank the group, "You all took a terrible risk coming here. It may not exactly show, but we're grateful." She then turned to the two Avengers, "And I've spoken with some friends of mine, we'll help sneak you and Sora back to your home."
Wanda forced a smile showing her apperception while Peter was deep in thought. It didn't help the matter that his spider-sense was going off. Quasimodo seemed to sulk in the background, which Pheobus took notice of. The ex-soldier brought him up closer to the gypsy woman, "Don't thank us. Thank Quasimodo. Without his help, we would never have found our way here."
Quasi's face brightens up, but only for a moment, when all of a sudden, Frollo's voice was heard, "Nor would I!"
Everyone's eyes widened in horror as Frollo along with a army of his Soldiers and Heartless marched down the stairs to the Court of Miracles. Peter then realized, "Oh, now I remember! Frollo never knew where to find the Court until he tricks Pheobus and Quasimodo... and by extension us... to finding it for him."
Wanda frowned at that, "You know... a little earlier would have been nice warning..."
"Yeah," Spider-Man full heartedly agreed before apologizing, "Sorry."
The Soldiers and monsters surround the people and take the gypsies into custody. Wanda raised her hands to fight back, but three jumped him and held her hands behind her back. She struggled to get loose only to find that Peter, Pheobus, Esmeralda, and Daiji had been subdued as well. Peter probably could have broken free but not without revealing who he was. Frollo grinned as he approached the group, "After twenty years of searching, the Court of Miracles is mine at last." He turned to the horrified hunchback, "Dear Quasimodo, I always knew you would someday be of use to me."
Esmeralda glared at the dark judge, "What are you talking about?"
Frollo walked up closer to her, "Why, he led me right to you, my dear."
"You're a liar!" She accused him, full well knowing that Quasimodo would have never deliberately show Frollo the way.
Ignoring her glare he then turned to Pheobus, "And look what else I've caught in my net… Captain Phoebus, back from the dead. Another miracle, no doubt. I shall remedy that."
Just then, one of the Soldier's approached Frollo, "Sir, we searched everywhere but there is no sign of where Spider-Man or the boy are."
"Guess Xehanort never told him who I was under the mask," Peter thought to himself, "At least there's that. Doubt he'll stay quite for long though."
Frollo's eyes narrowed, before approaching Wanda, "No matter, they'll be joining us soon enough. Especially, since we have his little witch."
Wanda glared at the older man, as he spoke up for everyone to hear, "There will be a little bonfire in the square tomorrow, and you're all invited to attend."
Everyone gasped in horror as they knew what he meant by that. Frollo then ordered, "Lock them up."
The hunchback ran up to him grabbing his cloak and begged, "No, please, master!"
Frollo merely glared at Quasimodo, which made the poor bell-ringer release him. The corrupt judge ordered his men, "Take him back to the bell tower, and make sure he stays there."
Quasimodo did nothing as the soldiers approached him...
Later that morning, the gargoyles decided to play hide and seek with the islander. They figured it was a good practice in case Frollo or Xehanort came looking for the boy. Sora giggled as he hid underneath one bells close to the ground. However, the giggling stopped when he heard chains being brought up to the bell tower before being locked it place. He heard many footsteps leave the room, and once he did, the gargoyles along with himself stared in horror to see a locked-up hunchback looking down to the square below. Sora turned to the gargoyles, "What happened?"
"I don't know," Hugo admitted, "But it ain't looking good, kid."
The four approached Quasimodo and looked down the the square below. The gargoyles stared in horror as they realized what had happened. Laverne gasped, "No..."
Sora looked down to see many gypsies captured in the square. And even worse, he saw Wanda and Esmeralda tied to a stake where the soldiers where placing wood around the young women.
"Justice in Paris was often displayed in the square at Notre Dame~ Now as the wood for a pyre was laid in the square at Notre Dame~There came some there who sought entertainment~ And some who wished all gypsies harm~ For the rumor was growing a gypsy was going to burn~ At dawn at Notre Dame~"
The Archdeacon didn't like the look of things and was about to march up to Frollo to scold him and call the whole thing off. However, the soldiers and Heartless prevented him from leaving the church to interfere. Frollo walked up to the stand and declared, "The prisoners Esmeralda and Wanda has been found guilty of the crime of witchcraft. The sentence is death!"
They were also many protesters there due the fact that Frollo burned down their homes due to the obsession for the one of the women. Along with with the fact, they would have perished too if it hadn't been for another prisoner that shared a cage with Pheobus. He turned to Peter, "Can you get us free?"
"Normally, this would be a piece of cake," Spider-Man admitted as he pulled on the lock, "But Frollo did something to the locks. Look."
The former captain looked down to observe the lock and saw that darkness was surround on the keyhole, "What on Earth...? Is it... enchanted?"
"Yeah," Peter nodded before thinking to himself, "This is just like the ropes back on 'The Great Mouse Detective's' world. The ones that held myself and Wanda captive." He then continued out loud, "Frollo was probably preparing in case Spider-Man got in his way..."
"...even by sere luck that he already has him," Pheobus finished, he sighed, "We need to think of something else. And fast..."
At the same time, Frollo approached the captive woman. He turned to Esmeralda first, "The time has come, stand upon the brink of the abyss. Yet even now, it is not too late. I can save you from the flames of this world, and the next. Choose me, or the fire."
Esmeralda's eyes narrowed at Frollo's offer, before spitting in his face. Frollo's eyes narrowed with anger before turning to Wanda, "And what of you? Your spider has abandoned you. I offer you the same thing and I only ask on thing in return. Where are you hiding the child?"
That fact alone Frollo didn't know that Sora was still in Notre Dame made Wanda smirk. She then stated, "Let me offer you something instead. You will release me right now, you and Xehanort will stay away from my child, or it's no witch you will have to fear. It's a mother you'll fear, but I do hope you understand that even now, what's about to happen, this is me... being... reasonable."
Frollo's snarled in anger being rejected yet again. He then turned and announced, "The gypsies Wanda and Esmeralda have refused to recant. These evil witches has put the soul of every citizen of Paris in mortal danger..."
"Is he really that delusional?" Pheobus muttered as his eyes narrowed from within the cage
"Yes and No," Spider-Man shook his head, "In this case, he just using it as an excuse because they rejected him and if he can't have them no one can."
Pheobus's eyes widened, "What...? You mean...? All of this destruction has been all about... lust?"
"Yeah," Peter nodded, "You should have seen the way he looked at them after you were led out of Notre Dame."
Pheobus's eyes narrowed with anger as he pounded on the cage, "We have to do something..."
"Agreed, but I'm not sure how..." Peter thought out loud before his eyes widened, "Wait... Wanda gave Sora her Avenger ID card..."
He then pulled out his own, causing Pheobus to turn to the card, "What is that?"
"A way to communicate with Sora," The part time Avenger smiled, "And since he's still in the cathedral, we can give Quasi a pep talk as well..."
Meanwhile, Sora and the gargoyles saw what Frollo was going to do and tried to break the chains to set him free. Hugo turned to the hunchback, "Come on, Quasi! Snap out of it!"
"Your friends are down there!" Victor added.
Quasimodo just frowned, "It's all my fault."
"You gotta break these chains!" Laverne told him.
He replied, "I can't. I tried. What difference would it make?"
Victor argued, "But you can't let Frollo win!"
"He already has." He replied.
Hugo was shock by this, "So, you're giving up? That's it?"
"These chains aren't what's holding you back, Quasimodo." Laverne told Quasi.
He told the gargoyles, "Leave me alone."
The gargoyles finally give up, and move away casing Sora to blink in shock. Hugo frowned, "Okay. Okay, Quasi, we'll leave you alone."
"After all, we're only made of stone." Victor nodded as they turned to stone.
Before Laverne join them she said, "We just thought maybe you were made of something stronger..."
Sora looked to the still gargoyles before back the hunchback, the back to all their friends below. His eyes narrowed with determination and continued pulling on the chains, causing the hunchback to sigh, "Sora... Give it a rest... You won't be breaking these chains..."
"No, I refuse to give up!" The boy declared, "No friends of mine are dying this day."
Quasimodo turned to Sora, "Don't you see that it's over?"
"It's not." Sora briefly stopped tugging on the chains, "We're alive. And when there is life, there is always hope! And we can stop the man in the dress, and the guy in the black coat! But you need to first tear down the walls you build over your heart!"
Quasi refused to respond to that, when suddenly a strange noise started beeping. Getting confused looks from both the islander and the hunchback, as the former wondered, "What is that?"
Looking around for the source of the noise, the latter realized, "It's coming from you, Sora."
The spiky hair boy dug into his pockets and pulled out Wanda's Avengers ID card, which continued to beep. He turned to the hunchback, "How do I make it stop?"
"Don't ask me," The hunchback shrugged, "I never seen a card do that before."
Sora observed the device a bit more, before lifting a finger and touched the ID card, "Maybe this."
Suddenly, Peter's face appeared on the card where Wanda's face should have been, "Sora? Can you hear me?"
Both Sora's and Quasimodo's eyes widened in shock, as Sora gasped, "Mr. Peter!"
"Peter?!" The bell-ringer gasped.
"Oh, good. You're both there," Peter sighed in relief, "That saves time."
"Hey, it actually works!" Pheobus then appeared on the screen, impressed by their world's technology.
"Pheobus?! You're there too?!" Quasimodo gasped, "How you doing this?!"
"Technology from back home," Peter answered, "We may have discovered some things, you haven't yet." He then shook his head, "But that doesn't matter. Listen Wanda and Esmeralda are going to be burned alive and Pheobus and I can't break free of our cage to stop them. It's up to you now."
Quasimodo closed his eyes and looked away, "I can't. I only make things worse. My master was right about everything."
"Quasimodo. Listen," Pheobus spoke up, "Whatever Frollo told you, you can't trust a word he said. Look around. He's burning the city to the ground over the fact he..." He stopped himself for a moment before turning to Sora, "Sora, cover your ears for a minute."
The boy gave the ID card to Hugo who came back to life to see what was happen. He held to the hunchback as the boy covered his ears. Then Peter and Pheobus then explained the real reason why Frollo was obsessed with Wanda and Esmeralda making his eyes widened in horror, "You... mean... Frollo did all of this because..."
"That's right. He's no better than any other criminal on the planet," Pheobus stated, "Both Wanda and Esmeralda would rather die than be with him."
"Oh, and tell Sora he can uncover his ears now," Peter added.
The hunchback turned to Sora who was still covering his ears. He gave Sora a nod making the boy realize the part they didn't want him to hear was over. He dropped his hands. Peter then added, "Listen. Did I ever tell you why I became Spider-Man?"
The hunchback tilted his head, "I saw a criminal run past me and despite what I could do and I did nothing. Later that evening, the same crook murdered my Uncle." Quasimodo and Sora's eyes widened in horror, as Peter continued, "I promised myself I would never look the other way again. Do you really want to make that same choice?"
Quasimodo wasn't sure what to do until he looked down to hear his master say, " "...for justice, for Paris, and for her own salvation! It is my sacred duty to send these unholy demons back to hell!"
With the torch in his hand, Frollo used it to start the pyre. Wanda made sure not to breath the smoke but Esmeralda wasn't having the same luck. Quasi's eyes widened in horror as he pulled on the chains, "NNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
At that moment, Quasimodo decided, he could remain stone no longer. He began to pull harder and harder. The bells began to quietly rang as he shook the very church, ripping out pillars of stone. Sora cheered as Quasimodo was finally free. The boy then handed him some rope as hunchback took it. He raced off and leaped off the edge of the cathedral, he lassoing a gargoyle and rappels down the side of the building. Finally, he was close enough. He jumped off, flies out over the crowd and lands on the platform. He quickly broke Wanda and Esmeralda's ropes. A trio of guards and Heartless tried to stop him, but Quasi grabbed a torch and swung at them, knock them away.
Wanda coughed for a moment before using her power to knock away more Heartless. She turned to the Hunchback, "I'll be fine! Get her out of here!"
He grabs the rope and climbs back to the top of the building. Frollo eyes narrowed, "Quasimodo!"
"YAY! GO, QUASI!" The little boy cheered getting Frollo's attention. It took him this long to discover the boy was still in the cathedral. Peter and Pheobus smiled as the bell ringer used the rope to climb back to the church.
Soon enough, Quasimodo reached top of Notre Dame and stood in front of the giant stained glass window. He held Esmeralda's body high above his head and cried out, "SANCTUARY! SANCTUARY! SANCTUARY!"
The crowd cheered for the hunchback. Frollo's eyes narrowed in anger as he turned to one of the guards, "Captain! Seize the cathedral!"
He was about to argue about the laws of Sanctuary, but fear of the Heartless overtook him and he nodded as he went to do as Frollo ordered. One guard remained by Peter and Pheobus cage, as the two men grabbed on to him as the latter smirked, "Alone at last!"
He bonked him on the head as Peter swiped the keys. The current unmasked hero ran towards the lock, "Okay, let's unlock this cage and jump back into the ac-"
"Peter! Pheobus!" Wanda exclaimed as she readied another hex, "Get down!"
Both men moved out of the way, as a hex struck the lock, destroying it and part of the cage. Pheobus blinked as he stated, "Or we just let your woman destroy the lock and then join the action."
"Yeah, that works too," Peter nodded in agreement.
The two men escaped from there cage as the Scarlet Witch approached them, "Are you two alright?"
"Yeah, but..." Peter started when both he and Pheobus stared at the Scarlet Witch in awe before finishing, "Since when could you fly?"
Wanda blinked before looking down to see she was several feet in the air. She had no idea she could do it until this point which made her groan and complain, "Why couldn't I learn this back in the jungle?!"
She could have avoided so much pain. Pheobus blinked, "Jungle? What is she talking about?"
"It's a long story," Peter sighed when a spear was thrown at them which is Spider-Sense alerted him of the danger moving himself and Pheobus out of the way to avoid as he added, "Which we don't have enough time to share!"
"Fair enough!" Pheobus grabbed the fallen spear and prepared for a fight, "Suit up!"
As Peter went to look for a place to change into Spider-Man, Wanda flew back to Notre Dame avoiding the attacks of the soldiers and Heartless...
Back in Notre Dame, Quasimodo gently placed Esmeralda on a bed in the church as Sora followed him. He told the gypsy woman, "Don't worry. You'll be safe here."
Just then Wanda landed in the room, "Sora!"
Sora beamed at the sight of the mutant woman flying down to him, "Miss Wanda!"
He ran up to her and she pulled him into a hug. She then turned to Quasimodo, "How's Esmeralda?"
He was about to answer when she briefly stirred back to consciousness, "I'm fine, thanks to Quasimodo."
She then fell back to unconsciousness, as the Scarlet Witch turned to Sora, "Can you get my suit?"
Sora smiled and nodded before running to their backpack. Wanda then turned to the hunchback, "Can you keep Sora safe as well as Esmeralda?"
"Of course," The bell-ringer nodded, "Be careful out there. My mas- Frollo won't give up easily."
"You too," Wanda smiled and nodded.
Just then, Sora returned with their backpack, "Here you go, Miss Wanda."
She took the bag and opened it to reveal it was were she kept her uniform when she was out. She then smiled to Sora, "Sora, remember when you summoned Tobey?"
Quasimodo ran back outside with a wooden beam and threw it down at the soldiers and Heartless alike causing them to scatter. Frollo ordered, "Come back, you cowards!" He turned to the soldiers, "You men! Pick up that beam! Break down the door!"
As the men went to do so, Spider-Man kicked them down, "Sorry, your not allowed to murder in the Church. Especially under the protection of Sanctuary."
"You!" Frollo snarled in anger, "Why are you here?!"
"You invited to a barbecue, remember?" The Web-Head quipped, "Except I don't see no sneaks, no burgers, no nothing! And it looks like your about to have some hangry party guests!"
Pheobus stood on top of the broke cage that once held him and lifted his newly acquired weapon in the air getting everyone's attention, "Citizens of Paris! Frollo has persecuted our people, ransacked our city! Consulted with demons and madman all his lust over innocent women! Now he has declared war on Notre Dame herself! Will we allow it?!"
"NO!" The people should as the freed the captive gypsies and civilians. And together they prepared to fight off to protect the church from the soldiers and the Heartless.
Spider-Man stood in front of Notre Dame as Scarlet Witch, now in her uniform, flew down beside him. Wanda's eyes narrowed, "We don't let a single one through."
"Agreed!" Spider-Man nodded as the two Avengers fought off soldiers and Heartless alike...
Meanwhile, Sora constrained one summoning a friend to their aid when all a sudden, light shined behind Sora and a familiar looking bear walked through, "Say... never seen this part of the jungle before..."
Sora beamed as he turned to a friendly face, "Baloo!"
Looking down at him, Baloo the bear smiled and picked up Sora for a hug, "Hey, now! Now there's someone I never thought I'd see so soon! How ya been Little Spiky?!"
"Baloo! Bad men are coming!" Sora told them bear.
The bears eyes narrowed as he saw the fighting below, "Is that so... and it looks like they buddied up with those Heartless... well if it's a fight they want, it's a fight they'll get!" He then gave Sora a smirk, "Tell me you still remember how to fight like a bear."
The islander smirk as the Gargoyles sprung into action, looking down at the battle below. Hugo beamed, "I think the cavalry's here!"
Baloo then joined the gargoyles, "You better believe it. Those jokers don't stand a chance!" He then observed the battle below, "Okay, the woman in red is definitely Wanda. I'm guessing the guy in the red a blue is Spidey. So who's the blonde guy that's helping 'em?"
Seeming unphased by the sudden appearance of a talking bear, Victor looked down to the former captain, "Hey! Isn't that…"
"Feeble!" Victor happily guessed.
In response, Laverne glared at Hugo, "Doofus!"
"Phoebus!" Quasi beamed happily recognized him.
As the people fought the monsters and the soldiers, Spider-Man called out to Pheobus, "Hey! Pheobus! The Heartless aren't church folk!"
Pheobus realizing what Spider-Man was saying, told the people, "Push the monsters towards the Cathedral!"
Everyone complied, pushing the Heartless they fought at Notre Dame. The ones that stepped church ground or the walls, were instantly destroyed by the light. One of the people beamed, "The Lord is with us this day!"
Frollo snarled in anger, as he ordered, "Have the righteous creatures pull back! Men! Keep pressing the attack! Knock down those doors!"
Suddenly, Scarlet Witch flew down to him, "Frollo! I wanted to do this since I first met you!"
What happened next was the fact she did not struck him with her power but threw a left hook across the villain's face knocking his hat off him. The Heartless came to aid him, while they were no match for Wanda's power, it did give Frollo a chance to slip away.
While some of Frollo's soldiers tried to knock down the doors, others used latters and grapple hooks to try to get inside, but Quasimodo pushed one giant stone brick at one of the latters knocking all the soldiers down. Victor, who hated violence, nervously drop a single small brick at one of the Frollo's men, knocking him out. He quickly apologized, "Sorry! Sorry!"
Hugo threw a rock in his mouth, and chomped on it. He then flew around like a air bomber, before landing on the edge and proceeded to spitting out pebbles like a machine gun forcing the men back. One of the men who was getting a little took close to edge was about to climb over when Baloo stood in his path. The bear let out a large roar causing the soldier to scream like a little girl and ran back down the latter. Baloo smirked as he simply walked up to the next latter to come face with a another soldier.
All Frollo's thug could do was stare in fear while Baloo simply whispered, "Boo!"
The guard screamed, "A BEAR!"
Little Sora struggled to pick up a small brick and threw it down below knocking out another guard.
Meanwhile, Frollo was supervising the soldiers and Heartless at the door. As the fighting continued, Wanda was blasting bother Heartless and Frollo's men alike as she blast another Heartless, it also destroyed the the lock off the stockade. The elder prisoner was freed once again as he cheered, "I'm free! I'm free!"
He then fell into a hole labeled "Mon Sewer", "Dang it!"
Back with Quasimodo, he grabbed one of the hooks and yanked it up causing all the soldiers who climbed up to crash into the walls then fell back to the ground below to be caught by Spider-Man's webs. Meanwhile, Victor, Sora, and Hugo built a catapult with things inside the cathedral. When they were finally finished, they pushed it near the edge with Baloo's help. Victor ordered, "Ready... aim... fire!"
Together the four gave one final push, off the ledge, sending it crashing to the ground causing both soldier and Heartless to scatter. Victor rubbed the back of his head, "Are you sure that's how it's supposed to work?"
Then, like a mouse trap, the catapult, upside down, springs, sending the cart bottom on top of some soldiers. Hugo beamed, "Works for me!"
Sora then spotted some magic drums that appeared, he then gestured to the bear, "Baloo! Look!"
The bear turned to the instruments before smirking, "Say... that's not a bad idea... let's get with the beat!"
The two rushed off towards the drums as Hugo followed them, "I don't wanna miss out on the action!"
Larvene then commanded all the pigeons, laughing like a certain fictional witch, "Fly, my pretties! Fly! Fly!"
Back on the ground, the pigeons flew down attacking both Heartless and Frollo's men. Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch fought in sink as the took down their enemies left and right. After finishing the last wave, they turned to face the next. When all of sudden, a musical beat started playing, causing both soldiers and Heartless to start dancing to it. One of the soldiers cried, "What's happening?"
Spider-Man turned to Wanda, who shrugged, "Don't look at me. This isn't my doing!" She then looked up to where Sora before smiling, "But I have a pretty good idea who's responsible..."
The Web-Head looked back up before smirking under his mask, "I should have known..."
Back with Sora, Hugo, and Baloo, beated on the drums in rhythm before the boy sang, "Look for the bare necessities~
"The simple bare necessities~" Hugo happily sang.
"Forget about your worries and your strife~" Baloo sang to the beat of the drums.
"I mean the bare necessities~" The trio sang as both Heartless and Soldier danced as they kicked or punch each other to the beat, "Old Mother Nature's recipes~ That brings the bare necessities of life~"
With that, the Heartless were defeated and the soldiers were unconscious. However, Frollo's men whom they missed were about to knock down the door.
Meanwhile, Victor used Hugo as a bellow to warm up the fire under the lead pot. Quasimodo quickly tied a rope to it and dumps it over, sending hot lead pouring out of the cathedral onto the stone below. This caused the soldiers to scatter and vanquish the remaining Heartless. Frollo, however, was safely on the other side of the molten lead and managed to squeeze through the church doors.
The Archdeacon was furious as he marched up to him, "Frollo, have you gone mad? I will not tolerate this assault on the house of God!"
"Silence, you old fool!" Frollo knocked the Archdeacon aside before marching up the stairs, "The hunchback and I have unfinished business to attend to. And this time, you will not interfere."
As he entered the doorway to Quasimodo's home, he slammed the door behind him and barred it shut...
The two Avengers and Pheobus enter the church just moments later. They saw Frollo managed to enter the cathedral when they stopped his minions. Wanda was mainly considered over Sora above all else but her friends were a target too. Spider-Man helped the Archdeacon up, "Which way did Frollo go?"
"He's... he's..." The Archdeacon breathed before gesturing to where the hunchback's room was, "He's going after Quasimodo... he's going to kill him..."
"And very like Esmeralda too!" Pheobus narrowed his eyes in anger.
Wanda gasped, "And Sora's there too! We have to stop him!"
The three ran up the stairs as Pheobus tried to open it, he grunted in frustration, "He's bared it!"
"I can knock it down!" Peter marched up to the door...
...only for Pheobus to stop him, "That could take too long! You both have methods that can get to them quicker! You two can get up there now, I'll find another way around!"
"He's right, Peter," Wanda nodded in agreement as she started running back towards the entrance of the cathedral, "We need to get to them now! We're not losing him... ANY of them!"
Pheobus turned to Spidey, "You sure she's not Sora's biological mother."
Peter ran after the Scarlet Witch after shrugging at him, "Pretty sure!"
A few moments earlier, Sora, Quasimodo, Baloo, and the Graygoles cheered as Frollo's men were in full retreat and the monsters were mostly destroyed. Suddenly Baloo began to shine, as he observed himself, "Guess this means I gotta head back home but hey, let's do this again sometime!"
Sora chuckled at that, "You better believe it!"
As Baloo the bear returned to the world where he came from, the hunchback opened the door where Esmeralda was staying before he cheered, "We've done it, Esmeralda! We've beaten them back! Come and see!"
However, she didn't make a single budge or so any movement of consciousness, Quasimodo slowly walked up to her, "Esmeralda? Wake up! You're safe now." When she still would not awake from her slumber, Sora and Quasi started to worry that something was wrong. The former quickly managed to give the latter a potion in hopes it would help heal her. The hunchback took the vial from the islander, opened the cork, and poured some of the liquid into her mouth...
...she didn't drink it. Assuming the worse, Quasimodo's eyes began to water, "Oh no."
The hunchback began to cry and Sora wasn't that far behind him. Not long after, Frollo entered the room and approached the hunchback, placing a comforting hand over his shoulder. Already knowing who it was, he sobbed, "You killed her."
"It was my duty, horrible as it was. I hope you can forgive me. There, there, Quasimodo, I know it hurts." Frollo pulled out a knife behind his back, "But now, the time has come to end your suffering."
Sora stopped his own cries when he saw what Frollo was about to do, "Quasi! Look out!"
The bell ringer caught Sora's warning just as Frollo raised the knife and prepared to strike. He was able to turn and caught the Frollo's strike just in time. After a brief struggle, Quasimodo wrestled the knife out of the villain's hand and threw him across the room. The old man backed away in fear, "Now, now, listen to me, Quasimodo."
"No, you listen!" The hunchback snapped, "All my life you have told me the world is a dark, cruel place. But now, I see that the only thing dark and cruel about it is people like you!"
Quasimodo threw the dagger aside and pointed an accusing finger at his former master. He finally saw that Frollo was no better than the people he claimed he was 'protecting' from. He would never again be trapped by the nightmares Frollo gave him. Esmeralda then finally regained consciousness, "Quasimodo?"
Both Sora and the hunchback turned to see the miraculous sight of Esmeralda sitting up, alive and well. The latter beamed as ran over to her, "Esmeralda!"
Sora beamed as he joined them, "You're okay!"
The gypsy woman smiled to see the two were alright as well. The fact she was still alive she couldn't complain about either. Frollo was far from happy though, "She lives..."
He then drew forth a sword, the hunchback noticed, and in response held Esmeralda protectively, "NO!"
"Come on, Sora!" Esmeralda told the young boy as she carried Sora and Quasimodo carried her. The hunchback then began to run them to safety as Frollo stood back on his feet to persuade them.
However, as the villain followed them through the door, they were nowhere in sight. Briefly puzzled, the corrupt judge looked left and right for them, until he looked over the edge and saw Quasimodo hanging there with Esmeralda and little Sora. The old man smirked as he raised his weapon, "Leaving so soon?"
He swung his blade but the hunchback hopped to another gargoyle. Frollo prepared another strike when a hex blasted his weapon out of his hands. He turned to face the one who interfered but was kicked in the chest by Spider-Man. The Wall Crallwer hopped over the ledge and turned to face Frollo as Wanda flew over beside him giving Frollo a glare. The latter bravely stated, "Leave my kid and our friends alone."
"Wanda?" Esmeralda blinked in shock as Quasimodo set her down on the cathedral along with Sora, "You can fly?"
"Apparently," The daughter of Magento before muttering to herself, "And I could've avoided so many trees instead of swinging."
Spider-Man pointed a finger at Frollo, "It's over, Frollo. Your soldiers and Heartless are defeated, you threw credible out the window when you set the city on fire and declared war on God, and any Heartless you have can't enter the church."
"That may be..." Frollo grunted as he picked himself up along with his weapon off the ground, before pointing it at the heroes, "...but not all of them need to touch the ground."
Suddenly, the same giant gargoyle-like Heartless, flew above Notre Dame, looking down at our heroes. Wanda narrowed her eyes as she told Spider-Man, "I have this one, why don't you show Frollo what we do to those who hurt the innocent."
She then flew after the Heartless as it launched several fireballs at her. The Scarlet Witch used a hex to redirect the balls of fire back at the Heartless causing it to wince in pain. It roared as it flew at her swinging its wings as Wanda avoided its strikes. Back in the Cathedral, Frollo growled as he swung his blade at Spider-Man, who simply stepped side him, and stuck out his leg causing him to trip. Frollo quickly got back up as Spidey taunted, "Is that all you got? I have an elderly Aunt who moves faster than you!"
Frollo's eyes narrowed as he got back on his feet, "I have enough of you and your witch, Warlock! Your threat to this great city ends here!"
"Mah, a threat to the city?" Spidey pretended to feel offended, "Aren't you the old man in a dress that is burning the entire city to the ground and declared war on God? Or have you always been this delusional?"
"For the last time!" The corrupt judge's eyes narrowed in anger as darkness oozed off of him, "IT IS NOT A DRESS!"
Frollo began swinging widely at Spider-Man, but it kept him distracted from the other three. Esmeralda turned to the little boy, "C'mon! You'll be safer inside with the Archdeacon than out here!"
Both Esmeralda and Quasimodo were about to lead Sora downstairs to safety when an invisible barrier blocked their path. The adults' eyes widened as the gypsy gasped, "What on Earth?
Just then, a dark portal appeared just across Notre Dame. The boy's eyes widened in horror before he hide behind his friends. Quasimodo turned to Sora in concern, "Sora? What's wrong?"
Both adults turned to face the man who stepped out of the Corridor of Darkness mid-air. Xehanort smirked, "So, to think you were here all this time. To think all Frollo had to do was drag you out."
"You..." Esmerelda's eyes narrowed in anger, "You're Xehanort!"
"Ah, it would seem your Avengers friends have mentioned me," Xehanort smirked, "Not surprising really, they seem to find friends wherever they go. The boy has a certain gift for that."
"You used Frollo..." Esmeralda realized, "You brought destruction to Sora's home and God knows how many other places and people, all for Sora! Why?! Because he stops whatever wicked plan you hitch up in the distant future!"
"So, they managed to figure it out," The young adult realized, "I am curious of how much they truly know, and what plans I have for the boy."
"Whatever it is," Esmeralda stated as she and the hunchback stood protectively of Sora, "It will never happen. You have no power here!"
"That is where you are wrong," Xehanort walked on the air closer to the cathedral, "True, the Heartless cannot enter the Catholic Church, however," The future Seeker of Darkness raised his hand and summoned his Keyblade, "I'm not a creature of pure darkness."
He swung his weapon at the two, but they ducked down and avoided the strike and ran back to where the Avengers were. Xehanort quickly followed.
At the same time, Frollo was using his dark power in hopes to end Spider-Man. However, the wall crawler was no stranger to supervillains, as he easily dodged a countered every one of Frollo's strikes. At the same, thought to himself, "Oh man, I hope I'm not on God's bad side since I'm fighting Frollo in the cathedral. If this upsets you, forgive me, and help me wrap up this fight before anything else is thrown at me."
"SPIDER-MAN!" Esmeralda and Quasimodo called out. He then saw that they were trying to get Sora away from Xehanort.
He sighed to himself, "And my Parker luck strikes again. God, please, don't let me screw this up!"
The web-head leaped over Frollo and kicked him the back before running back to where his friends needed him to be.
At the same time, the Scarlet Witch also heard her friends cry for help. Her eyes widened in horror to see Xehanort was once again after her baby. She tried flying back to the cathedral but the Heartless knocked her away. She was able to catch herself midair before looking back up to face the gargoyle like Heartless. She then turned back to the church, before an idea popped in her head. Wanda's eyes narrowed in determination, "Okay, let's finish this!"
She then flew past the giant Heartless, then turned back to face it before launching a powerful hex at it, pushing it towards Notre Dame.
Just as Xehanort was about to catch out to the hunchback, gypsy, and islander when Spider-Man kicked the Keyblade Wielder away from the group, "Hey, Xehanort. Finally joined the barbecue as well, eh? Trying to be fashionably late as always, huh?"
"You cannot keep the boy away from me forever," Xehanort smirked, "Our destinies are no longer certain."
"Yeah, well, Yen Sid told us what future you is planning," Spider-Man smirked, "And you know what, we're making sure the future where Sora kicks you ancient butt happens!"
Spider-Man then proceeded to engage Xehanort, as Esmeralda held Sora while Quasimodo kept them safe from Frollo. He eventually found his way to a ledge of the cathedral as his former master stated, "I should have known you'd risk your life to save that gypsy witch. Just as your own mother died in her pitiful to save you."
"What?!" Quasi's eyes widened in horror.
"Now I'm going to do what I should have done twenty years ago!" He swings his rope, covering Quasi's head but as he tried to throw Quasi off the balcony, the panicking Quasi pulled Frollo off balcony too.
Acting quickly, Esmeralda set Sora down and caught Quasimodo before he could fall, and Frollo held on to the hunchback.
At the same time, with one final push, the giant Heartless fell on top of Notre Dame, and like the smaller ones before it, was destroyed for being on holy ground. She turned to her friends just in time to see, Esmeralda holding on to the hunchback for his dear life, while Frollo was doing the same to save his own. The corrupt judge swung himself over to another gargoyle as he climbed up on it. Spider-Man was too distracted by Xehanort to help, so she knew she had to act quickly.
Frollo stood on the gargoyle laughing wickedly, Esmeralda's eyes widened in horror as the villain raised his blade, "And He shall smite the wicked and plunge them into the fiery pit!"
However before he could strike her down and let Quasi fall, a hex once again knocked his sword away. Moments after, Wanda's hex carried Frollo towards her, his eyes widened in horror to face Wanda's glowing red eyes, "The only wicked ones I see here are you and Xehanort. And if you were facing me a few years ago, I would let you fall and face God's judgment right now..."
Frollo's eyes widened in horror as he was completely helpless and she could very well carry out what she had just told him. However, she turned to a certain child watching these events unfold, before her red eyes vanished, revealing her natural eyes, "But I now know that is wrong."
She then threw him back to the safety of the cathedral, she then flew back to the ground as Sora ran to her side. She briefly hugged the child before stating, "Claude Frollo. You're answering for all your crimes against this city and the world, and maybe inside of a cell you can finally admit what your doing is wrong and maybe God and the city will forgive you but either way, you're not hurting anyone ever again."
"You... you think this is over?" Frollo glared at Wanda before standing on his own two feet, "This is just the beginning. You cannot stop me, I command forces beyond your comprehension. Paris will forever thank..."
Before he could finish, someone struck him down from behind much to Frollo's shock. Sora and Wanda's eyes widened in horror as Frollo simply just faded away, and in his place, was none other than Xehanort. He smirked, "You played your part."
"NO!" Spider-Man exclaimed before kicking Xehanort away, Wanda blasted the black-coated villain with a hex.
She told Spider-Man, "Help Quasimodo! I'll keep him away from Sora!"
"Be careful!" The web-head warned her, "He's no pushover!"
She increased the power of her hex, but Xehanort stood his ground. As Spidey joined Esmeralda, she was beginning to lose her grip on the bell ringer, "Quasimodo! Quasi, no!"
Before Spider-Man could take over, she lost her grip, as her eyes widened in horror, "NNNNNNNOOOOOOOO!"
Spider-Man leaped down after him. In his eyes, the image of Quasimodo was briefly replaced by Gwen Stacy. He couldn't fail again. He was about to reach him when Pheobus caught him and carried him back over the stone ramp to safety. Spider-Man caught himself on the wall while Esmeralda looked down to see if the hunchback was safe.
Wanda and Xehanort's power continued to clash which resulted in a small explosion pushing them both back from each other. The explosion also destroyed the barrier that kept them trapped. Esmeralda picked up Sora and helped Wanda up, "C'mon! We need to join up with the others."
The Scarlet Witch nodded as she followed Esmeralda and Sora with the others as Xehanort recovered from the explosion...
As Spider-Man joined the saved hunchback, he gave Pheobus a hug in gratitude. Sighing in relief as well he returned to the hug when the two women and the little boy joined them.
Noticing Esmeralda, he took the hand of Pheobus and then the gypsy woman, before joining them together. Wanda smiled in relief, "What a good sport." She then turned to Spider-Man as he looked a bit down. She asked him, "Peter... are you okay?"
"...yeah," The masked hero answered a minute later, "I'm fine."
Wanda didn't seem to believe him, there was something in his voice that said otherwise. Just what did he go through before they met? Sora walked up to her side slightly concerned for Peter before gasping and hiding behind her. It didn't take long for her to realize who Sora was afraid of. Wanda warned the others, "Xehanort's back!"
Everyone stared outside the cathedral in battle stances as Xehanort stood in mid-air again. Esmeralda demanded, "Why did you kill Frollo?"
"He was beaten," Spider-Man added, "He was going to face justice! And then you murdered him!"
"All around the world, people live seemingly peaceful lives," Xehanort explained, "Like Frollo, they believe themselves to be moral and virtuous, but it's all an act. Darkness lurks in the pit of everyone's heart. Their light is a total farce. Those who are weak, or who desire great power, simply strip the strong of their power and convince themselves they've earned it. That's how people get tainted by darkness. They believe what they want to believe, using hollowing reasons as justification. They repeat the cycle, and their darkness grows."
"And how is killing him prove that you're better than him," Wanda glared at him, "Even then, we've seen firsthand the evils you yourself have done and will do."
"Because I see a much bigger picture in mind," Xehanort answered, "Frollo was necessary to accomplish that goal as he would have been the reason for dragging this world into darkness. To a realm, not even the Heartless could reach. As of today, it again proves my theory correct. Destiny is no longer certain."
Pheobus blinked in confusion, "What do you mean?!"
"Hmph!" Was Xehanort's only response before turning away and leaving through a Corridor of Darkness.
"Oh no, you don't!" Spider-Man fired a web to stop the villain from escaping but he was already long gone before he could get to him. He sighed, "And he got away again!"
"Does anyone have any idea what he was talking about?" Quasimodo wondered.
"I wish we knew, Quasi," Wanda admitted, "Maybe we'd have a better chance stopping him then."
"Could someone explain why he wants Sora so bad," Pheobus wondered.
"So far as we figured out," Spidey answered, "Whatever he is planning, it will be stopped by Sora when gets older. The version we're facing is from the past, while the one from our time is MIA. So we figured..."
"If this Xehanort prevents Sora from growing up to become the hero he's meant to be," Pheobus slowly realized.
Esmeralda sighed as she crossed her arms, "There's nothing stopping him in the future..."
Pheobus tightened his fist, before calming down, "Guess we all got our work in for what happens next."
Everyone nodded in agreement, until Spider-Man's eyes widened, "Oh no! The Crack!"
"The what now?" Esmeralda blinked in confusion.
Spider-Man's eyes widened under his mask as he removed it, "The Crack where the monsters came from! We never got a chance to seal it or travel through it so we can close the others!"
"It... sounds important," Quasimodo spoke up.
"Yeah," Wanda frowned, "Frollo might have had it at one point but Xehanort must have snatched it before we could get it."
"Umm..." Sora walked up to the middle of the group, "That's not true. Xehanort doesn't have the Crack of Realitree."
Despite Sora saying the wrong word, everyone knew what he meant and turned to him in confusion. Wanda asked the boy, "Sweetie, what are you saying?"
Sora then dug in his pocket and pulled out the Crack in Reality, "I have it!"
Everyone blinked in shock as Spider-Man took mentally wondering, "How was he able to fit this in his pocket?!"
Esmeralda then asked, "Sora? Where did you find that?!"
"The mean old man in the dress dropped it when Miss Wanda beat him," Little Sora smiled, "I took it when no one was looking! Did I do good?!"
Wanda laughed full heartily, before giving him kiss on the check, "Oh, you did better than good Sora!"
"Well done, Sora!" Pheobus smiled.
Quasimodo added, "Way to go, Sora!"
Everyone cheered the little boy as the worlds now had even a better chance of survival...
Sometime after the flames died out, Pheobus and Esmeralda left the cathedral hand in hand. Quasimodo stood there while Sora, the two Avengers, and the gargoyles walked up to the hunchback. Wanda couldn't help but wonder, "So, what will you do know, Quasimodo?"
"Well, I'm finally free of the nightmares Frollo trapped me in," Quasimodo smiled, "I'm ready to really see what's out there." He then turned back to them, "I know you have to go soon, but could you least help me with the first steps."
Everyone nodded in agreement, as Spidey answered, "Of course we will."
The three humans followed the bell ringer out of the church, while the Gargoyles returned to the rooftops. With that Phoebus and Esmeralda emerge into the light. As the crowd cheers, Esmeralda turns back to the open doorway. She comes back and lead out Quasimodo with their three friends by his side. The crowd goes silent at the hunchback until a little girl slowly approached him. After observing his face, the little girl saw the good heart within him and hugged him. Quasimodo smiled as he returned to hug.
Not long after, he placed the girl on his shoulder as the crowd cheered for him. As Wanda set down the crack, Peter pulled an orb from his bag. Pheobus then asked, "You sure you don't need us to come with?"
"We're sure," Spider-Man answered, "Xehanort's our responsibility, once we close all the cracks, and return home, we'll take care of him."
"Then we'll take care of this one and find his friends," Wanda picked up the small boy earning a chuckle out of him.
"Well, if you ever need back up," Esmeralda smiled, "Don't hesitate to write. We'll be there."
"Good luck," Pheobus added, "And Godspeed."
With that, Clopin declared, "Three cheers for Quasimodo and his Avenger friends!"
The people broke into loud cheer, as he sang, "Ssssssooooo~ here is a riddle to guess if you can~ Sing the bells of Notre Dame~ What makes a monster and what makes a man~?!"
"Sing the bells, bells, bells, bells..." The people sang as the carried the hunchback around the city as Esmeralda, Pheobus, and Daiji followed them.
"Whatever their pitch, you can feel them bewitch you the rich and the ritual knells~" Clopin sang as Spider-Man tossed the orb inside the crack before Wanda used her power to keep it open long enough to travel through as everyone, including them, sang, "Of the BELLS OF NOTRE DAME~!"
As they left the world of the Hunchback of Notre Dame, they were only witnessed by the three gargoyles and the pigeons that landed on Larvene as she cried out, "Don't you ever migrate?!"
Meanwhile, back home, everyone was gathered in Doctor Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum, the Sorcerer Supreme was using a locator spell to track down where Spider-Man and the Scarlet Witch where now. Wong along with many heroes, even a few members of the Brotherhood, were out trying to keep the Heartless a bay.
Magento was among the few that choice to wait with Strange in hopes of finding his daughter... along with one other discovery he might have made. Along him was his son Pietro, and Toad. The Avengers that were there were Captain America, Iron Man, Wasp, and Wolverine. Blade too stood there as he was curious to see what they were up against.
"I almost have them," Strange announced, getting everyone on their toes, "Almost..." One of the worlds seemed to grow brighter and brighter until it dimmed, "...dang it, they're on the move again."
Everyone groaned in frustration, Tony then asked, "What about the cracks?" He then snorted, "Trying really hard not to make a fart joke!"
"They close sealed the crack in where they last were," Strange admitted, "It's weakened the other cracks. They only need to seal a few more and the remaining should repair themselves."
"They can't keep up this luck forever," Captain America stated, "If they're going to succeed, we need to find where they are and give them the backup they need."
"I still don't get it," Wasp shrugged, "Where did these things come from in the first place."
"If you're referring to the creatures of darkness, they originate in their own realm. The darkness within our hearts must have attracted them to ours," Strange answered, "As for the cracks, I have a theory on that... the moment I discovered what Spider-Man and the Scarlet Witch have been up to since their disappearance... they're power contains a little bit of the latter's power."
"What?!" Quicksilver snapped as he ran to Strange, "You think my sister is responsible for this then you have a...!"
"Pietro!" His father glared at his son, "That's enough!" Pietro blinked in shock but did as ordered. Eric then turned to the Sorcerer, "Explain, Doctor. I don't believe Wanda would willingly open a realm to creatures of darkness willingly."
"Nor do I," Strange admitted, "I can only assume from what the Avengers told me, when Kang used his time chair to escape from our time, Wanda used her hex in an attempt to stop him. However, doing so, caused time and reality to tear themselves appear creating these Cracks. I believe she and Spider-Man realized this and found a way to seal them."
Magento nodded as it sounded more believable to him. Wasp then asked, "So... until we use your magic to find them, we're stuck on defense."
"Or we could go on the offense," Blade offered, "Cut off the head of their leader."
"That's not how it works. We're not dealing with Vampires," Strange answered, "After all, the world itself was made of light and darkness. You can't have one without the other. You could eliminate billions of commanders but the creatures will continue to remain. Not to mention, even if we found a way into the Realm of Darkness, finding a way out would be more difficult. Not time mentioned, time would be uncertain. What feels like hours there could be years of this world."
"Okay... let's not do that," Tony stated before turning to Toad, "So, why aren't you helping on defense at all."
"Uh..." Toad whimpered, "I believe it's in everybody's best interests that I stay here."
"Good, then when Mr. Magic finds my sister," Quicksilver smirked at Toad, "You can be a part of the rescue team."
Toad whimpered at that thought, as Wasp leaned over to Wolverine, "Okay, this guy is just sad, why is he with them again?"
"Pixie," Wolverine sighed as he rubbed his eyes, "Your guess is as good as mine."
"I'm afraid even if we did get there," Strange spoke up after a moment, "Finding to get to that world is no small feat either, why do you think we haven't ever crossed paths with these worlds? I doubt even the Kree or Skrull knew of their existence. As I've mentioned before, even the Sorceror Supreme cannot just burst through the barriers between worlds without consequences. Perhaps Science could be a solution."
"Reed's already working on it in the Baxter Building," Tony spoke up, "T'Challa and Thor are doing the same in Wakanda. I could have done the same in Avengers Tower..." Before slightly glancing at Magento, "If someone hadn't trashed it."
Magento frowned at that before Pietro walked up to him, "Father... a word..." Magento nodded, he saw this conversation coming sooner than later. Might as well let him know now. He followed his son to the other side of the room, as Quicksilver asked, "Okay, so at first we lead a full assault on them to rescue Wanda. Then Mr. Magic beats you, shows us where Wanda is not on our chunk of the Earth apparently, and there are monsters from another realm on the loose and suddenly you're all chummy with them. What gives?"
"Pietro. There's more at stake than you know..." The Master of Magnetism was unsure how to explain this information to his son, "When was the last time you spoke to your sister."
"Same as you," Pietro answered not at all seeing the point, "When Wanda banished you from Genosha and I stuck by your side for the cause. Like roughly four years ago."
"Four years," Magento thought out loud before nodding, "Yes, that sounds about right."
"Father?" Quicksilver wondered, "Just what are you talking about?"
"When the Doctor revealed Wanda's location along with Spider-Man," Magento began to explain, "There was another among them. A boy. Roughly four years old."
Pietro didn't seem to get it before it something finally clicked in his head, his eyes widened in shock, "Wait... are you saying... this kid... is my sister's..."
"Son. She must have conceived him just before or after I was banished," Magento sighed, "Which means... you might have a nephew and I a grandson."
"But... but..." Pietro was still dumbfounded, "Who knocked her up? Who the heck is the father? It can't be Nightcrawler..." He then weakly asked, "Can it?"
"The child bared no resemblance to the X-Man," His father revealed, "And I doubt he'd go through priesthood if he knew he had a son."
"So, any ideas then," Quicksilver wondered, "What about that Spider-Man guy? He seemed awfully chummy with my sister."
"Right now, that doesn't matter," Magneto stated, "The boy has been caught in the crossfire in all of this. For his sake, we have to work with these humans if we are to save him and Wanda."
"Now hold on," Pietro raised his hands unsure if this information was actually true, "If he really was Wanda's kid, why would she bring him to a mission? I know her. She always wanted to be a mother even before we met you. Why would she bring her only child to a battlefield."
"I doubt she did," Eric shook his head, "The only explanation is that he inherited the x-gene meaning..."
"...he's a mutant." Pietro finished, "Must have freaked out when mommy never came home and used his power to end up wherever she is." He sighed, "So, you want me to ask around? Learn more about the kid."
"No, that would just upset her more than she is with us," Magento shook his head, "Just work with the humans for now, and maybe we can try to patch things up with her the old fashion way."
The speedster mutant sighed at that, "You know it's not going to be easy."
"No, it's not," Magento admitted. Chances were, Wanda didn't want them anywhere near the child, and after what he did to Genosha, he couldn't say he blamed her.
All of a sudden, they heard a knock on the door and Black Widow and Hawkeye entered the room. As the former stated, "Everyone, you're going to want to hear this."
The heroes that were there, along with Magento, Quicksilver, and Toad turned to them. Cap asked, "Any good news about the situation about Scarlet Witch and Spider-Man?"
"Good news, yes and no," Hawkeye nodded before pulling out a S.H.E.I.L.D. file, "About Scarlet Witch and Spider-Man? Maybe for the latter than the former, one of his supervillains just magically appeared inside a shield cell."
Everyone turned to Dr. Strange, who was still working on the location spell, as he told them, "I can assure you, it wasn't me. Can't say the same for Wong."
"We just checked," Natasha admitted, "He said it wasn't him either."
"So... which one is it?" Wasp wondered.
"Sergi Kravenoff," Black Widow answered, "Also known as Kraven the Hunter. He was last seen at the crime scene where Spider-Man and Wanda vanished before disappearing as well. Then not long after our..." She glanced at Magento, "...debate with Magento, he just appeared in S.H.E.I.L.D. custody."
"So, Kraven must have found a way to follow them," Tony assumed, "They must have defeated him and found a way to send him back."
Wolverine smirked, "So, you want me to have a little chat with him to find out how he did it?"
"Don't bother," Hawkeye shook his head, "Jean already read his mind. He has no clue what happened before he vanished. Someone wiped his memory. And that's not the bad news..."
"Okay, so some weird crazy hunter has no memory of how he got to a guy in tights and my sister," Pietro rolled his eyes, "What can be worse than that?"
Clint Barton added, "Someone just broke another one of enemies from the Negative Zone... and no one knows how they did it..."
Steve looked concerned, "Which one?"
Nearly an hour ago, Xehanort stood in front of a cell, with defeated prison guards and destroyed Mandroids around the prison while every other prisoner demanded to be freed as well. The young Keyblade Wielder smirked, "So... I know you hate Spider-Man above all else, well, as it happens, he has a new love and a little boy they think the world of. If I help you find your old friend and offer a way to make him suffer... will you help me in my goal."
After a long moment of silence in the darkened cell, the prisoner answered, "Yesssssss... We will!"
A creature in black with white eyes like Spider-Man's mask turned to face Xehanort, revealing his sinister grin and his sharp teeth...
Notes:
And that will conclude today's chapter. And for those of you wondering, yes, this is Venom. Eddie Brock. And yes, I know, Eddie Brock in current stories has been written as an anti-hero and last I check made peace with Spider-Man. But this is not that timeline, and Venom is a full-time villain in this! Willing to hurt Peter Parker in anyways he can!
Just a heads up, I will be talking a little bit of a story about my religion in the next paragraph so if you don't want to read just skip to the preview.
Fun fact, Frollo's whole plan kinda reminds me of a similar plot that happened in the Bible. It's true! It's in the Old Testament in the book of Daniel. Two elder men tried to make a God-fearing woman named Susanna to be with them or they would condemn her. Thankfully, God sent Daniel to stop them. Yes, the same Daniel that was thrown into the lion's den. But when he was just a boy. If you want to check it out for yourselves it's in the Old Testament, the Book of Daniel, Chapter 13. It's worth a read.
Now then, to the preview, while our heroes have survived the wrath of Frollo, he becomes the least of their worries as they get caught in a war deep in space. With Clones, droids, lightsabers, and everything that makes Peter as happy and geeky as he can be! That is until he finds out when in the beloved series they were in. Still, with the help of two well-known knights, manage to keep Sora safe from the forces of darkness but can they be enough to stop the Revenge of the Sith...
I'm pretty sure which world we end up in next, so stay tuned! For the final Disney-related film world before we move on to the non-Disney-based world and of course the grand finale. Are any Star Wars Prequel fans among us... (Don't worry. There's no Jar Jar!) Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Be sure to leave a review. Also, don't forget to leave fav. and review if you haven't already. See ya real soon in a galaxy far, far away...
Chapter 12: Chapter 11: The Clone Wars
Summary:
You know the old saying, out of the frying pan and into the fire? The expression can be perfectly said about our two Avengers, whose feelings for each other have been growing stronger each day. From surviving Frollo's expression, they find themselves in the middle of a war of one of Peter's favorite franchises: Star Wars! The bad news is they're the start of the end of the Clones Wars. The beginning of Revenge of the Sith. If things play out the same in the film, things won't turn out well for the galaxy. Unable to stand aside and let things play out the way in the film, Peter makes a daring attempt to change the fate of Anakin Skywalker and by extension the galaxy... even if Wanda isn't a big fan of the idea of leaving Sora here with the Jedi, unable to see the boy again...
However, Xehanort brought another enemy of Spider-Man's to Coruscant, one who has no issue hurting the ones closest to him to get to him...
Notes:
I don't own Avengers or Kingdom Hearts. They belong to Disney, Square Enix, and Marvel. Oh, boy! Was this chapter a long one but I did it! Well, the first half of this world. Which is of course Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. We all know how the plot is going to go but how do our heroes stop it? Well, we're going to find out! Alrighty with that out of the way, here's the next chapter!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 11: The Clone Wars
Some time ago, Terra was checking out a certain location on a world unfamiliar to Wanda. Looked around for something or someone. He thought he was alone until he turned back around. He gasped in horror to see Master Xehanort chained to a large pipe above him, "MASTER XEHANORT!"
Xehanort slowly raised his head to show the young Keyblade Wielder he was still alive. Just then, another man walked down the stairs Terra came from with a grin on his face and some kind of futuristic arrow gun in his hand, "The old coot certainly knows how to take punishment. Just like I know how to deal it out."
"You monster!" Terra's eyes narrowed with anger summoning his Keyblade to his side, "What are you after?"
"That thing right there," The mystery assailant answered gesturing to Terra's weapon, " It's called the Keyblade, isn't it? Yep, it seems like these days everybody's got one of those...even grandpa there. When I nabbed him, he told me all about it... what a weapon like that can do. How could I not want one?"
The young man's eyes narrowed, ready for a fight, "Well, you'll find they're picky about their owners."
"Ha, if I heard the old guy right, you're what they call Keyblade Master material. So if I defeat you, that makes me the real keyslinger, if you catch my drift," The man laughed before admitting, "Not the most polite way to go about it..." He then aimed his weapon at Terra, "But what can you do?
Terra was about to charge at him when the attack waved his hands tauntingly, "Ah-ah, one more step and the coot goes boom. You think I'm gonna fight fair? As if! That key's too powerful for us to go mano a mano."
Realizing he had no choice but to stay on the defensive, made Terra a bit annoyed. However, he didn't want to risk Xehanort's life so he complied...
Time passed, and Terra was having a tough time holding out the defensive. Whoever this guy was, he was an expert at long-range attacks, which he had a feeling was his plan all along. After blocking the last shot, it knocked the Keyblade Wielder to the ground. The assailant smirked, "Hmph. For a Keyblade Master, you're not very... what's the word... good?"
The pupil of Master Earqus began to recover, sitting up, trying to think of a new strategy when he heard the elder Keyblade Master call out to him, "What are you doing, Terra?! Fight!"
The brunette looked up to Xehanort completely shocked by what he wanted him to do. One the could cost Xehanort's own life, "But Master, you'll-"
"Never mind me!" Xehanort reassured the young Wielder, "You must fight! You can't let this ruffian win. Think of your Master, Eraqus... the shame he and your fellow pupils would be force to bear! Use the Keyblade!"
Believing to see Xehanort's point, he didn't want the man who raised him or his best friends to bare the shame of his defeat. Terra stood back up and decided to go for the offense, making the assailant chuckle, "Pfft, so much for the bluff."
This time Terra had the full advantage and turned the battle completely around. However, his anger had taken over and darkness empowered him. He raised his Keyblade and with a single swing, fired a ball of dark energy that knocked the attack to the ground along with taking out his right eye causing him to scream in pain. His remaining good eye widened to see that he wasn't done, and fire another ball of dark energy across his face, and then struck the chains that held the Keyblade Master, freeing him. In even more pain, the assailant decided to retreat while he was still breathing. He jumped out of there as quickly as he could.
It didn't matter though, Terra was horrified of the power he just used, "This power..."
"Well done, Terra," Xehanort praised the victor of the battle as he walked towards him, "You have taken yet another step forward."
"But I was consumed by anger... hatred," The young man shook his head ashamed with himself, "That was the power of darkness."
Xehanort simply just grinned, "Darkness that you channeled."
"No... I succumbed to it," Terra shook his head, lowering his weapon before making it vanished, "Just like when I stole Princess Aurora's heart of light. I can never return home now. I'm a failure."
"Then don't. You could be my pupil," Xehanort offered making Terra gasp. The elder Keyblade Master continued, "Master Eraqus, you see, is so afraid of darkness, that he too, has succumbed... not to darkness, but to light. It shines so bright, he forgets that light begets darkness. And Aqua and Ventus, their lights shine too bright."
He then pointed to Terra's own heart, "It is only natural that they cast shadows on your heart."
"Eraqus... He is such a fool!" The Keyblade Master declared walking past Terra as he explained, "Light and darkness, they are a balance... one that must always be maintained."
"Terra..." Xehanort glanced at him, "you are the one who shows the true Mark of Mastery, but he refuses to see it."
After a moment, he turned back to face the young apprentice, "And I know why. It is because he fears you." Taking Terra's hands, he offered, "Join me. You and I can do the worlds much greater good, by wielding light and darkness in equal shares."
Terra looked honored by this offer, "Master Xehanort..."
The old man smiled before turning back and ordering, "See more worlds. Seek out the darkness that upsets the balance. Find Vanitas. And bring an end to him..." He then turned back with a grin on his face, "Master Terra."
That seemed to have done it, the promise of his life long dream seemingly fulfilled, Terra smiled and bowed to his new Master, before leaving to do as ordered leaving Xehanort to himself...
Time had passed, and Xehanort remained where he was, as if he was expecting someone. All of a sudden, someone took a shot at him from behind, but an invisible barrier protected him. The assailant had returned, bandaged around his head, and completely angry, "Hey, you old coot!"
The attacker continued shooting despite seeing that his shots did little effect against the Keyblade Master. With his only good eye, he glared, "You said I wouldn't get hurt! I didn't sign up to be collateral damage!"
Xehanort looked unamused even as he turned to face, with the arrow guns aimed it face, as the assailant snapped, "No way! As if!"
Finally, having enough of Braig's complaining, Xehanort summoned his own No Name Keyblade and aimed at the assailant's throat. Braig's anger was quickly replaced by fear, as he finally stood down, in fear of his own life, "Okay! Okay, fine. Fine! Just...just put that down! You still need me! You still need me to do something, right? And all I'm asking is that you hold up your end of the bargain."
After a moment, Xehanort made his Keyblade vanished making the attacker sigh in relief. He then tried laughing it off, "I mean, what's a little scratch on my face, huh? All things considered. I'm just lucky he didn't steal my heart like Princess Whatever-it-Was. That would've ruined my week for sure."
"Unlikely," Xehanort finally responded turning away from his secret minion, "A powerful light still lives inside of Terra. You see, people like him... they don't have the power to steal hearts."
Braig blinked in shock, "So wait... you mean... he's not the one who stole her heart?"
Xehanort only smirked in response...
All of a sudden, Wanda experienced flashes of moments. Terra seemly being controlled. Raising his Keyblade over a sleeping young woman. And Young Xehanort was also there, with his own Keyblade, revealing he was the one to have stolen the Princess's heart. All of sudden, he seemed to have noticed something...
"Wanda?"
"Wanda!"
"WANDA!"
Wanda snapped back in reality breathing heavily as Peter turned to her concerned, "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," The Scarlet Witch answered rubbing his eyes, before revealing, "That last vision, Xehanort was using Terra. There was a whole fake rescue mission, and a Princess losing her heart..."
"Look! As much as I would love to hear more about it," Spider-Man told her, "It's the least of our worries! Sora's missing!"
"WHAT?!" Wanda snapped out of her daze at the reveal. He was the first one through the Crack, how did they lose him already? She called out to the young boy, "Sora?! SORA!" She then turned to the Wall Crawler, "Where could he have gone?!" She quickly got angry, "Did Xehanort get him?! If he did so help me...?!"
"Easy! This won't help Sora!" Spider-Man tried to calm the young woman, "We need to keep calm figure out what happened, and..." Suddenly, they heard three small knocks coming from the wall next to them, puzzling the two Avengers. After a moment, Spidey asked, "You heard that too, right?"
Wanda slowly approached the wall, with hope in her eyes as she knelt down and returned with three knocks, before calling out, "Sora?!"
She leaned an ear to the wall before she heard a quiet voice respond, "...Miss Wanda..."
Wanda began joyfully laughing, she turned to Peter, "He's okay! He's just on the other side of this wall!"
Spider-Man looked across the hallway ahead of them, "If we hurry, we might find a door in the hallway to where Sora is..."
"Then c'mon!" She then immediately began to run down the hall, "Let's go!"
Spider-Man then seemingly recognized the hallways, "You know, I think I've seen these hallways in a movie before..."
"Explain later!" Wanda rushed back and pulled Peter to get him moving before turning back to the wall she knew Sora was behind, "Sweetie! You stay right there! Spider-Man and I will find a way around to you!"
As the ran off, they couldn't hear Sora's response...
"Miss Wanda! I can't hear you!" Sora called back, "I'm going to find a way around to find you and Mr. Spider-Man!"
He then ran as fast as his little legs carried him through the hallway. Eventually, he found a door that slid open automatically as he passed by it. He went through it and saw the window of what appeared the evening sky...
That's what he believed at least... until three ships flew right past the windows. Sora's eyes widened in amazement, he ran up closer to the window, and he couldn't help but gasp in awe, "WOW!"
Outside, was an entire space battle of ships both big and small over one single world below them...
The Galactic Republic
Sora had never seen so many spaceships before. Come to think of it, he had never seen any spaceships before. It was just so cool...
"Are you sure we're going in the right direction?"
Sora turned his head at the source of the voice and saw cloaked figures heading his way. He heard another voice in the darker ropes reply, "C'mon, Master. You've felt the disturbance in the Force too. You should know we're going in the right direction."
Thinking they were with Xehanort Sora hid behind a corner, hoping the Avengers found him first...
Little did the islander know, these two men were not with Xehanort. They were two well-known Jedi Knights throughout the Galactic Republic. The older one with a beard was the negotiator, Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. And the younger one with a scar across his right eye was the hero without fear, Anakin Skywalker.
They were originally sent by the Jedi Council to rescue the Supreme Chancellor Palpatine from the clutches of the droid general, General Grievous. They managed to break into his commander's ship and had Anakin's droid R2-D2 locate the captive hostage. Even though they knew it was a trap, set by the leader of the Separatist Alliance, the former Jedi and current Sith Lord, Count Dooku, they had no choice but to spring it to rescue the Chancellor.
However, not long after, the two felt a disturbance in the Force. An ancient power they had never felt before and yet, they sensed it came from someone so young. So, the two agreed to take a slight detour to investigate. The Jedi Master stated, "Anakin... we can't check this out for too long. Remember, our main priority is still the Chancellor."
"I haven't forgotten," Obi-Wan's former Padawan reassured him, "Your the one who said we can't leave something this powerful in the hands of the Sith."
"Yes," Master Kenobi admitted, "But we still don't know what we're looking for. It could be anyone or anything."
"I still don't know how Dooku managed to find this ancient power before we did," General Skywalker commented, "Probably just got lucky."
"In my experience, there's no such thing," Obi-Wan replied.
Anakin smirked, "Well, it's a good thing I taught Ashoka other-" They then stopped as they felt the power was very close to them, "Master?"
"I sense it too," Obi-Wan admitted before turning to the corner where they sensed where the power was. Their hands slowly reached to their lightsabers before a little small head peeked out around the corner, causing both Jedi to blink in shock. They then eased up a moved their hands away from their weapons as the Jedi Master greeted the child with a smile, "Hello there!"
Sora looked uncertain before Anakin bent down to one knee, and gave the boy an easy smile, "It's alright. We're here to help you."
"You're not with the bad man in the black coat?" Sora asked the two Jedi.
The two Jedi glanced at each other, as the younger one asked, "Black coat?"
"Your guess is as good as mine," Obi-Wan admitted. It didn't sound like Dooku's standard for clothing. And none of his acolytes and assassins they knew, wore that entire either. Then again, it could have been a new acolyte altogether. Still, they knew the child must have gone through a lot as of late. The Jedi reassured him, "No, we're not friends of this... man in a black coat."
"We're here to help," The younger Jedi answered, "My name is Anakin Skywalker." He then gestured to Obi-Wan, "And this is my former master, Obi-Wan Kenobi."
The Jedi Master made a nod, "We're here to get you out of here."
After a moment, the boy came out of the corner, before his eyes widened, and ducked back it. Sensing the darkness, the two Jedi stood protectively in front of the child and drew out their lightsabers. The blue blades sprung to life as they faced off against a single shadow Heartless. Anakin smirked, despite the great darkness coming from the creature, it look like this battle was going to be all too easy. He asked his former master, "You want this one, or should I take it?"
Just then more Heartless arrived coming in many shapes and sizes. Anakin blinked in shock before Obi-Wan smirked back, "By all means, Anakin. Help yourself."
The first Heartless to arrive sprung into action, but the hero without fear quickly cut it down as the other Heartless joined the fight. Despite overwhelming odds, the two Jedi held their ground, cutting down the darkness with their respective weapons. Eventually, only a few remained, and Obi-Wan used the Force to push the remaining back crashing into a wall and causing them to vanish. The two Jedi Knights deactivated their weapons, "Certainly wasn't expecting that."
"They weren't droids," Anakin wondered, "What were they?"
"I'm not sure, but those creatures," Obi-Wan thought aloud, "I sensed the dark side coming from them... but it's almost like they were created from the dark side itself."
Sora tilted his head at that as the two Jedi turned to the boy, as the Master continued, "When we get back, we have to inform the Council about this after the mission."
Anakin then turned to the child in concern, "Have these creatures been after you often?"
Sora nodded. Anakin then proceeded to ask, "Did the man in the black coat send them?"
The islander nodded once again. Both Jedi turned to each other in concern, as Obi-Wan considered, "Could this man possibly be the Sith Lord we've been searching for?"
"Who else could command such darkness?" Anakin nodded in agreement before turning back to the boy, "It's okay. We'll keep you safe from the Sith. I promise."
Sora slightly smiled, Obi-Wan lightly chuckled, "Forgive us, but with everything that just happened, we never asked your name."
"Oh, it's Sora." The boy answered.
"Sora, how'd you end up on a Separatist command ship?" Anakin nodded.
"Well, Miss Wanda used..." Sora started before his eyes widened, "Oh no! Miss Wanda! Mr. Spider-Man! I forgot I was looking for them!"
"Who now?" Anakin wondered.
"They're superheroes that have been protecting me from the man in the black coat and the monsters," Sora quickly explained.
"Are they still on the ship?" One-Wan inquired, getting a confirmed nod from the boy, "Well that complaints things."
"How does it?" Anakin smirked, "Whoever these... superheroes... are they know more about the Sith and the monsters. They could be the key to ending this terrible war." He then offered Sora his hand, "C'mon. We'll help you find them."
Sora took the Jedi's hand before Anakin lifted him up and carried him. Obi-Wan stared at him, "Anakin. Don't tell me you've forgotten why we're here?"
"I haven't," Anakin smirked as he head deeper through the hall, "We're just taking a slight detour."
Anakin then dashed off with the spiky hair boy as his former master sighed, "I knew you were going to say that!"
He then dashed off after his former Padawan...
Meanwhile, General Grievous entered the bridge with two Megaguards by his side. Many droids operated the ship and held the defensive so no Clones could aid in the rescue of the Supreme Chancellor. He coughed heavily as walked up to the Captain of this ship, before clearing his throat, "What's the situation, Captain?"
"Two Jedi have landed in the main hanger bay," The Captain reported showing the security footage to him, "We're tracking them."
"Just like Count Dooku predicted," The droid general would have smirked if he still had a mouth.
As he was coughing, a Commander Battle Droid walked up to him, "That's not all, sir, three unidentified intruders entered the ship through unknown means. The Jedi have already found one of them but the remaining two are in sector 616."
They then pulled on the footage of Spider-Man and the Scarlet Witch. Grievous narrowed his eyes, "They're not clones. And they do not look like Jedi. What are they?"
"We don't know, sir," The Commander droid reported, "All we know is they mysteriously appeared within the ship using unknown means."
"Hmmm..." Grievous thought for a moment, "The Republic must have found a new trick to board us. Send a security team to bring them to me. I will interrogate them myself."
The Commander gave a nod, "Roger roger!"
Meanwhile, Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch ran through the hallways of the ship. Wanda muttered to herself, "Come on! Come on! Where's a door when we need one?!"
"I swear I've seen this hallway before!" Spidey commented.
"Is this really important right now," Wanda asked as she continued looking for a way they could reach Sora, "I don't like the idea of Sora being on his own!"
"Wanda, I don't want to have a repeat what happened at the Court of Miracles," Spider-Man told her, "You and Esmeralda were nearly burnt alive, I was locked in a cage with lock covered in darkness, it hadn't been for Quasimodo, Xehanort would have practical be able to get Sora unopposed."
Wanda sighed as she had to admit, that information would have been handy much earlier. If they were going to succeed in keeping Sora safe, she needed to let Peter know exactly what was going on so they can prepare and adapt. Unless it was something he had never seen before, she had better hear him out. She sighed, "Okay, but figure it out quickly. I thought I heard explosions while walking these halls."
All of a sudden a door ahead of them slid open, and Spidey's eyes widened under his mask, "Wait a second... long futuristic hallways, explosions, automatic doors... could- could it be?!"
Just then, twenty-four battle droids ran out of the doors and surrounded the two Avengers, "Freeze! Hands up! Consider yourselves prisoners of the Separatist Alliance!"
While Wanda prepared for a fight, she smirked to herself, "Hmph! Compare to Ultron or the Sentinels, these machines will be a piece of-"
She was cut off by Spider-Man's fan-girlish scream, "AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! YYYYYYYEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! THANK YOU, GOD, FOR GIVING THIS TO ME! WE'RE IN FREAKING STAR WARS! THIS IS JUST THE BEST!"
Wanda and the droids just stared as he started literally bouncing off the walls as he could hardly contain his excitement. One of the battle droids asked, "Uuuuuuuuhhhhhhh... should we blast him?"
"Well... he's not trying to escape or fight back," Another replied, "Maybe it's their planet's way of surrendering."
Wanda raised a finger in concern, "Ummmmm... Spidey? Spider-Man?" She then whispered the last part, "Peter?"
Spidey then jumped by one of the battle droids, before eagerly saying, "Quick! Say your thing!"
That just confused the droids as one of them asked, "Uhhhhhhhhh... what thing?"
"You know," The Star Wars fan continued, "You're response to whenever you agree to something!"
After receiving blank stares, one of them hesitantly responded, "Ummmm? Roger, roger?"
Peter continued bouncing off the walls, while all the battle droids just turned to the one who actually made the response. The droid shrugged, "What? He asked?"
Most of them groaned as they shook their heads while the one in command of the squad turned to the Scarlet Witch, "Ma'am! Could you please get your husband, boyfriend, or whatever he is to you under control?! He's freaking us out!"
A faint blush appeared on Wanda's face as he commented, "He's not my husband or boyfriend but... could you give me a minute." The droid nodded as she turned back to Peter, "Peter! Did you forget we have a child lost in here?!"
"Oh~ Friends with benefits~ I get it," One of the droids nodded.
"What?! No! It's not...! I would never...! Not before...! Ugh!" Wanda's widened making her blush harder until she was as red as her clothes. She tried to regain her composure, "Could you at least tell me if these guys are the bad guys?!"
"Huh?" Spider-Man finally came back to his reality, "Oh, bad! Definitely bad!"
"Good!" Wanda then waved her hand and knocked down half of the droids with the hex.
"What the-?!" One of the droids stared in shock at Wanda's power before ordering the other droids, "Blast them!"
Before they could fire but their blasters were webbed out of their hands by Spider-Man before he started punching and kicking heads off the droids as he did so giggly, "I'm actually fighting battle droids! This is so awesome!"
As the two Avengers easily plowed down the remaining droids one of them managed to get back its blaster. He aimed at Wanda before it heard a lightsaber activate and realize what was about to happen, "Uh-oh!"
With that, was cut down by Anakin Skywalker with Sora on his shoulders, the former smiled at the child, "See! I told you we'd find them!"
Wanda's eyes widened in joy, "SORA!"
She then took the islander from the Jedi, who had just deactivated his lightsaber, and pulled the boy into a hug before thanking the Jedi Knight, "Thank you so much!"
"It's no problem," Anakin smiled and nodded as his former master joined them.
"Miss Wanda," Obi-Wan nodded, "I presume."
She smiled and nodded, "Wanda Maximoff."
"I'm Obi-Wan Kenobi," He gave her a light bow, "And this is my former Padawan, Anakin Skywalker."
"Please to meet you," Wanda smiled ignoring Peter's gasp, or a shuddering moan of awe, she then gestured to the man, "Oh, and this is my teammate Spider-Man."
Seeing how he just stared at the two Jedi, unknowingly to Wanda some of the most famous Jedi outside Luke Skywalker or Master Yoda of the Star Wars movie franchise. Anakin turned to her, "Ummm... is your friend okay?"
Before she could respond, Spidey fainted with a thud. It suddenly dawned on her why he was acting this way. Out of all the Disney franchises, this must have been his absolute favorite. She sighed as she shook her head as Sora turned to her, "Miss Wanda? Did Mr. Peter hurt before we got here?"
"Ummm, no, Sora, it's just that... Ummm..." She tried to explain to the young child, "He's a little... excited! Yes, excited because... because he's never met..."
Wanda hesitated as Anakin offered, "Two well-known Jedi Knights?"
"Exactly," The Scarlet Witch quickly nodded before apologizing, "I'm so sorry. He's normally not like this."
"No worries," Anakin reassured her, "Happens all the time."
Wanda blinked in shock, "Really?"
"Well, he's the first who actually fainted," General Skywalker asked, as his former master shook his head, "If I'm being honest."
As she set the boy down to help the Web-Head, Obi-Wan spoke up, "Well, there's something we've been meaning to ask, if it's not too much trouble."
"Does it involve shadowy monsters, a man in a black coat, and why they're all after my kid," Wanda wondered.
"Basically," Anakin nodded.
"We'll be glad to," She nodded before glancing at Peter, "Just as I soon we wake this one up before more of those machines show up." The two Jedi nodded in understanding, she then told her crush, "Peter! Snap out of it!"
She then slapped him across the face, making him come to. He nodded in apperception, "Thanks, I needed that."
"You're welcome," She nodded helping him up.
Once Spider-Man was on his feet, he turned to the Jedi, "Hey, Generals. Big fan."
"We've noticed," Obi-Wan chuckled, "Now then, why are you two doing on a Separatist ship?"
Wanda blinked in shock, "We're on a ship?"
Sora happily beamed, "In outer space!"
The mutant woman then exclaimed, "IN OUTER SPACE?!"
The two Jedi just stared at her, as Peter spoke on her behalf, "Yeah... it's a long story..."
"Tell us later," Obi-Wan told Spider-Man, "Right now, we should get moving before reinforcements come."
The two Avengers followed in agreement, as they followed the two Jedi. As they kept moving, Wanda wondered, "Why exactly are you two here? It can't just be because of us."
"Unfortunately, you're correct," Obi-Wan nodded, "The Supreme Chancellor has been captured by General Grievous... this battle could very well turn the tide of the war..."
Wanda blinked in shock, they were caught in the middle of a battle of a war! That definitely wasn't a safe place for Sora. Spider-Man on the other hand finally realized which episode of Star Wars they were in, "Oh... mother hubbard... we're in Revenge of the Sith... of all the movies we had to be in... it had to be this one. Guess my typical Parker luck for ya..."
Peter turned to the Scarlet Witch as he continued to think to himself, "She thinks we're in a bad situation now... just wait until Palpatine shows his true colors, turns Anakin to the Dark Side, and executes Order 66."
Anakin turned to Spider-Man, "You sure you're okay?"
Spider-Man quickly nodded, "Oh, yeah, peachy!"
However, as they continued their way through the Separatist ship, Peter thought to himself, "I know Merlin said we're not supposed to meddle in the affairs of other worlds, but if I let Anakin become Vader, thousands will die, and now they know we're here, what's to stop the Empire from finding and invading our world. There's gotta be something we can do to prevent this from ever happening."
Soon enough, they reached the elevators, as Obi-Wan promised, "After we rescued the Chancellor, we promise to get you three out of this as we figure out how you ended up here in the first place."
Wanda nodded in apperception as she whispered to Sora, "Stay close to us. We don't want to lose you on this ship again."
The islander nodded as Spider-Man's spider-sense went off, "Uh... I think we're about to have company..."
The heroes turned around to see droids literally rolling their way. Anakin's eyes narrowed, "Destroyers."
The Jedi Knights quickly drew out their lightsabers and deflected the incoming barge of blaster fire back at Destroyer droids only for it to harmlessly bounce off their deflector shields. As the elevator doors opened up behind them, they slowly backed away it. Wanda raised a hand as the Destroyers knocked them back and destroyed them. Anakin and Obi-Wan blinked in shock at that as the former turned to her, "You're a Nightsister?"
"Ummm... what now?" Wanda blinked in confusion.
Before anyone could explain, the battle droids in the elevator with them aimed their blasters at them, "Drop your weapons! I said drop 'em."
The five turned to face the battle droids, as the droids muttered, "Roger, roger..."
The two Jedi once again activated their weapons and cut them down even before they had a chance to fire. Once the droids were down, Obi-Wan turned to Wanda, "I wasn't aware you were from Dathomir. I thought Grievous wiped out the Nightsisters."
Spider-Man shook his head, "Wanda's not a Nightsister or from Dathomir. She's a mutant."
"A mutant," Anakin blinked in confusion.
"It's a long story," Wanda answered.
As Anakin hit the button for the top floor, he told her, "We have time."
She turned to Spider-Man, who nodded to her, might as well since they pretty much lived in a galaxy where other worlds were a known fact. She answered, "Listen, where we're from Spider-Man and I are Avengers. We use our gifts to fight for those who can't fight for themselves."
"So, kinda like us," Anakin shrugged with a smile.
"There are some differences but yeah," Spider-Man nodded, "One of our enemies, a time conquer known as Kang broke out of prison, and Wanda and I were part of the team sent to stop him."
"Time conquer?" Obi-Wan wondered.
"Kang's from the distant future," Spider-Man explained, "He has technology that allows him and his army to travel through time."
"Time travel," Anakin realized, before thinking, if they had access to it, maybe they could have stopped so many tragedies. Maybe even, save his own mother from the sand people just before the Clone War, "How'd he escape?"
"We weren't sure, one moment he was locked up and stripped of his technology, then next he had his suit and made his way towards his time chair to escape to his time," Wanda explained before frowning, "Spider-Man and I tried to stop him, but in doing so, I might have unintentionally damaged reality creating the cracks from our realm to a realm where those monsters dwell."
"Those creatures," Obi-Wan stroked his beard.
"We learned they are called Heartless," Spider-Man continued, "They're monsters that are after the darkness in peoples' hearts. The more hearts they consume..."
"Let me guess," Anakin sighed rubbing his eyes, "The more of them they create."
"That is not good," The Jedi Master frowned at that statement, "So, how does the Sora fit into all of this?"
"Well, we Kang left to his own time, we ended up on Sora's world," Wanda frowned as she held the child, "Just before the Heartless consumed his world. They're after Sora because they're afraid of what he'll own day become. Something called a Keyblade Wielder."
Both Jedi blinked in shock, "Keyblade?!"
Spidey blinked in shock under his mask, "You've heard of it."
"We have actually," Obi-Wan admitted, "But their existence had only been a myth."
"Legend has it," Anakin added, "That they were predecessors of the Jedi Order, but they wiped each other out in a Great War long ago."
"Still, if what your saying is true about the boy," The Jedi Master gestured to the child, "Then it would explain why we sense that he has an ancient power within him."
"And why someone like Dooku or the guy in a black coat would be so interested in him," Anakin's eyes narrowed with anger.
"Speaking of which," Obi-Wan wondered, "Who is this man in the black coat."
"A madman who someone managed to control the Heartless," Wanda's eyes narrowed in anger as she held the child protectively, "He was a Keyblade Wielder once..."
"...before he turned to the Dark Side," Spider-Man explained to the Jedi, as the two understood all to well what that meant, "We learned he was obsessed with a legend called Kingdom Hearts. Then one day he vanished until this week."
"Figures," Anakin nodded understanding, "Guess Jedi and Keyblade Wielders have that in common."
"It's a bit more complicated than it sounds," Wanda spoke up again, "Apparently, the Xehanort of the present is an elder man, but the one who's chasing Sora all over the universe is a young man. A version of himself from the past."
"Okay, that's a little strange," Anakin admitted, "Even by our standards. Guess the whole time travel thing has something to do with it."
Obi-Wan then asked, "So, what does he want with the boy? From what we've heard of the legend of Kingdom Hearts, the boy would seem unnecessary."
"I have had... visions of Xehanort," Wanda admitted to the Jedi much to their shock, "What he has done in the past, Pete... Spider-Man theorized if I could see into Xehanort's past, he could see his own future and he saw something he didn't like..."
"Like what?" Anakin wondered.
Spider-Man smirked under his mask, "Like Sora growing up to stop Xehanort once and for all."
Anakin blinked for a second before smirking, "Okay, I can see why that would be important."
"Well," Obi-Wan smiled at the child, "Guess that increases how much important you are to the universe." He then turned to two Avengers, "Well, we have a way to stop this Xehanort, but what of the cracks that damage our reality?"
"We have the means to fix it right here," Spider-Man gestured to the backpack on his back.
"Good," Obi-Wan nodded, "If you stick with us, the Jedi Council and the Republic will do everything to ensure Sora can fulfill his destiny."
Spider-Man and Wanda nodded in apperception, as the Jedi Master turned to his former Padawan, "Sounds like you're not the only Chosen One anymore."
"I don't mind," Anakin shrugged with a smug on his face, "The universe is big enough for two Chosen Ones."
Before Wanda could ask what they were talking about, the elevator just stopped. Everyone blinked in confusion as Sora wondered, "Are we there yet?"
"No," Obi-Wan shook his head before turning to his former Padawan, "Did you press the stop button?"
"No," Anakin shook his head, "Did you?"
"No." Obi-Wan shook his head.
Anakin turned to the two Avengers, "What about you two?"
"It wasn't us," Wanda denied as Spidey shook his head.
Immediately realizing the droids we're trying to stop them from reaching the hostage, Anakin pulled out his lightsaber, "Well, there's more than one way out of here."
Anakin began cutting a hole throw the roof of the elevator. Wanda pulled Sora away from the sparks as the child stared in awe. As Obi-Wan reached to a communication device, "We don't want to get out, we want to get moving." He then spoke through the coms, "Artoo . . . Artoo. Do you copy? Activate elevator 31174."
When he didn't get a response, puzzled the Jedi Master, "Odd. It's not jammed." He then spoke through it again, "Artoo?"
Spider-Man recalled the movie all too well. At this moment, Artoo was trying to hide from Super Battle Droids that entered the hangar to sabotage Anakin and Obi-Wan's Starfighters. He hoped this part played similarly to the film and helped them without drawing too much attention. All of a sudden, Anakin finished cutting a hole through the ceiling and jumped through it to the top of the elevator. Obi-Wan sighed to himself, "Always on the move."
As the Jedi Master tried to get back in contact with the astromech, the Scarlet Witch turned to Spider-Man, "Why don't you make sure our new friend doesn't get himself into trouble."
"Sure thing," Spider-Man nodded as he proceeded to stand underneath the hole.
"Artoo, switch on the comlink. Artoo, do you hear me?" Obi-Wan continued to speak through his comlink as Spider-Man fired two web-lines through the hole, "Artoo, we gave you a job to do! Artoo!"
Suddenly, the elevator plummets down the shaft, making Wanda, Obi-Wan, and Sora fall to the floor, Spider-Man launch himself through the who past Anakin, who was forced to grab onto the nearest ledge to avoid plummeting to his doom. To make matters worse, the elevator doors above him opened, and two battle droids aimed their blasters at him, "Hands up, Jedi!"
Just then, two webs snatched their weapons out of their hands, "Hey!"
"Didn't your mom tell you not to play with these," Spider-Man smirked as he stuck onto the walls above them much to the trio's shock as he twirled around the blasters with his webs, "You could shoot your eyes out with these things!"
"How are you... Give those back!" One of the droids demanded.
Spider-Man smirked underneath his mask, "Roger, roger!"
He then threw the blasters back at the droids as the blaster stuck their heads, "Gah!"
With the droids destroyed, Spider-Man leaped down to the Jedi Knight, "Need a hand?"
Anakin stared at the wall-crawler as he stuck onto the wall beside him, "How are you doing that?"
"You have your gifts," Spider-Man stated, "I have mine! C'mon! Let's move before more droids show up!"
The Jedi couldn't help but nod in agreement as he took Spider-Man's hand. His eyes widened in horror, "Uh-oh!"
Spider-Man didn't need his Spider-Sense to know there was danger above them, "Don't tell me... There's flying Heartless ready to attack from above..."
"Yep," Anakin nodded confirming his suspicions.
"We're going to have to fight them in the shaft until our elevator comes back?" Spider-Man assumed.
Anakin lightly nodded again, "Most likely."
In response, Spider-Man just narrowed his eyes under his mask, "Bring it on."
Meanwhile, Obi-Wan, Wanda, and Sora were all recovering from the rough start of the elevator working again. Wanda then noticed they were going down, "Weren't we going up?"
The Jedi Master also noticed this, as he confirmed, "We were." He then reached to his comlink, "Stop, stop! Artoo, we need to be going up!"
"Miss Wanda?" Sora whispered to the Scarlet Witch, "Who do you think he's talking to?"
"Hopefully," Wanda whispered back to the child, "Someone who can help."
"Artoo, do you copy? Artoo, do you hear me?" Obi-Wan spoke through the coms again, "Artoo, we need to be going up, not down."
Suddenly, the elevator once again came to an abrupt stop, causing all three to fall to the floor again. Then the elevator started heading up, and Obi-Wan stood up with a satisfied smile through the coms, "Now, that's better."
Wanda groaned with Sora still in her arms, "Ooooh, I don't remember Elevators being so rough." She then turned to the child with concern, "You okay, sweetie?"
Sora nodded making her sigh in relief, she then turned to the Jedi Master, "Once we rescue this Chancellor, we get him and Sora to safety away from the battlefield."
Obi-Wan nodded, "That's the plan."
"Good," Wanda nodded, "Then we'll definitely help you, the sooner we get out of here the better."
Obi-Wan couldn't help but noticed that she was extremely close to a child as if he was her own, probably for the best she didn't know they were walking into a trap...
Spider-Man threw Anakin at another Heartless, who cut it down with his lightsaber. Before the Jedi could reach the other end, Spider-Man jumped off the wall he was on, and fired a web at another Heartless trapping it. He caught Anakin at the other end of the shaft, as he stabbed the trapped creature of darkness destroying it. The Heartless fired elements and lasers at them but Anakin deflected their attacks with his lightsaber. He couldn't help but groan, "These things are more persistent than droids."
"Then let's hope Artoo fixes that elevator soon," Spider-Man nodded as he fired web shots at the Heartless.
"Yeah, let's-" Anakin nodded before blinking, "Wait, how do you know about Artoo?"
Spidey flinched at that, he slipped up there, "Uh... I overheard Obi-Wan mention him through the coms and assumed he was helping us."
He was mentally grateful, Obi-Wan mentioned the droid's name beforehand, as it would have been a lot more complicated to explain if he didn't. Anakin also recalled this but felt there was something more going on. Especially sensing worries, but shrugged them off and focused on the mission at the moment. He then heard something coming up with great haste, he looked down and smirked, "There's our ride!"
Spider-Man also saw the incoming elevator, "Yep! Time to go!"
Spidey timed the moment just right as the two safely jumped onto the elevator while it destroyed the remaining Heartless. The two then jumped back into the hole Anakin had made, once inside Obi-Wan activated his own lightsaber and Wanda prepared to attack any unwelcomed guests but when they saw who they were, they stood down as the Jedi Master stated, "Oh, it's you."
"We thought..." Wanda started before shaking her head, "Nevermind. It doesn't matter."
Anakin couldn't help but wonder, "What was that all about?"
"Well, Artoo has been-" Obi-Wan tried to explain.
"Uh, no loose wire jokes," Anakin cut him off.
Obi-Wan blinked in shock, "Did I say anything?"
Anakin spoke up on his droid's defense, "He's trying."
Obi-Wan raised his own hands in defense, "I didn't say anything!"
As they watched the two Jedi banter over the fact of the astromech, Sora blinked for a mere moment in Obi-Wan's place was an older version of himself and in Anakin's was an older version of Riku. Wanda couldn't help but hold back her own giggles, "I swear... those two are brothers."
Spider-Man rubbed the back of his mask as he recalled an important line from the original film...
"You were my brother, Anakin! I loved you!"
Wanda turned to Peter in concern, "Peter... Are you alright?"
"Yeah, sorry," He whispered back before coming up with an excuse, "It's just... I nearly slipped up back there. Like I knew them from a movie franchise."
"Oh..." Wanda blinked in shock, "Well... it was bound to happen eventually... just try not to do it again."
"Right..." Peter nodded. If she knew what was going to happen in the film, she might be having other thoughts. He knew Merlin and Yen Sid warned him about meddling in the affairs of other worlds but... could he just look away and let a great evil Empire rise and the Sith thrive. No... he had to find a way to save this world... or in this case galaxy. He made a promise to never look the other way again...
Soon enough, they reached the top floor and both Avengers and Jedi alike exited the elevator. Wanda and Sora stared in awe as they saw the room before them, as well as the windows to show the battle raging on in space. At the end of the room, a chair turned to face them and revealed an elder man dressed in fine clothes locked in the very seat he sat him. Wanda leaned to Anakin, "Is that him?"
"Yes," Anakin nodded, "That's Chancellor Palpatine."
"Odd that he's not guarded," The Scarlet Witch muttered to herself, "Trap?"
"Definitely," Anakin nodded.
Obi-Wan nodded, "We'll handle it. You two stay with the child."
They nodded as they proceeded to walk down over to the captive political hostage. As they were about to follow them, Spider-Man leaned to Wanda, "Under no circumstances we leave Sora alone with that man over there."
"Wha...?" Wanda turned to him in confusion.
Peter nodded to her, "Trust me on this. He's likely the worse baddy we'll face on this journey outside of Xehanort."
The daughter of Magento stared at him for a moment before slowly nodding, "Alright."
She knew Peter wouldn't say anything if this Palpatine wasn't a threat. As they all approached the chair the Chancellor was in, the two Jedi bowed to him respectfully while Wanda and Peter stood close, the former with the child in her arms. Obi-Wan greeted him, "Chancellor."
"Are you alright?" Anakin asked him in concern.
"Count Dooku," Palpatine murmured, warning the group. Both Avengers and Jedi turned to see the Sith Lord enter the room with two Super Battle Droids by his side. While all the heroes narrowed their eyes at the villain, Peter saw the uncanny look of the late Christopher Lee. The actor that once played Count Dooku in the films.
Guess he wasn't that surprised, Anakin and Obi-Wan looked like their actors as well. The latter leaned to the former, "This time we'll take him together."
"I was about to say that," Anakin whispered back standing by his side.
Count Dooku jumped down from the ramp and pulled out his curved lightsaber hilt. Palpatine turned to the Jedi, "Get help! You're no match for him! He's a Sith Lord!"
Obi-Wan briefly turned to the Chancellor with a smile, "Chancellor Palpatine, Sith Lords are our specialty." He then gestured to the Avengers, "Our friends here we'll keep you good company while we entertain the Count."
Palpatine merely glanced at him which made Peter's skin crawl, and Sora nervously ducked down his head by Wanda. She wasn't quite sure if it was what Peter said or if he felt like something was off about this man too. Still, she doubted he'd try anything at the moment unless they gave him reason to. Dooku approached the group, and Anakin and Obi-Wan met him halfway, leaving their robes on the ground where Palpatine and the Avengers were. The Separatist Leader finally spoke smoothly to them, "You're swords, please. We don't want to make a mess of things in front of the Chancellor."
"You won't get away this time, Dooku," Obi-Wan replied steadily, activating his lightsaber. Anakin followed suit.
Dooku then activated his weapon revealing a crimson-red blade, "Just because there are the two of you, do not assume you have the advantage."
Two Jedi Knights advanced, pushing Dooku back as they engaged in combat for a few moments, a short blur of blue and red before Dooku disengaged, smiling smugly. "I've been looking forward to this."
"My powers have doubled since we last met, Count," Anakin said tersely, raising his lightsaber a little and glaring at the man.
"Good. Twice the pride, double the fall," Dooku taunted, as they continued their lightsaber duel. Wanda and Peter stayed on guard in case the Heartless or more droids came for Sora or the Chancellor.
While the battle played out exactly like the movie, thoughts were going on through Peter's head, "Okay, Parker, think! If I was trying to stop the Empire from ever happening with only days or weeks at most to prevent it. How would I do it? Let's see... Darth Sidious is here among us, and I might be able to expose that he has a lightsaber or two up his sleeve..."
He then shook his head, "No, he'd just play his defenseless old man card before I could get one out which helped Anakin become Vader in the first place. Not to mention it would only confuse Sora, and leave Wanda to defend him on her own if I fail. Even if I did succeed, I doubt we could take on both Dooku and Sidious at the same..." His eyes widened under his mask, "Wait... Dooku! Of course! If the movie was right, Anakin wins this duel, and Palpatine makes him kill Dooku so he could replace him as Vader but if I'm able to get him in Republic custody after Sidious orders Anakin to kill him, he might be more inclined to talk to the Jedi and it might just be enough to expose the Sith Lord and stop him before he executes Order 66!"
While these thoughts were going through Spidey's head, Dooku forced pushed Obi-Wan away from him. Anakin, who was still engaged with the Sith Lord, pushed the Count back up the stairs. Obi-Wan quickly recovered and ran up the other set of stairs. The Super Battle droids tried cutting off and kill him. However, the Jedi Master deflected their shots back at one of them before cutting down another with his blade.
"Get him," Palpatine cheered as Obi-Wan rejoined the duel. Unfortunately, Dooku briefly stunned Anakin by kicking him into the corner and lifting Obi-Wan in the air before sending him into the catwalk which the current Sith Apprentice broke from the wall and dropped on the Jedi Master.
"Miss Wanda," Sora gasped in shock, "Is Mr. Oby-One okay?"
"I'm not sure, Sweetie," Wanda admitted equally as concerned, "But I'm sure Spider-Man is willing to help Mr. Skywalker to stop the bad man so we can help Obi-Wan." Spider-Man turned to her before she gave him a confirming nod, "I'll keep them safe! Go!"
"Remember what I said earlier," Spider-Man reminded the mutant woman. She glanced at Palpatine for a moment, before turning back to the fight.
Quickly, Anakin turned his attention from his fallen friend to Dooku, rapidly descending upon him and kicking him over the balcony edge. Anakin jumped from the ledge, immediately engaging Dooku again on his own this time in a flurry of lightsaber attacks. They crossed blades, pushing against one another in a brief stalemate as Anakin glared his anger and hatred for this man right into Dooku's cold eyes. His opponent merely taunted, "I sense great fear in you, Skywalker. You have anger, you have hate, but you don't-"
Dooku was cut off by a kick in the face by a certain red webbed designed boot. Anakin blinked in shock as Spider-Man taunted the Sith Lord, "Don't have a beard like yours! That is a personal choice, dude! You don't see us criticizing your sense of vampire fashion!"
Anakin told the Web-Head, "Didn't I tell you to stay with the boy and the Chancellor?"
"Yeah, you did," Spidey commented, "So, let's kick this old man's butt so they'll be safe from him."
Anakin blinked before chuckling, "Alright then, let's do it then!"
Dooku brushed off blood of the blow he received from Spidey off his lip before grinning again, "You shouldn't have gotten in the way, boy. You might still have a head."
Then charged at Spider-Man and proceeded to swing his red blade. Much to his shock, Spidey easily avoided it causing it to clash with Anakin's lightsaber. Spider-Man then punched Dook across the face causing him to tumble. He swung his blade at Spider-Man with quick strikes but he avoided each and everyone almost like he knew when and where he was going to attack.
The masked man, whoever he was, had the reflexes of a Jedi. And yet... he didn't seem to have that same connection to the Force like the rest of the Jedi Order. That intrigued the Count. It also intrigued another elder man in the room. Anakin came to Spider-Man's aid, forcing Dooku to go on the defensive. As the red and blue lightsabers clashed against each other, Dooku let forth Force Lightning at Spider-Man. He quickly dodged it. Thankfully, years of fighting Electro had its perks. Like knowing how to avoid those kinds of attacks. The lightning came out of Dooku's fingers once again making Spider-Man retreat to the wall much to Dooku's shock. Especially how he stuck there, he pushed Anakin off of him, "Amazing. I never met an individual like yourself before."
"I've been called that a lot of other things," Spidey shrugged like it was no big deal.
"You have an interesting new company, Skywalker," Dooku briefly turned to Anakin as he aimed his lightsaber, he then glanced, "This man and his companions..." He turned to the Scarlet Witch, he prepared for a fight, "A Nightsister, for one. I thought I had Grevious wipe out your kind..." He then turned to the boy who hid behind Wanda's, "And what's this... your offspring? With a power with him unlike any I sensed before..." He then turned to the Jedi, "Skywalker, how about a trade? The Chancellor for the child?"
Wanda's eyes narrowed in anger, "NOT... HAPPENING!"
"She took the words right out of my mouth, Count," Anakin remarked darkly, "Chancellor's coming with us but there's no way we're leaving any child with you."
"Then it is unfortunate that your choice will leave the child scarred for life," Dooku's eyes narrowed, "When he looks down upon your corpses!"
The Sith Lord then Force pushed Anakin back before unleashing a wave of lightning at Wanda who countered it with her hexes. The two powers clashed seeming evenly matched until Wanda narrowed her eyes and pushed the lightning back at the Count. Dooku's eyes widened as it would appear this witch's power even exceeds the late Mother Talzin. Soon enough, the Scarlet Witch's power overtook the Sith Lord briefly stunning him. Anakin and Spidey took this as an advantage as the latter kicked him back and the former pressed the attack pushing back toward the political hostage.
Dooku managed to push Skywalker off of him only to begin to deflect Spider-Man's incoming webbing, the web-head didn't lead up through. He kept firing his web until it subdued the hand knocking his weapon out of his hand. Anakin quickly caught it and reactivated the blade and crossed the blades near the Sith's neck. His eyes widened, and he fell to his knees standing down. Wanda sighed in relief as the Chancellor chuckled, "Good, Anakin, good."
With the Sith Lord defeated, Wanda thought the battle was over, as he would be handed over to the proper authorities, and would stand trial for war crimes. At least, that's what she'd hoped until the Chancellor told Anakin, "Kill him."
Both Wanda and Dooku stared at the Chancellor in horror as the former whispered, "What?"
"Kill him now," Palpatine continued making the Count turn to Anakin with pleading in his eyes.
"I shouldn't," Anakin shook his head despite his own temptation.
"DO I-"
But Spider-Man bonked the Sith Apprentice on the back of the head, knocking him out, Anakin blinked in shock as he deactivated the sabers, "He was done."
Spider-Man proceeded to web him up, getting a confused look from Chancellor, "What are you doing?"
"Webbing him up," Spider-Man smirked, "So he doesn't make a fuse when we hand him over to the authorities."
"You must be joking," Palpatine stared at the web-head, "There's no way that will hold him."
Perviously sighing in relief due to the fact Spider-Man stepped in before any lives were lost, Wanda stepped over the Count, "Perhaps not. Not without some reinforcement."
She then preformed a hex on Spider-Man's webbing, causing them to turn into a strong but easily moveable steel, "There. That should hold him."
Spider-Man turned to Wanda in concern, as she reassured him, "Relax. This isn't even the maximum I could do without it effecting my mind. I'll be alright."
Spider-Man seemed to trust her as he picked up the Count, while Palatine protested, "Listen to me, that won't hold him. We need to end him if we are to..."
"Okay, A: That's not how we do things," Wanda gave a slight glare at the Chancellor, "And B: He's the leader of the enemy right, think about all he knows, with his information. We can end the war a whole lot quicker this way."
Anakin nodded as he proceeded to free the Chancellor, "She's right. Besides, he's an unarmed prisoner. It's not the Jedi way."
"It is only natural." The secret Sith Lord told Anakin as he stood up, "He cut off your arm, you wanted revenge." He turned to the Jedi Knight, "It wasn't the first time, Anakin. Remember what you told me about your mother and the Sand People."
Anakin closed his eyes in shame, as Wanda turned to him in concern. Spider-Man spoke up, "You do realize he be committing murder in front of an innocent child, right?" Everyone turned to Sora, "You want to scar this child more than he's already gone through. He needs to believe good can triumph over evil but not by going to their level."
Anakin then knelt down to the boy before smiling, "We'll we can't have that now, now can we." He rubbed the boy's head, he then turned to Spider-Man, "We'll take Dooku prisoner, after we interrogate him, he'll stand trial over all his crimes against the Republic."
"Very well," Palpatine forced a smile before telling the others, "Now, we must leave before more security droids arrive."
"Or worse, the ship blows up on us," Wanda muttered as she picked Sora up before whispering to Peter, "Did he have it on him?"
"No, it doesn't look like Xehanort gave one to him," Peter replied, "If he did, he probably would've had the Heartless attack us."
"Figures," Wanda frowned at that, "It's never that easy."
As they headed back to the elevators, they saw the unconscious body of Obi-Wan. The heroes quickly came to the Jedi's aid. Palpatine turned to them, "Anakin, there is no time. We must get off the ship before it's too late."
Anakin still checked on his former Master, as Spider-Man set Dooku down to remove the fallen catwalk from the Jedi and his former Padawan dragged him out. He checked his pulse as Wanda asked in concern, "How is he?"
"He seems to be alright," Anakin reassured her making everyone else but Palpatine, "Spider-Man, you get our Prisoner, Wanda, you keep Sora safe, I got Obi-Wan."
The Avengers nodded to the plan, while Palpatine shook his head, "Leave him, or we'll never make it."
"His fate will be the same as ours," Anakin stated picking up his former Master.
Spider-Man then told the Chancellor, "And we are going to make it. All of us." He then stated, "Now quit complaining and let's get moving."
With that, the group made their way back to the elevator, although when they got there and Wanda hit the button, none of the doors opened. She pressed it again, and then once more, "Ummm... I think there's something wrong with the elevator..."
"Should we take the stairs?" Sora wondered.
"That'll take too long, buddy, we need to get off this ship quickly," Anakin turned to the boy before reaching for his own comlink, "Artoo, activate elevator 3224."
They heard beeps in response, Anakin smiled, "See? We'll be out of here in no time!"
All of sudden, Spider-Man's Spider-Sense went off, he didn't even look where the danger was as he knew what happened next, "We need to get in! Now!"
Before anyone could ask him why an explosion shook the ship and began to fall towards the planet. Acting quickly, Anakin used the Force to pull the elevator doors opened and everyone climbed inside. Once on the wall of the elevator, the Scarlet Witch exclaimed, "Guess we're running!"
Everyone ran down the shaft as quickly as they could. Anakin stated, "We need to get to the hangar quickly!"
"Preferably before the ship crashes!" Spider-Man added his two cents in.
They continued running down the shaft until the ship began to straighten itself out and their temporary floor became a very sharp slide downwards. Sora just lifted his hands in the air as he beamed, "Wwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"
Anakin and Wanda quickly managed to grab onto part of the wall, Sidious latching onto Anakin's leg as the ship continued to straighten out. Spider-Man simply just walked down to them, "Well, at least the ship's straightened out."
Palpatine stared at Spider-Man, completely dumbfounded as he stuck to the wall with an unconscious Dooku on his back. Wanda looked up at Peter, "A little help Peter?"
"Ummm," Spider-Man stared at her, "Wanda? You realize you can fly now right?"
She blinked for a moment before letting go as both Anakin and the secret Sith Lord stared at them dumbfounded, "Oh, yeah, I forgot for a moment there."
Just then, Obi-Wan then began to come to, and saw the steep drop below him, he jerked, grabbing onto Anakin as he stared down the shaft. His former Padawan told him, "Easy... We're in a bit of a situation here."
"Did I miss something," Obi-Wan asked when he saw Wanda flying mid-air and Spider-Man sticking to the wall, "How are you two doing that?"
"Our new friends are just full of surprises," Anakin nodded to his former Master.
"Believe me," Wanda sighed, "I wish I knew I could do this a whole lot earlier."
Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow at that, as Anakin stated, "I know you two have your hands full with Sora and Dooku but do you think you can lend us a hand."
"I shouldn't have any problem," Spider-Man knelt down and offered his hand, "Hold on." Just then, his Spider-Sense went off, "Uh-oh! I think the elevators here!"
Everyone looked up to see the elevator coming back down right at them. Anakin winced as he realized what lead to this situation, "Whoops!" He used his free hand for his comlink, "Artoo, Artoo, shut down the elevator!"
"Too late!" Obi-Wan told Anakin, "Everyone! Jump!"
Everyone then went back down the shaft, as the elevator follows them. Spider-Man turned to Wanda and Sora, "You two! Hold on to me!"
Both Sora and Wanda complied as the Jedi reached for their grappling hooks. Simultaneously, Spider-Man shot out his web as the Jedi threw their grapple hooks and they all swung into the next open elevator doors to safety just as the elevator flew past them. Everyone groaned as they recovered, including Count Dooku. Before the separatist leader could fully understand what was happening, Spider-Man quickly knocked him out again.
"Next time, we're taking the stairs," Obi-Wan half-joked before declaring, "Let's see if we can find something in the hangar bay that's still flyable." He then turned to the two Avengers, the small boy, and the defeated Sith Lord, "Preferably one big enough to fit all of us."
Anakin reached back for his comlink, "Artoo, get down here."
The Jedi Knights led the way as everyone followed them, hoping to escape before this battleship was destroyed...
Meanwhile, back on the bridge, a battle droid approached the coughing cyborg General and reported, "General, we found the Jedi and the other intruders. They're in sector 238 and they have Count Dooku prisoner."
"Good." The General wheezed, "We can capture them all at once and rescue the good Count." Grievous then ordered, "Activate Ray Shields!"
The battle droid nodded...
As the heroes ran down the hallway back to the hangar a shield cut off their escape. While Sora stared in awe, Wanda's eyes widened, "What is this?"
Anakin groaned in frustration, "Ray Shields!"
"Wait a minute, how'd this happen!" Obi-Wan stated in total disbelief, "We're smarter than this!"
Anakin sighed, "Apparently not."
"Okay, anyone have any ideas how to escape," Spider-Man wondered, ever since they took the Count captive, he couldn't guarantee everything would be the same as it was in the movie, "I'd rather not be here when the droids or the Heartless show up."
Palpatine blinked in confusion, "Heartless?"
With that, Peter mentally smacked his forehead, "And I just told the big bad about the Heartless! Great move there, Parker!"
Wanda suggested, "I could try using a hex on the Ray Shield but I'm not sure if it would shut down or just trap us here forever."
"Let's not do that then," Anakin stated before thinking for a moment before suggesting, "I say... patience."
"Patience," Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow.
"Yes," The young Knight nodded, "Artoo will be along in a few moments and he'll release the ray shields..."
Just as Dooku's possible replacement suggested, Artoo came in flying out of one of the doorways, ran right into the wall. Wanda blinked for a moment, "That's Artoo?"
"See?" Anakin confirmed with a smirk, "Not a problem."
However, at that moment droids flooded the hallway and Artoo was quickly apprehended. As the droids quickly surrounded the heroes, Obi-Wan sarcastically asked, "Do you have a plan B?"
Seeing how there was no chance they had of getting out of there without bringing harm to Sora or the Supreme Chancellor, they had no choice but to surrender. They cuffed every but Sora as the cuffs were too big for him. The droids brought the heroes, Sith, and the islander to the droid General. Despite not having any lips, they could tell he was smirking, "Ah, yes... the negotiator! General Kenobi! We've been waiting for you!"
The commander Battle droid with the Jedi weapons walked passed the current prisoners, "Excuse me."
The droid then handed the General the lightsabers as he snatched it from the droid's hand, "That wasn't much of a rescue or a capture."
The commander droid sarcastically replied, "You're welcome."
"Get the Count to the medical bay," The General ordered as two battle Droids moved Dooku out of the room.
Despite getting cuffed, Spidey still had access to his web-shooters and fired a small Spider-Tracer on Dooku's cape. Obi-Wan seems to notice but kept quiet about it. Grievous coughed before turning to the younger Jedi, "And Anakin Skywalker. I was expecting someone with your reputation to be a little older."
Anakin glared at him before slowly smirking, "General Grievous. You're shorter than I excepted."
Grievous coughed before glaring at Anakin, "Jedi Scum!"
"Anakin, we have a job to do." Obi-Wan commented, "Try not to upset him."
Grievous then turned to the two Avengers, "The Republic must be getting desperate if they're relying on a sole surviving Nightsister and a masked vigilante to stop the Separatist Alliance. The Republic must be running out of Jedi."
With a single swift, the droid General removed Spider-Man's mask, as Peter shook his head, "Yeah, that's a no-no."
"Plain," Grevious coughed, "As expected from the Republic." He then turned to Sora who hide behind Wanda's leg, "And what do we have here?"
Despite being cuffed, Wanda stood protectively over Sora, "Leave him out of this!"
"Must be pretty special if both you and the Jedi are protecting the child so," Grevious stated tauntingly before ordering one of the droids, "Bring up the security footage! I want to know everything about our uninvited guests."
"Roger, roger!" One of the battle droids nodded before looking through the footage, before an image of the heroes when they were back in the elevator, "Sir, I think I found something."
Peter's and Wanda's eyes widened as their conversation was recorded and the word 'Keyblade' was brought up. Palpatine's eyes widened when that word was mentioned. As Peter mentally groaned to himself, "Aaaaaaand... now, he knows Sora will one day be chosen by the Keyblade. Perfect. Just perfect."
"Keyblade?" Grievous narrowed his eyes, "Sounds ridiculous!" He then glanced at the two Avengers, "And yet... so valuable if the Jedi are interested. I'm sure Count Dooku will be quite interested as well."
He walked his back to the Jedi as he held out their lightsabers taunting, "You're lightsabers will make a fine addition to my collection."
Grievous then opened up his black and red cape and slide the two lightsabers among the other Jedi Weapons. Wanda's eyes narrowed in anger. Did this psycho kill Jedi and keep their weapons as trophies?! However, Obi-Wan spoke up unafraid, "Not this time." Everyone turned to the Jedi Master, who smirked, "And this time neither you or Dooku will escape!"
Anakin turned to his droid, "Artoo!"
Suddenly R2 buzzed, sparked, and whirled, catching everyone but the heroes off guard. Obi-Wan turned his back on Grievous and used the force to summon his lightsaber from the General's cloak. Once in his hands, the Jedi Master activated the blade, cutting himself free before cutting the blonds off of Anakin, Peter, and Wanda. Grievous ordered his bodyguards, "Crush them!" Anakin then used the force to grab his own lightsaber and activated the blade as the droid General ordered, "Make them suffer!"
The two MagnaGuards activated their electric staffs and engaged the Jedi Knights. Several battle droids did as well but were stopped by Wanda. As she knocked away the droids, Peter fired a web at his mask, yanking it out of Grievous's hand, and slid it back over his face. As Obi-Wan's blade clashed with the electric staff, he told Spider-Man, "Dooku must not escape if we are to end the war!"
"I'll find him," Spider-Man spoke up as he kicked a battle droid, "I have a lead on where he's going! Can you guys keep spiky safe from the crazy cyborg?!"
As Anakin's blade clashed against Grievous's bodyguard's staff, he told him, "Don't worry, we'll watch him and the Chancellor."
"You sure?" He asked as he web-lined one battle droid before throwing it into another.
After Wanda used a hex on a Super Battle Droid's arm which caused it to backfire and destroy itself, she turned to him, "Spider-Man! Go!"
Spidey then swung back the way they came, as he pulled out a small device, "Okay, Dooku's not too far from here! Gotta hurry!"
Spider-Man then ran on the ceiling hoping to catch up with the Sith Apprentice...
Obi-Wan fought his MagnaGuard on the lower deck, and as the two fought with quick attacks. Soon enough, the Jedi Master had the upper hand, and sliced off the head of the bodyguard. He turned to aid his former Padawan but much to his shock, the headless MagnaGuard pressed its attack forcing the Jedi to engage the droid once more...
At the same time, as Anakin defended himself from the MagnaGuard's assault, he told the islander, "Sora! Stay by Artoo!" He then turned to his droid, "Artoo! Keep an eye on Sora for a moment!"
R2-D2 beeped in response while Sora just nodded and walked by the astromech. Just then, Anakin finished his off by cutting it in half. He spotted two battle droids trying to take the Chancellor away, but he quickly cut them down and cut the cuffs off the elder politician.
Meanwhile, the two Super Battle Droids and two battle droids carried off the Count. They were originally supposed to take him to the medical bay but the ship was taking so much damage, that they changed course for the escape pods.
however, before they could arrive two web lines attached the Sith Lord and yanked him back. The four droids turned to where he was yanked off to. Spider-Man caught the former Jedi in his webs and attached him to the ceiling, "Sorry, but Mr. Wonka's dad has been wanting to see his father for years! Can't reschedule!"
The four droids aimed their weapons at Spider-Man, as he leaped over them. Spider-Man kicked both the B-1 Battle Droids' heads off before dodging the fire of the Super Battle Droids. He took cover behind one of them causing them to both to stop shooting to avoid blasting each other.
Before they could reaquire their target, Spider-Man kicked the large droid from behind causing it to crash into the other Super Battle Droid. Spider-Man proceeded to wrap them up, "Geez, the crooks I fight back home are smarter than you. Now if you excuse me, Saruman has a lot to answer for on Middle-Earth."
Briefly regaining consciousness, Dooku muttered, "What... are you... talking about?"
"Eh," Spider-Man replied snatching the Count from the webs before running back to join the others, "Let's just say you look like someone famous back home."
Meanwhile, Obi-Wan continued battling his headless MagnaGuard. The two weapons continued to clash against each other before finally the Jedi Knight finally was able to get the upper hand and cut it down as well.
Grievous snarled in anger as he ordered the remaining droid pilots, "Don't bother with them! Keep the ship in orbit!"
"Yes, sir," One of the droids nodded even as they witnessed both Scarlet Witch and the Jedi cutting down their fellow droids.
However, all of the organic crew members made a hasty race to the escape pods, even a few of the droids joined them. Little Sora simply cheered on the heroes. When all who was left was General Grievous, the alien cyborg leaped over the computer console and picked up his fallen bodyguard's electric staff. Even as he activated the weapon, Anakin, Obi-Wan, and the Scarlet Witch all surrounded him.
"You lose, General Kenobi!" Grievous exclaimed before he broke the glass between them and the vacuum of space.
Wanda's eyes widened in horror and acted out of pure instinct, "SORA! HOLD ON TO SOMETHING!"
The glass shattered as everyone and everything was getting sucked out of the ship. All the heroes quickly grabbed onto something and held on for dear life, as Artoo held in place so Sora could hold onto him. Grievous, the only living being that could survive the vacuum of space, allowed himself to be sucked out of his own ship. Once outside, he used the grapple hook on his arm and used it to get to a different section of the ship. Spider-Man arrived with the Count just in time to see what was happening.
He saw Palpatine desperately trying to activate the airlock to close the broken window. He saw where he was going for and used his webbing to hit the button which quickly activated the airlock. As soon as the airlock shield slammed shut and they were back on their feet, Spider-Man quickly went to check on everyone, "Is everyone okay?"
"Guess we should be grateful you returned just in time," Obi-Wan lightly joked before noticing the return of their prisoner, "And the fact you stopped Dooku from slipping away as well."
"As well?" Spider-Man pretended to be surprised, "I guess this means Grievous got away?"
Anakin checked the computer console, "Guys, I think we've got a much bigger problem. All the escape pods have been launched!"
"Grievous!" Obi-Wan eyes narrowed.
Wanda turned to the Jedi Knights, "So, what now?"
The Jedi Master thought for a moment before turning to the hero without fear, "Can you fly a cruiser like this?"
Anakin snorted, "You mean learn how to land what's left of this thing?"
"Well?" Obi-Wan asked as the two Jedi and the Chancellor sat down in the nearest chairs and Spidey set Dooku in one.
"Well under the circumstances I'd say the ability to pilot this thing is irrelevant," Anakin answered he pushed several buttons. "Strap yourselves in."
"Ummm..." Wanda looked around, "They're not child seats in here."
"Well," Obi-Wan half-joked, "Children don't really hang out in the middle of the battle."
The Scarlet Witch was half tempted of creating a child's seat safe for Sora. However, she knew that would risk losing her mind. Spider-Man knew it too before wondering, "Wanda... could use something soft of something that already exists to create a booster seat for Sora without it effecting you mentally?"
"Sure, but where are we going to find something soft enough to..." She began to ask before looking down to Spider-Man's web shooters as her eyes widened, realizing what he was suggesting. She then turned to him, "You start spinning, I'll take care of the rest."
Peter aimed his web-shooters at one of the seats and fired his webs. As he did so, Wanda used her hexes to construct a child's booster seat from the webs. Once finished, she placed Sora in it before going into her own seat, "Hang on, sweetie. This might get a little bumpy."
Sora nodded as both Scarlet Witch and Spider-Man took the seats nearby and strapped themselves in. Anakin instructed his droid and his former master, "Open all hatches, extend all flaps, and drag fins."
Obi-Wan and Artoo did as instructed as they entered the planet's atmosphere. Not long after the entire ship shook, shaking everyone in their seats. Anakin's face looked grim, "We lost something."
"What did we lose?" Wanda asked in concern until Spider-Man gestured to the window above them. The Scarlet Witch looked above as her eyes widened in horror as half of the ship drifted off to space. All she could muster up to say was, "Oh..."
"Not to worry," Obi-Wan replied, "We're still flying half a ship."
"Now we're really picking up speed," Anakin mumbled as gravity stared taken hold of their half of the cruiser. He turned to Obi-Wan, "Grab that, keep us low!"
"Steady," Obi-Wan cautioned.
Sora looked around as the damage ship burned around him, Wanda started comforting the boy, "It'll be okay. They know what they're doing."
Artoo stared beeping rapidly as Anakin glanced to the astromech, "Easy, Artoo!"
"Five thousand. Five ships on the left and on the right," Obi-Wan told Anakin.
"We'll take you in," came through the communications device from one of the other ships.
"Roger that," Obi-Wan said, then pointed out the viewport. "Landing strip, straight ahead."
"We're coming in too hot," Anakin told him.
Wanda started to pray a 'Hail Mary,' and hoped for a miracle. Despite seeing how the movie went down before, actually experiencing it in person, Spidey followed suit. They all jerked as the ship made contact with the ground and started sliding down the landing strip, tearing it up and even taking out a watchtower as it slowly came to a blessed stop.
Everyone sat back, breathing heavily as they all looked around at each other. Obi-Wan smiled in relief, "Another happy landing."
Sora then smiled, "Can we do that again?"
Everyone proceeded to crack up laughing, while the Earth-born (Or at least, what they thought was Earth) adults also thanked the Lord...
Hours later, the Grand Army of the Republic picked up both the Chancellor and the Jedi Knights from what's left of the cruiser. Due to both the Jedi and Supreme Chancellor request, Sora and the two Avengers were also brought along. The fact, they had both Dooku prisoner, and the fact, Sora would one day wield the Keyblade had everyone's interests.
As the heroes rode the Jedi Shuttle back to the senate, Wanda held Sora close, while all three stared in awe. Spider-Man had seen the planet Coruscant before many times in the prequel films, Clone Wars, and video games. However, it was so much bigger seeing it in person than on television. Heck, it was bigger than it appeared when he saw those films in theaters!
And he was enjoying every single moment. Wanda couldn't help but whisper, "This world is like 100 times New York City."
"Yeah," He agreed, "If it was filled with aliens, and flying cars, and took up the entire planet..." He then blinked under his mask, "Oh my... I just realized! Star Wars is no longer Science Fiction. It's all fact! I've gotta take a better look at all this technology and..."
"Um... Peter?" Wanda whispered, "I know the science nerd within you is thinking this is heaven but remember why we're really here..."
She then gestured to Sora, who just smiled and waved. Spider-Man quickly nodded, "Oh, right. Sorry." He then glanced to the Supreme Chancellor, "...right..."
Science and his inner fanboy would have to wait, Sora was their first priority along with saving reality. And he knew for a face that the secret Sith Lord would be an obstacle. Especially, since he now knew Sora would one day able to wield the Keyblade.
If it played out exactly as it did in the film and Palpatine's knowledge of the Keyblade, things could turn out a lot worse for the universe. He had to warn Wanda when they were alone so they could come up with a plan to stop the Sith.
Soon enough, they landed by the senate, and most of them exited the ship as they were greeted by senators, and another Jedi Master, Mace Windu. Unlike the original film, he was escorted by four Temple Guards. Peter likely assumed unlike the films, they actually brought Dooku back alive.
As everyone exited the ship, the Jedi Master greeted the Supreme Chancellor, "Chancellor Palpatine, are you alright?"
"Yes, thanks to your two Jedi Knights, and their dear new friends," The secret Sith Lord gestured to the two Avengers with Sora and a captured Count Dooku still in restraints glaring at the older man, "They captured Count Dooku, but General Grievous has escaped once again."
The Jedi Master turned to Spider-Man as he approached them with the captured Sith Apprentice, "Hey, Wanda and I were just visiting the neighborhood. Thought we bring a little welcome gift from us to you."
After staring at Spider-Man for a moment, he gave a respectful bow, "On behalf of the Republic and the Jedi Order, you have our thanks." He then turned the guards, "Get to a cell, where we can interrogate him, then we'll hand him over the senate where he'll stand trail for his crimes against the Republic."
"Mark my words," Dooku stated as the Temple Guards took him back to the Jedi Temple, "You will regret this day."
Everyone there thought he was referring to the Jedi or the Avengers, but Spider-Man knew who he was really talking to. As Dooku was arrested, Windu turned back to the Chancellor, "As for Grievous, he'll run and hide like he always does. He's a coward."
"I believe that," Wanda muttered after seeing Grievous only once.
"But with Dooku in custody," Palpatine pointed out, "He is the leader of the Droid Army, and I assure you, the Senate will vote to continue the war as long as Grievous is alive."
"Then the Jedi Council will make finding Grievous our highest priority," Master Windu nodded in agreement, "Hopefully, if we can get anything out of Dooku, Grievous will finally have no place he can hide."
With that, the Jedi Master escorted the Chancellor back to the senate as Wanda and Peter walked up to join the Jedi Knights, who looked like they were wrapping up a discussion, "...but you owe me one... and not for saving your skin for the tenth time..."
"Ninth time," Obi-Wan corrected him. "That business on Cato Neimoidia doesn't... doesn't count."
"Care to share?" Spider-Man joked as they joined up with the two Jedi.
Anakin smirked while Obi-Wan shook his head, "I'd rather not." He then smiled at their new allies, "I'm sorry you were caught in the middle of our war and we appreciate the help in capturing Count Dooku and rescuing the Chancellor."
"It's no problem at all," Wanda smiled and nodded, "It's what we do." She then frowned, "Too bad Dooku didn't seem to have the crack on him."
"It's never that easy," Anakin admitted.
"Xehanort must have known Dooku was meant to lose that fight," Spider-Man spoke up, "He may have given it to someone else entirely. Someone not easily reached."
"Like Grievous," Anakin's eyes narrowed.
"Either way, I'm going to report to the Jedi Council about your current crisis," Obi-Wan stated, "We'll help you in anyway we can. Oh, and when you have a moment, you should stop on by. We'll need to discuss the boy's future."
Wanda stared at him at the moment before Peter looked awkwardly away. The former then nodded, "We will. Although, we might get a little lost."
"I'll drop you by later," Anakin smiled to the Avengers, "First, I have some things to discuss with the Senators about Grievous and the Heartless."
"That's reasonable," Wanda nodded.
"Then I'll see the four of you soon," Obi-Wan smiled, "May the Force be with you."
With that, the doors to the Jedi Cruiser closed, and flew off to the Jedi Temple. It followed another cruiser which the Avengers assumed was carrying Count Dooku to his cell. Anakin turned to see Bail Organa, before telling the three visitors of their galaxy, "Wait, here... I'll see you soon."
With that, Anakin went to join him, as R2 rolled up to a certain golden protocol droid. Wanda then turned to Peter, "So, what the big deal? First, you're all super excited that we made it to this part of the universe but now... well, you look like we're out of the frying pan and into the fire. Is this a based on bad movie?"
"Far from it," Peter shook his head, "Episode III is my favorite of the prequel trilogy... it's... just that... this movie..." He tried to think of a way say it without Wanda overreacting and drawing attention, "...this movie... didn't exactly have a happy ending."
Wanda tilted her head in concern, "What do you mean?"
"Well, it's..." Spidey began to explain before realizing, "Wait, where's Sora?"
Scarlet Witch blinked in shock, slightly panicking, gave a quick look around, "Wha... Sora?!" After a quick look around, she spotted the islander running after Anakin, "There he is! At least he's with someone we can trust!"
As Wanda walked quickly after him, Peter couldn't help but think, "For now..."
As long as Anakin Skywalker doesn't become Darth Vader, they could trust him with Sora. He had to find a way to stop Anakin from becoming the classic Sith Lord. He didn't know how, of course, he was making this up as he went along. For now, he had to catch up to Wanda and Sora...
As Sora continued exploring this strange new world with Anakin, he overheard the Jedi Knight tell the senator from Alderaan, "The fighting will continue until General Grievous is... spare parts and the Heartless have been dealt with."
"Well, I will do everything I can in the Senate," The Alderaan Senator replied, "They're certainly will be a panic of monsters that are after people's hearts. I trust the Jedi are up to facing this darkness.
Sora followed the two adults, before he noticed Anakin looked away for a moment as if noticing a familiar face before turning back to the Senator, "Excuse me for a moment."
"Certainly," Bail nodded before parting ways. The young boy tilted his head, before following the Jedi as he ran off to hug another senator. Except this one was a woman.
"Oh, Anakin." The Senator from Naboo smiled sweetly before kissing the Jedi on the lips.
After releasing from the kiss, Anakin smiled, "I missed you, Padmé."
Sora blinked for a brief moment, and the Jedi and Senator image were temporarily replaced by a older version of himself and Kairi. Sora tilted his head as he heard the former Queen of Naboo whisper, "There were whispers... that you'd been killed."
Anakin smiled at her. "I'm alright," he laughed softly. "It feels like we've been apart for a lifetime. And we might have been if the chancellor hadn't been kidnapped; I don't think they would have ever brought us back from the Outer Rim Sieges."
He leaned in to kiss her once again but she stopped him, "Wait, not here."
"Yes here," Anakin whispered back, "I-I'm tired of all this deception, I don't care if they know we're married."
"Anakin, don't say things like that!" Padmé said with a tremble in her voice.
Sora only tilted his head in confusion. Mr. Skywalker was married and they wanted to keep it a secret? That was weird. Why keep something like that a secret?
Anakin hugged her to comfort her, but pulled away suddenly, studying her intently. "Are you alright? You're trembling... What's going on?"
"Something wonderful has happened," Padmé told her husband gently. She then revealed, "Ani... I'm pregnant."
"That's..." Anakin looked stunned but a smile crept on his face, "That's wonderful!"
While Sora lacked many words in the vocabulary of his world alone, even he knew what that word meant. Mr. Skywalker and his wife were going to have a baby. Although no one would ever tell him how the get inside the mother's tummy.
Maybe Miss Wanda or Mr Peter could explain this to him. They're smart and superheroes. Surely, they would know and tell him. He finally heard Mr. Skywalker's secret wife speak again, with worry in her voice, "What are we going to do?"
Anakin's smile grew. "We're not going to worry about anything right now. All right?" he cupped her cheek in his hand. "This is a happy moment... The happiest moment of my life."
Padmè smiled in relief until she heard two little footsteps stepping in closer. Her eyes widened as she turned to the source of the sound, "Who's there?"
That's when the secret couple finally noticed the small islander, Padmè seemed relieved that it was only a child. Plus, the fact the child was absolutely adorable was a nice bonus. She gave the child a smile, "Oh, hi there, sweetie. Are you lost?"
"Sora?" Anakin blinked in shock.
His wife turned to him, "You know this boy?"
"It's a long story..." Anakin admitted before turning back to Sora, "What are you doing here buddy?"
"Well..." Sora began to explain before they heard the footsteps of two adults running to him.
Anakin didn't need to Force to tell him he wandered off to check out the knew world around him. He might have been a little guilty of that when he first arrived on the capital planet. Which from the running footsteps belonged to two certain heroes. Scarlet Witch and Spider-Man ran to the corner as the former sighed in relief, "Sora... you really need to stop wandering off on your own..."
"But I was with Mr. Skywalker..." Sora answered.
Spider-Man crossed his arms, "Did he know that?"
All eyes turned to Anakin as he admitted, "Not until a few minutes ago..."
Wanda sighed as she turned back to the islander, "Sora... you have to at least let everyone know where you are. We were so worried about you..."
"Sorry," Sora apologized.
Wanda then turned back to Anakin and the senator from Naboo, "I'm so sorry if we're intruding upon anything."
"It's... it's quite alright," Padmè reassured the Avenger, "He merely startled us. That's all." She couldn't help but wonder, "I take your Sora's mother and father?"
Wanda blinked before turning back to Peter with a slight blush, before she admitted, "Oh... uh... we're not... he's not..." She then finally admitted, "It's complicated."
Anakin and Padmè looked at the couple with understanding, as the latter admitted, "Believe us... we have a general idea of the subject of complicated relationships..." She then cleared her throat, "Anyways, I'm Senator Amidala of Naboo. Call me Padmè."
She offered Wanda her hand, who shook the hand, "Wanda Maximoff. Back home people know me as the Scarlet Witch." Padmè blinked at the name, as Wanda quickly explained, "For the record, I'm not actually a witch. I'm a mutant. Totally different."
"Okay," The secret wife of Anakin nodded, "Then what's with the name?"
Sora happily answered, "Oh, she's an Avenger. A superhero."
Anakin spoke on her behalf, "Basically, she and her... husband..." Spider-Man shook his head, making the Jedi change his answer, "Boyfriend?" The web-head shook his head again, "Friend who she has strong feels for?"
"Yeah," Spider-Man nodded to the Jedi Knight, "There you go."
"...are like Jedi. Peacekeepers back on their planet," Anakin answered, "But with some differences. They helped us rescue the Chancellor and capture Dooku."
"Well, in that case," Padmè smiled turning back to Wanda, "You have my thanks."
"You're welcome," She smiled before gesturing to Spider-Man, "And this is Spider..."
Peter quickly removed his mask before she could answer as he introduced himself, "Peter Parker. Also known as your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man."
Wanda blinked in shock, one of the rare times he used his real name was because either the world didn't provide him with his mask or he was trying to convince the Guardians and Esmeralda he was a friend. She was curious to know what made the decision to reveal his identity... despite the fact, Grievous had already removed his mask earlier.
Little did she know, Peter thought long and hard about this decision. If he was going to change the outcome of this universe, he needed Anakin to trust him. And trust goes both ways. Padmè smiled and shook the Wall-Crawler's hand. He then gestured to the boy, "And you've already met Sora."
"Nice to meet all of you," She smiled before wondering, "How exactly did you end up on Grievous's ship?" She then asked in concern, "We're you all prisoners?"
"No... well... not at first... we sort of ended up on that ship unintentionally," Wanda tried to explain only confusing the Senator, "It's a long story."
"And a little new to all of us," Anakin admitted, before promising his wife, "I'll explain the full story later, for now, let's just say the kid's been through a lot and our new friends have been traveling from one world to another, trying to keep him safe from agents of the dark side."
She then looked to the boy with sympathy, "I'm so sorry."
Sora gave her a small smile, Wanda then tried to change the subject, "So... how long have you two been an item?"
Both Anakin and Padmè's eyes widened in horror before briefly stepping away from each other, as the former tried to explain, "Uh... It's not what you..."
However, Wanda noticed that the latter was expecting a delivery, which she beamed, "Oh my gosh! You're expecting?! That's wonderful! How long are you due?!
Despite being caught, Padmè couldn't help but smile, "Oh, it's been quite some time now!"
"Congratulations to the both of you," Wanda smiled at them, she waved to the baby inside the senator, "Hi, little one." She then turned to Sora, "Would you like to say hi to the baby too?"
Sora smiled and nodded. The Scarlet Witch then held him up, and the boy waved to the senator's child, making the Senator giggle. She then turned to the two Avengers, "You're not going to tell anyone are you?"
"Well, if you want to announce your baby to your friends..." Wanda assumed she was asking.
"Uh, Wanda," Peter leaned to Wanda, "I think she was referring to the fact that she and Anakin are in a relationship, in general, she wants us to keep quiet."
Wanda blinked in confusion, "Huh?" She then turned to the secretly married couple, both of which had nervous looks, "Really? Why is that?"
"Because if I'm right, Jedi aren't allowed to marry or have any attachments," Peter explained as he turned to Anakin, "Am I right?"
Anakin sadly nodded, "It also put Padmè's position in the senate at risk."
"No attachments at all?" Sora tilted his head, getting a confirmed nod after a minute the boy spoke up, "Well, that's dumb."
That earned a small chuckle from the secret couple, Wanda then spoke up, "You're secret safe with us."
Anakin turned to the two Avengers, "You mean it?"
"Believe me," Spider-Man held on the mask, "I wear this mask not just because it completes the look. It's so my own Aunt or friends don't get caught in the crossfire for what I do. We know how to keep a secret."
"Plus most of the worlds we visited, don't know that their are other worlds outside their own," Wanda answered, "We had to keep quiet about that too to avoid panic."
Sora then raised his hand, "And I'm great with secrets! I'm like the best secret keeper in the world!"
Both Anakin and Padmè smiled in good humor as the latter giggled, "Well, I guess we can trust our secret to the best secret keeper in the world."
The former rubbed the boy's head, earning a chuckle from him. Spider-Man then spoke up, "We'll let the two of you have some privacy."
"We'll be ready for when we go to the Jedi Temple," Wanda added.
Anakin nodded at that, as Sora turned to Wanda, "Miss Wanda? How do babies end up in girls' tummies."
"We'll tell you when your older," Wanda smiled at the boy.
The boy groaned, "Why does everyone say that when I ask?"
As the secret couple watched the two Avengers walk off with the future Keyblade Wielder, Padmè turned to her husband, "How did you meet them, Anakin?"
"Well," Anakin began, "It all started when we boarded Grievous ship... we felt a powerful presence in the force..."
Later that evening, in the senate building, Sheev Palpatine was giving General Grievous his next orders involving the Separatist leaders. The mastermind behind the Clone Wars "suggested" moving them to the Mustafar System, he would have someone "deal" with them once the war was over.
When Grievous asked about Count Dooku, he simply answered, "His capture was... admitted unexpected but a necessary loss. Soon I will have a new apprentice... one far younger and more powerful."
With that, Sidious ended the transmission and removed his black hood. In truth, he was hoping his future apprentice would have killed the Count pushing him closer to the dark side. He might have too if that masked vigilante hadn't interfered. He did not know where he and the witch came from or how they came to be. Until the boy among them was revealed to be a future user of the Keyblade. He sensed a disturbance in the Force not long after Skywalker and Kenobi came to "rescue" him.
While these 'heroes' were an unexpected curveball thrown into the galaxy, he couldn't help but grin. The fact another powerful youth is near his grasp, but this one that had the power to traverse other worlds in other galaxies. With Skywalker and the boy, his future Empire would be greater than ever.
Unlike the Jedi, he knew a few Keyblade Wielders still existed. As much as he hated to admit it, it paid to be related to one. Just then, a dark corridor opened up in the center of his office. Sidious glanced at the company coming his way, "Xehanort..."
"Greetings, brother," Young Xehanort greeted the Sith Lord before glancing out the window to see the city, "It would seem your plans are going without a hitch. You've done well."
"You look remarkably well," Palpatine admitted, "Although, I did remember you being way older last we spoke."
"Yes, well," Xehanort nodded with a smirk, "We both know the power of darkness has many abilities some consider to be unnatural."
The secret sith looked at him, "I know why you're here. The boy with those two visitors. I know what he will become. He is in my galaxy now which means... he is mine."
"Yes, up until now, the only Keyblade Wielder you knew of was me," The young incarnation of Master Xehanort smirked slightly, "While we both mastered the power of darkness in our own ways... you were unable to leave the world you came." A brief look of envy appeared on Xehanort, "Still, you knew our mother better than I ever did. I was always jealous about that about you, brother."
"Half-brother," Palpatine corrected, "Whatever plans you have for the boy... you will change them... or else..."
"Or I feel your wrath," Xehanort smirked, "I won't abandon my goals. However, out of respect for the woman who gave birth to us, I see it to give you a fair chance."
Xehanort outstretched his hand, revealing the tare in reality, and send it right over to his half-brother. When it merged with the Sith Lord, Palpatine felt the dark side of the Force growing strong within him, "What is this?"
"I gave you complete control over the Heartless," Xehanort answered, "Now, we both have a fair chance."
"I am many things, Xehanort, but I am no fool," Palpatine's eyes narrowed, "I know all about the cracks. You think it's safer to keep it within me without the boy's guardians interference."
"True, if I gave it to your former apprentice or the cyborg," Xehanort admitted, "They likely would have it already, if not them, then the Jedi."
Palpatine smirked, "So... even without the Heartless, with all the power I had gathered throughout the War, what makes you think I won't get the boy first?"
The seeker of darkness simply smirked, "Let's say... I knew the right person for the job..."
With that, the young incarnation of Xehanort vanished through a Corridor of Darkness...
Meanwhile, from the rooftops of the city of Coruscant, Venom attached himself to the city rooftops and spotted Anakin Skywalker piloting a Jedi Cruiser over to the Jedi Temple. The Spider was there, the symbiote could feel its original host within the ship. It could only assume that his new 'family' was there too.
Venom hissed as its pink tongue was sticking out of his mouth. The toughest Spider-Man villain leaped off of the building and started web-swinging after them...
Later in the Jedi Temple, the two Avengers and one little islander stood within the Jedi Council. Wanda was doing everything she could to keep Spidey grounded, as he looked like a kid at his favorite amusement park. Something told her they might be a little weirded out if a full-grown man started bouncing off the walls for reasons unknown to the Jedi Council members.
Within the tower, they spotted many round seats, and in them sat many Jedi Masters. Some were present while others were worlds away. While the Scarlet Witch was certain the Star Wars fan knew all by name, she only recognized a few such as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, who helped them back on the enemy flagship. They also recognized Mace Windu, who greeted the Chancellor and took Dooku into custody. The small old creature in the center of the room stared at the three visitors with great interest, before speaking, "For your assistance in the capture of Count Dooku, thank you, we must."
"It's no trouble at all," Wanda reassured the Jedi Grand Master, "We do this sort of thing back home."
"From Master Kenobi and Young Skywalker's reports, your own power and skills are quite impressive," Peter recognized the Jedi Master, Ki-Adi-Mundi nodded, "But we wanted to know if the reports of the boy are true. Is he really the Keyblade's Chosen?"
"We believe so," Spider-Man nodded, "We've been told by trusted sources and a retired Keyblade Master that he was." That deeply intrigued the Council as he continued, "Xehanort has allied with criminals and madmen of many worlds to kidnap him for his own purposes."
"Tell us how you came to find the boy," Master Windu spoke up, "Master Kenobi and Young Skywalker explained everything you told them but we'd like to hear the full story, and how you ended up in the middle of a battle."
From there, both Avengers explained the previous events of the past weeks and days, from trying to prevent Kang's escape, meeting Sora, their journey across many worlds, learning of Xehanort's intentions through Wanda's visions and what they learned from Master Yen Sid and his pupil King Mickey. They eventually reached current events, as Spidey concluded, "...and that's where we ended up getting separated in Grievous's ship, we met Anakin and Obi-Wan not long after."
Master Yoda and Windu turned to each other, looking somewhat relieved as the latter stated, "So, the rumors were true, Keyblade Masters are slowly making their return."
Master Kit Fisto couldn't help but comment, "It is unfortunate that this Master Xehanort has turned to the dark side and struck down this Master Earqus before we had the chance of meeting him."
"Even more than all his pupils are missing," Obi-Wan added, "Perhaps if we'd known, we could have prevented things from going this bad."
"Focus on the past, we must not," Master Yoda spoke up, "In the present, our focus must be."
Anakin added his two cents, "Try telling Xehanort's past self that."
"Even so, now that we know Sora is chosen to wield the Keyblade and that one day he'll defeat Master Xehanort," Master Windu turned to the boy, "We should focus on training the boy, as well, as finding the other chosen Riku, and finding Earqus's pupils."
Wanda blinked for a moment, "Training?"
"I'm afraid that might be difficult," Obi-Wan spoke up, "While we're aware of the tears and the senate has only begun to understand. Keyblade Wielders are nothing to them but myth and even if we did convince how important they are, they would never allow it while the war continues."
"Which means if we're going to investigate the disappearance of the children and Earqus's pupils," Master Windu spoke up, "Finding General Grievous just became a higher priority."
"Miss Maximoff?" Master Ki-Adi-Mundi turned to the Scarlet Witch, "You said Xehanort has recruited the criminal element and agents of darkness to attempt to reach the boy? Could this crack be among General Grievous?"
Wanda shrugged before admitting, "I suppose it's possible."
"However," Peter spoke up getting everyone's attention, "If Xehanort's the smart tactician Yen Sid said his present self is, he's going give it to someone not as easy to predict."
"A valid point, Spider-Man makes," Master Yoda nodded, "Seek Dooku's Master, Xehanort might."
"Whether it's in the possession of the Sith Lord or Grievous," Windu turned to the two Avengers, "We'll help you find it. The entire universe is at stake unless we find that crack."
The two heroes from the world they once believed was Earth nodded in apperception. Aayla Secura spoke up, "Should we find the crack, do you still have the means to seal and travel to the remaining cracks?"
Spider-Man then revealed the backpack with three remaining orbs, "Yeah, these should do the job... and we can also use the last one to send Xehanort back to his own time with no memory of what happened the past few weeks."
"Ummm... question," Anakin spoke up, "If the Xehanort is from the past, and we'll know he'll cause future problems, so instead of sending him back to his time to cause the universe more problems that may or already happen, why don't we..."
He then slid a finger on his throat, Wanda looked at him dumbfounded, "Okay, first off, that's disgusting!"
Anakin shrugged, "It's Xehanort."
"Secondly, we told very specifically we need to throw Xehanort in the cracks alive if we were to close them," Peter spoke up where Wanda left off, "Not to mention, even if the cracks don't tear apart the universe as a result, we don't know the consequences in time will change our time. Some of us might get written out of existence, people who were supposed to meet to make the universe a better place might never meet, or worst-case scenario, we could end up with a threat worse than Xehanort that did more damage to the worlds than he ever will."
Jedi Master Plo Koon nodded from the world he was currently on, "It's best not we risk that chance. We stick to the original plan and deal with the present Master Xehanort when he finally reveals himself."
"Agreed, the best thing we can do right now," Mace Windu turned back to the Avengers, "...is to begin the boy's training, protect him from whatever Xehanort throws at us long enough for you two to finish sealing the cracks between the realms of light and darkness. We'll also focus on the war until Grievous or the Sith reveal themselves with the crack. After that, we'll find the other children and Earqus's pupils and work together to train the next generation of Keyblade Masters and stop Master Xehanort once and for all."
Wanda blinked again before wondering, "This training... would Sora and his friends be allowed weekends and holidays off? Maybe summer? I mean, is this something where we'd drop him off from our world to here with the other children."
After receiving some odd stares, Anakin even awkwardly looked anywhere else but where Wanda was, Windu turned to Peter as he rubbed the back of his neck before explaining to her, "Yeah... Wanda... the Jedi... they don't really do that sort of thing. The children they recruit... don't really see their parents again due to their rule of zero attachments."
"Wait..." Wanda turned to Peter in shock, "WHAT?!" Sora turned to Wanda after her reaction, she turned to the boy before turning back to the Jedi Council, "Now, hold on! We came here to discuss the situation with you so we can deal with the crisis! We're not just going to hand over our child to you-"
Anakin leaned to Peter with an eyebrow raised, "Our child?"
"Yeah, she's had her sights set on adopting Sora after all of this..." Peter briefly turned to him with a quick private explanation.
"-so you can make him into an emotionless machine!" Wanda continued with her arms around the boy.
"And she's making you the father," Anakin contained the private conversation, "Are you okay with this? Don't you feel like this is rushing all of this?"
Spidey simply shrugged, "I like the kid if he was my own son too. And I like Wanda. I'm more concerned about how I'm going to explain this to my aunt."
"Ma'am," Windu spoke up to Wanda, "We realize you have concerns about the child..."
"Concerns?! Oh, I haven't even begun! And what's this thing about not letting parents see their children?!" Wanda glared at them, "Or vice-versa?! HOW IS EVERYONE OKAY WITH THIS?!"
Windu sighed, rubbing his eyes slightly, "Miss Maximoff, with all due respect, the boy is not your child. And there's a reason why the Jedi Council is against any form of attachments."
"Feel free to share," Wanda replied not even letting down her glare, "Because I'd just loooove to hear it."
"The Master of Masters," Ki-Adi-Mundi spoke up, "We've heard of him through myth. One apparently built on truth."
Both Wanda and Peter blinked in shock at that, as Master Windu explained, "As you were told, the war resulted in the destruction of the world and dragged all into darkness until the children rebuilt the universe we know today. Before the war, the Master of Masters trained six apprentices and equipped them with their own Keyblades. Before vanishing he gave them all roles of how to manage the world should anything happen to him."
"For a while, they managed their roles well," Aayla spoke up, "Until they had reason to suspect darkness had consumed them."
"They began turning against each other," Master Shaark Ti spoke up, "Believing one was a traitor and only trusted themselves and their own students."
"While each had their own reason in the War," Plo Koon added, "One hoped to use Kingdom Hearts to bring back their lost master, in hopes to stop the chaos, but only pushed them deeper into the war."
"None of them, one way or another," Mace concluded, "Were able to let go of their Master after he vanished to protect what matters and in doing so they became the very thing they sought to destroy. When the Jedi Order was formed, the members of the High Conicul agreed not to make the same mistakes as the Keyblade Masters. All Jedi who tried secret marriages, all who attempts to stay connected to their parents, and all who have too close of a relationship between a Master and Padawan are a risk to the stability of the Order and the Republic."
"Letting someone go after they pass away, and being in a relationship of any kind," Wanda shook her head, "Are two completely different matters entirely, you don't have to abandon the very thought relationships entirely in order to prevent another Keyblade War."
"It's not a risk we're willing to take," Windu spoke again while Anakin lowered his head, "Especially when it comes to the next generation of Keyblade Masters. Trust me, if this boy is indeed the one to stop this turned Keyblade Master when he's older, then he can't let anyone distract him."
"But..." Wanda tried to speak on the islander's behalf.
Spider-Man then walked up to the Jedi Master, "What Wanda is trying to say, is that we only just realize you existed and we're not entirely sure if leaving Sora here for training is entirely the best for him. All we're asking is time to think this over before we make a big decision, maybe when we find the crack in reality we can make our final decision.
Master Windu spoke up, "I don't think..."
"Agree with Spider-Man, I do," Grand Master Yoda turned the other Jedi Master, "Think what is best for the boy, they must. Time, they need."
"Until a decision of the boy's future is decided," Ki-Adi-Mundi began to wonder, "Where can our new allies stay to keep the boy safe."
Master Fisto then spoke up, "It have to be a place well guarded in case of time-traveling foe tries anything. Somewhere we can despatch a Jedi for extra protection without drawing too many eyes."
Anakin then thought of something, "Um... Masters. I might have an idea." Both Jedi and Avengers turned to the Chosen One, "It just so happens Senator Amidala is well informed of the situation, and is with child herself. I might be able to convince her to let them stay with her, then Master Kenobi or myself could provide additional protection until we locate this crack."
The other Jedi turned to each other as Windu admitted, "I suppose that's reasonable. Providing the Senator doesn't mind."
"I don't believe it should," Anakin replied, "She's always been compassionate and merciful for those in need." He then mentally added, "Plus it would be good practice for when the baby comes."
"Very well. To convince Senator Amidala of aiding us in this matter, trust you, we will," Master Yoda nodded.
Wanda smiled to Anakin in apperception as he nodded back. Master Windu turned to Anakin, "I suggest you bring them to her straightaway and let her know." He then turned to the Avengers, "And we'll keep you updated on anything to do with Xehanort and the crack. And in return, we expect you to make a decision about the boy's future."
Wanda looked like her mind was already made up, but nodded nonetheless. Spider-Man did the same. Anakin stood up from his seat and escorted them out. Once they were out of earshot, Windu turned to Obi-Wan, "Do you think we can trust Miss Maximoff?"
"She aided in Count Dooku's capture, made his restraints so he couldn't escape, and with her teammate kept the boy safe so far," Obi-Wan spoke on the mutant's behalf, "I see little reason not to trust her."
"Still, you thought her a Nightsister when you first witnessed her power," Ki-Aid-Mundi pointed out, "And from getting a closer look it may not be that far off their capability."
"I faced Mother Talzin before," Mace nodded, "But Maximoff's power... I can sense it has more the ability to surpass her."
Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow, "Just what are you saying?"
"I saying if her power is left unchecked," Master Windu explained, "She could become a danger to those around her. Given the state of Keyblade Masters these days, even if we did believe them to be extinct just the other day, it could be a huge risk if the boy stays with her. I don't trust her."
"Unlike the Nightsisters, I believe Wanda has nothing but the best intentions for Sora," Obi-Wan spoke in her defense, "Yes, she is powerful, but I don't believe her to be a threat."
"It's not just that," Plo Koon spoke up, "But the name she uses... the Scarlet Witch... it rings familiarity in the Jedi archives. One we hoped was simply myth like Keyblade Wielders."
Shaark Ti turned to him, "You're not referring to..."
"In legend, the Scarlet Witch is said to rewrite reality as she chooses, and can use it to either rule the universe, or destroy it entirely," Aayla admitted, "I don't want to believe it to be true, or this woman would willing do this if she truly knew what she was capable of."
"I believe Mr. Parker's intentions are good and is unaware of who his teammate truly is," Master Fisto admitted before turning to Master Yoda, "I assumed that's why you agreed to let them think things over before they realize the boy is better off here than anywhere else."
"Yes," Master Yoda nodded, "Believe Ms. Maximoff's intentions for the boy are good as well, I do. Our enemy, she is not."
"Even so," Master Windu nodded, "She may not let the boy go willingly." He added, "If Anakin is the Chosen One like the prophecy says, he might be one of the few who can stand up to her... Providing he doesn't get too attached himself."
"With all due respect, Master Windu," Master Kenobi spoke up, "Even if she is the same Scarlet Witch from the prophecy, I still believe she will do what is right. I sense the good in her. Besides, I also sense something else special about the boy... something that could ultimately prevent whatever threat Wanda may or may not be capable of."
Master Mundi turned to Master Kenobi, "What are you referring to..."
He then paused realizing what he was saying. The other members of the High Council, not hearing such suggestions since Kenobi's own former Master, suggested Anakin was the Chosen One. Plo Koon hummed in thought, "If you're thinking what I'm thinking, then this could explain why Xehanort is threatened by Sora more than this Riku?"
"But it couldn't be true," Aayla spoke up before wondering herself, "Could it?"
All the Jedi turned to Master Yoda to hear his thoughts, the Grand Master then spoke, "If what Master Kenobi, suggests is true, only time, it will tell, the Child of Destiny, the boy is."
As Anakin flew the Avengers and Keyblade's Chosen back to his wife's apartment, Wanda turned to him, "I want to apologize if we're intruding or if we put you in the spotlight with my... disagreement with your Council."
"It's no problem. And I can understand your disagreement," Anakin reassured her, "If I agreed with everything they did, I would have never married Padmé."
"Do I have to stay with them, Miss Wanda," Sora asked the Scarlet Witch.
She smiled gently at the child, "Absolutely not. Especially if you don't want to."
"Good," Sora smiled, "Because it's hard to make friends without attachments."
"Yeah," Spider-Man nodded in agreement, "It would be."
Wanda turned to Peter, she knew everything was so sudden for the masked hero, with the fact she practically agreed for him they would raise Sora together. That wasn't exactly fair to the web-slinger, so she knew she had to talk with him soon. Plus, she wanted to know what was troubling him about this particular world...
Soon, Anakin escorted them to the apartment where is wife was staying, as they did so, they were greeted by a certain gold droid, "Oh, Master Anakin! You're back!" He then turned to the people behind him, "Oh, and you brought guests." He then greeted them, "Hello, how might I serve you? I am C-3PO: human cyborg relations."
While Spider-Man was fighting the urge not to geek out as he did back on Grievous's ship, Wanda smiled, "Um... Nice to meet you."
"Threepio," Anakin spoke up, "This is Wanda, Peter, and Sora. They'll be staying with us for a while."
"Oh, I see," Threepio nodded, "And... what about you and Miss Padmè... and... um..."
"It's okay," He reassured his protocol droid, "They know. We can trust them."
"Oh, thank the maker!" The gold-plated droid praised, "I was worried I'd keep my mouth shut for weeks."
Artoo then rolled up to the door and beeped something that deeply offended his counterpart, "WHAT DO YOU MEAN I'M A BIG BLABBERMOUTH?!"
Just then, the senator from Naboo walked up to the door, giggling softly, "Those two will never change." She then turned to greet her husband, "Ani..." She gave the Jedi Knight a quick kiss before turning to the Avengers, "Oh, hello again. Wanda. Peter." She then turned to the boy with sympathy, "Sora... I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that. I promise I'll do everything in my power to convince the Republic to rescue your friends and bring Xehanort to justice."
Sora smiled at that, as Anakin added, "I promised them that they could stay with us until we find the crack in reality, Sora is safer here than anywhere else at the moment."
"Of course, you can stay," Padmè smiled to their guests, "We have a spare room that's meant for when Anakin's staying for... uh hum... protection purposes. Or you know, let people think that."
The Avengers nodded in understanding, the expecting mother then cleared her throat, "Anyways, we also have an extra shower..."
The moment the two Avengers heard that word, they sighed happily like it was a heavenly word. Anakin knew that looked, he lightly smirked, "I take you spent so much time looking after Sora, you literally had no time to shower."
"Yep," Peter nodded, "That and most of the worlds we've been to haven't quite figured out indoor plumbing."
Padmè blinked at that, "Yikes!" Before telling them, "Don't wait on our part, go ahead. Use the shower. I'll send the droids to pick up some spare clothes."
"Thank you," Wanda nodded in relief before picking up Sora, "Okay, young man. You first."
She then rushed him to the shower as the droids left, Anakin turned to the web-head, "You know, I never really asked, but what are the worlds like outside the Republic?"
Peter removed his mask as he rubbed the back of his hair, "You wouldn't believe us if we told you."
"Try us," The mother of Luke and Leia approached him curious as well.
"No, really," Peter warned them, "The things we've seen are going to seem really outside the norm."
After being pressured, Peter and Wanda did reveal the worlds they've been to so far. Traverse Town sounded somewhat normal to what they'd seen before. Then the mentioned Olympus Coliseum, Mousedom, Ancient Jungle, Mysterious Tower, and La Cité des Cloches. They couldn't help but stare as the mentioned meeting ancient mythical demigod, being the size of a wamp rat, running through the jungle half-naked with talking animals, a tower on a world the size of an asteroid with plantlife and a small atmosphere meeting living inanimate statues inside a bell tower. They even were dumbfounded at how there was a lot of singing as if they were in a musical. The two heroes didn't even want to mention they were all based on films from their childhoods.
The worlds the Avengers talked about were unlike anything they'd heard before. However, they believed them. It was very hard to but seeing what they could do, making it somewhat easier.
Afterward and after some good showers, they talked about other things. Like what each other their homeworlds was like, what plans the married couple had for their baby, and they played a few games with Sora to cheer him up before they each turned in for the night. The married couple shared a room, however, since Wanda and Peter weren't married, they wanted to set a good example for the young islander. So, they decided that Wanda would share the room with Sora and Peter would sleep on the couch.
As everyone slept peacefully, they were unaware of the symbiote villain watching them from the balcony. Venom watched as his long-time foe just lay there completely unaware of his presence. He knew why Xehanort brought him here, to destroy Spider-Man and his lovely female Avenger friend and bring the child to him.
However, that's not how he worked, doing so would be too easy. Both Eddie Brock and the symbiote wished to dismantle Spider-Man piece by piece, after all they knew who he was, and everyone he cared about. They also knew Spider-Man well enough to know he'd try to stop the whole plot of Star Wars if it meant saving innocent lives. It's why he ensured Dooku survived, however, that gave Venom an idea, of how to hurt him the most. Just then, the doors to the guest bedroom slid open, making Venom leap away and swung off back to the Jedi Temple to accomplish his goal. Making Spider-Man suffer. He chuckled to himself, "Don't worry, bro. We'll see each other soon enough..."
Wanda stretched out in her red pajamas the senator lent her while letting out a yawn. She spotted the sleeping New Yorker snoring on the couch with a blanket covering him. She smiled in amusement before turning concerned, there was something in particular about this world that made Peter feel uneasy, even it was based on his favorite franchise. This made her feel uneasy as well, as she had no idea what was going to happen on this world but Peter did. She was mostly concerned about how it would end up affecting Sora in any way. Seeing how the married couple were asleep and they were asleep.
She walked her way over to the sleeping part-time Avenger, she gave him a little shake, "Peter..."
"Wha...?" Peter stirred awake to see Wanda, "Oh... what's up? Is something the matter with..."
"Sora's fine. He's still asleep," She whispered, "Anyways, you told me what this movie this world is based on was about. I want to know."
That woke Peter up, making him sit up, "Oh, right..." He then turned to her, "Look, I need you to promise me, you'll keep quiet until we figure out what we're going to do. Do not freak out and wake up our generous hosts."
Now, she was even more worried, "What are you..."
"No," He shook his head, "I need you to promise me. I need to hear you say it."
The Scarlet Witch sighed, "Fine. I promise not to freak out and walk up the whole neighborhood." She then crossed her arms, "Now, will just tell me?"
"Alright, but you may want to sit down," Peter explained, "It's going to be a lot to take it.
From there, Peter proceeded to explain the whole plot of the Prequel trilogy from Star Wars. How Palpatine was the Sith Lord the Jedi have been looking for, how he manipulated the events that lead him to become Supreme Chancellor, he was playing both sides of the war to slowly turn the Republic into an Empire... then he came to the part explaining what comes next in the movie. From Anakin getting visions of his wife's death, Palpatine's tale of Darth Plagueis, Anakin's growing doubts in the Jedi that the Sith manipulates, Anakin's fall and turning to Darth Vader, leading the Clone Army to destroy the Jedi from men, women, and children. That last part caused Wanda to exclaim, "WHA-?!"
Moving quickly, Peter quickly covered her mouth, he took a glance at the married couple's room before back to Sora's. When no one came, he could safely assume he got to her before she could wake everyone up. He removed her hand. Wanda blinked rapidly, "I'm sorry but... But are you saying Anakin's going to be murdering children?!"
"He thought it was the only way to save his family," Peter explained, "The Jedi are going become near extinct with the Clones' unwilling help, and the Republic falls and becomes an Empire. The closest thing in compassion to them on Earth was the Nazis and Hydra."
"Shit," Wanda cursed, she had heard stories from both her father and Captain America about what they were like back in World War II. None of them were good, she then turned to him, "What happens next?"
He then explained after the Jedi were mostly wiped out, Anakin goes to the lava planet, Mustafar, and wipes out the Separatists Leaders. However, he didn't know that Obi-Wan and Yoda survived their encounters and learned what happened on this world. They make one last-ditch effort to destroy the Sith. Obi-Wan goes to Anakin's wife and lets her know of the horrible deeds of her husband, sneaks aboard her ship when she seeks answers, only to be heartbroken to see Anakin grow mad with power, even thinking he brought Obi-Wan there to kill him, despite the remaining Jedi's best efforts, Palpatine managed relatively unscathed against Yoda and Anakin despite his remaining limbs being cut off, set on fire, and left for dead managed to survive. He was made more machine than man and was told that he killed his own wife. However, she simply lost the will to live but they were able to save her children. Wanda blinked in shock, "Children?"
"If it playing out exactly like the movie franchise," Peter explained, "She's carrying twins." Despite the horrible things that would come to pass, she couldn't help but smile at that fact. She was also a twin after all. As Peter concluded, "Obi-Wan, Yoda, and Organa agreed the children had to be separated so Leia was raised on Alderaan to be raised as a Princess while Luke was raised on Tatooine by his own Aunt and Uncle while under the protection of Obi-Wan. One day, it would be up to those children to take back the Galaxy from the Sith."
"Listen, Peter," Wanda explained with sadness in her eyes, "As much as I'm glad that their children are going to make it, we can't exactly leave like this. Why show Anakin your secret identity if he's only going to become Vader later?"
"Because, if we can show him that there's a better way," Spidey began to explain, "If there were some friends he could trust, maybe he will never become Vader in the first place. Maybe we can stop the Empire from ever happening."
"That's an awfully big if, Peter," The Scarlet Witch pointed out, "Without the other Avengers, I'm not sure we can save a whole galaxy and keep Sora safe. Besides, what makes think we can stop Anakin from becoming a monster."
"Because I've also seen how his story ends," Peter explained, "Years later, Vader learns at the very least his son survived and was working with a Rebel Alliance to stop the Empire. He sought personally to find him, and whenever someone within his own ranks sought to kill Luke, he protected him. And in the end, it was their love for his son that made him lay down his life to protect him from Sidious. Deep down all that time..."
"...he wanted to be dad," Wanda understood what he was trying to say, "He wanted to have a family."
"And in the end that what saves him," Spider-Man smiled, "Besides, I'm sure Kurt mentioned something Charles Xavier taught us... 'Just because someone stumbles and losses their way, doesn't mean they're lost forever.'"
"He just needs a little help," Wanda nodded, "Okay, let's try to save our new friends..." She then added, "Either way, Sora still staying with us."
"Hey, I know better than to argue with you," Peter lightly chuckled. After staring at each other for a brief time, before they realized it they were inching closer and closer to one another. Their faces came together, and both closed their eyes as their puckered lips inched closer and closer….
"Ahem!"
Both Peter and Wanda's eyes bugged out and within seconds flat they pulled away from each other, their faces red as they turned to see a smirking Anakin in the corner, "Am I interrupting something?"
"What? Oh no!" Wanda waved her hands and shook her hand, "Nothing happened!"
"Uh-huh..." The Jedi Knight smirked teasingly, "If it makes you feel any better, "I only just entered the room so, I only heard the part where you were keeping Sora." Anakin then continued, "But if you wanted to give Sora a brother or sister..."
Wanda's blush turned harder, before Spider-Man, who was also embarrassed, tried to change the subject, "So... um... we didn't wake you?"
"Nah, you're okay. It was..." Anakin's smile began to falter, "...it was just a dream."
Both Avengers turned to each other slightly concerned. The visions were already happening. Peter offered, "Do you... want to talk about it?"
Before he could answer, Padmè entered the room, "Anakin is everything..." She then blinked, "Oh, you two are up too? Is something going on that I don't know about?"
Anakin's smile briefly returned, "They were having a moment..."
Padmè smirked turning to the two, "Oh, really?" She then added, "If you want we could give you two some..."
"Nothing happened!" Wanda squeaked out blushing hard.
Anakin persisted, "That's not how things looked from my perspective."
"You know what?" Peter stood up, "Since we're all up, I'll go make coffee! And if it's not a thing here, I'll find a Moogle and buy some from one!"
As he attempted to leave the room, the door to the guest room slid up, and everyone turned to see little Sora walking out as he rubbed his eyes, "Miss Wanda. I can't sleep."
Wanda sighed softly, "And now we're all up."
"Poor thing," Padmè looked to the child with sympathy, "I guess we all must of woken you up."
As Peter returned with some fresh cups of Coffee, Wanda took hers and walked up to Sora, "I'll going to put Sora back to bed. I'll be right back." She then brought the child back to the guest room, "I'm so sorry sweetie."
As the doors slide back shut, Padmè turned back to her husband, "Well, I know what's the matter with Sora, as well as Peter and Wanda wanting a moment..."
"To get coffee!" Peter cut her off as he offered her and her husband a cup.
As they both accept the cup, the senator turned back to the Jedi, "...but what about you? What's the matter, Ani?"
Wanting to change the subject, Anakin looked down at the necklace she wore. The same one he made her when they first met. He smiled fondly, "I remember when I gave this to you."
"How long is it going to take for us to be honest with each other?" Padmé chided him, her hand falling from his shoulder.
Anakin's jaw tightened and he looked away. "It was a dream."
Peter took a sip of his coffee as he knew where this was going, but he pretended this was all new for him. Padmè looked deeply concerned, "Bad?"
"Like the ones I used to have about my mother, just before she died." He shifted uncomfortably, keeping his eyes anywhere but on Padmé.
"And?" Padmé prompted him.
He glanced at her, his expression darkening, as he answered, "And…it was about…you."
His tone shook slightly, his voice pausing throughout the sentence as he struggled to get the words out. He looked away again, and Padmé resumed rubbing his shoulder. "Tell me…"
He sighed and pulled away, walking towards the window that overlooked the city. "It was only a dream."
"Look I'm new to all of this," Peter spoke up getting their attention, "But something tells me you wouldn't be freaking out if it was just a dream."
After a few moments, his breathing became a little heavier and faster than normal, like he was trying to control himself before he finally turned back to Padmé. "You die in childbirth."
Padmé's hands instinctively went to her abdomen., more concerned for their child, "Will the baby—?"
"I don't know…" Anakin replied sorrowfully instead.
Padmé shook her head, moving to hug him. "It was only a dream…"
"I won't let this one become real," Anakin said firmly, gently clasping her arms and halting her attempt to hug him to get her to look him in the eyes.
"This baby will change our lives," Padme responded seriously. "I doubt the Queen will continue to allow me to serve in the Senate, and if the Council discovers that you're the father you'll be expelled—"
Anakin quickly shushed her, holding up his robotic hand and making 'slow down' gestures. "Yeah I-I know, I know."
"Do you think…Obi-Wan might be able to help us?" Padmé asked him carefully.
A muscle clenched in Anakin's jaw and he looked at her sharply, "I don't need his help." Anakin sighed again, rubbing Padmé's arms as he slowly relaxed once more, "Our baby… is a blessing."
"Listen," Peter spoke up getting the married couple's attention, "This might be a bit up my pay grade..."
Anakin turned to him, "You get paid for this?"
"I wish..." Peter muttered, making Anakin nod as that made more sense before the part-time Avenger continued, "Anyways, we'd still like to help you figure this out."
"You don't have to..." Anakin shook his head.
That's when Wanda came back into the room as the door closed behind her, "But we will if you allow it." The Jedi and Senate turned to the Scarlet Witch, "We've seen some strange things lately and still managed to save countless lives. If you can actually see the future, then we'll figure out a plan to prevent it."
Anakin turned to his wife, as she shrugged, "If you don't want Obi-Wan's help then, maybe we can let them. Visions from the future are less strange than dealing with talking animals."
"True," Anakin nodded before turning back to them, "Thank you." He then couldn't help but wonder, "So, what do we do?"
"Honestly," Peter raised his hand, "I've got nothing, but is there like a deadline for this? I mean, did your vision look at a calendar or something."
"Unfourtantly, no," Anakin shook his head.
"Ah, so, no pressure," Peter lightly joked, "Okay, how about we start in the morning so we don't wake Sora up again?"
"If you get the vision again, maybe you'll have more details for us to work with," Wanda stated, "I mean, we learn more about Xehanort from my own visions, maybe we do the same with yours." She then turned to the senator, "And don't worry, we'll make sure the babies are alright above all else."
"Thank you..." Padmé started before blinking, "Ummm... wait, babies."
Quickly realizing her slip of the tongue of knowing about what was going to happen, she quickly played it off, "Oh, I'm kinda rooting your going to have twins." She then guesting to herself, "Coming from a twin myself."
Despite the grim situation, everyone couldn't help but laugh...
The next morning, the men went back to the Jedi Temple, in hopes they could maybe have a little chat with Count Dooku of who the secret Sith is. Wanda doubted he would make it easy for them. Even if his master tried to get Anakin to kill him, and Spider-Man saved his life. Still, she knew they had to try. Wanda stayed behind to watch after Sora, Padmè, and the babies. It made slight relief to know that his wife would be well protected with an Avenger there.
Frankly, Padmè didn't mind. She finally had another woman she could talk to about her married life and Sora was just the cutest thing. Although, she was rooting for her own children would be just as cute or even more adorable.
Wanda was always grateful for universal concepts, like crayons for insists. It gave Sora a little something fun to do. As Wanda went to check in on the islander boy, she took a glance at the paper and saw it was more than a draw. It look like he was writing a few words she could make out and some she couldn't quite. She smiled, "Hey, sweetie, what are you writing there?"
"It's my letter to Santa," Sora answered with a smile.
Padmè, who was close by, couldn't help but ask, "Santa?"
"I'll explain in a minute," She whispered back to her, before turning back to Sora, "Ah, I see! You know, Christmas is still ways away."
"I know," Sora nodded, "I just wanted to see if there was anything he could do to help."
Wanda smiled softly as she sat beside the boy, "So, what are you asking him? What do you want for Christmas this year."
"I... I want to see if he knew where my friends were," Sora answered, surprising Wanda a little, "Maybe he could help find them and bring Riku and Kairi back. Before Christmas too."
After a moment of silence, a tear slid down Wanda's cheek, before smiling, "That's a good wish. I'm sure he'll definitely help." She then suggested, "Why don't you add some things for yourself, Riku, and Kairi for Christmas." She then added, "As an Avenger I have a direct line to Santa himself."
Sora gasped in amazement, "Really?!"
"Oh, yeah," Wanda lied with a smile, "I'll see to it that he gets your letter and I'm sure he'll get you what you want this Christmas. And who knows, maybe he'll find and bring your friends home before Christmas."
"Wow! Thanks, Miss Wanda!" Sora beamed as he hugged her. She gave the child a hug back before she allowed him to go back to his letter.
She then stood up and walked up to Padmé, who asked her, "So, who is this Santa? Is he an Avenger?"
"No, we have this holiday called Christmas," Wanda began to explain once Sora was out of earshot, "It's the holiday where we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. And during that holiday, children believe in a man called Santa Claus, who delivers presents to all the good little boys and girls in the world in one night."
Padmé blinked in shock, "Is there such a person?"
"Well, kinda," Wanda shrugged, "The man he was based on, Saint Nicholas, did exist a long time ago. But is he an immortal old man, who flies around the world with nothing but a sleigh and eight flying reindeer and comes down chimnies at night to deliver exactly what children want who eats nothing but milk and cookies? No, there is not. We made that up."
"Why exactly," She wondered.
"Who knows, maybe it's to practice believing in someone you can't see," Wanda replied with a smile, "Maybe it's to help children learn right from wrong at an early age... either way, he makes them happy. It made me happy when I believed in Santa when I was Sora's age. And I want Sora to share the joy I had when running to the tree and unwrapping the gifts my foster parents were able to get for me and my brother."
The senator smiled at that, she liked the very thought of the idea of this Santa Claus. Maybe she could convince her husband to celebrate this holiday with her husband. She then wondered, "I couldn't help but overhear what Sora wanted... I'll try to bring up the missing children to the senate. Many of them are parents themselves, and I'm sure I can convince them to make immediate action to find those children."
"Thank you, Padmé," Wanda smiled before wondering, "Maybe I can convince Peter to dress up like him and come in from the roof this Christmas."
Both women began laughing at that, unaware that Venom was about to entire balcony...
Earlier, Peter, back in his Spider-Man uniform, followed Anakin throughout the Jedi Temple. Earlier, he stopped by with Master Yoda in hopes he knew something to stop these visions from coming true. Spider-Man turned to Anakin and asked, "So, what did he say?"
"That I need to let go of everything that I fear to lose," The Jedi Knight answered.
"Yeah," Peter nodded, "That might be a little difficult."
"A bit," Anakin agreed.
"Hey, we'll figure this out," Spider-Man promised him, he was sure he and Wanda could stop it, "Was there anything new in the dream that can tell what causes her death or when it'll happen?"
"Nothing I haven't already told you," He admitted, "I'll let you know if anything changes."
Peter nodded at that before they finally reached the briefing room where Obi-Wan was waiting for them. He informed his old Padawan, "You missed the report on the Outer Rim sieges."
"I'm sorry, I was held up," Anakin apologized, "I have no excuse."
" In short, they are going very well," Obi-Wan summed up of what happened, "Saleucami has fallen, and Master Vos has moved his troops to Boz Pity."
Anakin blinked for a moment before wondering, "What's wrong then?"
"And how's our favorite Count holding up," Spider-Man wondered, "Any indication of he's willing to reveal Grievous's location or the identity of the Sith Lord?"
The Chosen One couldn't help but nod to Spider-Man, "Now that you mentioned it, I'm curious as well."
"He's been silent up to this point but I was told by Master Drallig that he's willing to talk for a few things in exchange," Obi-Wan admitted, "Master Windu and I are going to visit him shortly."
Anakin smiled at Peter, and the former returned the smile under his mask. Good, things were going well. They might be able to stop this thing shortly before it could begin if he sells out Palpatine. Obi-Wan then revealed, "However, the Senate is expected to vote more executive powers to the Chancellor today."
"They won't when they discover who their Chancellor is," Spider-Man thought to himself.
"Well, that can only mean less deliberating and more action. Is that bad?" Anakin replied not seeing the point his former Master was making, "It will make it easier for us to end this war. Then we divert our full attention to stopping Xehanort and finding the missing Keyblade Wielders. Not to mention the missing children."
Obi-Wan cautioned him, "Anakin, be careful of your friend Palpatine."
"Be careful of what?" Anakin tilted his head.
Obi-Wan answered, "He has requested your presence."
That only puzzled the excepting father, "What for?"
"He wouldn't say," Master Kenobi answered.
"He didn't inform the Jedi Council?" Anakin blinked in shock before admitting, "That's unusual, isn't it?"
"ll of this is unusual, and it's making me feel uneasy," The Jedi Master stated, "You're probably aware that relations between the Council and the Chancellor are stressed."
"If they're stressed," Spider-Man couldn't help but added his own two cents, "Then I can't imagine what Anakin's going through running back and forth." The two Jedi just stared at him as he apologized, "Sorry, I tend to make bad jokes in stressful situations."
"No, no... it was a good joke," Anakin reassured Spider-Man with a slight smile before turning back to Obi-Wan, "And I know the Council has grown wary of the Chancellor's power, mine also for that matter. Aren't we all working together to save the Republic? Why all this distrust?"
"Even without Xehanort and the Heartless playing their hand," Obi-Wan explained, "...and we are all affected by it. Be wary of your feelings."
He was about to turn away when suddenly alarms went off, putting everyone one high alert. Spider-Man lightly joked, "I take that's not fire alarm system."
"No, someone broke into the Temple," Obi-Wan explained before seeing several Jedi, including Master Windu running in one direction, "Master Windu! Do you have any idea what happened?"
Windu stopped breilfy, "Someone executed Count Dooku!"
"WHAT?!" Both Jedi and Spider-Man gasped in shock.
That didn't happen in the film... okay, Dooku wasn't supposed to live that long in the film anyway but still who could have broken into the Jedi Temple without someone noticing? Spider-Man wondered, "Who?! How?!"
"I'm sorry, Mr. Parker," Mace shook his head, "But this is Jedi business!"
"I hate to disagree with you but with the possibility that it ties into protecting Sora and involving the cracks," Spider-Man spoke up, "Then it is my business! Tell me what happened! For all we know Xehanort could have been involved in someway."
Anakin couldn't help but agree, "He's has a point!"
Master Windu sighed before revealing, "We don't know how? But some animal broke in, subdued the Temple Guard in some black substance, and bite off Dooku's head!"
"By the Force," Master Kenobi gasped not knowing what kind of creature could be capable for doing something like that.
Spider-Man's eyes widened, "Black substance? Bite of Dooku's head? Uh-no! Don't tell me..."
All three Jedi turned to Spider-Man, as Obi-Wan spoke up in concern, "Mr. Parker? Do you know what caused this?"
"Tell me," Peter grabbed Windu by the shoulder, "Did anyone get a good look at this 'animal?' Did he have a large white spider logo on his chest and back?"
Master Windu blinked in shock, "How did you know?"
Peter paled in horror, it's been a year, but knew who killed the Count... and where he was going next. He told the Jedi, "We need to get back to Senator Amadlia's apartment! NOW!"
Spider-Man then ran off in the opposite direction as the three Jedi followed the part-time Avenger. Anakin wondered, "Peter?! What's going on?! What do you know?!"
"No time to explain!" Peter told him, "Sora, Wanda, and the senator are in danger!"
"WHAT?!" Anakin gasped in horror before his eyes narrowed in determination, "Come on! Let's go!"
Spider-Man didn't even bother waiting for Anakin to start the cruiser. The second he exited the Jedi Temple, Spider-Man began Web-Swinging back to where he and the off-worlders were staying. Anakin flew the Jedi cruiser with Obi-Wan and Mace just behind him. Peter was panicking thinking to himself, "Gotta get to them! Last I heard, he was in the Negative Zone! Almost impossible for him to break out without help! I should've known that wouldn't have stopped Xehanort! If he's out, the first thing he'd do is track me down, find out where I'm living or staying, and... Please! No!"
Ignoring the protects and annoyances from the other drivers in the air, he spotted the senator's apartment and smashed through a window, "WANDA! SORA!"
"Well, look at this," Peter felt his heart drop and stared in terror to see Wanda, Padmé, and Sora wrapped up in black tentacles and webbing, curiously of Venom who smirked at Spider-Man's presence, "Daddy's home!"
Venom hissed as all hostages were terrified beyond belief as Spider-Man tightened his first. Xehanort had broken out his old 'bro' and sicked him after Sora...
Far from the world where the two Avengers and islander boy were, far from the home of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, was another world. A world filled with magic carpets, soaring heroes, famous love ballads, and more glitz and glamour than any of other Disney world in the universe...
"Oh I come from a land, from a faraway place~ Where the caravan camels roam~ Where it's flat and immense~ And the heat is intense~ It's barbaric, but hey, it's home~ When the winds from the East~ And the suns from the West~ And the sand in the glass is right~ Come on down, stop on by~ Hop a carpet and fly~ To another Arabian night~"
And everyone Disney fan knows what Agrabah is famous for? A magical lamp! Don't be fooled by its "commonplace" appearance, like so many things, it is not what's on the outside but what's on the inside that counts. It would one day change a young man's life, and it would even affect Sora and his friends one day.
"Follow me to a place~ Where incredible feats~ Are routine every movie or so~ Where enchantment runs rampant~ It's wild in the streets~ Open Sesame, here we go~ See the dervishes dance~ In ridiculous pants~ Then romance to your heart's delight~ Come on down~ Come on in~ Let the magic begin~ It's another Arabian Night~"
"Arabian Nights~ Like Arabian Days~ More often than not~ Are hotter than hot~ In a lot of good ways~ Arabian nights~ Like Arabian dreams~ This mystical land~ Of magic and sand~ Is more than it seems~"
"There's a road that may lead you~ To good or to greed through~ The power your wishing commands~ Let the darkness unfold or find fortunes untold~ Well, your destiny lies in your hands~"
This lamp could only be found within the Cave of Wonders, to all who could find this magical cave, seeking its magic lamp would warn all, "Only one may enter here... One whose worth lies far within... A diamond in the rough!"
"Arabian nights~ Like Arabian days~ They seem to excite~ Take off and take flight~ To shock and amaze~"
Inside the cave, the Master of Masters walked past all the Forbidden Treasure, up a steep rocky hill, and approached the magic lamp, "Ah, this will do. I'm sure a certain Vizier would have tried this if he knew the loopholes I know."
He picked up the lamp to observe it, "After everything the kiddo's been through, he could use a couple of wishes."
He then turned around to leave the way he came, "Plus, they could use an extra hand to stop the revenge of the Sith."
"Arabian Nights~ 'Neath Arabian moons~ A fool off his guard~ Could fall and fall hard~ Out there on the dunes~"
Notes:
Well, things don't look good for our heroes, even though Spider-Man saved Dooku's life, Venom killed him later to spite Peter. The Council distrusts Wanda and she won't let them train Sora for obvious reasons. And now, Venom holding the Skywalkers, Wanda, and Sora hostage. On the bright side, the Master will give them the backup they need from a fan-favorite Disney character but will it be enough to save the Star Wars universe? Will Spider-Man and Wanda be enough to stop both Venom and Sidious!? And how will they convince Anakin to stay in the light with the latter whispering in his ear? Not to mention, is there romance in the air between Peter and Wanda? Stay tuned!
Sorry, this one took so long, real life can be a pain sometimes! Plus, I was able to play three new games over the past few months, Gotham Knights, Midnight Suns, and Crisis Core! All fun games, BTW! But hey, the first half of this world is done, and I'll get started on the other half next but in the meantime, I do have a poll on to see if anyone can guess the next world... can any take a guess. We'll see who's right in the next chapter cause that's when the poll will end. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Be sure to leave a review, also if you haven't already, make sure to follow and fav. as well. See ya real soon! And Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year! See ya in 2023!
Chapter 13: Chapter 12: The Return of Venom
Summary:
VENOM IS BACK! After killing Count Dooku, Eddie Brock pays a "visit" to Peter's impromptu family. Now Spider-Man and the Jedi Knights have to protect them from the clutches of Peter's former Bro. While the former has to come up with a plan B to foil Palpatine's schemes. Can our heroes keep Sora from Venom and Palpatine at the same time? And what's stopping the former of telling the latter everything Peter knows?
Their best chance at stopping them... is a simple oil lamp, but don't be fooled by its common appearance; like so many things, it's not what's on the outside, but the inside that counts...
Notes:
I don't own the Avengers or Kingdom Hearts. They belong to Disney, Square Enix, and Marvel. You know, I have forgotten how long the Revenge of the Sith movie was... and since this leads to an AU version of it... yeah, the Star Wars arc of this story is going to be longer than the last one I did. So, guess this is getting slipt into three parts with this being part two. Still, this chapter was fun to write and it's going to pay off in the long run. Trust me, by the time you're done ready this chapter, you're going to want more. Then after part three is out we'll go to our final world. Btw, the poll for that is still up of any of you care to take a guess what the next original world is... With that out of the way, here's part two for Revenge of the Sith! Enjoy! Warning, this chapter might prove why this story is rated T.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 12: The Return of Venom
After Spider-Man crashed through the window to his wife's apartment, Anakin landed the Jedi Cruiser in the lot nearby. All three Jedi Knights rushed to the Senator's room. They briefly stopped to see C-3PO and Amaidla's security were both trapped in a similar substance that held the Temple Guard long enough to kill Count Dooku as R2 was trying to cut them free. The golden droid complained, "HELP! HELP! GET ME OUT OF THIS!"
"Threepio?!" Anakin rushed to his droid, "What happened?!"
"Master Anakin! This horrible creature attacked Miss Wanda and Miss Padmé!" Threepio explained, "I went for help and then the creature got me too!"
"That thing..." The Jedi turned to the Captian of the Senator's Security, "It has the Senator and her guests, hostage! Including the boy! Don't worry about us! Stop that thing!"
The three Jedi nodded as they ran to the severity room. Anakin used the Force to knock down the doors, as all three Jedi grabbed the hilts of their lightsabers. Anakin called out, "Senator! Senator! Where are..."
He stopped to see Venom hold his wife in his tentacles along with the Scarlet Witch and Sora while it stared down face to face. All Jedi's eyes widened as they have never seen a species like this before. Mace muttered, "By the Force..."
The Jedi quickly activated their weapons, but Venom paid them little mind as its main focus was on Spider-Man. He taunted with a laugh, "We heard you were adopting and we were in the neighborhood so, we thought we come by and see the kid! HA HA HA!" Spider-Man's eyes narrowed under his mask as Venom smirked, "Now, listen up, bro. Here's how things are going to go dow-"
Before he could finish, Spider-Man threw a punch and it made contact knocking Venom off the couch with everything he had all in one shot. He never hit someone like that before without risking seriously injuring someone. He didn't care that he broke and shattered the bones in his hand so long as it stunned him long enough for the Jedi to free the hostages. With Venom distracted, Anakin sliced off the tentacles holding his wife, Obi-Wan did the same with Wanda, and Mace did as well with the ones holding Sora. Once free, Wanda caught the boy as she turned to him in concern, "Sora! Are you okay?!"
While panicked and trying to hold his tears back, he nodded. Spider-Man threw another punch at Venom as he told the others, "WANDA! GO! GET SORA AND THE SENATOR OUT OF HERE! THAT'S ALL THAT MATTERS!"
As much Wanda wanted to stay and help fight this creature, tear it limb from limb for threatening Sora, she knew the boy's safety was prioritized above all others. As well as ensuring Padmè and her children survived this encounter so they could prevent Anakin from becoming this Darth Vader. Besides, she remembered from their records of the supervillains that this was one of Spider-Man's villains. She knew Peter could handle them. She nodded as she told Padmè, "C'mon, Padmè! Let's get our children out of here."
Picking up her fallen blaster, the former Queen of Naboo followed the full-time Avenger. Master Windu told the other Jedi, "I'll watch them! You two help Parker deal with that thing!"
This was one of the times, Anakin was in full agreement with the Council. Mace Windu followed the former hostages out of the room. Venom knocked Spider-Man off of him as he turned to the two Jedi. Obi-Wan advised, "We'll take it together. You go slowly to the left..."
"No," Anakin's eyes narrowed in anger as he rushed after the creature, "I'm taking it now!"
"Anakin! No!" Obi-Wan called out, mentally sighing, you think he'd learn after their first encounter with Dooku.
Venom merely smirked as Anakin raised his blade to strike him down. Spider-Man had just recovered from Venom's last attack to see what Anakin was about to do, "No, wait, don't!"
Before Anakin could strike the symbiotic villain down, Peter knocked Anakin away. The Jedi Knight complained, "What did you do that for?!"
"It's not his fault!" Peter told him, "Inside the evil slime villain that eats people's brains is my friend! He's being controlled!"
Anakin stared at him dumbfounded, "That thing... is your friend?!"
Obi-Wan twirled his lightsaber and went into his traditional Soresu position, as he couldn't help but joke, "Well, things just got a lot more interesting."
Venom hissed before noticing the Jedi speeder on the move again, this time Master Windu was piloting with the pregnant senator, Scarlet Witch, and the future Keyblade's chosen were being driven to safety. The villain leaped out the window as he taunted, "Hey! Where do you think you're going, Avenger?! Don't think we can't see you! You're not leaving! Not with our new favorite toy!"
As Venom began web-swinging after them, Spider-Man swung after him, "Eddie! Don't!"
Anakin ran to the balcony to watch Venom go after his wife and their new friends while Spider-Man went after him. Obi-Wan deactivated his weapon, "C'mon! We need to find a speeder and catch up to them!"
Anakin nodded as the two Jedi Knights dashed off to find another speeder...
As Mace flew both of the former hostages to safety, Padmè turned to Wanda, "How's Sora?"
"A little spooked," She admitted holding him tightly, "But fine." She then asked the senator, "How're your babies?"
"Wow... she's really rooting for twins," The Senator to herself, before placing a hand on her stomach and confirming, "Still kicking."
As Wanda sighed in relief, she spotted Venom swinging after them from the distance, "Here he comes!"
Mace glanced to see the symbiotic villain, as he told the others, "I'll try to lose him!"
Mace then took evasive action to shake Venom off their tale, however, the symbiote had Spider-Man's memories and experiences so it knew how to stay in pursuit. Padmè drew out her blaster and aimed it at Venom as he landed on the ship and broke through the back window, "Heeeeeeerrrrrrreeeeee'sssssss Uncle Venom!"
Padmè fired several shots at his head, "Stay away from us!"
However, the blaster shots proved useless against the symbiote before a tentacle knocked her weapon out of her hand. Before he could get inside though, Wanda blasted a hex at him, knocking him off the cruiser.
Venom was knocked into a couple of speeders before catching himself on some webbing and continuing the pursuit. Only for Spider-Man to get the drop on him and knocked him onto a semi-truck-like speeder. Peter then landed in front of him as he glared under his mask, "I get why you hate me, Eddie! I don't like it! But I get it! But going after Sora... this bigger than you and I, Eddie! Don't know what happens if you hand over Sora to Xehanort!"
"Oh, we know exactly what'll happen to your little buddy of yours when we hand him over to Xehanort," Venom smirked as Spider-Man ran at him for another attack but the villain easily blocked and countered with follow-up punches, "And we can hardly wait to see what lies in store for you afterwards, bro!"
Over the years, Peter has tried time and time again to reason with Eddie, but in time he came to realize it would be impossible while he wore the symbiote. Xehanort must have told Eddie what he was up to when he brought him here. He had hoped while in the Negative Zone, Reed, or maybe a S.H.E.I.L.D. Agent would find a way to remove the bond between Eddie Brock and the symbiote permanently.
He hadn't felt this scared since Goblin found out who he was and went after Gwen. Despite the fact he was completely outmatched here, he wouldn't fail Wanda and Sora like he failed Gwen. Spider-Man's fist made hard contact with Venom's face, only to be knocked away with another punch.
Venom then pursued back after Wanda and Sora, as Spider-Man fired a web at his leg to try to stop him. Venom merely smirked before launching another tentacle at him knocking off the speeder. Thankfully, he landed in Anakin and Obi-Wan's speeder, as the former commented, "How's your reunion with your old friend coming along?"
"Painful," Spider-Man half-joked as he groaned in pain, "And I have a feeling it's only just begun."
"Xehanort must have sent Venom after this Kraven failed," Obi-Wan thought, "He likely thinking he would be more successful due to your history."
"Yeah, I figured that part out on my own," Spider-Man stood back up, "I gotta get back there."
"We'll get there but we should go..." Anakin started before Spider-Man leaped off the speeder and started swinging after Venom, as he finished, "...together..." He then blinked, "Huh? So that's what it's like."
"And now you know what I have to go through," Obi-Wan smirked, "Especially when you're younger."
Anakin nodded but at the same time, he couldn't help but understand what Peter was going through. Padmè and their baby were with Sora and Wanda. Given the chance he'd likely do the same thing but... that thing... was his friend?
That part didn't make any sense to him. If he was his friend, why would he attack his loved ones? Why attack him? He mentioned that he wasn't in control of himself, but to be so much out of control to eat Dooku? That was unheard of.
Not to mention, he had seen a lot of things and a lot of species throughout the galaxy and he had never seen someone like... what did Peter call him again? Eddie? Then again, Sora, Peter, and Wanda were from worlds far away from the Galactic Republic so they may have seen species they never heard of... not counting the talking animals and living inanimate objects.
Whatever the case, he had to push those thoughts aside, they had to stop that thing. Answers could come after they ensure his pregnant wife, Wanda, and Sora were safe. From a distance, he saw Spider-Man gaining on Venom. As well as Venom gaining on the Jedi Shuttle. Wanda fired another hex at the symbiote villain, but this time he managed to avoid it. He raised his claws a prepared to slash at its engines.
Thankfully, Spider-Man was able to come in just in time to kick his former friend on the back before leaping over him and landing on the cruiser. Venom hissed as he engaged his old foe like before...
Meanwhile, Wanda held Sora close to her as they heard Spider-Man battling Venom from above them. Mace tried to shake off Venom as his eyes narrowed, "I can't seem to shake him off."
"That's because he has all of Peter's powers," Wanda explained to the Jedi Master, "Including the ability to stick to any surface."
"Wanda," Padmè turned to the Avenger, "You know this thing?"
"I only heard of him through Newpapers and the information we had on the supervillain database back home," Wanda answered before admitting, "This is the first time I saw him in person."
"Since Mr. Parker is busy..." Master Windu started before Spider-Man was seen almost being knocked off the cruiser before shooting a web line back into the action, "Mind sharing what you know about the creature?"
"He was a man named Eddie Brock," Wanda recalled what she had read about the attacking villain, "He was a former student at a university back home and had a job as a lab assistant to Dr. Curt Conners. They were studying some alien mud that was stuck on an astronaut's ship but it was stolen... I think by a criminal called the Chameleon. Spider-Man was involved but I think he failed to find out where it was. Eddie disappeared when the lab was losing money and they had to let Brock go and he vanished not long after. Venom showed up not long after to battle Spider-Man time and time again. Apparently, Brock was wearing the alien mud."
"Wait... you mean a human man is wearing living mud?" Padmè blinked in shock, "You're joking..."
"Trust me, there are strange alien life and things back in my galaxy..." Wanda started before realizing, "And compared to everything else we've seen in the past few weeks, this seems relatively normal."
This was an interesting development for the Jedi Master and Senator as they never heard of the concept of wearing alien mud was an entirely new concept for them. It was a little less strange than the concept of taking animals and living inanimate objects but strange nonetheless. Mace then asked, "What exactly does Brock have against Spider-Man?"
"I don't know... I... I think he used to know Peter," She tried to think, "It took a while to throw the connection that he and Venom were one and the same. No one could believe he was Venom without the mud so he was sent to an asylum... he also believe that..." Her eyes widened in realization, "Oh... Oh my..."
Padmè turned to Wanda in concern, "Wanda?"
"He knew... all along..." Wanda recalled looking at the profile of Venom. She knew the name Peter Parker outside of the newspapers of Venom's accusation of him as she whispered, "He knew Peter was Spider-Man."
Meanwhile, Spider-Man threw several more punches harder than he ever threw before as he tried to get Eddie to see reason, "C'mon, bro! Open your eyes! Even if Xehanort doesn't end up blowing up the universe, the Palpatine does! He'll stop at nothing to ensure our world belongs to the Empire! Dooku's confession would have stopped that! You may have killed him but we can still stop Xehanort and Palpatine!"
"No go, bro," Venom blocked the next punch and waved a taunting finger, "When we're done, whoever ends up being Earth's dictator, the whole world will hate you for whatever it becomes..." He knocked the hero away with a punch as his eyes narrowed, "Almost as much as we do!"
Venom then proceeded to damage the engine...
"We've been hit!" Master Windu exclaimed, "I'm going to try to land the ship! Brace for impact!"
Wanda made sure that Sora and the pregnant senator were secure first before strapping herself in as Mace Windu was trying to make an emergency landing...
At the same time, Spider-Man recovered to knock Venom off the damaged cruiser, before realizing this ship was going to crash unless he did something. Acting quickly Spider-Man shot several webs at buildings and attached them to the crashing ship. Anakin and Obi-Wan also seeing the falling cruiser, aided Spider-Man using the Force to steady to the crashing ship. Complaints from other people in speeders could be heard as they avoided Spider-Man's webs as they guided the damaged Jedi Cruiser.
Apparently, from below, there was some sort of concert going on as there was a band playing to a large crowd. In the middle of their song, they saw the crashing cruiser and were forced to abandon their stage. Their audience was confused at first before seeing the danger as well and ran off panicking. Thankfully, due to Spider-Man's and the Jedi Knights' efforts, no one was harmed as the ship slid on the ground before coming to a stop. Spider-Man called out, "WANDA! SORA! SENATOR! MASTER WINDU!"
Before he could get inside, a purple lightsaber cut through the side of the ship. He knew who the saber belonged to as the blade cut a makeshift exit for the cruiser. The chuck of the ship fell off as Master Windu made sure the Senator, Avenger, and the future Keyblade's Chosen were off the ship first before exiting the ship. The Jedi Master turned to Spider-Man, "It's okay, Mr. Parker. We'll live."
Spider-Man sighed in relief until Sora turned to Wanda in concern, "Miss Wanda!"
He then pointed to the danger, Wanda's eyes widened in horror as she tried to warn Peter, "Watch out!"
Before he could though, Venom grabbed him from behind and through him to the stage as he taunted, "What's the matter, bro? Spider-Sense didn't tingle?"
As Spider-Man crashed on the stage, Anakin landed the speeder near the fallen cruiser as he and Obi-Wan leaped out of the ship. They ran towards Venom and activated their Jedi weapons. The Scarlet Witch came to the Jedi Knights' aid as she told both Sora and the senator, "Stay behind us."
At that moment Venom slowly approached Spider-Man as he recovered from Eddie's last attack. He tried again to reach out to him, "Come on, Eddie. Fight it. Both Xehanort and the Symbiote are using you against an innocent child. Don't let them control you!"
"No one's being controlled," Venom snarled in anger, "We simply share the same desire! You're destruction!"
Venom lashed out his tentacles at him causing him to dodge and avoid them with his own speed and agility. Master Windu and Kenobi came into Spidey's defense as they proceeded to slash at the tentacles before they could get to the part-time Avenger. Venom then glanced at Wanda, "Although, we really are grateful to the Scarlet Witch."
As Anakin stood in defense of her, his pregnant wife, and Sora, the Avenger couldn't help but ask, "What for?"
"Ever since the Goblin took lovely Gwen, we were worried we'd only have to go after his dear Aunt May," Venom smirked, "It really hasn't been quite the same with the other women that tried to help him but you... you're not only reached that place in his heart, but you also gave him a little family."
Venom then went on, "Once we had over the brat to Xehanort, We'll eat you! And we're going to savor every last moment of Parker's suffering!"
The villain then charged at her but Obi-Wan and Mace caught him with the Force, stopping him in mid-air. Venom glanced at the Jedi and launched two tentacles at them forcing the Jedi Masters to go on the defensive. However, they bought enough time for Wanda to blast the symbiote villain into the fallen cruiser. Anakin then used the Force on the crashed cruiser to fall upon the villain.
With a crash, it seemly ended the fight. Everyone took a moment to sigh in relief, only to their horror to see Venom lift the cruiser off him and seemed relatively unharmed. Anakin complained, "Oh, Come on! If that won't stop him what will!"
Spider-Man groaned as he rubbed his head, "Why couldn't we deal with you at Notre Dame, at least they're Church bells there." He then noticed the fallen microphone along with the speakers around him, "Guess this will have to do."
As Venom threw the cruiser at them, Anakin Skywalker moved the others out of the way. As all three Jedi came to their defense, Master Obi-Wan stated, "Eddie, right? If what your friend says is true, and you really are being controlled, then stand down. Perhaps there's a way to help you."
"Help us?" Venom felt insulted by that statement, "He RUINED US! Tried to destroy us! WE WILL MAKE HIM SUFFER BEFORE WE END HIM!"
Master Windu and Anakin both glanced at Obi-Wan as he shrugged, "Well, it was worth a try!"
As the Jedi and Avenger prepared for a fight, the speakers came to life getting everyone's attention, "Good morning, Venom! Here's a special number from everyone on the planet of Coruscant to you, everyone's favorite sloppy invader."
Venom hissed before turning back to his potential victims until Spider-Man placed the alien microphone near the stereo which caused massive feedback. To everyone else, it was a mild irritation. To Venom, in extreme agony, he clutched his ears as he screamed in pain, "AAAAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!"
Despite the pain, he still tried to attack his former hostages but the Jedi were there to protect them. Realizing he needed to up the sound, he webbed the microphone to the speaker before shooting web-lines at all of the speakers before pulling them in all together. He then leaped in the air to land on the collected speakers as he thought to himself, "Here's hoping I don't get deaf from this!"
He landed on the collaborative speakers which caused much greater feedback. Venom roared in pain, to a point where the symbiote nearly was nearly separated from its host. The three Jedi and the pregnant senator took a good look at the face of Eddie Brock. All four sets of eyes widened in shock as the symbiote rebounded itself to Eddie. Realizing he was outmatched here, Venom began swinging off in full retreat.
With the threat gone, and Clone reinforcements arriving, the Jedi deactivated their lightsabers. Wanda sighed in relief as she went to check on the boy, "It's okay. We're okay."
Sora smiled slightly as the Jedi turned to Spider-Man as Anakin started, "That was..."
Exceptionally loud!" Peter exclaimed with his hands covering his ears, "Had to be bitten by a genetically altered spider with really good hearing!"
"I was going to say amazing," Anakin smiled impressed with Spider-Man's creativity to stop Venom.
"That's what the kids call me," Spidey yellowed before his legs started to fail him, "I'm gonna lay down now..."
He was about to collapse when both Anakin and Wanda caught him as she whispered, "Go ahead. You've earned some rest, Peter."
"Let's get everyone out of here," Anakin suggested, "And get Peter to a medical droid."
"Agreed," Obi-Wan nodded, "Before Eddie recovers and returns for another attack."
Master Windu turned to the Commander, "Commander Fox. Do a sweep of the area for Venom. Should you find him, do not engage, report to the Jedi Temple for backup."
"Yes, General," The Clone in red and white armor nodded.
They help Peter in the gunship before everyone climbed inside, once everyone was on board, the ship took off. As the ship flew them, Wanda removed Peter's mask to reveal his bruised face. Sora turned to her, "Is Mr. Peter okay?"
"He's fine, Sora," She reassured the child, "He's just resting."
Anakin reassured him, "Don't worry. We'll get him all fixed up and back on his feet in no time."
Sora smiled at that but the others were deeply concerned, why did this Venom hate Peter so much?"
Later that day, Peter began to regain consciousness, as Wanda sat by his side, while her head rested on his chest. The medical droid injected Peter that would accelerate his healing. Peter groaned as he rubbed the back of his head, "Wanda?"
This made the daughter of Magento sat up as she smiled, "Peter!"
She pulled him in for a tight hug, as he returned the hug, "You alright? Did Venom...?"
"I'm alright, Peter," She reassured him as she pulled away, "You stopped him."
He then asked in concern, "And Sora?"
The Scarlet Witch gesture to the sleeping child resting on a chair, "He's okay too."
"And the others," Peter asked just as the doors slide open to reveal the Jedi and Senator Amidala.
The youngest Jedi Knight smiled, "We're all in one piece. Thanks to you."
"Truth be told," Obi-Wan smiled slightly, "We should be asking you that. Venom gave you quite a beating."
"A little sore," Peter admitted, "But I'll be alright."
"It should heal up soon," The Medical Droid reported, "Even without the healing stims, the patient seems to be making a remarkable recovery."
"Always been a fast healer," Peter smiled as he rubbed the back of his head, "Not quite as well as Wolverine but it works..."
"Thank you, doctor," Mace gave the droid a nod before it left to check on other patients, he then turned to Peter, "Now then, Mr. Parker, while Ms. Maximoff has explained what she knew best about Eddie Brock, she mentioned you knew him the best."
"We need to know what we're up against," Obi-Wan stated, "Why does he hate you so?"
Wanda couldn't help but ask, "And how does he know that Peter Parker and Spider-Man are one and the same even before Xehanort?"
Peter sighed, as he knew this subject was going to come up eventually, he just wished it was after Sora was safe from Xehanort. He nodded, "Yeah, I knew Eddie. Long before the slug got to him, believe it or not, we weren't always enemies. In fact, we considered each other brothers."
That shocked everyone as Wanda repeated, "Brothers?"
"Our fathers used to work together before they died. Our mothers were best friends," Peter explained, "They even were on the same plane when it crashed."
Anakin frowned at that, "How old were you...?"
"I can hardly remember what they look like anymore," Peter regretfully answered, "Eddie would know better, but since then, we stuck together through it all. We always had each others backs. He even stuck up for me against bullies until he was in college. Eventually, we ended up working with Doctor Connors just a year after I became Spider-Man. After that, our relationship got shaky."
"How...?" Padmè asked. She couldn't understand how he and Eddie used to be so close only to be enemies years later.
Peter then turned to Wanda, "Remember the Lizard?" Wanda nodded, recalling the name in the villain profiles, "That was Doctor Connors's attempt of curing missing limbs through lizard DNA."
Wanda blinked in shock, "You're kidding? You're saying the Lizard was Dr. Conners?!"
"Yeah, we were able to cure him and keep that side of him a secret," Peter nodded, "But at the time, Aunt wasn't doing so well financially, my best bet was taking photos of Spider-Man in action and selling them to the Bugle. Those were my first pictures but due to a secret identity, everyone assumed I abandoned them..."
"...for money," Mace understood, "Even if you did help them without them knowing."
"Eddie took it pretty badly," Peter nodded, "Which at the time, I could understand that..."
"But things got only worse from there," Anakin assumed.
"We were about to patch things up, that's when NSA discovered the alien life attached to John Jameson's Shuttle," Peter continued to explain the story.
"The alien mud," Padmè recalled from Wanda's story, "It was your first contact with life outside your world."
"Bingo," Peter nodded, "Now, I still couldn't see the alien due to the fact the scientists involved with studying it, wouldn't let me come within range of the ET with twenty-four and a half foot pole due to the Lizard situation." Everyone nodded in understanding as Peter continued, "So, Peter Parker was out of luck but I was so excited to see it, I thought Spider-Man had a better chance. That's when I caught someone trying to steal the ooze."
"I know this one," Wanda smiled, "It was the Chameleon, wasn't it? He came and tried to steal the alien..."
"Actually, he didn't show up until later," Confusing the Scarlet Witch, as he admitted, "The thief was Felica Hardy. The Black Cat..."
Years ago, Black Cat pulled out a vail to capture the Symbiote, "Come to kitty..."
Before she could though, the vail was snatched away by a young teenage Spider-Man, "Gee, I never thought I'd be rescuing the icky alien from the beautiful damsel."
"Well~" The female thief smiled playfully, "I do believe it's Spider-Man."
Forgetting her objective, she zipped-lined herself closer to the arachnid-costumed hero, as he told her, "Easy, cat lady. I don't want to fight."
"Name's Black Cat," The femme fatale introduced herself as she stroked Spidey's chin a little with her index finger. "Besides, cats don't fight spiders." The next thing Spider-Man knew, Black Cat had kicked him away, sending both of them swinging away from each other and allowing her to run up the wall, still attached to her grappling hook as she finished her earlier comment. "We just bat 'em around."
"Oh no... Not her," Wanda recalled the name back on the Jungle World as she rubbed her head, "And she messed with you even back then!"
"Ummmm..." Anakin raised a figure, "Why are you so upset with her..."
She turned to Anakin as she explain, "He used to date her."
"Okay, that would do it," The pregnant Senator understood why Wanda was so jealous and Anakin could understand where she was coming from. She then turned to Peter, "Before or after you knew she was a thief."
"...after," Peter weakly after before getting judgmental stares, "Look! I was going through some things! Cut me so slack! I thought I could reform her!"
"Let's stay on topic here," Mace Windu spoke up, "What happened after this Felica stole the alien?"
"Oh, she didn't steal," Peter shook his head.
"Then it was the Chameleon," Wanda assumed, "He took it while you were..." She tried to come up with the right word without making it sound like she was jealous by this encounter, "...distracted trying to stop her."
"He didn't take it either," Peter shook his head either.
"Then who did?" Anakin asked the wall-crawler. Peter frowned as he thought back...
With its cage open, the black goo escaped from its cage and crawled its way closer to Spider-Man as he trayed blows with Black Cat. It paid little attention to their quips and flirts before crawling up the wall where Spider-Man stood and attached itself to his boot as he chuckled sheepishly, "Stop! I'm blushing!"
Wanda's eyes widened in horror, "Wait! YOU MEAN YOU REALLY WERE THE ONE WHO TOOK THE ALIEN?!"
"Well," Anakin spoke up in his defense, "I don't think it counts if the alien escaped its cage and hitched a ride on Spider-Man."
"To be quite honest," Peter admitted, "At the time, I thought she really was the thief... at the same time. The Chameleon possed Doctor Connors mid-battle..."
...the alarm died down when "Doctor Connors" opened the door to the lab. He was shocked to see Spider-Man battling the Black Cat as he gasped, "What in the..."
"Doctor Connors!" Spider-Man gasped equally as shocked.
Black Cat held no shame in taking advantage of his distraction to knock him to the ground. When she next landed against the wall, she took one look at "Connors" and decided, "Two's a company, but three's a corroborating witness."
Black Cat then left just as swiftly as she had arrived, leaving "Connors" to help the disoriented superhero up again. He ran to the symbiote's former cage, "The alien! Where is it?!"
"What," Spidey gasped, turning to the containment unit that the alien living mud had been inside of, and finding it filled with nothing but air. "Black Cat must've…But when? How…" Try as he might, Spidey could not figure out the answer to any of his questions, but he did know how to get some of them. "I'm going after her. Call the cops!"
"Ugh," The Chameleon sighed to himself, "So much for this gig."
"I had no idea he wasn't the real Doctor Connors," Peter recalled the events, "So when I never found Black Cat or the alien, everyone assumed it was me. Made things worse when the real Doctor Connors reported the theft later the next morning and my photos of Spider-Man being in the lab in contribution. Jameson told everyone that I was the thief... even if he wasn't entirely wrong."
"You mean how it hitched a ride with you," Obi-Wan assumed.
"It did so much more than that," Peter explained, "While swinging the next evening, my red and blue suit became black and white. That's when I discovered where it crawled off to. I was about to return the suit when all of a sudden...
... Suddenly, a plane flying at low altitude missed the web-swinging hero. The pilot had lost control of the plan. The new black-suited Spider-Man's eyes widened under the new mask, "No! Eddie and I lost our parents to crash just like that!"
He leaped towards the plane, hoping to web-swing close enough to save the pilot and made sure the plane didn't crash into anyone, but instead much to his shock, he actually made it on the plane without firing so much as a single web. He stared at himself in disbelief, "Woah! I can't believe I made that jump!"
He then turned to the wing, "Hope I'm strong enough for this."
Normally, even with his strength, it would've taken a lot of effort to manually move the wing by hand but he did it effortlessly. Doing so, avoided the buildings it would have crashed into before directing it to the oceans to crash into without hurting anyone. Grabbing the unconscious pilot and looking at the buildings getting farther and farther away, "Trouble is, I'm not close enough to a building for my web to carry. Still, nothin' to lose."
He then fired a web line and it went farther than ever had before and attached to a building allowing him to swing himself and the pilot to safety long before it crashed into the salty waters. Peter couldn't help but be impressed as he realized what had happened, "How slick! But did I do that, or did the ooze actually upgrade my spider-ness?!"
"You mean it made you more powerful!" Anakin stared at the web-slinger impressed.
"That's right," Peter nodded as he counted off, "Increased speed, strength, farther range for my webbing, heck, I didn't need my web shooters! It even saved time changing on the fly! I felt good! Great! More than myself!"
"Then if you had the alien," Master Windu proceeded to ask, "Then how'd everyone assume it was this..." He turned to Wanda as he asked, "Chameleon?" She confirmed with a nod before turning back to Peter, "...was the true culprit?"
"Well, he was inspired by the news," Peter answered, "Dressed up as me, and faked my powers to commit robberies and crimes to frame me. With Black Cat's help, I was able to stop him and clear my name."
"Please let this be the end of Black Cat in this story," Wanda muttered to herself.
"Well," Obi-Wan spoke up, "With your name cleared up why not return the alien to the authorities and explain what actually happened?"
"Well..." Peter began...
After the Cameleon's defeat, Captain Stacy had a word with the black-suited Spider-Man, "I'm satisfied your innocent, Spider-Man. We'll find out what Chameleon did with the ET."
"Actually," Spider-Man started to confess, "I sort of..."
"What are you doing," The voice which sounded like his own in his head exclaimed, "You tell them the truth and they'll take the suit away. And you need its power... to... help people."
Thinking it was his own thoughts, he decided against revealing the truth, "...I sort of figured you'd say that."
"At the time, I thought it was for best in everyone's interest that the suit stuck with me," Peter answered, "The bad guys I could stop and the people I could save... even if those thoughts weren't entirely my own."
"What do you mean by that?" Padmè asked in concern.
"I didn't really notice until one day all my worse enemies broke out of prison and formed a team to try to kill me," The Wall-Crawler began the story, "I thought I'd sleep it off the bruise the night, wake up 9:00 pm to make sure my Aunt was okay, then track down the six the next day. Only to wake up 5:00 in the morning so exhausted and with even more bruises." That only confused Wanda and the others as he continued, "Things got stranger when I say the newspaper..."
Peter opened the front door and picked up the morning paper, and when he saw the front page, his eyes widened in shock at the cover article and photos, "Spidey stops Sinister Six?! Photos by Peter Parker?!"
"I don't remember any of this! It's like I slept through the entire fight," Peter thought to himself, "This wasn't me wearing the suit. This was the suit wearing my body! This alien... it's some kind of symbiote."
Before he could think on of what the suit truly was, the voice spoke up again, "Still, why do we care? The Six were put down hard. Parker gets paid for the photos. What else matters?"
"Pete!" His next-door neighbor, Mary Jane Watson, ran up to him in her Robe and PJs snapped him out of his thoughts, "Where have you been? Your aunt..."
He quickly shushed her, "Is still asleep upstairs."
"No, Peter. She had a heart attack," She revealed of what happened to his aunt, "She'll be okay but she's in the hospital."
Peter's eyes widened as this news hurt him more than any villain ever could at the time...
"Peter..." Wanda stared at him completely horrified, "That must have been... Is she..."
"She's okay. She got better," Peter reassured Wanda, "Though do you see why I never let her know about what I do."
Wanda nodded as she thought to herself, "That poor old woman... if she found out her only nephew goes out on the line risking his life for others... her heart might not take it if anything happened to Peter."
She then knew she would have to be extremely cautious when she eventually meets her. Peter then added, "After that, I shut myself off from my own friends and just about everyone else in my life..."
"Which didn't help things with Mr. Brock," Master Kenobi realized.
"Well, despite my name being cleared and Jameson was forced to reprint a retraction," Spidey began to explain.
Wanda cut him off, "Um... I don't recall the Bugle printing one."
"Jameson did," Peter shrugged, "It was just on page 42, in 4-point font."
Wanda's eyes narrowed, "Yeah, that makes sense." Getting odd looks for the Jedi and pregnant Senator, she quickly explained, "The publisher from the Bugle doesn't like Spider-Man... at all."
"Yikes," Anakin winced before turning back to Peter, "So... bad press even still."
"Yep," Peter nodded, "Even with my name clear, Eddie still thought Spider-Man stole the suit and I took photos instead of calling the police. Not to mention, without the alien, Connors couldn't afford to keep him on the staff that was paying for his education in ESU. Which he blamed me and Spidey for. So, he tried to hurt me."
Wanda turned to him in concern, "How?"
"He thought MJ and I were a thing at the time," Spidey explained, "So, he tried going out with her to do it but she saw what he was trying to do and got away from him."
"Oh," Wanda smiled with satisfaction, "Her, I like."
"Yeah, I knew you'd say that," Peter lightly joked.
Padmé raised a hand, "Could we back up for a minute? You mentioned the alien was like a symbiote. Like a symbiotic relationship?"
"Yes," Peter nodded looking down, "Because it was exactly what it is. A symbiote. It bonds to the host to survive. I was okay with that at first because I thought it was helping... but it took a wake-up call from Flash Tompson of all people to realize I was pushing everyone away when they just wanted to help me. Even Gwen..." Wanda's face softened, she knew how important she was in Peter's life, may she rest in peace. He then went on, "Not to mention, I asked Criminal Lord for a job, not to mention I referring to myself as 'we' instead of 'I...'"
"By the Force," Obi-Wan realized what he was trying to say, "That alien... that symbiote... it was taking over..."
"Like it's doing to Eddie Brock now," Anakin realized in horror.
"I knew then," Peter's eyes narrowed, "I had to get rid of it. I went into the bell tower of the closest church in hopes of removing it without getting everyone's attention. What I didn't realize it would give up that easily..."
Alone in the bell tower, the identical mental voice of Peter spoke to the symbiote-covered hero, "Stop. Pete. Come on. You're overreacting. The suit, the Symbiote, it's made life better. And there's no one else we need. Not MJ, not Gwen..."
"NOT EVEN AUNT MAY!" Peter exclaimed in horror and quickly proved his theories, " THOSE WEREN'T MY THOUGHTS!"
"Wait!" The symbiote finally revealed itself to him as Peter tried to remove it, "We need each other! Stop!"
"No!" Peter denied it as he continued trying to remove the black suit for good, "Move your ooze!"
Despite his continuing struggle to remove the Symbiote, it dared not budge from his body, "We will not allow..."
On the next attempt, he accidentally hit the church bell he had been next to. As the bell rang out, an unbearable pain suddenly flashed through him, but Peter quickly realized that it was not entirely his pain he was feeling. It was the symbiote's. The loud noise of the bell was actually hurting it, and the alien could not have hidden this even if it tried; the loud shrieks it made saw to that. That's when he realized, "Wait... the bell... the vibrations... You don't like them!"
With that, he struck the bell again hurting the symbiote even more. As he tore off the mask, he could hear the alien's thoughts, "No, we do not like... the vibrations. They are unpleasant. But they're not enough to destroy our bond."
Peter's eyes narrowed in determination, "We'll see about that..."
"Despite knowing it's Achilles's heal, it's kryptonite, it put up quite a fight because of all the negative emotions I used against it. That only made it stronger. However, the memories of Uncle Ben... reminded me why I fight in the first place, and thinking of all the good I did have in my life... gave me the strength to beat it..."
After breaking free of its attempt to drag Peter to darkness, the weakened Symbiote declared, "This isn't over! YOU WILL BE OURS!"
"Don't think so, Symbiote!" Spider-Man smirked as he turned to the Church Bell, "I know what you are now and what you need."
That's when he did a full body slam against the bell, making it ring louder and longer, and by extension, hurting the symbiote even more. With the alien weakened, Spidey did not have any trouble getting it off him now, and with every piece, he pulled off his person, more and more of his classic suit became visible from underneath, "You're a parasite that feeds off of negative emotions. But right now, I'm starving you out!"
Piece by piece, Spider-Man tore off the weakened Symbiote. Realizing it was fighting a losing battle, it pleaded, "Stop! Don't do this! We only want to help you! Be with you! We'll give you anything! Women, fortune, fame, power! Please! We beg of you! Stop!"
"Sorry, Symbie," Peter stated as he tore off the symbiote covering his chest, revealing his regular look underneath. "I know this must hurt. But we're just no good together. Consider yourself dumped."
Tossing the remains into a nearby bucket, Spider-Man was finally freed of the Symbiote's influence...
"Mr. Parker. You had a suit that would have given you anything," Obi-Wan smiled impressed by his actions, "Yet you defeated both it and your dark temptations and removed it the moment you knew something was wrong. Impressive."
"Okay, so you got rid of it," Anakin nodded, "What happened after? How did it find its way to Eddie Brock?"
"After I was free, I knew given a chance it would find another host to use," Peter recalled the events that created Venom, "So, I did what I thought was necessary to make sure it would never use someone like that again... I just didn't expect Eddie to be there too...
Back in Doctor Connors's lab, Eddie returned as he muttered to himself, "I'll clear out my stuff tonight. That way the Connors won't get the satisfaction of seeing me beaten." He flipped on the lights to see Spider-Man returning the alien to its cage before sealing it so it wouldn't get out. A smile slowly appeared on his face, "Spider-Man? You brought back the alien! Oh, this is great! Now, I can get my old job back and..."
He stopped to see Spider-Man messing with the temperature controls making his eyes widen in horror, "Wait! What are you doing?! You can't set the temperature that low! You'll destroy it!"
Eddie tried to pull him back but Spidey gently brushed him off as he told him, "That's the general idea."
He then increased the temperature to below zero freezing the containment unit's insides and everything inside it. Eddie tried again to stop him, "No! LET GO! STOP!"
Spider-Man didn't let him anywhere near the temperature controls as he apologized, "I'm sorry but if you knew how dangerous that thing truly is..."
He didn't need to finish as the Symbiote froze solid, seemly killing it. A distraught Eddie fell to his knees, "No..."
Spider-Man continued, "I knew it wouldn't be long for Eddie to tell the cops what had happened so I ran off. But if I stayed, explain why I tried to destroy... maybe things could have turned out differently..."
As Spider-Man swung after, Eddie turned to glare at Spider-Man and full of hatred raised his fist and exclaimed despite the shakiness in his voice, "Do you know what you've done? YOU DESTROYED MY LAST CHANCE! You're supposed to be a hero but..." While he continued, even with the hero long gone, he failed to notice the Symbiote was still moving a freed itself from the ice, "...he's just as bad as Pete! Or WORSE! The two of them pretending to be Boy Scouts, when all they do is destroy anyone... who.. gets.. in their... way..."
He heard the cracking of the ice and say the alien was very much not dead. He then realized, "You- You're alive and you're calling to me."
He placed his hand on the containment unit as the symbiote changed its shape to mimic his hand. His eyes widened, and he slowly reached for the containment controls and released it. The moment he did, the symbiote bonded with him. Unlike, its former host, it didn't hide from Brock. Inside his mind, it spoke to him, "Eddie Brock. We sense your fury, your hatred, and its taste is sweet... Do you hate the Spider? Do you hate Parker?"
"Do you have to ask?" Eddie's eyes narrowed.
The symbiote chucked, "No... But we have much to show."
Just then a piece of itself attached to Eddie's head, he then saw the memories of its previous host and its experience. Eddie saw those events in seconds, but it made everything clear to him. The entire life of Peter Parker prior to current events was now within his head. From there he realized the truth about Peter as He growled, "Pete is Spider-Man! Why didn't I see it before? I don't have two enemies, I have one."
"We have one enemy. The Spider-Parker sought to destroy us too." The symbiote told him before offering, "Bond with us, Eddie Brock, mind, body, and soul."
Eddie nodded as he let the symbiote complete its bond without any struggle, "Yes."
"Accept the gift that Parker rejected." It told Peter's former friend.
Eddie nodded, "Yes!"
"And together... we will have our desire." The symbiote told him as it began to cover Eddie's face.
Eddie exclaimed, "YES!"
Back in reality, they transformed to the monster everyone knew today, "WE WILL HAVE OUR REVENGE... ON SPIDER-MAN! FROM NOW ON! WE'RE POISON TO PETER PARKER AND SPIDER-MAN! WE! ARE! VENOM!"
With that Venom roared as he began his revenge on Spider-Man...
"Ever since Eddie and the Symbiote have become one of my most dangerous enemies," He finished, "Venom. He has all my powers, he can avoid my Spider-Sense, and he knows who I am. He hasn't been afraid to go after the people closest to me to hurt me."
Everyone was completely speechless, Wanda even muttered, "But you stopped him. You help put him in the Negative Zone..."
"I was told they were going to do everything they could to help Eddie," Spidey frowned, "But instead, I gotta feeling their scientists wanted to study him rather than cure him."
"And now Xehanort broke him out and brought him here," Anakin sighed as he rubbed the back of his head, "Man... that's messed up..."
Wanda felt awful for Peter. Eddie was his friend, and due to simple miscommunication and the symbiote's influence made turned him into a monster. Going after the people he cared about his Aunt, perhaps even his prior girlfriends before her. Then the Green Goblin killed Gwen. That had it made it near impossible for Peter to have a successful relationship.
This situation reminds her of when Mojo had control over Wolverine and set him on herself and Kurt. Although that time was less tense because then he only after them, Venom was after Sora as well. All to make Peter suffer. Her eyes narrowed at that, "No, I won't let Venom hurt Sora or Peter. Together, will save Eddie Brock and the Republic and defeat the Sith for good. Then we'll save the rest of the universe and stop Xehanort."
Obi-Wan stroked his beard, "Yes... guess we know what Venom was happy to go with whatever Xehanort's planning..."
"And we know the consequences if Venom succeeds," Master Windu nodded before turning to Peter, "Mr. Parker. We'll do whatever we can to save Mr. Brock from the Symbiote, but for the boy's own safety, he really should stay in the Jedi Temple..."
"What?" Wanda's eyes widened, "No! You can't..."
"Now hold on," Senator Amadiala stepped in front of the Scarlet Witch, "I already promised that Sora, Wanda, and Peter can stay with me until the crisis is over."
"Senator," Master Windu turned to the pregnant senator, "Venom already knows where you live, he'd likely target you again and..."
"Venom is hardly the first assassin who tried to silence me," Padmè crossed her arms, "I won't let him intimidate me." She then reassured the Avengers, "Now that we know what we're truly up against we'll go to my spare and secure room discreetly without drawing too many eyes, and we can stay there for the time being. I'm sure Master Skywalker already has an idea of how to deal with our Symbiotic Parasite."
Anakin could hardly hide a smirk, "Well, now that the Senator mentioned it. I do have a few ideas."
Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow, "Oh, do you?"
"From Spider-Man's story and from what we witnessed earlier, the Symbiote can't withstand intense vibrations," Anakin explained, "I'm going to make an order for the boys to construct a sonic cannon, which will remove the symbiote without harming its host."
"Say this cannon was made," Mace Windu raised an eyebrow, "Venom's not just going to stand in front of it."
"Well, since it's acting like an obsessive ex-girlfriend," The hero with no fear proposed, "With Spider-Man's help, he'll draw out Venom out in the open to a trap where we'll be waiting for him."
"And what of the squad," Obi-Wan asked, "If the Clones try to subdue him, it may fight back."
"And eat them," Spidey added, "Venom has a particular appetite for brains."
"Which explains what he did to Dooku," Windu sighed out loud.
"Dooku?" Wanda and Padmè repeated.
Peter turned to them sheepishly, "Yeah, the reason I knew Eddie was here, he... sort of... ate Dooku's head."
Padmè looked absolutely horrified, "Oh! How horrible!"
The senator's expression was nothing compared to Wanda's as she knew why Peter tried to keep him alive. She thought to herself, "No! Dooku was going to talk! With what he knew, we could have stopped Palpatine! He can't talk now that Venom silenced him!"
"Do you think Xehanort and Venom could have been working with the Sith Lord," Obi-Wan wondered, "He had our unfortunate symbiotic host silence Dooku before he could reveal his Master?"
"That is possible," Master Windu nodded before turning to Peter, "What do you think, Mr. Parker? You knew both Mr. Brock and the Symbiote longer than anyone else..."
"I guess it's possible," Peter admitted before thinking, "If Eddie hadn't already told me he killed Dooku and want Palpatine to form his Empire just to spite me."
"Making Venom's capture all the more important," Anakin spoke up, "If we can free Eddie Brock from the Symbiote, maybe he'll be more incline to talk."
Mace thought about it for a moment, "I'll speak to the Council about this, but I don't think it should be a problem. In the meantime, Master Kenobi will escort both the Senator and her guests to her room discreetly. Anakin, you report to the Chancellor, you're late enough as it is."
Both Jedi gave a respectful bow to Master Windu, as Jedi, who looked like Samual Jackson left the room. Wanda whispered to Padmè, "Thank you."
"It's no problem," She reassured them before turning to Anakin, "The Chancellor wants you? What for?"
"He didn't say," Anakin admitted.
Padmè blinked in shock, "Huh... that's unusual."
Peter perked up at that, he completely forgot, she didn't know about Sidious wanting some alone time with Anakin. Maybe if she knew enough before Anakin turned, maybe she could talk him out of the lies Palpatine promised. Okay, it was a good B.
Still, while it could potentially prevent Anakin from turning evil, it wouldn't exactly stop Sidious or Order 66. Even if they did manage to capture Eddie, they might not believe him in where he got the source from. That left either Grievous or if the Clone Wars events aligned with the events of the movie, Maul was another option. Unfortunately, he knew Obi-Wan would be forced to destroy Grievous and while Ashoka would be more successful in capturing Maul alive, she wouldn't make it back before Palpatine made the order.
They had to convince Anakin to stay in the light and help them find a way to expose Palpatine before he was ready. He also knew he didn't have much time to do it. At this point in the film, Palpatine wanted Anakin to be his representative of the Jedi Order. A Jedi Master. Which he knew the Council would deny.
Probably nothing he could do to change that, but he could make him talk about it with people he could trust. Still, maybe, if he could tag along, maybe he'll feel more inclined to talk to a friend. Spider-Man then placed a hand on Anakin's shoulder, "You know what, I'll come too."
Anakin blinked at that, "You will?"
"With Venom out there, he knows what I look like with and without the mask," Spider-Man explained, "It would probably be safer for the Senator, Wanda, and Sora..."
"...if you didn't lead Venom to where they staying," Anakin understood what he was trying to say, "Good call."
"And what about you Peter?" Wanda asked him in concern, "What's to stop Venom from going after you?"
"Don't worry," Anakin reassured her, "He'll be with me. After we see what the Chancellor wants, we'll return to the Jedi Temple and report our findings before returning to switch out my old Master."
"I'll likely be there for your report once I know the others are safe," Obi-Wan added, "Discreetly of course."
"You know how to get them without Venom following us?" Spider-Man turned to Anakin.
The Chosen One smirked, "I might have a few ideas."
Obi-Wan muttered, "Why am I not surprised?"
Before anyone could say another word, they heard the moans and groans coming from the little boy, "Mr. Peter?"
Wanda walked up and picked him up, "He's fine, Sora. He's just going to help Mr. Skywalker for a bit. He'll be right back."
Sora drifted off back to sleep, before turning to Peter, "Be careful."
The Jedi thought she was referring to Venom, and while they were somewhat correct, she was more so referring to Sidious since they knew who Palpatine really was. Spider-Man nodded, "I'll be fine. We'll be back before you know it."
With that, Anakin and Peter left the room while the women followed Obi-Wan to where they will be staying...
Soon enough, Obi-Wan opened the doors open, and Commander Cody and a squad of the 212th did a sweep of the room making sure they wouldn't receive any unwelcomed guests. Once the room was secure, the Commander reported to his General, "The area is secure, sir."
"Good work, Cody," The Jedi General nodded before allowing both women and their children into the room, "Do a sweep through the lobby, keep your eyes peeled. We don't want Mr. Brock ambushing our new friends again."
"Yes, sir," Commander Cody nodded as he and the men of the 212th battalion left the room.
Wanda looked around a few more times before setting the boy down as she turned to the senator, "Are you sure Venom can't find us here?"
"Positive," Padmè smiled, "The only ones who know about this location are Master Skywalker, my security team, the droids, and us."
"And me," A new voice spoke up. Obi-Wan grabbing his lightsaber quickly activated it as they turned to face the Master of Masters leaning up against the wall, "To be fair, I have knowledge of the future so you should be good as long as Venom or Xehanort doesn't find you." He then added, "That's not evening mentioning the Sith Lord, I mean, talk about your sibling rivalries, am I right?!"
"You again?!" Wanda's eyes narrowed.
Obi-Wan didn't keep his lightsaber away from him, "The Master of Masters, I presume."
"General Kenobi," The Lost Master chuckled unintimidated by the Jedi Master, "You are a bold one."
Moving away from the wall, he turned to the group, as he turned to Wanda, "Even after all the help I giving you so far, you still don't trust me."
"If you were a parent," Wanda's eyes narrowed, "Then you know it's exactly why I don't trust you."
"You sure it's not the similar fashion choices that I share with Xehanort," The Master of Masters joked as he walked up closer to her.
Obi-Wan kept his weapon trained on him, "That's far enough, my friend."
Then, much to everyone's shock, he grabbed the lightsaber blade and pulled it away from him, "Why don't you point that somewhere else, General Kenobi?"
Everyone was stunned, they failed to notice the Master pull something from his back, "Now then, the whole reason why I came here..." And from his back he pulled out the lamp from Agrabah, "...this magical lamp should help you the rest of your journey, Miss Maximoff..."
He tossed it to the Scarlet Witch as Padmè stared at it cautiously, "What is that?"
"It's a lamp," Wanda dryly stated before staring at the Master of Masters, "How is an old oil lamp that no one uses anymore supposed to help us?"
"Don't be fooled by its commonplace appearance," The Master waved a finger, "Like so many things, it's not what's on the outside, but what's on the inside that counts."
Wanda only continued to stare at him, "But it's a lamp..."
"IT'S NOT AN ORDINARY LAMP," The Master of Masters exclaimed dumbfoundedly, he then sighed, "Look, just show your boyfriend when he gets back. He'll explain it to you better."
"Wha... He's not my..." Wanda blushed before turning to see the pregnant wife of Skywalker's smug look as she glared at her, "Don't encourage him!"
"Anyways, I did my part," The Master of Masters turned to leave, "So, I'll be seeing ya around..." He began to fade away from their very eyes, "May your heart be your guiding key..."
With that, Lost Master vanished from their sight, Obi-Wan deactivated his lightsaber, rubbing his beard, "How in blazes did he do that?"
"I'm not sure," Wanda admitted, "But we learned that the universe is a lot bigger than we all thought, with a wide variety of powers out there" She then stared at the lamp, "But why would he give us a lamp?"
Sora tilted his head at the lamp, curious to know as well...
Meanwhile, Anakin reported in to the Supreme Chancellor and apologized for the delay. Palpatine only smiled and told him to forget about it as he heard about Venom and that he needed to be stopped. Although, Peter knew that wasn't the reason why he was smiling. He knew he was happy about the fact Venom silenced Dooku before he had a chance to talk and thought he was in the clear of his evil plans. Peter thought to himself, "But I know the truth. So, does Wanda. And we will stop you."
Palpatine was a little shocked to see Spider-Man there, even after Anakin told him his reasoning. Still, Spider-Man reassured him that he would just be standing in the corner, minding his own business. Proving it but using his webbing to play cat's cradle. Besides he knew how this event was going.
Buying it for at least the moment, Palpatine turned to his future Vader, smiling at him, "I hope you trust me, Anakin."
"Of course." Anakin nodded.
"You shouldn't though."
The secret Sith Lord told him, "I need your help, son"
Anakin blinked in confusion, "For what? I don't understand."
"To overthrow the Republic and murder all the Jedi and all who stand in my way, says the crazy evil Sith Lord," Spider-Man thought to himself before mimicking what Palpatine is about to say to him.
"To be the eyes, ears, and voice of the Republic..." The Chancellor explained as Peter mocked why he was saying under his breath, "Anakin... I'm appointing you to be my personal representative on the Jedi Council."
Palpatine briefly glanced at Spider-Man, catching on to what he was mimicking, Peter just played dumb, "What? I didn't say anything."
Anakin on the other hand was stunned by what the secret Sith was offering, "Me? A Master?" He then admitted, " I am overwhelmed, sir, but the Council elects its own members. They will never accept this."
"I think they will," Palpatine turned back to Anakin before annoying glancing at Peter before grinning, "They need you again... more than you know..."
Continuing to do his cat's cradle with his webbing, Palpatine glanced back at him, "Ah, and I almost forgot. In regards to these tears and the worlds outside the Republic..."
Peter stopped his game as this was going into new territory, even then he saw this conversation coming. He knew whatever he was offering wasn't worth it. He knew the Palpatine he knew in the films was an irredeemable power-hungry monster. Still, not wanting to know that he was on to the secret Sith, he played down, "What about them..."
"Well, I've heard rumors that the boy can travel to worlds that no one starship could possibly reach with ease," Palpatine began, "And that one day, he'll be responsible for protecting each and every one of them."
Anakin was generally curious about where he was going with this conversation, "Chancellor? What are you doing?"
"What's it look like I'm doing my boy," Palpatine said pleasantly. "I'm offering assistance to those in need. Obviously, the weight of the responsibility of protecting the worlds is too much for one boy. Perhaps it would be wise, when the boy is old enough, he provided with his own Clone squad. And if we can offer those worlds protection from those who do them harm by joining this great Republic."
"...you mean enslave those worlds in the name of the Empire," Peter mentally thought to himself, "And the ones you can't handle the madness are target practice for the Death Star."
"I appreciate the offer," Peter spoke up, "But ever since we started this journey, we were told very clearly, that we couldn't interfere with the affairs of other worlds. Plus, most of the worlds we have visited haven't even figured discovered the lightbulb... not to mention indoor plumbing..."
"You serious?" Anakin blinked in shock.
"Remember how happy we were when Senator let us use her shower," Peter recalled.
"Oh, yeah," Anakin now recalled, "I forgot about that after the whole Venom thing."
"And what of your own world," Palpatine wondered curiously, "You said they're aware of life outside their world. And you knew well of the Jedi and the Republic as well."
For once, Peter was mentally glad all of the times the universe seemed out to get their world. He pretended to act awkwardly, "Only through stories and legends. And most of life outside our world hasn't been too friendly. Many times it has been invaded by the likes of the Kree, the Skrull, the Brood, Galactus, Ego the living planet, the Phoenix Force, Thanos... people might get confused and think the Republic is invading their world."
"Wait, your world gets invaded that often?" Anakin stared at him, "How did it hold against so many invasions?"
"The Avengers," Peter simply answered, "We repelled them and occasionally saved all of existence." Both Palpatine and Anakin raised an eyebrow at that, as he stated, "It's a long story. Point is, I think Wanda might be right. Maybe it's for the best that the Avengers oversee Sora's training and guide him when he's older."
There was a part of Anakin, that looked like he agreed with the web-slinging vigilante, still, Peter knew Palpatine would not sway so easily... or at all for that matter. Palpatine forced a smile, "I'm sure you Avengers are quite capable, but surely, you don't think they capable of keeping other worlds safe as well as your own?"
"Maybe, maybe not," Peter admitted, "But at least this way, we could have a small team to prevent panic on a universal scale before they're ready to discover worlds outside their own."
"Still," Anakin came to Spider-Man's aid, "You've given us a lot to think about, we will support your offers to the Jedi Council."
"Of course, Anakin," The elder senator smiled, "I'm sure they will see reason. For the future of the boy and the Republic."
Anakin gave the Chancellor a respectful power while Spider-Man just nodded as they left the room. Leaving Palpatine to himself, once they were gone, the secret Sith Lord's eyes narrowed, "How did he know what I was offering my future apprentice?"
Later on, in the Jedi Temple, both Anakin and Spidey were on their way to the Council. Peter knew what would happen if he said nothing, Anakin would be deeply offended by not being a Master pushing more toward Palpatine's side. He cleared his throat, "So, what did you think of the Chancellor's offer?"
"Which one?" Anakin turned to Spider-Man, "Being the Chancellor's representative in the Jedi Order or Sora getting his own squad of clones?"
"Both," He admitted.
"Well, I know for a fact the Council selects their own members, despite his beliefs I don't believe they would elect me on the spot," Anakin answered, "As for Sora getting his own squad, I don't know. On the one hand, the Chancellor makes an excellent point about getting Sora backup to keep the peace on these other worlds. On the other hand, you made some good points back there. From what you and Wanda told me and Padmè if we landed a cruiser there would start a panic. Still, the only Avengers I've met are you and Wanda so, I can't decide if your team is enough to guide Sora and defend the worlds."
"Oh, I'm not a full-time Avenger," Spider-Man admitted, "I'm only a part-timer."
That made Anakin stop walking in shock, "What?!" Peter turned to the stunned Jedi Knight, "You mean after everything you've been through with Venom and the Force only knows what else, and you're only a part-time Avenger? Why?"
Peter gestured to his mask, "My mask. I haven't told the Avengers who I really am. Only a handful of people back home know the truth. Not even my own Aunt knows."
"So why don't you," Anakin wondered, "Show them who you are? Become an Avenger full-time? Don't you trust them?"
"I do," Peter nodded, "It's just that... when I became Spider-Man, I promised to look after the little guy. When people become a part of the big leagues, they also tend to focus on the big monsters or supervillains while forgetting to look after the people that need them most." He then glanced at Anakin, "You ever made a promise when you became a Jedi? One you forgotten due to the war?"
Anakin thought back to his childhood, "I had a dream I was a Jedi. I came back here and freed all the slaves."
Anakin blinked, he almost forgotten all about that dream, "You know, now that you mentioned it, I did."
"You see what I mean," Peter nodded, "I can't ever forget the reason why I became Spider-Man. Sure, being a Avenger is a huge honor and all, but I think I'll stick to being a friendly neighborhood superhero." He then admitted, "Still, I meant what I said back there, I believe the Avengers are the best option for helping Sora."
"What about the other worlds," Anakin wondered, "I mean with Ventus, Terra, and Aqua missing and their master killed, how will those worlds survive without someone protecting them while Sora grows and learns."
"Well, that part I was hoping the Jedi could act upon, being keepers of the peace themselves," Peter thought out loud, "Still it wouldn't be easy without a..."
"...Keyblade," Anakin nodded in agreement, "Even then, there's no telling if the Senate would be on board with letting us help neutral worlds outside the Republic and the war."
Entering the elevator, they moved up to the Jedi Council, knowing they were alone, Peter turned to Anakin, "Could your wife help convince them."
"I try talking to her," Anakin nodded, "Still, even if she convinced the entire Senate that is the best course of action, that still remains of convincing them that Sora's better off with you, or how to reach the other worlds without a Keyblade or using these cracks in reality."
"Not sure about how to convince them of that," Spidey admitted, "But we do have a few scientists back on Earth who figured out how to traverse the multiverse, I'm sure if I spoke with them, maybe we could find a way and the Jedi and Avengers..."
"...could work together to keep the peace to the other worlds," Anakin caught on to what Spider-Man was suggesting, "That could work. Hopefully, it'll put the Council more at ease if they and the Avengers cooperate and work to a mutual goal. We could even investigate what happened to the three missing Keyblade Wielders."
"Could you propose it to the Council when you make your report," Peter wondered.
"I can," Anakin nodded before cautioning him, "But remember, both the Senate and the Council has to agree on this. So, if one agrees and the other doesn't..."
"Fair enough," Peter nodded, at least the idea would be in there heads. Still, he needed to see if Anakin would be able react differently when the Council does not grant him the right of Master, "Hey, so back to the first thing... you said the Council elects it's own members?"
"Yeah," Anakin nodded.
"So," Peter continued, "Chances are... they not going to give you that promotion?"
"Well, I wouldn't say that," Anakin shrugged, hoping the promotion does go through, "I mean, how can anyone be on the Council and not be a Master?"
"Okay, well, say that they do," Peter started, "Saying something like that wouldn't help convince them to think otherwise."
Anakin blinked at that, before wondering, "Okay... so, what should I do?"
"Take it from a guy who constantly gets denied a raise from J Jonah Jameson and has bad luck when it comes to being a superhero," Peter offered, "Try to count the blessings you do have. You have a loving wife, you're going to have babie...a baby, you have a nice brotherly relationship with Obi-Wan, you're a General of an army, and there's the fact your on the Council where you can do the most good and have the chance of changing their way of thinking."
"Hmmm..." Anakin thought about it, "You know, I never really thought about it that way before. Count the blessings I do have." He shrugged, "I guess I could give it a try."
"That's all I'm asking," Peter told Anakin as the elevator doors opened as they exited, the part-time Avenger wished him, "Good luck. And may the Force be with you."
"Thanks," Anakin nodded in apperception...
After making his report on what the Chancellor wanted him for, Anakin silently waited to hear what was said. Peter stood just by the doors, as the Council allowed him to be a part of the latest meetings due to the fact he and Wanda were the current guardians of Sora. The only Jedi who was not present was Obi-Wan as he aided in protecting Sora and Padmè. The Grandmaster declared, "Accept this appointment lightly, the Council, does not. Disturbing is this move by Chancellor Palpatine."
"I understand," Anakin replied smoothly. While Anakin waited for their response, Peter already knew their decision, as Mace finally spoke up, "You're on this Council... but we do not grant you the rank of master."
While he did, wince at that, he recalled what Spider-Man told him. He started counting the blessings. Thinking of his wife and the coming baby. The clones he considered to be among his closest friends. His former Padawan, who could come back to the order. Smiling, he humbly bowed, "Of course, I completely understand. I am honored just to be on the Council."
"Yes!" Peter smirked as he mentality cheered. He took his advice, "Spidey 1! Sidious 0!"
The Jedi Council were generally surprised by the mature response from Anakin but still, Mace Windu nodded, "Thank you for understanding, Anakin. Anything else to report?"
"Actually," Anakin glanced at Peter, "Mr. Parker and I discussed a possible solution in regards to the other worlds, once the cracks have been sealed."
"What do you propose," Plo Koon wondered.
"The Chancellor suggested we send clones to the worlds and recruit them to the Republic," Anakin started, "But from Mr. Parker's and Ms. Maximoff's reports, they're not ready. But we figured a solution that could work for both the Avengers and the Jedi Order... at least until Sora's ready."
Anakin proceeded to explain what he and Peter discussed in the elevator. Aayla commented, "Going to other worlds without a Keyblade is no small feat." She turned to Spider-Man, "Are you certain you're scientists can discover a way? Without endangering the boy before he is ready."
"As I mentioned to Master Skywalker," Peter spoke up, "We have discovered ways to travel the multiverse. I'm certain we can find a way to travel among these worlds without a Keyblade or going through an inter-dimensional crack, then together we can keep the other worlds safe, find our three missing Keyblade Wielders, and put the present Xehanort behind bars."
Master Yoda stroked his chin, taking an interest in the idea as Ki-Adi-Mundi admitted, "The idea does have merit. And once the boy is safe, we should do everything in our capability to find out what happened to the three missing Keyblade Wielders."
"Still," Shaark Ti spoke up, "It would require the Senate to agree to this proposal as well. They might not feel comfortable with the idea of leave these other worlds neutral after what happened to Mandalore."
"However," Mace Windu admitted, "It could be worth attempting. Leaving those worlds unprotected while the boy is in training could put trillions in jeopardy."
"Agree with the idea, I do," Master Yoda nodded, "Discuss this matter with Senator Amidala, Young Skywalker should."
"I'll do so first thing as soon as the meeting is over," Anakin promised.
"Then we'll leave it to you," Mace nodded to Anakin, "And the matter of protecting the boy from Venom and free Mr. Brock from its influence as well."
The Jedi Knight bowed as he returned to his seat, as Master Windu turned to Peter, "It's fortunate that your here, Mr. Parker, as there is another matter we should discuss."
Peter blinked in confusion, he thought this conversation was going to lead to the Separatist occupation on Kashyyyk. Then he remembered, they weren't in the original film either. Still, they talked about the cracks, Sora, Xehanort, Venom, and everything in between. What other situation could there be? He mentally prayed, "Please say Xehanort didn't bring Carnage! Please, oh, please say Carnage isn't here!"
"How much do you know about Wanda Maximoff," Mace asked leaning toward Peter, "You trust her?"
Peter blinked at that, before glancing at Anakin. He shrugged, just as curious as to why this was brought up. Peter admitted, "Well, we only met due to Kang breaking out of prison which led to the events that led us to this moment. But she was a full-time Avenger for a while and is a great leader to her people. Sure, her father is a jerk who wants mutant superiority, but she is completely different from him. Why do you ask?"
"It's about her power and her name," Plo Koon cautioned the web-slinger, "The Scarlet Witch. It rings familiarity."
Peter recalled that witches and magic (or magick as it was called here) existed in the Star Wars Galaxy. The Nightsisters were users of that power until they mostly went extinct due to General Grievous wiping them out. Peter tried reassuring them, "Hey, look, it's just a name. She's a mutant. Not a witch."
"I assume you were aware of the Nightsisters," Mace Windu explained, which Peter confirmed as such, "There was a legend well known to them. A woman born with the power to bend reality at her well. And it just so happens she shares the same name and power Ms. Maximoff has."
"How come I never heard about this?" Anakin wondered as this was the first time he heard such a tale.
"This one we didn't want to cause a panic," Kit Fisto admitted, "It's one of the darker prophecies as it is said the Scarlet Witch is destined to either rule the universe or destroy it entirely."
Peter's eyes widened, he knew Wanda was powerful. She told him that she rewrote reality to make her foster parents come back in a way as a child, and back in the Ancient Jungle when she made Kaa blind when he tried to eat them and likely Sora too given the chance... could she really be capable of... shaking his head, "No, Wanda's kind and compassionate. She fights for freedom and to save lives. Not to rule the universe or destroy it. She's not a villain. The Scarlet Witch I know isn't a threat."
"I agree," Master Yoda nodded, "Dark her powers may be, Evil, she is not."
"The woman I met on Grievous's flagship isn't the witch you described," Anakin added, "She only wants what's best for the boy and the universe."
Mace Windu sighed, "I hope you're right because if you're wrong, the boy isn't safe with her."
"Are you sure you're not doing this as a scare tactic to convince me to leave Sora with you guys?" Peter wondered out loud.
"We're sure," Master Windu nodded, "All we're asking, is for you to be cautious around that woman."
Peter found the whole idea ridiculous. Yes, she fully well admitted if she used her powers like that, it would affect her mind. However, she has been taking every amount of caution not to go that far. To make sure she wasn't a danger to anyone unless they were the bad guys. Even then, she made sure she would never go that far. He stated, "I don't have to, I trust her with my life."
"Then we move on to other matters," Ki-Adi-Mundi began his own report, "We have surveyed all systems in the Republic, and have found no sign of General Grievous. If he indeed has the crack that threatens the universe, he's hiding well."
"Hiding in the Outer Rim, Grievous is," Master Yoda pointed out, "The outlying systems, you must sweep."
Plo Koon commented, "We don't have many ships to spare."
Master Mundi asked in concern, "What about the droid attack on the Wookiees?"
The Council was deeply concerned for the fate of the Wookies, as Master Windu declared, "It is critical we send an attack group there immediately."
"He's right," Anakin agreed, "It's a system, we cannot afford to lose."
"Go, I will," Master Yoda declared, "Good relations with the Wookiees, I have."
"It is settled," Mace Windu nodded, "Yoda will take a battalion of clones to reinforce the Wookiees on Kashyyyk. Anakin will discuss with Senator Amadila about working with the Avengers so we may watch after the other worlds as well as finding our three missing Keyblade Wielders." He then told everyone, "May the Force be with us all."
When Anakin and Peter left the Council, the former reassured the part-time Avenger, "I had no idea they had anything against Wanda. I mean, I know they weren't happy with her outburst when it came to Sora's training, but this..."
"Relax, Anakin," Peter reassured him, "I believe you. And I understand their concerns but they have nothing to worry about."
"So, she doesn't have the power they're soon concerned about," The young Jedi Knight asked.
"Oh, no, she does," Peter admitted, which shocked the Jedi slightly, "But she doesn't like doing it. She knows if she goes too extreme with it, she'll lose her mind. She's absolutely terrified of what she becomes if she losses control. So, she takes every precaution that she doesn't go that far."
"I can understand that," Anakin nodded, "It might take more than that to convince the Council."
"Well, at least they like the idea of working with us when the threat is over," Spider-Man admitted, "And they seemed impressed by how mature and wise you were back there."
"I noticed that too," The Jedi Knight admitted before smirking, "Think they'll change their minds?"
"I'd give it time and then we'll see," Spidey didn't want to get Anakin's hopes up, "Besides, even then, you'll soon be called something better than Master..." Anakin turned to him in confusion, as he finished, "...you're going to be called Dad."
Anakin chuckled before nodding, "I'm looking forward to that..." He then frowned, "But that vision..."
"We won't let it come to pass," The Web-Slinger declared, "I promise." He then turned to him, "Now, how do we get to the others without Venom following us there."
"I know a few tricks," Anakin reassured him, "Follow me."
As the Jedi lead the way to his wife's second apartment, they traveled through the streets discreetly, taking every corner and turn while keeping an eye out for Venom. While Spider-Man couldn't detect the symbiote, Anakin stretched out with the Force to become aware of his surroundings. As they walked, Anakin wondered, "Can I ask you a question?"
"Shoot," Peter nodded.
"You're relationship with Wanda," Anakin lightly smirked knowing Peter's face was turning red despite wearing a mask. Before seriously asking him, "It's not forbidden, is it?"
"You mean like your own marriage?" Spidey asked, after receiving a nod, he answered, "Not really, we're allowed to get married and have families. I know few friends of mine in this profession that have done so..."
"Then why not pursue that relationship with Wanda," Anakin asked as he pointed out, "C'mon. It's obvious you like each other. Why not see where it goes? I mean, she practically made you Sora's father already."
He sighed before admitting, "Maybe... maybe it's because I'm scared of what will happen if I try... I'm afraid it'll lead to what happened last time."
"Last time?" Anakin repeated before realizing, "There was another... before Wanda..." The Jedi asked, "What was her name?"
"Gwen. Her name was Gwen," Peter admitted before adding, "She was my Padmé..."
"Gwen..." Anakin blinked, recalling the name from Venom when he attacked his wife, Wanda, and Sora, before turning to Peter, "What happened to her?" He then assumed, "Did Venom...?"
"He tried..." Peter shook his head, "But I stopped him... barely..." He then answered, "What happened to her was all my fault..."
He then proceeded to tell Anakin the same story that he told Wanda. How his best friend's father was a manic who called himself, the Green Goblin. How he found out who he was. How he went after the girl he loved the most. The fight at the Brooklyn Bridge. How Goblin knocked her over the Bridge. And his attempt to save her... which ended up killing her... Anakin was horrified at what he heard, "Peter... I... I can't imagine... I'm so sorry..."
"You weren't the one that killed her," Peter muttered, "It was my webbing. My enemy. My fault."
"No," The Jedi refused to believe that, "You weren't the one who killed her. That was the Goblin! And him alone!" He then realized, "There's more to the story isn't there?"
"Yes," Peter confirmed, "I haven't told Wanda this but..." He sighed, "I was going to ask her to be my wife just a day before she was killed." Anakin froze at that, as Peter went on, "I've tried to move on before with Mary Jane. Black Cat. But... the fear of losing someone due to someone like Eddie or Osborn... I don't want to place Wanda in that danger..." He then turned to him, "And it's why we're going get to the bottom of these visions and save your wife..."
"Look," Anakin decided it was his turn to give Spidey some advice, "Take it from a married man myself. We risk both our careers so we could be together, so if I were you, I wouldn't give up trying because some things are worth the risk."
Peter gave his words some thought as they traveled through the city streets, Anakin promised him that he wouldn't tell Wanda about his proposal to Wanda as he knew she was worried about him enough as it is, much to the wall crawler's appreciation...
Meanwhile, back in the apartment, Obi-Wan was studying the lamp the Master of Masters gave to them. Wanda tapped her foot with her arms crossed as she stood in front of Sora just to be safe. Padmé was entertaining Sora by helping him out with his Christmas wishlist to Santa. The Scarlet Witch asked Obi-Wan, "Well, is it dangerous?"
"I'm not sure," Obi-Wan admitted, "I sense something powerful inside, although I could not say what."
"If it's evil," Wanda raised her hand starting a hex, "I'm wiping from existence..."
Just then, there was a knock on the door, getting everyone's attention as Cody and Gregar entered, the former reported, "General Kenobi. Senator Amadila General Skywalker and Spider-Man have arrived."
"We've done another sweep," Gregar reported, "But there's no sign of Eddie Brock or Venom. All personnel are accounted for. We don't believe he followed them this time."
Wanda sighed in relief as Padmé smiled, "Let them inside."
Both nodded as both superhero and Jedi Knight entered the room. Wanda ran over to hug the unmasked hero before freezing with a blush when everyone was looking at them. She bashfully smiled, "Ummm... good you two made it back okay..."
"Yeah..." Peter rubbed the back of his head, "Glad everyone made it here safely without anyone noticing."
"Expect our unexpected guest," Obi-Wan spoke up making both Anakin and Spidey worry about their respective women and children.
Wanda explained, "The Master of Masters decided to pay us another visit."
"What?" Anakin gasped as Peter rubbed his forehead as he turned to his wife in concern, "Are you okay? Did he...?"
"I'm fine," His secret wife reassured her, "He didn't attack us... though he did startle us with his sudden appearance."
"We're still puzzled how he managed to get past all of us without us noticing," Gregar admitted with his arms crossed, "Let alone getting out."
"According to legends," Obi-Wan recalled as he pulled out his lightsaber, "He was among the first and the most powerful. Still... I haven't sensed someone that powerful since Mortis..."
"You're saying he's on their level," Anakin stared at Obi-Wan in shock.
"Perhaps exceeding them." The Jedi Master admitted as he continued to observe his lightsaber, "He certainly knew how to defend himself from a lightsaber physically like they did."
Wanda stared in confusion as Peter simply whispered, "It's a long story."
"Well, that's an unpleasant thought," Anakin muttered to himself, "What did he want?"
"Apparently, he wanted to help," Obi-Wan answered putting away his lightsaber, and held out the lamp he gave Wanda, "...although how this will help in any way, is beyond me."
Peter's eyes widened when he spotted the lamp, "Wait... is that..."
"Yes, Peter," Wanda nodded, "It's a lamp... Obi-Wan thinks something powerful is inside but..."
"Wanda, that's not an ordinary lamp," Peter gestured to the lamp easily recognizing it as the same lamp from Aladdin.
Padmè turned to Peter, "That's what he said."
"Peter?" Anakin blinked, "You know what this is?"
"Yes, I'm certain," Peter nodded, although rubbing his head and muttered to himself, "Although, I'm sure if it's the Robin Williams version or the Will Smith version."
Only Wanda seemed to overhear the last bit, "Ummm... what do they have to do with anything."
Recalling Wanda wasn't caught up on all Disney films other than what she's been through on this adventure, he quickly found a way to help her understand, "Listen... remember that show... 'I dream of Jeannie?'"
"Oh, I love that show," Wanda beamed happily, "It was about this astronaut who discovers a bottle and when he rubbed it, it summoned..." Wanda paused as Peter nodded, she realized, "There's a genie inside that lamp, isn't there?"
"Yep," Peter confirmed.
"A... genie?" Anakin raised an eyebrow unfamiliar with the term, before turning to his old Master, "Do you know what that is?"
"I never heard of one," Obi-Wan admitted as Wanda took the lamp, "Is it dangerous?"
"Well, if it's anything I heard of," Wanda recalled from the show, observing the lamp, "They are powerful. And they grant wishes."
"Like Santa," Sora tilted his head.
"Who's Santa?" Anakin blinked.
His secret wife explained to him, "I'll explain later..."
"Something like that buddy," Spidey nodded as Wanda set down the lamp as Sora walked his way over to it, "The one I believe our stalker sent us, is extremely friendly, he should be able to help us if we release him."
"Well, what if you're wrong and this genie is far from friendly," Anakin pointed out.
"Well, that's true," Peter admitted, thinking of Jafar, "There is a evil Genie I can think of at the top of my head but I'm very certain it's a good one."
"Maybe we should let the Jedi examine it a bit more before we give the lamp a rub," Wanda suggested, unaware that her soon-to-be adopted son picked up the lamp, "You know, just to be sure."
Sora then rubbed the lamp like the Scarlet Witch had just told him, "Like this?"
Glancing at Sora for a moment, briefly seeing him rubbing the lamp, "Yes, sweetie, like that..." Wanda turned back to Peter, "I mean as much as I love the show..." Her eyes widened as she fully grasped what Sora was doing, "SORA! WAIT!"
But it was too late, as the lamp suddenly began to shake and glow as blue and purple smoke burst out of the lamp. Anakin and Obi-Wan quickly pulled out and activated their lightsabers with the former standing in front of the Senator. Wanda rushed as she picked up the boy who still held onto the lamp. C-3PO had just entered the room with R2 as the protocol droid wonder, "Just what is all this racket... OH MY!"
The only one calm about the sudden burst of magic was Spider-Man, as he not only recalled this is what happened in the original film, his Spider-Sense wasn't tingling. All of a sudden, the smoke a blue man appeared through the smoke screaming, "Aaaaahhhhh!" Before placing a hand under his neck, "OY!" He then looked down at the group of people and droids, "Ten-thousand years will give ya such a crick in the neck!"
Everyone stared in shock as Genie told them, "One sec everyone!" Then he pulls his head off and spun it around, yelling as he does so, "Whoa! Ah! Does it feel good to be outta there!"
The blue man uses the his tail end of himself as a microphone, "Nice to be back, ladies and gentlemen. Hi, where ya from?" As he sticks the mic in Sora's face, "What's your name?"
Sora looked to Wanda, who looked just as stunned as everyone else, then back to the blue man, "Uh... Sora..."
The blue man then said his name as if he's discovered something major, "Sora!" A neon sign lights up with Sora's name on it, circled by chase lights. The a sign changes to reflect the the blue man, "Hello, Sora. Nice to have you on the show."
"Could we call you Sor or little avenge your parents are Avengers? Or how Spike?!"
Genie shifted and mimicked Scottish man. "Sounds like here Spike! Come here boy!"
He whistled as if he was a and came back as a blue dog carrying a stick. Padmè blinked in shock, "You're all seeing it too, right?"
"Yep," Anakin nodded stunned at what he was seeing.
"Do you smoke. Mind if I do?" Genie dog asked before puffing back into regular Genie laughing.
He then looked to Sora, "Say, you're a lot younger than my last master." He then made a mirror appear from no where, "Either that, or my age is catching up to me." He then appeared as an elderly man, "Hey, ya whisper snappers, did I grow any more wrinkles on my face."
Peter cheered to himself, "Yes! He even sounds like Robin Williams!"
"Shut me down," Threepio stared in disbelief, "I certainly never meet a being like this before."
"Hold on," Anakin spoke up as he deactivated his lightsaber, "You think Sora's your master?"
"That's right!" He then slapped a diploma in Peter's hand and a mortarboard on his head, "That's right! He can be taught!" He then turned to Sora, "What would you wish of me..." He then appeared as Arnold Schwarzenegger, "...the ever impressive,..." He then appeared inside a cube, "...the long contained..." He then appeared as a ventriloquist with a dummy of himself that oddly looked like Will Smith, "...often imitated..." He then tosses the dummy aside, "...but never duplicated..."
He multiplies into multiple versions of himself who surround the family, "...Duplicated, duplicated, duplicated, duplicated, duplicated, duplicated, duplicated, duplicated, duplicated..." Before he finally introduced himself, "Genie! Of! The Lamp!"
The others Genies cheered for him as he transformed into Ed Sullivan, "Right here direct from the lamp, right here for your enjoyment wish fulfillment. Thank youuuuu!"
R2 beeped in amusement as Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow, "Wish fulfillment?"
"Any three wishes to be exact," The main Genie happily raised three fingers before his eyes narrowed, "And ix-nay on the wishing for more wishes." He turned himself into a slot machine, as his arm pulls down and three Genies appear in the windows, "That's it! Three!" Three Genie Caballeros came right out of the slot, "Uno, dos, tres."
He then changes into Groucho Marx, "No substitutions, exchanges or refunds."
A duck drops with the secret word "Refunds.' Sora tilted his head before turning back to Wanda, "I don't know what any of those words mean."
"It means you can return a wish you already made and get a wish back," Wanda explained to the islander boy. She then thought to herself, "This Genie is very different from Jeannie..."
All of a sudden, music started playing around them as Anakin looked around, "Where is that music coming from?"
"Master, I don't think you quite realize what you got here," Waving his fingers he set everyone down in a comfortable position with his magic as he continued, "So why don't you, the Mrs., and junior just ruminate, whilst I illuminate the possibilities..."
"Wait!" Padmè gasped in disbelief, recalling how Wanda and Peter mentioned the random musical numbers, "You're not actually going to sing are you?!"
"Oh, yes, Mrs. Portman," Genie nodded, "It's a musical after all!" He then appeared back giant-sized with his natural look smiling down upon the group before singing, "Well Ali Baba had them forty thieves~ Scheherazade had a thousand tales~" Genie produced 40 thieves who surround the group with swords. Wanda held Sora protectively, while the Jedi prepared for a fight, Spider-Man was the only one who knew how the song went so he knew everyone would be fine as Genie's head popped out of Sora's crew neck, "But master, you're in luck 'cause up your sleeve~ You got a brand of magic never fails~"
Genie's arms appeared out of Sora's sleeves and beat all the thieves to submission. Sora then found himself in a boxing ring, dressed as a boxing fighter, as everyone else appeared as the support for Sora as the Genie rubbed the boy's shoulders, "You got some power in your corner now~" He then transformed himself into a lit firework rocket, "Some heavy ammunition in your camp~"
After exploding harmlessly, he appeared next to the young islander as he sang, "You got some punch, pizzazz, yahoo and how~ See all you gotta do is use that lamp~ And I'll say~"
After making his new master rub the lamp, he came back out the lamp and sang, "Mister Sora, sir~ What will your pleasure be~" Genie appeared as a waiter as he produced a table and chairs for himself and his family, then writes down things on a notepad, "Let me take your order, jot it down~ You ain't never had a friend like me~ Oh no no!"
"Life is your restaurant~" They got a good-looking turkey inside until turning into Genie's head, "And I'm your maitred~" Genie's ear grew large as he told Sora, "C'mon whisper what it is you want~ You ain't never had a friend like me~"
"Yes sir, we pride ourselves on service~" Several Genies began giving Sora a shave and a haircut. The boy then appeared on a throne shrouded by food, toys, gold and presents to his amazement Threepio was using a huge leaf to keep Sora nice and cool. While everyone stared in shock at the apartment looked completely different, "You're the boss, the king, the shah~ Say what you wish~ It's yours~ True dish~ How about a little more baklava~?"
Sora picked up one of the presents and opened it only for the entire room to be covered in baklava. The boy then found himself on a pile of food with the top of the tower in the shape of letter A, "Try some of column A~" Suddenly, another stack of food with a giant letter B which caused Sora to lose his balance and fall, "Try all of column B~"
Both Wanda and Padmè stretched out their hands to catch the spiky hair four year old, only to be caught in a soft pillow from a giant Genie, "I'm in the mood~ to help you, dude~"
After finishing his lyric he let down his tongue as a smaller well dressed Genie danced down it like it was stairs, "You ain't never had a friend like me~"
Genie then danced with two of his giant-sized hands, "Wanwa! Oh my! Wanwa! Oh no! Wanwa! Nah nah nah! Zebebababa!"
"Can your friends do this~" Genie sang as he juggled multiple versions of his own head. He then passed them on to Anakin, "Can your friends do that~"
Anakin caught the heads as he quickly juggled them back to Genie. "Can your friends pull this~" He caught them before he pulled a Genie rabbit out of a hat, "Out the little hat~" Then from the rabbit, he transformed himself into a purple dragon, "Can your friends go~ poof~"
Breathing fire the room, another Genie who looked like Will Smith appeared with a grin on his face while the real Genie grinned, "Well lookie here~"
"Can your friends go Abracadabra~ Let 'er rip~" Genie danced before ripping away the other Genie to reveal Wanda appeared in his place wearing what Peter recognized to be the slave Leia outfit. Everyone was dumbfounded as they looked to where Wanda previously was, wondering how she ended up over there in a Hutt woman's outfit. Wanda and Peter blushed as the latter tried looking away, "And then make the sucker disappear~"
Genie then gestured to the walls behind the group, "Come on! Let's move that bus!"
Then much to the group's shock, the walls moved away to reveal a whole stage behind it. Threepio gasped, "Good heavens!"
"Where did that come from?!" Padmè gasped in shock. She was very certain there wasn't a stage there before.
Just then, Spider-Man noticed Genie copies coming in dressed like Star Wars characters from the Original Trilogy, Sequel Trilogy, and the Legends Series before Disney bought the rights to Star Wars. All the Genie copies sang to Sora, "So doncha sit there slack jawed, buggy eyed~ I'm here to answer all your midday prayers~"
"You got me bona fide~" The Genies dressed as Han Solo, Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker, and Lando Calrissian danced around Sora when the ones dressed as Rey, Poe, Finn, and Rose joined them, "CERTIFIED~" More Genie copies dressed as Mara Jade, Thrawn, Kyle Kantarn, and Starkiller spun the islander around, "You got a Genie for your chare d'affaires~"
Tossing Sora over to the prime Genie, he sang, "I got a powerful urge to help ya out~ So, what-cha wish~? I really wanna know~"
Just then two Genies dressed as Darth Revan and Cade Skywalker ran around carrying around a large paper carrying the Star Wars timeline, "You got a list that's three miles long~ no doubt~ Well, all you gotta do is rub like so~ and oh~"
Just then, Genies began dancing with on another, including the people in the room. Three Genie copies were dancing with C-3PO, R2-D2, and Obi-Wan. The Jedi Master couldn't help but comment, "Well, this is the strangest thing I've done." He then glanced to see Anakin, his eyes widened slightly, "Anakin..."
Instead of dancing with a Genie, Anakin was dancing with his secret wife. Both Padmè and himself stared awkwardly as they danced as the latter declared, "Uhhhh... it's obviously the Genie's magic."
"Yep. Absolutely," Padmè also half lied. While it was true that the magic was making them dance, that didn't mean they didn't have a choice of who they danced with.
Peter and Wanda also found themselves dancing with each other. While a little bashful, especially in the golden bikini the latter was wearing, they couldn't help but enjoy the moment with each other. That was, until Wanda's eyes widened, "Where's Sora?"
Peter reassured her as they continued, "He's fine. Look."
Wanda turned and sighed in relief as saw Sora dancing with a young redheaded teenage girl with a pink dress and a pretty smile on her face. She kinda reminded the islander of a certain best friend who looked just like her. Both heroes and Genies alike danced until the group were once again gathered together as Genie and all of his cosplay copies lined up on the curved stairs above, "This one's for you, Robin!"
"Mister Sora, sir~ What will your pleasure be~" The Genies sang as the kicked lined down the stairs, "Let me take your order, jot it down~"
"Sing it!" The true exclaimed as the other Genies sang, "C'mon whisper what it is you want~"
Genie then told his Star Wars cosplay copies, "Alright, boys, we're taking it home!" As he and the other Genies sang, "Mr. Sora, sir~ Have a wish, or two, or three~"
"I'm on the job~ You big nabob," The real Genie winked at the boy, before raising his index finger a blasting a beam of magic, creating several dancing yellow elephants, "You ain't never had a friend~ never had a friend~"
He then had Sora aim his other finger as he blasted out belly dancing camels on their left as the other Genies sang, "You ain't never had a friend~ Never had a friend~"
"You ain't never~" Genie declared decorating the entire room with full of animals and treasures, "Had a~" Genie finished as light shaped in the form of Disney Castle with fireworks going off, "FRIEND~ LIKE~ MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE~!"
"OH YEAH~ YA HA HA~" The other Genies sang as Sora, Wanda, Peter were lifted in the air by the elephants' trunks, "OH MY~ WA HA HA~" Peter landed on his feet catching Wanda in a golden bikini as she caught little Sora. Genie then turned into a tornado sucking everything up, "OH YEAH! You ain't never had a friend like me~ Ha!"
And just like that Padmè's apartment was back to the way it was, Wanda back in her regular outfit, and the only thing out of the ordinary was the giant Genie smiling down at them as a neon light blinked above them saying, 'APPLAUSE'. The only ones who really clapped were Sora and Peter as the latter stated, "I love that song."
Padmè turned to the Scarlet Witch, "So, is that was the singing was like?"
"No," She shook her head, "This was more out there than usual."
Genie simply just smirked, "So, what will it be Master?"
"So..." Sora blinked eagerly, "I can wish for anything?"
"Well, almost anything," Genie appeared as William F. Buckley, "There are a few provisos, a couple of quid pro quos."
"Huh?" Sora blinked in confusion.
Anakin turned to the boy, "He means exceptions, buddy. Like things he can't grant."
"For example," Wanda asked out of curiosity.
Genie appeared beside Peter, Wanda, and Sora as he told them, "Rule number one!" He then confessed, "I can't kill anyone." He then sliced off his own hand as it landed on Sora's lap as he told him, "So don't ask."
No one there had a problem with that as they nodded. Genie plopped his head back on his body, "A rule number 2! I can't make anybody fall in love!" Genie's head turns into a big pair of lips that kissed Sora's head, "You little punim, there."
Then Genie lied down straight, "Rule number three!" He then slowly got up and transforms into a slimy green zombie, "I can't bring people back from the dead." This made nearly everyone want to throw up as Wanda covered Sora's eyes, as Genie warned them, "It's not a pretty picture..." He then shook the Scarlet Witch, "I DON'T LIKE DOING IT!"
He finally poofs back to normal before bowing to Sora like he was a king, "Other than that, you got it!"
"Well, I know exactly what I want for my first wish!" Sora beamed as he took the lamp, "I wish..."
However, before he could actually make the wish, Wanda and Peter stopped him as the former told him, "Sora! Wait!"
Sora tilted his head in confusion, "Wha..."
"Could we have a few minutes with him before he makes a decision," Peter asked the Genie.
"Of course," Genie smiled, before proofing into a teacher, "All Masters under the age of eighteen must have permission of a parent or guardian before making a wish."
Wanda merely continued to stare at Genie even as she and Peter walked Sora at few feet away from the Genie. Anakin then approached the Genie, "On a completely unrelated note, could you... say... I don't know... remove a rule from existence?"
"Unless it's the Ten Commandments or the Golden Rule," Genie shrugged, "All fair game."
"Including the Jedi rule of no attachments," Anakin raised an eyebrow getting somewhat of a disapproval look from Obi-Wan.
"Like it never existed," Genie beamed before turning to Obi-Wan, "Seriously, why do you have that rule." His then poofed into WALL-E, "WAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL-EEEEEEEEEE..." His head then poof back to himself, "...has a better understanding of the need for love than you guys."
Anakin hummed at the part where he could theoretically erase that pesky rule from existence. Obi-Wan stared at him, "Anakin..."
"What?" The secret married Jedi shrugged, "I was just curious."
Padmè did her best not to giggle. At the same time, Wanda turned her attention back to Sora, "You were going to use that wish to bring Riku and Kairi here, weren't you?"
"Yeah," Sora nodded, "Why did you stop me?"
"Now that is sweet and normally wouldn't be a problem," Wanda admitted, "But here's the thing... this journey we're on... the journey home. It's a becoming more and more dangerous as we go."
"She's right," Peter nodded, "We have Xehanort, the Heartless, Venom, this Sith that Jedi are trying to track down, and God only knows whatever on the world between this one and home... we can keep you safe and take you through the cracks but..."
"...there's no telling if Riku and Kairi would be able to do the same," Wanda picked up where Peter left off. She recalled how one of the missing Keyblade Wielders, Terra, passed the Keyblade onto Riku so there was a chance he could but there was no way of being 100% certain. Not to mention, there was no such promises that the little girl ever came in contact of one. She continued, "And I would trust Anakin and Padmè to keep them safe but I don't full trust the Jedi Order to let them be themselves."
"Okay..." Sora slowly nodded, "So, why can't I just wish them to be on your world. The Avengers could help."
"Technically, yes," Wanda nodded, "But they don't exactly know the whole situation. Remember, the rest of them of no idea these kinds of worlds exist within the universe."
"So, even if they were on Ear- our world," Peter continued, "The Avengers or your friends will have no clue what's been happening."
"All we can really do is hope and pray they're safe wherever they are now," Wanda nodded before suggesting, "Then, once we're home, you use your third and final wish to bring them with us."
Sora brightened up at that as the Scarlet Witch continued, "That way we can let the others know the situation and they would be able to help as well."
"Okay," Sora nodded, "I trust you guys." He then blinked, "Then what should I wish for?"
"Hmmmm..." Wanda thought out loud, "We'll, Peter and I love the idea of using your wishes for others... so why don't we figure out together how we can use the first two wishes to save the universe."
Sora smiled and nodded before Genie poofed to them, "So, this wish? Is it happening now?"
The future Keyblade Wielder turned to the Genie, "Actually, I'm going to save that wish for later... I can do that, can I?"
Genie then pulled out the Genie rule book behind him and skimmed through it, he hummed for a moment before throwing it aside, "There's nothing in here saying that you can't unless you use up all three wishes! So..." He then poofed beside Sora, "Take your time! No rush!"
Obi-Wan then spoke up, "Well, I'm afraid I'm going to have to take my leave, I'll have to report to the Council of what happened here." He then turned to his former Padawan, "Anakin... can I have a moment of your time?"
The Jedi Knight nodded as he followed his former Master out of the apartment. Leaving the others confused, Padmè blinked, "What was that about?"
"Let's find out!" Sora beamed as he rushed to the closed door. As much as the two Avengers disproved of the idea of the boy learning to eavesdrop on people's conversations... for this instance they would make an exception as they knew, he would have to learn to use it properly if he was going to be a hero. So, they too leaned on the door to listen in the conversation as well. Padmè did the same as it concerns her husband. Genie just placed a giant ear on the door on it as well.
The group could hear the conversation between the two Jedi, hearing Obi-Wan say, "To be on the Council at your age . . . It's never happened before... The fact of the matter is you're too close to the Chancellor. The Council doesn't like it when he interferes in Jedi affairs."
"I didn't ask to be put on the Council..." They heard Anakin's reply.
"But it's what you wanted," Obi-Wan pointed out, "Your friendship with Chancellor Palpatine seems to have paid off."
"That has nothing to do with this," Anakin replied.
"The only reason the Council has approved your appointment is because the Chancellor trusts you." The Jedi Master revealed to his former Padawan.
"And?" While not in the same room, they could feel Anakin raising an eyebrow.
"Anakin, look, I am on your side," Obi-Wan tried to reassure him, wasn't comfortable with the next topic, "I didn't want to see you put in this situation."
"What situation?" Anakin demanded.
Hearing Master Kenobi sigh, he reveal to him Anakin's task, "The Council wants you to report on all of the Chancellor's dealings. They want to know what he's up to."
Padmè's eyes widened in shock, while Peter and Wanda made no reaction as they knew this conversation was bond to happen. Not to mention, they were right to distrust the Chancellor. The problem was, is that they were acting too late. Not to mention, Anakin was too close to the Chancellor and felt like he had no one else to turn to. They were going to have to change that.
"They want me to spy on the Chancellor?" Anakin asked in disbelief, "That's treason!"
"We at war, Anakin," Obi-Wan pointed out, "The Jedi Council is sworn to uphold the principles of the Republic, even if the Chancellor does not."
They heard Anakin ask, "Why didn't the Council give me this assignment when Peter and I were in session? They didn't hide the fact they don't trust Wanda either, when she hasn't given any reason not to."
Padmè glanced at Wanda, who simply shrugged like it was no big deal, "To be fair, I don't trust them with Sora or any other child."
The secret wife of Anakin nodded as they listen to the conversation further as so Obi-Wan gave his reasoning to Anakin, "This assignment is not to be on record. The Council asked me to approach you on this personally."
"The Chancellor is not a bad man, Obi-Wan. And neither is Wanda," Anakin defended both the Avenger and the Secret Sith Lord, "The Chancellor befriended me. He's watched out for me ever since I arrived here. And Wanda's only concern is for the boy."
"That is why you must help us, Anakin," Obi-Wan pleaded as he explained, "I spoke up on Wanda's behalf and I also believe her intentions are good. However, our allegiance is to the Senate, not to its leader who has managed to stay in office long after his term has expired."
Anakin quickly pointed out, "The Senate demanded that he stay longer."
"Yes, but use your feelings, Anakin," Obi-Wan pleaded, "Something is out of place."
"You're asking me to do something against the Jedi Code," Anakin didn't hide the fact he didn't like this, "Against the Republic. Against a mentor and a friend. That's what's out of place here." He then proceeded to ask, "Why are you asking this of me?"
After a long pause, so Obi-Wan replied, "The Council is asking you."
With the private conversation seemingly ended, the group backed away from the door. Padmè sighed, "Well, I certainly didn't see that coming."
"Could be worse," Wanda shrugged, "They could have suggested he strike me down if I give up Sora to them."
"They wouldn't force Ani do that," Padmè shook her head before turning to her in concern, "Would they?"
"Not unless she gave them a reason to believe she was a threat," Peter shook his head, "How about we switch the topic to the Chancellor? What do you think of him?"
"I admit that Chancellor Palpatine has been in office longer than anyone before," The former Queen of Naboo admitted, "But the Senate did approve that he stay in office longer. At least until the war is over."
Both Avengers knew that the Sith would never let that happen. Turning to each other, thinking about what they should say next. Wanda gave Peter a look as if she was saying, 'Let me try something...' Peter nodded as Wanda gave her a friendly smile, "You know, back home, we only heard tales of the great... um... Clone Wars... and if it isn't too much, I would like to here its perspective from you. From one senator to another?"
Padmè blinked in shock, "You're a senator?"
"I'm the technical ruler of the island Genosha," Wanda revealed to her, "When my father had to... step down... My sister is in charge whenever I'm with the Avengers but I'm its current ruler. It's not quite as impressive as ruling an entire planet but..."
"No, no... I was once Queen of Naboo, and now I serve my people as it's voice," She nodded understanding, "And I get your world's politics is quite the galactic scale like the Republic is. What would you like to know?"
Wanda proceeded to ask, "How exactly did the war start?"
The Senator proceeded to explain the events that lead up to the war. Spider-Man wasn't paying that close attention as he basically already knew what happened. He saw the Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones. He even saw both Clone Wars series. Although, much to his sadness, he had yet to be caught up on Season 2 of the Bad Batch and Mandolarin. When he told Harry that he gave him a look of disbelief. In his defense, it was hard to have some time to relax when you're trying to balance your job and hero work.
Sora was interested at first but fell asleep due to the fact he did not understand nor wanted to understand politics. Wanda lay Sora on the couch with a pillow for his head and a blanket to keep him warm. The lamp was placed on the counter and Genie returned to his lamp. Eventually, Wanda couldn't help but ask, "Have there ever been attempts to end the war peacefully? I'm sure this galaxy is big enough for both the Republic and Separatists to live without fighting."
"And I agree with you," Padmè nodded, "In fact, many of my friends in the Senate even some on Separatist Alliance had worked hard over the last three years..." She sighed, "Each one ended in disaster with casualties on both sides."
"If I didn't know any better, it sounds like someone doesn't want the war to stop," Wanda thought out loud.
"I believe Dooku played a large part in that," Padmè's eyes narrowed before sighing, "Even with him gone, many believe it to be impossible for peace between us. At least as long as Grievous is on the loose."
"Still, something doesn't add up," Peter spoke up, "Have you noticed anything strange about this war? Something out of place?"
"Like what?" Padmè shrugged.
"I mean, do you know where the Clones came from?" Wanda clarified, ""I mean, I don't want to be rude or anything, but according to what you told me and what I've heard, a few days after your Chancellor calls for remilitarization this Clone army just up and appears magically all set and ready to go. Doesn't that seem a bit fishy and convenient?"
Padmè blinked in shock as if she never really thought of it, until Wanda mentioned it. She crossed her arms, "Well... From what Anakin had told me from his own master's discovery, the Clone Army was commissioned by another Jedi Council member who perished thirteen years ago. Sifo Dyas."
Wanda leaned in, "Any reason why he would do this?"
Padme shook her head. "No one knows for sure. It was big news to even the Jedi council as they were in the dark as anyone else."
"So even the Jedi don't know about this Clone Army?" Wanda commented pretending as if she was hearing this for the first time, "That… honestly sounds a little disconcerting. Has anyone bothered looking into it?"
"No…" Padme let that statement hang silently in the air. "No one has. Nor has anyone had the time."
After a moment of silence, Wanda sighed, "I'm starting to think there may be a puppet master in all of this."
"You mean..." The senator blinked, "Someone playing both sides of the war... what could they possibly gain by this?"
"Let's save the what could they for latter and start with another question," Spider-Man crossed his arms as he pretended to think, "Who has gained the most since the war started?"
The look Padmè made, looked like she wanted to say Viceroy Gunray, for the money he made for the droid army for the Separatist Cause. However, she paused as if thinking back. Palpatine was just given more emergency power to stay in the senate longer, he was also given first when the war began so he could create a grand army for the Republic just shortly after they discovered the Clones on Kaminio, thinking even further back when Gunray invaded Naboo, it was his suggestion that she should get the former Chancellor's immediate removal so he could become Chancellor and change things so he could save their people... it was almost like he knew he would have been elected.
Seeing how Padmè was starting to have her doubts about Palpatine, the Avengers gave a slight smile to each other. But when she spoke up again they listened to her, "You know... maybe the Jedi have a good reason to suspect him... he has generally gained the most power. And he's made it a bit difficult for us Senators to speak to our friends on the other side of the war to end it peacefully." She then shook her head, "But... I hate to suspect a friend... especially one who's been so kind to Ani ever since he arrived here."
"I get it, believe me, I do," Peter nodded in understanding, "I didn't want to believe some of the people closest to me turned into my most dangerous adversaries. Eddie with Venom. My best friend Harry with his father as the Green Goblin. But we shouldn't turn a blind eye to it either because if you're right when the war ends and if Palpatine doesn't give up his power... he could be a more dangerous threat to the Republic than Separatist."
"You're right," Padmè nodded, "I'll try to make my husband see it that way."
"I'll help out any way I can too," Peter reassured her, "With every pressing down on him, he looks like he could use someone to help bare the weight."
"I'm sure Anakin will appreciate that," Padmè smiled at that, "You're a good friend, Peter. Wanda's lucky to have you."
Both heroes blushed at that when Anakin returned to the room, pretending as if the last conversation never happened, his secret wife asked, "So what did Obi-Wan want to talk about?"
"Huh? Oh... it's nothing," Anakin shook his head, before clearing his throat as he turned to the Avengers, "Anyways, I've been given approval for coming up with a plan to remove the symbiote from Eddie Brock and the squad I requested for the task are already on root from Kallar."
"Kallar?" His wife blinked, "Aren't they in the middle of a battle?"
"They were..." Anakin admitted, "But their leaders quickly surrendered... the Heartless have been showing all over lately. It even scared some of the Separatist leaders into surrendering. If Grievous is behind the Heartless, it's quickly backfiring on him."
Wanda blinked at this new information, she had a feeling Grievous wasn't responsible but Palpatine wanted to wrap up the war quickly so he could proceed with the next phase in the plan. Although, another thought occurred to her, "Do you really think a squad of Clones are capable of holding their own against Venom... even with the sonic weapon..."
"These Clones are special..." Anakin lightly smirked, "Kinda like how you, Peter, and Sora are special."
Wanda blinked again before turning to Peter discreetly before giving her a hid smirk and nod. It would seem he knew which squad he was referring to. Clones with superhuman capabilities. The thought never seemed to occur to her. Still, after everything they've seen, she shouldn't be that surprised by anything anymore, especially after meeting Genie.
Anakin then noticed the knocked-out Sora, and he lightly smirked, "Let me guess you were talking about politics and the kid quickly got bored and went to sleep."
"I was getting them caught up on the history of the war," Padmè admitted smiling softly to him, "Which admittedly involved politics so ultimately yes... that pretty much sums up what happened."
Despite the situation he was in, Anakin couldn't help but chuckle at that. However, he had a sour look again, Padmè approached her husband, pulling him into a hug, as she told him, "Hold me... like you did by the lake on Naboo, so long ago... when there was nothing but our love... No politics, no plotting... no war."
Wanda leaned over to Peter, "So, this is where Anakin will speak to Palpatine and..."
"And tell him the story of his old Master, and used an ability that prevents people from dying... or so he says," Peter confirmed, "Although, if we could show him other options... maybe he won't follow him."
"How?" Wanda blinked before he gestured to the lamp on the table causing her to blink in realization, "Oh... right..." She then asked, "But what about Palaptine's plans... even if we did stop Anakin from becoming Vader, according to you, Palptine still can activate Order 66 and turn the Clones into an army of Winter Soldiers."
Peter thought for a minute before, "Well, if the squad of Clones are who I think they are they might be able to help. They were able to resist the order for a long time before they finally had them removed... well... most of them." His eyes widened, "Wait... Palptine... he has plans for the Death Star!"
"The planet killer?" Wanda blinked in shock, "Are you sure?"
"In Attack of Clones, one of the Septrist Leaders gave the blueprints to Dooku and he said he would give it to his Master," Peter whispered, "Those plans along with other evidence that he's been playing both sides of the war must be hidden in his databanks somewhere..."
"We could expose Palptine to the whole galaxy, ending the war without further bloodshed," Wanda smiled at that before frowning, "But Peter... we don't know the first thing about accusing their tech... even you..."
"We don't," Spidey smirked before gesturing to certain astromech, "But Artoo does."
The Scarlet Witch turned to R2-D2 as Threepio was still baffled by the whole Genie's appearance, "Oh, my circuits must be crossed."
Artoo beeped in amusement, as Wanda turned to Peter, "You really think he'll help?"
"R2 is as loyal a friend as they come in the Star Wars universe," Peter smiled, "He'll help. Especially if we tell him Palpatine is a possible threat to the people closest to him." He told her, "I'll go with Anakin to Palpatine, be his Jiminy Cricket. You convince Artoo to help us and have him sneak in the building while Palpatine is distracted with us."
"Be careful," Wanda smiled.
Peter returned the smile, "Right back at ya."
Time passed, and Peter left with Anakin to see if the Chancellor would show any sign that he was going to let go of the emergency power he was given during the time of war. While both Avengers knew would never do so, it did make it so that he wouldn't be in his office. Wanda then decided to use this as an excuse to investigate. While she knew Venom was still a threat, she convinced the senator of Naboo to pick up things for her. Whether it was food to fill a craving or toys for her children or even something to decorate the babies' room on her home planet she promised to pick them up for her. Padmè reluctantly agreed to the Avenger's offer to pick up the items, and since she was new to the planet, she sent R2 along as an escort.
This worked out perfected for Wanda, while the mother of Luke and Leia, and Threepio watched after Sora, she and R2 would make a sight detour to the senate building. Almost an hour had passed, and she had gathered most of the items the senator requested they were walking around when Wanda saw the entrance to the building. She checked in with Peter discreetly moments ago, Palpatine was still within his sight and nowhere near the building. When Artoo saw the Avenger stop suddenly, he turned around and beeped in concern. Wanda glanced at Artoo, "I'm sorry. But we're making a sight detour."
R2 could only beep in confusion, she shook her head, in confusion, "Sorry again. I don't understand you. But I know you understand me." She then leaned into the astromech, "Listen... I don't know how to explain this... but Peter and I believe the Sith are going to target Anakin and Padmè and turn the Republic into an Empire."
Artoo rolled backward beeping in shock as she explained, "I can't exactly say how we know this, not yet anyway. But... the proof we need to stop the Sith is inside the Chancellor's office. On his computer or whatever compares to a computer here..." Her voice drifted off for a moment, before clearing her throat, "Anyway, Peter and I don't know how to access but we know you're more than capable... it's the real reason why we're risking out in the open while Venom is out there. We need you to access the Chancellor's personal computer and find anything proving his the Sith Lord the Jedi have been looking for and what he's planning so we can stop him."
Artoo beeped quietly as she whispered, "I bet this will probably sound uncomfortable for you, but given what's at stake. We need your help to expose a hard possible conspiracy. That would also mean breaking a few rules and getting personal. But if it works, it will help save many lives. And you seem more than capable enough to handle any subtle task." She gave the droid a pleading look, "Please, will you do it for your friends? For Sora and the Skywalker babies?"
The droid paused for a moment before turning to the senate building and rolling over to it. Artoo beeped over to her as if it was telling her to come. Wanda smiled in appreciation, "Thank you." She followed the droid with the bags in her arms into the building as she told him, "I suppose you've done this long enough to know, we need to avoid getting caught."
Artoo beeped in confirmation...
Elsewhere, fifteen minutes earlier, Anakin and Peter arrived at what Peter always imagined to be the Star Wars version of a theater or opera. He would have to ask Anakin what the technical term was called later, right now, "So, any luck about your visions? Anything that points of what happens so we can prevent it?"
Anakin frowned at that, "Nothing that I haven't already seen. And no clue how to prevent it."
"I might have an idea," Peter offered, getting Anakin's attention, "I mean, if we knew how it happened, we could just wish for it to not happen."
Anakin stared at him in disbelief, "I thought one of the rules that he couldn't bring people back from the dead."
"I didn't say we wish that he brings her back," Spidey reassured him, "Just wish what leads her to her death doesn't happen."
Anakin brightened up a little, "Good point." As they walked through the halls, the Jedi Knight asked, "Okay, then why wait, and wish Padmè was immortal? You know, wish for enteral life?"
"Well... you could," Peter shrugged before thinking of a parody video he's seen on YouTube, "But have you thought of the implications?"
Anakin stared at him, "What implications?"
"I mean, how would it really work?" Spider-Man wondered, "Would she still age? If she got her head cut off would it regenerate or would she just be a head?" He then went on, "Not to mention, she be forced to watch you and your children age and die, which she wouldn't be able to do, and join them."
Anakin blinked at that, "Okay, you clearly given it a lot of thought."
"I mean, who hasn't wished they couldn't die, once upon a time," Peter admitted, "But obviously, I've given it a lot of thought and realized, 'Hey, that would suck.'" He then spoke to Anakin with seriousness, "Look. No one's meant to live in the universe forever. Let's face it, even without the Sith and Xehanort, we royally screwed the universe from the utopia God planned it to be. But if we stay on the right path, we'll have a better chance at eternal life in heaven. Without implications."
Anakin would be lying if he said he completely understood what Spider-Man was referring to as he never heard of this God. However, he saw the general idea and the Jedi did believe death wouldn't be the end and they'd become one with the Force. So, he declared, "Okay, Wishing for eternal life in this world. Bad idea. Okay, I'll have to look into my vision later so we can make a wish that actually works."
"Hey, at least we know we can stop this," Spider-Man smiled, "That's what really counts."
Anakin nodded in agreement, before thanking, "Hey, thanks again for tagging along. I'm not comfortable doing this to a friend."
"No problem," Peter reassured him, "I don't want you to believe that you're in this alone."
Soon, enough they found Palpatine watching the show with Mas Amedda and Sly-Moore. Anakin entered the box with the part-time Avenger as he asked the secret Sith Lord, "You wanted to see me, Chancellor?"
The Chancellor smiled brightly at Anakin's presence, "Oh, Yes, Anakin! Come closer. I have good news." He then glanced at Spider-Man, "And it's fortunate your friend is here as well. This good news for you, too."
Pretending to be intrigued, Peter joined Anakin as the Sith revealed to them, "Our Clone Intelligence Units have discovered the location of General Grievous. He is hiding in the Utapau system."
"At last," Anakin smiled brightly, "We'll be able to capture that monster, find that tear, and end this war."
"I would worry about the collective wisdom of the Council if they didn't select you for this assignment," Palpatine smiled, "You are the best choice, by far." He then turned to the other senators watching the show, "Leave us."
The other senators stood up as they turned to leave, leaving Anakin, Palpatine, and Spider-Man on their own. The secret Sith then glances at Spidey. As he raised his arms in defense, "Okay, I know when I'm not wanted. I'll just be outside. You two enjoy..." He then gestured to what Palpatine was watching prior to their arrival, "...whatever that is."
As Spider-Man left Anakin and Palpatine on their own, but he dodged around the corner as he pulled out his Avenger ID card, and whispered into it, "Wanda... I have my sights on Sidious. You're all clear to check out his office."
He then put away his ID card as he eavesdropped on their conversation. Palpatine turned to Anakin, "Anakin, you know I'm not able to rely on the Jedi Council. If they haven't included you in their plot, they soon will."
"I'm not sure I understand."
"You've sensed what I've come to suspect." The Chancellor sighed heavily, "The Jedi Council want control of the Republic. They mean to betray me."
Anakin shook his head in disbelief. "I don't think..."
"Anakin," Palpatine looked into his eyes. "Search your feelings. You know, don't you?"
"I... know they don't trust you," Anakin admitted.
"The Jedi don't trust anyone," The Sith stated, "Me, our new Avenger friends, the senate, democracy for that matter."
"I admit my trust in them has been shaken."
"Why?" Palpatine asked. Again Anakin looked away but he knew the Chancellor could read someone just by looking. "They asked you to do something dishonest, didn't they? They asked you to spy on me."
The Jedi Knight sighed, "I... I don't know what to say."
"Remember back to your early teachings, Anakin." Palpatine told him, "'All those who gain power are afraid to lose it'. Even the Jedi."
Anakin scowled, "The Jedi use their power for good."
"That's from one point of view. The Jedi, and their counterparts, the Sith are similar in almost every way, including their quest for greater power," The Chancellor compared the two mortal foes, "The only difference is the Sith don't fear the dark side of the Force. That is why they are more powerful."
"The Sith rely on their passion for strength," Anakin argued. "They think inward, only about themselves."
"And the Jedi don't?" Palpatine raised an eyebrow.k Li
Anakin frowned, "The Jedi are selfless. They care only about others..."
After a brief moment of silence, Spidey continued listening in as he muttered to himself, "Aaaaaaaaand, cue Darth Plagueis story."
Palpatine then turned to Anakin as he asked him, "Did you ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise?"
Spider-Man pumped a fist, as he saw this come from miles away. Anakin shook his head. "No."
"I thought not. It's not a story the Jedi would tell," Palpatine sighed. "It's a Sith legend. Darth Plagueis was a Dark Lord of the Sith, so powerful and so wise he could use the Force to influence the midi-chlorians to create life..." He then glanced in Anakin's direction, "He had such a knowledge of the dark side that he could even keep the ones he cared about from dying."
Anakin's eyes widened in shock, "He could actually save people from death?"
Palpatine nodded as Spidey used his hand to mimic the Sith's mouth, "The dark side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural."
"What happened to him?" Anakin wondered.
"He became so powerful.. the only thing he was afraid of was losing his power, which eventually, of course, he did," Palpatine explained, "Unfortunately, he taught his apprentice everything he knew, then his apprentice killed him in his sleep." Sidious smirked to himself, "It's ironic. He could save others from death... but not himself."
"Is it possible to learn this power?" Anakin asked, trying to keep the fervor from his voice.
Chancellor Palpatine looked at him, and smiled warmly, "Not from a Jedi."
Spider-Man muttered to himself, "C'mon, Wanda..."
Back in the senate building, just outside the Chancellor's office, two Republic guards stood to ensure no break-ins happened. Wanda and R2-D2 hid around the corner, with the former peeking around the corner. She turned back to the droid, "There's no way we can get past them without getting their attention."
The R2 unit whimpered quietly before Wanda thought out loud, "Unless..."
She then leaned back in the corner again, another thing about her power, she could create illusions to distract her foes and make them incapable of fighting. It came in handy in her younger years when villagers tried to take her and her brother to the pyre and quickly take down supervillains. However, she wasn't going to create nightmares for the guards. The illusion would have them believe that she and R2 were never there.
Wanda waved her hand as a red mist slowly approached the guards. Practically invisible to the naked eye. When the hex struck, the guard flinched but stood still as if nothing happened. Wanda then peaked her head to visible sight to see how they react. They did not move in to question her. Then walked over to them slowly but cautiously and stood before them. No response.
Smiling in relief, she gestured Artoo to come to her. The astromech rolled up to her and accessed the door panel as he hacked into it. The doors slid open as they quickly went inside. Once the doors were shut, she turned to the droid, "Okay, we shouldn't hear anything from them. Let's get what we need and get out before the Chancellor or someone else comes on by."
Artoo beeped in response as he rolled over to Palpatine's desk, and found the computer terminal. She then instructed, "Try looking at anything that might seem out of place. Anything proving Palptine isn't the man everyone thinks he is."
As Artoo began his search, the Scarlet Witch glanced at both her Avenger ID card and the door, she could help but glance at the window as well. She and Artoo made sure that when they left, Venom didn't see where they left or came from. Still she was cautious of the symboite because it seemed more than willing to do whatever will hurt Peter the most and Sora was caught in the middle of it. As well as this Galaxy considering Venom was determined that the Republic still became an Empire and turn its attention towards their homeworld.
Thankfully, as time passed, Venom never showed his face. Peter hadn't called in to let her know Palpatine was on his way back either. No one sudden entry of the guards either. No one suspected a thing. Just then, Artoo made whistling noises, getting Wanda's attention. The Scarlet Witch turned to him, "What is it, Artoo? Did you find something?"
He then made a holographic image of an all too familiar battle station. While she had never seen Star Wars, Peter had shown he what to look for in the Disney Plus app with the episodes Wasp downloaded for her. Her eyes widened, "The plans for the Death Star... this is it!"
The image then changed to some sort of biochips, which must have been the Inhibitor chips Peter told her to watch out for. That was changed to detailed words which she couldn't quite read as it was in another language so she couldn't tell if they were encrypted or not. Still it looked fishy and that was good enough for her. She told the droid, "Copy what you can and we'll sort it out back in the apartment."
R2-D2 beeped in response as he plugged out of the Chancellor's computer and follow Wanda out of the room. Still under the hex, they guards did not attempt to stop them as they left the Chancellor's office. As she turned to leave the way she came, she saw the Senator of Alderaan heading her way. While Padmè has spoken highly of Bail Organa and Peter confirmed he was one of the good guys, she didn't want to answer too many questions out in the open. She tried to leave another way only to see a human with blonde hair she instantly recognized from the villain profiles the Avengers had. She whispered in horror, "Eddie Brock..."
Deciding to take her chances with Senator Organa, she turned the way she came and R2 followed her. Once close enough, Bail quickly recognized her, "Wait, you're Ms. Maximoff, right? What are you...?"
Before he could finish his question, the Scarlet Witch quickly shushed him, and hide him behind the wall, "No time to explain. We have company."
While confused, Bail saw Artoo was with her and decided to take her word and kept Quiet as Eddie turned to the Chancellor's office. While her hex made her and Artoo invisible to their eyes, she made sure it didn't effect if anyone else came. She could hear the guards tell Peter's oldest friend, "I'm sorry, sir. The Chancellor is not in at the moment and he's not taking any meetings today. You have to leave."
"Wait... what are you- AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHH!"
They could hear how helpless they were against the attacking symboite. Bail and Wanda winced as they heard a nasty crunch that followed. Artoo whimpered in fear. All three mentality agreed it was time to leave before Venom turned his attention to them as they quietly rushed to the elevator. Once inside, Bail pressed the button to the first floor of the building. Wanda couldn't help but sympathize for the men who were just trying to do their job, "Oh, those poor men..."
"That- that was the Venom creature that attacked you, the boy, and Senator Amidala. Why was he going to the Chancellor's office?" Bail recalled before turning to Wanda, "What were you doing in there with Artoo?"
"Well..." Wanda tried to explain before R2 beeped and whistled as if explaining to the Senator on her behalf.
His eyes widened in shock, "The Chancellor... might be playing both sides of the war..." He glanced at Wanda, who ultimately confirmed with a nod, turning back to R2, "What did you find, my friend?"
He then revealed the same holographic images that he showed the Scarlet Witch earlier. Bail examined each of the images, "This... this has enough firepower to destroy a planet! And... the chips... and encrypted files and transmissions... what could Palpatine possibly gain from all of this..."
"That's what we're trying to find out," Wanda explained, "And hopefully stop whatever he's planning."
Bail looked like he had seen enough, as he turned to Wanda, "We need to get this and yourselves back to Padmè's safe house quickly, decipher what we can, and then if it's enough, have Palpatine immediately removed from office." Bail crossed his arms, "It's time we stop the bloodshed and end this war."
The Scarlet Witch smiled at that as the elevator doors opened. He quickly stated, "Follow me to my speeder. I'll take you there myself."
They quickly ran towards the Senator's speeder and by it were two of his guards. Seeing both him as well as the Avenger in a rush, one quickly asked, "Senator? What's the rush?"
"No time to explain, we need to get to Senator Amidala," Bail told his guard, "Immediately."
Both guards sprung into action, entering the speeder and starting it up as Bail, Wanda, and Artoo all entered the flying vehicle. After that, they took off. Wanda kept her guard up in case Venom, tried to peruse them. However, he never did. It was then she realized that Eddie Brock never even knew she was there. While she knew Eddie knew the plot of Revenge of the Sith, it was uncharted territory from the moment they entered the galaxy which hopefully gave them the advantage to them. Sighing in relief, she turned to the Senator, "Senator Organa? What were you doing prior to all of this?"
"With Count Dooku gone, I thought it would be the best opportunity to summit a request that we discuss ending the war peacefully," Bail answered, "But if what you say is true, Palpatine will do everything in his power to ensure that doesn't happen. We need to figure out what he's been hiding on those files if we are to remove him from office." He then thought aloud, "Still, that doesn't explain why Venom broke into the senate as well."
"He likely figured out the same thing we did, and he knew we'd try to stop him so he probably going out of his way to let him know that we're on to him," Wanda thought out loud, "All so to ensure Peter suffers from whatever happens next."
"Then we'll move quickly," Bail's eyes narrowed with determination, "Before it's too late."
Later, Palpatine returned to his office in the Senate. He had heard and expected the Jedi's request for Anakin to receive the rank of master. However, to his surprise, he took it quite well as if he was thankful for what he did have. He was supposed to be angry at them because of this. Insulted. Ever since that Spider-Nutjob arrived, he's been a constant pain to his goals. Pulling his Appertice away from the Dark Side of the Force. Still, it wouldn't stop him. He only delayed the inevitable.
Skywalker still feared for his family and the legend of his former Master certainly gained interest. Not to mention his doubts about the Jedi were already there and the Jedi's fear of the Scarlet Witch helped with that. Soon, he would have the ultimate Apprentice, a Galatic Empire, and the Keyblade to allow it to expand to other worlds outside the galaxy. Spider-Man or his woman wouldn't be able to stop that. Soon, the entire universe would bow before him and with the boy, the legend of Kingdom Hearts would also be his. Not his step-brother.
However, as soon as he saw the entrance to his office, the guards weren't there. Odd. Wondering if someone tampered with his office, he kept the lightsaber, hidden in his sleeve ready as the doors slide open. He spotted a young man in his chair by his desk, his legs rested on the said desk, and he rested his hands on his desk. The young man smirked at his presence, "Chancellor Palpatine. I was hoping we'd have a chance to meet. Or do you prefer, Lord Sidious?"
Palpatine hid his shock well... this young man... he knew. He cautiously asked him, "Who are you?"
Eddie Brock merely smirked as the symbiote covered half of his face, "We are Venom."
Notes:
And that will conclude today's chapter! Oh, boy! Now Venom is going to have a chat with Sidious! This isn't a pretty picture. Especially with everything Eddie knows. Yeah, this chapter was a little dark near the end. Those poor, poor guards. Yes, Eddie is based on the Spectacular Spider-Man cartoon combined with Venom's appetite in most media like the current movies.
On the bright side, Peter's influence is helping Anakin, they have the Genie, and some evidence against Palpatine. But will it be enough? A certain defect squad of clones might have a say in it. And another special appearance is due for the next chapter. And as the Skywalkers learn more and more about Palpatine's plans will it be enough to forever change the Star Wars Galaxy? For better or worse? Will Sidious fall sooner than expect or become even more dangerous with Venom's intel? Stay tuned.
Btw, last chance to take a guess in the polls of what the next world will be so be sure to get on that before the results are in and the answer is revealed. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Be sure to leave a review, also if you haven't already, make sure to follow and fav. as well. See ya real soon!
Chapter 14: Chapter 13: The Avengers Strikes Back
Summary:
Venom has told Darth Sidious everything, now making him a more dangerous threat than ever. If the Avengers fail to stop the Empire from ever happening, this could turn out for the worse for the Universe. Wanda has an idea of how to avoid this fate, but will it, and the help of the Bad Batch be enough to save this Galaxy? And why is Xehanort not at all worried if the Avengers succeed or not?
Notes:
I don't own the Avengers or Kingdom Hearts. They belong to Disney, Square Enix, and Marvel. AND WE ARE BACK! After over a year of figuring out how to close this arc, I finally figured it out and got it in writing! Whew! It was longer than the other two parts of this arc but it was all worth it! Now, you shall witness the awesomeness of this fully written and finished chapter! (Pulls out my phone) Post it at will, Commander!
(Skit of editors of this site, preparing to upload the chapter as the Commander exclaimed, "Post it!" Then a green beam is shot from a Death Star-like cannon replacing the author notes chapter with this one!)
Enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 13: The Avengers Strike Back
Palpatine stared at the creature that... recently disposed of his former apprentice, Darth Tyranus, then attacked the secret wife of his future apprentice, the Witch, and the Keyblade's Chosen was mildly surprised to see the creature there. If anything, he was more shocked that he seemed to know that he was Sidious. Still, he played calm, not showing his shock, "I assure you... I don't know who you speak of."
Then moving at inhuman speeds, Venom came face to face with Palpatine, the latter nearly going for his lightsaber. The former merely grinned, "Don't take us for fools! We know everything! Sifo-Dyas! The production of the Clones of Fett! The Inhipator chips! Order 66! Molding Skywalker into becoming Vader! We know it all!" Palpatine's eyes narrowed, his index finger slowly going for the ignition trigger, ready to end the monster. It seemed to know too much and must be wiped out. Venom backed away and laughed, "Aw, but not to worry, we have no intention of telling anyone outside this room. We only came here to talk... aren't you curious, how we figured it out?"
"It's obvious," Sidious stated, "Dooku told you in an attempt that you would spare his life and have his revenge on me for... replacing him."
"WRONG!" Venom exclaimed, "We knew long before the Count had a chance to say anything! Long before we ate him and saw into his memories..." Venom's face melted away revealing the smirking human, "You really should ask. Trust us. It's mind-blowing."
He pulled a device from his pocket, that seemed out of date compared to the technology he had ever seen as the blonde smirked, "I'm actually surprised how strong the Wi-Fi is here." He tapped on the device before revealing an app opening revealing images strange to Sith Lord. Just below the big ads for some future and current shows with upcoming seasons, were five icons labeled from left to right: Disney, PIXAR, SONY Pictures, STAR WARS, and National Geographic, he then tossed over the phone and instructed, "Tap the one that's labeled Star Wars."
Staring at the icon for a moment, Sidious turned to the human host of Venom, "If this is a trick..."
"Go ahead," Eddie smirked, "We have nothing to hide."
After glaring at Brock for another moment, he tapped the icon and an image of an old Corellian light freighter appeared above the title of the icon he had just selected. Underneath all the things mentioned, there were several more icons appeared underneath it: The Mandalorian, Book of Boba Fett, the Clone Wars, Visions, The Bad Batch, Andor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Lego Star Wars Holiday Special... The list seemed to go on and on. Palpatine blinked in confusion, "What is this?"
Eddie merely smirked, "Scroll under movies. Find one called Revenge of the Sith."
The Sith Master glanced to Brock for a moment, before doing as he suggested. He saw the list of movies: Rogue One, Solo, A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and sure enough it was there. Revenge of the Sith. It came just before another three by the titles The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker. The strange thing was, according to the way they were numbered, Phantom Menace should have been first, not a New Hope.
He selected Revenge of the Sith, as Brock spoke up once again, "You can skip the Opening Crawl. Then feel free to check out as much as you, please."
Palpatine moved his thumb and much to his shock started to show the Battle of Coruscant, or at the least, the moment when his future apprentice and Kenobi boarded Grievous ship to rescue him. Everything seemed to be in sync with everything that happened. The only difference is that the two Avengers and the Keyblade's Chosen weren't there. This led to the death of Count Dooku the way he wished it would happen. He skipped along, he witnessed their crash landing back on the planet, he skipped again, with Anakin's rejection for the right of Master, he skipped all the way to the point where he told Anakin of Darth Plagueis the Wise, his former master. He then saw what was supposed to happen, the Council choosing Kenobi to hunt down General Grievous, his reveal that he was the Sith Lord the Jedi have been searching for, Anakin's turn to the Dark Side, Order 66, the fall of the Jedi, all of it. Even some things that he didn't foresee happening such as Master Kenobi and Yoda surviving and sending a warning to Jedi to stay away, Vader's defeat on Mustafar by the hands of Kenobi, Anakin's secret wife living long enough to give birth to twins and where they went to...
Wiping his head to smirking Eddie Brock, he demanded, "WHAT IS ALL OF THIS?! HOW DOES YOUR TECHNOLOGY KNOW ALL..."
"Of what happened and what's supposed to happen," Peter's old friend smirked, "Honestly, even we believed it was all fiction until your half-brother brought us here. It would seem our worlds are linked in a way your whole plan is mere entertainment to us."
"Impossible!" Sidious snarled.
"Search your feelings. You know it to be true," Eddie quoted from another movie from the same franchise, "It would seem your half-brother forgot to mention this to you."
Palpatine glared before slowly realizing, "Wait... if what you say is true... then that means..."
"That Spider-Man and the Scarlet Witch know as well," Eddie nodded, "Now you're getting it. Why else would they make sure the Dooku would be brought in alive? Or how Parker knows what you're going to say before you say it? Or how about that he chooses to stick to Anakin's side especially when you whisper in his ear?"
Palpatine's eyes narrowed. Of course. He didn't want to believe it but if Spider-Man and his witch knew what was going to happen, they were doing a heck of a job doing everything to ensure he would never be his apprentice. He was annoyed before but now he despised them. If they wished to oppose him, then they would perish alongside the Jedi.
Still, Brock's mutual hatred for Spider-Man and his loved ones presented him with a rare opportunity. Knowledge of what could become of his soon-to-be great Empire. Sidious slowly began to smirk, "Tell me, if I were to succeed, who would threaten me if all the Jedi go extinct?"
"Oh, a few would survive, but they pale in comparison to the ones who would bring an end to you," Eddie smirked, making Palpatine raise an eyebrow, "And we wouldn't keep Anakin around for long either if we were you. Sure, you might drag him down to the dark but he'll turn on you in the end... as a Jedi."
"You're mistaken," Palpatine glanced to Peter's former friend, "No one has ever turned away from the Dark Side."
"Tell us, have you ever heard of Reven," Eddie asked before inquiring further, "Or perhaps Gravid, Kel'eth Ur, Sajar..."
"Point taken," Palpatine admitted knowing those traitors' tales as well. He then glanced at Eddie, "How? I've groomed him his entire life, right under the watchful eyes of the Jedi, how could he have possibly turned on me?"
"His son," Eddie answered, "After he defeated Vader, you tried to make kill his father like you wanted him to kill Dooku, but when he refused, you saw him as a threat and tried to destroy him... Anakin didn't like that so... he killed you to protect him."
Sidious snarled at this information, that baby was supposed to die with Skywalker's wife, how come he never foreseen this when a planet full of freaks and weaklings did and took it as fiction and entertainment? However, so long as those Avengers, the baby, and of course, the Keyblade Wielder remained a threat, his new Empire was in jeopardy. He had plans for the future wielder, and quite possibly use him to replace Vader should he indeed turn on him, however, the heroes and son of Skywalker must die. He glanced at Eddie Brock, "Tell me, if my half-brother recruited you, then why come to me with this information?"
"All we want is the Spider to suffer," Eddie's fist tightened, "We know your brother's plans for him and we don't care who claims the boy as long as he is able to witness his failures and see his loved ones turn or die."
Ah, revenge. Sidious understood that motivation well. And how easily he could manipulate it. He grinned, "Bring the boy to me and I'll ensure the revenge will be ours."
Eddie grinned as the symbiote covered his body transforming him into Venom again...
As Peter and Anakin made their back to the Jedi Temple after a long decision with the chancellor the former stated, "Well... that was..."
"...something..." Anakin nodded in agreement. Peter recalled the whole Sith Legend from the film. It was one of the major points that led Anakin to become Vader. He just needed something to counter the Sith Lord's legend. Anakin turned to Peter, "Thoughts?"
Oh, he had many. He knew how this situation would turn out. This legend, if there was any truth behind it, would drive Anakin to become Sidious's pawn. Desperate to save his wife, when it came to doing what was right and believing that the knowledge of the Sith... he would unfortunately choose the latter. Countless lives would be lost. including the woman he was trying to save. If he told him that though, he'd think he lost his mind, and he could honestly say, he wouldn't blame him. He would sound like Deadpool... and that was an ugly picture. So, he turned to him, "Wait, don't Jedi have like... Force Healing?"
"Well... technically, yes," Anakin full-heartily admitted, "But not to the extent of preventing fatal injuries... this could be the answer..."
Okay, so much for that idea. Time for Plan B. Peter turned to him, "Look, we still don't know what might cause your wife to die... if we could figure out the full extension of your vision... Sora can just wish for it not to happen."
"Well, what if something else happens?" Anakin pointed out, "What if something worse happens? What if the Sith Master targets her? What if our baby grows ill and there's no cure? What if-"
"Hey, hey, hey!" Peter put both hands out in a calming gesture, "Breathe." Anakin followed his advice, as Spidey nodded, "Good. I get it, man. You're scared of losing her and your baby. I'm also scared about losing Wanda and Sora to Eddie and Xehanort. But we have to be calm. Think clearly before making any rash choices or we could end up losing them anyway."
Anakin blinked, "What do you mean?"
"I... know a guy back home," The photographer stated, "Wilson Fisk. I knew him as the Kingpin of Crime. Runs all the crime around my planet. We've been enemies for years."
The Chosen One blinked, "What does he have to do with anything?"
"Fisk had a family too," Peter explained, "A wife. A son. They didn't know about his criminal activities. Until one day, they saw us fighting when I was trying to stop another scheme of his." Anakin winced at that, Peter told him, "It gets worse. Not wanting any part of his life, his wife took their son and fled... but in doing so they were killed by an irresponsible driver."
"Oh... oh no..." Anakin actually felt pretty bad for the crime lord.
"Yeah, I wish I could have saved them," Peter frowned, "But I thought this would be the stepping stone for Fisk to finally open his eyes to see what he was doing was wrong." He then continued, "Unfortunately, he didn't get the memo, and tried to get his family back..."
The Hero with No Fear blinked, "How?"
"We gathered some of the world's most evil scientists, and tried to make a portal into the multiverse," The Web-Head explained, "He figured, he could just steal another version of them... from another timeline. Another universe."
"The multiverse," Anakin's eyes slightly widened, "You said your friends were able to accomplish this? Traveling from one universe to another?"
"Yes, but if done incorrectly, it could have caused the destruction of not just our universe," Peter admitted, "But also the deaths of whichever variants of his family universe he stole from the first place. You see, if not done correctly, the doppelgangers' atoms wouldn't be thrilled of being in the wrong dimension, and given time would ultimately kill them. And that's just the best-case scenario, the portal could of opened up a black hole within the city and swallowed everything inside of it. I couldn't let that happen, so I created a virus based on the data I stole from one of Kingpin's science divisions to foil his Collider and was able to get in contact with the Fantastic Four who helped me stop him before he caused too much damage."
"Say if he was successful, and it didn't cause harm to anyone, would it..." Anakin began to speak up.
"I know what you're thinking, and I've been in that debate about Gwen," Peter admitted before shaking his head, "No... She wouldn't be the same girl I fell for all those years ago. She might look similar, sound familiar, maybe even have the same interests as her... but Gwen I knew died in my arms a long time ago. No alternate version could possibly replace her."
After a moment, he nodded with understanding, "You're right. If I saw another version of Padmè, she wouldn't be the same woman I grew to love. The same one who bears our children."
"Besides if Fisk's plan had succeeded, it's most likely they'd try to get far away from him again," Peter added, "Even if this Legend is true, how would you think your wife would react to something evil would be the way to save her."
After a long moment of pause, Anakin admitted, "She might actually prefer death."
Okay, good...
"But if it's to save the family you care for, wouldn't it be worth it?" The future Vader counterpointed.
Not good... he needed a new strategy. He then cleared his throat, "All I'm saying, before making a decision that can drastically change both of your lives forever, maybe try talking to her about what you heard from the Chancellor, and hear her own thoughts before making this choice."
After a moment, Anakin smiled, "Fair enough..." After a long pause, he added, "You know it's nice to finally have someone to talk to these things about."
"Believe me, I get it," The Web-Head nodded in understanding, "It's hard to keep this kind of secret from your closest friends." As they approached closer to the Jedi Temple, Peter changed the subject, "What about your thoughts about the Chancellor's other proposal?"
"You mean leading a strike team to end Grievous and the war?" The Jedi Knight raised an eyebrow, "Trust me, I would like nothing more to end that monster and end this terrible war." He then sighed, "But Venom's still out there, and as long as he's free, neither of our families are safe. To be quite honest, I'd rather stay here and help ensure his capture and ensure Sora's safety."
Okay, Peter wasn't expecting that. He never thought he'd be grateful for an alien parasite to actually make Anakin want to stay on Coruscant. Spidey gave a grateful nod to him, "Thanks. Just how are you going to tell the Council that you are declining an offer from the Chancellor?"
"Hey, your advice worked before, I'll try to convince them to pick Obi-Wan," Anakin smirked, "He does have more experience than anyone with the General. Plus, I kinda want to see their reactions when I suggest Obi-Wan for the Campgian."
"There you go," Peter nodded, "And it's probably for the best anyone. You've got a lot going on. I would suggest you be Sora's guide on Earth, but considering your own drama, I don't want to add to it."
"I appreciate that," The Chosen One nodded as they walked up the steps to the Jedi Temple, "And in another lifetime, I would be honored."
"Still, I want the Avengers to have a good friendship with the Jedi Order, but I don't want to take away some of Sora's freedoms to do so," Spidey nodded, "If only there was someone who honored what the Jedi taught but not restrict certain friendships or not allow him to experience love or family..."
"Me too," Anakin nodded before stopping for a moment, as if an idea sparked, "Wait... maybe... there is someone..."
Peter was actually puzzled by this, out of everything he was going to say, he never expected him to say that. Peter raised an eyebrow, "What are you thinking?"
"I believe we need to make a quick call before we report our findings to the Council," The Jedi Knight smirked, he then turned in another direction, "Follow me."
Peter followed the expecting father, just wondering what his actual plan was. Well, considering this never happened in the original movie, he supposed most changes now were good news, he just hoped Wanda approved of whatever Skywalker's idea was...
Meanwhile, little Sora was drawing pictures, as the wife of the Jedi Knight sat down beside him, "Whatcha drawing there now, sweetie?"
The boy held out one of his pictures, "Just all the friends I've made since leaving the islands! Riku and Kairi missed out on a lot so I thought these could catch them up on everything!"
"Well, that's very thoughtful of you, Sora," Padmé smiled as she observed the pictures before looking over them. Many she didn't quite recognize as she never went on the journey to these uncharted worlds like the two Avengers had. However, there were a few she did recognize, "Let's see... I see Peter and Wanda." She then pointed to a picture of the picture between them, "Is that you?"
Sora nodded his head eagerly, before turning to another picture, "Oh, I see Ani and Master Kenobi! Artoo! Oh, and Threepio..." She then turned to the actual protocol droid, "You're on here too!"
"Well, I'm flattered to be on a child's friend list," C-3PO happily stated, "I just hope your own children like me as well."
"Threepio, the baby will love you, I just know it," The senator from Naboo smiled before turning back to Sora, "Oh... is that me?" Sora nodded his head again, "That is beautiful!" She then turned to the boy, "Do you think you can make a copy for myself and Ani with the baby?"
"Sure," Sora brightened up as he grabbed another piece of paper to get started before she turned to some of his other drawings, and instantly recognized the Genie. Honestly, after everything they experienced, it would be very hard not to recognize him. Especially not after the magical music number he performed. She then turned to the magic lamp. Three wishes. Could be anything someone wanted... within reason of the Genie's rules.
The boy wanted nothing more than to wish his friends were safe. And she couldn't blame the child for that. If she had that Lamp, she would wish if something bad did happen to her, like in her husband's visions, the baby would be safe and alive. That's all she could ever want. She just hoped if it came down to it, Anakin would understand that's what she truly wanted, what any good parents would want for their children.
Just then, there was a knock on the door. She wanted to assume it was Wanda and Artoo, or Peter and her husband, but with Venom still out there, she didn't want to take any chances. For the children's sake. Reaching for her blaster, she called out, "Who is it?"
"It's just me and Artoo, Padmé," Wanda's voice spoke up, causing the senator to sigh in relief and Sora to beam, "And I've brought over a friend of yours."
Moving her hand away from her blaster, she opened the door, revealing Wanda and Artoo... along with someone she didn't expect to see. Blinking in shock, "Senator Organa?"
"Miss Wanda!" The little boy ran over to the Scarlet Witch and leaped into her arms.
The mutant representative from Genosha smiled at Sora, "Hey there, Sweetie. Did you behave for Miss Amidala while I was away?"
Sora nodded eagerly, as Padmè reassured her, "Sora's just been the sweetest little boy." She then told her friends, "Come on. Get inside, quickly."
Everyone rushed into her secure apartment, as her own security backed up by Clone Troopers stood on guard in case Venom or Xehanort found their secure location. She then turned to the senator from Alderaan, "I have to say I wasn't expecting to see you here, Bail." She then noticed the concerned looks from the adults as the astromech whistled in deep concern, "What's wrong?"
"Sora, why don't you check on Tigger and see how he's doing with his friends," Wanda smiled to the islander boy, handing him her phone, "Mr. Organa and I have a little grownup talk with Miss Amidala."
Sora took the phone and dashed to the guest bedroom as the door closed behind him. Padmè turned to Wanda in deep concern, "What happened?"
"I... Peter and I... well... with everything happening..." Wanda tried to explain, "We wanted to help things between the two of you, and we know Anakin's uncomfortable spying on a friend. So, we may have secretly agreed to help him to ease his burden." She then finally confessed, "I... convinced Artoo to hack into the Chancellor's computer..."
"You did WHAT?!" Padmè's eyes widened in horror, "Wanda... if you were caught... the Republic would see it as an act of treason, allow the Jedi to take custody of Sora and-"
"Padmè, it was worth the risk," Bail spoke up on the Avengers defense, "Artoo found something..."
The former Queen blinked in shock, before turning to Wanda, "What did you find?"
The Scarlet Witch turned to Artoo, "Show her..."
The Astromech then projected blueprints for some kind of battle station. Padmè observed the plans, "What... what is this?"
"Blueprints for a battle station," Bail explained, "With enough firepower to destroy an entire planet."
"What would the Chancellor possibly what with a battle station like this," Padmè blinked in disbelief, "It's overkill. Especially so close to the end of the war."
"That's not all," Wanda continued as R2-D2 changed the projection, "There's evidence about these... Inhipator chips with your army's heads... making them more obedient to certain orders..."
"What kind of orders?" The senator from Naboo wondered.
Artoo whistled and beeped, before whimpering, causing Bail to sigh, "It would appear some of the data is heavily encrypted..." He then went grim, "Including transmissions that went directly to Serenno."
"No..." Padmè gasped in horror.
"Where's Sereno?" Wanda blinked not understanding, "What's special about that world?"
"Sereno is the homeworld of Count Dooku, a heavily occupied Septrist world," The pregnant wife answered causing Wanda's eyes to widen, "What's even worse is Palpatine himself made contacting the enemy illegal, and if this is truly the case..."
"...he only did so to ensure no one knew he was playing both sides of the war," Bail's eyes narrowed, "We need to decypher this encrypted data and see why he's breaking his own law... and if our worst fears are reality should be removed from office."
After a long moment, the secret Skywalker whispered to herself, "Maybe the Jedi were right to suspect the Chancellor..."
"Wha...?" Bail raised an eyebrow.
"We need to get this information to the Jedi," Wanda declared, "They'll know what to do..."
"Right," Padmè slowly nodded, before turning to Artoo, "Give a copy of the data to Bail." She then turned to the senator of Alderaan, "Get our friends within the senate and show them what Wanda found." Her eyes narrowed in determination, "If we are to end this terrible war and save this Republic... we must work with the Jedi to uncover Palpatine's plot before it's too late."
Artoo beeped as he already started making a copy, and Bail nodded, "Agreed. So, should we contact the Temple?"
"That won't be necessary." Wanda shook her head, "Master Skywalker is with Spider-Man at this very moment, and both are due to come back to ensure both Padmè's and Sora's safety. We let him know upon arrival and he'll know how to crack the encryption."
Padmè smiled and nodded. Having a Jedi as a husband certainly had its advantages at times. As Artoo made the copies for the other senator, she whispered to Wanda, "How did you manage to get past the Channcelor's security? I doubt they'd let you right in."
"I... sort of cast a little illusion in their heads," Wanda admitted.
The senator blinked, "Illusion?"
"I don't use it often as it could have major repercussions as a result, but this one was harmless," She reassured her, "They just believed they were doing their duty and never even saw us..." She then frowned, "Can't say the same when Eddie Brock went to Palpatine's office."
"Eddie Brock?" Padmè blinked in horror, "Venom was there?"
"He didn't see us, in fact, I don't think he was there for us at all," She admitted.
"So, why do you think he was there," The pregnant mother wondered.
"I couldn't say," Wanda sighed...
Wanda knew there was no real way of explaining why Venom went to the Secret Sith Lord's office, not without sounding absolutely nuts. Still, she had a feeling either she or Peter would have to tell the truth to them at some point. Sooner or later, Venom was going to screw them over to both Palpatine and Xehanort, and poor Sora would be caught in the middle.
She would have a serious talk with Peter when he came back. He had to know about this and plan their next move together. That's when Padmè sighed in relief, "I'm just glad you're okay. Maybe this Xehanort knows more than what's going on and told Venom about it." She then blinked, "Wait, these illusions of yours. How exactly do they work?"
"Well, I get inside people's heads, and most of the time play on their worst fears, let them foresee possible futures most of the time for the worst or even some of the worst moments in their life," Wanda explained, "I don't like using it. It's like the worst-case scenarios I only ever use it or just harmless illusions where no gets-"
"Wait, back up there," The senator from Naboo blinked, "Did you say, foresee possible futures?"
"Yes? But what does that have to do with-" She blinked in confusion before her eyes lit up, "...you think I can give Anakin clear foresight on your death..."
"Well, is it possible?" She whispered so Bail didn't overhear them.
"Hmm..." Wanda thought to herself, "I suppose it is possible... but I never tried on a friend before, I don't know what kind of effects it could of someone who can already see visions... I want Anakin's consent before we try. I don't want to force him to see his vision in full if he doesn't want to."
"That's fair," Padmè nodded before reaching for her womb, "I just want him to see if the baby is okay... If it comes between me and our child then I want to make sure the baby makes it."
Wanda smiled in understanding, "If I was in your position, that's what I'd want as well..." She reassured her, "But we're going to find a way so you both make it. You and Anakin are going to live to see your children grow."
Padmè smiled in apperception at that...
Back with Anakin and Peter, they went to the communications center within the Jedi Temple as the Jedi Knight had already begun to make a communication. The latter removed his mask as he blinked, "So, what are you thinking?"
"Before Obi-Wan and I were despatched to the battle of Courasuant where we met," Anakin explained, "I met up with my old Padawan with Bo-Katan's crew on Mandalore."
"Ashoka Tano," Peter's eyes widened in relation. He had forgotten, the last few episodes of the Season Seven of the Clone Wars directly tied into Revenge of the Sith, "Didn't she leave the order after being falsely accused?"
"Exactly," Anakin nodded before sighing, "I was always hoping she'd come back..." His eyes then lit up more positively, "But if she hadn't left, she wouldn't be where she needed to be. Now, she and Rex are going to catch Maul..." She then turned to Peter, "...and she might be the perfect mentor for Sora."
Peter then slowly nodded, "Someone who honors the Jedi's teaching without forcing Sora to make any drastic choices in his life. Such as love."
"And since she's not technically part of the order, there would be no problems with you and Wanda raising the boy yourselves," Anakin smirked, "I just hope she has a moment to answer..."
After waiting for someone to pick up the call, Peter turned to him, "If it means anything, I never believed was responsible for the crimes she was accused of... even before you captured the true culprit."
"It does... thanks," Anakin lightly patted Peter on the shoulder.
Just then, an image of a familiar clone appeared before the two, "General Skywalker!"
"Rex, how's the battle coming along," Anakin greeted his old captain of the 501st.
"So far the battle going well, we captured the Prime Minister," Rex reported, "Unfortunately, Maul led the Commander into a trap and we lost a lot of men."
Anakin's eyes widened in concern, "Is she-"
"She's fine, sir," Rex reassured her, "We were able to back her hope and put Maul into a retreat. We lost him. But we still know he's on the planet. She was actually just about to contact you or Master Kenobi with the information before you called, sir."
"Can you put her on," The Jedi General asked.
"Yes, sir," Rex nodded, "Right away."
With that, his image faded as Peter turned to Anakin, "So, that was the infamous Captain Rex."
"You'll never find a clone or friend more loyal than him," Anakin smiled toward Peter before the transmission fizzled as some appeared on the screen.
"Master?" The teenage Togruta appeared on the hologram before blinking, "Um... who's the guy in the onesie?"
"Technically, it's not a onesie," Peter replied.
"Ashoka, this is Peter Parker. Spider-Man. He's from a distant planet beyond in the uncharted regions," Anakin introduced the Web-Slinger, "He's a part-time member of a peacekeeping team known as the Avengers. He and another Avenger helped us rescue the Chancellor and captured Count Dooku."
"You actually have Count Dooku in custody?" His former Padawan.
"Well... had in custody..." Anakin winced sheepishly, "One of Peter's enemies working with the Sith broke into the Temple and... ate his head..."
"Ate his head?" Ashoka winced in disgust before glancing between her old master and Spider-Man, "I think I'm going to need more details."
"Let's compare notes..." Anakin nodded.
The three exchanged information on previous events, Ashoka went over a few details of the battle of Mandolore including how the trap was meant for a different Jedi. Peter knew this Arc. Maul was hoping for both Obi-Wan and Anakin. The former to recruit against Sidious and the other to kill before he became Vader. However, he acted like he was surprised by this information to protect the World Order. But then Anakin and Ashoka shared the prior events the battle of Coruscant and the events then afterward, Ashoka crossed her arms in disbelief, "Unbelievable, the Keyblade Wielders of Legend... alive after all this time."
"And thanks to this Master Xehanort, they are now pushed to the brink of extinction again," Anakin's eyes narrowed, "But with Sora here, we actually have a way to save the inspiration of the Order."
"So, what's the problem," Ashoka wondered, "The Council probably wants to recruit the boy on the spot."
"Well... that's the problem..." Anakin rubbed the back of his head.
"Wanda... my teammate... and very close friend," Peter spoke up, "She's been deadset on adopting Sora the moment we learned his parents didn't survive, and... she doesn't fully agree on several of the Order's decisions of how they recruit younglings. Mainly they never see their loved ones again and make them repress their emotions such as love." He then sighed, "And if I'm being honest, I don't blame her, and feel the same way."
"Ah, I see," Ahsoka slowly nodded.
"Peter and I want the Avengers and the Order to obtain a solid friendship," The Jedi Knight explained, "Especially with the other worlds unprotected, we need to work together to keep the peace and help guide Sora when the Keyblade officially chooses him. That's where you'd come in..."
"I believe in what the Order represents and what it means to so many, but Wanda and I don't want Sora to lose who he is and get caught up in all politics." Peter explained, "Anakin thought you'd be the perfect compromise... since you're not technically a part of the order..."
Ashoka crossed her arms, as Anakin spoke up, "Think about it, snips. This way, Peter and Wanda get to raise Sora, and when he gets old enough, can make his own choice if he wants to be a part of the Order or join the Avengers."
After a while, Ashoka smiled, "Believe me, it would be a huge honor training the next generation of Keyblade Wielders... at least until you can find the three missing ones." She then looked in concern, "But... I'm not sure if the Council will agree to this proposal."
"Not if we spin as a last-case scenario," Peter thought aloud.
Anakin lightly smirked, "Have them believe you're still considering but get the idea across when it's time for you and Wanda to move on. Not a bad idea."
"Could work, but you just have to capture this Venom and figure out who has this crack releasing all of these Heartless," Ashoka pointed out, "While, I track down Maul..."
"Hopefully, his capture can provide some identity to who the Sith Lord is," Anakin nodded before looking down...
"Anakin?" His old Padawan blinked in concern, "Is something wrong?"
Spidey turned to Anakin who looked like he wanted to tell her everything but kept the secret for so long. He whispered to him, "I'd like to point since she's not part of the Order, if you truly trust her, it might be okay for you to talk to her about everything. I bet she'll keep her mouth shut about you and Padmè."
Anakin's eyes widened as Peter explained, "My Aunt always told me that even the greatest heroes need to ask for help at times. That we need to learn to swallow that Parker pride and accept that you're human like everyone else..." After thinking about it, he realized, "You know I just remembered I'm in a galaxy with different races and species... and you're a Skywalker and..."
"I get the point," Anakin chuckled, "You're Aunt sounds like a wise woman." He sighed with a smile, "You're probably right."
"I'll make sure we don't get any ear droppers." Peter nodded to the Chosen One.
As he walked out the entrance to the commutations room, Anakin called out to him, "Hey, Pete." The Web-Head turned to the Jedi Knight, "Thanks. For everything."
"No problem," The part-time Avenger nodded to him as he left the room.
Ashoka looked even more confused, "Uh... am I missing something here?"
"A lot happened since you left the Temple," Anakin told his old padawan, then after a deep breath, "And there's something I should have told you a long time ago..."
Ashoka blinked but stayed on the communication, ready to hear what her master had to say...
Sometime later, Peter and Anakin found themselves in the elevator on their way to report the latter findings of the Republic's current Supreme Chancellor. After a moment, the former asked, "So how'd she take it?"
"Surprisingly, better than I thought," He answered in disbelief, "She knew... about Padmè and me... just didn't know how close."
"See?" Peter lightly smiled, "What did I tell ya?" He then proceeded to ask, "So how much did you clarify?"
"Pretty much everything," Anakin admitted, "She actually said she was happy for me when I mentioned that we're going to have a baby."
"Hey, she pretty much gets to be an Aunt possibly a Godmother then she can be looking forward to that too," Peter smirked behind his mask.
"A god-what now?" The Jedi Knight blinked in confusion.
"Oh, I guess you don't have those here," The wall-crawler blinked, "Well, back on my world, Godparents are supposed to be spiritual guides for your kids. You know, help them stay in the light."
"Huh?" Anakin blinked, "Interesting..." Before slowly nodding, "Yeah, I could see Ashoka fitting that role."
After a minute, Peter turned to Anakin, "Did you also bring up the dreams? And the legend?"
"Yeah... I mentioned those too..." Ashoka's former master nodded.
"What did she say?" The Web-Head wondered.
"And?"
"Well, she wants me to stay in contact with her so we can figure this out together," Anakin answered, "But doesn't recommend the legend... I can understand that because she already lost a friend to the dark side, she doesn't want the same to happen to me."
"Well... at least you know she has your back in this," Peter nodded reassuring him when they reached the floor as the elevator doors opened. That's when Peter's Avenger ID card started going off.
Picking it up, he answered it as Wanda's face appeared on the card, "Hey, Peter? Could we talk for a minute?"
"Is something wrong?" Anakin leaned in, "Is Padmé...?"
"Oh, no... she's fine..." Wanda reassured the senator's husband, "We just... found a way for you to get a clear picture of what happens in your vision."
"Seriously?" Anakin blinked before turning to the door to the Council chamber.
"Go on ahead," Peter told him, "I'll catch you up with Wanda's idea."
"Right, best not to keep them waiting," Anakin nodded before heading on to the chamber, "Hopefully both the war and the dreams will end shortly."
Peter nodded as he entered the chamber. Just as the doors closed behind the Jedi Knight, Spider-Man turned to the daughter of Magento, "Okay, Wanda... what's this idea of yours? Oh, and did you...?"
"Artoo and I were successful in stealing some incriminating evidence from our secret Sith Lord," Wanda reassured him.
"That's great!" Peter beamed.
"Just before Venom killed the guards and entered Palpatine's chamber as well," Wanda frowned.
"Not so great..." Peter winced.
"Peter... you don't think he'll..." The Scarlet Witch looked to him in deep concern.
"Tell Palpatine everything... including that Anakin's and Padmè's children will one day throw a monkey wrench into his Empire," Spidey finished her thoughts, "...honestly... with the symbiote in control, I wouldn't put it past Eddie."
"Which means Sidious will do everything to ensure Padmè and her children don't survive!" The current leader of Genosha realized, "Peter... we need to warn them..."
"You do realize they'll think we're crazy if we do," Peter gestured to the chamber where Anakin entered.
"Peter... with Venom out there... we may not have a choice," Wanda pointed out, "The Disney app should help... but I think I have an idea how to lean into the idea of we know where their path would have gone if we didn't intervene..."
Peter blinked in shock, as he proceeded to ask her, "What's the idea...?"
Meanwhile, Anakin made his report on his findings, Ki-Adi-Mundi raised an eyebrow, "Palpatine thinks General Grievous is on Utapau?"
"A partial message was intercepted in a diplomatic packet from the Chairman of Utapau," The Chosen One explained.
Master Yoda stroked his chin before declaring, "Act on this, we must. The capture of General Grievous will end this war. Quickly and decisively we should proceed."
"The Chancellor requests that I lead the campaign, but I feel like it's better fit for Obi-Wan," Anakin gestured to his Master, surprising the Jedi Council, "As much as I would like to personally end the war, Obi-Wan has more experience with Grevious then I do. Besides, I feel like I'm needed more on Courasant with Sora here and Venom still out there. Capturing Brock and ensuring the Keyblade's legacy survival are much bigger priorities, given what's at stake."
After a long pause, Master Yoda smiled and nodded, "Agree with young Skywalker, I do."
"As do I," Ki-Aid agreed.
"Aye," Mace nodded while still shocked by Anakin's mature decision.
"Well, Anakin, you've become much wiser since the capture of Count Dooku," Master Fisto smiled before turning to Obi-Wan, "Wouldn't you agree, Master Kenobi?"
"I do," Obi-Wan smiled, "I know you want to be one to bring Grevious to justice, but you making the right choice."
Ki-Aid-Mundi smiled as he glanced at the other Council members, "Perhaps... we were... a bit hasty when denying you the rank of Master."
Anakin's eyes widened, as Mace after a moment nodded, "Perhaps." He then turned to Anakin, "You keep this up... and... you may become a Master before you know it."
"Th-thank you," Anakin gave a grateful bow to Jedi Masters. He then made a mental note to thank Peter for all the good advice. He then stood up, "That being said, I do have an update on the status of our friendship between Spider-Man and Wanda..."
"Hmmm... change her mind, young Maximoff has," Master Yoda raised an eyebrow.
"Not quite, she very determined to raise Sora as her own," Anakin admitted, "But I might have an idea that might satisfy both her and the Jedi Order concerning the future Keyblade Weilder."
"What exactly are you proposing?" Master Plo Koon wondered.
"As you all know, Ashoka is currently on Mandalore attempting to capture Maul," Anakin revealed, "Well, she's left the Order, she is still carrying her responsibilities as a Jedi. If it came to it, I would like to recommend Ashoka go with them to Earth and be Sora's guide and when he's old enough, he can make his own decision if he wishes to join the Order or stay with the Avengers."
That put a lot of thought between the members of the Jedi Council. Aayla was the first to speak, "It's a little unorthodox... but... if Wanda still disagrees that the Order is the best place for him... it could be a good compromise..."
"Have you suggested the idea to Ashoka or our Avenger friends?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I made contact with Ashokha and spoke to Peter about it, and they're both open to the idea," The young Jedi Knight admitted, "Peter's just outside speaking about to his girlfriend as we speak."
"I still think the best place for the boy is here," Mace stated before admitting, "But... I'm not against the idea either if it comes to it."
"If that is the choice, our new friends make." The Grand Master declared, "Still oversee the Keybladers' return, we can."
"And should he choose to join our order, we can easily find a proper Master for him," Kit Fisto nodded.
"In the meantime, young Ashoka will help the boy start his path," Plo Koon stated as he was one of the few Jedi who never believed Ashoka was guilty of the crimes she was accused of, "I recommend we think deeply about this idea to appease Miss Maximoff."
The other Council members, uncertain of the idea, ultimately nodded in agreement. Aayla smiled at Anakin, "It's a good idea, Anakin."
"In the meantime, what about your trap for Mr. Brock," Master Windu asked him, "Are the men you requested for this task en route?"
Anakin glanced at Depa Billaba, whose men he needed were last deployed on Kallar where she and her padawan were deployed, "Master Billaba?"
"Clone Force 99 should be on Courasant within the hour as we have the battle well in hand," She answered with a smile, "Tech had already acquired the parts he needed for this weapon of yours to remove the symbiote from its host."
Anakin smiled as he turned back to Master Windu, "If all goes to plan, the war will be over, the Venom symbiote, Maul, and Grievous captured, and one of them or Brock can reveal who Xehanort hid the crack with."
The other Council members nodded in approval, as Mace declared, "Very well. Council adjourned."
Moments earlier, after Wanda explained her plan to Peter, he blinked in shock, "You can do that?"
"Theoretically, yes," She admitted, "Not something I like to use on a friend but... if he could see how she dies... maybe he might stir away from this path." She frowned, "Still, I would need his permission before I attempt anything."
"I'll let him know," The Wall Crawler admitted, "And what about your thoughts of Ashoka?"
"Well... I only know about her from what you told me..." The Scarlet Witch admitted still looking unsure, "But if you and Anakin trust her... and if it's the only way they'll allow us to raise Sora in peace... then I'm willing to agree to compromise."
"Great," Spidey nodded, "That'll take care of that, and if Anakin's plan works, take care of both Eddie and that parasite... still even with the evidence, even if Artoo cracks the encryption... Anakin's still interested in the legend of Darth Plagueis. Thinks it's the only way to stop his family from dying."
"Even with the Genie?" She wondered.
"Even with the Genie as he can't exactly bring anyone back from the dead and I already explained to Anakin why immortality in this life was a bad idea," Peter groaned as face palmed himself, "I have no idea how we're going to lead Anakin back if he's insistent on that legend."
Wanda hummed in thought, before smiling, "Actually, we might have someone back home that may get Anakin's interest. Someone that can beat this supposed legend."
Peter blinked in confusion, "Really? Who?"
"You know, this man is capable of bringing people back from the dead," The daughter of Magento reminded him, "Along with making the mute speak, the blind see, crippled men walk, cast out demons, turning water into wine, and of course walking on water..."
Soon enough, Peter's eyes widened in realization and proceeded face palm himself, "Of course! How blind I've been! Why didn't I think about him before?!" He looked to the sky, "Sorry, Lord. Didn't mean to forget about you..." Wanda giggled in amusement before he asked her, "How exactly are we supposed to bring him up to Anakin?"
"Just make sure you bring Anakin here tonight and leave everything to me," She reassured him, "I know what to do."
Just then, the Council doors opened, Peter glanced between the Jedi exiting the chamber and to the full-time Avenger on his ID card, "Oh, looks like the meeting's over. I'll see you soon. Love you." Before he could hang up, his mind just realized what he said as his face turned red, "Er... what I mean... em... what I meant to say is..."
While her face was red, she smiled back, as she lightly giggled, "See you see, Peter."
With that, the call ended, as he thought to himself, "Okay... that was embarrassing..."
"You've made quite the impression on the Council today, Anakin," He heard Obi-Wan speak to his old Padawan, "I know you don't always agree with what the Council decides but your wisdom really shined recently."
"Well, a friend of ours told me that I need to start counting my blessings..." Peter looked up to see Anakin speaking with his former Master, "It is a great privilege to be on the council and I can do a lot of good here. So everything else that I've been uncomfortable with... doesn't seem so bad."
"I can imagine who you're talking about," Obi-Wan smiled as he greeted Spider-Man with a nod, "Hello, Peter."
"Hey, Obi-Wan," Peter greeted as they entered the elevator, "How'd it go in there?"
"Honestly?" Anakin smirked at the Web-Head, "Better than we could've hoped..."
Sometime later, the two Jedi Knights informed Peter what happened with the Council. Informing they were considering Anakin's proposal, as Peter informed them Wanda was doing the same. Provided that she could speak with the former Padawan of Skywalker's.
Still, Obi-Wan's battalion was preparing for battle as Anakin admitted, "I wish I could go with you, but the mission here is just as important as it is on Utapu."
"I agree," The Jedi Master nodded, "However, it may turn out Just to be a wild bantha chase. Protecting our future Key bearer from the clutches of the Sith and Xehanort is a certainty and more important in comparison."
Peter nodded in agreement, "It means a lot to me and Wanda that you agreed to do this."
"Hey, you've been a big help yourself, it's the least I can do," The Chosen One smiled before turning to his former Master, "Speaking of, Master, I've disappointed you. I haven't been very appreciative of your training. I've been arrogant, and I apologize. I've just been so frustrated with the council but I'm trying to better."
Obi-Wan smiled at his old pupil, "You are strong and wise, Anakin, and I am very proud of you. I have trained you since you were a small boy. I have taught you everything I know. And you have become a far greater Jedi than I could ever hope to be. But be patient, Anakin. It will not be long before the council makes you a Jedi Master, your newfound patience and understanding, have proven that."
Anakin smiled at that, as Obi-Wan nodded to the both of them, "If Grevious has the crack, I will return with it so it may be sealed."
"Thanks again, Obi-Wan," The Wall-Crawler nodded to the Jedi Master.
As Obi-Wan turned to leave, Anakin called out to him, "Obi-Wan. May the Force be with you."
"Goodbye, old friend." Obi-Wan nodded to his old pupil, "May the Force be with you." He then turned to Spider-Man, "Both of you."
The part-time Avenger nodded in appreciation, as they watched Obi-Wan join Commander Cody and the 212th Attack Battalion. As soon as he was out of earshot, Anakin turned to Peter, "So, what is this idea Wanda had?"
"Well, since we haven't gotten many details other than what we already know," Peter began, "Wanda believes she could... use her powers to expand upon the vision... allowing you to see more."
"She can do that?" Anakin blinked.
"Apparently so," The Web-Head shrugged, "But she's only ever used on enemies as a distraction... she doesn't want to risk it on a friend if something goes wrong." Peter continued, "She also didn't want to force you to see the whole vision if you don't want to..."
"Hey," Anakin placed a hand on his shoulder, "I trust you and Wanda both. If she says she can help us find what causes Padmè to die... then I believe her."
"There's something else too..." Peter began thinking back to what Wanda told him early, "Something I should have said since we've met... but I've been unsure how to say..."
"Hey, we've trusted each other with our own secrets," Anakin reassured him, "If it's a difficult conversation for you then... I can wait until your ready."
"Alright," Peter nodded as the two of them started walking as Obi-Wan's Battalion took flight, "With any luck, we'll stop Eddie, save your family, end the war, and seal the crack."
"And with Wanda's help, we'll know what will cause Padmè to die," Anakin stated with a determined look, before turning to Spidey, "In the meantime, the men I managed to recruit in removing the symbiote from your friend should be here soon. We just need to get to Hanger Bay 99."
"Anything, I should know about these guys," Peter wondered even though he had a good feeling he knew the answer to that question from what he got from his previous conversations with Anakin.
"Well, they're different compared to their other brothers," The Jedi Knight admitted as they headed toward the particular hanger bay, "But they're the best at what they do and they can hold their own if Venom tries to put up a fight." He turned to him, "In a way, they're kinda like you and Wanda, you'd like them."
Peter slowly nodded as he secretly smirked under his mask, "Knew it! I got to meet with Ashoka and get to meet with the Bad Batch all on the same day! Trying really hard not to geek out!"
"So... I gotta ask... you got these crazy evil villains or possessed guys that you and Wanda have to fight back home," The Jedi Knight started to make light conversation, "What other guys do you have to fight other than Venom or the Green Goblin?"
"Aw, man... the list of mine is like crazy long, there's Kraven... who's a whacked-out hunter that wants to cut my head off and mount it to his wall," Peter began.
"Huh, sounds like he'd get along with the Trandoshans," Anakin muttered darkly.
"Yeah, or he'd just try to hunt them too," Peter pointed out, "Then I got these big brutes like Scorpion, Electro, Lizard, Rhino, Sandman..."
"I'm sorry," Anakin blinked, "Did you say Sandman?!"
"Yep, a guy who is literally made of sand and gets bigger and stronger the more sand there is around," Peter stated.
Anakin shivered at the thought, "Gee, now that sounds like a nightmare..."
"I used to like sand, but now... it's rough and course..." The Web-Head began.
Anakin slowly nodded, "...and it gets everywhere..." After a long moment, the two started to burst out laughing, as the former slave beamed, "Finally! Someone who gets it!"
"Exactly!" Peter nodded. Now he used to make fun of that meme after the first time watching Attack of the Clones but after fighting Marko so many times... he actually agreed with Anakin, "Hey, you used to live on Tatoonine, right? Has it ever gotten underneath your..."
"Too many times I care to count!" Anakin chuckled, "Still it was never sentient, its being alive must been a nightmare!"
"Getting all out of my spider suit is such a pain!" Spidey recalled, "I'm just glad he was never that smart before he got his powers." He then chuckled, "Still, his name is a whole lot better than some of my lamer villains... like this guy called the Trapster..."
The Knight snorted, "Trapster?"
"Oh, you want to know what he used to go by?" Peter smirked underneath his mask.
"Let me hear it," Anakin smirked, knowing it was going to be hilarious.
After a long pause, he told him, "Paste-Pot Pete..."
With that, the two stopped walking and burst out laughing...
After they stopped laughing, they shared stories of their heroics as they waited for the Bad Batch to arrive. Not long after, an easily recognizable ship descended down to the platform.
Peter's eyes widened under his mask, "I can't believe it! I'm actually seeing the Marauder in person!"
The shuttle landed on the landing pad, and not long after the shuttle doors opened as five unique clones exited the ship. The largest of the five removed his helmet to reveal a familiar face to the group yet different all the same as he laughed boisterously, "The Cavalry has arrived!"
The other clones removed their helmets to reveal clone-like faces yet distinct enough that each could be identified separately with ease. The cyborg clone saluted the Jedi, "Good to see you again, General. We came as soon as we received your message."
"Good to see you too, Echo," Anakin greeted the former clone of the 501st. He then turned to Peter, "Spider-Man met the Bad Batch. Hunter," The Clone looking like he was cosplaying Rambo gave him a nod. "Tech," The clone on his datapad looked up to greet the web-slinger. "Crosshair," The sniper's eyes narrowed as he nodded to Spidey. "Echo." The clone stood at attention. "And you've met Wrecker."
"Yeah!" The large clone pumped a fist before he excitedly asked, "So what are we blowing up today?!"
"Sorry, Wrecker. If all goes according to plan," Anakin told the brute slash explosives expert of the batch, "Nothing getting blown up."
"Awwwww," The large clone complained, "Now why did you have to say that?"
"Considering the General suggested that I create a sonic high-frequency weapon," Tech spoke with an accent, "We're not dealing with battle droids."
"Better get used to it," Hunter lightly patted the brute on his shoulder, "War's ending soon."
"So, who's the target," Crosshair asked as he played with a toothpick in his teeth.
"Boys, this is Spider-Man," Anakin gestured to the Web-Head, "He has a history with our target. He knows more about him than anyone here but first, you should know the full details of the mission."
The Clones stood at attention, as Anakin continued, "Just before the capture of Count Dooku, Spider-Man and his teammate the Scarlet Witch were on a mission of their own. One that will affect our whole universe as a whole..."
"The whole universe?" Echo repeated in shock, "How?"
"That Echo is a long story in itself," Anakin sighed, "One of which Peter is more than inclined to share. For now, they discovered a child with powers that preceded the Jedi Order and an agent of the Dark Side wants him for his own."
"So this is a protection mission," Hunter realized, "Why the sonic weapon?"
"Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch have kept the boy safe from his assets so far, this time he's trying something different by bringing an enemy of our new friend here to Coruscant," The Jedi explained, "A very dangerous with a nasty grudge... and like our new friends... he's enhanced."
The clones turned to the Jedi in shock, "Uh... what do you mean... enhanced?"
Anakin turned to Peter as he gestured to him, "Could you...?"
"Oh, right," Spidey nodded before leaping above all of their heads and stuck to the side of the Marauder as he waved his hands, "Ta-da!"
All five enhanced clones blinked in shock and awe, as Tech briefly removed his goggles, breathed on them, and wiped them down to make sure he wasn't seeing things. Placing them back on, he saw that his eyes were not playing tricks on him, "A genetically altered human male given the abilities of a spider... and yet not a clone... amazing..."
"You should see Wanda's powers in play if you're impressed by this," Spidey pointed out before leaping back down to their level.
"Uh... where did you say he came from again, sir?" Echo glanced at General Skywalker.
"We'll fill you in along the way," Anakin replied before glancing around, "Our target might be watching us..."
Crosshair scanned the buildings with suspicion in his eyes at that statement. Hunter nodded, "Best do it in a secure area then... understood." Hunter turned to his squad, "Wrecker get our sonic weapon..."
"And be gentle," Tech quickly added as the clones placed back on their helmets, "Best not risking our best chance of stopping the assailant."
"Yeah, I got it," Wrecker nodded. He turned black to the ship and carried out a large device from the ship.
Hunter turned to the Jedi Knight, "Alright, we'll follow your lead..."
As Anakin and Peter lead the Bad Batch discreetly to the senator's hidden apartment. As they did, another thought came to the Web-Head, "Wait... Wanda found some of the data she and Artoo stole from the future evil emperor encrypted. Tech and Echo weren't supposed to be here... but with them here... they might be able to beat Sidious's security and get the rest of the evidence we need! This is almost too perfect!"
He then sighed to himself, "But I got a feeling things are going to get harder from here... Venom likely told Palps everything including the fact we know who he is and what he's planning. Heck, he probably knows how we know. Okay... maybe this won't be so easy..."
Hours later, Wanda and Padmè waited for their respective men to return. The former was preparing a dish for supper with ingredients she had gathered from a nearby Moogle shop. Sora was currently playing hide-and-seek with Artoo, hiding in the closet this time as the astromech searched for him. Threepio tagged along as well, "Artoo, is this game necessary, if we lose Sora when we're supposed to keep an eye on him...?"
"It's fine, Threepio," Padmè reassured him, "As long as he stays in the apartment, let the boy have some fun. Besides, it'll be great practice for the two of you when the baby comes."
"Well... I suppose you have a point, Miss Padmè..." The protocol droid sighed as Artoo opened the closest door to spot the giggling child.
"Hey! You found me!" Sora beamed.
Both young women giggled at that, Padmè smiled, "Oh, I can hardly wait for the joy our own child will bring us..."
As she lightly placed her hand on her belly, her eyes turned to concern for her baby. Wanda gave her a reassuring smile, "No matter what happens, I'm sure your babies will be okay."
"I just hope we can still say that once Anakin gets a clear vision of what happens," The senator from Naboo whispered to herself.
Just then, there was a knock on the door, as Anakin's voice on the other end, "We're back and we brought some guests!"
The two women smiled before C-3PO went to open the door, "Master Anakin! Thank goodness, you've returned! Mr. Parker! It good to see you safe as well... and...oh..." The protocol blinked, "I've never seen clones like you before..."
The five enhanced clones entered the apartment with the two heroes. With the largest carrying a sonic weapon, as Crosshair dryly commented, "No surprise there."
"Senator," Anakin nodded hiding his romantic feelings for his wife, and nodded to Wanda, "Miss Maximoff."
The two smiled at the General while the Avenger did not hide her smile at the sight of Peter. Sora stared in awe at the Bad Batch. Echo turned to the young man and removed his helmet, "You must be Sora. Name's Echo. We're here to help."
Wecker then called out with the large device on his shoulder, "Hey, where did you want this thing again, General?"
"Just set it down over there, Wrecker," Anakin instructed.
Tech then turned to Wanda as he removed his helmet, "I assume you are Wanda Maximoff then?" She confirmed with a nod, "Mr. Parker here informed me that he received his powers when he was bitten by one genetically altered super-spider created by the scientists of Empire State University while yours were born naturally through mutation inherited by your father, correct?"
"Umm..." Wanda blinked in shock, "Yes...?"
"Fascinating..." The intellectual clone stated as he turned to his datapad.
She glanced at the part-time Avenger, "Peter...?"
"They're clones with mutations that gave them each special abilities," Peter explained as Sora observed each clone of the Bad Batch with curiosity in his eyes, "Anakin believes they can help us capture Eddie and remove the symbiote." He also whispered, "And Tech and Echo might be able to crack that encryption. More impressively most of these guys can resist the inhibiterchips in their heads."
Her eyes widened slightly, before slowly nodding, "I see..."
"Whoa!" Wrecker's eyes widened at the sight of the pregnant senator, "Hey, guys, it's the hot senator!" Padmè blinked in shock before the large Clone turned to her womb and frowned, "Aw man... and she's expecting... she has someone else..."
Hunter lightly patted his large brother on the shoulder, "It's okay, Wrecker... there are plenty of fish in the sea..."
Wrecker sighed and nodded, before his eyes lit up with Wanda, "Do all women dress like you on your world?!"
The daughter of Magento blinked as she turned to her outfit, as Peter raised an eyebrow as he thought to himself, "Seriously? You were uncomfortable running around in the jungle dressed up like Shanna, but you don't get why that offit isn't exactly appropriate either?"
Okay, he didn't exactly like the way Wrecker looked and spoke about her. Even though it was amusing seeing the deleted scene of the original Clone Wars where the Bad Batch first appeared, he now understood why Anakin wanted Padmè's image removed from their ship. Padmè then cleared her throat, "Master Skywalker? Why did you bring these men to my apartment? I have enough security..."
"...well, it's more to let the men know who they're protecting and we have another favor to ask," Anakin explained as he turned to the intellectual clone, "Tech?"
Tech then pushed a few buttons to reveal the image of Venom on his datapad, "Mr. Parker has told me much of the symbiote's influence on Eddie Brock, making him a formidable adversary. Along with his weaknesses to sonic frequencies and intense heat."
He then turned to the deceive, "While this device alone is more than powerful enough to separate the symbiote from Mr. Brock... there's still a high chance he'd just escape or destroy the device. However, it can amplify other stereo-like devices when hooked up. It's why we need to use a building that can easily be secured and extend the power of this device."
He then presented her with the one location that fit his description on his pad. Her eyes widened in recognition, "The Galactic Senate Building?"
"We have a plan," Anakin explained before gesturing to Spider-Man, "Spidey will lead Venom into the building while Crosshair slows him down to make sure he doesn't let him before he gets the slime ball inside the building. Once inside, Hunter will alert Commander Fox as his men will lock down the building and ensure Venom doesn't escape." Anakin then pointed to the center of the building, "We'll lead him to the Senate Chamber where Echo locks him in and Tech activates the device. Wreker and I will help Peter if the symbiote and Eddie still put up a fight. If all goes according to plan, Eddie will finally be free of the symbiote, and we'll ensure it never bonds to a living soul again." He then turned to Peter, "The Jedi Order will see to Eddie's recovery personally."
Peter nodded in appreciation. Anakin then turned to his secret wife, "We just need to make sure none of the senators enter the building so they don't get caught in the crossfire."
"Actually, I was going to contact Senator Organa regarding an important meeting coming up," Padmè admitted before promising her husband, "I'll be sure to bring it up to him..."
"And don't forget the Chancellor," Anakin pointed out, as he sighed, "I hate to have him caught in the middle of all of this."
The two Avengers and the Senator winced at that. The latter was still uncertain about bringing up the man Anakin looked up to as a boy who was secretly a traitor the whole time. Wanda decided to change the subject, "Anyways... I was preparing dinner for this evening. I wasn't expecting this much company but can provide dinner for..."
"That's quite alright, ma'am," Hunter politely declined her offer, "We ate before coming here. We just needed a form of approval before we go through with this plan."
Crosshair stared at the boy as the latter stared back at him, "So this is the kid who will one day save the universe?" After staring a bit longer, he stated, "He doesn't look like much."
"But he's so cute!" Wrecker exclaimed.
"We weren't much to look at first either," Echo pointed out, "He'll grow and with a bit of training, he could go places."
"We just need to make sure that the enemy doesn't get to him," Hunter stated before turning to the senator, "Speaking of, we're going to do a quick check-up and make sure we weren't followed."
"Alright," Anakin told the squad, "I'll let you know when you're ready to move out."
"Why don't you take Artoo with you," Wanda suggested as she turned to the senator, "He can help you make sure everything's in order."
Understanding what she was suggesting, Padmè nodded, "I think that's a great idea."
"I don't think that will be nes-" Tech spoke up.
"Hey, that droid saved a lot of our brothers before I joined this squad," Echo spoke up in the astromech's defense, "He's the best droid anyone could ask for." He then gestured to the astromech, "C'mon, Artoo."
R2-D2 whistled as he followed the enhanced clones out of the apartment building, as Threepio told the R2 unit, "And be on your best behavior."
"Wow..." Sora whispered in awe as the clones exited the room. Hunter glanced at the magic lamp for brief moment before following his squad out of the room.
Anakin sniffed at the pot, "Wow... that actually smells pretty good. What's cooking?"
"One of our classic dishes on our world," Wanda smiled as she stirred one of the pots, "Spaghetti and Meatballs."
"Wanda offered to cook dinner tonight, and considering how well it smells, I'm happy I accepted the gracious offer," Padmè smiled.
Peter turned to the current leader of Genosha, "I didn't know you could cook."
"To be fair, none of the other worlds we visited are quite as advanced as our on, or this galaxy," Wanda pointed out, "And we never really knew each other until Kang."
Anakin then gave Peter an encouraging look, "Well... for what it's worth... I'm glad I'm getting to know you better."
"Yeah," Wanda blushed, "Me too." She then glanced at Sora, "I'm really glad we all got to know you, Sora!"
The boy smiled as he rested his head on his hands...
Just as the Bad Batch left the room with Artoo, the droid whistled to Echo as the door slid shut. The cyborg turned to the astromech, "What was that?"
R2 beeped and whistled again, as Wrecker asked, "Wha- What's he saying?"
"He's saying... that he and Miss Maximoff managed to pick up encrypted evidence of someone playing both sides of the war," Echo turned to the rest of the squad, "Including transmissions between Coruscant and Serenno."
Crosshair's eyes narrowed, "That was Dooku's home planet!"
Hunter stroked his chin as he knelt down to the droid, "Show us what you two found."
Atroo projected a hologram of blueprints of some kind, Echo's eyes widened, "What is that thing?"
Tech hummed, "Some kind of battle station... but much larger than anything both sides of the war ever constructed... a lot more firepower too."
"How much are we talking about?" Wrecker stated deeply interested.
"According to the schematic," The intellectual clone turned to his brothers with a grim expression, "Enough to destroy an entire planet."
"Why would the Republic need that much firepower?" Echo blinked in confusion.
"Yeah, that's a little overkill," Wrecker nodded in agreement, "And that's coming from me!"
Hunter's eyes narrowed, "What else did you find?"
Artoo switched some kind of nanochip, Echo blinked, "Okay, what is that?"
"I know this one..." Tech's eyes widened, "It's been well documented that the Kaminoans inhibited the cognitive functions of clones to engineer them to follow orders without question."
"Ha!" Wrecker laughed, "Not us!"
"Well, obviously we're different. They manipulated preexisting aberrations in our DNA, resulting in your brute strength, Crosshair's sharpshooting skills, Hunter's enhanced senses, and my exceptional mind. Echo being more machine that man might be immune as well," Tech pointed out, "However, that may change as these chips are not yet activated. According to the date shown here, normally only one could activate them using a specific order..."
"Who and what order?" Hunter's eyes narrowed in anger.
"It would appear that part is still heavily encrypted," Tech stated, "I would need time to break the encryption."
"It's likely why Miss Maximoff passed this off to us," Echo stated, "Whoever's pulling the strings, we can resist 'em. And we have the means to get the full picture." He then blinked in shock, "Wait, you sad normally? Have there been other cases where this happened unexpectedly..."
"According to this, CT-5385's chip malfunctioned and had him execute General Tiplar in the battle of Ringo Vinda," Tech explained, "CT-5555 investigated the chips further insisting they were the problem."
Echo's eyes widened at that number, "Fives?"
"You knew this clone?" Crosshair turned to the cyborg clone, "We trained together in the same squad on Kamino, he and I became ARC Troopers together. We fought side by side in the 501st before..." He then gestured to his body, he turned to the clone, "What happened to him?"
"According to public records, Fives removed his own inhibitor chip after Tup's death," Tech clarified, "He believed it was proof that someone was planning to turn the Grand Army of the Republic against the Jedi. He wanted to report his findings to the Jedi Council and the Supreme Chancellor, but the fact he removed his chip drove him mad and attempted to assassinate the Chancellor. General Skywalker and Rex attempted to calm him down but in the end, he was shot down by Commander Fox."
"Fives tried to...?" Echo blinked in shock, before shaking his head, "No, no... I can't believe that I've known Fives my whole life and he would never betray the Republic. There has to be more..."
"You may not be wrong," Tech stated before gesturing to the encrypted data, "This data looks like it contains more data prior to his death. Including transmissions to both Kamino and Serenno."
"Hmmm... the transmissions to Kamino make sense but Sereno..." Crosshair stated as he removed his toothpick.
"Guys," Wrecker spoke up, "I've got a bad feeling about this."
"Yeah, same here..." Hunter nodded in agreement, asking, "How did the battle station plans get here? The files on this data would be too large to transmit without someone noticing."
"It would appear that whoever owns the files had a common meeting place seemingly abandoned," Tech answered as he observed the data the astromech collected, "This sector... it could provide more answers..."
Hunter hummed in thought before turning to Echo, "You want to check this out?"
"I have to," The cyborg clone declared before closing his eyes, "I owe Fives that much to see this through." He then stated, "But we can't abandon the mission either."
"We can multitask. The war may be ending but it's best not to take any chances," Hunter reassured him before giving out orders, "You and Tech can decrypt the data. Show us the big picture in all of this." He then turned to Crosshair, "You up to check out the meet-up building between the Count and the corrupt senator."
"With pleasure," Crosshair nodded as he placed on his helmet.
"Be discreet, report if you find anything," The leader of the squad told their sniper, he then turned to Wrecker, "Wrecker, you and I will ensure we weren't followed by Brock or anyone else."
The brute grinned as he and the rest of the Bad Batch placed on their helmets, Hunter then told the squad, "And remember, our second mission was given to us discreetly, which means, the word does not get out on this until we identified the traitor. We report to the General, Senator, and the Avengers back with the full data and whatever Crosshair finds at the abandoned building."
Everyone nodded as Crosshair picked up his sniper and ran out the way they came. Hunter and Wrecker went to make sure the area was secure. Finally, Tech and Echo went to work with Artoo to crack the encrypted data. They could only hope they could accomplish both missions before it was too late...
Meanwhile, dinner was finally ready and everyone was gathered around the table, enjoying Wanda's meal. The mother figure to Sora cut his meal into digestible bites for a child his age. However, that didn't stop the sauce from getting all over the boy's face much to the adults' amusement. Padmé giggled as she turned to her husband, "Oh, Ani... can you imagine the look of our baby's face eating..."
Anakin chuckled at that, the thought of being a father, of seeing a beautiful child such as Sora eased his worries a bit. Anakin turned to Wanda, "Thank you for the meal, Wanda. This is an amazing dish. How were you able to get the ingredients all the way out here?"
"There was a Moogle shop nearby," Wanda answered, "He had all the ingredients that I needed. Least I can do for letting us stay here and keeping our little one safe from the forces of darkness and... from those who would try to strip him of who he is."
"Still, not a big fan of the Jedi," The senator shook her head.
"No offense, while our goals and methods mostly align," The Scarlet Witch frowned, "I cannot agree with everything about your Jedi Order's methods. It's too extreme."
"None taken," Anakin reassured her, "And... I can't help but agree with your opinion." He closed his eyes before looking over to her, "You really think you can give me a clear vision... of what goes wrong..."
Sora blinked in confusion, as the daughter of Magento shrugged, "I never really tried it before on a friend... but with your connection to the force combined with my hexes... it's possible. But we don't need to do this if you don't want to."
"What choice do I have?" The Jedi Knight replied, "If I do nothing... I'll lose everything most precious to me..."
"Uhhh..." The confused boy blinked.
"Grown-up stuff buddy," Peter explained to the boy, "In short, Anakin's going through something, and Wanda and I are going to help him."
"Oh!" Sora smiled brightly, "Okay then..."
"We can begin after Sora gets a bath and put down in bed," Wanda smiled to Anakin before whispering, "I don't think he needs to hear all the drama of present events after... meeting Peter's old friend..."
The expecting father nodded in agreement, he wouldn't want to scare his child either. The pregnant senator turned between Peter and Anakin, "So, what did you two do today? Anything eventful..."
Anakin and Peter turned to each other, mentally agreeing to bring up the legend of Darth Plaguis after Sora was out of the room. So, the former replied, "Well, we learned that Grievous is hiding on Utapu and the Council agreed with my proposal to send Obi-Wan to capture him."
"Wait," His wife blinked, "You suggested sending Obi-Wan when you've been wanting to hunt that killer since he joined the war." She gave him a teasing smile, "Who are you and what have you done with Anakin Skywalker?"
"Hey, I can make mature decisions..." Anakin joked back, "I didn't become a General just because of my good looks." Everyone around the table laughed at that, then added, "Besides, with Venom out there, I'm needed more here." After a long pause, he added, "I... I spoke with Ashoka today."
Padmé blinked in shock, "Wow... I haven't heard from her since she left the Order..." She then leaned to him, "How is she?"
"She's fine," Anakin reassured her, "She's helping with the siege on Mandalore, to capture Maul." He turned to her, "She... knows about us."
"Oh, that I knew," The pregnant senator reassured her husband.
"Wait, what?" Anakin blinked in shock, "Since when?"
"Remember that mission we were hoping for some alone time and Ashoka joined on the last mission so you decided to take a shortcut through a Separatist fleet," His wife reminded him.
"Oooooh," Anakin blinked in realization, "Right~" He then shook his head, "That would explain how she knew... when I left the pilot set to protect... right." He sighed, "Well, now she knows everything about us and the baby and she has our support." Anakin smiled, "She's even willing to stay close in contact to make sure nothing goes wrong."
"That's great," Padmé sighed in relief before glancing at the table around, "This is nice... having friends to talk to about... well... all of this."
"Yeah, it does," Anakin smiled, he then cleared his throat, "I also proposed an idea that hopefully should satisfy the Council to allow Wanda and Peter to keep Sora while he makes his own choice where he wants to be." He glanced at Wanda, "I take it Peter told you my idea."
"He did, and this Ashoka... she sounds like an amazing person... and if it comes down to it, I'm willing to let Ashoka be his guide when he receives the Keyblade," Wanda nodded to him in appreciation, "I would still like to speak with her before we leave."
"Wanda, I know Ashoka," The expecting mother reassured the mutant woman, "You can trust her and I'm sure she won't teach Sora anything against your beliefs."
"And I'm certain Ashoka is willing to speak with you when she gets a chance," Anakin smiled, "We can set up a meeting after..." He then glanced to Sora, "Everything else is taken care of."
Wanda smiled in appreciation as Peter turned to her, "You know, you really are a good cook. My Aunt would like you."
"Oh, she cooks too," The mother of their future adopted child smiled at that, "Did she teach you of any of her talents?"
"Yeah... she's sort of band me from the kitchen when I attempted to make Thanksgiving dinner one year," Spidey smiled sheepishly, "I may have burned the entire meal."
Everyone in the room began laughing at that...
Later that evening, Crosshair took a speeder to reach the location from the data the R2 Unit acquired. Parking it a mile away, he pulled out his sniper rifle and scanned the area. The building appeared abandoned, but he doubted it would stay that way if something was going down soon. He then attached a grapple to it and shot a cable toward an opening inside. He slid down the wire to the entrance and went through the window. Keeping his guard up, he scanned each area of the room until he found the computer to open the hangar doors. If he was lucky, they would contain those who often visited this place. After making sure the room was secure, he stopped by the computer and placed down his rifle.
This area of expertise was always Tech and Echo's area, however, since they were preoccupied with cracking the encrypted data, it would be up to him. He did a very thorough search through its data... the data logs appeared erased but he did find something interesting. He then opened the Batch's private channel, "Hunter, I'm at the location and gain access to the hanger terminal..."
"Did you find anything?" The leader of the Bad Batch asked.
"The data of who came and through here appears to be erased, but they neglected to wipe the dates of who came in and back through here," The sniper of the squad answered, "It goes all the way back before even the war... just shortly before Maul made his first appearance to the Jedi."
"So, whoever Dooku spoke to..." Hunter realized.
"...was planning this for a long time," Crosshair finished, "They continued to meet even during the war... the logs just ended over a month ago."
"Makes sense, whoever's been meeting with Dooku, won't be speaking with him anytime soon," The Sargent agreed, "Venom made sure of that." He then asked, "Anything else worth noting?"
"Nothing I can tell-" Crosshair began before he heard movement going on from the other room, picking up his sniper rifle, "Scratch that, no longer alone here."
"Careful, don't get caught," Hunter warned him as he crept to the door, peeking around the corner he spotted the target along with the shadow monsters both the General and the man in tights warned him about.
The shadows were placing explosives around the room, as Venom declared, "Make sure nothing in the building survives. We can not allow Spider-Man to interfere with Darth Sidious's plans, so we eliminate anything he can use against him."
"Sidious..." Crosshair muttered to himself. Who was Sidious? That question was going to have to wait though. The alien sludge was using the Heartless to eliminate all evidence, and this building was about to blow. He discreetly ran back to the entrance where he came and activated his speeder to close in for immediate evac.
"Crosshair," He heard Hunter speak through the coms, "Is something wrong? Please respond!"
"The target here, and he's placing the building with explosives," Crosshair replied as he leaped on the window as his speeder reached the side of the building.
"Wha-?!" Hunter gasped before exclaiming, "GET OUT OF THERE, CROSSHAIR!"
Once back on the speeder, he flew off at top speed as he saw Venom leave through another way. He was just able to get clear as the building exploded. Sighing in relief, he heard Hunter ask, "Crosshair! Are you right?!"
"I'll live," Crosshair reassured him, "But I don't think we'll get anything else from that building." After a moment, he added, "Tell Echo and Tech to check the encryption if there's anything about a man named Sidious."
Back at the hidden apartment, Wanda had taken Sora to draw a bath. That allowed Anakin to speak with his wife about what he and Peter had learned from the Chancellor. He told her about the legend of Darth Plagius the Wise, while Peter sat quietly and waited to see how this conversation would turn out. Anakin finished, "...and this knowledge can't be learned from a Jedi but if I could learn it then you and the baby can be-"
"Hold on, Ani," The Senator stopped him, "Are we really turning our hope for our baby's survival through a Sith Legend?"
"Not just our baby's, yours as well," Anakin pointed out.
"Did you tell Ashoka about this legend?" Padmé asked him, as he nodded in response, "And exactly were her thoughts?"
"She doesn't think I should go with that plan," He admitted.
"Great! I don't think you should go with something that can turn you to the dark side either," His wife exclaimed.
"But it's to save you and the baby," The conflicted Jedi argued, "I don't want to lose you the same way I lost my mom."
"And I don't want to lose you to the dark side," His wife pointed out, she then sighed, "Ani... we still don't know what happens that I die in childbirth. And you said so yourself, you don't know what happens to the baby. He or she might be okay."
"But the baby still needs their mother," Anakin pointed out.
"And the baby still needs his or her father," His wife pointed out, "I still think we should try Wanda's idea before we do anything this drastic."
After a long pause, he ultimately nodded, "Alright... and to be completely honest if there was another way to save you, I'd take it. But no one else has ever accomplished something like this Plagius has."
Peter had been completely silent up to this point, he spoke up, "Well... that's not entirely true..."
The secret couple froze as they turned to the Web-Head, Anakin blinked, "Wha...?"
"Peter? Are you saying there was someone from Earth that can accomplish a similar feet," Padmè blinked in shock.
"There was someone who lived on Earth... a long time ago... who could perform countless miracles. He could walk on water, command the storms, heal wounds, cast out demons..." The part-time Avenger admitted, "...and could bring people back from the dead."
The two blinked in shock, as Anakin blinked, "Who, Peter?"
"His name is Jesus," He answered.
Anakin blinked with interest, "Jesus?"
"Wait, I know that name," Padmè recalled, "Wanda mentioned that you have a holiday that celebrates His birth..." She then assumed, "I believe she said it was Christmas?"
"Bingo," Peter nodded to the pregnant mother.
"Christmas," The Jedi blinked.
"Oh, Sora and Wanda were telling me all about it," Anakin's wife brightened up, "It sounds like a wonderful season with someone called Santa Claus, who children believe will bring to all the good boys and girls, presents and place them under a into pine tree..."
"Sounds like a very expensive time of year," Anakin pointed out.
"You're not wrong," Peter admitted, "But there's no better time of year."
"People put up colorful lights, and spend time with family and friends," Padmè continued, "And there are a whole lot of traditions such as making cookies, candies, and hanging something called a mistletoe."
"Mistletoe?" Anakin raised an eyebrow.
"If a couple stand underneath one," Peter lightly smirked, "They have to kiss under it."
After a long thought, Anakin grinned, "Well... I mean... if it's tradition..."
"We definitely have to include it," The senator agreed with an equal grin on her face.
Soon enough, Wanda exited the bathroom with the small child with light-soaked hair, "Okay, young man... bedtime..."
"Miss Wanda?" Sora turned to the Avenger, "Could I hear a bedtime story?"
"Of course," The daughter of Magento smiled as she gave Peter a light wink.
As she took Sora to the guest bedroom, Anakin leaned to Peter, "Whatever happened to this Jesus?"
"Actually, Wanda was planning to retell His story after everything that's happened," Peter whispered back, "So, you might want to listen in as it's a story all about hope."
Anakin nodded as he leaned by the room as his wife joined him. Peter then began to think to himself, "Please, God, let this work..."
Sora snuggled closely in his blankets, Wanda smiled as she began, "In the beginning, there was nothing... nothing but a God who had everything he needed. However, even though he had everything he desired, he still created everything you see before you. The sun. The moon. The stars. All the creatures of land and sea. And of course man and woman." Anakin leaned in with interest as the Scarlet Witch continued, "He loved his creation very much as he created the heavens and the angels as well. But some of the angels... led by one named Lucifer, were jealous of God's creations on Earth and tried to rebel against him. However, God and his loyal angels defeated the fallen angels and cast them to Hell. Though the Luificer was defeated, he still wanted to enslave us, so he deceived us and turned us against God, allowing evil into the world, and turning our universe into the one we know today... but God still loved us, and this was never his original plan. He came up with a new one, one planned and foretold throughout history... until one day, an angel was sent to a young virgin named Mary and told her that she would give birth to a child unlike any other... this is His story..."
Light music started to play as she used her power to create images of a stable with a star shining over it as well of it being watched over by holy angels. And underneath that manager was a man and woman with a baby in a manger. She softly sang to the spikey-haired islander boy, "There's a story that started on Christmas~ When a baby was born in the night~" Images of shepherds and kings approached the stable, "And those who came far~ Who followed the star~ Were seeing a heavenly sight~ A heavenly sight~"
"Wait, she hasn't seen anything Disney but she's seen Veggietales?" Peter mentally thought to himself, "Color me shocked."
"Well, the years hurried by~ And the boy, now a man~ Could make the blind see~ With a touch of His hand~" Wanda changed the image to Jesus gently placing his hand on a man lifting his head, likely for the first time in his life. It then changed to Jesus healing a young woman, "He was born to be King~ He was Rabbi and Priest~ But the best that He had~ He gave to the least~ He gave to the least~"
Padmé lightly smiled as Anakin's eyes widened. All it took for this man to heal these people, was a simple touch of his hand. Even the best healers couldn't even scratch the surface of healing someone's sight or anything else Peter mentioned but Jesus did it with ease. But this man exceeded anything that Force-Healers could do. Wanda continued, "He was born and He died~ Almost 2,000 years ago~ He laughed and He cried~ He felt all the fears we know~"
"But what does it matter~? A story so strange~" Wanda gave a simple shrug, "Even if it is true, what does it change~? What does it change~?"
"Though He spoke like a prophet~ Like no one they'd heard~" Wanda changed an image again of Jesus speaking to a large crowd, inviting all who were willing to listen, "This simple young carpenter~ Crowds hung on every word~ He hated injustice~ He taught what is right~" Wanda gestured to the image as she glanced to Anakin, who was deeply interested in this man, "He said, 'I'm the way and the truth and the light~'"
"His friends soon believed~ That truly He was the one~ The Savior, Messiah~ God's one and only Son~" Wanda changed to an image of Jesus speaking to his disciples before men with swords and clubs came to Jesus, "But others they doubted~ They did not agree~"
"Hold on," Anakin turned to Peter, "After everything he had done, how could anyone not believe that."
"Well, the Pharisees, the religious leaders at the time, who were expecting the Messiah to be a military leader rather than a peacekeeper who never hurt anyone, preferred the power they were given rather than helping the people they were in charge to care for," Peter explained, "They grew jealous when people started turning to Him over than them... and they wanted to kill Him..."
Anakin's eyes widened as the images Wanda created changed once again as she grimly sang, "So they took Him~ They tried Him~" The new image show horrified the secret couple as Jesus crowned with a crown of thrones, bleeding and dying while nailed to a cross, "He died on a tree~ He died on a tree~"
The Jedi blinked in disbelief, "So that's it... he saved so many but couldn't save himself..."
"Well, that's the thing, at any given moment, Jesus could have gotten out of there," Peter turned to the Jedi Knight, "Remember, He wasn't just any man, He is the Son of God, heck, he is God, and if he wanted to, he could've called down an army of angels to free him and kill anyone who would threaten his life..."
"But he didn't," Padmè turned to the Web-Head, "He went through with it anyways even though it killed him."
"But why? Why go through with it all?" The Chosen One blinked in disbelief, "Wasn't he afraid?"
"Of course he was," Wanda answered getting his attention, "He was so scared he started sweating blood and asked God if there was any other way, to take this burden from him. But he only went through with it... because it meant our salvation." Wanda then turned back to the scared child, "God has made a way~ For all who mourn and grieve~" The image of Jesus dying changes to a tomb opening and Jesus rising from the dead shining brightly, "Death will never be the end~ If you just believe~"
Wanda then lightly brushed the more at ease boy's hair as she happily sang, "There is nothing left to fear~ Nothing Heaven knows~ For He died for us~ To give us life~ And to give us hope He rose~" The boy closed his eyes as she repeated, "He died for us~ To give us life~ And to give us hope He rose~"
"What happened Jesus was meant for us," Peter explained, "For every wrong we've done, the good we failed to do, Jesus took it all to save us from our sins and give us a chance for Eternal Life." He smiled, "All we need to do, is trust in Him and pass on what He taught us, and He'll take care of the rest."
"And it's been said He's destined to return to us before the end of time," Wanda smiled, "And the final enemy to be destroyed... is Death itself and everyone we believe is lost will return."
"Everyone?" Anakin gasped in shock, "You mean... like Qui-Gon... and my mother...?"
"All destined to return," Wanda smiled, "God is the ultimate good and He loves us so much He was willing to give us His only Son to save us. Sure, until that day comes, it hurts when we lose someone we love dearly, but as long as God is with them... then they'll be okay."
Anakin blinked in shock before a relieved face appeared on his face as Padmé smiled, "Ani... this is wonderful..."
"It is," The Jedi nodded in agreement.
"Speak with God. Speak with Jesus," Peter smiled, "They're willing to listen. But you need to trust them more than anyone else. Not Palpatine. Not even me. But if you trust Him then no matter what happens, He'll take care of the rest."
"If you trust Him after everything you went through, Pete," Anakin glanced to the Wall Crawler, "Then I trust Him too." He then frowned, "I'd like to know what causes Padmé to..."
He frowned as Wanda approached him, shutting the door behind her, "Then we'll begin immediately..."
Time passed as she and Anakin sat in front of each other, the former told him, "Just focus on the visions you've been seeing, I'll take care of what comes next."
Anakin complied as Wanda reached a hand to him, as red mist came from her hand and entered the Jedi Knight's head...
He could see his wife dying, as he saw Obi-Wan looking down at her, "Save your energy."
"I can't," He heard his wife gasp.
"Anakin?" He heard Wanda's voice speak to him.
"Wanda?" He blinked as he saw his old Master trying to help her, "Are you here?"
"Don't give up, Padme." He heard Obi-Wan, "Don't give up..."
"I'm here," She reassured him, "Do you see anything different."
"Well, Obi-Wan's here this time," He admitted only to see his wife giving out her last breath, "But nothing's changed otherwise..."
"Hmmm... alright," He could hear the Scarlet Witch speak up, "I'm going to dig a little deeper, see if we can try this again from the beginning."
Just then, the vision expanded as the vision reversed itself and became more clear. The clearer it became, the more clear he could see his own body. He looked around, "I know this place... this is Polsa Masa."
"Well," Wanda spoke up from behind him as he turned to her, "It looks like it worked."
"Wanda! You're here too!" Anakin was happy to see the Avenger, he then asked her, "Can you see..."
"This time I can," She admitted as she turned to the dying senator, "Now, let's find out what really happened."
Anakin nodded as this time he saw more people than just his wife and Obi-Wan. Master Yoda was there. As was Senator Organa. And R2-D2 and C-3PO. Just then a doctor droid approached those within the vision, "Medically, she is completely healthy. For reasons we can't explain, we are losing her."
"She's dying," Obi-Wan gasped in disbelief.
Anakin didn't like to hear that information, as Wanda whispered, "Let's keep watching..."
"We don't know why," The droid contained, "But she has lost the will to live."
Anakin's eyes widened in horror at that information, "Lost... the will... to live..."
She was one of the strongest determined women he knew. What the heck happened that caused Padme to give up? Things seemed hopeless until he heard what the doctor said next, "We need to operate quickly if we are to save the babies."
He froze as he looked up, unknowingly speaking at the same time as the Senator from Alderaan, "Babies?!"
"She's carrying twins," The droid reviled.
Wanda smiled at that, and despite what was happening, Anakin let down tears of joy, "We're... we're going to have twins?" He then turned to Wanda, "Can we see if they make it?"
She nodded as she skipped to the part where they began to operate on the dying mother, as he prayed, "C'mon, please, make it..."
Despite the pain his wife was going through, he could hear the cries of a baby giving his first breath. Obi-Wan smiled, "It's a boy."
A baby boy? He let down tears of joy, "I'm going to have a son?!"
"Luke," She heard his wife smile at their son giving him gentle strokes, "Luke..."
Personally, he would've wanted to name him Jinn, but Luke was a great name too. Even though he wasn't really there, he smiled at his newborn son, "Hey, Luke..."
He could hear his wife wince in pain as he turned back to her, praying that the sibling would make it too. He was relieved when heard a second cry. Obi-Wan turned to his former Padawan's wife, "It's a girl."
"Leia..." She named her.
"A daughter too?!" Anakin was really starting to tear up. Crying tears of joy, as he smiled at both his son and daughter, "They're so beautiful."
Wanda smiled at him but not long after they heard her call out to the Jedi Master, "Obi-Wan..." Both Avenger and Jedi turned to her as she told Obi-Wan, "...there... is good in him. I know there is... still..."
With that, Padmé let out her last breath, confusing Anakin even as he heard his children cry for their mother. With that, the vision ended...
Both the Avenger and Jedi panted as Peter ran to the former and Padmé to her husband. The senator whispered to her, "Ani...?"
Despite what he saw, he turned to her womb with a smile, "They make it... they both make it..."
"Both?" Padmé blinked as her eyes widened, "I'm... carrying..."
"Twins. A boy and a girl," Anakin smiled, "Luke and Leia..."
The mother of their children let out tears of joy as she hugged her husband tightly. Peter and Wanda turned to each other and smiled. Anakin looked more relieved than he'd been since they met him. The Wall Crawler leaned towards Wanda, "So, Veggietales?"
"Eh, I volunteered for a couple of charities whenever there's not an Avengers-level threat going on," Wanda whispered, "The show might have been playing for children and I happened to be listening in every now and again."
Turning back to the secret couple, Anakin turned to her concerned, "Are... you alright?"
"Alright?" Padmé turned to him confused before smiling, "I just found out that our children are going to be okay! We're going to have twins! I have never been this happy! Why wouldn't I be okay?" She then gave him a concerned look, "Is... this about how I... die?"
"In the vision, the doctors said there was nothing wrong about you medically," Anakin frowned, "You just... lost the will to live."
"I... what?" She gasped slightly before slowly repeating, "I lose the will to live?"
"You sure nothing is bothering you?" Her husband asked with concern. "Because I'm here for you and our son and daughter... no matter what happens."
"I mean... sure... I've been worried that our secret will be out soon but..." The pregnant mother admitted, "That's not exactly a reason to lose the will to live for." She then sighed, "Look, if something major changes, you'll be the first I bring it up to."
"Okay, and I'll do the same," Anakin nodded to her, before turning to the two Avengers, "Wanda... Peter... thank you."
The two nodded before Wanda leaned to Peter, "We have to tell them. Anakin knows his kids will be okay and so will Palpatine thanks to Venom. They'll never be safe as long as he's free."
Peter sighed, she was right. He just wasn't exactly sure how to bring this conversation up, but he did promise Anakin that he would. He cleared his throat getting the couple's attention, "This being said, remember that talk I was a little uncertain about."
"Oh, right," Anakin recalled earlier in the day, "What is it? Something bothering you?"
"It's..." Peter began before they heard a knock on the door.
"General, are you awake?" They heard Hunter on the other side of the door.
Making a mental agreement to pause to hear out what Hunter had to say as the Jedi went to answer, as the door slid open, "What is it, Hunter?"
"The area is secure but... Tech and Echo were able to crack the encryption Artoo gathered with Wanda..." Hunter reported much to the Jedi Knight's confusion, "You're going to want to see this." He then turned to the senator and the two Avengers, "All of you... are going to want to see this."
Sora was tossing and turning before waking up. Wanda hadn't returned yet. Concerned, the islander boy jumped out of bed and exited the room. When he saw that no one was in the apartment room, he went toward the entrance. He saw everyone was gathered by Artoo. Anakin was checking out what the astromech showed Anakin's wife earlier, staring at it in disbelief as he turned to the R2 unit, "Where did you get this, buddy?"
Artoo beeped and whistled as C-3PO gasped, "The Supreme Chancellor's office?! My goodness!"
"So, this came from up top," Crosshair's eyes narrowed, "Meaning the Chancellor is a traitor to the Republic."
"That doesn't make any sense," Anakin gestured to the data shown, "Why would the Chancellor have these plans? How did he get these plans?"
"These designs came straight from Geonosis," Tech explained, "However, the plans were so massive, they couldn't be transmitted without drawing too many eyes." He then revealed the coordinates the batch discovered earlier, "Dooku personally took the plans and brought them to Courasant at this location. Most likely after the first battle of Geonosis."
"Crosshair, checked out the location just today, while he couldn't identify who came in or out of that building as that data was erased," Hunter gestured to Crosshair, "He did discover the building was frequently used even before Maul made his grand appearance."
"Dooku and Palpatine," Anakin blinked in disbelief, "Working together..." He then shook his head in disbelief, "No, that can't be true, Dooku tried to kidnap him on many occasions. Heck, he did capture him just recently before his death."
"Likely performed to throw off suspicion," Echo sighed in disbelief, "There have also been many transmissions between him and Dooku throughout the war. Some of the more recent ones have been about our inhibitor chips."
"Inhibitor Chips?" Anakin blinked in shock. His eyes slightly widened in realization, "Fives..."
"Ani...?" His wife turned to him in concern.
After a long pause, the Jedi turned to Echo and Tech, "Can you play one of these transmissions?"
Artoo beeped, saying he'd play the most recent one, as the hologram changed to two images, one of a hooded Dooku and another of a Kamnioian as the former asked him, "Lord Tyranus, have you received the inhibitor chips you requested?"
Tech's eyes widened, "That's Doctor Nala Se!"
"She's working for Dooku," Padmé gasped before wondering, "Why did she call him Tyranus?"
Anakin winced as if he had been keeping something from her and was deeply regretting it now. "I have indeed," Dooku answered, "You have done well, doctor."
Just then, Nala Se's image vanished as Dooku removed his hood. The Kaminoian's image was then replaced by a man in black ropes. Dooku knelt before the man in the ropes, "Our plans have gone undiscovered, Master. The clone in question is now dead. And the Jedi still suspect nothing."
Echo's fist tightened in anger, "They're the ones who had Fives killed! He's dead because of them!"
Anakin turned to Echo with sympathy and guilt as he was unable to prevent Fives's death, he should have listened to him. They then heard the cloaked figure grin, "Good... Destroy all evidence. When the time comes, no one will be able to stop our plans..." The heroes leaned in as the cloaked man grinned, "...to Execute Order 66!"
As the man laughed, Sora blinked in confusion. What was going on? He then turned to each of the clones and noticed something was off about one of them. As he slowly reached for his blaster...
"Order 66?" Anakin blinked in confusion, "What is that?"
"I don't know," Tech admitted, "We're still going over the-?"
"WATCH OUT!" They all heard Sora shout.
Everyone turned to the boy as he pointed to Crosshair, all except Spidey as his Spider-Sense went nuts. Acting quickly, he fired a web at Crosshair, but the sharpshooter dodged the web and aimed it at the heroes. Hunter acted quickly to pull his blaster away, "Crosshair! What are you doing?! Stand down!"
Crosshair glared at Hunter, "You're all in direct violation of Order 66!"
The sniper head-butted Hunter and kicked him away before shooting at the other heroes. Anakin quickly activated his lightsaber and deflected the shots. He turned to his wife, "Senator! Get yourself and Sora to safety!"
She didn't need to be told twice, as she picked up the young boy and ran back to her apartment, "C'mon, Sora!"
"Oh no!" C-3PO gasped in horror as the doors closed, locking the door behind them.
Wrecker charged in and grabbed Crosshair from behind, "Crosshair! What's the matter with you?! We're your friends! We're brothers!"
"You're all traitors," Crosshair glared at Wrecker, "Conspiring against, Lord Sidious!"
Anakin's eyes widened in horror, "Sidious?!"
Headbutting Wrecker, the brainwashed clone freed himself and picked up his sniper rifle. But before he could make a single shot, he was knocked away by Wanda's hex. Regaining their stances, the rest of the Batch, Anakin, and Spider-Man went to where Crosshair landed but he was gone. Anakin quickly took action, "Wanda! Stay here and protect Sora and the kids if he comes back!" Wanda nodded as Anakin declared, "The rest of you, spread out and subdue Crosshair! Something's wrong with him!"
"You've heard him," Hunter declared, "Set blasters to stun!"
With that, the remaining Batch, Spider-Man, and Anakin rushed after Crosshair but kept their guard up. They knew he was still the best sharpshooter in the Grand Army of the Republic. Hunter placed his hand on the ground, as Anakin asked the Sergeant, "Where is he, Hunter?"
"Odd, Crosshair's not stopping for a better angle to shoot us," Hunter stated.
"Isn't that a good thing?" Wrecker blinked, "What even happened to him?"
"The message we looked into," Tech managed to put together, "We must have unintentionally activated his inhibitor chip."
"I thought you said we'd be immune if that happened," Echo glanced at the intellectual clone.
"Well, it was still just a theory," Tech admitted, "Crosshair's must still be affecting him, even though we're fine."
"What even is Order 66?" Anakin glanced at Tech in concern.
"Guys, I think I figured out why he's stopped trying to kill us," Hunter declared, "He's heading for his speeder."
"Oh no," Peter's eyes widened under his mask, "He's going to let Palpatine know where we're hiding Sora and the senator!"
With that, the heroes continued to pursue the rogue Batch member. Anakin quickly reached his coms., "Attention all security! Crosshair is not himself! He's gone rogue! Don't let him leave! But set blasters on stun! I want him alive!"
"Yes sir!" A Clone posted outside by the building nodded as he turned to his brother, "You heard the General!"
The two clones set their blasters to stun and went to guard the one way out. However, they noticed a disk was thrown to the side of the wall. Not long after, a blot bounced off it and stuck one of the clones. The one still standing exclaimed, "Man down! Man-gah!"
A blot stuck him on the shoulder as Crosshair ran out. He then pulled out a pistol and aimed it at the wounded clones, "Everyone involved in violation of Order 66 shall be terminated."
However, before he could pull the trigger, a knife knocked the blaster out of his hand. Turning back to his squad, Spider-Man and Anakin Skywalker caught up to him, and he used his sniper to fire a few shots at them. Anakin deflected the laser fire with his lightsaber, "Crosshair! Stand down! We don't want to hurt you!"
"Conspiring with traitors makes you guilty of treason," Crosshair growled as he make a dash for his speeder. Before he could, Spidey launched himself outside with his webs and web swung into Crosshair, and tackled him to the ground. The brainwashed clone immediately went for his sniper rifle but Spidey kicked it away. Pulling out another blaster, he fired a few shots at the Web-Head but he quickly moved out of the way. He tried for his speeder but it was quickly shot down by Wrecker, turning his blaster on him.
Everyone slowly and cautiously approached him, as Anakin told him, "C'mon, Crosshair, we've fought each other side by side. You don't believe any of us are traitors."
"It's the chip in your head," Echo pointed out, "C'mon, we're your brothers."
Crosshair still aimed his blasters at them as he told them, "Good soldiers follow orders."
Anakin's eyes widened at that statement.
"Good soldiers follow orders. Good soldiers follow orders."
Tup said that after he executed Tiplar. Right before he could pull the trigger, Spidey shot out a webline and yanked the pistol out of his hand. Before he could try anything else, Hunter stunned him. Spider-Man then quickly wrapped him up in his webbing, "That should hold him until we can figure out a way to remove that chip from his head."
"Good work, Pete," Anakin nodded to him as he deactivated his lightsaber. He looked down at the defeated Crosshair, "Fives was right from the start... I should've believed him..."
"It's not your fault, sir," Echo reassured him, "It's Dooku and his Master's doing."
Wrecker wondered, "So, what are we going to do with him?"
"Fives was able to get his chip and Tup's removed before they died," Anakin recalled before he turned to Tech, "If you knew where it was located, can you remove Crosshair's?"
"I would need surgical equipment," Tech answered, "But I believe I can."
"There's an emergency medical room for that in the senator's room," The Jedi Knight took command, "We'll use that, but we keep him restrained until we remove that chip." He then turned to Echo, "That means it's up to you, Echo. You need to go through the data and find out what's Order 66."
"I won't let you down sir," Echo agreed as Wrecker picked up the subdued Crosshair as they went back inside. Peter also pulled out a few potions for the clones that were wounded...
Hours later, Crosshair groaned as the Bad Batch, the two Avengers, and General Skywalker looked down around him, a few of his squad had blasters trained on him. He blinked, "Wha-? What happened?"
"Crosshair, what do you remember?" Hunter wondered.
"We... we were going through the encrypted data when I-" Crosshair recalled before his eyes widened, "Oh... oh sith spit! I nearly killed you all. If it wasn't for the kid..."
Everyone looked relieved as Tech removed his restraints, as the webbing dissolved a while back. He told him, "That wasn't you, the message we intercepted activated your inhibitor chip."
"You wouldn't recall what that is, would you?" Anakin wondered as the mutated clone sat up and rubbed his bandaged head.
"I... I was supposed to kill all the Jedi Knights and all who aided them," He stated, "As well as obey the will of Darth Sidious.
"Dooku's Master," Anakin slowly realized.
"I don't understand," Padmè blinked in confusion, "Why would Master Sifo-Dyas want an army that would obey the will of a Sith Lord?"
"The Council told me to keep this a secret," Anakin sighed, "But he was working with another called Tyranus..."
"Tyranus?" Echo blinked in confusion, "Nala Se called Dooku that."
"Because we found out Tyranus is Dooku!" Anakin realized, "He helped orchestrate the Clone army."
"Wha...?!" Padmè and the clones gasped in disbelief.
"Dooku?!" Hunter blinked in disbelief, "You saying this whole thing... my brothers... the war... was a Separatist plot?!"
"Although, it would explain why the inhibitor chips would ensure we'd turn against our Jedi Generals," Tech stated.
"Not just them," Crosshair revealed, "Order 66 brands all the Jedi as traitors..." He then sighed, "Except for a few that willingly agreed to serve Sidious..." He then looked up to Anakin, "...and you, at least unless you turned on him!"
"What?!" Anakin blinked in shock, "Me?!" He shook his head, "That's ridiculous! I would never betray the-"
His eyes slowly widened as he thought back to his visions. Padmè's last words, "Obi-Wan... there... is good in him. I know there is... still..."
"Ani?" Padmè blinked in disbelief.
"My visions..." He slowly turned to her, "...there was nothing wrong with you... you died... because I broke your heart... I would betray everything we stood for."
"Ani, you're not making any sense," Padmè shook her head, "You would never betray the Republic."
"Peter!" They heard Wanda's voice exclaim as everyone turned to Wall-Crawler as the Scarlet Witch held a sleeping child in her arms, "You have to tell them!"
"Peter?" Anakin blinked in confusion.
"You might want to sit down for this next bit," Peter started, "It's a lot to take in." He then told Anakin, "You might want to contact with Ashoka as well. She'll want to know too."
After a long silent pause, Anakin nodded, "Alright... you have our attention..."
Everyone gathered around the living quarters of the senator's secret apparent. Holograms of Ashoka, who had only recently captured Maul, and Bail Organa appeared before the two Avengers. Since the latter was already informed about Palpatine playing both sides of the war. After another pause, Anakin nodded to Peter, "Okay, whenever you're ready..."
Peter had his mask removed to show how dire the situation was. He just hoped he could pull this off without sounding like a complete lunatic. After taking a deep breath, he finally spoke, "Okay... there's an interesting reason why Earth is up to date with everything going on during your war. How we knew about the Jedi Order and the Republic."
"Well, it has been reported about all over the galaxy!" Wrecker shrugged like it was no big deal.
"Technically, they should never have really heard of us at all," Tech spoke up, "With the barriers keeping us out of reach of these other worlds, nothing should get past it. Not even anything on the HoloNet. Otherwise, everyone in the universe would know about the Clone Wars."
"Then... how exactly have you heard of us?" Ashoka wondered.
Taking another deep breath, Peter was unsure where to go there, so Wanda spoke up, "Padmè, remember those cartoons I showed Sora? The ones based off the places we visited... and gave you the general idea what we've been through."
"Of course," Padmè smiled, "Hercules, The Great Mouse Detective, Jungle Book, and Hunchback of Notre Dame." She continued, "All ready good shows... it was a little surprising that they... were... all... real..." Her eyes slowly widened, "Wait, you're not saying..."
"Yep, you're all on there too," Peter admitted, "Until starting this crazy out-of-this-world journey, we would have still thought you all fiction."
"That's... very hard to believe," Bail admitted before asking, "Do you have any proof of this statement."
"Yeah, if you guys really thought we were all just fiction, tell me something only few would know about," Anakin raised an eyebrow, "Like something I would."
Peter then walked up to him and whispered something quietly in his ear. His eyes widened, before nodding, "Okay, I'm convinced."
"What did he say?" Padmè asked out of curiosity.
"Remember how I reacted when my mother died," The Jedi Knight whispered.
"He knew about that?" She whispered in shock.
Anakin confirmed with a nod, grateful Peter only whispered that information about him. Echo blinked, "Uh, do we want to know?"
"Look, here," Wanda then pulled out her phone, "If you want further proof."
Opening up the Disney Plus app, she presented it to Tech, as Peter pointed to one of the tabs, "Tap the one labeled, 'Star Wars.'"
Doing so, caused Tech's eyes to widen in shock. He was so shocked, that he removed his goggles in disbelief, "My word..."
The clones and the secret couple gathered around the intellectual clone. Hunter read some of the titles, "The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, The Clone Wars..."
"Hey!" Wrecker beamed as he pointed to one with their squad's name on it, "That's us! We must be famous back on Earth!"
"What about that one," Echo gestured to the third movie, "Revenge of the Sith."
"What's that one about?" Ashoka asked. Almost afraid of the answer they'd get.
"It's the events that are happening now if Wanda, Sora, and I never came to your galaxy," Peter explained, "Starting when Anakin and Obi-Wan joined the battle over Coruscant."
"So, you guys knew everything that was going to happen," Hunter blinked in shock.
"Well, Peter did, I'm still new to the Disney... thing..." Wanda corrected before gesturing to Peter again, "He knew about you guys that most as he is a really big fan of yours."
"That would explain why you've fainted on Grevious's ship where we met," Anakin lightly smirked.
Ashoka, Hunter, Echo, Bail, and Padmè tried to hold back their laughter while Wrecker cracked up. He gave Peter an apologetic smile before he asked in concern, "So... what would have happened if you guys didn't interfere?"
"Well, things played out not too differently, you and Obi-Wan still would've rescued the Chancellor," Peter began, "Of course, instead of bringing back Dooku alive, you end up killing him. You didn't take... certain news well."
Anakin's eyes widened, "So, that's how he knew that the Council was going to deny me the rank of Master." He then cleared his throat, "What about the visions?"
"Well, you get close to the Chancellor's side without checking to see if any other options exist to stop the things you have foreseen, and eventually find out..." Peter answered, "Well... I'm sure it's pretty obvious from the evidence we gathered that Palpatine is the Sith Lord the Jedi Order has been looking for."
"Dooku's Master," Ashoka's eyes narrowed.
Peter confirmed with a nod, as Anakin sighed, "I'd turn to the Dark Side, don't I?"
"What, Ani you would never-" His wife denied.
"Unfortunately, he is not wrong," Peter sighed, "You perform many acts of evil to save the ones you love... becoming a Sith Lord yourself..."
"Lord Vader," Crosshair spoke up getting everyone's attention, "That's how we were to address General Skywalker if he'd turn. Darth Vader."
"He even had a name picked out for me already," Anakin's eyes widened in disbelief, "That's how certain he knew I would turn." His eyes closed, "And that's how I lose everything..."
"Maul told me he foresaw you becoming Sidious's new apprentice," Ashoka admitted, "I thought he was lying or his vision were flawed..." She turned to her old master, "Unfortunately... they weren't that far off."
"The chips inside the clones would've activated," Spidey continued, "The Jedi Order would have been destroyed with only a handful of survivors. The Republic would've fallen and a Galatic Empire would have taken its place."
"Galatic Empire?" Echo raised an eyebrow.
"Many good people die at the hand of their rule, slowly killing off any remnants of the Republic," Peter explained, "Along with anything that could trace back to him."
"He's already started on it," Crosshair admitted, "Venom and the Heartless wiped out the "abandoned" building he and Dooku frequently used to meet up."
"And the blueprints for the planet killer," Bail wondered.
"The Death Star has been used only a few times but it would have used full power to destroy Aldraan," Peter revealed causing Bail's eyes to widen in horror, "As they were declared traitors to the Empire despite being a peaceful planet."
"Gee, and we're supposed to be your favorite franchise," Wrecker rubbed the back of his head.
"There was a glimmer of hope," Peter revealed, "Not everyone just stood aside and let the Empire or the Sith have their way."
"The babies..." Padmè's eyes widened in realization.
"You're children play a big role in bringing the tyranny of the Empire to an end," Peter smiled, "Leia would grow on to be a senator and powerful figure within the Rebellion. While Luke would become their best pilot, ended up destroying the Death Star, and grew up to be a noble Jedi Knight..." Anakin's eyes slowly widened as Peter revealed with a grin on his face, "...and Grand Master of the New Jedi Order."
"Grand Master?" Anakin thought to himself as tears of joy fell down on his face, "My son?"
"He gained his knighthood by defeating Vader, and bringing back you into the light," Peter revealed, "...and you fulfill the prophecy of the Chosen One. Destroying the Sith and bringing balance to the Force."
Padmè smiled in relief and glanced to her womb. Anakin did the same. Tech then pointed out, "But you, Miss Maximoff, and the young boy did come and change things. Dooku was arrested after rescuing the Chancellor..."
"Yeah," Wrecker nodded, "Then Venom ate his head!"
"I think it's safe to say your presence changed things here," Echo declared, "It's too early to say if it's for the better."
"Wait..." The pregnant mother slowly began to realize, "You said Eddie Brock was heading the Chancellor's office earlier. At the time, the evidence he was hiding caught more of my attention. But if he went to see him, does that mean..."
"Yes, Eddie and I both watched Star Wars... you guys... as we grew up together," Peter admitted confirming the senator's fears, "Everything I know about what's going to happen he knows. It's why he killed Count Dooku when we captured him. He doesn't want to stop the Empire rising, he wants it to happen to spite me... and if he shared how I know what I know with him..."
Bail's face turned pale, "He'll target everyone who ever opposes him. Any Jedi that survives his Order 66, political figures that stand against him..."
"...and the children who will one day rise against him," Padmè froze in fear for her children, "He... he couldn't... wouldn't..."
Anakin admitted. His feelings for Palpatine were conflicting... one the one had, he was the father figure he never had after Qui-Gon was killed. On the other hand, he was the Sith Lord. The one the Jedi Order has been looking for. Everything horrible and tragic that happened or could happen was because of him! Then again, like Wanda, he didn't agree with everything the Order did. However, what finally drew the line between him and Palpatine was made when he was going to threaten his family! His children!
He turned to his wife with determination in his look, "He won't! I won't let him!"
"You mean we won't let it happen," Wanda smiled at the Jedi Knight turning to him, "You may be the Chosen One but you're not alone in this fight. Sidious will likely go after Sora too."
"That makes it our fight too," Peter admitted.
Anakin smiled in appreciation, before nodding, "Okay, we know the truth and we have evidence that not only Palpatine is the Sith Lord but has been playing both sides of the war..."
"That should be more than enough evidence to remove the Chancellor from office," Bail declared, "I'll speak to our friends in the senate for an immediate impeachment and move to arrest Palpatine for his actions of treason."
"And with Maul in custody," Ashoka nodded in agreement, "I'll bring him over so the Jedi Council can make him testify against his former Master."
"That still leaves one problem," Tech pointed out as he held up Crosshair's inhibitor chip, "The chips themselves..."
"He's right, even if we warned everyone about the inhibitor chips, it'll take ages to get them all removed from our brothers all over the galaxy," Echo nodded in agreement, "He could still activate them and take the galaxy by force."
"Many would die," Padmè frowned, "Potentially starting another war."
"If only we had a way to remove them all at once," Wanda sighed...
...before a tiny hand lifted up beside her, as Sora beamed, "I know! I know! I know!"
Anakin looked to the two Avengers with an amused look as the little islander boy continued to raise his hand eagerly, "Guess someone's not got that much sleep tonight."
"It would appear not," Wanda admitted she turned to the boy, "Okay, Sora, what's this idea of yours?"
"WE WISH THESE IM-HIT-A-ER CHIPS OUT!" Sora happily beamed.
Getting odd stars from the Bad Batch and an amused look from Bail, "My young friend, that's... an interesting proposal but..."
"WAIT!" Padmè cut him off as she turned to the Avengers and her secret husband, "THAT MIGHT WORK!"
"Padmè?" Ashsoka blinked in confusion.
"Of course!" Anakin came to the same conclusion as Wanda and Peter joined the secret couple as they exclaimed together, "THE LAMP!"
The Jedi Knight force-pulled the magic lamp towards them and caught it. He handed it to Wanda who handed it to Sora, whispering to him, "Good thinking, Sora." She then added, "But let's ask and see if he can accomplish this before we make the wish."
"Uh, Anakin?" Ashoka blinked even more confused.
"Ashoka..." Her former Master turned to her, "...brace yourself for who you are about to meet."
"Hey, I know I'm not the smart guy like Tech is but..." Wrecker started before gesturing to the lamp as Sora took hold of it, "...nothing alive could live in there."
"Someone or something is in there," Hunter turned to the brute of the squad, "But who or what it is, I can't say."
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with Wrecker," Tech glanced to Hunter as Sora rubbed the lamp, "There is no way anything could live in something like tha-"
Just then, blue smoke came out as the Genie appeared, "FINALLY!" He then lightly joked, "I was beginning to worry I was never going to appear in the third act at this rate!"
Ashoka, Bail, and the Bad Batch blinked at Genie's grand appearance as Tech declared, "...I stand corrected."
"So, are we ready to grant a wish, or do you want me to recap the last chapter for our newcomers?" Genie smirked as he gestured to the clones and those on holograms.
"Actually, we have a question," Peter spoke up as he took the Inhibitor Chip from Tech, "These Inhibitor Chips have been planted in these guys' heads all over the galaxy. Is there by any chance you could remove them without hurting the clones?"
Genie took the chip and used a magnifying glass to observe it before handing it back, "Well, let's see..." He then pulled out the Genie rule book, "Removing potato chips?" Literally pulls out a bowl of potato chips from the book before tossing it aside, "No." He then pulled out a plate of fish and fries, "Removing fish and chips?" Tossing the plate aside, he shook his head, "No." He then pulled out something something so tiny from the book, it was almost invisible, "Removing nanochips?" He then flicked it away, "Not quite but getting warmer..." He then placed a finger on the page, "AH! Removing Inhibitor Chips!"
After scanning the book, with his eyes planted on the page, he then pulled his eyes back in and tossed the book aside, "Well, there's no rules saying I can't!"
"Great!" Sora beamed as everyone else new to Genie was dumbfounded before starting, "I wish for-"
"Hold it, buddy," Anakin smiled to the young boy, "I'm happy that you want to help, but if you wish it on something like this early the bad guy will know it and escape. We don't want them to get away." Before glancing to everyone else, "And we need to make sure he can actually say inhibitor first..."
Everyone nodded in agreement, the last thing they needed was for Sora to accidentally wish for the wrong thing. Ashoka then turned to the Genie, "But you can do it, can you? Every clone in every in the galaxy?"
"As sure as you'll return for season 2 of your live action series," Genie smirked.
"Wait, I actually have a series on that thing?" Ashoka blinked as she turned to Wanda's iPhone.
Anakin then turned to Hunter, "We're going to make a slight alteration to the original plan. We take down both Venom and Sidious inside the Senate building. Echo and Artoo will release the information to the public. Every corner in the Galaxy."
"To both the Republic and the Separatist," Padmè's eyes narrowed in determination, "They were fooled by the Sith just as we were."
"And at the same time, Sora will wish that all the inhibitor chips be removed we'll we keep Palpatine and Venom busy," Anakin declared, "I'll see to it personally. Senator Organa? Can you stop by the Jedi Temple, and alert Master Windu. Tell him to bring our best fighters as he can but keep most us in the Temple should something go wrong."
"I will do so immediately," Bail nodded in determination, "The fate of the Republic and the Jedi Order will depend on our actions today."
"I'll inform Bo-Katan and Rex as well," Ashoka added, "We'll return to Coruscant with quick haste. May the Force be with us all."
"Stay safe, Snips," Anakin told his padawn.
"You as well, Skyguy," Ashoka lightly smiled as the transmissions ended.
Anakin took a deep breath, he whispered, "In your shows, if the worst comes to pass, does Ashoka...?"
"You actually prepared her just for this kind of situation," Peter reassured him, "She'll make it and save Rex while she's at it."
Anakin sighed in relief, "Good. Let's see if we can try to save all of the others as well." He then stood up, "Alright, Sora, you take the lamp and go with Echo and Artoo. He'll let you know when to make the wish and Echo..."
"I'll make sure he says inhibitor correctly," The former 501st Arc Trooper promised. He then turned to a concerned Wanda, "He'll be safe with me. I promise."
"Thank you, Echo," Wanda smiled at him, she then turned to Peter and Anakin, "I do have one more alteration to this plan..." The two raised an eyebrow, "Considering Peter's been out in the open all of this time... Venom had plenty of opportunities to strike... he wants to hit Peter where it hurts. That being said... I'll be the bait instead of Peter."
"What?!" Peter's eyes widened in horror.
"We'll both be needed inside the senate building to help Anakin stop the Sith. If you're out there and Venom doesn't chase after you, then even if we do stop Sidious, Venom won't stop coming after us until we take him down too." She pointed out, "I'll lead him inside while you two keep Sidious distracted until the other Jedi arrive. Once inside, you can help me and the Bad Batch deal with Venom and once defeated..."
"...we all take on that traitor together," Crosshair growled at the word, he then nodded, "It's a good plan."
"Wanda... Eddie's dangerous and he had both you and Sora-" Peter tried to talk her out of it.
"Venom caught me off guard before... next time, I'll be ready for him," Wanda's eyes narrowed in determination, "And he put our friend and baby in jeopardy before, and I've been dying for some payback. Besides, I can keep him at a greater distance by flying."
"Wait, you can fly?" Padmè stared at Wanda in shock.
"Fascinating," Tech stated, adding this new information to his data pad.
"But if he catches you," Peter continued.
"He won't," Crosshair reassured the Web-Head, "I owe you two my life." The sniper reassured him, "Venom won't get near her."
Glancing at the sniper of the Bad Batch before turning back to her again, Wanda added, "Peter... I am a full-time Avenger. I've dealt with worse than a jealous evil alien suit. I'll be okay."
Anakin then cleared his throat, as he turned to the Squad, "Okay, start getting the device set up, we'll join you shortly..."
The mutated clones nodded as they left the apartment with Wrecker carrying the large device. Once out of earshot, Anakin turned to his wife, "You alright..."
"No... I'm not..." As Padmé sat on the couch, she admitted with guilt on her face, "I was the one who put a Sith Lord in Office... I told that madman that I was working with Mina to end the war peacefully... every victory for the Republic has been for him... So many dead and all because of..."
"Hey, this isn't your fault," Anakin sighed reassuring his wife, "Sidious has been planning this for a long time... we all thought he was our friend when he's been using us all along."
"Anakin's right, he knew exactly what to say and do to get what he wanted," Peter agreed with the Chosen One, "But we can stop him now, and end the Clone War."
"If we stop him here today, this will be the first real victory for the Republic in a long time," The Jedi Knight declared after a long pause, "I promise... no matter what happens today... I will not turn to the dark side. I will be the good husband and father I have to be. I won't let you down and let this vision come to pass."
Padmé slowly smiled back at him, "Then I won't die in childbirth...but even if I do..."
"We know He will keep you safe," Anakin smiled at that, "...and our children will survive." He then turned to Peter and Wanda, "Now let's make sure that the galaxy will be safe for them."
The two Avengers smiled at that...
The next morning, the Jedi Council were gathered around a military meeting when Commander Cody reported in, saying that Obi-Wan had engaged General Grievous and they'd begun their assault on Utapu. This should feel like good news to the Jedi, but they knew something was terribly wrong. Mace Windu stated, "I sense a plot to destroy the Jedi. The dark side of the Force surrounds the Chancellor."
"If he does not give up his emergency powers," Ki-Aid-Mundi replied, "Then he should be removed from office."
"The Jedi Council would have to take control of the Senate in order to secure a peaceful transition..." Master Windu grimly realized.
"To a dark place, this line of thought will carry us." Master Yoda frowned before humming in thought, "Hmmmmm... great care we must take."
Just then, Bail Organa entered the room with two Temple Guards, "Master Windu? Master Yoda? May I have a moment?"
"Senator Organa?" Mace glanced at the sudden appearance of the ruler of Alderaan.
"Master Skywalker sent me, he and our Avenger friends have found a quite disturbing plot to destroy the Republic and the Jedi Order," Bail stated, "They discovered that the Chancellor is a Sith Lord."
All Jedi present froze in horror as Mace repeated, "A Sith Lord?"
"Yes," The senator admitted, "The one you've been looking for."
"How do you know this?" Aayla asked Senator Organa.
"Wanda snuck into the Chancellor's office and gathered some incriminating evidence against him," Bail explained, "With blueprints for a planet killer, details for about the inhibitor chips that allow the Chancellor to take control over the clones and turn them against, along with frequent private messages to Count Dooku. Dooku referred to him as Master." He then pulled out the data file given to the Jedi Order, "All of the evidence is on here."
Placing it in the computer, it showed everything Bail described. Master Yoda's eyes narrowed, "Destroy the Sith, we must."
"Agreed. This is far worse than we feared," Mace nodded in agreement. He then turned to the senator from Alderaan, "Where are Skywalker and the Avengers now?"
"Right now, changing the plan to capture Venom and stopping Palpatine in the Senate Building," Bail revealed, "But they could use some backup..."
"We're on our way," Mace nodded then turned to the temple guard, "Keep the Temple on lockdown until we return. Don't let anyone else inside. If things come to the worst, evacuate the younglings."
"And watch your backs, until these chips are removed, the Sith can still use them at any time," Aayla pointed out as the Temple Guards went to lock down the Temple and alert the Knights within.
"I'll call to our friends in the Senate," Bail nodded, "We'll send our guard to all corners of the galaxy to ensure the Order's survival."
The Jedi turned to the leader of Aldraan, as Mace gave him a respectful bow, "Thank you, senator."
"Watch yourselves," Master Yoda told his fellow Jedi, "And may the Force be with us all."
Meanwhile, in the Senate Building, Anakin and Peter, the latter in his Spider-Man uniform, walked towards the Chancellor's office. They had quietly evacuated the building to avoid suspicion, thanks to Bail's and Padmé's influence. Peter took a deep breath and whispered to himself, "Okay, we don't need to throw the first punch, we just need to keep him talking and stall him long enough to trap Venom and reinforcements to arrive."
"Uh, Peter, I know the plan," Anakin glanced at him, "I'm the one who came up with the plan."
"I know... it was really just for me..." Spidey admitted, "We're just going against a Sith Master, my oldest friend, maybe Winter Solider like Clones, and from what Crosshair told us... a whole lot of Heartless."
"Well, look on the bright side," The Chosen One lightly smirked, "At least we know who has the crack in reality now."
"True, but I was really hoping I was wrong and it really was in the hands of Grievous," Peter muttered to himself, "Now, we have to deal with Sidious and Venom... maybe Xehanort too."
After a moment, Anakin knew what Peter was really afraid of, placing a comforting hand on him, "Hey, you're not going to lose either of them. We'll stop both the Sith and that slime ball from even touching them..." He then lightly smirked, "Besides, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, right?"
After a long pause, Peter nodded, "Thanks, I needed that..." He then added, "And we'll keep your wife and children safe."
"Hey, we're fathers," The Jedi Knight gave Peter, "It's our job to keep them safe." After another pause, Anakin glanced at him, "So... you knew how I... reacted to when I lost my mother, right? You're not fond of killing so why stick by me when..."
"Because I know you are a good man, Anakin, and we all fall sometimes," Peter admitted before confessing, "And I may have been tempted to do the same to Goblin and Walter Hardy after I lost Gwen and Uncle Ben..." He then turned back to the Jedi, "But a wise man back home once said, 'Just because someone stumbles and loses their way doesn't mean they're lost forever.'"
"Another famous Uncle Ben quote?" Anakin lightly smirked.
"Professor Charles Xavier, actually," The Web-Head admitted, "Some of the heroes back home have some... let's say questionable pasts... but it's our job to never give up on them. And why some villains are deserving of second chances..."
"Sounds like a good man," Anakin nodded as they stood in front of the secret Sith Lord's office, he then reached for his com, "Crosshair, Wanda, we're in position... any sign of Venom yet?"
"Not yet," The sniper of Clone Force 99 replied...
Meanwhile, Crosshair kept his sights on Wanda to ensure she wouldn't get caught up in a sneak attack. The daughter of Magento was holding a bundled-up blanket in her arms to be the exact size of Sora. She walked her way to the Jedi Temple or so it seemed as she walked among the masses.
Wanda glanced around to see if she could spot Eddie Brock or Venom from the sides. She whispered to herself, "C'mon... take the bait..."
Just then, Eddie made his appearance, currently still in human form. He smirked at her, "What? Planning to warn the Order about Sidious's plot? It doesn't matter, we already told him everything. This galaxy is doomed, and the Empire will become a much bigger threat than the movies ever were..." He then stretched out his hand, "Now hand us the boy, and we'll allow you to live long enough to see your lover one last time."
"And give him to whom?" Wanda's eyes narrowed, "Palpatine or Xehanort? No matter who you give him to, you're going to earn the wrath of the other."
"So long as our old bro suffers for it, it'll be so worth it," Eddie smirked as the symbiote began to cover him getting stares from several civilians, "Now...give him..." That's when he finally transformed into Vemon, "...to us!"
Wanda smirked, "You want him?" She then tossed the bundle to the alien symbiote, "Catch!"
As the bundle got closer, it revealed not a child but special custom-designed sound grenades, causing Venom's eyes to widen as they went off. While the other civilians ran at the sight of the alien symbiote, but even if they were there, it would cause only a mild annoyance. But for Venom, he roared in pain covering his ears as Eddie's face slightly revealed itself.
Shaking off the surprise attack, he turned to where Wanda once stood only to see her lift off the ground and take flight. She then took off quickly. Eddie's eyes narrowed in anger as the symbiote recovered and rebounded to his face, transforming it into Venom.
The symbiote roared in anger as he started to web swing after her. Before he could get close, Crosshair aimed his rifle and shot through the webbing he launched causing him to fall. Veno quickly recovered and reengaged going after the Scarlet Witch.
Crosshair quickly went for his new speeder, and reported in, "He took the bait. We're leading him to the Senate Building now!""
With that, he went after the symbiote...
"Good work, Crosshair," Anakin stated to the Bad Batch, "Everyone, get into position and prepare for what comes next."
He then turned to Spider-Man, "You ready?"
"Not particularly, but here we are," Peter admitted.
The Jedi Knight nodded in agreement, "I'm right there with you on that part." He then asked, "Any else I should know before we do this?"
"Yeah, he knows about you and Padmè even before Venom tattletale on us," Spider-Man admitted, "And he knows about the visions."
"Figures, guess that's why he brought up the legend," Anakin muttered to himself, he slowly nodded, "Alright, let's do this."
With that, the two heroes entered the room, they stopped the secret Sith waiting for them. Anakin then spoke to the man he once thought as a friend, "Chancellor, we have just received a report from Master Kenobi. He has engaged General Grievous."
"We can only hope that Master Kenobi is up to the challenge," Palpatine replied.
Anakin smirked inside his head, Peter already confirmed that this would be Grievous's last stand if everything else went smoothly, he even showed him the fight on Wanda's iPhone beforehand. However, he kept his cool, "I wish I could be there with him."
"It is upsetting to me to see that the Council doesn't seem to fully appreciate your talents," Sidious stood up from his seat, "Don't you wonder why they won't make you a Jedi Master?"
"If you had asked me a week ago, I would've been wondering the same thing," Anakin admitted before glancing to Peter who was smirking behind his mask, "But they have actually been reconsidering their decision as recently. Once the war is over and Venom is captured, I'm sure I'll be a Master then." He then thought to himself, "And even if they don't, I take being called dad than master any day."
"Hmmm..." Palpatine hummed before glaring at Spider-Man, "Wish I had your conference."
"Well, he knows I know... shocker..." Peter thought to himself, "He's smart unlike Electro... just hope my spider powers can keep me alive against the Dark Lord of the Sith."
He then approached Anakin lightly patting him on the shoulder and the two walked around in his office, as Spidey silently followed, "Anakin... as much as I want them to trust you, the truth is they don't. They see your future. They know your power will be too strong to control. Anakin, you must break through the fog of lies the Jedi have created around you." He then proposed, "Let me help you to know the subtleties of the Force."
Anakin secretly held out a recording device as he played dumb, "How do you know the ways of the Force?"
"My mentor taught me everything about the Force..." Sidious answered before adding with a darker tone, "...even the nature of the dark side."
"You know the dark side?" Anakin put on a shocked expression.
"Anakin, if one is to understand the great mystery, one must study all its aspects, not just the dogmatic, narrow view of the Jedi. If you wish to become a complete and wise leader, you must embrace a larger view of the Force. Be careful of the Jedi, Anakin," The Sith Lord began to slowly reveal himself, as the two heroes were hoping for, "Only through me can you achieve a power greater than any Jedi. Learn to know the dark side of the Force, Anakin, and you will be able to save your wife from certain death."
While Peter gave him a warning that Palpatine knew about Anakin's secret marriage, it was still a shock to the Jedi Knight all the same, "What did you say?"
"Use my knowledge, Anakin," The Sith pleaded, "I beg you."
Anakin used the Force to discreetly hand Peter the recording device, as he pulled out his lightsaber activating it. Aiming at the blade of blue light, Anakin glared at him, "Spider-Man and Wanda were right! You are the Sith Lord!"
"So, they did tell you," Palpatine glanced to Peter, "Tell me, if Count Dooku had lived, would you have told him?"
"To be fair, if I had told Anakin and Obi-Wan upfront about everything the moment we met," Peter raised a finger as he webbed the recording to the ceiling so the Sith Master wouldn't notice they were recording him, "They'd probably think we're crazy. And we couldn't guarantee that you were indeed the Sith Lord without actual proof and not something we saw out of a movie or a show."
"He's not wrong," The Jedi Knight agreed with Spidey.
"Unlike this stranger here, I actually know what has been troubling you..." Palpatine still attempted to manipulate the Chosen One, "Listen to me. Don't continue to be a pawn of the Jedi Council! Ever since I've known you, you've been searching for a life greater than that of an ordinary Jedi... a life of significance, of conscience."
"And what?" Anakin's eyes narrowed, "Become your pawn instead?! That's all I've ever been to you, hasn't it?! That's how everyone has been to you! Maul?! Dooku?! The Republic?! The Separatists?! The Jedi Order?!" He accused, "Would there even be a Clone Wars if it hadn't been for you?!"
"Oh, Anakin, the Republic was always going to fall," Palpatine boasted, "All it needed was a little push, a little war... so I had Count Dooku lead a group of senators that left the Republic whether it was for wealth, power, or the pitiful believe they were making a better democracy than that of the Republic. But I foresee a greater power, an Empire bringing protection and security to the galaxy!" The Sith turned to Anakin, "Everything you've ever wanted!"
"At what cost?!" Anakin accused with his lightsaber still trained in the Dark Lord, "How many have died because of your schemes? How many more will die?! After everything we learned about our future?"
"As many as necessary," Palpatine declared, "And with the Keyblade Wielder under my control, my empire will conquer the Universe."
After a minute, Anakin smirked, "Thank you, Your Excellency... for that confession." Palpatine blinked in confusion as Peter whistled over to him and gestured to the webbed holo-recorder, "Now, everyone in the galaxy is going to know the truth..."
Meanwhile, Tech tapped on his datapad as the recorded footage of the would-have-been Emperor's confession was sent to it, "Transfering the data to our collected evidence now."
Pushing a few more buttons on it, he then returned to work on installing the sound amplifier to the sound system of the Galatic Senate Camber as he reached for his own com, "Echo, Artoo, we have his confession, prepare to broadcast the truth on all open channels throughout the galaxy."
"We're receiving it now," Echo nodded from the communications with R2-D2 and Sora, the latter holding the magic lamp, and tilted his head in confusion, "Once Sora's ready, I'll begin the broadcast. Within the hour, the whole galaxy will know the truth."
He then turned to Sora, "Okay, your first wish is a very important wish... in order to save the lives of my brothers and countless others, we need to make sure you say it right. You think you can do it?" The boy nodded his head eagerly, the cyborg soldier then gestured to him, "Try saying it then. Inhibitor Chips."
"Imhibbyer chips!" The boy beamed, and Artoo made snicking noises with his beeps.
The clone chuckled, "Not quite. Here. Let's try breaking it down. Repeat after me." The clone cleared his voice, "In."
"In." The boy repeated.
The clone nodded, "Good." He then started the next sound, "Hib..."
"Within the hour, the whole galaxy, the Republic, and the Separatists will know the truth," Anakin declared with his lightsaber still aimed at the Sith Lord's throat, "Your reign of terror will be over before it can begin."
"Anakin, my enemies are your enemies," Palpatine still tried to sway the Chosen One to his side.
"That includes my wife and children, doesn't it?" Anakin glared harder, "All that talk about preventing those from dying... even if you had that knowledge, you never planned on saving them at all! Especially since my son and daughter would never stand for your tyranny!"
"It doesn't need to come to that, Anakin," Palpatine turned to him, "We can make a better Empire, no Jedi, no Rebellion... just peace... for the Senate, for the Galaxy, for your family..."
"Now, I know you're lying," The Jedi Knight declared, "I know what kills my wife, that fact I turn to you of all people for help, it would have broken her heart!"
"But the legend of Darth Plagues-" He tried to turn to the legend again.
"Oh, he never succeeded it at all, his experiments to abuse the Force," Anakin declared, "Today, I learned of a God who can save my wife. One who loved the world so much He gave His only Son to save me from my sins. If it's in His will, he can save my wife!" His eyes narrowed, "And even if He doesn't, I will NEVER serve you!"
Just then, Clones in red-clad armor led by Commander Fox burst into the room, with their blasters drawn out. Anakin told the Coruscant Guard, "Commander, arrest this man for treason against the Republic!"
However, Spidey's Spider-Sense went off, "Uh, Anakin... Spider-Sense..."
"You're both in direct violation of Order 66," Fox accused the two as the Jedi General of the 501st realized their blasters were trained on them and not the Sith Lord, "You two will stand down, or the two you will be branded as traitors of the Republic!"
Sidious smirked, as he turned to the Chosen One with false pitty, "Oh, Anakin... you didn't think it would be that easy, did you?"
Peter discreetly went for his Avenger ID card and activated it...
Wanda's card went off as she continued to lead Venom to the Senate Building, she then reached for her coms, "Guys, something's gone wrong! Palpatine must've activated the inhibitor chips!"
"You may be right," Hunter spoke through the coms., "There are Shock Troopers swarming the building, searching every room. They're not locking down the building like they were supposed to."
"There may be some good news in all of this," She could hear Tech reply, "No transmissions were sent outside of the planet, so not all the clones are under his control."
"Just everyone else on the planet," Echo grumbled, "I think I can still lock down the building from here, just let me know when you're here, ma'am."
"Understood," The Scarlet Witch answered as Venom was starting to gain on her, until a bolt struck the symbiote's webbing causing him to fall again...
"Crosshair, do you still have eyes on the Jedi Temple," Hunter asked the sniper after helping Wanda, "Do you see any of the regs storming it?"
As Venom recovered from Crosshair's interference, he took a look around with his sniper, and saw several clones change direction for the Temple as several dark shadows followed them. He reported back, "Not just them... the Heartless are backing them up."
"Great..." He could hear Hunter groan to himself, "It's okay, we've prepared for this. Stick to the plan. Make sure Miss Maximoff and the target reach the Senate. Everyone else, set blasters to stun. Until Sora makes that wish, any reg with an inhibitor ship is considered a threat."
"Got it," Wrecker replied.
"Understood," Tech chirped in.
"Copy," Crosshair nodded as he went back for his speeder to keep up with the Avenger and the supervillain...
Anakin and Spidey stood back to back, with the former raising his weapon to defend them from the brainwashed Shock Troopers, as Palpatine gloated, "Do you take me for a fool?"
"I have taken precautions should anyone try to turn my own apprentice against me," The secret Sith stated, "I activated all the clones on Coruscant and dispatched half of them here with orders to eliminate all who threatened me and bring me the child with the Key... while the rest storm the Jedi Temple and wipe out all the Jedi without hesitation or mercy..."
The two heroes glared at the Sith Lord..."
Outside the Jedi Temple, the Temple Guard locked down the home of the Jedi just in time as Clones marched up the stairs, ready to storm the Temple.
The Temple Guard walked out as they activated their double-bladed yellow lightsabers, "Halt! You will not take another step!"
However, the Clones continued their march as they were joined by the Heartless. The Shock Troopers muttered to themselves, "Good soldiers... follow orders..."
"...soon the Jedi and the Republic will be no more," The future emperor grinned, "But it's not too late to join me, Anakin. You need not die like the rest. Become my apprentice. Learn to use the Dark Side of the Force."
"No, I think it is too late," Anakin smirked at the would-be Emperor, as he gave a light tap on his communicator, "That's your cue, boys!"
"Wait," Sidious blinked in confusion, "Wha-?!"
Before the brainwashed Shock Troopers could open fire, several stun rounds stuck the Coruscant Guard, dropping them on the ground. Just then from behind the Temple Guard, the 501st marched up with blasters raised.
Shouts could be heard from them, "Take them down!"
"Go! Go! Go!"
"Hold the line!"
"For Fives!" Exclaimed the temporary commander while Rex was on Mandalore with Ashoka, "FOR THE REPUBLIC!"
A small civil war was sparked between the clones as the Temple Guard defended the men in blue armor from the brainwashed clones aided by the Heartless. Kixx told the rest of the Clones, "Remember! No kill shots! The General said we'd know when the rest of our brothers are free from Sidious control!"
"Yes sir!" The 501st clones nodded as they dared not let any of their controlled brethren pass them while shooting down all creatures of darkness...
Palpatine glanced to the window and while the sounds of a battle could be heard, it wasn't inside the Temple like he planned. Anakin smirked, "It didn't take much to convince my men to remove their own inhibitor chips. Especially after what you did to Fives!"
"Then as a precaution in case you did try anything with the remaining Clones on the planet against the Jedi Order," Spider-Man smirked behind his mask, as the Sith Lord looked completely baffled, "Anakin sent them to back up the Jedi to save many lives on both sides, along with deal with any Heartless you sent."
"They're more than capable of delaying the remaining Troops long enough to remove the chips you had implanted in them!" Anakin stated while keeping his guard up against Fox and the Shock Troopers that surrounded them.
Sidious continued to seem dumbfounded, "This changes nothing..." He turned to the two heroes, "Once I activate the chips all over the Galaxy, as soon as the clones eliminate their Jedi Generals and Commanders, their first directive are to come here and help wipe out the remaining Jedi and put an end to this pitiful Rebellion."
"That's never going to happen," Anakin glared at him, ready to do what needed to be done to free the galaxy, "Now, I highly suggest you order Fox to stand down and surrender..."
"Why would I surrender when I still have the upper hand," Sidious then snapped his fingers as Heartless joined the fray, "If I can't have you as an apprentice, then you can serve me as a Heartless!" He then turned to Fox as he went to leave the room, "Kill the other one."
"Open fire!" Fox gave the order as the Shock Troopers started firing their blasters. Anakin deflected the blue bolts while Spidey leaped right into the action, leaping in the air and disarming two of the soldiers' weapons and throwing them back at them knocking them down. The Jedi Knight sliced through three of the Clones blasters before Force Pushed them back and cut down several Heartless men who charged at them.
"Sidious is getting away!" Anakin exclaimed as the two held off the attack of the clones and Heartless, "If he reaches the communications..."
"Go after him," Peter told the Jedi as he punched out one clone, before webbing up another, "I can keep these guys busy, then join you after!"
"You sure?" Anakin asked the part-time Avenger as he cut down another Heartless, "There are quite a lot of them!"
Spider-Man then struck Fox and threw him at several of his men before webbing them up, "I'm sure! I've been in worse situations! Now go! I'll be right behind you!"
Anakin nodded as he Force Pushed a group of enemies away to clear a path, before running after Sidious, cutting down any Heartless that stood between him and the Sith Lord...
Meanwhile, Wanda approached the Senate Building with Venom behind her. Crosshair slowed down his speeder as he took aim with his rifle and pulled the trigger, causing the supervillain to stumble upon his web swinging again. He told her, "You're clear! Get inside!"
The Scarlet Witch nodded as she flew down to the entrance of the building and she spotted two Republic gunships landing near the Entrance. Thankfully, instead of clones exiting the ships, she spotted seven Jedi land on the ground. Mace Windu, Kit Fisto, Agen Kolar, Saesee Tiin, Shaak Ti, Cin Drallig, and Serra Keto. Mace seemed shocked to see her, "Miss Maximoff? What are you...?"
"Leading Venom into a trap," Wanda explained as Crosshair landed his speeder next to the gunships, "No time to explain."
Mace glanced to see the symbiote was deadset on getting to the Scarlet Witch. Mace glanced to the other Jedi, "Master Drallig, take Master Ti and your pupil to help deal with Mr. Brock." The older human male Jedi nodded, as Mace turned to the other Jedi, "The rest of us will help young Skywalker deal with the Sith Lord!"
Everyone nodded as the Jedi rushed ahead inside with Wanda and Crosshair last, Venom just landed outside and ran after them. Crosshair went for his coms, "He's inside! Lock the building down!"
"I'm on it," Echo replied as he put his socket-arm into the computer system, and started to lock down the building, sealing all entrances and exits. No one was getting in or out until they achieved victory, or they were all dead.
Just then, Shock Troopers started marching towards the room, Artoo beeped in a warning. Sora exclaimed, "They're coming!"
Using his free and good hand, Echo pulled his blaster and stunned several of the Shock Troopers before sealing the door to the room shut. Echo then alerted the others, "They found us! I managed to seal the doors shut but that won't keep them out long!"
"Hold on, Echo!" He heard Hunter reply...
"I'm on my way!" The leader of the Bad Batch declared as Wrecker was beating down all the Shock Troopers coming their way. He turned to the brute who punched out another reg, "Wrecker! Stick to the plan! I'm going to help them!"
"Got it!" Wrecker nodded as one clone started to recover until he lightly knocked him on the head making him stay down.
Hunter then rushed off to Sora, Echo, and Artoo's location...
Anakin chased after the Sith Lord with Lightsaber in hand, he was gaining on him when two Shock Troopers tried to intercept him. But the young Jedi leapt in the air, cutting their blasters and kicking them down. He then cut off the Sith's path, "Don't make me do this... Stay down..."
"Are you threatening me, Anakin," Sidious glared at who he hoped would have been his successor.
"Once the truth is out, the Senate will decide your fate," The Chosen One stated.
"I... AM... the Senate," The Sith Master declared.
"Not yet," Anakin retorted.
Palpatine glared at the Chosen One, before he summoned his own lightsaber to his side, "So be it, Jedi."
With that, the Dark Lord activated his lightsaber as a crimson-red blade came out. Dooku and Maul's former Master struck Anakin with quick speeds. Thankfully, while shocked by the very agile Sith, was able to block each of the strikes. Anakin then began to counter after the last strike and put on with the offensive but the Dark Lord's defenses were stronger than originally assumed. Soon enough, the two locked their blades trying to get the edge over the other. Sidious snarled, "If you will not turn to the Dark Side... then you will be destroyed!"
Anakin pushed the Sith Master off of him as they continued their duel...
Spider-Man was dealing with the remainder of the Clones and Heartless. The Web-Head kicked a Shock Trooper, who tried to grab him from behind. Two Heartless launched at him but he was able to fire out two web-lines, and swing them around stunning the two remaining clones. He then threw the two Heartless out the window, before subduing the last Clones standing. Peter apologized to the soldiers, "Sorry, I know it's not your fault. We'll get those nasty chips out of you and get your free wills back."
He then reached for his own coms., "Anakin. I've wrapped up the remaining Troopers turned Winter Soldiers, I'm on my way to help-"
"Belay that, young Parker!" He heard Master Windu speak throughout the coms., "We got your message and we'll back up Skywalker with the Sith Lord. I dispatched a few Jedi to help Miss Maximoff to deal with Venom! But they need you there!"
"He's right, Peter," He heard Anakin grunt as he engaged the puppet master in a duel, "We need to deal with both threats or neither Sora or anyone else will be safe if either one escapes! I'll hold out until Master Windu arrives, but you have to deal with Vemon. You know him better than anyone else!"
"Alright!" Spider-Man replied, "I'll be back as soon as we remove the symbiote from Eddie!" He then rushed to help Wanda and the Bad Batch, as he wondered, "Anywhere I should stop by before going right for Eddie?"
"I could use some assistance," Tech stated as he could hear laser fire in the background...
...Tech was hiding behind cover as laser bolts stuck the side of the door, "The Shock Troopers found me! If they damage the sound amplifier, this will all be for nothing!"
"I'm on my way!" Peter called out as Tech fired a few stun bolts knocking several brainwashed soldiers unconscious...
Wanda and Crosshair ran in the Hallyway with three Jedi on their side. Venom pursued them hissing as he got closer to them. Wanda then saw where they needed the supervillain to be. She nodded to the others, and they all turned to face the alien symbiote, with the Jedi igniting the lightsabers.
Venom landed in front of them, as he hissed, "Nowhere left to run, "Mrs. Parker...'"
"Eddie Brock," Shaak Ti spoke up, "You are unwell. Stand down and we can help you."
"That parasite you call a suit took over your mind," Serra added.
"PARASITE?!" The symbiote glared at her in anger.
With his blaster, trained on Eddie, Crosshair dryly commented, "Probably shouldn't have said that word."
"Even if it is true," Wanda glanced to the young Jedi, before back to the supervillain, "And Eddie, I'm done running!"
Before Venom could charge in to attack, Wrecker charged in from the side with a battle cry ramming into the supervillain crashing into the Senate Camber, and smashing the controls for the seat platform. This caused the platform to detach and start floating as Wrecker and Venom traded blows to each other...
...at least until the former realized how high they were getting. He nervously glanced at the ground below after the last punch, "Whoa... Why do I always end up in these situations..."
That's when Venom struck again knocking Wrecker's helmet off and making the defected clone nearly go overboard, he was able to hold on to the ledge just in time, "Gah! A little help here!"
Crosshair leaped onto another platform and took control of it. Wanda merely started flying to aid Wrecker as the Jedi Masters leaped onto the platform to engage the symbiote. Cin's Padwan joined Crosshair as she deactivated one of her blades to trade places with the sniper so he could do his job. As the sniper aimed his weapon and roared at the heroes, he went for his coms, "Tech! We have the target inside! Seal the exits and blast it when the device!"
"I'm a little preoccupied at the moment," Tech answered as more Shock Troopers continued to open fire upon him. Firing a few more stun shots, he reached his coms., "Echo, if you can convince Sora to make a wish..." Before he reluctantly stated, "...which would be unhelpful in any other scenario... now, would be time to make an accurate wish."
"Sorry, Tech..."
"...the kid's having a bit of a nervous breakdown," Echo stated as he kept the room secure tightly, "But we should be able to secure the Chamber for now..." He turned to the Astromech, "Artoo, seal the Senate Chamber... and see if you can broadcast our message to the entire galaxy."
Artoo beeped as he went to do so plugging himself into another terminal. He then turned to the scared child, "It's going to be okay... Nothing is going to happen!"
"They're in there," They heard one of the Coruscant Guard shout, "Set the charges and knock the door down. Take the child and execute the rest!"
The boy shivered in fear, as Echo reached back for his coms., "Hunter... please tell me you're close by..."
Just outside the room as the charges were being set, a droid popper rolled by a group of clones. By the time, they realized what was happening, it went off stunning the Shock Troopers causing them to collapse onto the floor and put the rest on alert. However, that proved pointless as Hunter threw one of his knives disarming one before sweeping his leg and knocking him to the floor, before stunning him and three of the remaining four remaining regs. The last one charged at him but Hunter was ready for him, countering his punch, and him out. The leader of the Bad Batch removed the explosive from the door and gave a polite knock, "You're all clear, Echo. The hostiles are all down."
With that, the door slid open, and Echo nodded in appreciation, "Thanks, Hunter."
He then turned to the nervous child, and gave him a reassuring smile, "It's okay, you're safe." He took a canister of water, and offered it to the boy, "Take some deep breaths and have some water."
The boy complied with Hunter doing what he requested...
Meanwhile, Anakin continued his duel with the Sith Lord as each tried to lay a fatal blow to the other. Thankfully, the Jedi Knight was able to get a kick in knocking the Chancellor back. Right before he could lay a dead blow on the Sith, Palpatine fired Force Lightning on him knocking him back, sending him to the other end of the room.
Palpatine then raised his lightsaber, "Now, Skywalker... you will die."
He leaped in to deal the deadly blow, only to be intercepted by a purple blade. Palpatine turned to see Master Windu glare at him, "In the name of the Galatic Senate of the Republic, you are under arrest, my lord!"
Just then, he could hear the ignition of three more lightsabers behind him. He glanced to see Masters Fisto, Tiin, and Kolar ready for a fight. Anakin recovered from the Chancellor's last attack as he removed his Jedi ropes, "Careful Masters. He's more powerful and skilled than he seems."
Pushing the Sith off of the Chosen One, Mace nodded to him, "Then we take him together!"
Anakin nodded as he reignited his lightsaber, "Right."
Sidious snarled as he glanced to the three other Jedi before leaping in the air, and threw himself at them...
Spider-Man swung quickly to Tech's location as he was still locked in a firefight between him and the brainwashed Shock Troopers. He could hear one of the clones say, "Kill the traitor before the Jedi traitors reinforce them!"
"What?" Spidey quipped as he kicked one of the clones from behind, "I don't count?"
"SPIDER-MAN?!" One of the clones gasped.
"Whew! You do know me," Spidey quipped as he shot webbing at one of their blasters and yanked away, "And here I was worried those chips made you forget little old me."
He flung around the stolen blaster forcing some of the armed clones to duck, before throwing the blaster back at the clone he stole it from. With quick movements and agility, he subdued the rest. Tech put away his blasters, "Technically, the chips are supposed to make them obedient to Darth Sidious, so it would really mess with their-"
"It was a joke, Tech," Peter gave him a light pat.
"Oh, I see," Tech blinked as he removed his helmet, "I suppose that is funny."
Spidey turned to the sound amplifier, "So, is the device still in one piece?"
"Fortunately, you arrived before any serious damage was caused," Tech reassured him as he gestured to the wires of the sound system, "There's a bit of damage to the wiring but I should be able to fix it. But I need more time and the others need you to keep Venom occupied." He turned to the defeated clones, "They can help keep the Heartless at bay when Sidious realizes things aren't going his way, but we need their chips removed. But the boy is scared after the regs tried to grab him."
"I don't blame him," Peter sighed, "I'll try talking to him. He'll listen to me." Tech nodded as Peter went for his coms. "Hey, Hunter. You there?"
"Still in one piece, got to Sora, Echo, and Artoo just in time," Hunter reported through his wrist coms.
"How's Sora?"
Hunter glanced at the boy as Artoo and Echo began working on connecting to every communication device in the galaxy. They had to turn off the security because they wanted the Separatists to hear the message too. The boy shivered as Echo used his free hand to comfort him. The leader of the Batch told him, "He's okay. Still scared after what happened."
"May I speak with him?"
"Sure thing, Spidey," Hunter nodded before kneeling down to Sora's level and showing his comlink, "Hey... Spidey would like to speak with you..."
Sora's eyes widened as he walked up closer to Hunter, and Spidey asked him, "Hey, bud, you holding up okay?"
The boy slowly nodded, as Hunter explained, "You may want to use your words for this one..."
Sora then answered, "Uh-huh."
"You scared?" Peter asked the islander boy. When Sora didn't respond, he could hear Peter sigh, "Yeah, I hear ya. I'm a little scared too."
Sora blinked in shock, "But you and Miss Wanda are superheroes... you're not afraid of anything."
"Sora, that's not true," Spidey admitted, "We both get scared by lots of things. We face a lot of monsters in this world, many of which we feel we're not up to the challenge to stand up against... we fear failing to save someone who needs us. Afraid to lose the people we care most. And there had been many times on this journey that we feared we were going to lose you."
"Oh," Sora nodded in understanding thinking of the many times he had been in danger so far. Hades: back at the Coliseum. Ratigan: back in London when they were the size of mice. Shere Kahn: back in the Jungle. Frollo sent a bunch of his goons back into Notre Dame. Back in space when they were separated in a bad guy ship. Then more recently with Venom and that wasn't even mentioning all of this going on.
"Even heroes get scared, but that never stops us from doing what's right," Peter continued, "Bravery isn't the absence of fear but acknowledging that it's there but still willing to stand up against it. You see, people like Wanda and me... we possess great power. Power that will on the day you'll receive. And with great power... comes great responsibility." Sora blinked at those words, as Spider-Man continued, "That's what my Uncle taught me, and deep down... you try to do what's right all the time. Just think how far you've come since leaving the islands. When you saw friends were down in the dumps, you stood up for them despite your age and size. That shows the makings of a hero."
Sora looked encouraged by those words as he stood up, as the two clones with him smiled at him with encouragement, Peter stated, "We have a lot of people counting on us here and we can't help them without you, so make that wish Sora. Be the hero you will one day be."
Sora smiled as he slowly rubbed the lamp as Genie poofed out, "So, little Master? Are we ready for that first wish?"
"You got this," Hunter told him.
"Just remember to break down the hard words," Echo added.
A half-a-minute later, Sora made his wish, "I wish for all the in-hib-i-tor chips to be removed from all the clones."
Genie beamed as he appeared as a gameshow host, "Alright! Whoa! He said the words correctly! And now, we are making a popular fan wish to come true! Let's ring up that prize!"
With that, Genie blasted out of the Senate Building over the planet's atmosphere. He then dug into a non-existent pocket and pulled out a giant magnet that read, "Attracts all inhibitor chips!"
With that, the magic took its effect...
On the planet Mygeeto, Ki-Aid-Mundi led the assault on the Separatist world, deflecting laser fire as the battle raged on. He briefly turned to his men, "Come on!"
The Clone Troopers followed his lead before something sparked in their heads as little balls of light exited and sored to the skies. Everyone on both sides stopped fighting to watch the spectacle. Literally everyone stopped fighting to watch what was happening. Ki-Aid-Mundi whispered, "By the Force..."
On Felica, Master Ayala Secra marched through the jungles of that world, and the same thing happened with her troops. She turned to her Commander, "Commander Bly? Are you alright?"
"I think so," He muttered honestly as he set down his blaster and removed his helmet, "What is going on?"
Ayala thought to herself, pondering if this was by any chance connected to Palpatine being the Sith they were looking for...
As the Cruiser was flying back to the Republic Capital after their victory on Mandolre. Rex turned to Ashoka, "Commander? We were removing the inhibitor chips from ourselves as instructed when... well... you saw what happened. All the chips we believed hadn't been removed are gone."
"Then they did it," Ashoka whispered in relief, she then turned to Rex, "Remain our course, something tells me we need to be ready for what comes next."
Rex nodded to her...
The spectacle could even be seen on Kamino as young Omega watched as the lights swored higher and higher. The female clone smiled, "Cool..."
The Kaminoans were dumbfounded at whatever was happening. Nala Se checked the process on the new clones that were still stage 3 embryos. To her shock, the inhibitor chips they implanted in the clones were gone! As if they were never there!
Looking through each of the embryos, none possessed one. Someone had removed them all. She whispered, "Impossible...!"
On Kashyyyk, Master Yoda could feel something as the chips were magically removed from the Troops, he, Master Luminara Unduli, and Quinlan Vos deployed to help the Wookies. Closing his eyes, the Grand Master connected to the Force and could feel this event was happening everywhere.
As curious as he was, of what caused such an event. Part of him felt relieved as if a great tragedy was prevented today...
Inhibitor chips from all around the galaxy were connected to the giant magnet the Genie was holding before his face turned into George Lucus, "Now if only rewriting the sequel trilogy was this easy."
Back on Coursatant, Spidey and Tech looked down on the recovering Shock Troopers. The latter raised his blaster but Spidey made him lower it, "It's okay... there okay..."
"What makes you so sure?" Tech glanced at him.
Peter then turned to him, smiling behind his mask, "My Spider-Senses aren't tingling."
It was quite a shock for the Jedi and the 501st when the Shock Troopers stopped their assault, confused by what just happened...
Back in the communications room, some of the clones ground, "What happened?"
Hunter approached them cautiously, "Take it easy. What is the last thing you remember?"
"We... we received an encrypted message from the Supreme Chancellor," One answered, "Order 66. Said the Jedi we're all traitors... and... I - I didn't even think I just moved without even thinking about it."
Artoo then beeped out a response as Echo smirked, "Then you boys might want to hear this..."
Just then images of the pregnant senator from Naboo all over the galaxy, as she spoke to both sides of the war, "Everyone! I urge to stop fighting and listen to this message. My name is Senator Padmé Amidala. As many of you are aware, I have faithfully served the Republic for many years..."
Obi-Wan looked down at the destroyed body of General Grievous, dropping the blaster he had in hand before turning to Greivous's ship, when the message started to play, "But just recently, thanks to the help of some new friends of mine... I learned a terrible truth. We have all been deceived! Both the Republic and Separatist Alliance! By our very own leaders!"
The Jedi Master's eyes widened as the senator continued, "But don't just take my word for it..."
Just then it changed to an image of Anakin aiming his lightsaber at the Chancellor, "You are the Sith Lord! ...Would there be a Clone Wars if it wasn't for you?!
"Oh, Anakin, the Republic was always going to fall," Obi-Wan stroked his beard as he stared in horror at his former Padwan's discovery, "All it needed was a little push, a little war..."
"Oh, Anakin..."
On the planet Desix, Governer Tawni Ames watched in horror as she saw Count Dooku, who she once believed to be a benevolent leader, kneel to the Supreme Chancellor, "...so I had Count Dooku lead a group of senators that left the Republic whether it was for wealth, power, or the pitiful believe they were making a better democracy than that of the Republic."
"No..." She whispered in horror...
Over the planet Bracca, Jedi Padawan Cal Kestis stared in confusion as the message went on, "But I foresee a greater power, an Empire bringing protection and security to the galaxy!"
"Master?" Cal turned the Lassat Jedi Master.
Master Jaro Tapal turned to the Commander, "Change the coordinates to Coursatant. We must aid in his arrest immediately."
"Yes, sir!" The Commander nodded as he reached for his coms...
Plo Koon flew his starfighter as the message from Dooku and Sidious played out, "Our plans have gone undiscovered, Master. The clone in question is now dead. And the Jedi still suspect nothing."
Plo's eyes narrowed, it would appear things were much worse than the Council anticipated as Sidious smirked, "Good... Destroy all evidence. When the time comes, no one will be able to stop our plans...to Execute Order 66!"
"Order 66?" He muttered as the image turned back to the image of the senator...
On the cruiser of General Rahm Kota, he watched the Senator continue with his own militia, "This was a plan long in the make. He used the Trade Federation as a means to an end to make himself Chancellor then when the war came, Supreme Chancellor, planning to use the army he and Dooku created against the Jedi..."
"I knew Grand Army of the Republic showing up was too good to be true," The Jedi Knight stated...
As the 501st and the Jedi helped the now free-from-control Shock Troopers they all listen to Padmè's message, "He planned on using something the Kaminoans implanted something inside the Clones since they were created. Ready to turn on their Jedi Generals and the Republic if necessary to create a dictoral Empire."
Near the planet Mustafar, the Viceroy and his colleagues listen to the senator's message, "Then once the Jedi were eliminated, Palpatine planned on wiping out all traces of evidence, including eliminating the Separatist leaders."
Everyone inside the Shuttle gasped in horror, as Nute Gunray turned to the pilot, "Pilot! Get us out of here!"
"So, we're not going to Mustafar?" The droid pilot turned to his creator.
"Yes! Take us anywhere but there!" Gunray ordered, "We don't want to die!"
"Roger, Roger," The pilot nodded as the droid changed their coordinates...
Back on Utapu, both sides stopped fighting to listen to the senator's message, "From there both armies of the Republic and Separatists would be dismantled and replaced by a far worse and cruel army."
"DISMANTLED?!" One of the Battle Droids exclaimed in horror.
"Palpatine and Dooku worked together secretly to turn us against each other. Sabotaging any attempt for a call of peace we attempt. But I still believe the Republic and Separatists can live in this Galaxy peacefully and all we need to do is stop fighting! Stop the killing! And remove the real enemy! The Sith from their seats of power!" Padmè pleaded to the arms as both sides listened and lowered their weapons, refusing to fight each other, "For anyone who will listen, for our children's future... I thank you."
Obi-Wan rode on Boga to Commander Cody, as the Jedi glanced to the Commander, "Well, I can't say this how I expected the war to end."
"Sir, I don't think anyone expected this would be how the war would end," Cody admitted...
Back with Palpatine and the Jedi, the former had murdered Master Kolar before doing the same to Master Tiin. He was ready to kill Master Fisto who he just knocked down, but Anakin intercepted the blade, blocking it with his own. This allowed Kit to Force push the Sith Lord back making him stumble to his feet.
Mace rushed in and reengaged the Sith Master as they locked blades against each other. However, as he did so, something didn't feel right with the Sith Lord. The conflict that had been going on for the past three years felt like it just stopped. The death. Destruction. The fear. The hate. Gone in an instant.
That's when he noticed Anakin's secret wife's message going on repeat. Sidious's eyes widened in horror as Mace glanced to the message and then back to Anakin, "Good work, Anakin. I don't know how you did it, but you foiled his schemes."
"Well, I had a little help," Anakin admitted with a smirk.
Palpatine pushed Mace off of him just as Fox entered the room with his men. Palpatine grinned, "Fools! You've accomplished nothing!" He turned to the Commander of the Coruscant Guard, "Eliminate the Jedi Traitors!"
The three Jedi seemed worried before the Clones turned their blasters on the Sith, "I only see one traitor in here!" Sidious's eyes widened in horror as Fox declared, "Sheev Palpatine! You're under arrest for high treason, conspiracy, murder, and countless other crimes throughout the galaxy! As of right now, all emergency powers you were given as well as your title of Supreme Chancellor have been revoked prior to trial! Lay down your weapons or we'll put you down!"
"Good to have you back, Fox," Anakin nodded to the Commander in gratitude.
"Good to be back, sir," Fox nodded with his blaster still trained on Sidious.
Sidious glanced between the Jedi and clones, as Mace Windu declared, "The oppression of the Sith will never return! You have lost!"
"No... No... NO!" Sidious shook his head blasting all the surviving Jedi with Force Lightning pushing them back.
"Open fire!" Fox ordered as he and the freed clones started to blast the Sith. Unfortunately for them, Palpatine deflected the bolts with his lightsaber before moving and cutting down most of the squad with his before blasting the remaining with Force Lightning.
As the three Jedi recovered from the attack, the former Supreme Chancellor aimed his crimson blade at them, "You may have stolen my Empire from me but it won't matter when the boy is still MINE!"
With that, he Forced Dashed out of the room, Anakin's eyes widened, "He's going after Sora!"
"We need to stop him! NOW!" Master Windu nodded as the Jedi tried going after them... that's when the Heartless joined the fray. The three were forced to go on the defensive. Cutting them down as more spawned.
"They're trying to slow us down!" Anakin realized as he cut down two before going to his coms, "Peter! Wanda! We have a problem!"
"Seriously, we just threw a giant monkey's wrench into Palpy's plans," Peter half-joked, "I don't think he's going to have his Empire any time soon! So what's the problem?!"
"The Sith escaped! And he's going after the future Key Bearer!" Mace answered as he defended himself from another Heartless.
Wanda couldn't hold back her gasp, "My baby...!"
Peter knew he had to act quickly! But Venom was still a threat! He couldn't abandon Wanda nor could he ask her to leave the Jedi and the clones helping her to save Sora...
...wait... that's it!
"Hunter! You and Echo take Sora, and get him to the Senate Chamber!" Peter exclaimed.
"WHAT?!" Everyone screamed in their comlinks.
"Peter, you're not seriously suggesting we keep Sora safe by bringing him to Brock when the Symboite still has control over him!" Wanda snapped at him.
"Trust me, he'll only be leading Sidious to our little trap, once he's in, we'll pull Sora out and lock wannabe Hitler in," Spidey stated, "And then..."
"We can deal with both threats together!" Anakin realized, "Good thinking, Peter! We'll join you as soon as we can!"
"We'll take him there now!" Hunter nodded as he picked up the boy, "C'mon, kid!"
Echo followed behind with his blaster drawn as he told the astromech, "Artoo! Get ready to open and secure the way in and out of the Chamber!"
Artoo beeped in understanding as the now-freed Shock Troopers followed them, "Come on! We've got to back them up!"
Tech turned to the newly freed Clones as Spider-Man swung off to join his fellow Avenger and the Jedi, "I need you regs to cover me while I repair the damage you made under Sidious's influence, and hook up so they can deal with Venom and give them a chance to focus their efforts to stop the Sith."
"Understood!" The Coruscant Guards nodded as Heartless appeared. Reclaiming their fallen weapons, a clone exclaimed, "Blast those Shadows!"
The final battle for the Galaxy had just begun...
Once Wrecker was safe, the heroes refocused their efforts on stopping the symbiote. Serra twirled her blades as Cin told her, "Remember, Padawan, we're here to help Mr. Brock, not kill him..."
"Tell him that!" She told her Master.
Venom roared, still angry being called a parasite, launched webbing as hard as cannon balls at the Jedi. Shaak Ti and Cin used the Force to stop most of them in mid-air while Serra cut through the ones coming at her.
The Scarlet Witch then blasted the supervillain with a Hex, knocking him off one platform before crashing into another. Shaak Ti leaped off to engage the symbiote but Venom leaped into the air and swung in to engage Wanda. However, Crosshair aimed his sniper and shot through the webbing. He then turned to Wrecker, "Hold him down. We can't let him leave before we're ready."
Still high from the supervillain, Wrecker nervously nodded, "Yeah, just get me a little closer so I don't fall!"
The sniper did as he was told and flew towards the supervillain. Venom saw them coming and shot two webbings attached to the platform the clones were on. He started to yank it down, causing the two clones to hold on to the platform for dear life. Shaak Ti leaped in to cut the webbing as Wanda and Cin attempted to stabilize the platform.
However, Venom grabbed onto the Togruta's throat, and when she attempted to use her lightsaber to free herself, he grabbed her other hand and forced her to drop her Jedi weapon. Serra deactivated one of her blades and called out to the Jedi Council Member, "Master Ti!"
The padawan threw her second lightsaber, however, to her horror, Venom caught the lightsaber, activated it, and plunged into Shaak Ti's chest. As Wanda and Cin finally stabilized the platform Crosshair and Wrecker, the latter turned in horror, "No!"
Serra looked completely mortified as if she was the one who ended the Jedi Master's life. Pulling out the blade, Venom let Master Ti's body hit the floor. Venom grinned, "Well, well, well... there won't be any more debates of how she died back home! We can safely say she died by our hand... with your help of course."
Cin leaped in to engage the alien symbiote as the two briefly clashed blades. It was long before the remaining Jedi Master in the Champer disarmed the supervillain. However, Venom hit him away before avoiding a hex cast by Wanda. Landing on another platform, Wrecker finally built up the courage to go after him tackling him to the ground, and punching him repeatedly in the face until Venom kicked the brute off of him.
Venom was about to bite off the clone's head before Spider-Man finally joined the battle, taking him back to the platform before as the two former friends traded blows...
The three Jedi fought through the incoming Heartless, as Anakin declared, "We need to get to the Senate Chamber! Now!"
"How do you purpose, we get past all of these Heartless," Master Windu asked as he cut down another Heartless.
Master Fisto thought quickly before spotting Master Kolar's fallen lightsaber. Using the Force, he summoned the weapon to his spare hand and activated. Kit told his fellow Council Members, "You two go! Stop the Sith from reaching the boy! I will delay the Heartless as long as I can!"
"Master Fisto!" Anakin turned to him concerned, "You can't seriously think you can fight all of these Heartless by yourself?!"
As Master Fisto fought valiantly one of the Heartless was shot down, the Jedi turned to the surviving clones as Fox told them, "He won't be alone, sir! We'll help General Fisto delay the real enemy! You two can stop that traitor!"
As Fox and the three surviving clones recovered from the Sith's attack, Mace turned to Anakin, "They're right! If Palpatine gets Sora and escapes, there's no telling what kind of damage the Sith can do to the universe!"
Anakin thought about it and nodded, "May the Force be with us all!"
With that, Mace and Anakin used Force Speed to catch up to Palpatine. The latter went to his coms., "Kixx, when you can... get everyone to the Senate Chamber! We can't let Palpatine leave the planet!"
"I still need to check a few of the men still, but we'll be on our way momentarily!"
As the two Avengers and the two surviving Jedi fought the alien symbiote, Venom momentarily managed to grab Spidey until Crosshair shot his wrist, forcing him to let Peter go. Wanda, Serra, and Cin combined their powers to send the supervillain away from the Web-Head. Peter pleaded to his old friend, "Come on, Eddie! You need to snap out of this! Sora's just a kid and these are all good people here! Don't let the symbiote and the Sith control you!"
"No one is being controlled! We simply share the same desire," Venom retorted as he snarled, "You're destruction!"
With that Venom launched a furry of black tentacles, Peter and Serra used their agility to avoid them, while Crosshair and Wrecker shot the incoming tentacles with their blasters. Cin cut down many of them with his Jedi weapon...
...unfortunately, one of them managed to snag the Jedi Master and lift him in the air. It slammed him down on many walls before finally throwing him to the ground below harshly. Serra's eyes widened in horror, "MASTER!"
Peter grabbed Veom from behind, "Don't do this, Bro!"
"WE'RE NOT BROTHERS!" Venom snapped as he through Peter off of him, Wanda caught him as the supervillain glared at him, "Our parents may have died together, but you always had your precious Aunt and Uncle!" Eddie then showed his face, "We had no one! We've always been alone!" The symbiote then covered his face transforming it back to Venom, "Until now!"
Wanda then lifted her free hand as she glared at the supervillain, "Then we are done talking!"
Venom noticed the chaos magic coming from her hand but didn't know what she was using it on...
...until he looked up to see several platforms levitating above him, all covered in red mist. Wanda then slammed the platforms on the symbiote. Wrecker turned to Crosshair, "Remind me not to make her angry."
Spider-Man then went for his com piece, "Tech, how's that sonic weapon coming along?"
"It should be fully operational in a few minutes," The intellectual clone stated.
That's when Venom threw the destroyed platforms off of him. Spidey told him, "We don't have a few minutes!"
Spider-Man then charged in to reengage the supervillain. Wanda went for her com., "And Sora?"
"Still have him and we're almost there," Hunter spoke up, "But the Sith is right on our tail!"
A few of the Regs turned back to hold off Palpatine to buy some more time. However, they didn't last long, as Sidious cut them down with ease. Echo went for his com piece, "Artoo! On my signal, open the door to platform 8-35, then seal it shut!"
Artoo beeped in response. Soon enough, they stood just outside the door, as Palpatine glared at them, "Give the boy to me!"
"Over our dead bodies," Hunter glared at him as he, Echo, and the remaining Shock Troopers prepared for a fight.
"As you wish," Palpatine grinned as he charged at them.
Hunter told the group, "Wait!" Sidious ran closer, "Wait...!" Sora hugged Echo tightly as Sidious was just a few feet away ready to strike, Hunter exclaimed, "NOW!"
"Artoo! Do it!" Echo exclaimed as they all jumped out of the Sith's way, as the door briefly opened as the Sith came at them. He would have turned around but Anakin and Mace joined the fight pushing further into the Chamber! The two Jedi Knights entered the chamber as well just as the doors slammed shut! Hunter and the rest of the clones aimed their blasters at the door as he ordered, "Lock it down! Have all troops surrounded all exits and entrances in the chamber!"
"If it's not the Jedi, Avengers, or clones you see, take 'em out," Another clone exclaimed.
Echo reassured Sora, "You did a good job. They'll be okay. We just need to wait now."
Sora nervously nodded...
Sidious glared at the two Jedi as he reengaged them, as Mace and Anakin were forced to go on the defensive. At the same time, Peter and Wrecker were each punching Venom as they gave the supervillain a run for their money. The masked Avenger turned to the full-time Avenger, "Wanda! Help Anakin and Mace with Sidious! He's the bigger threat and you're the only one strong enough to stand your own against him!"
"Try not to die," Wanda told him as she went to do as she was told.
As the two Jedi tried to press the attack, the Sith Lord launched Force Lightning at the two Council members forcing them to raise their lightsabers to deflect the bolts of lightning. Even though they were protecting themselves, the power from the lightning was still pushing them back. Just then, they were put at ease as Wanda used her hexes to combat the Sith's lightning.
Spidey and Wecker were then knocked into the wall by Venom as Tech spoke in their coms., "Okay, the device has successfully been installed and hooked up."
Venom webbed the two to the wall, as the supervillain stated, "We've toyed with you long enough! Now we end this!"
"Tech! Turn it on!" Spidey exclaimed.
"Now Tech!" Wrecker agreed as Venom charged at them only to stop mid-air. Venom looked back to see Serra was using the Force to hold him back.
That's when all the speakers went on and unleashed bursts of sound. Venom covered his ears as he screamed in pain, "NO! NOT THIS! NOT AGAIN!"
Serra struggled to hold the alien symbiote but the host was starting to get free. Spidey called out, "Serra! Get Eddie out of there!"
The Jedi Padawan nodded as she pulled the now-free Eddie Brock and threw him away from the alien symbiote. Eddie's eyes widened to see he was once again removed from the alien, "No! No! NO!" He tried to rebound with it, "TAKE ME BACK!"
Before he could reach though, Crosshair stunned the former College Student of ESU. Peter turned to Wrecker, "Can you free yourself?"
"One way to find out," The brute replied before he grunted and roared until he broke free of the webbing. The two could see the symbiote was desperately trying to find a new host. Wrecker then pulled out a large knife as he told him, "I'll get you out of there in a jiffy!"
As Wrecker moved in to cut him free, he saw the same symbiote move closer to them. He also spotted Shaak Ti's lightsaber by it. He then turned to Wanda's power starting to overwhelm the Sith Lord. His eyes widened under his mask, "Wait... I think I know how to beat Sidious without throwing him into the Death Star reactor or forcing his own lightning against him..."
He then spoke up, "Don't worry about me, Wrecker, get Eddie and get him to Crosshair. I have a plan to beat old wrinkles..."
"You sure," Wrecker asked him.
"I'm sure," He nodded before gesturing to the symbiote, "Now go before that mud pile hitches a ride on ya."
Wrecker's eyes widened as he saw the alien draw close to him, "Ah, right!"
The brute of the Bad Batch leaped to the platform over and grabbed Eddie Brock. Crosshair turned to the Padawan, "Bring them in."
She nodded using the Force to make them two arrive safely on their platform. With Wrecker and Eddie safe, Peter broke one arm free of Eddie's web and shot his own to the fallen lightsaber. He then yanked it to his hand as the symbiote was only a foot away, as he thought to himself, "Okay, step one successful, now here's hoping I don't get myself killed in step two."
Wanda pushed the Sith flying back several platforms allowing the Jedi to renegade him. Sidious landed on his two feet as he blocked and repelled everything the Jedi had to offer as Wanda lifted up some damaged platforms and prepared to throw them at the Dark Lord. However, to everyone's surprise, Peter called out to him, "Yo, Ambrose! All that talk about releasing your anger and you're missing out on getting the one guy who started your downfall?"
Everyone looked at Peter as if he had grown a second head. Was he actually mocking at the Dark Lord of the Sith? A man who could make him suffer and die in many ways? Palpatine glared at Parker as he continued, "To think all the planning, all of the scheming, all those decades wasted, because some kid from Queens..."
"C'mon take the bait..." Peter thought to himself as he Symbiote was only inches away from him.
Sidious pushed the Jedi away from him as he pointed his lightsaber at him, "YOU! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!"
The Sith Master screamed as he charged at him while his blade spun like crazy, Wanda and Anakin called out in concern, "PETER!"
Right before the Sith before the Sith could make a ready blow, Peter activated the Lightsabe,r and their blades locked in a clash. Sidious feet landed right on the Symbiote which immediately started to bond with him, just as he hoped. The Symbiote fed off of negative emotions, and it could not resist those of a Sith Lord. Although, Sidious's transformation into a cloaked Venom that reminded him of the Grim Reaper with Venom's face on it... was admittedly pretty terrifying. Wrecker even muttered, "Now that's just not right!"
"He is one ugly son of a-" Crosshair was about to agree with him...
...when Venom/Sidious roared, "DIE!"
Wanda then blasted the monster away as Windu and Anakin leaped to his side and the latter cut him free, the Chosen One stated, "Uh, Peter? Why did you make things worse by making the two of the worst villains we've ever face join together?!"
"Because Sidious now has a form of Kryptonite we can use against him," Peter explained with a smirk under his mask.
"Huh," The two Jedi stared at him in confusion.
"Oh, right, they wouldn't get the Superman reference," Peter realized before he explained, "A weakness..."
Peter gestured to the sound system, as Anakin slowly smirked, "Ooooooh... that's a good idea..."
"FOOLS! ALL OF YOU!" The Sidious Venom hybrid exclaimed, "WHEN WE LEAVE HERE WITH THE CHILD, WE WILL BUILD AN EVEN GREATER EMPIRE, AND WE WON'T REST UNTIL EVERYONE YOU LOVE AND CHERISH SUFFER AND DIE BY OUR HAND!"
Days ago, this would have made him angry, but now with his anger under control, he went to his coms., "Tech, fire it again."
"Again?" Tech repeated in confusion, "Did the symbiote not leave Eddie Brock when we turned it on the first time?"
"That's an order, Tech," Anakin repeated. Seconds later, the sonics unleashed throughout all the speakers again causing the Sith and symbotie to scream in pain...
...as they noticed something else was falling out of Palpatine. Something all too familiar to the Avengers, Wanda's eyes widened, "The crack!"
"I've got it," Master Windu declared using the Force to bring the crack to them.
However, when they saw that the alien was not leaving its current host, Anakin turned to Spidey, "Does the symbiote have any other weakness?"
"While it can survive the cold vacuum of space, it can't withstand intense heat either," Peter answered.
"Intense heat, huh?" The Chosen One thought, "Kinda like..." His eyes widened as he turned to Wrecker, "Wrecker! I need a thermal detonator primed!"
Wrecker beamed as he eagerly pulled out the explosive, "YES! FINALLY! SOMETHING TO BLOW UP!"
After priming it, he tossed it to Anakin, who used the Force to send it flying toward the Sidious/Venom hybrid still disoriented from the sound attack. Acting quickly, Wanda used the damaged platforms to shield Peter and the two Jedi... just as the detonator went off!
'BOOM!'
After a moment, the remaining Jedi Knights and Avengers turned to the two Bad Batch members, and the Jedi Padawan. Anakin turned to the sniper who witnessed the scene, "Crosshair?"
Not even needing to hear him say the question, Crosshair scanned the spot to see the remnants of the alien symbiote burn away and all that remained of the Sith was his damaged lightsaber. He gave a confirmation nod, "The traitor and the symbiote have been destroyed..."
Everyone sighed in relief as everyone deactivated their lightsabers, Mace turned to Anakin and gave him a grateful nod, "Well done, Anakin... I'm sorry that I ever doubted you."
Anakin, while stunned to hear an apology from the Jedi Master, gave a nod back, "I'm sorry I gave you reason to doubt. I haven't always been the best role model for a Jedi."
Peter and Wanda smiled to themselves, the day was won... suddenly they heard someone slowly clapping. Everyone turned to see who it was, and saw Xehanort there looking down upon them, "Well done, you actually managed to foil my dear brother's scheme."
"Brother?" Peter blinked before his eyes widened under his mask, "Wait, you and old wrinkled face were brothers?!"
"Sure, both are evil schemers," Anakin glared at the Seeker of Darkness, "Why wouldn't they be related?!"
"Half-brother, if you must know," Xehanort revealed to the heroes, as Crosshair and Wrecker trained their blasters on him, "We never liked each other but we could always our intelligence."
"Well, your scheme has failed," Wanda glared at the monster after her child, "Venom and Sidious have been defeated and the Republic and Jedi Order have been saved."
"Oh, I never expected to win," Xehanort smirked much to everyone's shock, "This... was all just an experiment of mine... Palpatine's scheme was flawless and destined to happen. Or it was. Thanks to you, I now know the future can be changed. So, I thank you all for participating in this little experiment." He then opened a Corridor of Darkness behind him, "Enjoy your victory while it lasts because, in the end, Sora, Kingdom Hearts, and the χ-blade will be mine."
With that, the time-traveling villain made his exit, and with the threat gone, Serra went to her Master's fallen body, as she mourned his death. Stunned by this realization, they could hear Hunter speak in the coms, "Generals? Spider-Man? Miss Maximoff? What happened? Is Venom down? Is Palpatine dead?"
Anakin went for his coms, "You can end the lockdown, the threats are down..." After a brief pause, he added, "...we won."
However, after hearing everyone Xehanort had said, it certainly didn't feel like a victory. Just then, everyone could hear Eddie groan, "No... no... y-you... you have to give it back..."
"Mud stain's gone, blonde," Wrecker stated, "Better off without it."
"No... NO!" Eddie's eyes widened in horror, "IT CAN'T BE GONE! IT CAN'T!"
Peter leaped over to Eddie Brock, "Eddie, you're free... you can stop now." He placed a comforting hand on him, "Stop hating."
"No... can't stop..." A broken Eddie Brock said in grief, "...it only loved me... for the hate."
Anakin stared at Eddie Brock as if seeing for the first time what he would have become if he had gone on that dark path...
Moments later, the doors slid open as the triumphant heroes emerged with a cuffed Eddie Brock. They saw that the 501st and the Courasant Guard joined Echo, Hunter, and Tech with Master Fisto. After spotting the two Avengers, little Sora ran past the soldiers towards the heroes. Wanda embraced him, as he called out, "Mommy! Daddy!"
Peter and Wanda froze at that, as Sora froze, "I'm sorry... I... What I meant to say..."
Their shock turned to joy as Wanda smiled, "It's okay, Sora. We love you too."
"You can call us that if you'd like," Peter joined her as the three hugged each other.
Peter then felt a pat on the back as he turned to Anakin we gave him a smile and a thumbs up. Fox then stood at attention, "Sir, Republic, and Separatist ships are emerging from hyperspace!"
"It's okay, Commander," Mace reassured him, "The war is over."
Sometime later, they reported to the whole galaxy the Sith death at the hands of Anakin and the Bad Batch while Eddie was taken to a secure hospital. Brock shouted, "You'll see! You will all see! We're Venom! And will destroy Spider-Man yet!"
As Eddie was being taking away, Aayla, one of the many Jedi who returned to the planet capital of the Republic, reassured Peter, "We'll ensure Eddie Brock receive the best treatment. Help him let go of his anger and hate."
"We'll personally see to it," Obi-Wan added giving Peter a look of sympathy.
"Thanks..." Peter nodded, "I just hope you guys have better luck than Ravencroft or S.H.I.E.L.D. has."
"To my experience, there's no such thing," Obi-Wan told the Web-Slinger.
"Try tell that to my own lousy luck," Peter told the Jedi Master, "My Typical Parker Luck."
As they turned back to the gathered Jedi and senators of both the Republic and Separatists, Padmè walked up to the two Avengers, "Well... the truth about the Sith and the war is out..." She then sighed, "...along with other things... the galaxy won't be the same as of today."
"I'm so sorry that your secret is out," Wanda apologized, "Your jobs and careers..."
"Ah, we knew it wasn't going to be a secret forever anyway," Anakin reassured the two Avengers, "At least this way, we go out on a high note with all the lives we saved." He then turned to his loving wife, "And keeping our family safe and free."
"Thank you, Peter, Wanda," Padmè smiled at the family, before kneeling to Sora, "You too Sora."
The young boy giggled as Anakin turned to face the Council, and gave them a respectful bow, "Masters."
Ashoka looked concerned for her former Master, as the Council turned to each other as Mace spoke up on their behalf, "Anakin Skywalker, you have broken a major code of the Jedi Order, having a secret relationship with Senator Padmè Amidala-Skywalker, marrying her behind the Council's back and now bares your children... because of this you were susceptible to the Dark Lord's temptation to turn you to the Dark Side. Out of all the stunts you pulled in the past..."
"I understand," Anakin gave a respectful bow, "I have no excuse for my actions."
"It is with that reasoning the Council has decided..." Mace continued before briefly pausing with a smile, "...to grant you the rank of Master."
"I understand, I leave without a-" Anakin began before freezing, he turned to the Jedi Master in shock, "Wha...?"
"You've changed, Anakin, and for the better," Mace smiled, "Perhaps this deep connection to your new friends and family changed you to become the Jedi Master you were always meant to be. We always believed relationships were forbidden that would drive any Jedi to turn... but they only strengthened you to fulfill the prophecy to destroy the Sith and bring balance to the Force. Stopping a plot to destroy the Order and the Republic. It is with that reasoning, we believe that it was not meant to be forbidden for all but meant to master these emotions so they don't get the better of them of doing what's right and we need a new Master to instruct this to future Jedi... it was you who taught us... and saved us all."
With that, Mace bowed to Anakin who was even more stunned as one by one the others followed even those within the senate. Wanda and Peter did the same. As Sora joined them. Obi-Wan smiled at his old Padawan, "Well, Anakin, what do you say?"
Anakin blinked as he couldn't make out any words, before finally speaking up, "I don't think I'm ready to hold this title."
"It is for that reason," Master Yoda spoke up with a smile, "Ready, you are."
"So... does that mean..." Anakin glanced at his wife, "Padmè won't lose her spot within the senate?"
"The woman who spoke up against a terrible deception and ended the war," Mon Mothma smiled humorously, "We'd be absolute fools not to. In fact, she's been selected to be the Republic's next Chancellor."
The wife of Anakin Skywalker looked equally stunned, as Bail smiled, "Considering you made everyone stop killing each other, I'd say you have a pretty good shot."
"Huh, can't say I saw that one coming," Peter muttered to himself.
"Well, considering how much we changed here," Wanda smiled at him, "They now have their own destinies to lead on from here. Not what's written in your shows, books, or games."
Anakin stood up tall, "I will accept my position as Master. I promise I won't let the Republic or the Order down. But I'm going to request some time off to take care of my family if the Council approves."
"Granted," Mace nodded, he then sighed, "Now, that being said there's still work to be done."
"Palpatine may be dead, but that evidence you gathered also had a list of names that willingly joined him in his plot," Bail stated, "Within the Order and Senate."
"They've gone into hiding since his death," Master Fisto spoke up, "It will take considerable time tracking them down and see that they face justice."
"A possibility could threaten this new age of peace, I fear," Master Yoda frowned at that, "But a greater threat, Xehanort is."
"Who would have thunk this whole experience was a test to see if he could truly change fate," Peter sighed as he rubbed the back of his mask, "And we did exactly what he wanted."
"Perhaps, you did, perhaps the Republic and the Separatists were meant to fall and an evil Empire take their place," Padmè frowned at that, before turning to her husband, "But to do so, so many lives would have been ruined or lost." She smiled brightly to them, "It may have all been a plot by Xehanort, but it was your actions that saved our galaxy, and we owe the Avengers a debt we could never repay."
"It's alright," Peter lightly joked, "Action is my reward." After a long pause, Peter sighed, "Yeah, okay, you wouldn't get the joke."
"Perhaps we will," Anakin smiled.
Mon Mothma smiled at the two heroes, "Bail and I have been speaking to the other senators and they ultimately agreed with our plan. The Jedi and Avengers work together to maintain peace in the other worlds without disrupting the natural world order. As well as to act on the people's behalf rather than just the senates of the Republic or Seprisitists."
"Now then, there is one more thing to bring up before we move on from here," Plo Koon spoke up, "Mr. Parker. Miss Maximoff. Have you made your decision of whether your child stays here or not?"
Wanda and Peter looked at each other and smiled as they pulled Sora closer to them, as the latter replied, "Look, I know you guys mean well, but I think it's best that Sora stays with us. Especially since you guys would have been wiped out if it wasn't for us."
"Point taken," Obi-Wan smiled, "Besides, it's probably for the best this way, if Sora is to grow up to defeat Master Xehanort, he will have to learn what the Council doesn't have."
"Still, should you or the boy need us, we'll be there," Mace told the two Avengers.
Wanda then quickly added, "I would like to enlist Ashoka Tano to help guide Sora when he gets older. I've heard great things about her from Master Skywalker and I want Sora capable of holding his own with us when he's older."
"I'd be honored to," The former Jedi smiled at the two, before turning to the Council, "That is... if the Council doesn't mind a citizen overseeing the boy's training."
After glancing around to the other members of the Council, when he saw no one protesting this before nodding, "Accept this proposal, the Council does. Looking forward to our new friendship with the Avenger, we will."
"Until then, we wish you all a safe journey," Ki-Aid-Mundi stated, "As you're so close to your goal."
"According to the data you gave me after sealing this crack, only the one crack will remain," Tech spoke up with his datapad before sighing, "And that'll be the easy part."
Peter and Wrecker blinked in shock, "The easy part?!"
"Peter, remember who we have to use the final orb for?" Wanda pointed out.
Spidey blinked under his mask, "Oh... right... Xehanort himself."
"Until we find a way back to your homeworld," Anakin crossed his arms, "We can't particularly help with that." Before Anakin muttered, "As much as we'd like to after everything you've done for us."
"It'll be alright," Peter reassured the Chosen One, "We'll see each other again soon enough."
"Still, there is something you should know about Sora before you leave," Master Windu stated, "This is a reason why we believe Xehanort is targeting the young boy, and it's not just because he can defeat him one day."
The two Avengers turned to each other in concern, as Wanda asked the Jedi Council, "What do you mean?"
"There is a prophecy referring to him, the next Keyblade War future is all but set," Aayla answered, "However, the prophecy also mentions that there is only one person that is capable of stopping this grim fate. The child of Destiny."
Sora tilted his head in confusion, as Peter blinked, "Child of Destiny?"
"It's said this child would be born on the isles of Destiny," Obi-Wan explained, "Capable of touching the hearts of all he meets, and has the unique ability to change the fate of even the darkest of prophecies."
"Wait, are you saying... you think Sora is this child of Destiny?" Wanda blinked in shock.
"Well, he does fit so far two of the three descriptions," Peter thought about it, "We met him on the Destiny Islands, and has made friends everywhere we went to..."
"...and if he truly defeats the current Xehanort, despite fate being on his side," Anakin slowly realized, "He'd fit all three!"
The potential new Chancellor spoke up, "More of a reason why you should get Sora back to your world and defend him with everything you have then. We won't keep you."
Wanda and Padmé hugged each other, as the latter stated, "Take care of yourselves out there."
"You and Anakin will be great parents," Wanda smiled at her, "We should hang out again sometime."
The wife of Skywalker eagerly smiled, "We can have play dates for the children!"
"Oh, I love the sound of that!" Wanda beamed.
Ankin then walked up to Peter, "Look, if I had lost Padmè, I wouldn't know what I do. But I do know that Gwen wouldn't want you to live the rest of your life alone and I think she'd be okay if you'd moved on. It's okay to let go, that's one of the many things you've taught me these past few days."
Spidey slowly nodded as he walked up to the Scarlet Witch, "Wanda..." She turned to him, as he nervously rubbed the back of his mask, "Look... I'm not the most... wealthy or well put together when it comes to the other heroes... but... that is if you're willing... and we survive all of this... do you... want to go out sometime? On a date that is?"
Wanda blinked as Padmè muttered to herself, "Well... it's about time he asked."
The daughter of Magento slowly smiled, "Actually, I'd love to."
Peter stared blushing under his mask as Anakin gave him a friendly pat. He then cleared his throat as he muttered to the others, "Look, you three saved from making a terrible choice that would have cost me everything... I know I am no position to ask more of you, but even with Sidious gone... the draw on the Dark Side is still there and... I believe Jesus can help me through this. I would like to know more of your God, so if..."
"You don't even need to ask," Wanda reassured him, "I'll speak with my friend, Kurt, who knows more than I do. I'm sure he's more than willing to help guide you..."
"He could probably even get your marriage blessed too," Peter added, "But we're also here if you need us so don't hesitate to call us."
"Thanks, guys," Anakin smiled.
Hunter then nodded to the two Avengers, "Take care."
"Bye little spikey boy," Wrecker waved towards little Sora.
"Take care of yourselves," Crosshair nodded.
Echo saluted them, "If you ever need backup, you know who to call."
The now inhibitor chip-free clones saluted the heroes. Anakin smiled to the new Avenger couple, "May the good Lord protect you on your journey home."
"Goodbye, Anakin," Wanda smiled, "To you as well."
With that, Peter nodded as he added, "And may the Force be with you!"
With that, Master Windu placed the crack on the ground, as Artoo handed Peter their bag of the last three orbs. Spidey took one out as he tossed it at the portal as Wanda used her Hex on it. She turned to Sora as she did so, "Stay close, Sora."
Sora smiled brightly as he held onto the magic lamp as the three left the capital of the Republic to the next world...
Notes:
AND FINALLY FINISHED! Oh my gosh, that took forever to finish but it's finally done... well, the Star Wars arc is. Only two left, the final world, and of course, the final battle. The end seems so close and yet so far, so we know how Wanda and Peter think about this journey.
Now then, a while back I had a poll of who you guys thought what would be the next world, and the majority of you assumed it was going to be a world based on My Hero Academia, however only 14% of you actually guessed correctly.
You can safely presume what it is after the preview!
With five cracks sealed only one remains, you think things would go pretty smoothly, right? WRONG! As our heroes are now caught in the snowstorm where they were saved by yetis of all things that take them to a toy workshop far in the north. And when an ancient enemy returns to threaten children, not just Sora, our Avengers must team up with heroes that longed believed to be fantasy. And their new recruit isn't so thrilled about his new job, but can our heroes work together to save the Wonder, Hope, Memories, and Dreams of childhood? Not to mention the Holidays! Stay tuned!
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Be sure to leave a review! Also if you haven't already be sure to leave a follow and fav. as well. In case I don't finish the next chapter in time, Merry Christmas everyone! See ya real soon!
Chapter 15: Chapter 14: Rise of the Guardians
Summary:
With one crack remaining, our heroes end up in the most unexpected of places, Santa's Workshop! That's right, Santa Claus is real! So are the Tooth Fairy, Sandman, Jack Frost, and the Easter Bunny! Not only that but they're a team of their very own and Jack is their reluctant new recruit! When an old enemy of theirs returns from under children's beds, the Avengers must team up to not only protect Sora but to protect trillions of children from across the many ones. Many of which, may one day aid Sora on his journey...
Back on Earth, our heroes discover what will happen should Wanda, Spider-Man, and the other heroes fail to stop the darkness from getting to Sora...
Notes:
I don't own Avengers or Kingdom Hearts. They belong to Disney, Square Enix, and Marvel. Oh, and I don't own Rise of the Guardians either as they are owned by DreamWorks. Okay, this one didn't take nearly as long as the last. Would've finished sooner if it wasn't for internet problems forcing me to rewrite some scenes.
That was a pain. And it happened multiple times, making it worse.
But I was successful in making the first half of the Rise of the Guardians worlds; as the world will set up our grand finale for this world. How that happens... you'll see... ;
And with that out of the way, let's dive into the chapter...
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 14: Rise of the Guardians
Back on Earth, Strange was still looking for the Scarlet Witch and Spider-Man's location. Members of the Avengers, X-Men, and Brotherhood were there as well. Pietro tapped his foot impatiently before finally wondering, "So, Doc, what's the big deal? I thought you said you found them!"
"I did, but they're on the move again," Strange answered much to everyone's annoyance, "It would seem like they managed to see another crack."
Captain America then asked in deep concern, "And Venom?"
"Hmmm..." The Sorcerer Supreme hummed in thought, "I can no longer sense the Symbiote's presence but Mr. Brock does not appear to be following them. I can only assume they were able to defeat him and handed him over to the authorities over there."
"So, he's not going to magically appear in a cell like Kraven?" Hawkeye raised an eyebrow.
"It would appear not," Strange admitted before turning to Clint, "It's safe to assume that he was handed over to the authorities on that world."
"Okay, so that alien monster's no longer after my sister or Spider-Man..." Quicksilver crossed his arms and shrugged, "Big whoop!" He then pointed out, "We're still nowhere close to finding her."
"That's not entirely accurate," Strange revealed, "From the pattern of the worlds they've visited, they have been sealing the larger cracks."
"They've been targeting them, sealing them has been weakening the other ones," Cap realized as the former surgeon nodded in confirmation. Steve then asked him, "How many more of them are there?"
"Only one left," Doctor Stange revealed before zooming on the world where the crack was, "And from the look of things, that's where they going next."
Magento's eyes widened in relief, "Finally..."
"So, we know where they are, let's just portal in, help them out," Wasp beamed, "Let's portal over them, back them up, beat up Kang, and seal the crack then we can bring them back and call it a day!"
"That's the thing, Jan. The good news is we know where they are," Tony spoke up with his helmet removed, "Bad news, we still don't know of a way to reach them yet."
"Oh..." Jan frowned at that realization.
Toad blinked in confusion before pointing to the Doctor, "Uh... so Mr. Magic can't just portal us there?"
"If it were that easy, anyone could," Stephen stated as he shook his head, "Until, T'Challa, Reed, Pym, McCoy, Forge, and you, Stark come up with a solution they're on their own."
"Well, this sucks," Wolverine groaned.
Eric turned to Logan, "Have you tried speaking with Charles? Perhaps he might know how to reach them."
"First thing I tried since they've vanished," Logan sighed, "Chuck has gone silent as of late, nothing even short of a hello." Removing his mask, "We've been worried about him."
"I'm sorry, but isn't Charles in a coma at the moment," Strange blinked in confusion, "How would he be able to help?"
"A couple of years back," Logan explained, "When the X-Mansion was attacked, and Jean and Chuck were MIA, the incident put Charles into a coma that would last 10 years, he's used Cerebro to contact us from the future has given us warning of threats to many grim futures."
"Ones the X-Men were able to prevent," Eric stated, "It's how they always seem to be 10 steps ahead of everyone."
"What do you think happened?" Jan wondered.
"It's not like we can check and know for sure," Pietro shrugged.
An idea sparked for the Sorcerer Supreme, "Maybe we can..."
He then stopped the spell of the current world their friends were in, charging the stance of his arms and hands over the Eye of Aggomotto, Tony blinked, "Strange, what are you?"
He then moved his arms back as the Eye opened to reveal Strange's greatest weapon: the glowing green power of the Time Stone. The power of the Infinity Stone covered himself and the heroes and villains with them. Magento's eyes widened, "What is this?"
"We are going to look forward a couple of years into the future and find out why Charles Xavier stopped commutating with his X-Men," Strange explained as he stretched out his arm and started to move time forward.
"You can do that?" Wasp blinked in shock.
However, Cap asked the bigger question, "You think the current crisis has something to do with the Professor's silence?"
"I am almost certain of it," Strange stated as he jumped forward, hoping to see what happened 10 years into the future...
...but they never made it that far, to their horror, they witnessed the building they were standing in crumbling all around them. And it wasn't just the Sanactumm, the neighborhood, the city, the world was crumbling down all around them. The stars were fading away and everything was being blaket by darkness. Then suddenly, everything went blank. Toad leaped back in fear. Tony turned to Strange, "What... just... happened?"
"I'm..." A stunned Dr. Strange blinked in fear, "I'm not sure."
"How long until it happens?" Cap turned to the Doctor, "5 years? 2 years?"
"Days at best," Strange answered much to everyone's horror.
"DAYS?!" Everyone exclaimed.
"Holy shit," Blade, who had been silent all the time, removed his sunglasses in shock.
"No wonder Chuck can't reach us," Wolverine growled in anger, "If Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch fail... if we fail to help them, it's the end of the world as we know it!"
"Okay... this is really outside of the Brotherhood's range experience," Toad muttered in fear as Strange ended the vision.
"And we still don't know what caused these cracks in reality," Captain America crossed his arms, "Or who truly is behind the Heartless?"
"Uh... Kang?" Wasp pointed out.
"Kang only ever wanted to protect his timeline, not destroy the universe," Tony pointed out, "No, my money says someone is pulling the strings."
"And the only ones who truly know about the threat are Spider-Man and my daughter," Magento frowned, "With my own grandson caught in the middle of all of it."
"Ugh! If only we could reach them," Wasp groaned as she face-palmed herself, "They can just tell us what's going on!"
"Hmmm... trying to find a way to reach them will take time... time we obviously don't have," Tony thought before snapping his fingers, "But if we refocus our attention to communicating with them! We may still be able to talk to them!"
"How?" Pietro pointed out, "Aren't they a couple of hundred lightyears away from Earth?"
"They should still have their Avenger I.D. cards and we've been studying the technology of the Kree, the Skrull, and even Kang when he invaded," Iron Man explained, "If we can boost off satellites towards the planet they're heading towards... someone will be bound to get in touch with them..."
"And they can inform us of what's happening and how we can help," Cap nodded before given the order, "Send word to the others to stop what they're doing and find someway to contact them."
Iron Man placed on his helmet as he turned to Strange, "Yeah, I'm going to need those Coordantes to know where they are now..."
As Strange provided where the two missing Avengers were, Quicksilver then turned to his father, "So... this isn't exactly what we signed up for..."
"True," Magento admitted, "...but if the world ends, so does mutant kind with your sister and her child along with it. We will do our part to save it for their sakes."
"But how...?" Pietro wondered.
"For now, do whatever Stark tells you to," Magento explained, "Once Wanda and the boy are back home and the world safe... we go our separate ways..."
Quicksilver nodded as he wondered, "Should we... try to talk to Wanda about seeing my nephew... your grandson?"
Magento sighed, there was so much bad blood between him and his own daughter, he didn't know if she wanted him around her son, "I have no idea... for now... let's see how things play out..."
Back on the dusted wastelands, Wanda had seen Terra and Master Xehanort speak beforehand, she saw Mickey lying unconscious on the ground.
"Mickey!" She heard Ventus's voice call out to the fallen icon. She witnessed the young teen kneel down beside him and turn him over, elevating his head. Mickey made a small groan but his eyes remained closed.
"We meet again, boy." She heard the elder Xehanort speak up getting both her and Ven's attention. Her eyes narrowed at his appearance, while Ventus seemed shocked, as he gently sent the King of Disney Castle down as the fallen Keyblade Master approached him, "Master Xehanort..."
Suddenly, Ven's eye flashed as if memory suddenly returned to him causing the poor boy to fall to his knees, clutching his head in pain. Wanda's eyes widened in concern as his image was briefly replaced by Sora's. She whispered in concern, "What's happening?"
"Ah yes, so you are starting to realize..." Master Xehanort grinned, "...what you lost- oh, but not for good. You had to lose in order to find." He trusted out his hand, moving his fingers in a manner of power, "Now it can all be yours again, if you only reach out and take it!" The villain clutched his fist, "Reclaim the part that left you. Clash with him! Pure light against pure darkness, to forge the ultimate key. The all-powerful χ-blade!"
Ven then screamed in pain before crashing down on the ground, after a moment he groaned out, "Keyblade?"
Wanda recalled the meeting when they met Master Yen Sid. It was just a standard Keyblade he was after. The χ-blade, or X-blade as Peter and their unofficial adopted son dubbed it, was Kingdom Hearts's counterpart and the only thing that could unlock all of its secrets. Xehanort even clarified the fact to the young Keyblade Weilder, "Not the Keyblades you and I carry." Then in his hand appeared a floating golden 'χ', which spun slowly in the air, "χ... A most ancient letter. Some say "kye," but the meaning is the same." He closed his hand and the Greek letter disappeared, "Death... A letter that spells endings."
As the fallen Keyblade Master lifted his hands, the sky began to blacken, and Ven began to realize, "And I have the power to make it?
"Correct," Xehanort confirmed with a nod as the black skies churned with thunder and lightning. The wind began to pick up, blowing dust into the air, and while no being actually there herself, the wind also lifted the Scarlet Witch's cape, as the Seeker of Darkness continued, "Eraqus knows it, too. He knows exactly what you are."
"The Master?" Ven repeated
"Haven't you ever wondered? Why he never granted you permission to leave his side, to grow stronger?" The elder asked him before telling him, "Eraqus was frightened of you. If you were to learn the truth, realize what you are... He never trusted you. Why else would he keep you within his sight at all times?"
The dark cloud bent, and a thunderbolt struck the ground just inches away from Ven's face. His eyes turned wide in both realization and shock, as he slowly stood back up on his two feet, "Yeah. He never let me see other worlds, no matter how much I asked."
Master Xehanort smirked. He pointed his hand out toward Ven as he commanded the winds to start to push the young wielder back, "Go. You can ask the man yourself. Learn the truth, and remember you have a greater purpose!"
The teenage boy tried to push back against the winds, but ultimately it was too much for him as he was sent flying back, unable to stand any longer, as the wind pulled him and Mickey in a twister up toward the portal. Ven screams as he is ripped from the world. Wanda glanced back to the grinning villain, as he closed his eyes as if in a deep focus, "Master Terra. Find me. We must speak at once."
Her eyes widened. He was telepathic. She needed to warn Peter on the subject. Still, why call Terra now? She whispered, "What are you up to, Xehanort?"
She then saw Xehanort use one of his dark portals to teleport him to higher ground, near the edge of a cliff. She lifted herself after the scheming villain, as she waited to see what would happen. Suddenly, she could hear an engine running and saw Terra clad in his armor, flying on his Keyblade Glider like a flying motorcycle. The young man turned to the fallen Keyblade Master, "Master Xehanort, you wished to see me?"
"There is no time to lose!" Xehanort gave the brunette a terrified expression on his face, "I've terrible news. Ventus has stumbled upon the secrets of his origins."
"Stumble upon-" The daughter blinked in disbelief before glaring at the villain, "YOU TOLD HIM!" She then glanced at the man clad in armor, "Please tell me you don't honestly believe-"
"Ven?!" Terra gasped in worry, "I just saw him, he passed right in front of me. What happened?!"
Wanda face-palmed herself, "...of course, you believe him..."
Then again, he could have known Xehanort for years like Anakin with Palpatine, unaware of his true intentions if she and Peter hadn't brought it to the light. Unfortunately, this was all in the past and she couldn't change that. All she could do was witness what happened next. Master Xehanort continued, "Ventus is on his way home." He then began to lie again, "If you could have seen the fury in his eyes... I'm certain he's capable of anything. I fear the boy may attempt to force the truth out of Eraqus." He then told Ventus's friend, "Master Terra, you must hurry back and see to your friend's safety."
"Of course," He nodded before turning his glider to go after Ven. Once out of earshot, Master Xehanort chuckled darkly to himself, as Wanda glared to him before turning back to Terra...
...to notice someone else was watching these events, someone who was practically invisible to the naked eye, but she saw him, and his glowing bright eyes nonetheless, "The Watcher...?"
She had heard about it before from Strange and Mr Fantastic from their team-ups with the Avengers. An all-powerful being who witnessed everything but can't interfere no matter what happens. She reached out to him only for the environment to change around them and she found herself no longer in the wastelands but back on the Land of Departure. Back in the forecourt, where Terra first spoke with Master Xehanort. She saw Ven standing there, hesitating to enter the castle but contined his way home. Just then, Master Eraqus was there seemly shocked, walking down the stairs to him, "Ventus, you're alone? I thought Aqua would-"
Ven stopped where he was, looking away from his Master. However, the Keyblade Master placed his arms on the boy's shoulders with a relieved smile on his face, "Well, what matters is that you're home. You don't belong outside this world yet. You need to stay here where you can learn-"
"In your prison?" Ventus cut him off.
"Master Eraqus blinked in shock, "What?
"That's your excuse..." Ven look up to accuse him as he backed away from his mentor, "...for keeping me imprisoned here, isn't it?!"
The Keyblade Master turned to him concerned, "What did you hear?"
"That I'm supposed to be some weapon..." The teenage boy answered, "Some kind of...'χ-blade!'"
"I knew it." Eraqus's eyes narrowed, "Xehanort... he could never let it go..." He lightly rubbed the scar Xehanort gave him long ago, Wanda realized he was starting to make the connection. The Xehanort never let go of his obsession that he had planned for this very day, "I failed. I had the chance to stop him and couldn't do it." He then summoned his Keyblade to his side much to Wanda's and the teenager's shock, "But I will not fail again!"
"Master!" Ven backed away in fear, "What are you..."
"No, don't do this," Wanda tried to convince the Keyblade Master, "He's just a boy! Innocent! It's Xehanort you want, not him!"
However, her words fell on deaf ears, cursing herself as she recalled that these were only visions and there was nothing she could do to change them. Eraqus declared, "The χ-blade has no place in this or any world. Xehanort has made his purpose clear...and I am left with no choice." He then told Ven, "Forgive me..." His Keyblade then began to light up, "...but you must exist no more."
Wanda gasped in horror as the Keyblade Master trusted out his Keyblade and chains of light streamed out. Ven stood in fear, clamping his eyes shut. Before the chains could touch him, Terra arrived just in time to block the blow, "VEN!"
"What?" Their Master's eyes widened in shock as Terra magically removed his armor.
"Master, have you gone mad?!" The young man asked him as he stood protectively in front of Ven.
"Terra!" The Keyblade Master exclaimed, "I command you! Step aside!"
"No!" Terra refused standing his ground.
"You will not heed your Master?" Eraqus replied with anger in his voice.
"I won't!" Terra shook his head as Wanda glanced nervously between the two.
"Why do all my attempts to reach you fail?!" Eraqus winced seemly conflicted and brokenhearted about this situation, "If you don't have it in your heart to obey...then you will have to share Ventus's fate."
She could see Eraqus shed a tear, slowly realizing he saw Terra more than just another student... when he charged right after his own pupils. Terra quickly went on the defense, protecting himself and Ven from their Master's anger. Despite this Ven tried to call out to his friend, "Enough, Terra!" He then sorrowfully stated, "He's right..."
"Quiet!" Terra told the young student as focused his attention on Eraqus.
"Terra..." Ven looked to his friend deeply concerned. Wanda knew Eraqus wasn't in the right, even if Ven does have the power to create such a terrible weapon, murder was not the answer. While she knew all parties here were playing right into Xehanort's hand, if she, Peter, or the other Avengers had been there, they'd likely side with Terra in the situation but ensure no one died in this conflict.
Just then, Eraqus jumped back and the end of his blade began to glow brightly before swinging it in a circle. The attack stuck both students, knocking Terra and Ven back. Terra picked Ven up and gasped in horror as Eraqus shined in light and power. He moves his Keyblade forward with his left arm raised, pointing as if charging up an attack another. Wanda then saw darkness ooze off Terra as his anger grew, "You may be my Master. But I will not... let you hurt my friend!"
Terra pulsed with darkness and electrical energy as Eraqus glared at him, "Has the darkness taken you, Terra?"
The older student didn't response as he swung his Keyblade back and opened a portal tossing Ven into it. Ven finally recovered the attack before pleading to him, "Wait, Terra!"
The portal closes as Terra and Eraqus face each other, and both Wanda and Ven are helpless to stop them as the latter is teleported away. With his friend to safety Wanda hoped Terra would back off, and let his Master cool off. However, the two Keyblade Wielders charged at each other and reengaged their fight, blinded by anger. The fight was a spectacle to see. If the Avengers had been present during these events, it would have taken two groups to stop them without hurting each other. While the two had their own reasons for this fight, she knew that Xehanort set this whole fight up.
She had heard of this story countless times. A conflict where no one won from it. Still powerless to stop it, she watched as the battle of swordplay and magic raged on. Until Terra struck a blow to Eraqus's chest ending the fight, Wanda gasped in horror at what she was witnessing. Eraqus clutched his chest in pain, breathing heavily. Terra dispels his Keyblade, walking slowly toward his former Master, fear and guilt stretch across his face, "What have I done...?" His eyes started to water as he turned to him with apologetic eyes, "Master... I just...wanted to keep Ven safe."
"No, you were right." Earqus shook his head, looking equally as sorry, "I failed you, Terra. Perhaps I've no one to blame but myself for the darkness inside you. And now I've done worse..." Terra shakes his head, reeling, "...raised my Keyblade against you and Ventus. My own heart is darkness!"
Wanda sighed in relief, she was glad they both came to an understanding they were both in the wrong, maybe together they could finally heal and... but before she could finish her thoughts, a sudden dark pulse and a groan from Eraqus, his eyes struck wide in pain. Terra watched helplessly as Eraqus dropped his Keyblade with a loud clatter. Eraqus's body fell to its knees and Terra rushed to catch him but the former scattered into points of light upon reaching his arms. Wanda gasped in horror, this was the moment, Yen Sid was talking about. The moment Eraqus was murdered.
Terra breathed heavily, planting his hands on the ground, grieving the loss of his Master, "Master Eraqus!"
His teardrops splash against the tile of the Forecourt. Wanda then realized that Eraqus was more than just a mentor to Terra. They had a family-like bond with each other. She knew the pain of losing parents in front of you and being powerless to stop it. Suddenly, they heard footsteps, but Terra refused to look up. Wanda did, as her eyes narrowed, at the killer, who told the young man, "What a sight. Why do you trouble yourself with remorse, Master Terra? The man was bent on doing harm to your friend, his own pupil!"
"Master Xehanort!" Terra looked up at the fallen Keyblade Master with tears in his eyes, "Why?!"
"You know, at times I find your progress quite striking. But you still fall short." Xehanort shook his head briefly turning his back on him before no longer hiding his intentions, "Let all that anger out, my boy. Give your heart over to darkness!"
Wiping away his tears, Terra stood back up and re-summoned his Keyblade, "What do you mean?"
"Still so blind..." Xehanort turned back to face the young man, "Then I will make you see. Come to the place where all Keyblade wielders leave their mark on fate... the Keyblade Graveyard!" He then summoned his own Keyblade, "There you will watch your dear Ventus and Aqua meet their ends, and the last light within you will die!"
With his left hand behind his back, he raised the Keyblade high, dark power spewing out of it. A purple beam launched from the tip of the blade into the sky, which creates a dark orb. Winds began to blow as and the chains of the castle building were unable to keep still. The Seeker of Darkness declared, "You won't need a home anymore where you're going!"
"What?!" Terra looks around in utter disbelief, a chain having broken off and making its way up into the black hole. Xehanort turned away to leave through a Corridor of Darkness, as the surviving Keyblade Weilder attempted to go after him, "Xehanort!"
However, the portal closed before he could reach him. The castle's outer towers shake, slowly being lifted upwards. Stone cracks as the hallways between towers crumble open and separated, floating into the sky toward the dark orb, the chains trailing behind them, useless. The ground began to quake as the Forecourt split open, great piles of earth rising into the dark sky. Terra on his kneels, helpless to stop the destruction of his home, dirt flying in the bluster around his eyes. He looked on in shock as more of the castle began to float away into the abyss. He stood tall, clutching a star-shaped charm in his hand, "Ven, Aqua... I won't let him hurt you."
He magically suited up his armor mounted his glider and flew off the now desolate world behind. Wanda blinked in horror as she realized she was so close to the truth...
"They are playing right into his hands..."
The Scarlet Witch turned around to see the Watcher, now visible, right behind her, witness the events that had taken place, "Watcher...?"
"I could warn him. Warn them all," The Watcher looked conflicted slightly reaching out his hand to Terra, "Intervene... Save so many lives..." But he pulled his hand back, "No... the fate of these wielders is not worth risking the safety of the multiverse itself. If Xehanort truly knew that it truly exists... Not even I can't image the destruction he could cause." He then sighed to himself, "Besides... I doubt they'd listen..."
Of course, the Watcher would witness these events, but from his expression, she saw he was, made her deeply concerned... what happened to Terra, Aqua, and Ven? Those were her final thoughts before the visions ended...
When Wanda recovered, everything felt so... cold... She could hear Peter call out to her, "Wanda?! WANDA?!"
Her eyes shot wide open to see Spider-Man, in his iconic suit, but he was also wearing a red Santa hat with a green scarf wrapped around his neck and Sora was in his arms dressed in red winter gear. She could barely see them though from how badly it was snowing...
Wait... SNOW?! Wanda lept to her feet and found herself wearing her winter gear, but was given the addition of a red winter scarf and red earmuffs. How was it snowing? It was supposed to be early spring back home! Where the heck were they now?! Seeing their son shivering in Peter's arms, Wanda instantly removed her cape and took their child from Spidey as she wrapped the boy in her cape providing additional warmth, "My poor baby..." She then turned to Sora's father, "What happened? Where are we?!"
"My guess, maybe Frozen? Arendelle?" Peter guessed as he gestured to the harsh storm, "Can't really tell with the blinding blizzard! I don't even hear that famous Idina Menzel song! Not that it matters if we don't find Sora shelter soon! He was born on a tropical island and never dealt with this kind of freezing temperature before in his life!"
"So... cold..." The child shivered as she desperately tried to warm him up and avoid him getting frostbitten.
"It's okay, you'll be okay," The Scarlet Witch whispered to her child as she held on to him tightly. Looking around not seeing a signal town in sight, she turned to Peter out of desperation, "Maybe... maybe I can stop the storm with a hex! Give us some clarity!"
"Wanda, are you sure your mind is capable of handling that?!" Spidey looked deeply concerned for her behind his mask.
"What other choice do we have?" Wanda glanced at the child who ended up being like a son to them. Lifting up her free gloved hand, the red mist started to shine as she whispered, "No more-"
Suddenly, before she could finish, something much larger emerged from the storm. Large and furry. The creature's eyes widened and exclaimed something in an unknown language making both Wanda and Peter leap back and scream in shock, as the former exclaimed, "WHAT THE-?!"
"BIGFOOT?!" Peter's eyes widened under his mask.
Wanda's fear slowly turned to confusion as she glanced at Spidey, "Don't tell me you actually believe in that tall tale."
"After everything else we saw this week alone, can you say with absolute certainty he doesn't exist." Peter stated as he gestured to 'Bigfoot' when suddenly more creatures like him surrounded the two Avengers, "And apparently he has cousins..." The yetis surrounded and spoke to each other, Wanda held Sora protectively while wondering whether to fight or flee, before the Web-Head eased up, "I... I think we're okay?"
"You sure?" Wanda glanced at him in very cautious around the creatures.
"Yeah, no Spider-Sense," He explained putting her at ease, "I think they are just as shocked to see us just as we're shocked to see them."
After a moment, one of them looked to the others before giving the heroes a wave. Wanda slowly returned the wave, shocking the yetis further, as they spoke to what sounded like gibberish to their ears. She wondered, "What do we do?"
"Well, they seem intelligent, maybe we can convince them to help," Peter shrugged before turning to get their attention, "Yo, any of you speak English..." After a short pause, "No? How about Kiglon? Any of you fellow Star Terk fans out here?"
They merely continued to speak in their gibberish language before 'Bigfoot' noticed the freezing child in Wanda's eyes as he turned to Wanda in concern. She then turned to the yeti with desperation in her eyes, "Please, if there is any way you can help us, please do. He'll die if we don't get somewhere warm soon."
The Bigfoot pondered before glancing to his own kind and turned to the freezing child, before turning to the desperation in the woman's eyes. He nodded before speaking to the others yetis as they nodded in agreement. One of them pulled out a sparkling glass from its back as Peter muttered, "Is that a snow globe?"
The Yeti whispered something into it as it created an image of a castle before he tossed which created a portal much to the heroes' shock. As Peter slowly nodded, "Okay, snow globes that can create magic portals." Before shrugging, "Sure, why not?"
Bigfoot then turned to the Avengers as he gestured toward the portal, Wanda turned to him, "Anything changes with that Spider-Sense of yours?"
"Nope, but this could be Sora's only chance and allow you to keep your sanity," Peter declared as he turned to her, "If anything changes, we can always fight our way out."
"Fair enough, let's go," Wanda declared as she hopped inside the portal followed by Peter shortly after, and one by one so did the yetis...
When they exited the portal, they were fortunately in a place much warmer, as Wanda sighed in relief as she brushed off the snow off her boy as Spider-Man landed by her side. She whispered to him, "There you go, sweetie... just warm up..."
Just then, one by one the yetis joined them as the portal closed behind them. Bigfoot then told one of them something as the other yeti nodded and went off to do what he was told. Peter's eyes widened under his mask, as he turned around, "Wanda... you're going to want to see this..."
The Scarlet Witch turned to join Peter causing her eyes to widen in awe when Sora lifted his head and his eyes widened too, "Wow..."
Far as the eye could see, the yetis were making toys, thousands, perhaps even millions of them. Wanda whispered to herself, "Is this a toy factory...?"
The World of Holidays
The two Avengers and their soon-to-be-adopted son seemed stunned while the yeti returned with a tray of hot beverages to them. He offered it to them as Peter took it, and lifted up his mask to his nose, sniffing it and taking a sip. He then turned to Wanda with a smile, "It's just hot chocolate with marshmallows."
Wanda smiled in relief as she thanked the Yeti, "Oh, thank you." Taking the smaller one, and offered it to Sora, "Here; try some hot cocoa. There are marshmallows in there."
She helped the islander boy take a sip of him as he hummed in delight, just then tiny little men dressed in Christmas wear as the bells on their hats jingled as they stared in awe at the humans. Peter whispered, "Are those elves?" His eyes widened as he saw Bigfoot head for an office door, "Wait... freezing cold snow... toy factory... yetis... elves..." He slowly turned to Wanda in disbelief, "Wanda... this is going to sound crazy... but I think... we ended up in the North Pole and this is..."
"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" Wanda began to come to guess Peter's thoughts, "Let's dial it back here!" She then set Sora down and whispered to the guy she wanted to date, "Look... we've seen a lot of things we didn't think existed this past week but... I can't absolutely say... there really not a..."
Before she could finish her sentence, Bigfoot opened the office door and began to speak to his boss when a crash could be heard, as several gasps and yells could be heard when finally someone spoke up in an annoyed Russian accent, "How many times do I have to tell you to knock?!" The Yeti then spoke something to the man, "Wha...? What do you mean we have guests?"
He then gestured to the two Avengers, as a large man exited his office with a sigh, causing the two Avengers' eyes to widen in disbelief as Sora's eyes widened with excitement. The large round man who exited the office room wore a red shirt, black pants and black boots, with tattoos of the words 'naughty' and 'nice' on his arms, and his hair and beard were as white as snow. Rubbing his eyes, "Bunny, as much as I would love to argue why Christmas is better than Easter... I have a lot of work to get done, and I'm sure you do too..." His blue eyes opened up to see the visitors, causing his eyes widened in shock, "Peter Parker? Wanda Maximoff?"
If their jaws could fall off their faces, they definitely would have as they instinatly realized who this man was, "SANTA?!"
"SANTAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Sora beamed as he set down his drink and ran on over to the jolly red man in the red suit with his arms open.
The islander boy wrapped tiny his arms around Santa's leg, stunning Saint Nick, before he smiled, "Oh, little Sora..." He knelt to the boy as he gently rubbed his hair, "You're here too."
"This him..." Wanda whispered to Peter and herself in shock, "That actual..."
"Santa Claus," Peter whispered, "I see him, but I don't believe it..."
Santa then turned to Big Foot, "You weren't kidding when you said I had visitors..." The yeti nodded before the Christmas mascot cleared his throat, "Sora... could you do me a favor, if you can go with Phil, there are a lot of toys, that are... untested... and we're a little understaffed today, and we could use a child to try them out to see if they're ready for Christmas this year while I speak with your guardians."
"Sure," Sora smiled as Big Foot, now known as Phil, led Sora away as they boy waved to Peter and Wanda, "Bye, mommy! Bye, daddy!"
Forcing a smile, Wanda waved to Sora, "See you in a bit, Sweetie."
Once the boy was out of sight, Santa cleared his throat, "Mr. Parker? Miss Maximoff? May I see you two in my office?"
"Uh, yes, sure," Wanda nodded before nudging her partner, "Say something Peter..."
"Yeah, yeah," Peter finally snapped out of his shock as they entered Santa Claus's office...
Santa sat behind his desk, as the two Avengers had their cups of cocoa in their hands, he lightly smiled, "You two and Sora are awfully far away from home."
Wanda nodded in response, "Yes, we're sorry to barge in Santa..." She then hummed, "Can I call you, Santa? Mr. Claus? Nick? Niclous?"
Peter quickly added, "Kris Kringle?"
Wanda nodded to Peter, "Kris?"
"Scott Calvin?" Peter partially wondered even though this Santa didn't resemble the actor Tim Allen.
"I don't that one's an actual name for him," She muttered to her boyfriend, never seeing 'The Santa Clause' before politely smiling to Santa, "What would you prefer?"
Santa gave a light chuckle, "Ho ho ho... Friends call me North."
Wanda nodded as she started, "I'm sorry for barging in North but... well, it's a bit of a long story... and quite unbelievable one..."
"Wait," Peter stopped as he removed his mask with a confused look, "How did you know who I was?"
"Ah, Peter, you know the song," North smiled as he lightly sang a couple of lyrics, "I see you when you're sleeping~ I know when you're awake~" He then added, "And I know every time you've snuck out of the house to fight crime, lying to your Aunt and close loved ones because you believe that will keep them safe. Now, I'm all for, 'not letting your left hand know what your right hand is doing,' but lying to those close to you and sneaking out causing them to worry is still considered to be naughty." Peter laughed nervously at that, as Santa chuckled, "I knew who you are since the beginning all I'm asking you to be good and honest... for goodness shakes."
"Right..." Peter rubbed the back of his head embarrassed.
"Well, that's one less thing we have to worry about here," Wanda smiled before turning back to Santa, "Anyways, this started early this week when were trying to prevent Kang from breaking out of a S.W.O.R.D. holding facility and..." From there Wanda and Peter explained the events of the past week, meeting Sora, learning about his destiny and ties to Xehanort, and traveling the many worlds, sealing the tears in reality bringing the Heartless to the worlds, all leading to coming to his workshop, "...then your yetis brought us here and well... you know the rest."
Stroking his beard, as North stroked his white beard, "Xehanort... yes... that man has been quiet as of late. Still, I never would imagine the first thing he would do when he returned is all of this..."
"North, do you have any idea, where Sora's friends are," Peter spoke up, "Sora's been really worried about them... after losing his parents..."
North sighed as he admitted, "I wish I had an answer for you." He then stated, "It's easier to keep track of those who stay on their own worlds, but jumping around Keyblade Wielders... it's a lot more difficult... it disturbs me greatly that Xehanort is messing with innocent children in schemes..." He then turned to Wanda, "And you're absolutely sure the final crack is here? On this world?"
"Yes, the portal we used dropped us in the North Pole," The daughter of Magento confirmed, "We haven't been misled before, and it's the last one we need to close before taking Sora back home..." She then asked him, "Can you help us?"
"Da, I will," Santa nodded as he stood up from his desk, "But if we are to keep Sora safe from Xehanort, find the last crack, and find the missing children... we're going to need some backup."
Spidey and Wanda did the same, as the former asked, "Who did you have in mind?"
Before he could answer, the door opened again, and Phil with Sora were there, as North rubbed his eyes, "You know what? I really should make a sign to remind you all to knock..."
Wanda turned to her son, who had a stuffed bear in his hand, "What is it, sweetie?"
Phil spoke something only Santa could understand, as Sora told his new parents, "We saw the pretty lights on the giant globe thingy flicker."
"What?" North blinked in concern, "The globe?"
As he walked out of his office, he reached out and pulled out a sword, as the two Avengers followed Saint Nick. Wanda whispered to the boy, "Stay close to us..."
The boy nodded as he followed Santa and the two Avengers to the giant globe, as the head of the toy shop swood the elves away, "Shoo with your pointy heads! Why are you always under boot?"
Everyone turned to the giant globe as they saw the lights all over flickered, Peter glanced to Santa, "Uh... forget to pay the electric bill?"
"This place runs on Christmas magic, we don't use electricity," North shook his head before he turned to two of the Yetis, "Have you checked the axis? Is rotation balanced?"
They nodded in confirmation when all of a sudden, Spider-Man's Spider-Sense went off, making him pull his mask back on, "Uh... guys..."
"I don't need a Spider-Sense to know we're in trouble now," Wanda replied as black sand swirled around them putting the two Avengers and Santa into a battle stance as the sand started to consume the globe, briefly before a burst of black launched. Wanda quickly created a red barrier to shield herself, Peter, North, and Sora as well as all who were nearby. Suddenly the black and reformed in the area, taking the shape of a man as he laughed wickedly before vanishing, Wanda still on guard wondered, "What was that?"
North's eyes narrowed, "Can it be?"
"You know who that was," Peter glanced at Saint Nick.
"Da," Santa nodded as his eyes narrowed, "And if Xehanort's patterns remain the same, I believe he could be the one he gave the final crack to!" He then gestured to the elves, "Dingle!" 4 elves stood at attention with bells jingling before turning to each other in confusion, "Make preparations. We're going to have even more company."
"The backup?" Wanda assumed as North grabbed the handle of a large device before twisting it and pulling it on.
The Avengers and Sora's eyes widened in awe as the Northern Lights came to life, as North nodded in confirmation, "The backup..."
Meanwhile, in Tooth's Palace, Tooth and her fairies were working hard as she gave out orders while her fairies collected teeth and replaced them with coins of their each respective home currency, "...we've got a cuspid at 23 Maple. Head out!"
The tiny fairy nodded before flying out, she then spotted another fairy returning with a baby tooth, as she gasped in awe as she took the tooth, "Wait! It's her first tooth... have you ever seen a more adorable lateral incisor in all of your life? Look how she flossed!"
She then noticed the northern lights shining in the distance, so she and many of her fairies headed to the North Pole...
"My fellow Guardians, it is our job to watch over the children of the world, and keep them safe, to bring wonder, hope, and dreams... And so, I've called us all here for one reason, and one reason only: the children are in danger."
Sandman was in the middle of giving everyone beautiful dreams as they slept soundly in the night when he saw North's call. Using his sand to construct an airplane, he placed on goggles he created before flying over to the North Pole...
"An enemy we have kept at bay for centuries has finally decided to strike back! We alone who can stop him! But he has made an alley with a very dangerous man, and two of Earth's Mightiest Heroes have come to us for aid! We need to work together to protect the children from these dangerous threats."
Underneath the Earth, the Easter Bunny had also heard the call as he dashed through the tunnels he made running past many of his Easter Eggs. With his speed and tunnels, he arrived just outside North's toy workshop standing tall... until the freezing temperature finally struck him, "Ugh, it's freezing!" He then hopped through the snow to enter the Castle, "Oh... Oh! Can't feel my feet! I can't feel my feet!"
It was long before North's team was gathered as the Avengers stood dumbfounded while Sora's eyes widened in awe as the fairies entered the room, "The Tooth Fairy!"
Just then, as Sandman entered the room, and dismantled his sand airplane, and landed in front of the heroes, as Sora beamed out, "Sandman!"
While surprised to see him, Sandman gave the island a kind smile as he created a top hat to lift up to greet the boy. Peter glanced at Wanda, "Uh... What's the Sandman do again and is he not related to Flint Marko back home."
Wanda snapped out her dumbfoundedness, before glancing, "Oh... you know... he's the Sandman... he supposed creates the dreams in our heads when we sleep. Not related to the man made out of sand in any way." Peter blinked in shock, before Wanda blinked, "You didn't know?" Before the current ruler of Genosha gave a small smug, "Well, it's nice to know I know something you didn't for once."
But their expressions turned to shock when they saw the giant rabbit that hopped in, trying to warm himself up, "Blimy, next time, I have to create a tunnel inside the castle! I need to remember that!" He then glared at Santa, "This better be good, North!"
"The Easter Bunny!" Sora beamed brightly causing the giant rabbit to blink in shock.
"What the-? Isn't that... Sora?!" He then glanced at the adults in the room as his eyes widened, "Wanda Maximoff?! And Peter Parker?!" The two Avengers gave awkward waves to Bunny as he turned to North, completely dumbfounded, "North! What the heck?! How are they here?! How can they even see us?!"
"Uh, how can we not see you?!" Peter pointed out, "You're like... six, maybe seven feet tall!"
"It's a long story, my friends," North spoke on the visitors on another world's behalf, "... the short version is that these good folk have been on a very long journey protecting a child who will one day save the universe... Their enemy, Xehanort, has made allies all over trying to reach him, and the children, who survived their world's destruction, are missing. Now, he has made allies with the Boogyman." The other Holiday Heroes' eyes widened as North continued, "He was here! At the Pole!"
"Pitch?" Tooth gasped in horror, "Pitch Black is back?!"
"He's actually allied with that rogue Keyblade Master mess with the next generation of Keyblade Wielders?" Bunny blinked in disbelief.
"Yes..." North stated before he gestured to the globe, "There was black sand around the globe!"
"W-w-what, whadda' ya' mean black sand?" Bunny blinked in confusion.
"And then..." North dramatically explained the events, "...a shadow!"
"Hold on, hold on-" The Easter Bunny shook his head as he pulled out an egg and a paintbrush, "I thought you said you saw Pitch!"
"Well, uh, not exactly..." North rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
"Not exactly?!" Bunny exclaimed in disbelief before turning to Sandy, "Can you believe this guy?" The Sandman merely shrugged as a question mark appeared over his head, Bunny chuckled before going back to painting his egg, " Yeah, you said it, Sandy."
"Peter and Wanda were there too... even little Sora saw the whole thing..." Santa defended himself before gesturing to the newly formed family.
"It's true!" Sora nodded eagerly wanting to help, "I was helping Santa with making sure the toys worked when it happened!"
"We also saw something very out of place," Wanda spoke up on her adopted child's behalf, "I can't say it was for certain it was this... um..."
"Pitch Black," North helped her with the name.
"Pitch Black, but Xehanort is real, and Sora, and the children from his home," Wanda continued nodding to the Saint, "Along with every other child, are in real danger as Xehanort is very much a real threat."
"Look, they're up to something very bad," North spoke up to the other heroes, "I feel it... in my belly!"
"Hang on, hang on- Y-you mean to say, you summoned me here 3 days before Easter, because of your belly, a child, and folks who haven't believed in us in years?!" Bunny shook his head in disbelief as he gestured between North, Sora, and the two Avengers.
Sora turned to Wanda, "Who's he talking about, mommy?"
Wanda and Peter looked at each other sheepishly, thankfully, they were saved by Bunny as he continued, "Mate, if I did this to you 3 days before Christmas..."
North laughed merrily, "Ho ho ho! Please, Bunny, Easter is not Christmas!"
Bunny gave a dry laugh in response, "Here we go... North, I- I don't have time for this!" While the others were discussing this, Sandy noticed the moon glowing unusually brighter, as the Easter Bunny continued, "I still have 2 billion eggs to finish up!"
"No matter how much you paint," North shook his head in amusement as Sandy tried to get everyone's attention, yet never made a sound, no matter how hard he tried, "...is still egg."
"Is this argument really...?" Wanda tried to speak up...
...only to get cut off by Bunny, "Look, mate! I'm dealing with perishables! Right, you've got all year to prepare!"
Everyone was still unaware of Sandy trying to get everyone's attention, while Peter and Wanda tried to break up the argument between Santa and Bunny while the Tooth Fairy told her fairies where to go, "Ontario, Sector 9, 5 canines, 2 molars, and 14 incisors-"
"Why are rabbits always so nervous?" North wondered to himself.
"Is that all in one house?" Tooth asked one of her fairies as the tiny fair squeaked in response.
"And why are you always such a blowhard?" The Easter Bunny retorted to the Saint.
"Come on," Peter groaned, "Can't we all just get along, and stop the bad guys?"
"Tooth! Mr. Parker!" North turned to the two before he gestured to himself and Bunny, "Can't you see we're trying to argue?"
"Sorry! Not all of us get to work one night a year," Tooth apologized as the Web-Head face palmed himself. Tooth then turned to the Sandman, "...am I right Sandy?"
Finally, getting some focus, Sandy created an arrow with his sand and pointed it at the moon, however, Tooth finally went back to her job, "Huh! Sandiego, sector 2-"
Peter groaned as he turned to Wanda. " I never thought we'd actually have to be the peacemakers between holiday icons..."
She then glanced at Sora before whispering to the Web-Head so the little boy wouldn't hear her, "I never thought said holiday icons ever existed until today."
"Touché," Peter nodded before turning back to Santa and Bunny, "Listen... if we can get back to the topic at hand-"
"Come on, mate," Bunny continued to argue with Santa, "Pitch went out with the Dark Ages, huh? We made sure of it! Why he return now and team up with Xehanort of all people-"
"I know it was him," North stated as Sandy tapped Sora on the shoulder and pointed to the moon, "We have serious situation."
Sora's eyes widened in awe, as he lightly tugged Wanda's arm, "Mommy?"
"In a minute, sweetie," She whispered to the boy.
"But the moon..." He tried to explain, of course being only four, he didn't know how to explain the situation himself.
"Hey, hey, I hate to interrupt-" Tooth spoke up.
"Well, I have a serious situation with some eggs!" Bunny exclaimed.
Sora looked to Sandy in defeat as no one was listening, as the latter finally lost patience before turning to an elf drinking eggnog as Tooth spoke up, "Concentrate on the matter-"
"Could you all just stop arguing for five minutes and-" Spidey tried to speak when Sandy grabbed the Elf and shook him furiously, causing his bell to ring, getting the adults attention. With their attention finally on Sandy, he created another arrow towards the moon before gesturing to it himself.
Everyone then turned to the sky, and they saw it was glowing unusually brighter. Peter blinked, "Uh... does that normally happen here?"
Santa smiled brightly, "Ah! Man in Moon!" He then turned to Sandman, "Sandy, why didn't you say something?"
Sandy was so frustrated, sand steam came out of his ears. Sora then stated, "He tried to tell you..."
"Oh..." Wanda smiled sheepishly as she waved to the dream hero, "Sorry..."
"Uh... Wanda... I'm drawing a blank here on the Man in Moon here," Peter whispered to her, "You know anything?"
"Well, um, I don't know much," The Scarlet Witch turned to Peter, "But supposedly, the Man in the Moon is a protector of all childhoods, he watches over all of them inside the moon itself." She then lightly smiled, "Man, two for two now."
"Yeah, maybe if I decided to see the other Santa Clause movies," Peter muttered to himself.
"It's been a long time, old friend!" North greeted the Man in the Moon, "What is big news?"
Moon proceeded to shine a light on an emblem unfamiliar to the Avengers and created a shadow of the man they saw earlier. Bunny's eyes widened to realize Santa was right, "It is Pitch..." The shadow then changed to Xehanort, "...and Xehanort..."
North patted his belly vigorously in response, as Spidey stated, "Well, at least we know who Xehnaort gave the last crack to now."
Wanda nodded in agreement, as Santa turned back to the moon, "Manny, what must we do?"
Man in the Moon, or Manny as North called him, opened the crest plate to reveal a crystal embedded in rock rising from the floor. Sora beamed in awe, "Whoa! What is that?"
"Uh guys," Tooth's eyes widened in awe, "You know what this means?"
"For those unfamiliar to all of this," Peter turned to Santa, "Could someone please explain to the poor confused superheroes and their kid they plan to adopt when they get home what's happening?"
"He's choosing a new Guardian..." North explained in shock.
"What?!" Bunny blinked in shock, "Why?"
"Xehahnort's and Pitch's alliance must be big deal, even with two Avengers here," He turned to Bunny, "Manny thinks we need help."
"Since when do we need help?" The Easter Bunny blinked.
"I wonder who it's gonna be?" Tooth wondered before Sandy created a four-leaf clover over his head as Tooth nodded to Sandy, "Maybe the Leprechaun?"
"Please not Jack Skellington, please not Jack Skellington..." Bunny whispered and prayed.
Then moonlight took shape and took form above into what appeared to be a human teenager with white hair. North blinked in recognition, "...Jack Frost."
With that many of Tooth's Fairies swooned at the handsome boy, while Bunny looked horrified, "Uh, I take it back. Skellington was fine."
"Huh?" Peter blinked in shock, "Always thought he was just an expression." He then shrugged, "Guess the oldy claymation and the third Santa Clause films were right all along."
"Mommy, why are the Tooth Fairy and the... smaller fairies looking at that man like that," Sora glanced at the Scarlet Witch.
Seeing that the Tooth Fairy was even swooning over the apparent teen, she lightly elbowed Tooth, snapping her out of her swooning trance, "Well a-as long he helps to, uh, to protect the children, right?"
"Jack Frost?!" Bunny exclaimed in shock before shaking his head, "He- He doesn't care about children! A'ight, all he does is freeze water pipes and mess with my egg hunts! Alright? He's an irresponsible, selfish-"
"Guardian," North smiled as he gestured to the image of the youthful man.
"Jack Frost is many things," Bunny replied, "...but he is not a Guardian!"
"Okay, you have history with Frost," Wanda approached the Easter Bunny, "I get that. My brother, Peitro, as many of you may know can be a pain at times." Nods could be seen going around the room, as Sora tilted his head, "But if this Man in Moon says we need this Jack Frost, the for the shake for not only my child but for all children... then we need him."
"Yeah, against someone with Boogy in his name," Peter lightly joked to Sora making the child giggle, before turning his head, "But in all seriousness, she is right... Xehanort is the most dangerous baddie we ever came up against and he's teaming up with your worst enemy, which means, he now has the Heartless under his control..."
"...making Pitch more dangerous than ever," Tooth's eyes widened in horror.
"Exactly," Peter nodded, "Maybe he likes scaring kids from under beds prior but think of the lives he'll destroy if we don't get all the help we can get."
After a long pause, Bunny made no more arguments, as Wanda turned to the four holiday icons, "So... where do we find this Jack Frost?"
Meanwhile, in a town called Burgess, Jack Frost flew across the rooftops. For three hundred years, he had been on this world. For three hundred years, he has no contact with anyone else. To the rest of mankind, he was a ghost. People didn't even know he truly existed with the expression of the Guardians and Man in the Moon. He wasn't exactly close with any of them... well... except Sandy. Probably, the only real friend he's ever had, even if he didn't talk... at all. Does play a mean game of charades though. But how he longed to talk with the other humans, but for three hundred years... he wandered the Earth alone.
Turning to the moon, Jack asked the Man in Moon, "If there's something I'm doing wrong, could you just tell me what it is? Because I've tried... everything! And... no one ever sees me!" After a long pause he continued, "...You put me here! The least you can do is tell me... tell me why..."
However, my to Jack's disappointment, Man in the Moon still refused to speak to him. All he ever told him was his name. Jack Frost. Sighing he walked on the telephone lines, creating a icy path along them. Just then, he notices Sandman's sand creep through the skies. Jack chuckled sightly, "Hah. Right on time, Sandman."
He had to say, the highlight of his lonely life, was seeing Sandman's work at play. It was always a beautiful sight to see. While it did put most humans to sleep, he lived long enough to know how to interact with it without succumbing to its power. Gently placing his hand in the sand, it spiraled transforming into a dolphin, swimming around him...
Like every night, sand creeps everywhere, bringing good dreams to everyone it comes in contact with. One child in particular, by the name of Cupcake, dreamt she was riding on a unicorn. Unfortunately, Pitch Black also took notice of the dream, laughing sinisterly, "Oh, I thought I heard the clippety-clop of a unicorn! What an adorable dream!" He then looked down at the child, happily dreaming, "And look at her... oh! Precious child... so sweet, so full of hope and wonder. Why, there's only one thing missing: a touch of Fear!" He danced his first two fingers in the air like a walk, before he touched the unicorn, which started to turn black and corrupt. He chuckled as Cupcake moaned in fear, "That never gets old. Feed your fear, come on." The unicorn curled in on itself to wrap around Pitch as black sand spindled until it transformed into a black horse with yellow eyes, "Come on, that's right. Yes... What a pretty little Nightmare!"
The Nightmare neighed angrily, as Pitch told it, "Now... I want you to go tell the others: the wait is over! With the Heartless on our side, the Guardians' reign is finally over."
The Nightmare whinnied and galloped off through the sky. Pitch then turned to the Moon, "Don't look at me like that, old friend. You must have known this day would come. When a Keyblade Master would fall to darkness and turn for me to aid. My Nightmares are finally ready... are your Guardians? From what I heard, one of the light's greatest champions is but a child. I wonder what would happen... if he too... succumbed to his fears..."
Just then, Xehanort appeared beside him and grinned, "Oh, there's only one true way to find out..."
Jack on the rooftops notices something pass him by at lightning speed, "Woah!"
Curious, he pursued, breathing heavily and landing on cars and buildings and poles. He lands in an alleyway to the sound of dogs barking. Just then a familiar voice spoke up behind him, "Hello, mate."
Jack leaped back in shock to see, the Easter Bunny spinning one of his boomerangs in his hand, "Been a long time. Blizzard of '68, I believe. Easter Sunday, wasn't it?"
"Bunny!" Jack smiled in greeting, regaining his compulsion, "You're not still mad about that, are ya?"
"Yes," Bunny glared at him in response.
"But he's not here about that," A female voice spoke up, as he looked up to see a woman clashed in red, flying down towards him, "Neither am I..."
Jack raised an eyebrow, as he was unfamiliar with this woman, "And who you are? I'd assume Mother Nature, but I don't believe red is her color."
"Wanda Maximoff," She introduced herself, "The Scarlet Witch."
"Never heard of ya," Jack Frost admitted, "Sorry." He glanced at her with a small smirk, "Nice outfit though."
"Thanks but I'm spoken for," Wanda shut down his small flirt as she glanced behind Frost.
Turning around, he saw a masked man in red and blue tights, with a scarf and a Santa hat on his head, sticking to the walls, "Hi, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man here... trying real hard not to be overreactive jealous boyfriend, by the way."
"Sorry, won't happen again," Jack lightly waved to him as the Web-Head leaped off the wall and landed on his two feet.
"Look, these guys have this whole thing about bringing you to the North Pole," Spider-Man spoke up, "Which is creepy and a terrible idea in my opinion by the way," He shook his head, "The point I'm trying to say is..."
"We need your help," Wanda went straight to the point.
"My help?" Jack blinked in disbelief, before glancing to Bunny, "You need my help?"
"Believe me, if it were up to me, I wouldn't even bother turning to you," The Easter Bunny put away his boomerang and crossed his arms.
"We can explain everything back at the Pole," Wanda stated, "But we need you to come with us... right now..."
After a long pause, Jack raised his hand, "Look, I don't know what you think I am," He then took a deep breath, "But I agree with Bunny on this. You got the wrong guy." He then turned to leave, "Good luck with whatever you guys are going through..."
Just as he was about to use his staff to fly off, Bunny told the newbies, "Told ya, he wouldn't come willing." He then called out, "Fellas?"
From the shadows, two Yetis jumped out as one of them grabbed Jack, "Hey!"
Wanda gave him an apologetic look, "I'm so sorry!"
"Put me down! What the-" Before Jack could finish, the Yetis stuffed him into a bag and tightened it shut.
Wanda then pinched her nose, "I still think we could've reasoned with him."
"Trust me, Sheila," Bunny hopped over to Wanda, "This is the only way..."
"Are you saying that because you have known him long enough, or is it mainly because you have a grudge against him," Peter glanced at the Easter Bunny.
"Same thing," He answered as one of the Yetis pulled out a Snow Globe, whispered into it, and tossed it in the air to create a portal to the North Pole.
"Well, let's hope the others don't find out about this," Peter glanced to Wanda, as she nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, I know Jameson will give you are real tough time if he found out we were involved with this," Wanda muttered as the two Avengers hopped in the portal.
One of the Yetis turned to Bunny and offered him to go next. Bunny raised an eyebrow, "Me?" He then laughed, "Hehehe... Not on your nelly. See ya back at the Pole."
He stomped the ground, making a hole appear, which he jumped into. Once he was gone, the hole sealed itself, leaving a small flower in its place. With only the Yetis and the bagged-up Jack Frost remaining, the former tossed the sack through the portal and followed right behind him...
Jack groaned as everyone gathered around the sack, as North told everyone, "He's here! Quiet!" Sora quickly opened the sack as he stared at Jack Frosr curiously, blinking in shock, "Wha...?"
"Hi," Sora greeted the Winter Spirit.
He blinked in shock, "Wait, you can see me?!"
"Okay, why is everyone shocked when we see them?" Wanda blinked in confusion, as Jack turned to her before he slowly realized where he was.
"Hey~!" North greeted the man they kidnapped, "There he is! Jack Frost!"
"Wow... You gotta be kidding me," Jack muttered to himself when the Yetis hoisted him up to stand on his feet, "Hey hey! Put me down!"
"I hope the Yetis treated you well?" North continued to greet the new Guardian.
"Oh yeah," Jack replied sarcastically, "I love being shoved in a sack and tossed through a magic portal."
"Oh, good! That was my idea," Santa replied missing the sarcasm before gesturing to the others in the room, "You know Bunny, obviously."
The seven-foot rabbit mummers in response. As Jack nodded, "Obviously."
"And the Tooth Fairy..." North gestured to Tooth.
She flew over to him as she greeted him with a smile, "Hello Jack! I've heard a lot about you, and your teeth!"
"My- my what?" Jack blinked dumbfoundedly.
"Open up! Are they really as white as they say?" The head fairy forced Jack to open his mouth so she could see his teeth, "Yes- Oh! Oh, they really do sparkle like freshly fallen snow!"
Peter muttered over to Wanda, "Good thing, she has checked our teeth upon meeting us."
"Don't give her any ideas," Wanda muttered back to him.
The tiny fairies swooned again as one of them fainted. Tooth briefly turned towards her faires after removing her fingers from the Winter Spirit's mouth, "Girls, pull yourself together. Let's not disgrace the uniform."
"And Sandman," North gestured to Sandman, who had fallen asleep while Bunny and the two Avengers went with the Yetis to recruit/kidnap him, "Sandy? Sandy?" Santa slightly nudged him while he sleep-hovered. Saint Nick then exclaimed, "Wake up!"
Sandman was startled awake and descended to the floor. Santa then glanced towards the two Avengers and Sora, "And you just meet Wanda, Peter, and Sora..."
"Dude, secret identity," Peter complained as he gestured to his mask, "I don't wear this mask just because it goes well with the costume!"
"Oh, don't be a baby, mate," The Easter Bunny glanced to the Web-Head, "Everyone knows who you are over here."
"EVERYONE?!" Peter exclaimed in shock and horror.
"Yeah," Tooth smiled, "Sorry... but secrets don't really stay hidden with us."
Peter groaned in disbelief as Wanda gave him a sympathetic pat, while Jack blinked in confusion, "So... are they new to all of this?" He then shook his head, "Actually scratch that, anyone wanna tell me why I'm here?"
Sandman tried explaining the situation by creating symbols over his head with his sand, but he was "speaking" so quickly Jack didn't know what he was saying, "Uh, eh- the- that's not really helping, but- but thanks, little man." He then walked around turning his staff lighting tapping an elf with it, freezing him in place, "I must've done something really bad to get you four together- Wha-? Am I on the Naughty List?"
"Hah! On Naughty List?" North laughed before pointing out, "You hold record." He then smiled before wiping his arm with the naughty tattoo on it. "But! No matter, we overlook. Now we are wiping clean the slate."
"We told you before," Wanda told him, "We need your help."
"How come?" Jack blinked in confusion.
Bunny gave a humorless chuckle in response, "Hah, good question."
"How come?" North raised an eyebrow as he smirked, "I tell you how come! Because now, you are Guardian!"
With that declaration, the Yetis raised up lit poi sticks as Sora's eyes widened in awe. The elves played a jubilant musical score on their trumpets and drums. North chuckled as Jack seemed a little freaked out. Just then two fairies placed Jack a snowflake-necklace around his neck. North beamed as he told everyone, "This is the best part!"
The elves marched around while the yetis fire danced around the Winter Spirit before standing behind him. Two of them prop him up on his spot in the middle of the Guardian symbol. Jack blinked in confusion as two elves gestured to a pair of shoes they wanted him to put on. North is still delighted as the yetis present him with a book. The Tooth Fairies twittered, Sandy raised a toast to Jack with eggnog, Bunny rolled his eyes in annoyance, while the two Avengers shrugged at Jack. Sora was too occupied by the show to notice Jack's reaction. Finally having enough, Jack slammed his staff on the ground and froze the ground, stopping the performance as everyone slid back away. He then asked the people in the room, "What makes you think I wanna be a Guardian?"
After a small awkward silence, North laughed loudly thinking Jack was just joking. He then smirked at him, "Of course you do." He declared to his elves as he snapped his fingers, "Music!"
"YES!" The only child in the room beamed as the elves started playing the music from scratch.
"No music!" Jack exclaimed causing the music to die down.
"Aw~" Sora frowned in disappointment as an elf with the trumpet was so disappointed and used his instrument to smack his comrade with the sousaphone before marching off.
"This is all very flattering, but, uh..." With everyone's attention now back on him, he tried to politely decline,"You don't want me. You're all hard work and deadlines. And I'm... snowballs and fun times." He then gestured to the two Avengers, "And I'm not sure I wanna know their situation."
"Oh, they've been traveling the other worlds trying to bring this young man safely to their homeworld," North happily answered as Bunny froze in horror.
"Other what now?" Jack blinked in shock.
"Mate, why'd you tell him that?!" Bunny exclaimed at North, "Those worlds were the only place I can get away from Frost! Now, none of my eggs are safe from him!"
"Standard procedure," Santa replied, "These things he has to know as Guardian."
Jack quickly argued, "But I'm not a Guardian!"
Bunny gave a chuckle, "Hah! That's exactly what I said!"
"Jack," Tooth flew up to him, "I don't think you understand what it is we do."
"Yeah, outside of making kids happy," Petter rubbed the back of his mask, "Encouraging them to do what's right, I'm not even sure what exactly you guys do."
"Oh, right, guess we never really explained," Tooth nodded to the Avengers before gesturing to Santa's globe, "Each of those lights is a child..."
"A child who believes," North continued, explaining to both Jack and the Avengers, "And good or bad, Naughty or Nice, we protect them."
Just then, everyone heard Jack wince in pain again, as North sighed, "Tooth, fingers out of mouth."
Everyone turned to the Tooth Fairy, who was checking out Jack's teeth again, after North called her out, she backed away, "Oh, sorry!" She laughed sheepishly, "Heh, they're beautiful!"
"Okay no more wishy-washy," North told the newcomer, "Pitch and Xehanort are out there doing who knows what!"
"Pitch," Jack blinked before asking, "You mean th-the Boogey Man?"
"Yes!" Santa nodded, "When Pitch threatens us, he threatens them as well!"
Wanda then approached Jack with pleading eyes, "And since he's allied himself with Xehanort, Sora is especially in danger!"
"All the more reason to pick someone more qualified!" Jack told both Guardian and Avenger alike as he tried turning away.
"Pick? You think we pick?!" North questioned before shaking his head, "No! You were chosen! Like we were all chosen! By Man in Moon."
Jack froze were he was, as he turned around in shock, "What?"
"It's true, Jack," Tooth explained, as Jack turned to the moon, "He chose you."
"Maybe." Bunny shrugged, still not buying it.
"It was so cool," Sora beamed as he gestured to the Guardain's symbol, "This crystal thingy came out of the ground and the moon shined its light on it, and then a picture of you appeared!"
"Is that so," Jack blinked again in shock, "Man in the Moon, he, uh… he talks to you?"
"You see," North nodded, "...you cannot say no. It is Destiny."
After a long moment of silence, Jack finally spoke up, "W-Why, why wouldn't he tell me that himself?" He then groaned to himself in frustration, "After 300 years, this is his answer?"
"Three hundred years," Peter and Wanda gasped in shock before the latter stated, "He's aged incredibly well."
Jack only continued, "To spend eternity like you guys, cooped up in some- some hideout, thinking of- of new ways to bribe kids?" He then shook his head at the Man in Moon, "No, no, that's not for me!" He then turned to the Guardians, "No offense."
"How- how- How is that not offensive?" Bunny gestured to him before turning to the other heroes in the room, "You know what I think, I- I think we just dodged a bullet. I mean what's this clown know about bringing joy to children anyway?"
"Uh, you ever hear of a snow day?" Jack asked in response with a small smirk, as Sora tilted his head, "I know it's no... hardboiled egg, but kids like what I do."
"But none of 'em believe in ya. Do they?" Bunny smirked in response, "Y'see, you're invisible, mate - it's like you don't even exist."
Jack winced at that, much to the Avengers, and Sora's confusion while Tooth thought Bunny went too far, as she gasped, "Bunny! Enough!"
"No," The 300-year-old youth smirked, "...the kangaroo's right."
"The- the what? What'd you call me?" Bunny blinked looking offended while Peter did his best to hold out his laughter, but a snort did get out, earning him an elbow from Wanda. Bunny then glared at the Winter Spirit, "I'm not a kangaroo, mate."
"Oh! And this whole time I thought you were." Jack sarcastically replied, "If you're not a kangaroo, what are you?"
"I'm a bunny. The Easter Bunny," The seven-foot rabbit retorted still glaring at Frost, "People believe in me."
After a long moment of silence, Wanda stepped between the two rivals, "Alright, break it up you two. I will not allow your history with each other to ruin any chances of keeping my child safe."
The two stopped blinking at Wanda's statement, "Your child?"
"We were planning on adopting Sora," Peter explained to the two, "After all..." He then gestured to the situation at hand, "...this?"
Sandy smiled as a heart flew over his head, Bunny blinked, "Now, hold on... how long have you two known each other again? Outside of work?"
"Uh..." Peter blinked as he turned to the Scarlet Witch, "How long has it been again? A week?"
"Maybe a little over a week by now," Wanda revealed to the Web-Head.
"Yeah," Peter nodded to her, "That sounds about right."
"You've only known each other for over a week," Bunny blinked in disbelief, "And yet, you two want to raise a child together?"
"Well, it's not like we're getting married or anything," Wanda replied before whispering to them, "We're still working on all the details, but we promised we'd watch over and raise Sora, since his birth parents... no longer can."
"Oh~" Jack looked over to Sora with sympathy.
"Sure, an unmarried couple that wants to become a couple and raise a child together," Bunny shook his head in disbelief, "Like that won't be confusing for the child."
"Take it easy on them, Bunny," North smiled, "They're accepting big responsibility raising Sora... that cannot be frowned upon." As Tooth went back to business with her fairies, he nodded to the Winter Spirit, "Jack, walk with me."
They rode down an elevator into the heart of the workshop as Peter, Wanda, and Sora followed them. Peter whispered to her, "We really should work out some of the details before we get back to Earth... well... the Earth we call home."
"You're not wrong," Wanda whispered back.
Jack then turned to Santa, "Nothing personal, North, what you all do, it's just- it's not my thing."
"Man in Moon says it is your thing," North answered, believing the Man in Moon made the right call, "You will see."
"Slow down, would ya?" Jack told the saint as he and the others checked out the workshop, "I've been trying to bust in here for years. I want a good look."
North turned to Jack with a small glare, "What do you mean, 'bust in?'"
"Woo! Don't worry!" The Winter Spirit raised his hands in defense, "Never got past the Yetis." One Yeti beats his fists together as Jack greets him, "Oh, hey, Phil."
"Keep up, Jack! Keep up!" North told the 300-year-old.
"Wait..." Peter blinked as he saw the Yetis working hard to build the toys for next Christmas, "Uh... excuse me, Sant- er North but..."
Wanda then finished Peter's thoughts, "We thought it was the elves that made the toys?"
North leaned to the adults, as he whispered, "We just let them believe that."
Just then, they spotted a group of elves wrapping Christmas lights around one of them before plugging it, allowing the elf to shine while the others smiled brightly like they accomplished something. North nodded to him, pretending to be impressed, "Very nice. Keep up good work!"
Sora, Jack, Peter, and Wanda continued to stare as they followed Santa. Just then, they spotted a yeti working on painting a blue toy robot. North declared, "I don't like it, paint it red."
"WHAT THE-?!" Yeti gasped in frustration, turning to a whole shelf full of the blue robots, before slamming his head on the table.
Peter then noticed an electronic center, seeing Yetis working on PlayStation 5s, X-Box Ones, and Nintendo Switches, while others were working on the games made for the systems. Peter slowly nodded, "Yeah, I guess that would be a big one..." He then noticed some sort of communication device, "What is that?"
"Hmmm...?" North turned to the device before smiling brightly, "Ah! The old communication device... every now and then... a... let's say more mature believers will try to reach out and call to the North Pole. On occasion, I do give a response if they're good and mean well..."
Peter hopped over to it, as he wiped off the dust, "Doesn't look like it's been used in ages."
"Hey," Wanda turned to Jack and North, "We keep on hearing you and Bunny saying things like see and believe, why is that so important to you guys?"
"Yeah, that's the thing about us," Jack proceeded to explain, "Only those who believe we actually exist can see us..." Which he sighed, "Which has been really lonely to someone that absolutely no one believes."
"Jack is correct," Santa added on the Avengers' behalf, "If the magic allowing you to blend into our world had not taken effect, we would have been invisible to you two as well. Only Sora would have been able to see us." He then gestured to the old communication device, "Which this old beaut of a machine has hardly been in use. Sadly, adults don't really believe in this day and age."
Peter and Wanda rubbed their heads sheepishly, when the former blinked, "Wait, but everyone else back home knows we exist. If we used it..."
"...it could work for you," North slowly nodded, before gesturing to the device, "Feel free to use it, maybe you can send a message back home. I suggest having the setting on Marvelous City. Don't want to send your message to the wrong place." He then gestured to the room, "Jack with me."
With that, they entered another room, as Peter began dusting off the machine and checked out the controls. Wanda wondered, "You really think we can send a message back home with this thing."
"Considering we've been fighting on worlds based on Disney projects, Star Wars, and now here," Spidey pointed out as he removed his mask, "I'd say anything is possible at this point."
"Fair enough," Wanda nodded as Sora began playing with the elves nearby, as she smiled at the boy.
"We need to let the Avengers and the other heroes know what we're up against," Peter stated, "And who knows, maybe we can get some back up here."
"Regardless, at least we can prepare the others for the final showdown," Wanda slowly nodded again, before stating, "But... maybe we should wait on tell who were bringing with us back home." Peter turned to her confused, before she clarified, "I don't want someone like Hydra, A.I.M., Doom, or maybe even my own father knowing what he's capable of. Heck, Kraven could wind up coming for him again when he relearns what Sora could become. People could want him as a weapon or an assassin, and I don't want that life for him. I don't want to risk another monster like Xehanort coming after him..."
"You know even if we're successful sending the past version of Xehanort back to the past, we'd still have to deal with the present version eventually," Spidey turned to her, Wanda merely stared at him in response causing Peter to raise his arms in defense, "I'm just saying... I'll just say we have something that can stop this version of Xehanort and children just caught in the middle of all of this." The daughter of Magento nodded in satisfaction, before after a long pause, he asked her, "So... I take it that means you're not going to tell your father about his grandson?"
She blinked before sighing, "I don't know..." Before admitting, "Probably not..." She turned to Peter, "He's always been too demanding of my brother, Peitro, and I'm unsure he'd expect too much from him..." She then frowned, "Still, after everything, he chose to stay by his side rather than mine... I'm not going to lie and say it didn't hurt. But that's not the life I want for Sora or any childern I may have in the future. So, no I don't think I'll ever have him meet Sora if I can help it... maybe if Peitro ever opens his eyes, maybe I'll tell him. Then there's Lorna..."
"Uh... Lorna?" Peter blinked in confusion.
"Oh, she's my sister," She explained, "After my birth mother died, father remarried and had Lorna, who he protected... she was always the favorite and never wanted to be caught in the middle of his war on the humans. She's never left Genosha..."
"And what are her thoughts on...?" Before gesturing to himself.
"She's never really encountered any regular humans before," She admitted, "But she was deeply against what our father did to Genosha, and ultimately agreed with me that he needed to be banished. She's a little skeptical of them..." She then smiled fondly, "But as soon as she meets Sora, I'm certain her opinion will immediately change when she finds out that she's an Aunt." She glanced at him, "Might take a bit longer for her to warm up to you."
"Fair enough," Peter nodded. At least, Sora will have a loving Aunt in his life just like he had Aunt May.
She then turned to him curiously, "What about your Aunt? How do you plan to break it to her?"
"That's still in motion in process," Peter stated, "She doesn't know I'm Spider-Man! I am completely clueless how to explain I fell in love with an Avenger and agreed to adopt a child from another world! And that's not even mentioning about where I've been this whole time!"
"Hey, hey, hey... breathe..." Wanda tried to calm him down. Peter complied with her request by taking a deep breath, "Better?" Spidey nodded making the current mutant ruler of Genosha smile, "Good..." She then smiled, "Look... it's going to be fine, I'm sure she'll love Sora..." She then wondered, "You think she'll like me?"
"Oh, that part I don't doubt," Peter admitted, "Still, I have no clue of how to actually explain all of this. Our little family we started here, isn't exactly how families first start out."
"True, but at least we're not a couple that..." Glancing to Sora, "Do it prior to marriage. Nothing against them of course... so long as they take responsibility for their child..." She then stated, "Although, we should probably set some ground rules about our relationship with each other and Sora going forward."
"Right," Peter nodded, "So... like no..." He glanced at Sora again, now playing with a toy airplane a Yeti made, before continuing, "...making babies before marriage."
"Right, no need to give your Aunt a heart attack over that," Wanda admitted, "Also, we don't need to get married immediately when this is all over. We can date and stay in separate rooms and see how it goes..."
"If everything looks great, then we can consider marriage and more kids..." Peter leaned to her, "The old-fashioned way or adoption like Sora..."
"And if it's not meant to be, no matter what happens," Wanda smiled, "We'll be there for Sora and help him become the man he was meant to be..."
"Alright, I think that won't freak my Aunt out as much," Peter slowly nodded before he turned on the machine, "Okay... the thing is on... so..."
"Need to send it to the right place," Wanda nodded as she observed the old device, "So you see anything that..."
"I think I see it," The genius of the group started turning a dial, "Let's see... Zootopia... Monstropolis... Radiant Garden... San Fransokyo..." His eyes lit up, "Ah! Marvelous City! That's it!"
"Let's just hope someone is listening..." Wanda stated as they placed on headphones and spoke to the speaking, "Hello? Is anyone listening? This is Scarlet Witch and Spider-Man. Can you hear us?"
They could only hear static in response, "This is Spider-Man, I am with Wanda Maximoff of the Avengers and the photographer for the Bugle: Peter Parker. We are calling out to S.H.I.E.L.D., S.W.O.R.D, heck, anyone who will listen, we need immediate aid, can you read us? Over!"
Static again. As Wanda glanced at him, "You're with me and Peter Parker?"
"Hey, I need an excuse why I never got back to Pickle Puss so I don't get fired," Peter pointed out, "We can't all live in fancy mansions and castles."
Wanda nodded as she called out, "This is an S.O.S. I am a Full-Time Avenger, over!"
For a moment, it seemed like no one was hearing them when all of a sudden...
"Hello... Repeat identification..."
Peter and Wanda glanced to each other with hope in their eyes as the former repeated, "This is Scarlet Witch of the Avengers! We need to speak with Tony Stark, Nick Fury, Captain America... anyone you can get a hold of..."
"Is this a prank...?"
"No, no, no! This is not a prank!" Peter spoke up in a panic worried they'd throw their message off, "I'm Spider-Man, I am with Scarlet Witch and Peter Parker, and we to contact the Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men, heck, I take even the Power Pack at this point."
"Right, and I'm the president of the United States," An employee by the name of Stan replied into the mic, "Sir, this is a secure facility for OsCorp collaboration with NASA, please get off this channel, or we'll be forced to call the police."
Just then, OsCorp's current CEO, Harry Osborn walked up to the older employee, "What's up, Mr. Lee?"
"Just some pranksters wanting attention," Stan answered, "I was just about to cut them off..."
Harry raised an eyebrow, as he told the employee, "Put them on..." Stan complied, as the CEO spoke in the speaker, "Alright, who am I speaking to?"
Back in Santa's workshop, Peter blinked in shock, "Harry?"
Blinking in shock, the son of the Green Goblin blinked in shock, "Pete?" His eyes widened as he gestured to Stan to get up and take his place, "PETER?! Is that you?!"
"Harry, you have no idea how good it is to hear your voice," Peter sighed in relief.
"Hear my voice?" Harry chuckled, "You're the one who vanished off the face of the Earth." He then turned to Stan, "You did good, Mr. Lee, you can take the rest of the day off..."
Stan blinked as he turned to walk away, "Can't you people talk on the phone like a normal person?"
Once out of earshot, Harry placed on the headphones, and asked his old best friend, "Where have you been? Your Aunt and Jameson have been asking me all week where you are."
"It's a long story, Harry," Peter smiled.
Wanda glanced to the Web-Head, "Peter? You know this man?"
"Yeah, Harry Osborn, my best friend," Peter turned to the daughter of Magento, "We can trust him."
Wanda's eyes widened as she now recognized the name brought up. Just then, Harry spoke up, "I'm guessing you must be Scarlet Witch then. I gotta say other than Tony Stark, I never thought I'd speak to another Avenger unless the world was at stake. It's an honor."
"It's good to meet you too, Harry," Wanda smiled.
"Where are you two," The OsCorp CEO wondered, "The last I heard, you two vanished after trying to stop Kang from escaping... I was beginning to think we lost you into the future."
"No, we're still in the present," Peter admitted as Sora wandered up to his foster parents, "We're... just not on Earth at this moment..."
"That would explain why you never got any of my calls," Harry admitted, "Do you need me to get in contact with the Avengers, Fantastic 4, or someone who can bring you home?"
"While we do need you to contact them, it's not quite for the reason," Wanda explained as the small boy glanced at the two adults, "We sort of ran into the situation..."
"Like the fate of the universe sort of situation," Peter clarified...
Harry blinked in concern and turned around to make sure no one was listening in, before asking, "Alright, tell me what happened..."
Meanwhile, North and Jack enter the former's personal workshop room before offering the latter, "Fruitcake?"
"Uh, no... thanks." Jack declined mentally wondering, who on Earth actually ate fruitcake.
Throwing the cake aside, Santa cracked his knuckles, "Now we get down to tacks of brass"
"Tacks of-" Jack blinked in confusion when the door behind him slammed shut and locked itself.
He then turned back to North, who got into his face, as the Saint asked, "Who are you, Jack Frost? What is your center?"
"My center?" Jack blinked in confusion as he leaned back to the door as North towered over him.
"If Man in Moon chose you to be a Guardian, you must have something very special inside. Hmm..." North hummed in thought as he stroked his beard before he picked up a Russian Nesting doll that resembled himself, "Here, this is how you see me, no? Very big, intimidating... But if you get to know me a little... Well, go on."
Jack proceeded to take off the first doll layer, "You are... downright jolly?"
"Ah! But not just jolly," North smiled as one by one Jack took off each layer, "I am also mysterious, and fearless, and caring, and at my center..."
After pulling off the last layer, he saw it was bundled in a blaket with only a baby's head showing from the blankets, "There's a tiny wooden baby."
"Look closer," North told him, "What do you see?"
"A-ah..." Jack observed the baby Santa and noticed one feature, "You have big eyes."
"Yes!" Santa nodded before gesturing to his own eyes, "Big eyes, very big, because they are full of wonder." He then gestured to all the toys he's made come to life, as the doors reopened to show the beauty of North's workshop, "That is my center. It is what I was born with: eyes that have always seen the wonder in everything! Eyes that see lights in the trees, and magic in the air - this wonder is what I put into the world! And what I protect in children. It is what makes me a Guardian." Jack stared in awe as Santa smiled with joy, "It is my center. What is yours?"
The Winter Spirit blinked as he thought about it. Sure, he had a blast trying to bring happiness to children... but he couldn't say it was really his center. After a moment, he honestly replied, "I don't know."
"So, let me get this straight," Harry replied after Peter and Wanda gave a short summary of everything that has happened the past week, "You two stumbled upon this big Thanos-level threat who has been quiet until these cracks, in reality, opened up, bringing in monsters from a dark realm, and you two have been protecting the one thing that can stop this Xehanort. And you two have been hopping around other planets based on Disney films, sealing the breaches as you go until you can stop Xehanort's past self from getting this key first."
"That just about sums it," Peter admitted, "Which is why we need you to get the other heroes to be aware of the real threat before it's too late."
"Speaking of," Wanda leaned in concerned, "Have the Heartless reached our world yet?"
"I think so, from how you described them," Harry revealed, "They just showed up the past couple of days... or we became aware of it at least. A little heads up, Pete, but Jameson's blaming Spider-Man for their appearance."
Peter frowned at that, groaning, "Of... course he is."
"Thankfully, the heroes are keeping them at bay at the moment," Harry revealed, "Even after Magento attacked Avengers Tower."
"Wait..." Wanda blinked in horror, "MY FATHER ATTACKED AVENGERS TOWER?!"
"Did more than that, nearly started a tsunami when he had control over Thor's hammer," Harry revealed as her eyes widened in horror, "Thankfully, the heroes managed to stop him before he wiped our country off the face of the Earth, and no lives were lost..." With those words, Wanda sighed in relief, "...but I think he's actually working with the heroes now."
That took her by shock, how did that happen? Peter shared the same thoughts, "Wait, first he tries to kill the Avengers and now he's working with them? How does that even happen?"
"Your guess is as good as mine," Harry admitted, "Maybe he realizes the Heartless are a much bigger threat than humanity ever was..."
Peter turned to Wanda in concern, "You alright?"
She slowly nodded, as she whispered to him, "Just more of a reason why I don't want his Grandfather involved with his life." She then turned back to the device, "Anyways, we're on the last world with the final crack to seal so we need to let the Avengers and the other heroes a heads up because if we're successful here, Xehanort will likely through everything he has at us until he sent back to his proper time or he gets what he wants."
"Given that if he actually succeeds in his goals, it means the destruction of everyone and everything we know, we cannot allow that to happen," Harry replied through the device, "Given that they've been looking for you and keeping these Heartless at bay, I doubt it'll be easy, but I'll do everything in my power to get them to listen."
"Wait... you may not have to..." Peter thought before telling Harry, "Write down this address: 177A Bleecker Street."
"Hold on..." The CEO of OsCorp replied, "1-7-7-A... Bleecker Street. Got it." He then asked, "What's over there?"
Wanda knew the address. That was the home of Doctor Strange, as Peter continued, "If you see a former surgeon or a guy who looks like a monk, tell them the Child of Destiny is in danger."
"Child of what...?" Harry blinked in confusion, "Wait... what does that even..."
"We don't want to say more just in case someone else is listening," Peter explained, "If you tell them this... they'll let the others know and they'll listen to you."
"Alright, I'll do it," Peter's best friend nodded, "Is there anything else I should know?"
"Yeah, there were children that were caught in the crossfire in all of this," Peter explained, "We rescued one of them but the others are MIA."
"Wait, there are CHILDREN caught in the middle of all of this," Harry's eyes widened in horror, before his eyes narrowed in determination, "I'll let the other heroes know about this as well!"
"Mommy? Who's that..." A child's voice spoke up.
"Shhhhh," Wanda shushed the child, "We're talking to a friend of your father's..."
"Was that one of the kids?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, his name is Sora," Peter nodded, "Wanda and I... we're planning on adopting him when we get back. But don't let anyone else know that until we get back."
"Wait... does that mean Peter actually hooked up with..." He thought to himself before smiling, "He! Good for you, Pete." He then told Pete, "Let him know that I'm getting every available superhero to help him and his friends..."
"Will do, Harry," Peter smiled as he turned to the boy now sitting on Wanda's lap.
"How long will you be staying on the planet you two are currently on," Harry asked them.
Before they could answer, they saw Bunny and Sandy come running up to North and Jack who just left the room they were speaking in. The Easter Bunny told them, "We have a problem, mate. Trouble at the Tooth Palace."
Peter quickly told Harry, "Hopefully, just after Easter. Gotta go. Talk to you soon."
"Good luck," Harry wished Peter as the two heroes set down the headsets, and the Web-Head, placed back on his mask...
The two Avengers, three Guardians, along with Sora and Jack entered the sables as Santa clapped to the yetis and elves, "Boys! Ship-shape, as soon as you can!"
"North, I told you! I'm not going with you guys!" Jack denied, "There is no way I am climbing into some rickety old..." Then his eyes widened as he saw the most amazing site he'd ever seen, "...sleigh..."
The yetis and elves alike escorted the eight reindeer pulling out the most awesome-looking sleigh Jack, Sora, and the two Avengers ever seen. Sora gasped in awe, as the yetis made the final preparations, "Wow..."
"Incredible," Wanda whispered to herself.
After a moment, Jack nodded, "Okay. One ride, but that's it."
"Everyone loves the sleigh!" North smirked to himself as Jack, Spidey, Wanda, Sandy, and Sora climbed aboard.
"You see the reindeer," Wanda smiled to the islander who eagerly nodded, "Do you know their names?"
Sora then proceeded to name them, "Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen."
"That's right," Wanda smiled.
Sora then turned to them, "But where's Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer?"
Before either Avenger could answer, Santa told the boy, "He only comes out on the foggy nights." He then turned to the only one not in his sleigh, "...Bunny! What are you waiting for?
"I think my tunnels might be faster, mate," Bunny hesitated as he kicked the side of the sleigh gently with the pad of a hind leg, "...and, uhm, and safer."
"Ack! Get in!" North told Bunny as he yanked Bunny by his scruff and placed him right next to Peter. He then told the heroes, "Buckle up!"
Bunny immediately looked around to buckle up in a panic. Wanda and Peter, who were much calmer, tried to do the same but with no luck. Bunny turned to Santa, "Where're the bloody seatbelts?"
"Hah! That was just expression," Santa laughed.
Her eyes widened, Wanda turned to Peter and handed Sora over to him, "Here! You're sticky and can keep yourself and Sora safe in the sled!"
"Right," Peter nodded as he took the child, "Hold on, little buddy."
North turned to a yeti, "Are we ready?" Said yeti immediately shook his but regardless, Santa cracked the reins, "Let's go!"
With that, the eight reindeer ran down the ramp, which was not as straightforward as everyone thought. Bunny was screaming in fear the whole way, as Sora and Jack laughed as they were having the time of their lives. Wanda ended up clinging to Peter, making sure she didn't fall off.
Peter was grateful that he had his mask on so no one could see him blush. Soon enough, the lift-off ramp started feeling more like a roller coaster as North laughed, "I hope you like the loop-de-loops!"
Sure enough, the sleigh went up and over. Sora cheered happily, and he and Sandy lifted their arms in the air. Bunny felt like he was going to vomit and stated, "I hope you like carrots."
Wanda glared at him, "Don't you dare!"
Jack and Sora cheered as they raced off the ramp and into the air, as the reindeer and the sleigh took flight. North laughed as he told the flying reindeer, "Let's go!"
With the sleigh more stable, Wanda and Peter eased up as the former told Santa, "A little bit more warning next time."
"That was awesome!" Sora beamed.
"You said it, little man," Jacl smiled before turning to Bunny moaning, and still holding on for dear life. Jack grinned as he leaned on the edge of the sleigh, "Hey Bunny, check out this view-" All of a sudden, the Winter Spirit was blown off the sleigh, "WOAH!"
"OH MY-" Wanda gasped in horror, as everyone's eyes widened in horror
"Oh! Oh- North! He's, he- huhuh..." Bunny called out to Santa and leaned over the side of the sleigh where Jack fell... only to see he was completely fine. Laying in a relaxed style on the leg of the sleigh.
The white hair boy smirked, "Aww, you do care."
Wanda sighed in relief while a flustered Bunny glared at him, "Oh, rack off, ya bloody show pony!"
"Hold on everyone, I know a shortcut!" North told his passengers.
"Oh! Oh strewth!" Bunny complained, "I knew we should have taken the tunnels!"
"I say..." North grinned as he pulled out a snow globe as he spoke to it, "Tooth Palace."
"Wait, if you had those snow globes that create magical portals," Peter raised an eyebrow underneath his mask, "Why bother with the sleigh?"
"More fun this way," North smirked as he tossed the globe, which created a portal to Tooth Palace. From there, it was a simple trip to Tooth's home. However, something dark swarmed the Palace causing North's eyes to widen in shock, "...What?"
Just the Spider-Man's Spider-Sense flared up, "Uh-oh! Guys! We've got incoming!"
Dark creatures swarmed around the sleigh, as Wanda's eyes widened, "We're those Heartless?!"
Peter handed her Sora, as he told her, "I'll take a closer look."
He leaped over to the edge of the sleigh as one of the dark creatures headed right for them, but Sandy created a sand umbrella. Spidey then jumped off the sleigh web striking one enemy to another. Funny enough, Luke Cage actually had some good pointers from moving in to attack one baddie to the next in a chain reaction without breaking a sweat. Never thought he used in on the Heartless... but not all the dark creatures were Heartless. He even quipped, "Wait a sec, your not Heartless... what are you? My Little Pony rejects? I don't think they'd even let you guys audition with those ugly mugs of yours!"
"Woah!" Jack avoided one of the black horses before noticing what they were doing. He turned to the Guardians and Wanda aboard with him, "They're taking the tooth fairies!" He spotted a creature that hadn't captured a fairy yet. Moving into action, Jack flew up and saved the fairy before the dark creature could consume her. Landing back in the sleigh, he asked in concern, "Hey little Baby Tooth, you okay?"
Baby Tooth nodded in gratitude. Just then Heartless started flying towards the sleigh, but Wanda blasted them away with her hexes. She turned to Sora, and whispered, "Stay close to me."
Sora nodded as he held onto his foster mother. The sleigh descended through the Tooth Palace but the enemy wouldn't let them in without a fight. More dark creatures flew directly towards the flying sleigh. Santa then hands the reigns to Jack, "Here, take over!"
Shocked, Jack complied as North pulled out his swords and destroyed both Heartless and the black horses alike. However, as he did so, containers with kids faces on them landed in the sleigh, Wanda blinked in confusion as Sora picked up one, "What is..."
Just then, Spider-Man webbed swung back into Santa's sleigh, with another container in hand, "It's not just the little fairies they're taking..."
The Easter Bunny's eyes widened, "They're stealing the teeth!"
"Also, I noticed it's not just Heartless out there, but those other creatures," He then set the container down, "Those black horses..." He removed one of his boots to dump out the black sand, "...they're made out of sand."
Sandy took some of it, stunned by this, as Peter quipped, "An army of sand horses... just when I thought fighting Marko was a pain..." Just then, his Spider-Sense flared up again, "Jack! Look out!"
Jack was able to swerve out of the way of a building before making a rough landing. Peter placed his boot back on and went in to check with Sora and Wanda, "You two okay?"
"A little bumped up but we'll be fine," Wanda reassured him as she brushed the child's spikey hair, before lightly joking, "This is nothing compared to crashing into many trees in the jungle."
Peter lightly chuckled as everyone exited the sleigh when they saw Tooth panicking. North rushed over to her, "Tooth! Are you alright?"
"They- they took my fairies, and the teeth, all of them," Tooth gasped in despair and sadness, "Everything is gone. Everything..." Baby Tooth then emerged from Jack with a smile and flew over to the Tooth Fairy making her smile in relief, "Ah! Oh, thank goodness, one of you is alright."
All of a sudden, a new voice spoke up, "I have to say... this is very, very exciting." Everyone went on alert as they went into their respective battle stances. A man emerging from the shadows looked down on them, "The Big Four, all in one place. I'm a little starstruck. Did you like my show on the globe, North? Gotcha all together, didn't I?"
Santa narrowed his eyes in anger but none were more furious than the Tooth Fairy as she flew after him, "Pitch! You have got 30 seconds to return my fairies..."
By the time she reached him, he had vanished back into the shadows, before reappearing higher from another corner as he smirked, "Or what? You'll stick a quarter under my pillow?" He then turned to the two Avengers, "You two have been jumping around from one world to another... I was warned about you two my new benefactor but... I won't deny I am intrigued by the two of you..." He then gestured to the Wall Crawler, "...you especially Spider-Man. Nightmare sends his regards."
Wanda glanced to the Wall-Crawler, as he retorted, "What? Are you like his old pupil or something?"
"More accurately," Pitch smirked, "He was my pupil."
This shocked the two Avengers, as North stepped forward, "Why are you doing this?"
"Maybe, I want what you have," The Boogeyman stated, "To be believed in!" Jack's eyes widened at that, "Maybe I'm tired of hiding under beds!"
"Maybe that's where you belong!" Bunny glared at him.
Pitch then appeared from the underside of the spire level the heroes were standing on, "Tah! Go suck an egg, rabbit."
Bunny charged in to hit Pitch with a boomerang, but the latter disappeared into the shadows. That's when the villain noticed something, "Hang on. Is that... Jack Frost?" Jack went on alert with his name mentioned, raising his staff, "Heh, hehehe. Since when are you all so chummy?"
"We're not," Jack denied but stayed on guard nonetheless.
"Oh good, a neutral party," Pitch then appeared beside him as he waved him off, smirking cruelly at him, "Then I'm going to ignore you, but you must be used to that by now."
Jack glared at that retort before Pitch glanced and Sora, "Oh, and no one can forget the boy of the hour." Wanda and Peter instantly stood between Pitch and the boy, "The future Guardian of Light, the Keyblade's Chosen One, the Child of Destiny..." Pitch then smirked, "Too bad you won't be around to stop what's coming..."
"So much as touch him," Scarlet Witch snapped at him, "And I will throw you locked vibranium room with the Hulk, Thor, Wolverine, and whatever's left of you afterward... I'll make you regret the day you were born!"
"Oh, Wanda, dear," Pitch smirked, "You're starting to sound like your father..."
Just then, Bunny charged at him, "Pitch! Shut up you shadow-sneaking ratbag! Come 'ere!"
Pitch stepped side the attack and moved to higher ground. Tooth then took one of Bunny's boomerangs and let out a battle cry ready to strike him down...
...but all of a sudden, one of the dark horses appeared and screeched at her forcing her to pull back as Pitch calmed the beast, "Whoa ho ho ho, hey! Easy girl, easy." He then smirked at Sandy, "Hehe. Look familiar, Sandman? Took me a while to perfect this little trick: turning dreams into nightmares."
Sandy glared at him hard at that declaration, as Pitch taunted the heroes, "Don't be nervous; it only riles them up more. They smell fear, you know."
"What fear? Of you?" Bunny laughed as Tooth returned his boomerang, "No one's been afraid of you since the Dark Ages!"
"Oh, the Dark Ages!" The Boogeyman smiled fondly, "Everyone frightened, miserable, such happy times for me - oh the power I wielded!" His eyes narrowed in anger, "But then the Man in the Moon chose you to replace my fear with your wonder and light. Lifting their hearts and giving them hope. Meanwhile, everyone wrote me off as just a bad dream." He then annoyingly quoted every parent told their child about him, "'Oh there's nothing to be afraid of! There's no such thing as The Boogeyman!'" He then smirked, "Well that's all about to change." He then gestured to the Guardians, "Hehe. Oh look, it's happening already."
"What is?" Jack blinked in confusion.
"Oh..." Tooth gasped in horror as feathers started falling off of her.
"Children are waking up and realizing the Tooth Fairy never came," He taunted, "It's such a little thing, but to a child-"
Wanda glanced at Tooth, "What's happening to you?"
"They..." Her eyes widened in horror, "They don't believe in me anymore."
"Didn't they tell you, Jack, Peter, Wanda?" Pitch smirked at the heroes, while Peter made a mental groan that this villain knew his secret identity, "It's great being a Guardian! But there's a catch. If enough kids stop believing, everything your friends protect - wonder, hopes, and dreams - it all goes away." He gestured to the Guardians, "And little by little, so do they. Hehehehe. No Christmas, or Easter, or little fairies that come in the night."
Sora's eyes widened in horror. No Christmas? No Easter? No... fairies? Outside of losing his parents and home, losing the best holidays ever was the worst thing to him just next to losing his friends too. He then glanced at Santa's sleigh, where the magic lamp lied. The Boogeyman continued, "There will be nothing but fear, and darkness... and me." His eyes narrowed at the Guardians, "It's your turn not to be believed in! And as an added bonus, any future Guardians of Light and friends that Sora will one day make will be crippled and he'll be... on... his... own. That is... if I don't bring him to Xehanort after you're gone."
Wanda's eyes narrowed, "I'm going to hurt him now."
"I am 100% behind you on that, Sheila," Bunny nodded in agreement as he threw one of his boomerangs at Pitch, "Tchyah!"
Pitch merely dodged it, hoped on the Nightmare, and began to ride off. Wanda blasted a hex at him but missed. As many of the Guardians went after the Boogeyman, Sora retreated to the sleigh to get the lamp. Just then, then three nightmares leaped at Sora, causing the boy to scream. Wanda's eyes widened in horror, "SORA!"
With that, Peter, Jack, and Wanda went to save Sora when suddenly poofed in a very plump creature, looking like a… dog? A cat? Whatever it was, it looked dazed upon appearing in the middle of the bus. It had a pink horn atop its forehead, and very stubby black legs akin to a cat. Its tail was also plump and round, with a pink edge to it. Most of its body was covered in blue, but its underside and dog-like muzzle were white in color, and it also had yellow spots decorating its sides. What's more, the underbelly of this strange creature had a pink symbol, like one the Heartless have but much different.
The creature stood on its four stubby legs, and narrowed its eyes at the Nightmares. If the adults didn't know any better, it almost looked the the dark horses seemed... a little nervous of the creature. Before anyone could react, a colorful dog-cat leaped up into the and smashed the middle Nightmare, turning the black sand into the golden kind Sandy uses. Then swung its fat body, smacking and destroying one of the Nightmares while stunning the other. The surviving creature of darkness tried to wobble away, but the colorful dog-cat created a giant balloon and smacked it at the Nightmare. When the balloon popped, the explosion destroyed the last Nightmare. It then turned to Sora, panting happily at his presence.
While gratefully, the two Avengers wondered what manner of creature was this. They turned to the only other Guardian, even if he refused that he was one, present among them. Jack raised his hands in defense, "Don't look at me. I'm just as puzzled as you two are at what this dog... cat... thing is."
Sora stepped in closer to observe the creature as it gave affectionate whines at the boy before licking his face, making the boy let out laughs and giggles. Wanda felt like her heart was melting, the new memory of her son and the creature so cute and adorable, "Awwww~"
"Okay, our boy was saved by a Pokémon knock-off, cute," Peter half-joked as his Spider-Sense went off, as he turned around to see more Nightmares and Heartless appeared, "But I think now's not the best time for a Kodak moment."
The three heroes went back on guard as the islander boy turned his attention back to Santa's sleigh. The dog-cat then lightly rubbed Sora's cheek, as if was offering him an escort to the sleigh.
The boy happily accepted the creature's help, as it safely brought him to the sleigh. Picking up the magic lamp inside, Sora rubbed it wishing, "I wish you helped us save Christmas and Easter with the Guardians and my mommy and daddy from the Boogeyman."
With that, blue smoke exited the lamp, as the Genie chuckled, "A little early for Easter and late Christmas for a holiday-themed chapter, huh?" He then gave a simple shrug before beaming, "I LOVE IT! Better late than never I say. Wish number two: coming right up!"
The Genie then transformed into John Wick, "I've waited my whole life for this moment."
Sticking out his fingers, he rapidly fired magic beams, like bullets, destroying each nightmare, and heartless before anyone could react. The heroes blinked and turned to where Sora was, and saw the Genie, now as appearing as the Terminator, blowing his finger and placing on sunglasses, "Hasta la vista... horsy."
"Does anyone else see the giant blue man in front of me," Jack muttered to the two Avengers.
"Yes," Both of them replied, as Wanda knelt to Sora, "I take this means you used your second wish."
"Uh-huh," The boy nodded as he held out the lamp.
"And a pretty good wish I might add," Genie smiled, "Now, you're stuck with me for the next two to three chapters depending on the length of the chapters..." He then glanced to Jack, "And how well, the internet holds up so the author doesn't need to write the same paragraphs constantly."
The Winter Spirit leaped back as he turned to the two Avengers, "Do you have any idea what he's talking about?"
The two of Earth's Mightiest Heroes shrugged, as Peter admitted, "He's far crazier than he was in the movies."
The creature then hopped on past the humans as he whispered down to where the Guardains went after Pitch as it whimpered. Wanda picked up the child, as she turned to the men, "C'mon. Let's see if they actually caught the creep."
Wanda then started flying down as Jack, Spidey, and Genie followed her as the creature poofed away. They soon found the Guardians by a lagoon, but there was no sign of Pitch. Peter then asked them, "So, where's Sirius Black's creepy uncle?"
"He got away," Bunny replied looking completely annoyed, "He summoned a bunch of those Nightmares and Heartless to keep us busy." He then asked the heroes, "What kept you?"
"Those Nightmares tried to grab Sora," Wanda gently stroked the boy's spikey hair, "If it wasn't for that dog... cat... thing... I'm not sure we couldn't have gotten to him in time."
The four guardians stared at her, as North repeated, "Dog-cat thing?"
Just then the creature reappeared before the Guardians and Avengers alike. The colorful creature turned to Sora as it let out happy noises. The Guardians as widened as the boy giggled, as Wanda set him down. Sandy flew over to Sora's side, as he used his sand to create a ball, and tossed to the side of the creature, as the happy dog/cat hybrid went after it. North raised an eyebrow, "Could it be...?"
"You know what that thing is," Jack gestured to the creature as it returned with the ball.
"Da," North nodded, "That is a Dream Eater. It's been said they had Sandy's job before he was chosen. They consume nightmares and create good dreams."
"Thing is..." Bunny stood up as Sandy accepted the ball giving it to Sora as he played fetch with the Dream Eater, "...these little buggars haven't been seen in centuries. Why they return now of all times."
Sand then created a small Keyblade over his hand pointing to that, as North nodded, "Could be. They always did have strong connection to Key Bearers. Perhaps this one could sense what Sora could become."
"Well, I hate to admit it but we could use the help," Bunny admitted as the Dream Eater returned the sandball to Sora. Bunny turned to North, "You were right about Pitch."
The two Avengers and Jack turned to Tooth and Baby Tooth as the Winter Spirit gave the Tooth Fairy his condolences, "I'm sorry about the fairies."
Genie then appeared beside Sora, dressed as a pet trainer, as he pulled out a hula hoop. The Dream Eater happily jumped through it as Sora and Sandy clapped. Tooth gave them a sorrowful smile, "You should've seen them. They put up such a fight."
Baby Tooth twittered nearby as the Web-Head wondered, "Okay, I get why Pitch took the fairies but why the teeth? Aren't they worth like a quarter or a dollar?"
"It's not the teeth he wanted," Tooth revealed to the three, "...it's the memories inside them."
The three blinked in confusion as Wanda repeated, "Memories?"
"What do you mean?" Jack wondered.
"That's why we collect the teeth, Jack," The Tooth Fairy revealed, "They hold the most important memories of childhood." They move toward the Lagoon wall, Jack walked on iced-over patches created while Tooth was flying. Spidey merely hopped on the wall as Wanda flew beside him. Tooth continued, "My fairies and I watch over them. And when someone needs to remember what's important, we help them. We had everyone's here."
"Did you have ours?" Peter wondered.
"Yep, yours and Wanda's," The Tooth Fairy smiled before turning to Jack, "Yours too."
"I-" Jack blinked dumbfoundedly, "My memories?"
"From when you were young," She revealed, "Before you became Jack Frost."
"But, I- I wasn't anyone before I was Jack Frost." The Winter Spirit shook his head in disbelief.
"Well of course you were," Tooth revealed, "We were all someone before we were chosen."
"Wha..." Jack backed away in shock.
Wanda and Peter glanced at each other, in deep concern, as the former asked the prankster, "You alright?"
"The night at the pond, I just... Why I assumed..." Jack muttered before turning back to Tooth, "Are you saying, are you saying I had a life? Before that, w- I- With a, with a home?! And- and a family?!"
"You really don't remember?" Tooth blinked in shock.
"All these years the answers were right here..." Jack glanced at the palace they were in, "If I find my memories, then I'll know why I'm here." Turning back to the Tooth Fairy, he told her, "You have to show me!"
"I- I can't, Jack," Tooth shook her head as North and Bunny took notice, "Pitch has them."
"Then we have to get them back!" Jack declared.
"Gee, a guy who lived hundreds of years with no memory of his past," Genie scratched his chin before his face transformed in Logan's as he made a perfect Wolverine impression, "Now where have I heard that one before?"
Bunny then glanced at the Genie, before asking, "Okay, now how are you here?!"
"Guys, I think we've got much bigger problems right now," Peter stated as the Tooth Palace looked like it started to age rapidly.
"Oh no..." Tooth gasped as her feathers continued to molt, "The children... We're too late."
"No! No!" Saint Nick denied, "No such thing as too late!"
"Wait, if you guys hope from world to world," Peter blinked in shock, "Does that mean..."
"Pitch can?" Bunny finished his thoughts, "Not as easily as you might think."
"In the state, we left Pitch in the last time we stopped him," Tooth explained as Santa hummed in thought, "The Man in the Moon created a special barrier that prevents him from leaving this world. Even with his Nightmares and Heartless, he can't leave this world himself."
"But if enough kids stop believing in you," Wanda wondered.
"...then nothing can stop Pitch from leaving this world," Tooth frowned, "Which is likely what he and Xehanort have been planning."
"Not if we can help it," North declared as he continued to hum in thought, "Wait, wait, wait wait wait wait wait!" His eyes widened in realization before he pointed one of his swords at Bunny, who flinched backward, as he declared, "Idea! Hah!" He then gestured with the other sword between the other heroes present, "We will collect the teeth!"
"What?!" Tooth gasped in shock.
As the two Avengers glanced at the Guardians, "Us too."
"We get teeth, children keep believing in you," North explained to the Tooth Fairy as Bunny and Sandy nodded in agreement, liking the idea.
"We're talking trillions of worlds, billions of kids!" Tooth pointed out.
"Give me break," Santa waved it off like it was no big deal before reminding her, "...you know how many toys I deliver in one night?"
"And eggs I hide in one day?" The Easter Bunny pointed as Tooth's eyes widened in realization before smiling.
"We get to help too, right?" Sora turned to his foster parents, "We can't let anything happen to Christmas, Easter, and the Tooth Fairy!"
"Hey, bud," Peter knelt down to him, "Jesus was still born on Christmas day..."
"...and died and rose on Easter Sunday," Wanda reassured him, "Nothing the Boogeyman can do will destroy Christmas or Easter."
"But we'll still help, right?" Sora hoped.
"Hey, you wished it, and I'm here to grant it," Genie patted the boy on the back, "I'm compelled to help until Pitch is back underneath beds."
Rolling her eyes at Genie, she smiled, "Of course, we're going to help."
"It's our job to not let bullies like Pitch get away with the evils they commit," Spidey smirked behind his mask.
"Yay! We're going to save Easter! Christmas! And Fairies!" Sora beamed as his new Dream Eater companion bounced for joy.
Everyone then turned to Jack Frost as Santa told him, "And Jack, if you help us, we will get you your memories."
After a long pause, Jack grinned, "I'm in!"
As time passed, everyone landed on the first world, San Fransokyo. Bunny leaped from rooftop to rooftop, while Spider-Man swung throughout the city. Wanda, Jack, Tooth, Baby Tooth, Sandy, and Genie flew through the skies. Sora rode the back of the Dream Eater, which Sora had affectionately named Meow Wow, as it bounced throughout the city. Santa went down one chimney before exiting another as he laughed, "Hahaha! Quickly, quickly!"
"WWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHH!" Sora beamed as he and Meow Wow bounced from one roof to another.
Wanda, while wishing to get a picture of this moment, called out to him, "Not too far sweetie!"
"Hop to it, Rabbit!" Jack smirked at the Easter Bunny, "I'm five teeth ahead!"
"Yeah right!" Bunny rolled his eyes, "Look, I'd tell ya to stay out of my way, but really what's the point? Cuz you ain't be able to keep up anyway!"
"Is that a challenge, Cottontail?" Jack's grin grew.
"Ooh, you don't wanna race a rabbit, mate," Bunny grinned competitively.
"Not if we collect more teeth first!" Sora called out from the Dream Eater's back, "High-Ho, Meow Wow! Away!"
With that, they increased their speed, as Spider-Man, Genie, and Scarlet Witch followed behind him. As Peter stated, "Sure, if we're going to save the Holidays, might as well have some fun doing it."
Genie then appeared as Baloo in an airplane, "Now this is what I call a bare necessity!"
"Is it a race? Is it a race?" North eagerly accepted the challenge as well, "This is going to be epic!"
With that, the race was on, both Guardian and Avenger alike raced to see who could collect more teeth. At the same time, Tooth was explaining all the teeth were, "4 bicuspids over there! An incisor two blocks east! Is that a molar? They're everywhere!" However, she was so excited she failed to notice the building board for a toothpaste ad of all things, crashing into it, "Ugh!"
Wanda winced at that, as she stated, "Oof! I know that feeling! Fortunately, I happily moved past that..."
"Wanda, watch out for that..." Peter tried to warn the distracted Wanda.
Before he could finish, Wanda slammed face-first into a building with an ad for a Zantanna TV show causing Peter to wince. She groaned in frustration, "You'd think I'd learn to watch where I'm going by now."
Swinging over to her, he asked her, "You okay..."
Shaking it off, Wanda reassured him, "I'll live..." She rubbed her head, "Although if I crash into another building or a tree again... it'll be too soon."
At the same time, Jack went to check on Tooth, "You okay?"
"I'm fine!" She reassured the Winter Spirit, "Sorry, it's been a really long time since I've been out in the field."
"How long is a long time?" Jack raised an eyebrow.
"440 years, give or take?" She confessed before she gasped feeling another tooth underneath a pillow taking off after it...
Sora tiptoed into a geeky billionaire superhero's room as he gestured for the Genie to come. Now, appearing as the Grinch, he slivered to the boy's bed and took his tooth without waking him, "I'm the Grinch to saved the Tooth Fairy..."
Meanwhile, Jack smirked when he spotted a window, he flew over to it, but Bunny was already there with a tooth in his hand. Bunny chuckled as he waved the tooth triumphantly. Jack merely frowned as he blasted the rabbit with ice, making him yelp in pain...
In Neverland, Santa took the teeth of Marmaduke and Binky as he beamed, "Twins!" Kissing the two teeth, he exclaimed, "Chupa!"
Back on the world of the Guardians, Bunny took a whole bunch of teeth underneath a boy's pillow, "Oh, jackpot!" He then observed the hockey equipment in the room lightly smirking, "Looks like you're a bit of a brumby, eh mate?"
Meanwhile, on the World of Arendelle, Peter saw little Princess Elsa sleeping in her room. While the room was slightly cold, Peter did what he came to accomplish. Lifting up her pillow, Spidey shot a web-line and pulled it towards his hands. As Peter thought to himself as he leaped out the window to swing away, "Man, breaking into kids' rooms to take their baby teeth... really glad JJ will never find out about this." He glanced to see Wanda and Sora sneak out the future Queen's sister's room with a tooth of their own, he chuckled to himself, "Well, since we're working with Saint Nick... how about a Christmas song?"
Unknowingly, Elsa peeked her eyes open to see Spider-Man swinging away. Stunned, she rushed over to her window to see him swinging away as he sung, "Up on the housetop, thwip, thwip, wham~ In swings good old Spider-Man~ He isn't Santa with all his toys~ He's saving the universe for the girls and boys~"
She excepted to find money underneath her pillow but this treat was much better than anything to the Tooth Fairy could offer her. For the first time, she had hope that there were people a little bit like her.
"Ho ho ho, who wouldn't go~ Ho ho ho, who wouldn't go~ Up on the housetop, thwip, thwip, yay~ Spidey is coming to save the day~"
On the World of Deep Jungle, Wanda visited the other side of that world, their version of London. Lifting the side of a little girl's pillows, with drawings of gorillas, she gestured for her son to quietly take the tooth, before rushing into Genie, dressed as a burglar, holding up a sack for Sora to place the tooth in. Wanda whispered to the Genie, "Could you change to something more friendly? I don't want my son thinking criminals are good people."
Genie then transformed into Jack Sparrow as he grinned, "So, you don't want your son hanging out with swash-buckling survey pirates, eh, lass?" He then glanced away, "She's going to be for a rude awakening years later, savvy."
Sora turned to his mother, as she pinched her nose in annoyance...
North entered another child's room, as he laughed quietly to himself, "Is piece of pie-" Just then, he fell into something startling him, "Woah!" He ended up being stuck in in one of Bunny's holes, with the Easter Bunny himself. As the two struggled to free themselves, Sandy entered the room and took the child's tooth. North pleaded to him as Sandman proceeded to leave, "Dedededede! That's my tooth! Sandy! Sandy!"
Bunny also tried protesting to Sandy but the two called out to deaf ears as the King of Dreams was long gone at this point...
Time passed as Bunny jumped down a roof with another tooth in hand, as he chuckled to himself... until he spotted Peter, Wanda, Sora, and Meow Wow riding on the back of the Genie, who and transformed into an Eagle, with a bag full of teeth. As the adults waved down to the giant rabbit, Wanda smirked, "Sorry. There are no rules saying you can't work in a group!"
He could hear Spider-Man singing a dumb parody of a Christmas song along the way, near Easter of all things, "First comes a present for old Pitch Black~ Punch in the face with big ol' smack~ Throw in the slammer for all that crime~ The Christmas present is to do some time~"
Bunny frowned at that statement, as he muttered to himself, "... a bunch of cheats..."
Meanwhile, Tooth went for a tooth under a pillow but pulled out a mouse instead. With that, Baby Tooth straight-up pinned the mouse to the wall and started beating him up... until Tooth pulled the smaller fairy away, "Woah woah woah! Take it easy there, champ! He's one of us! Part of the European Division." She then smiled at the mouse, "Ça va?"
The mouse, in response, angrily complains in French throwing his hat on the ground...
Bunny went for a tooth, only to find a piece of paper with an arrow drawn on it. He turned, to see North smirking before dashing off to the next house much to his annoyance...
Bunny exited a house with a tooth in hand only to slip on an icy roof, and the tooth was snatched from him by Jack, who smirked to himself, "Yes!" Until it was swiped away by Spider-Man, "No!"
"Ho ho ho, who wouldn't go~ Ho ho ho, who wouldn't go~" Spidey sang to himself as he returned to his family, "Up on the housetop, thwip, thwip, yay~ Spidey is coming to save the day~"
North dances across the rooftops, before jumping into a chimney... unaware that Bunny was already in the same house, lighting a fire in the chimney as he smirked, "Ho ho ho."
A brief explosion could be heard as well as Santa yelping in pain...
Everyone gathered near the Brooklyn Bridge, hoisting their bags up for Tooth to see. Peter lifted his family's bag on their behalf. Tooth stared at their bags of teeth in amazement, "Wow! You guys collect teeth and leave gifts as fast as my fairies!" Everyone froze up at that statement, as Tooth blinked in concern, "You guys have been leaving gifts, right?"
Sandman nodded happily, before slowly shook his head. As everyone winced as everyone seemed to forget, as Genie's jaw literally hit the ground, as Wanda glanced to the foster father of their child, "How much munny do we still have left from Scrooge McDuck..."
"...do you remember all the homes we visited," Peter whispered in response.
All Sora had to say for himself was, "Oops..."
Both Guardian and Avenger like went the Landary Matt to get some coins for the kids they forgot to leave presents to, while Sora rubbed the Dream Eater's tummy while waiting...
Now with coins in hand, the heroes returned to all of the children's homes to leave the presents they forgot to leave behind the first time. Sandy, Jack, and the unofficial Parker family left the traditional coins underneath kids' pillows but then Bunny and North started being a little more creative with their gifts. The Easter Bunny left Painted Eggs by the kids' pillows while Santa left Candy Canes.
The Parker Family then entered the next room ready to leave the coin under a child's pillow. Wanda handed over Sora a quarter as she told him, "Remember to be quiet to place this underneath her pillow."
"Yes, mommy," Sora smiled as he turned to do so...
...only for him and his parents to be stunned to see that North was already there, who had set up a Christmas tree with presents underneath it. Santa quietly laughed as he plugged in the cord which lit the tree with its colorful lights. Sora blinked in shock as he dropped the coin as Peter muttered to himself, "Yeah... that's not going to bold well..."
Wanda face palmed herself, she knew Santa's whole thing was being generous, but... this was a bit much. She was going to have to remind Sora that under most circumstances... kids get a little money for their teeth. Not an early Christmas...
Thankfully, Sora wasn't going all crazy demanding that when he lost his baby teeth, he just wanted to leave gifts like Santa could, which made his parents sigh in relief and grateful that their kid was a good one. Genie was able to provide such as a freebie. He still counted it as Sora's second wish. However, Wanda ensured they left only one gift so other children wouldn't end up spoiled. Genie snapped his fingers as he left action figures of famous heroes underneath the kid's pillows as Genie turned to Maui singing to himself, "What can I say except, 'you're welcome~'"
Spider-Man helped his family back to North's sleigh as he sang to them, "Then comes Xehanort to making his rifts~ 'Til he's wrapped in webs like a Christmas gift~"
As much as Wanda and Sora were enjoying Peter's song, Bunny rolled his eyes in annoyance. Jack chuckled as he joined Spidey, "What's in his stocking~? What'll it be~?" Both Peter and Jack sang, "It's ten to twelve in solitary~"
Much to Bunny's horror, the other Guardians joined in the singing, "Ho ho ho, who wouldn't go~ Ho ho ho, who wouldn't go~ Up on the housetop, thwip, thwip, yay~ Spidey is coming to save the day~"
"Spidey is coming~" Peter sang as he and the other heroes flew over the streets of Agrabah, a young Aladdin stared in awe as Santa created a portal for them to travel to the next world, "Spidey is coming to save the day~"
As the song ended and the portal closed, Bunny exclaimed, "YOU KNOW IT'S NOT ACTUALLY CHRISTMAS!"
However, a young Street Rat wasn't the only one to witness what they were doing, as a Nightmare left to report to his master...
Meanwhile, in Pitch's lair, where he kept all of the fairies locked in cages, watched his own globe to see if any of the lights would die out. However, much to his shock and disbelief, no more lights were going out. He turned to his Nightmares, "The lights! Why aren't they going out?"
One of the Nightmare neighed as it reported what it discovered, "They're collecting the teeth?!"
The captured fairies, who overheard what happened, chitter and flap their wings as they cheered from inside their cages. Pitch glared at them, "Ooh, pipe down or I'll stuff a pillow with you!"
Just then, Xehanort entered the lair through a Corridor of Darkness, "You said this wouldn't be a problem. You said you'd deal with the Guardians quickly and bring me Sora when you are at your full power. Perhaps, I should've turned to your cousin for this task..."
"Only a mild inconvenience, like yourself, I prepare for every eventuality," Pitch reassured him. He then turned to a Nightmare before growling it. The Nightmare was so afraid of Pitch, it turned back into black sand. Pitch shifted the sand until it became a model of the Sandman, "Besides, let them have their last hurrah. For tomorrow, all their pathetic scrambling will be for nothing."
He proceeded to crush the tiny model, making Xehanort smirk, "An ingenious plan... but do you have the capability to kill the Sandman."
"Oh, I have preparing a long time for this moment, the darkness from the Heartless themselves, finally put our goals into motion," The Boogeyman smirked, "Soon, no Guardians of any kind will be able to stop what's coming this time. Just like my favorite little prophecy you so graciously shared..."
Xehanort and Pitch then turned to the lights as the former quoted, "...on that fated land shall Darkness prevail and light expire..."
Pitch crossed his arms, "...once the Child of Destiny is ours... Destiny and fate will be on our side..."
Meanwhile, back on Earth, Harry's limo stopped at the address Peter gave him, "Mr. Osborn? You sure your friend gave you the right address?"
The OsCorp CEO had to admit, the building Peter told him to go to looked like a dump. You couldn't believe any former surgeon would wanna live in an abandoned building. Heck, a homeless person would prefer to live on the streets, than risk snuggling up in a building like it would collapse on them. Still, Peter wouldn't have sent him here if the world was at stake, "I'm sure. Take five. I'll call you when I need to be picked up."
With that, Harry grabbed a bag that he packed full of his father's old Goblin gear and exited the limo which drove off after he shut the door. Approaching the building, he gave a knock on the door. Part of him wondered if the door would tip over the moment he knocked on it, when minutes later, a bald-headed monk opened the door. Harry greeted him, "Good evening, I'm..."
"I'm well aware who you are, Mr Osborn," The monk told him, "And before you ask, no, the Sanactumm is not for sale..."
"Look, I'm not here to buy your home," Harry reassured, "Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch contacted me..."
"Of course, they did," The monk rolled his eyes, "You know if you're going to lie to someone... come up with a more convincing lie..." He then told the CEO, "Now if you excuse me, I have a more urgent matter to take care of..."
The monk was about to slam the door on him, when Harry told him, "They said that the Child of Destiney is in danger!"
Before the door slammed shut, the monk opened back up the door stunned. He blinked as he asked, which sounded more like a demand, "Where did you hear that title?"
"From the same good heroes who sent me," Harry told him, "Please, this is urgent..."
After a while, the monk allowed the son of the Green Goblin inside, before closing the door behind him. To Harry's shock, the inside looked way better than the outside. The monk then turned to the CEO, "How long ago did you last contact our missing friends?"
Notes:
And that will conclude tonight's chapter! Whew! This took longer than I thought it would with all the internet issues back home!
Sorry about that, but hey, I at least got half of the Christmas special ready while it's still Winter so that has to count for something! Ture, it can also be counted as an Easter Special, but regardless, if your reading this on either holiday or slightly afterward or before... the MERRY CHRISTMAS or HAPPY EASTER to you then!
Now, as I mentioned in the last chapter, I did have a poll of what you guys thought the last world would be and here are the results of that poll.
First, in last place was Madasgar where only 1% of you thought that was going to be it.
Then in sixth place, 8% of you thought it was going to be based on the Teen Titans.
In fifth, 12% of you guessed Anastasia.
In fourth, only 14% of you correctly guessed it would be based on Rise of the Guardians. Kuddos to those of you who voted correctly.
In third, 17% of you guessed it would have been based on Shrek.
In second, 19% of you assumed it would have been based on the Justice League. (Hey, you still got What if...? Sora saved the Justice League going for ya, at least until I figure out how to work on my other DC/KH crossover if I ever get around to it.)
And finally, in first place, 25% of you were certain it would have been a World based on My Hero Academia. Crazy when I started the poll the manga was still going on and now it concluded not that long ago. Crazy huh?
Sorry to those who got your hopes to see Peter and Wanda interact with those stories, and I know what you're wondering, will I ever use those other options in another KH crossover? Maybe...? We just have to see where I'm at when I get to it. No promises though.
Now then, since we're in the Guardians world, I was able to include the appearance of Dream Eaters. Hey, if our heroes are going against Nightmares, our allies in Dream Drop Distance, who purpose is to consume Nightmares and create good dreams would be a powerful ally to have.
Now then, the preview for the next chapter, as Harry informs the heroes of Earth he's made contact with our protagonists, Peter and Wanda grow closer together, hoping for a bright future together with their son. Unfortunately, things take a turn when they lose an alley, and Pitch turns his sights on Jack. But when the darkness is at it's strongest, Sora must rise to the occasion to save his new family and friends from an overwhelming darkness. But how can one four-year-old make a difference, even if he's able to get some more dreamers on his side will it be enough? Maybe a friend from home and a former Padawan can help the young boy? Or Spidey with a lightsaber?
Wait, did I say Spider-Man with a lightsaber?
Guess, I did! Twice! Well, guess you have to stick around to see how these events play out! Stay tuned!
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Be sure to leave a review! Also if you haven't already be sure to leave a follow and fav. as well. I hope you all have a Happy New Year everyone! 2024 was a rough year for me, so I'm looking forward to see what 2025 has to offer. Maybe we can get some more KH info this year too! Until then, See ya real soon!
Chapter 16: Chapter 15: Easter Sunday Nightmare
Summary:
Easter is Coming! While successful in collecting teeth for the Tooth Fairy things take an unexpected turn at the loss of a friend! And with this the heroes begin to lose the tide, but our Avengers call to the others back on Earth may turn the tide in the long run! Now, they have a chance to turn things around on Easter Sunday with the help of Earth's Mightiest Heroes to aid them as well as Magento's own Brotherhood! However, Pitch has turned his sights on Jack while Magento does the same on Peter Parker? Can our heroes pull off a successful Easter across the many Worlds?
Notes:
I don't own Avengers or Kingdom Hearts. They belong to Disney, Square Enix, and Marvel. Oh, and I don't own Rise of the Guardians either as they are owned by DreamWorks. Alright next chapter is right, a little more than a week before Ash Wednesday and Lent begins, which eventually leads to Easter so... have to say it's pretty good timing if I do say so myself. I ultimately decided to make this into three parts considering this act ties into the heroes, and Brotherhood, back at home which extends this story. And with that out of the way, let's dive into the chapter! Enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 15: Easter Sunday Nightmare
Back in the Sanctumm, Iron Man contacted the other big heads, "Come on, guys. Give me something. Tell me we have a way to boost that signal."
"Tony, if boosting your ID cards' signal was that easy," Reed stated, "We would have contacted alien life before they came to Earth."
"Besides, we've come across another problem," T'Challa added, "The Coordinates to the world our missing friends are... does not exist..."
"What do you mean it doesn't exist," Tony raised an eyebrow, "Of course, it exists. We've been having Strange track them the moment we knew they've been world hopping."
"Allow me to restate the problem," The Black Panther explained, "The world doesn't exist inside the barrier..."
"According to the data, Stephen gave us," Mr. Fantastic explained, "The worlds Spider-Man and Wanda have been traveling to have been protected and shielded by these invisible barriers that have been keeping our world and the worlds connected to ours... out of reach."
"The only reason our friends have been traveling through them at all," Hank Pym stated, "Was because of the cracks Wanda created when she hexed Kang's Time Chair. They've been using these cracks from traveling from one world to the next."
"All while sealing them as they go," Black Panther stated.
"Hmmm..." The armored Avenger hummed, before turning to Strange who still was keeping an eye on the world the Avengers were currently on.
Just then, their Avengers IDs went up again, as Black Widow appeared on screen, "We also have an update on our missing friends... we have eyewitnesses saying they were seen in Europe."
"So they made it back great," Hawkeye replied through the coms.
"Not necessarily," Strange spoke up, as Tony turned to the Sorcerer Supreme. Most of the Avengers in the Sanctum glanced at their Avenger ID cards while members of the Brotherhood and Blade glanced over to listen in, "It's true, they seemed to be hopping from world to world but according to my spell, they've been frequently returning to the world, we found them on."
"You mean we're back to square one," Wasp blinked in confusion, "They only stopped by without so much as saying hello?"
"I wouldn't put too much faith in our informants as they're mostly children," Nat explained, "They claimed they were helping the Tooth Fairy get their teeth and leave them little presents."
"Then why bring them up at all if it's from such a flimsy source?" Cap asked the Black Widow.
"Well, usually, when kids get a 'visit from the Tooth Fairy' they reach a little bit of money," Nat stated, "However, some kids end up finding that they were left Easter Eggs, Candy Canes, action figures... and the biggest one of all... a few kids woke up to discover that Christmas tree with presents were placed in their room."
After a long pause of silence, Tony admitted, "Okay, that's a little unusual."
"A little?" Jan blinked, "Try completely! Who decorates their kid's room for Christmas when it's almost Easter?!"
"This could mean the children's alibis could be more genuine than we realize," Steve stated, "If we're lucky, they could stop by again."
"I can confirm it," Logan declared as he turned to Strange, "Strange, get me over there. If I can get their scent, I'll know if there's any truth to this story. If it's the cause, Quicksilver can check the continent to see if he can reach them..."
Magento gave his son a nod, confirming that he would do what Logan had told him to do. Just before any action was taken, Wong spoke up, "That won't be necessary..."
Everyone turned to see the librarian enter the room with the CEO of OsCorp of all people, Strange raised an eyebrow, "Uh, Wong...?"
"Who's this guy?" Pietro gestured to the newcomer.
"Harry Osborn," Tony answered on everyone's behalf before removing his helmet, "The current CEO of OsCorp. He took over after his father killed himself trying to kill Spider-Man." He then turned to him, "But what are you going here? The Stark/OsCorp collaboration doesn't begin until next month."
"It's a long story, but a while back to clean off the stain my father made when he was OsCorp's CEO, I started some beneficial for humanity projects..." Harry explained, "One of them was specialized satellites that would allow us to communicate with alien life..." After getting long stares, he raised his hands, "Yeah, I know, we never really had the best history with life beyond Earth but today... I found something you guys might be interested in..."
"He's managed to contact our missing friends," Wong gestured to Spidey's old friend.
Everyone in the room blinked before Toad asked, "For reals?"
"How?" Tony asked.
"Pete- well, he ended up getting caught in the crossfire when Kang broke out," Harry explained slightly nervous at all the big heroes in the room, "He found some old communication device and managed to get a signal to OsCorps satellites."
"Great!" Wasp smiled, before sighing in relief, "Whew! And I was worried that it would take the end of the world to finally get a hold on those two... and the photographer for the Bugle apparently."
"That's not all," Wong stated in a worried tone, before turning to Harry, "Tell them what you told me."
"They told me that something called the Child of Destiny is in danger," Harry revealed to the group.
While everyone was puzzled as to what this meant, Strange was so stunned, that he stopped the spell tracking them. Cap raised an eyebrow, "Strange?"
Strange slowly approached Wong, "You mean to tell me, while we have been searching all over the Earth for our missing friends, they found the Child of Destiny."
"Yes, and they are not the only ones," Wong nodded, "A man named Xehanort is also after this child, and is the one responsible for the creatures of darkness."
Strange face turned pale, as Cap asked him again, "Strange? Who's Xehanort? What's this Child of Destiny?"
"And what does it have to do with my sister," Quicksilver added.
"While I never heard of a man named Xehanort," He admitted, "I won't deny the Child of Destiny is a title I am familiar with." He turned to everyone inside, "Back when I was a student for the Ancient One, I studied many things about our universe and the people in it. One of the most important people was labeled the Child of Destiny. It was said that a person would have the unique ability to touch the hearts of many, even on these other worlds, and he or she would also be capable of stopping even the darkest of prophecies."
"A child who can change the future," Magento realized.
"But that doesn't make sense," Tony stated, "What about free will? Both the Avengers and X-Men had stopped dark dystopian futures before."
"Mostly true, however, there are certain points in time that cannot be changed," Strange revealed, "Like the birth of Jesus, World War II..." He then glanced at his own hands, "...losing something that would push you into becoming something that would one day save the Earth."
"Before the Master's death," Wong spoke up, "The Ancient One warned us of a grim future that was coming... something no one could stop..."
"...except for the Child of Destiny," Strange finished, "If someone's really after this child... if they get to them before they can stop this grim future..."
"Yeah, we've seen the results," Logan gestured to the Eye of Aggomotto.
"Even worse, since it's technically an absolute point in time," Wong revealed, "If Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch fail to protect the child..."
"Our universe will die even before we even get to the point the Ancient One warned us about," Dr. Strange grimly revealed, "And that's what the Time Stone revealed to us."
Cap closed his eyes, things were getting worse by the minute. He then turned to Harry, "Was there anything else they mention? Like how dangerous this Xehanort character is?"
"They labeled him as a Thanos-level threat," Harry revealed to the group.
"THANOS-LEVEL?!" Everyone exclaimed.
"You mean the giant purple alien that wanted to kill half of all life?!" Toad exclaimed, "This guy is on that level!"
"He tried," Tony smirked as he thought to a certain founding Avenger, "Good thing we all were together when we faced him. Sure, would have stunk if some... Civil War divided us."
"And now at least we know these things have a leader," Blade smirked as he reached for his sword, "If we can cut off the head of monsters, we can end the threat once and for all..."
"They couldn't tell me much because they didn't want the wrong ears listening in," Harry revealed, "...but Spider-Man said they had a weapon we could use against Xehanort."
"Then we need to make sure that this child is safe and the weapon is secure," Captain America's eyes narrowed.
"Children," The CEO revealed, "Pete said while the monsters destroyed the world they first arrived on, some of the children managed to survive but they're missing."
Everyone's eyes widened at that, as Tony spoke up to his communications in his armor, "Everyone get that?"
"We did," Panther's eyes narrowed, "If they're are children of a dead world still out there, we must rescue them."
"Still, we need to get more details about what's going on from Spider-Man, Peter Parker, and Wanda Maximoff," Reed stretched his head so he could be seen on screen, "They're the only ones who know about what's going on and who this Xehanort is."
"If he's truly a Thanos-level threat," Vision said through his Avenger ID card, "...then we must stop him before more lives are lost."
"Agreed," Captain America nodded in agreement, "Mr. Osborn? Can you still contact them through your satellites?"
"They said they'd be moving around," Harry pointed out before nodding to the Man Out of Time, "But yes, once they return, they said they'd check in again."
"Then we're going to OsCorp," Steve declared, "Any available hero, Avenger or otherwise can meet us there. We can make a plan of what to do next when after we speak to our missing friends."
"I'll call my limo back," Harry then pulled out his phone and looked around at the numerous heroes and three villains in the room, "Not sure I can fit everyone though..."
"Don't bother," Strange declared before pulling out a sling ring, "Considering how little time we have to stop what's coming, Wong and I will handle the transportation..."
Before anyone could react, Strange opened a portal to the company building and Wong pushed the portal so that everyone went inside as Toad yelped in shock as they were all teleported away from the Sanctum...
Meanwhile, Peter and Wanda sat on the roof of a building while Sora, Genie, and Meow Wow went to get another tooth and leave another present. Peter asked her, "So, where do you think he'll live when this is all over?"
"Well, we're not a married couple and I don't want to set a bad example," Wanda admitted, "Maybe Genosha?"
"I don't think a photographer's salary is going to cover in and out flights to Genosha," Peter pointed out.
"Well, that wouldn't be an issue," She replied, "I could have Blink, teleport you on and off the island..."
"How are we going to do that without people thinking I'm Spider-Man," Peter gestured to himself.
Wanda winced at that, he had a point. After frequently visiting Genosha so much, it wouldn't take much for people to make the connection. And she couldn't guarantee how her people would react to her human boyfriend coming to the island. She then wondered, "What about your place?"
"I'm a little behind rent for my one-room apartment," Peter rubbed the back of his head, "Even then... not much room to raise a child..."
"...and not much protection in case Xehanort or someone else goes after him," Wanda saw his point, "That also scratches out living by your Aunt too."
"Yeah, he's our responsibility," Peter nodded in agreement, "We need to provide for him."
"And he also needs education," the Scarlet Witch continued, "With Tony's help, I'm sure we can get Sora the best school possible..."
"Although, we should do some research on them," The Wall Crawler pointed out, "These days people are trying to shove politics and 'woke' content down kids throats."
"Very true, and we can't let him go to a school that hates mutants either," Wanda frowned sadly, "He'll be picked on constantly..." She rubbed her head, "We've got our work cut out for us when we get home."
"No kidding," Peter nodded in agreement, he then stated, "Okay, I know we're probably not going to introduce Sora to your father or your brother... but at the very least you should meet my Aunt."
"Yeah, that's fair," Wanda smiled, "From what you told me about her, she sounds like a remarkable woman."
"Although, you might want to consider wearing civilian clothing around her," Peter pointed out.
"Okay?" She blinked, "Why? I don't have a secret identity like you do... my alter ego is public knowledge..." She then tilted her head in concern, "She doesn't... hate mutants, does she?"
"No, no, no..." Peter shook his head, before thinking back to the outfit she usually wears, "It's just... um... you're... uniform..." Before he quickly added, "Which looks great by the way!" He rubbed the back of his head, "Well... it's not exactly... um..."
Now understanding what he was trying to say she nodded, "...not exactly something parents want their little girls running around in." She nodded, "That's fair... I don't want your Aunt getting the wrong idea." She then whispered, "Besides, this was better than my original outfit."
"Huh?" Peter blinked, "You had another outfit before this one?"
"Yeah... remember that... metal bikini I wore during Genie's song back on Coruscant?" Wanda asked him.
"Kinda hard not to," Peter recalled recalling her unintentional cosplaying as Leia wearing her slave Hutt attire. Probably should give Anakin and Padmé next time they meet the former secret couple.
"Well, let's just say I owned a similar outfit, but without the metal," She revealed blushing slightly.
"Uh... what?" Peter blinked in shock. Given how uncomfortable she was wearing her jungle attire, he could never imagine wearing so little clothing 24/7.
"I was a rebellious teenager then," Wanda defended herself, "And a daughter of Magento..." She shook her head, "Looking back now, I saw it as a horrible decision, especially after the way many single men looked at me..."
Peter blinked before lighting joking, "Well, you're not the only superhero that went through poor taste in clothing through a rebellious phase. So I'm not one to judge"
Wanda smiled at him, before thinking back, "So, the man we spoke to... that was Harry?" Peter confirmed with a nod before she wondered, "So, does he know about..."
"Yes, he knows I'm Spider-Man," He revealed, "He didn't at first though, it was a little after his father's death, that he learned the truth."
"Well, from how he sounded, it looked like it went for the best between you two," She smiled at that realization.
"Well, not at first, Gwen's death affected him just as it did me, plus with his dad also killed, for a long time he blamed me for their deaths," Peter revealed, as he frowned, "Not that I blamed him."
The full-time Avenger turned to him with sympathy, "Peter... what happened wasn't your fault. Norman killed her, not you. And he took his own life trying to kill you."
"I know that, but Harry didn't," Peter revealed, "He ended up becoming the Goblin for real and tried to kill me in the past."
Her eyes widened in horror. His own best friend tried to kill him before, and he then quickly reassured her, "But after some time, Harry and I were able to talk things over and we've remained good friends ever since. Had to remind him of everything thing his father had done, and convince him that his dad tried to kill me but ended up killing himself. And he's a father himself. We can trust him."
Wanda sighed in relief at that statement. Nothing to worry about. Besides, she was the last person among them to cast stones. She actually used to agree with some of the things her father had done and taught her, "Good. You think he can convince the others what we've been up to."
"I'm certain. We can check in when we return to Santa's workshop," Peter stated, "I'm sure, Cap, already gathered the other Avengers to contact us when we get back."
"And my father..." She frowned.
"Relax, Harry will know not to tell your father about our son," Peter reassured her, "It'll be okay, if he goes after him, we can protect him."
"Right..." Wanda smiled, before her eyes widened, "Oh... I forgot to tell you about the visions I've been having..."
"Wow! With everything that's happened, I completely forgot as well," The part-time Avenger blinked in shock, "So... what's happened to our favorite mad Keyblade swinger's memories?"
Scarlet Witch then proceeded to tell him of the last two visions she had with Master Xehanort how he set up a battle between Terra and an assassin to draw out the darkness in the former. How he made Terra believe he was responsible for taking the heart of a princess known as Aurora. And how he turned Terra against his Master, even it was doing so only to protect his friend. Peter nodded, "Okay, he's definitely trying to turn Terra to the dark side, he's not even sugarcoating it anymore."
"That's what I believe to, still I doubt it's an apprentice that he actually wants," Wanda crossed her arms, "Xehanort wanted Terra to hate him. Go after him. He even made sure of that by threatening his friends."
"So, that begs the question of why Xehanort wants Terra turned in the first place," Peter thought to himself, "With Vanitas and Ventus it's obvious, he needs the χ-blade to open Kingdom Hearts."
"Whatever it is, even the Watcher looked concerned over it," Wanda frowned in realization.
"The who now?" Peter blinked in confusion.
"Oh, there's this ancient race called the Watchers to observe the Universe and the things that play out," Wanda explained, "Strange told me about them. It's their job to watch and observe everything that happens without directly or indirectly interfering in the events that play out."
"..." The photographer for the Bugle fell silent before finally speaking up, sarcastically, "Well, that's not creepy at all."
"It's his job, but even he looked like he wanted to stop what was about to happen," Wanda crossed her arms.
"Right, well, when Harry reaches the Avengers and the other heroes, we'll update them on everything that's happened. We'll figure this out and keep Sora safe. I promise," Peter reassured the Scarlet Witch.
"...thanks... Peter..." She smiled at him before turning to Sora, who was running up to them, "Okay, sweetie, you think we have enough teeth to win?"
Sora nodded his head eagerly. Genie poofed beside him beside the Dream Eater, "I'd say we got this game in the bag!"
"Alright," Peter nodded as Wanda placed Sora on Meow Wow's back, "Let's go check in with the others. And remember, the point of this is that we help the Tooth Fairy stay believed in, so if we don't win..."
"...don't be upset," Sora finished.
Wanda giggled, as she rubbed the boy's hair, "That's our boy..."
With that, the heroes then took off to find the Guardians...
Meanwhile, Tooth and Jack collected a boy's tooth. A boy Jack knew very well. Jamie. The former turned to the Winter Spirit, "Left central incisor, knocked out in a freak sledding accident." She gave a knowing glance at him, "I wonder how that could have happened, Jack?"
"Hehehe, kids, huh?" Jack chuckled sheepishly.
Tooth spun a coin before slipping it under the pillow. She then hovered over Jamie, "This was always the part I liked most... seeing the kids." She then crossed her arms, "Why did I ever stop doing this?"
"Hmm..." Jack shrugged, "Looks a little different up close, huh?"
"Thanks for being here, Jack," The Tooth Fairy thanked the mischief maker, "I wish I'd known about your memory. I coulda' helped you."
"Yeah, well, look..." Jack replied as he gestured to her, "...let's just get you taken care of, then it's Pitch's turn."
Just then, North squeezed inside through a window as he smiled, "Here you are!" He groaned loudly as he finally entered the room, with Sandman right behind him. Tooth shushed the Saint before gesturing to the sleeping boy. Nodding, he quietly asked her, "Oh! What gives, slowpokes? How you feeling, Toothy?"
"Believed in." Tooth smiled while making a small twirl.
"Hah!" North quietly chuckled, "That's what I want to hear."
Not long after, Wanda, Peter, Sora, Meow Wow, and Genie entered Jamie's room, as the Scarlet Witch wondered, "Are we meeting up here?"
"Personally, I would have chosen to meet up somewhere they could fill a much larger cast of characters," Genie lightly joked before getting shushed by both Tooth and Santa.
In response, the Genie of the Lamp literally zipped his lips shut, as Peter wondered, "We couldn't have done this outside?"
Just then, Bunny hopped out of a hole, to see everyone gathered in the room. Glaring at them, he accused, "Oh, I see how it is. All working together to make sure the rabbit gets last place."
"Sssssssh!" Every adult in the room shushed the rabbit.
"Uh, you think I need help to beat a bunny?" Jack smirked before pulling out a bag of teeth, "Check it out, Peter Cottontail!"
"You call that a bag'a choppers?" Bunny raised an eyebrow with his own smirk before pulling a slightly larger bag of teeth, "Now that's a bag'a choppers."
Sora then pulled out his own bag of teeth with a smile, which was smaller than even Jack's, both Bunny and Jack looked at the boy with sympathy as the latter apologized, "Oooh, sorry bud."
"It was a good try, lad," Bunny gave him a reassuring smile, "You're still young, I'm sure you'll do better when you're older."
"Better luck next time," Jack added while Sora's smile remained on his face.
Peter blinked as he glanced at the bag, "Odd, I thought we collected more than that..."
"Gentlemen, gentlemen, this is about Tooth, it's not a competition..." North told everyone as they ultimately nodded in agreement... until Santa smirked, "...but if it was..." From behind his back, he set down an entire shack of teeth outshining everyone else's bags, "I win!" He then let out a victory cheer as he danced around, "YEE-HA!"
Wanda tried to shush him but it was too late as a flashlight turned on, and shined on North, causing him to wince, "Oh no."
Wanda face palmed herself, as the boy gasped in awe, "Santa Claus..." He then shined his light on the other guardians, "...the Easter Bunny... Sandman..." His large smile stuck to Jamie's face, "...the Tooth Fairy! I knew you'd come!"
"Surprise! We came!" Tooth smiled as she chuckled sheepishly.
"He can see us?" Jack gave a soft smile.
However, he didn't seem to see Sora, Spidey, Wanda, Meow Wow, Genie, or Jack. As not even a shadow came off of them. Bunny corrected, "Most of us."
Everyone looked to Jack with sympathy, as he slowly frowned. Peter then glanced to the Winter Spirit, "Look, man, maybe when this is all over... we'll talk around... find a way to get some of the kids back home to see you..."
Jack made a small nod in appreciation, before Wanda wondered, "So, should we just leave and let him go back to sleep or..." Genie then murmured to them, with lips still zipped, before Wanda unzipped them, "Say again?"
"Yeah, I don't think any child would willing to go to sleep when he saw some of the biggest holiday icons are in the room with him," Genie pointed out.
"Right," Bunny nodded before glancing to Sandman, "Sandy, knock 'im out!"
Sandman pounded his fists together, as the two Avengers looked horrified while the two children in the room gave off confused looks. Bunny then glared at Sandy, "With the dream sand, ya' gumbies!"
Sandy's eyes widened in realization as the two Avengers eased up at that... until a greyhound dog entered the room growling at Bunny. Sora beamed, "Puppy!"
"Sora, don't get too close to this one," Wanda pulled back her child from the angry hound.
"No stop, that's the Easter Bunny!" Jamie told the dog, "What're you doing, Abby? Down!"
"Alright, nobody panic," Bunny told everyone as he slowly set his bag of teeth down.
"But that's a, uhm, that's a greyhound," Jack pointed out with a smirk, "Do you know what greyhounds do to rabbits?"
"Well I think it's a pretty safe bet he's never met a rabbit like me," Bunny glared back at the snarling hound, while Sandy pared a ball of dream-sand. Meow Wow whimpered as Bunny continued, "Six-foot-one, nerves of steel, Master of Tai Chi, and-"
Jack grinned as he tapped Jamie's alarm clock with his staff, setting it off and startling Abby the Greyhound. Bunny instantly lost his nerve as his eyes widened in horror, "Crikee!"
With that Bunny hopped for his life as Abby pursued the giant rabbit. Jamie tried to calm the hound, "Stop! Wait! Slow down!"
With that, Sandy tried to re-aim the ball of sand to save Bunny, however, he accidentally knocked him off balance, "Woah ho ho! Sand-"
"Sandy! North called out in concern as Bunny and Abby ran past him. An off-balanced Sandy launched the ball but it hit Tooth and Baby Tooth putting them to sleep.
And it didn't stop there as the ball bounced from wall to wall. Wanda and Peter found themselves making sure they didn't get hit by the dream-sand construct while making sure it didn't hit Sora. Along with avoiding Abby chasing Bunny in the room, "This thing's rabid! Get this dingo off me!"
The ball headed right for Genie who just turned into a baseball player with a bat, "Batter up!"
With the swing of his bat, he knocked the ball away before it could hit him, but the ball struck Bunny, which bounced off him and hit Abby, proceeding to stuck North. All three fell straight to sleep as Santa sleepily muttered, "Candy canes..."
When Santa fell over, he bounced on Jamie's bed, which sent him flying into Sandy's arms. The ball hit the Dream Eater, who remained unaffected, and merely shook off the sand. Sandy then finally put the boy back to sleep. Genie, still in his baseball uniform, glanced to the sleeping Guardians around him, "And here I thought they were supposed to get me out."
"Whoops," Jack slightly winced.
"Whoops? Seriously," Wanda gave him an annoyed glance, before gesturing to the sleeping Guardians, "A third of our alliance is down because of your little prank and all you have to say for yourself is whoops?"
Just then, the dreams started to mix together, and Bunny's dream carrots started dancing, using Santa's dream candy canes as canes. Sora giggled as the Winter Spirit chuckled, "Oh I really wish I had a camera right now." Wanda proceeded to pinch her nose, as Sora giggled to himself as he stared at his tiny bag of teeth. Jack turned to him, "What's so amusing to you, kid?"
Genie then appeared beside the child, "Oh, this isn't the actual size of the bag, we were going to tell you that I shrunk it down conveniently so the little master wouldn't lose his tiny arms carrying it." He then gestured to the sleeping Guardians in the room, "But then this whole thing happened."
"Really?" Jack raised an eyebrow, "How many teeth did you actually collect?"
As the boy set the bag down, Genie snapped his fingers as the bag grew bag full size much to Jack's shock, as it looked very comparable to the amount Santa carried. Jack whistled in awe, as he observed Santa's bag with the Parker family's bag. He ultimately decided, "Huh... I think you's is just slightly bigger than jolly man's himself." He smirked to Sora, "Looks like you win."
"Yes!" Sora beamed...
...as Genie in a referee outfit declared, "That's game!"
Sandy was waving a flag with a spider symbol to cheer the family on. Shaking his head in amusement, Spider-Man's Spider-Sense started to flare, turning to the window, he saw four Nightmares rush past the windows, "Uh, guys? Black Beauty's evil cousins are back!"
Both Avengers and Guardians turned to the window as Jack leaped outside to start to pursue them, "Come on! We can find Pitch!"
Genie then appeared in a fox-hunting outfit as he pulled out a trumpet, but before he could blow, Wanda shushed him and gestured to the now-sleeping Jamie. The blue Genie then pulled out a volume button, placed it on the instrument, and cranked it down. When he blew a charging music beat on it, but way quieter than normal as he grinned, "Tally ho!"
He then rode a flying horse as blue Genie dogs barked as they pursued the Nightmares. Spidey swung after them, as Wanda placed Sora on Meow Wow, and she told him, "Stay close to me."
The boy and the Dream Eater nodded as she flew out the window, while Sora rode on after her. Sandy avoided stepping on his sleeping companions as he too flew out the window.
Unknown to them, Jamie was the only child North woke up with his commotion, a little girl, by the name of Sophie entered the room to find the sleeping Guardians. She gasped in awe before giggling at the sight. She dug in Santa's pockets and discovered one of his snow globes, "Pretty!" She shook North's snow globe while looking at Bunny, asleep on the floor, "Bunny! Hop hop hop!"
Suddenly she tripped on the sleeping dog, causing her to drop the globe and create a portal to Bunny's Warren. Sophie giggled as she walked through...
...the portal closed just as Santa stirred himself awake, "Wha! Huh?"
Over the streets of Burgess, the four heroes flew, or swung in Spidey's case, in pursuit of the Nightmares. Sora and his Dream Eater bounced along just close to Wanda as she told them to do. She turned to her boyfriend, "Do you think we should've waited until the others woke up..."
"If these Nightmares can lead us to Pitch," Spider-Man declared, "We can end this right now."
Suddenly, the four dark horses split up as each hero pursued one. Jack shouted excitedly, "Yes! Whoo-hoo-hoo! Whoo!"
While split Peter didn't want to get too far from Wanda or their future adopted child, firing two web-lines and launching himself at the Nightmare, striking it down with a kick. He then launched another web-line and swung after the full-time Avenger, "I gotta hurry, in my book, they split up for a reason..."
Wanda's eyes narrowed coming to the same conclusion as Peter, after checking and making sure to see Sora was close by, she fired a hex which struck the Nightmare disrupting it's form and destroying it. Meow Wow came to a stop, and Wanda went to check on his rider, whispering to the boy, "You okay?"
Sora nodded his head eagerly when she heard someone gain closer to them. Raising her arms, she prepared for a fight, when Spidey landed in front of the three, causing the current leader of Genosha to ease up, as Peter sighed in relief, "Whew... for a second there, I thought Pitch would show himself..."
"For a moment, so did I," Wanda nodded, before turning to Sora, "But our baby is safe..."
"Still, he wanted us split off," Spidey crossed his arms, "I doubt the Nightmares would've done so if he hadn't told them to."
"If it's not Sora he's after..." Scarlet Witch hummed, "...then who is he going after?"
At the same time, Sandman managed to mount one of the Nightmares and used his own sand to transform it back into a manta ray, which turned around and went to rejoin the main group...
Jack was gaining on the final Nightmare, before aiming his staff and freezes it to a rooftop from the alley below. He beamed, "I got it!" He jumped onto the roof, "Wanda! Peter! Sora! Sandy, did you see that?!" He giggled to himself victorious, "Hehehe! Look at this thing!"
As he tapped the frozen Nightmare to observe it, the Boogyman appeared from behind, shocked he was there, "Frost?" Jack turned around to blast him with ice but Pitch moved out way to avoid the attack. The villain raised an eyebrow, "You know, for a neutral party, you spend an awful lot of time with those weirdoes. This isn't your fight, Jack."
"You made it my fight when you stole those teeth!" Jack's eyes narrowed in anger.
"Teeth?" Pitch shook his head in amusement, "Why do you care about the teeth?" Just then, He noticed Sandman standing near him, looking cross, causing him to jump away with a start, then let out a nervous laugh as he gestured to him, "Now this is who I'm looking for."
Sandy pulled out his weapons, which were whips made of his sand. Pitch dodged the whips and brought out his giant scythe to strike at him. The two sand users tried to get the edge over one another when Sandy caught Pitch's handle and jerked him into the air, then down into the street below. The villain bounced off a car roof. Stunned by Sandy's brutalness, Jack turned to him, "Remind me not to get on your bad side."
With that, they both descend through the air to street level. Pitch raised his hands as if trying to surrender, "Okay, easy! You can't blame me for trying, Sandy! You don't know what it's like to be weak, and hated!" The two Guardians marched up the the Boogyman as he stumbled to his feet, "It was stupid of me, to mess with your dreams... So, I'll tell you what..." He then grinned wickedly at them, "You can have 'em back."
Both heroes' eyes widened as they soon found themselves surrounded by Nightmares and Heartless alike. The two stood back to back, ready for a fight against an endless amount of creatures of darkness. Jack muttered to Sandy, "You... take the ones on the left, I'll take the ones on the right?"
Nightmares neighed angrily as the Heartless looked like they wanted to swarm them now. Pitch's grin grew as he gave a mocking taunt, "Boo!"
With that both Nightmare and Heartless alike charged at the two... when Scarlet Witch landed in front of them creating a massive hex pushing the creatures of darkness back. She looked up to glare at Pitch as Spider-Man landed beside her and Sora with Meow Wow on her other side. Jack smiled in apperception, "About time you guys showed up." He then looked around, "Hey... Where's Genie?"
Just then, Genie appeared in the form of a giant robot parody which looked like a blue version of Megazord as he spoke with an Optimus Prime voice, "One shall stand! And one shall kiss the dirt. Oh yeah. I just did a mix mash."
"Where does he keep getting all these references?" Spider-Man asked as he was both blown away and confused.
"How about we save the game of Jeopardy after we survive this," Wanda declared as the Heartless and Nightmares regrouped after her attack.
"Right then," Peter nodded as he pulled out a familiar-looking hilt and glared at Pitch, "Prepare to unleash the awesomeness."
Just then, a bright blue blade ignited from the hilt, causing Jack, Sora, and Sandy's eyes to widen in awe. While Wanda's eyes widened in shock, "Wait... isn't that-"
Suddenly, North's sleigh passes overhead, crashing into things causing Wanda's eyes to widen in shock, "What the-?! Who's driving that sleigh?!"
Apparently, North, Tooth, and Bunny kept dozing off due to the Dream-sand. After another scrape on the top of another building, they all startled awake again...
Genie fired his large cannons at the incoming creatures of darkness, as the enemy swarmed in to reengage the heroes. Wanda, Sandy, and Jack aided the Genie Transformer that attacked the enemy from a distance, while Spidey cut down both Heartless and Nightmare alike with the lightsaber as he smirked to himself, "And the padawan has become the Jedi!"
Sora rode on Meow Wow assisting his father, as Wanda realized, "Wait... so that really is a laser sword from the last world?!"
"Lightsaber," Peter corrected as he cut down another Nightmare and kicked away the Heartless.
Wanda's eyes narrowed, "Where did you get it?"
"I... borrowed it," Peter hesitated to answer as he launched another web-line to pull a Nightmare close to him before slicing it in two, "Anakin said it was okay."
"Does anyone else know you have that," Wanda raised an eyebrow with suspicion when Peter didn't really give an answer at that. She groaned in frustration, "I cannot believe you stole a light sword!"
"Lightsaber! And I'm borrowing it!" Peter corrected her yet again as he plunged the blade into the chest of an Armored Knight Heartless, "...with every intention of giving it back..." Before excitedly smiling to himself, "...as soon as I study this thing and figure out how to make one of my very own!"
"Peter! You are not setting a good example for our son!" Wanda declared before she angrily blasted away a Heartless that was getting too close to Sora with a hex. Before angrily muttering to herself, "I blame that slutty thief you used to date!"
"Uh, guys," Jack spoke up giving the two lovers pause as he froze both Heartless and Nightmares alike, "Maybe you should put a pause on your lover's quarrel after we survive the endless monster assault!" Just then, Sandy uses his sand to burst into the air like a water spout, dragging Jack with him, then tossing the Winter Spirit away ostensibly to protect him, "Whoa!"
Seeing the Heartless and Nightmares start to get numerous, Peter turned to Wanda, "Maybe we should regroup with the others!"
"Agreed!" Scarlet Witch nodded as she glanced at Sora, as his Dream Eater was turning Pitch's sand into Dream Sand. Three more Heartless leaped on, causing Sora to close his eyes as a bright light shined above him, and a young togruta girl leaped out igniting two lightsabers before cutting down the Heartless.
Landing on her feet, she stood protectively in front of Sora, and she glanced at Wanda and Peter, "So... this is what you meant we he could summon allies from other worlds."
"Ashoka!" Wanda smiled in relief as she used a hex to throw a Heartless into a Nightmare, "It's good to see you again."
The former Jedi padawan as sliced through both Heartless and Nightmares alike before Force-pushing them back, as she raised an eyebrow, "I take it this isn't your homeworld..." She then leaped over Sora and plunged her two blades into a Nightmare's back, "...Anakin figured you'd be back home by now after facing everything else in the universe."
"It's a little more complicated than that," Spider-Man admitted before webbing up several Nightmares and cutting down another Heartless with his borrowed lightsaber, "But we're working on it."
Ashoka blinked after pushing a group of creatures back, "Uh... where did you get the lightsaber?"
"Peter stole it!" Wanda exclaimed in slight anger.
"Borrowed it!" Peter defended himself while legitimately defending himself from the dark creatures.
"Hold on, that was Master Shaak Ti's," The citizen of the Republic recognized, "How in the Galaxy did you-" Shaking her head, "Does anyone back home know you have it."
"Anakin does," Peter exclaimed as he leaped to the side of a building, and ran up the wall.
Ashoka raised an eyebrow with suspicion, "Does anyone else know you 'borrowed' a respective deceased Jedi Council member's lightsaber?"
"Uhhh... look there's Santa!" Spider-Man tried to change the subject as he shot a web-line at North's sleigh.
Ashoka shook her head, as she leaped up to the rooftops, as he told the Scarlet Witch, "You know, he's returning it, as soon as the crisis is over, right?"
"Oh, if he knows what's good for him, he will," Wanda muttered to herself as she flew toward the sky, as she turned to the transformed, "Genie! Get Sora out of there!"
With that, the Transformer Genie transformed into a jet around Sora, as he declared, "Let's roll out!" Before blasting off into the skies, as several Heartless and Nightmares pursued them, "The enemy is upon us!"
Ashoka then Force-jumped on the Genie's jet wing and went into a battle stance to defend the boy inside, "Keep flying but keep it steady... I got you covered."
At the same time, Jack knocked a few Nightmares and Heartless away, but he was knocked back by a blast of fire from a Heartless before Tooth caught him helping him back up before spiraling through some of the creatures of darkness. Pitch laughed to himself as he commanded both the Nightmares and the Heartless alike.
Spider-Man leaped back onto the back of Santa's sleigh as he turned to Bunny and North, "Good to see the rest of you back in the action!"
"You couldn't have tried to wake us before going after Pitch?" Bunny glared at Peter as he noticed his new weapon, "And did you just steal a lightsaber?!"
"For the last time," Spider-Man exclaimed as he reiginated the blade, "I'm borrowing it!"
He then helped the two big holiday heroes cut throw swarms of Heartless and Nightmares. Ashoka took notice of Peter's attacks, "Huh... you know... he's actually not half bad with a lightsaber without any formal training..."
Wanda glanced at the former Padawan of Skywalker, "Please, don't encourage him..."
Bunny then hopped off the sleigh, attacking during freefall, before landing on the street to slash through some dark creatures with a knife before throwing his boomerang at them and bashing them with his huge feet. Then, he jumped back into the air to latch onto the sleigh, driving it while North attacked with his swords from the front and Spider-Man with his lightsaber from the back as he laughed, "Ha! The joke's on you, you 'My Little Pony' rejects! I have the high ground!"
Ashoka blinked, "Why... did he say that?"
"Honestly, it's likely another quote from the franchise based on your galaxy," Wanda admitted, "Which I realize after everything we experienced, I need to examine a bit more..."
Ashoka slowly nodded, she didn't know why but that second sentence Peter said sounded like something Obi-Wan would say.
At the same time, two Nightmares come after Jack on both sides, so he just fell mid-air allowing them to crash into each other. During the free fall, a Heartless struck making Jack lose his staff. Panicking the Winter Spirit desperately tried to reach for his staff, before finally grasping it and landing back in the sleigh. Peter turned to him, "You alright?"
Jack gave the Wall-Crawler a thumbs up, before Bunny warned him, "You might wanna duck."
All of a sudden, Bunny's boomerang came careening back through a Heartless behind Jack causing him to duck as Bunny caught it out of thin air, grinning.
As the creatures seemed to lose interest in them, Ashoka peeked through the window of Genie's jet to see Sora and Meow Wow inside, before giving the former a reassuring smile, "You holding up in there, little guy?"
Sora nodded to his future mentor, before Ashoka could feel a disturbance in the Force, she looked up to see that the Nightmares and Heartless had retreated to gang up on Sandy. She whispered to herself, "Sora wasn't the target here..." She then turned to Genie, "Get Sora to a safe place! I'm going to help his parents and their allies!"
"Roger that, Maverick," Genie appeared inside his own jet as Tom "Iceman" Kazansky, "We'll see each other again in the final chapter- I mean, battle!"
Ashoka then forced-jump to North's sleigh, as the Scarlet Witch joined them. Sandy was, surrounded by a tornado of black sand and darkness that he kept whipping to keep them from completely consuming him.
North sat down on the sleigh again as Genie flew Sora back to the North Pole, he nodded to Ashoka in gratitude. Spider-Man's eyes widened underneath his mask, "Sora was never the target here... he wanted Sandy out of the picture. No more Sandman..."
"...no more dreams," Wanda's eyes widened in horror, "Only Nightmares."
"We gotta help Sandy!" Jack declared as everyone nodded in agreement, North drove his sleigh to help the overwhelmed Guardian.
However, Pitch pulled the string of an invisible bow, using an arrowhead-shaped out of black sand aimed at Sandy. When he released it, the arrow struck Sandy right between the shoulder blades. Everyone's eyes widened in horror but Jack was affected the most, as he launched himself from the sleigh, "NOOOOOOOOO!
Pitch laughed menacingly while critically wounded Sandman turned to face him, "Don't fight the fear, little man." Even in the shadow of death, Sandy refused to give Pitch the satisfaction as he glared at him, it still mattered little to the Boogyman, as he laughed more, "I'd say sweet dreams, but there aren't any left."
Sandman stood up and closed his eyes as the swirling black sand closed in on his glowing yellow light, snuffing it out. Every single hero, Avenger, Guardian, and former Jedi alike, eyes widened in horror as Sandy was no more. North whispered in disbelief, "Sandy?"
"No... NOOO!" Jack screamed in horror and anger, before going right after Pitch with Sandy lost.
Pitch simply called the Heartless back and threw every Nightmare he had at the Winter Spirit, causing him to halt. Ashoka exclaimed, "We need to get him out of there before he gets himself killed!"
"I'm on it," Wanda vowed as she flew after Jack. She wasn't going to make it as the swarm of Nightmares closed in on the 300-year-old.
Pitch turned away thinking the Winter Spirit was a goner but suddenly a bright blue light came from Jack stunning both hero and villain alike as it pushed the darkness back. Jack clutched his staff forward and a darting ice-light ripples through the Nightmares. They explode into black sand like fireworks over the city, knocking Pitch away with a scream.
Overwhelmed by his accomplishment, Jack fell too, only to be caught by Wanda as she pulled him back towards the sleigh. Tooth helped get Jack seated as everyone was stunned at what the Winter Spirit had accomplished. As Jack recovered Tooth wondered, "Jack, h-how did you do that?"
"I, I, I- I didn't know I could," He admitted.
Suddenly, light shined around Ashoka causing her to sigh, "Guess this means I'm heading back home." She turned to the others, "I'm sorry I can't stay to help finish this... and for your loss..." Everyone lowered their heads at Sandy's death, as Ashoka was taken by the light she told them one last thing, "May the Force be with you."
And just like that, the former apprentice of Anakin Skywalker had returned home...
As everyone on the sleigh, returned to the North Pole, Pitch recovered from Jack's attack on the ground. Despite getting his butt whooped by the new guy, he laughed wickedly, "Finally! Someone from my world who knows how to have a little fun!"
"Wanda, Spider-Man, Mr. Parker... this is Iron Man," Tony spoke through the communication device, "Please respond."
However, he revived only silence in response, as the group of heroes, and Brotherhood gathered around the computer. Hulk, Thor, T'Challa, Hawkeye, and Mr. Fantastic had joined them while everyone else was preparing in case any of those creatures of darkness got lost in the contained cracks in reality. Pietro tapped his foot impatiently before glaring at Harry, "Well... where are they?! You said you contacted them but we've heard squat from my sister or Spider-Man."
Before Harry could make a retort, Wasp stepped in, "In case you've forgotten, your sister is an Avenger! Trying to stop these creepy planet-eating monsters from another dimension! We can't exactly expect them to sit on the sidelines and wait for us to get back to them!"
"We know you're worried about your sister," Cap spoke up glancing at the speedster, "Truth is so are we, we're also worried about Spider-Man, the children, and the fate of the world... but accusing each other and arguing amongst ourselves won't help anyone. We need to be patient and keep trying to reach them. They'll get back to us as soon as they can. You're welcome to wait with us, but I suggest you have a little more respect for Mr. Osborn as he's the reason we're able to get a hold of them at all."
"Of course, Captain," Magento nodded before glancing at his son, "We won't have any further outbursts until the threat has been dealt with and Wanda is home safely... Isn't that right, Peitro?"
Quicksilver recalled what his father was also saying about his sister's kid, "Yes, father..."
"It's fascinating," Reed muttered as they observed OsCorp's communication system, "To think that there are many worlds, very similar to that our own..."
"And they all believe they're Earth," Hawkeye raised an eyebrow at the two sorcerers.
"In theory," Wong answered, "It's been said that the real Earth was destroyed long ago, and the world we've been standing on, was a small fragment of what the world once was. The new worlds were remade through the hearts of children of how they remembered the Earth once was... different periods of time and events."
"You're joking, right?" Hawkeye raised an eyebrow, as Wong merely glanced at him with a serious look. He blinked, "Oh, you're serious..."
"Trust me on this, Wong rarely ever jokes," Strange stated.
"What about satellite footage?" Wasp wondered, "Wouldn't it pick out of this world was only a fragment of Earth... heck, I've been to space and the Earth looked fine to me..."
"Because that's how some of the children remembered how the world once was," Strange revealed, "Including all the concepts and laws, that would've put the pieces have in a similar matter... but not all is it appears to be... as most worlds such as ours, believe that their world is the one true Earth... some even have solar systems not unlike ours."
"You said most, but are there..." Reed turned to Sorceror Supereme.
"Yes, some of the other worlds, like Hala and Srollos survived and are a part of the other worlds," The former surgeon revealed, "It's why some worlds are still more alien than others..." He then stated, "Chances are... there are worlds that a very different from Earth out there but unreachable... we should consider ourselves lucky that Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch were on worlds that could understand their language so far while protecting the surviving children as well as the Child of Destiny."
"So my ears did not deceive me then," Thor spoke up, "Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch have indeed found the Child of Destiny."
"You're familiar with the prophecy as well, Thor," The King of Wakanda turned to the Asgardian Prince.
"Aye, even as a lad," Thor admitted, "It is said this child has the power to change destiny itself. The Allfather once searched for the Child, believing the young warrior could prevent Ragnarök. For eons, he had searched thoroughly for the child but was never successful... he came to the realization that even if the Child was born... even the Bifrost itself could not reach the realm the Child lived in..."
Magento then muttered to himself quietly, "...or simply... the Child hadn't been born around that time..."
Pietro raised an eyebrow, did his Father suspect that Wanda's son was this Child? The more he thought about it, the more it seemed likely. Wanda was an Omega-level mutant, and as much as he hated to admit it, if Spider-Man was indeed the father... he wasn't a slouch either. He heard that he went toe to toe with the Juggernaut and managed to outwit him. The kid could very likely be this Child of Destiny.
"If Spider-Man and Fair Wanda have indeed found the Child," Thor continued, "Given what's at stake we must do everything in our power that he does not fall into the wrong hands."
"Like this Xehanort guy," Wasp realized, "Whoever he is."
"And we can't do anything to help until we get a hold of those two," Blade stated, "But if the Child is to grow up fighting monsters, I'm willing to give the kid some pointers."
"Who's to say this kid is still a Child?" Clint added, "Maybe they're already a full-time hero, and Spider-Man and Wanda just found him injured or vulnerable, and this Xehanort is taking advantage of it."
"Hotshots could have a point," Wolverine stated, "From what we know, the word 'Child' couldn't mean literally a child."
Clint nodded to Logan before turning to the Hulk, "What do you think big guy? Little helpless guy or wounded pro?"
"Could be a teenager all I care," Hulk shrugged, "Just need someone to smash for the shadow monsters." He then glared a Toad, "Or for attacking my friends..."
Toad nervously chuckled, "...and I'm very sorry about that by the way..."
"All the more reason we need to keep trying to contact Wanda, Spider-Man, and Mr. Parker," Steve declared as he turned back toward OsCorp's communication device, "The more we understand what's happening, the better chance we have at stopping the end of all existence. We'll keep trying even if we have to do this all night."
"Hopefully," Tony muttered to himself as he attempted to reach the missing Avengers, "It won't come to that..." As he tried expanding the power, he wondered, "Seriously, though... what's taking them? A funeral?"
Back in the North Pole, everyone attended Sandy's funeral. Peter and Wanda were grateful Genie had brought Sora back to Santa's Workshop safely and soundly, but then they had to reveal the bad news to Sora. Many tears were shed, as Tooth placed a glass lantern on the Guardian's symbol, with Sandman's likeness. She turned North, who shut his eyes in grief before turning to Bunny, who offered her his paw. Then she offers her hand to North, who takes it.
Sora let out a few sniffs as his foster mother held him as she stroked his hair while she leaned on Peter who held them both. Meow Wow whimpered as Genie let a few tears as well, "Nobody told me we'd have a serious moment... I thought we were done with the death scenes after ending the Star Wars arc!"
He then burst into tears, as they fell on the elves much to their annoyance. Nonetheless, the Yetis stood by, as did the elves, as they paid their final respects to the fallen Guardian. The elves nodded their heads, making their bells chime, creating a dirge for the Sandman. One yeti sniffs, and is comforted by another yeti.
The only one not present was Jack Frost, who was taking the loss of Sandman deeply. After the ceremony was wrapping up, Wanda set her son down, "Sora... why don't you help the Yetis with the toys... I'm sure they'd appreciate the extra help."
The boy nodded as he walked off with the Yeti named Phil, who escorted him. Meow Wow quickly followed as Wanda sighed, "This doesn't feel real... I can't believe the Sandman is..."
"...gone." Peter nodded, "I may not have known him as well as the other holiday icons but... Pitch targeted him so when children slept they only get..."
"Nightmares," Wanda frowned as she turned to the globe and saw many lights dim out, "Which was Pitch was counting on... it didn't matter he didn't get Sora then, as long as he could get everyone to stop believing in Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Toothy Fairy..."
"...and he'll be free to strike terror to the other worlds, and if he really was Nightmare's mentor," The Wall-Crawler realized, "...there's no telling what kind of chaos he could bring to the worlds. Not to mention he'll be at his strongest and the two of us might not be enough to stop him and Xehanort." He then glanced to where Jack was hiding out, "Not to mention, Jack is likely beating himself up for what happened to Sandy."
"Why is that?" The current ruler of Genosha turned to him, "It's not his fault that Sandy's no longer with us..."
"No... but I know he'll think that..." Spidey admitted, "I've been there before... with Uncle Ben... and Gwen..."
"Oh, Peter... I don't know how we're going to stop this without help," Wanda frowned worried for their child, "I wish we had some of the other Avengers with us..."
Sora was half-heartedly playing with a stuffed bear, before setting it on the ground. He had not taken the news well that one of his childhood heroes was gone. He was hoping just like Baloo or Esmeralda... Sandy would pull a miracle and be okay. But nothing like that happened. Just like his parents and his home.
Not to mention, his new mommy and daddy were scared for him to fall asleep since he would likely only get Nightmares from now on. He couldn't imagine what Riku and Kairi were going through without even good dreams to give them comfort.
Meow Wow whimpered as he snuggled up next to him, and gave the Dream Eater light pets. If only there was something he could do to help.
"...this is Iron Man... please respond..."
The small islander boy lifted his head at the sound of the source, "Hello?"
"...C'mon... Wanda... Spider-Man... where are you...?"
He turned again to see the communication device his new parents were using earlier. It was still on. He walked over to it. As he heard the voice speak up again, "C'mon... this is Tony Stark... Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist... can anyone respond?"
Turning to the microphone, Sora repeated himself, "Hello? Is someone there?"
"Dang it," Tony groaned in frustration, "It's not them... just some kid..."
Most of the heroes groaned until Harry's eyes widened in realization, "Wait a minute... I know that voice..." He quickly ran to Iron Man's side, as he spoke through the microphone, "Hey... this is Sora, right?"
"Sora?" Everyone in the room repeated in confusion.
Sora's eyes blinked, as the familiar voice spoke up, "Do you remember me from earlier?"
The boy slowly nodded, "Yeah... you're daddy's best friend..."
Wasp blinked in shock, "Daddy?"
Magento and Quicksilver turned to each other, eyes widened. It was him. Wanda's kid. Magento turned back to the communication device, whispering the boy's name, "...Sora..."
Harry smiled as he nodded, "Yeah. That's right. I'm your dad's best friend."
He turned to the other Avengers, "Listen... I wasn't supposed to say anything but... um... Pete and Scarlet Witch... they..." He nervously glanced at Wanda's family in the room, "...they... you know..."
It was then it clicked on them, as everyone's, even someone who hardly cared about anything other than food or smashing. Wasp exclaimed, "No... way..." She then exclaimed louder, "NO WAY! WANDA HAD A KID AND SHE DIDN'T TELL ME?!"
"Huh, guess we weren't the only ones she didn't say a word about the kid..." Pietro whispered to his father, "...but... her and the photographer for the Bugle? Really?"
Magento remained silent. He had to admit, out of everyone that could've been the father of his grandson, a homosapien photographer seemed the least likely of people. Then again... when Strange showed them the location of his daughter, grandson, and Spider-Man... it seemed a little off that the father was not there even though the CEO of OsCorp declared he too was with them.
"Huh, Wanda's a mom..." Clint blinked, "Never would've guessed."
"Wow, lucky guy..." Toad admitted before getting glares from both Magento and Peitro alike, "N-Not that I ever had those thoughts! Nope! Nope! Never in a million years! I know I'd be so dead if I tried..."
Harry then leaned back into the communication device, "Hey, remember those friends of your parents that said I was going to get to help?"
"Uh-huh," Sora's voice spoke through the coms.
Harry smiled as he turned to the other heroes in the room, "Well, I was able to get a hold and they want to help. You, your parents, and your friends."
Captain America took the lead, as he spoke into the mic, "Hello, Sora. That is your name right?"
"Yes," The boy answered.
Cap removed his mask and smiled, "It's nice to meet you, Sora. My name is Captain America. But you can call me Cap or Steve." He then added, "I've been good friends with your mother and Spider-Man for some time now. And I know your father is a good man."
"Are you a superhero too," He asked the Super Solider.
"I am," Steve nodded, "And let me just say you've been very brave handling all of this madness so far. We may have just met, but I can tell you already have your parents' best qualities."
Sora's eyes widened in awe at that. As he turned to the Dream Eater, "Did you hear that?"
Meow Wow gave happy noises in response...
Both Avengers and Brotherhood could hear the boy speak into the mic, "Are you going to help my friends?"
"The other children," The Black Panther realized, "And quite possibly the Child of Destiny along with them."
"Oh, man... kid must have playing with some of the kids on Genosha when he freaked out," Peitro muttered to his father.
"Which means we must double our efforts to find the other children as well," Magento whispered to his son.
"We will, you have my word," Steve promised, "But first, we going to need your help, son."
"My help?" The child gasped in shock, "How can I help?"
Iron Man then leaned in, "Hey, Kid. I'm Tony Stark. Iron Man. I'm also good friends with your mother and Spider-Man. While I don't know much about your father outside of work, but if Cap says he's a good guy, I believe him." Clearing his throat, "Speaking of which, are they with you?"
"Yes," The boy answered.
"Good, listen we want to help but we don't have enough information about what's going on to help your parents," Tony explained, "We need to speak to your mother and Spider-Man so they can give us the missing pieces of the puzzle so we can stop the guy responsible for the monsters and rescue your friends."
"It's a big job. But we're counting on you," Cap smiled, "Think you can handle it?"
Sora saluted the communication device, unaware he was yet again using the wrong hand, "Yes, sir!" He then hopped off the set, and told the Dream Eater, "C'mon, Meow Wow!"
The cat-dog dream hybrid gave a happy squeak as he bounced after Sora...
"Alright, now we just need to wait a few more minutes," Cap smiled in relief.
After a brief moment of silence, Wolverine stated, "So, are we just going to ignore the fact that Wanda had a kid with Parker?"
"AND SHE NEVER TOLD ME!" Wasp exclaimed, "HOW COULD SHE KEEP THIS FROM ME?! CAROL, WANDA, AND ME ARE SUPPOSED TO BESTIES AND TELL EACH OTHER EVERYTHING!"
The King of Wakanda glanced at Magento before telling the others, "I'm certain Wanda had her reasons about not telling us about her son. Most likely she never wanted to risk our enemies knowing about him."
"But seriously, the Parker kid," Clint spoke up, "Seriously? Wasn't he fourteen when we met him?"
"I'm pretty sure he was 17 at the time, and it's been years since Cap was cleared for what happened during the Secret Invasion," Tony glanced at the Archer, "And I imagine he's around the same age as Wanda at this point..."
After another brief moment of silence, Clint stated, "He should still learn to respect his elders."
"It doesn't matter who Wanda chose to have a family with, or never told us about them," Cap declared, "What matters is the universe is at stake and there are children, including Wanda's son caught in the middle of all this. We need to do whatever we can to help our friends and ensure the children's safety."
Back with the Avenger and Part-Time Member, Peter rubbed the back of his head, as he turned to the former, "Look... I'm sorry, I never told you that I... borrowed a lightsaber..."
"No, I overreacted," Scarlet Witch shook her head, "I get Star Wars is your favorite franchise, and you actually had your own adventure within that franchise and to actually see something exist from it... if we were jumping through some of my favorite sitcoms, I guess I would have been tempted to collect certain items from the shows as well... I shouldn't have given you such a big lecture."
"But you were right," Peter told her, "I need to be a good father to Sora and set a good example for him. He's lucky to have you for a mother and not Black Cat... that would have been a whole different can of worms if I traveled this crazy universe with her..."
"Just... promise me that was the only thing you took... and you are planning on giving it back when this is all over," Wanda turned to the Web-Slinger.
"It was just the lightsaber," Peter revealed the Jedi weapon to her, "And I do plan on giving it back... I promise."
Wanda smiled in relief at that when all of a sudden, their son returned, "Mommy. Daddy."
"Shhhh..." Wanda shushed the boy, gesturing to the funeral that was still going on, before whispering, "Remember, we need to be quiet during funerals..."
"What is it, bud," Peter knelt to him, "You see a Nightmare or Heartless at the Pole."
"The communication thingy," Sora explained, "Daddy's friend came back with Superheroes... like Cap and Iron Man..."
The adults' eyes widened in shock, as Wanda smiled to Peter, "Your friend came through."
"Come on," Peter gestured to the founding Avenger, "Let's not keep everyone waiting..." She nodded as she picked up their son and headed before the commutation device. Peter was about to join them before turning back to pay his final respects to Sandman, "...we will ensure your sacrifice was not in vain. I promise."
With that, he followed his new family to the communication device, as Wanda was the first to speak, "Steve, Tony? Are you still there?"
"We're still here," Cap's voice spoke through the communication device much to the couple's joy, "It's good to hear your voice again." Turning to each other smiling brightly, the First Avenger asked, "Is Spider-Man with you?"
Sliding his mask back on, Peter answered, "Still, kicking Cap. By some miracle, we surviving everything the universe has thrown at us."
"Good to hear," Tony smiled, "We've been looking for two ever since Kang escaped. We're glad you two are-"
All of a sudden, Wasp had flown closer before growing to her natural height, "WANDA! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME YOU HAD A SON?!"
The two Avengers not on their home world wince as Jan screamed through the coms, thankfully, Spider-Man's spider-sense alerted him to cover Sora's ears. Unfortunately, the elves nearby were blown away by Wasp's angry voice. Wanda smiled, "Oh, hey, Jan. You're here too."
"Of course, I'm here, we're all here!" The founding Avenger exclaimed before admitting, "Well, everyone who's not trying to keep the dark creepy shadows from making it to Earth..."
Spidey turned to Wanda in deep concern, "So, the Heartless did make it back home..."
"I was afraid of that," The current ruler of Genosha admitted. Sure, they had heard it from Harry but still... it did not sit for them well, the one place they believed Sora would be safe on, had already been infested with Heartless.
When Jan continued, "By the way! Why do I have to hear from your own child that you had a son and never mentioned a word to me or Carol about him?! We could've thrown you a baby shower!"
Both heroes winced at that, guess they should have seen that coming the moment they realized Sora was first to answer their friends' response. Wanda's eyes widened, "Wait... the others with you... Harry mentioned that my father and brother were among you... did they..."
Realizing Wanda's concerns, Janet turned to the two black sheep of the Scarlet Witch's family, as she sighed, "Sorry, Wanda... they heard everything... They also know about him..."
Wanda leaned back in her seat as she rubbed her eyes, that was something she never wanted to happen. Peter placed a comforting arm on her, "Hey... it'll be okay..."
She sighed, as she went back to the conversation at hand, "Listen, Jan... the situation with my son is... complicated... but I'll explain everything about that when we get back home. And if you are listening... and I know you are, Peitro... Father... I will speak to the two of you later."
Magento closed his eyes, from the tone of her voice, she sounded like she never wanted to know that he had a grandson... He wasn't mad at her for it though, she was doing what she thought was best for her son. He could hear her continue, "But right now, we've got bigger issues right now..."
"She's correct," Strange nodded before turning to the OsCorp device, "But first thing's first, the Child of Destiny... is he or she safe...?"
Turning to Sora, who was sitting on Wanda's lap, Spider-Man answered, "For the moment, but a lot of villains out here have been gunning for him. Most of which allied themselves with a man named Xehanort."
"Just who is this Xehanort," Cap wondered, "From how you told Mr. Osborn about him, you two put him on Thanos's level."
"And how exactly did you two end up on another world fighting Kang," Jan wondered, "I thought time travel was his thing... not... world jumping..."
"It's a long story..." Wanda sighed before turning to Peter, wondering what to say.
"Don't let them know that Sora could be the Child of Destiny... no need to let your father overhear every detail about how special our son is," Peter whispered to Wanda, "But we let our friends know about everything else."
Wanda gave Peter a small smile before turning back to the communication device, as she told the other heroes... and by extension her family, "After we dragged across space and time... we ended up on another world called the Destiny Islands..."
"After we ran into the Child of Destiny, things got crazier from there..." Peter added as they retold their journey so far...
At the same time, Jack was sitting somewhere by a window in the workshop with his hood up. He touched the pane and it started to frost over, creating the same likeness of the Sandman with on the Guardian symbol. North soon joined him as he wondered, "Are you all right?"
"I just, uh-" Jack glanced up at him before sighing, "I wish I could've done something."
"Done something?" Santa raised an eyebrow, "Jack, you stood up to Pitch. You saved us."
"But Sandy-" The Winter Spirit flinched with guilt.
"Would be proud of what you did," North gave him a sad smile. When Jack made no smile, Santa breathed, "You know, Mr. Parker can be this way too at times. Blaming himself for what happens to those around him."
"Peter? What about him?" Jack blinked with interest.
"He's lost many loved ones in life," North admitted, "His parents, his Uncle, Captain Stacy, and even his first true love... every loss ways him down like it does you now." He then smiled, "But he always manages to get back up and try harder to honor their memory... by doing what he does. Above everything else, he tries to follow his family motto, With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility."
"Responsibility," Jack repeated, "That's his center, isn't it?"
North smiled as Jack finally stood up, removing his hood, "I don't know who you were in your past life, but in this life you are Guardian."
"How can I know who I am," The 300-year-old wondered, "...until I found out who I was?"
"You will," The Saint reassured him, "I feel it..." He then patted his stomach, "...in my belly."
"So let me get this straight," Clint found himself leaning on the communication device, "While we were looking for you and Spider-Man, dealing with your father and the mini Galactuses... you two... along with your secret lover and kid have been hopping around the world based on fictional characters from when Disney was at their peek..."
"And Star Wars," Spider-Man spoke through the coms.
"Wait, Star Wars is real too?!" Harry blinked before quickly asking, "So, which era? Originals? Prequels? Legends? Sequels?"
Hawkeye glanced at the OsCorp CEO, "How is any of that nes-"
"Prequels, we were able to stop the events of Revenge of the Sith," The Web-Head answered cutting the archer off.
"Sweet!" Harry smirked, before grinning, "Did you get to hold a lightsaber?"
"Got one on me now!" Spidey answered as he held out the Jedi weapon.
Wanda then glanced at Peter, "Which you're just borrowing, remember?"
"Aw, man," Harry beamed getting to his fanboy side out, "You've gotta show me it... if we could figure out how to make our own without a kyber crystal..."
"Need I remind you, everyone, that literally everything in existence is at stake," Clint pointed out, "So if we can take things seriously for five minutes, that would be great." His eyes narrowed, "Now stop joking and tell us what really happened."
"Clint, you know me," Wanda crossed her arms, "I've never seen a Disney film prior to this journey..."
"...do you really believe either me or Spider-Man would joke of a matter this serious?"
"Well... no... not normally from you..." Clint rubbed the back of his head, "But... c'mon... Hercules? Basil of Baker Street? Baloo the Bear? Mickey Mouse? Quasimodo? Jedi? And now you're telling us Santa Claus is real too?! You gotta admit it's hard to believe!"
"Uh..." Strange spoke up getting everyone's attention, "I may have failed to mention when I found them... they were actually traveling with Mickey Mouse..."
Hawkeye blinked at that, as Wong added, "It's true. I was there as well. Same ears. Face. The works."
"See?" The former surgeon gestured to the monk, "And Wong never jokes."
"I joke," Wong crossed his arms, "I can be a funny guy when I want to."
Captain America then spoke up, "That's good enough for me... I know the two of you... you wouldn't be telling us all of this if this wasn't a serious matter..." He then added, "...but if you can stay focused on the matter at hand, we would appreciate that."
"Sorry, Cap," Peter apologized putting away the lightsaber, "Won't happen again."
"Now then... about the elephant in the room... Xehanort..." Tony spoke up, "The second-rate Evil Emperor... you really have no clue where the present him is now?"
"No..." Wanda shook her head, "...nor do I know what happened to our three missing Keyblade Weilders... but the visions... I think I'm closing into finding out what happened."
"Good," Steve nodded, "The more we know what happened, the better chance we can stop the present version of him." He then wondered, "What about his past self and the breaches allowing this Heartless to enter our realm? How have been sealing the breaches?"
"Merlin gave us these orbs, allowing us to close up the bigger breaches," Peter answered his he held up the bag carrying their civilian clothes and the two remaining magic orbs, "We just need to deal with the one here before coming home, after that we just need to send the version of Xehanort we're dealing with back to the past and the crisis should be over..."
"Something tells me that's going to be something easier said than done," Iron Man stated, "But at least it's a plan we can do..."
"Also, Kang said, if we succeed in stopping Xehanort and ensure the Child's safety, he'll abandon his claim on our time," Wanda answered, "We could be free from dealing with Kang forever..."
"'Tis sounds almost too good to be true," Thor declared, "Still, Xehanort and these beasts must be dealt with whether Kang holds his end of the bargain or not."
"Agreed," The Super-Solider agreed, "Even if Kang double-crosses us, we're not going to let Xehanort have his way or abandon those children to fend for themselves. You two made the right call. Still, is there anything we can do to help before you return to Earth..."
"That's a good question," Wanda leaned back in her seat. She turned to Peter, "Spider-Man, why don't check on Peter and the others so we can figure out our next move... I'll explain our current predicament."
Grateful that she was protecting his secret identity, Peter went to comply with what she suggested, as Wanda heard Clint comment, "But the way, there have been sightings of you and Spider-Man entering kids' houses and taking their teeth and leaving little presents instead. Isn't that, the Tooth Fairy's job?"
Wanda then turned to the archer, "Yeah... about that..."
Back at the Globe, Spider-Man rejoined the remaining guardians as they saw that the lights were dimming. Tooth's eyes widened in concern, "Look how fast they're going out!"
"It's fear," Jack realized, "He's tipped the balance."
Spider-Man groaned, "Without Sandy, nothing stopping the kids from receiving Nightmares..."
With everyone still in mourning with the loss of a friend, Bunny patted his foot when he realized what day it was tomorrow. His eyes narrowing with determination, he spoke up, "Hey, buck up ya sad sacks!" Everyone turned to Bunny as he hopped onto the console, "We can still turn this around! Easter is tomorrow, and I need your help! I say we pull out all the stops and we get those little lights flickering again!"
Everyone slowly smiled, as they realized, while a long shot... it could work... they might stop Pitch yet...
"And with Sandy gone..." Wanda finished the recap on everything that happened on the world she, her family, and Spider-Man were at, "...at of children well cease to believe in the Guardians... and if that happens..."
"Nothing's stopping the Boogyman from coming to our world and many others," Cap realized with his arms crossed, "Just when we thought this Xehanort was causing enough problems."
"I've heard about the Man in Moon before..." Strange hummed, "Whatever he's doing to keep this Pitch Black from escaping that world must be quite powerful."
"And if it's true what he says... that he's the one who taught Nightmare everything he knew..." Wong spoke up, "Then we may very well lose our world to the darkness... long before Xehanort gets a chance to."
"So, what are we supposed to do?! Tell the whole world that Santa Claus, Fairy Tales, and Disney Stories are real," Clint pointed out, "Everyone and their mothers will think we've lost our minds!"
"I'm with the human archer with this one," Peitro pointed at Hawkeye, "I think I rather be hated for what I am than people think I belong in the nuthouse."
"I say we go over there," Hulk spoke up as he slammed his fist into his palm, "And SMASH him!"
"Great plan. Love the plan," Tony commented on Hulk's idea, "One problem, we still have no idea how to travel among these worlds and even then we have little time to do so..."
"Perhaps not," T'Challa spoke up, "When Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch were playing Tooth Fairy, they were able to return to our world, and jump between many others without using the cracks between reality..."
"Then there is another way," Reed realized, "Wanda... how exactly did you and..." He then muttered to himself, "...I can't believe I'm saying this but..." He then continued, "...Santa and the other Guardians were able to travel among these worlds..."
"Well," Wanda started to answer, "Santa has these snowglobes that he uses to make magic portals..."
"Wait a minute," Strange spoke up slightly shocked, "Did you say magic portals?" When Wanda hummed in confirmation, the Sorcerer Supreme then muttered in realization, "If that's really the case... and Santa's using magic snowglobes to jump from one world to the next..."
"We should be able to pick up its magic due to its origin..." Wong realized.
"And we can study its energy, to create our own portals through science," Tony smirked to himself, "I think you just gave us the breakthrough we need."
"Of course, it'll still take time," Mr. Fantastic pointed out, "But it'll be beneficial if we survive what comes next."
"Be that as it may, as telling them wouldn't work regardless, or 'smashing' Pitch," Strange pointed out, "Seeing isn't always believing... That special belief has to come from the heart, not what someone else tells them to believe. We need something special coming from these guardians through acts only they could give..."
"Like what?" Wanda wondered as the boy in her lap tilted his head, "With the dreams gone... how are we supposed to turn this around?"
"Wanda!" The Scarlet Witch turned to Peter as he swung up next to her, "Bunny thinks we can turn this around... at least long enough until we get a more permanent solution..."
She blinked in shock, "How?"
"Tomorrow is Easter Sunday," Peter simply answered.
"Okay, sure but how does that help-" The Scarlet Witch nodded before her eyes widened in realization, "Ooooooh~ I get it. If we decorate some eggs, make some Easter Baskets, and hide them around the worlds for children to find..."
Peter smiled and nodded, "...we may just be able to turn this around. We just have to protect them from the Nightmares and Heartless."
Sora started to beam, as Wanda turned to the communication device, "Did everyone get that?"
"Understood," Cap nodded, "We'll do whatever we can on our world... you two help the Easter Bunny and the other Guardians with the rest of the worlds..."
"Uh, Cap, do you know what we're asking?" Tony pointed out, "We're talking about quadrillion eggs with trillions of kids around the planet... even if we're just focusing on our world, how can we..."
"We've been able to protect our world with fewer Avengers than what we have now..." The Super Solider declared as he slid on his mask, "...we'll find a way..." He then gave out orders, "Tony, T'Challa, Reed, Strange... you join the rest of our think tank and figure out how we can travel among these worlds by the time the Child of Destiny is ready to fulfill his destiny. Everyone else, we're preparing the World for Easter!"
Wolverine grunted, "Just for the record, I ain't painting eggs."
"Avengers Assemble!" Captain America exclaimed.
As everyone went to carry out their assignments, Quicksilver turned to his father, "So... we're really helping out with Easter... I'm not going to lie. I did not think this is how this alliance was going to turn out."
"Neither did I," Magento stated, "But for Wanda's and... Sora's shakes... we'll do whatever we can to help bring them home safely. Do whatever they tell you, whether paint or hiding eggs, for now..." Pietro nodded and before he rushed off, his father added, "...and one last thing..." The speedster turned back to his father, "...bring me anything you can about this... Peter Parker."
"Avengers Assemble!"
Sora's eyes widened in awe at the battle cry coming from Captain America. Wanda then sat up with Sora un her arms, as she told Peter, "C'mon! Let's join the others."
Spidey saluted as Meow Wow cheered before Genie poofed beside them as a bunny, "Here comes Genie Cottontail~ Hoping down the Genie trail~ Hippity Hoppity Easter's on its way~"
"Bunny is right!" Santa declared as he turned to the Easter Bunny, "As much as it pains me to say, old friend, this time Easter is more important than Christmas!"
Bunny's eyes widened in shock, as if he never heard those words coming from the Saint's mouth before, "Hey! Did everyone hear that?!"
"We must hurry to the Warren," North declared, "Everyone, to the sleigh!"
"Oh, boy..." Wanda muttered to herself, remembering the first lift-off, "Here we go again..."
However, Bunny stood in front of the group, as he smirked, "Oh no, mate. My Warren, my rules." His grin grew as he told everyone, "Buckle up."
With that, the giant rabbit thumped the floor of the workshop and a massive hole opened up beneath the Guardians, Avengers, two Yetis and Elves, as well as the Dream Eater and Genie. North only had enough time to say before they all fell inside the massive rabbit hole, "Shostakovich!"
That's when the universal law of gravity took effect as everyone fell inside Bunny's tunnel. The group began to slide, as many of them screamed, while others like Sora laughed in enjoyment.
Jack began to surf and sake as he took control over the hole, while Tooth hovered along with the pile, and Wanda fell alongside her with Sora in her arms, Spider-Man managed to get back into web-swinging while Bunny bounced ahead of everyone. Everyone else landed in a heap at the bottom of the tunnel. Several groans could be heard as North lightly laughed, "Ah ha ha. Buckle up. Is very funny."
"Hehe. Welcome to the Warren," Bunny grinned as he gestured to the beautiful garden around them with colorful rivers, and eggs with legs hurdled around them.
Sora stared in awe, Wanda admitted, "It's very beautiful."
Genie then transformed into Bugs Bunny, "Isn't amazing of all the places you'll go when you actually take the left turn at Albuquerque."
Before Bunny could accept their compliments, he froze, before sitting up on alert and turning to the first tunnel. His ears lifted up and his nose twitched, "Something's up."
Wanda gasped as she set Sora on Meow Wow, as the boy's eyes narrowed in determination. A horde of Bunny's undecorated eggs ran out of the tunnel, so he went into a battle-ready stance. So did everyone. Bunny's Easter Island Sentinel Eggs spin their faces around to look battle-ready. However, Spider-Man eased up, "Uh... guys... wait... my Spider-Sense isn't-"
Bunny let out a battle cry as he rushed forward, followed by the others while Peter sighed, "...tingling..."
All of a sudden, a little girl came running out of the tunnel from the inner Warren with some unpainted Easter Eggs in her hands, screaming along with them until they all quieted down. Jack blinked as he knew the little girl, "Sophie?"
Everyone laughed nervously as they eased up and the Guardians put away their combat gear. As Genie chucked before turning into a sheep, "Boy, do I feel sheepish."
Sophie cooed happily. Wanda whispered to Peter, "Yeah, we should have asked if you're Spider-Sense was going off before we almost harmed a child even younger than Sora."
Peter chuckled as sheep Genie glared at him, "Okay, you baaaaaaad boy, but next time a little more of a heads up."
"Speaking of children," Bunny gestured to Shopie, "What is she doing here?"
North's eyes widened as he felt around his coat, realizing he was missing something, "Uhh... snowglobe."
As the Yetis mumbled to themselves, Bunny turned to the others, "Crikee, somebody do something!"
"Well, don't look at me," Jack shrugged innocently, "I'm invisible, remember?"
"We would," Wanda spoke up after picking up her own child, "But we are just as invisible as Jack is right now."
"Elf, elf!" Sophie beamed as she chased down the elves happily in the Warren.
"Don't worry, Bunny. I bet she's a ~Fairy Fan~!" Tooth flew towards the little girl as she gasped in awe, "It's okay, little one."
"Pretty!" Jamine's sister smiled.
"Ohh!" Tooth smiled flattered by the little girl's comment, "You know what? I've got something ~for you~!" She then pulled out a handful of teeth, "Here it is! Look at all the ~pretty teeth~! ~With little blood and gum on them~!"
Sophie immediately sobbed as she ran off. Even Sora was freaked out and leaped into his mother's arms. Wanda glared at her, as she comforted her son, "Seriously? And you're supposed to work with kids daily? I rather we not traumatize Sora more than he's already been through... and that extends to other children like Sophie!"
Jack merely chuckled as Sophie was distracted by the elves and eggs, "Blood and gums?" North shrugged as the Winter Spirit wondered, "Besides Sora, when was the last time you guys actually hung out with kids?"
Sophie chased more unpainted eggs under an Easter Island rock, "Peek-a-boo!"
That startled the eggs as the toddler chased after them, as North explained, "We are very busy bringing joy to children! We don't have time..." A giggling Sophie ran past the Guardians as Santa finished, "...for children."
Bunny and Tooth look apprehensive at North's statement, as Peter pointed out, "You do realize how counterproductive that is, right?"
North sighed as he rubbed his eyes, "I know..."
"Hmmm... If one little kid can ruin Easter, then..." Jack made one snowflake that danced across his fingers before floating on the wind, "...we're in worse shape than I thought."
The snowflake flew around before landing on his nose which caused it to sparkle and disappear, which made Bunny smile a little. The Easter Bunny then hopped by Sophie, as Wanda leaned to Jack, "What did you just do?"
"Nothing much, a little trick I learned over the years," The Winter Spirit smiled at the full-time Avenger.
Raising an eyebrow, she and Spidey turned to the large rabbit and toddler, who watched as a brand new white egg with feet emerged from a plant, walking and jumping around. He then eagerly asked the girl, "You wanna paint some eggs? Yeah?"
Sophie jumped around excitedly, "Okay!"
"Come on then," He told her as an army of little white eggs with feet started marching down a hill.
Both Avengers eyes widened, as Sora stared in awe, "Wow!"
"Rimsky-Korsakov!" North gasped, "That's a lot of eggs!"
Jack perched himself on top of his staff as he wondered, "Uh, how much time do we have?"
Sophie was riding on Bunny's back as they darted around the eggs. Sora turned to his parents, giving them a look as if wanted to ask for something. Wanda turned to Peter, who shrugged as Wanda smiled, "Guess we're painting eggs!"
"Yes!" Sora beamed as everyone immediately went to work...
Giant flowers began dusting the eggs with their undercoat colors as Bunny exclaimed, "All right, troops, it's time to push back!"
Sophie giggled as she rode the marching eggs down the hill as North playfully waved at her.
"That means eggs everywhere! Heaps of you in every high rise, farmhouse, and trail'r park! In tennis shoes and cereal bowls! Oh, there'll be bathtubs filled with my beautiful googies!"
An elf pushed an egg into the river of paint, then danced with a teasing face as his bell jingled... until he noticed more of the eggs coming in from behind, pushing him in as well. The eggs were top-heavy, so their legs were kicking up in the air as Spidey picked one up, "Okay... this is definitely up there on the top 10 strangest things I've seen this week."
"No, mate," Bunny spoke up as he was cradling a half dozen of his painted googies, "That's adorable."
Wanda leaned to Peter, "The number one spot is Genie... isn't it?"
Speaking of whom, Genie, now looking like Leonardo da Vinci, painting eggs with Sora. While the latter was more traditional-looking eggs, the former just painted the Mona Lisa onto the egg. Peter merely glanced to her, "What was your first clue?"
The elf that fell in the colorful river finally climbed his way out. At first, he looked shocked at his new colorful look before beaming at all the colors around him.
"There will be Springtime! On every continent. On every world!" Bunny declared as he hopped onto one rock and lifted his arms into the air, "And I'm bringing Hope with me!"
Many of the eggs slid through some plants with iridescent paint secreting from them, so that they have spirals and swirls on them too. The painted elf joined them for the designs as well.
The Parker family was enjoying themselves as they painted many eggs as Peter muttered to himself, "I can't remember the last time, I did this."
"Neither can I," Wanda smiled as some of the decorated eggs ran past them, "Of course, these are the first eggs, I've seen with legs."
"Yeah, I think I preferred it when I thought they came from a magic chicken," The Web-Head admitted.
Meanwhile, one yeti was painting an egg bright red, until, Bunny hopped over to him and criticized, "Too Christmas-y, mate. Paint 'em blue."
"WHAT THE-?!" Yeti gasped in frustration, as he gestured to his pile of red eggs, before slamming his head on the ground.
Peter then glanced to the Scarlet Witch, "I wonder how the others are holding up back home..."
Meanwhile, each stove of the Baxer Building was being used to boil eggs, the Human Torch called out, "Next batch is ready!"
Suddenly, the eggs flew out of the pan as a new batch of eggs was gently set in the pot. Jean was using her telekinesis to help dry the eggs, "Great work, Johnny! Keep it up!"
Torch groaned to himself as she took the hard-boiled eggs to be painted, "Seriously, Spidey! How are Easter Eggs going to help save the world?!"
Many heroes decorated the hard-boiled eggs, as Wasp giggled to herself, "I feel like a kid again!"
"Yeah," Susan smiled as she used her Force Feilds to place down another set of boiled eggs, "Why'd we ever stop doing this?!"
Bobby annoyingly painted his Easter Egg, "I can think of a few reasons." He even added, "Also, I never really celebrated Easter."
"Neither have I," Kitty smiled as she finished her yellow X-Men decorated egg, "But you don't hear me complaining."
The brutes of the teams carefully and cautiously painted their eggs without breaking them. Juggernaut groaned, "This is so humiliating."
"Eh, quit your whining and keep painting," Thing glared at the unstoppable half-brother of Xavier, "Before I clobber ya for ruining kids' Easter."
Surprisingly, Hulk had decorated the most eggs as he added another one to his finished pile. Thing, Juggernaut, and Blob all stared at the Green Behemoth, as he went to pick up another egg. The Strongest Avenger glared at them, "What? I have to pretend that literally everything is an egg all the time. Got a problem with that?"
Suddenly, Nightcrawler teleported by the completed Easter Eggs, as he smiled, "Excellent work, my friends. We're going to make many children happy this Easter."
The former circus performer took the eggs and teleported them...
To the ground level, as Kurt told the heroes on the field, "Here's the next batch..."
Wolverine, Blade, Hawkeye, Black Widow, Winter Solider, Toad, Domino, Mystique, and Cap placed many of the eggs in bags as Super-Solider turned to Wong, "Alright, Wong... take us to the next area!"
Wong then used his sling ring to open a portal, "Topeka, Kansas. Go!"
With that, Cap led the charge through the magic portal, evening had come to the U.S. so it was as good a place as any to start hiding eggs. From there the team would move from one location to the next to hide more eggs. The Super Solider quietly gave the order, "Alright, let's hide some eggs here people."
Everyone rushed off in different directions finding good places to hide them. Clint fired a grappling arrow and swung towards a children's playground, right by the edge of a slide.
Bucky placed an egg in an empty dog bowl outside someone's home. Natasha placed another by some nearby bushes giving a playful wink to Cap's old partner. Toad gently placed an Easter Egg by a tree, as he smiled to himself, "Finally... A job I know I can handle..."
Mystique placed an egg on the couch of an outdoor patio when she was alerted of a child stured awake. Before the child could get a good glance at her looks, she changed her form. The eight-year-old eyes widened when she saw a large rabbit, placing down an egg. The rabbit gave the girl a playful smile, and wink, and placed a finger to her lips. The child nodded leaving a grinning face as the Mystique or as the girl believed, the Easter Bunny, hopped away.
As Cap and Dimono placed down their eggs, stirring in the bushes got their attention. The former readied his shield while the latter aimed her guns at the bushes. Thankfully, it was only a stray cat, staring at them. Easing up, Cap nodded to the mercenary as she nodded back. Blade very smoothly placed an Easter Egg in someone's mailbox before glancing to the skies as Thor, Vision, and Storm ensuring nothing disturbs the eggs, or more cracks appear, "So this Easter Bunny... he hides painted eggs for mortal children to find? And this brings Hope?"
"According to my own research," Vision answered, "Easter is about new life which is represented through rabbits and eggs... although, there's never been any actual proof of the existence of an Easter Bunny or any of Wanda's and Spider-Man's allies on the worlds they've traveled to."
"Excluding the Disney factor of things," Storm spoke up getting the two Avengers' attention, "It's likely we never actually discover the people like Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny... because we stopped believing in them long ago. According to our mutual friends, belief is a powerful thing in the world they are on now, the belief has kept a great evil from reaching children for countless years. If children lose faith in their protectors, that evil will reach here and many other worlds. And I fear a future without memories, hope, wonder, and dreams will become. So for the sake of their future, we must aid our fellow heroes to keep that belief alive."
"Well spoken, mistress," Thor nodded with his eyes narrowed with determination, "Should this Pitch Black or Xehanort come for these children, they shall face our wrath."
"I can only hope, nothing deviates Tony, Reed, T'Challa, Hank Pym, Hank McCoy, and Strange from creating the portal necessary to reach our friends," The android stated, "...and protect the other worlds from the aftermath of this conflict."
"STARK!"
Iron Man stopped his work briefly to turn to a well-known acting S.H.I.E.L.D. Director entering the Baxter Building. Tony merely greeted the woman with a smile, "Hi, Maria. How have you been?"
"Don't give me that, Stark," Director Hill crossed her arms, "Do you care to tell me what this..." She gestured to the giant portal the heroes were constructing, "...is all about?! And why did you buy all the fresh egg products from all the supermarkets in the U.S.?"
"That last one may actually put a dent in your wallet, sir," J.A.R.V.I.S. stated within his armor.
"Thanks for the update, J.A.R.V.I.S." Tony spoke to his AI butler, before turning to Maira Hill, "C'mon, Hill. Where's your holiday spirit? It's Easter tomorrow after all. You can help. We could use the extra hands to paint more eggs... or you can just do plastic and place some candy inside if you're not feeling artistic."
"I know you have Magento and the Brotherhood within the Baxter Building. That man and his goons have been on the M.R.D. and S.H.I.E.L.D.'s most wanted," The acting director pointed out, "They nearly wiped out the entire continent and you have them here! Painting and hiding eggs!"
"If you have a grievance against me," A familiar voice spoke up as she turned to the Master of Magnetism, "You may speak to me directly, Director."
She didn't hesitate to pull out her gun and aim it at Magento, "Freeze! By the authority of S.H.I.E.L.D., I'm placing you under arrest and no diplomatic immunity is going to save you this tim-"
Before she could finish, Eric merely lifted a finger, causing her gun to fly right of out her hand. She turned back to him, "I don't need to justify my actions on behalf of my people, Hill. I always do what is best for mutant-kind and my family."
"Easy, play nice," Tony warned the former ruler of Genosha, "Don't forget, Jean still has you under surveillance if you try anything."
After a moment, Director Hill's weapon dropped to the ground, "I haven't forgotten anything. I know what's at stake." As went to join the scientists hard at work, "I just hope for Hill doesn't put her own ego, before the need of the many..."
Hill glared at him as she picked up her weapon, as Tony told her, "Believe me, under different circumstances, we would have thrown him right for the Negative Zone... but unfortunately we need him to get our friends back... and possibly save all of existence."
"What are you talking about?" The acting director asked.
"When we failed to prevent Kang's escape," Black Panther spoke while imputing the data they gathered from Santa's snowglobe portals, "The Scarlet Witch and Spider-Man were dragged along with him. Wanda's hexs crossed with Kang's advanced technology creating tears between time and space, revealing a bigger threat play from the shadows."
"So you're saying this is all the Avengers' fault," Hill raised an eyebrow, before turning to the armored Avenger, "I warned you this would happen, Stark! If the Avengers had joined S.H.I.E.L.D. none of this would-"
"This threat existed long before the Avengers' last battle with Kang," Beast answered while going over some simulations with Yellow Jacket, "Wanda has been repairing the damage down, but was only made aware of the threat due to what happened."
"And if we fail to stop this threat, there won't be an Earth to protect," Strange answered as he studied the magic from the portals Santa made, "We've seen the future, and we don't have time to point accusing fingers of who started what!"
After a brief moment of silence, she gestured to the machine, "Could you at least tell me what are you building?"
"A portal to worlds outside our own," Tony answered, "Funded by both Stark Industries and OsCorp..."
Maria's eyes widened in shock, as Hank Pym added, "We're also using OsCorp orbital communication systems to improve our Avenger ID cards so we can communicate with each other even if we're not on Earth..." When the acting director of S.H.I.E.L.D. made little reaction to the original Antman's comment, he muttered, "And~ you don't care about that last one... okay..."
"A portal to another world?! HAVE YOU ALL LOST YOUR MINDS?!" Director Hill exclaimed, "Need I remind everyone of the threats that nearly wiped out humanity that came from space?! The Kree! The Skrull! Korvac! The symboites! Galactis! Thanos!"
"Well, technically, Micheal was from Earth and he was experimented by the Kree," Mr. Fantastic corrected the acting director.
"We've also made some allies from the stars as well," Beast added, "Such as Mar-Vell and the Guardians of the Galaxy."
"That's not the point, the point is there's just too much of a risk to explore space," She then gestured to the portal, "Please tell me you're only using it to bring your missing superheroes back!"
"Oh no. They have their own way home, this is for what comes after," Tony answered, "And the worlds they visited are just pieces of Earth... apparently..."
"What are you talking about?" Maira answered.
"Long story short," Strange answered, "The true Earth had been swallowed by the darkness long ago, and we live on a world rebuilt on how children remembered the Earth was like. As such, the worlds Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch have been traveling to, are mostly fragments of worlds that believe they are also Earth existing in our universe."
"What are you saying?" Maira blinked in confusion, "All this time, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s mission to protect the world... and all we've been doing is..."
"Protecting a mere fragment of the Earth," Tony raised an eyebrow much to Hill's shock and disbelief, "Yeah, we weren't exactly thrilled with the idea either... they've been truly been protected by people known as Keyblade Masters... but unfortunately, one turned for the worst and is threatening to destroy everything that exists. The current Weilders are MIA trying to stop this Sith knockoff, but a past version has been meddling with the present... and we could be the only ones that stand between him and annihilation."
After a brief moment of silence, the acting director asked, "You do realize how insane you all sound, right?"
"All the same, the threat is real, and if we do nothing... everyone will be dragged into the darkness..." Hank Pym stated as Magento moved a piece of the machine to its place, "So, you can either help us or stay out of our way."
Hill seemed conflicted, as Tony added, "Our missing friends also said that innocent children were caught in the middle of all of this. This machine could be their only hope."
After another minute, Hill sighed, as much as she disliked superheroes, she couldn't stand the sight to see children suffering, "Fine... what do want me to do..."
"Grab a paintbrush, and start painting eggs," Tony stated, "And maybe get a couple of your agents at S.H.I.E.L.D. To hide them around the globe for kids to find..."
Hill blinked in confusion, not sure what that had to do with anything as Iron Man promised, "I'll explain later... we need this done before Easter Morning..."
Meanwhile, Quicksilver was delivering eggs all over, before stopping at an address his father told him to find. The Parker household in Queens. Seeing no one was home, he easily snuck in.
The speedster saw some old photos of an old couple and a young boy. One Peter Parker. And yet, not one photo of his sister or nephew. Guess this was a secret he didn't want the rest of the family to know.
As he searched the house, he found out the old couple wasn't his parents, but his Aunt and Uncle. He also found out that the uncle was murdered during a carjacking, leaving Parker to take care of his Aunt. But when came to Wanda's secret hubby's room, he searched thoroughly and found something Parker tried to keep hidden. A pair of web-shooters and damaged spidey suits. Lifting up the mask, he smirked, "Well, well, well... guess that slimeball wasn't crazy after all!"
Peter Parker truly is Spider-Man! He thought let his dad know...
Back at the Warren, Bunny landed near the Dispatch area where Sophie was sitting, "Ooh, what's over there?"
Sophie walked over and picked up one fully painted egg to show it to the Easter Bunny, "Whoa ho ho!"
"Oh oh oh! That's a beauty!" Bunny smiled before he held her tiny hand and led her out to see all of the eggs heading into the tunnels, "Now all we gotta do is get him and his little mates through the tunnels, to the top, and we'll have ourselves Easter."
As Bunny and Sophie sat down, Jack joined them and crouched down beside the two. The sleepy girl crawled into the large rabbit's arms, as the white-haired boy nodded, "Not bad."
"Not bad, yourself." Bunny nodded back to him, having new-founded respect for the Winter Spirit.
"Ah, look, I-" Jack hesitated before apologizing, "I'm sorry about the whole- you know, the 'kangaroo' thing?"
"It's the accent, isn't it?" The Easter Bunny asked getting a chuckle from the two.
Just then, they were joined by the Parker family, as Wanda held her own sleepy child. As Spidey removed his mask, "Glad to see you two finally getting along."
North and Tooth joined them as well as Bunny turned to the girl, "Ah, poor little ankle-biter. Look at 'er, all tuckered out."
"Sora's not that far after..." Wanda sadly smiled as he drifted to sleep. She sighed, "But... they'll have nothing but nightmares if Pitch has anything to say about..."
Just then, Meow Wow wobbled on over to the group, whimpering slightly before shaking its body. As the Dream Eater shook its body, golden sand came off him and sprinkled on the children. The sad over Sophie created eggs dancing above her, while Sora an image of himself playing with two other children. They had a pretty good guess of who those children were supposed to be. Riku and Kairi.
Peter then remembered what Santa told them earlier, "Of course, Dream Eaters can create good dreams."
Wanda smiled as she gave the spirit a light pat, "Thank you."
"Oh, I love them both," Tooth smiled. Baby Tooth chittered happily. She then turned to the others, "I know there's nothing we can do for Sora at the moment other than protect him... but I think it's time to get Sophie home."
"Agreed," Peter nodded as he placed his mask back on.
"How about I take her home?" Jack offered.
"Jack, no," Tooth shook her head, "Pitch is out there-"
"No match for this," He held up his staff.
"Which is why we need you here," Bunny gave a counterpoint, "...with us."
"Trust me," He told the others, before making a quick finger motion, "I'll be quick as a bunny."
"Well... maybe you two should go to," North turned to Wanda and Spider-Man, "Just in case."
Wanda's eyes widened, "What about Sora? What if Xehanort or Pitch comes for him while we're helping get Sophie home?"
"We will protect him," North promised, "...until you return."
"Plus, we still have a Dream Eater and a Genie to help too," Bunny pointed out as he gestured to Meow Wow and the Genie of the Lamp.
Genie then transformed into a military commander, "We assure you, ma'am! No enemy will step foot near Sora!" Genie then transformed into Yzma, "And if they do, I'll turn them into a flea. A tiny helpless little flea! And then I put that flea in box, and put that box in a box, and mail that box to myself... and when it arrives... I SMASH IT WITH A HAMMER!" He then chuckled wickedly, "It's brilliant! Brilliant, I tell you! BRILLIANT!"
Everyone shushed the Genie to not disturb the children's slumber, who promptly rezipped his lips again. Peter reassured Wanda, "It's okay... Sora will be safe. We'll just get Sophie home and be right back before anything crazy happens."
"You're probably right. I'm overthinking this," Wanda sighed in relief, "Besides, I'm sure Tony is wrapping out the prototype to the portal and we'll have the Avengers to back us up and we'll deal with Pitch and Xehanort tomorrow morning, just before Easter Mass."
Genie then unzipped his lips, "If I may... I have a friend who wants to make a cameo appearance... he's not Stan Lee but he'll get ya where you need to go quickly."
"That sounds perfect," Wanda smiled before turning to Peter in confusion, "Who's Stan Lee?"
"How should I know," Peter shrugged before Genie snapped his fingers as a carpet floated in the air doing a twirl.
"Is that...?" Peter blinked.
Just as Wanda finished, "...a Magic Carpet." Peter turned to her in confusion, as she replied, "Just because I've never seen a Disney film before we've met, doesn't mean I don't know basic concepts like magic carpets."
"I didn't say anything..." Peter raised his hands in defense as Carpet flew by them and gestured to get on him, "Okay, this is pretty cool..."
Spidey hopped on the carpet, as he muttered, "Disney rides got nothing on the real deal..."
Before Wanda joined him, she went over to Sora, whispering to him as he slumbered, "We'll be right back, baby, I promise."
Lightly brushing his hair, she kissed his forehead before joining her boyfriend. Peter helped the Scarlet Witch on the Carpet, as Jack took the child, "I'll take the lead, you two can follow."
As the Winter Spirit took off, Carpet flew right behind him as they headed towards a tunnel likely leading them to Jamine's home again...
...but as they soared through the skies, Peter and Wanda watched as they passed countless worlds. Both Avengers smiled as they observed the endless sky, as Wanda lightly patted the flying carpet, "So~ Genie and this carpet came from the same mov- I mean world?"
"Yeah, this moment here..." Peter rubbed the back of his hair nervously, "Kinda reminds me of a love song during the same movie..."
"Oh~" Wanda smiled at him, "How does it go?"
"Well, it's kinda a duet and..."
"Please~" The technical princess of Genosha smiled at the Web-Head.
Sighing as the familiar music started playing he calmly sang to her one of her favorite Disney songs, "I can show you the world~ Shining, shimmering, splendid~ Tell me, princess, now when did you last let your heart decide~?"
Wanda scooted herself over to Peter, "I can open your eyes~ Take you wonder by wonder~ Over, sideways, and under~ On a magic carpet ride~"
"A whole new world~ A new fantastic point of view~" Peter sang as they flew over Olympus Coliseum where they saw Phil training Hercules, "No one to tell us no~ Or where to go~ Or say we're only dreaming~"
"A whole new world~" Wanda bletted out much to Peter's shock, as she went on, "A dazzling place I never knew~"
"Wait, she's never seen Aladdin and still knows the song?!" Peter thought to himself in shock.
"But when I'm way up here~ It's crystal clear~" The full-time Avenger smiled at Peter as they flew over the city of Mousedom, "That now I'm in a whole new world with you~"
Peter smiled as he repeated her last lyric, "Now I'm in a whole new world with you~"
"Unbelievable sights... Indescribable feeling~" Wanda sang as they soared over the evening skies of Ancient Jungle as they spotted Baloo hanging out with Bagehra, "Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling~ Through an endless diamond sky~ A whole new world~"
The carpet dived after Jack over Notre Dame as Wanda covered her eyes as Peter comforted her, "Don't you dare close your eyes~"
"A hundred thousand things to see~" The mutant leader sang as they passed by the stunned gargoyles that spotted them.
Hugo and Victor's jaws dropped as Larvene rubbed her eyes to see if she was seeing things correctly while Peter sang, "Hold your breath, it gets better~"
The two watched as a meteor shower was going on as Wanda sang, "I'm like a shooting star~ I've come so far~ I can't go back~ To where I used to be~"
Peter sang as they flew over the Jedi Temple, "A whole new world~"
"Every turn a surprise~" Wanda joined in as they flew past the Padmè's apartment.
Peter continued as they waved hello to the shocked but pleasantly surprised married couple on the balcony, "With new horizons to pursue~"
"Every moment red letter~" Wanda sang as they held hands they sang together, "I'll chase them anywhere~ There's time to spare~ Let me share this whole new world with you~"
"A whole new world~" Peter sang
Wanda gazed lovingly into his eyes, "A whole new world~"
"That's where we'll be~" Peter sang as they rested their heads on each other.
Wanda closed her eyes, "That's where we'll be~"
"A thrilling chase~" Peter smiled at her.
Wanda sang softly, "A wondrous place~" Before singing together and concluding the Disney duet, "For you and mmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee~!"
Time passed and they finally arrived at Jamie's house where Jack and Baby Tooth attempted to put Sohipe back in her bed. Carpet returned to his own world, once they arrived. Peter asked her, "So... for someone who's never seen a Disney movie... how did you know the lyrics to the song?"
"We occasionally have karaoke night in Avengers Mansion," Wanda admitted, "Jan managed to pull Hank from his work to do that duet together hundreds of times. Despite his now brooding attitude, I think he loves it every time they have done it together... and to be frank... I love that song, but I never knew it from a Disney film."
"Hey, maybe we could do some Disney movie nights if we have to stay in," Peter offered, "I'm sure Sora wouldn't mind, and we can still keep an eye on him if needed."
"I'd like that," The Scarlet Witch smiled when Jack and Baby Tooth retreated out the window. They looked shocked, causing Wanda to blink in confusion. "Um... did everything go okay? She in bed?"
"She... was," Jack admitted.
Peter glanced in the window, as he asked, "You guys didn't wake her up already, did you?"
"No... she just... sort of..." The Winter Spirit rubbed the back of his head, "...fell out of bed..."
"SHE WHAT?!" Wanda blinked in shock.
"Her mom was coming so I didn't want her to think her daughter was hanging out with... unholy spirits... so..." Jack laughed sheepishly, "We just threw her blankets on and threw on her toys nearby..."
Wanda facepalmed herself, "I swear if we weren't invisible on this world-"
"...would likely make things worse and think we're a bunch of creeps," Spider-Man pointed out, "Don't forget, this world does have Avengers or superheroes on this world... so for all these people know..."
"No, no... good point..." Wanda sighed, "I would likely have assumed the same thing if I was Sophie's or Jamine's mother..." She then turned to the three, "Let's just head back to the Warren and make sure Easter goes smoothly..."
"Right," The Winter Spirit nodded as he closed the window to the home of Jamie's house, "Let's go do tha-" He then froze, as if he heard something, he turned to Wanda, "Did anyone hear that?"
The two Avengers and Baby Tooth blinked in confusion, causing Peter to raise an eyebrow, "Uh... hear what?"
"That!" Jack answered after a moment, "That voice!"
After another minute, Wanda shook her head, "Jack, we're not hearing anything."
"I know that voice," Jack muttered to himself before flying off to a rounded air vent on a roof.
Turning to each other in concern, they quickly went after them, using their respective methods of transportation, flying and web-swinging respectively. As Peter landed on the roof, Jack took off, while Peter was sliding his mask back on, "Jack! Where are you going?!"
The two Avengers dashed after him before ending up by a nearby frozen lake. He landed on the ground as Baby Tooth kept squeaking. Wanda even spoke up, "Jack? We need to get back to the others... who exactly are you even hearing anyway?"
Jack made no answer as he spotted an old rotted bedpost with no mattress and started walking towards it, but Baby Tooth tried to hold him back. Spider-Man then pointed out, "Jack... someone or something is trying to mislead us... we need to make sure that Sora and the Easter Eggs are safe."
"Don't worry, there's still time," He waved them off before getting closer to the bed.
"An old creepy bed in the middle of the forest," Peter muttered to Wanda, "You thinking what I'm thinking? Trap?"
"Oh, definitely a trap," She agreed as the Winter Spirit knocked some pieces away with his staff to see into the hole below the bed before flying into to the whole. The full-time Avenger sighed again, "C'mon, I suppose we should make sure Jack doesn't get himself killed."
Peter nodded as the two Avengers quickly went after him. They stood on guard as the hole grew darker and darker the further inside, Spider-Man activated the lightsaber he borrowed providing some sort of light. Wanda glanced at Peter, "You're Spider-Senses picking up on anything?"
"Nothing yet," Peter stated as they moved on further into the hole, "We should head back, while we still can."
Baby Tooth nodded nervously in agreement before tugging on Jack's hoodie, who told them, "Baby Tooth, Peter, Wanda, come on! I have to find out what that is!"
He flew into the open-air chasm, and they heard more squeaking as the heroes got closer. Peter turned to Wanda, "Okay... now I'm hearing something..."
"Same here," When they went inside, they noticed cages hanging above with fairies locked inside, "Tooth's fairies! They're all here!"
"This is Pitch's lair..." Peter realized before slapping his forehead, "Of course, because as kids we used to fear that they're monsters in the closet..."
"...or under the bed," Wanda came to the same realization, as she flew towards one of the cages, she shushed the fairies, "It's okay! We're going to get you of there!"
Peter tried to pry the cage open before his eyes widened in recognition, "Uh-oh!"
"What is it?" Wanda turned to her boyfriend before noticing the darkness locks, "Oh... the darkness..."
"Just like the ropes Ratigan tied us up in," Spidey realized, "...and the locks Frollo had in Notre Dame..." Peter smirked under his mask, "...but let's see how it handles a little Star Wars sci-fi!"
He raised his lightsaber, and struck the lock, only for it to bounce off the cage, as Peter blinked underneath, "Okay... that might be an issue..."
"Well, I'm not tied up this time," Wanda pointed out, as she raised her hands ready to blast the cages open with her hexes, "Between my hexes and Jack's ice, I'm sure we can free the fairies in no-" She then turned to the Winter Spirit, "ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"
Peter turned to see what Wanda was looking at and saw Jack was searching through the piles of tooth boxes. Peter asked him, "Jack! I know you want your memories back, but we can literally stop Pitch right now if we prioritize freeing Tooth's fairies!"
"I know, I know!" Jack told the Avengers, as he continued to search for his own teeth, "Just need another minute..."
"We don't have another minute," Wanda shook her head, "Jack, if we fail here, we were warned that reality would fall apart and our universe would be destroyed! I promise we'll get your memories back after but-"
"Uh, guys," Spider-Man's eyes widened as he raised the Jedi weapon.
Wanda's eyes widened, "Spider-Sense?"
"Yep," Peter stated putting them all on guard, even Jack...
...when Pitch finally revealed himself as he taunted, "Looking for something?"
Jack fired an ice blast at where Pitch appeared but disappeared into the shadows before ice could strike. He then appeared down another Corridor, causing Wanda to fire a hex at the Boogyman. When it missed, the three chased him through dark corridors. They could hear his laughter all over, "Hehehe... Don't be afraid, Jack." He then appeared on a bridge, "I'm not gonna' hurt you... or you're little human friends."
"Aw, you finally giving up," Peter grinned underneath his mask, "Good, because Wanda was just saying all things she planned on doing to you if you and Xehanort continued going after our kid."
"Oh, I'm not surrendering either, Mr. Parker," Pitch smirked, "And I have to say, you've been masking your fears well, behind your little jokes and insults."
Jack slid onto one end of the bridge as he aimed his staff at him, "Afraid? I'm not afraid of you."
Wanda landed on the other surrounding the Boogyman, "None of us our."
"Maybe not," Pitch shrugged, "But you are afraid of something. You all are."
"You think so, huh?" The Winter Spirit raised an eyebrow.
"I know so! It's the one thing I always know: people's greatest fears," Pitch added before vanishing again, "Yours is that no one will ever believe in you." As the two searched for him, his overtook theirs, causing them to fall off the bridge and into another dark corridor. Spider-Man swung in to catch them before they landed hard on the cobblestone floor. They could hear his laughter echoing as they all stood back to back awaiting Pitch's next strike, "Your's, Peter, is that after everything that's happened, Xehanort will tell all your enemies who you are behind that mask and they'll go after everyone you've ever loved... from little Sora... to your dear sweet Aunt May." Peter tightened a fist, as Wanda narrowed her eyes, "Your's, Wanda, is that you'll lose control of the powers within you, becoming the very threat you swore to protect, and not to mention... Your father managed to learn about Sora, huh? I wonder what he has planned when he discovers how truly special that boy is. Xehanort might actually have some competition."
Wanda growled as she muttered to herself, "Let's see you laugh when the rest of my friends figure out how to reach this world..."
"And worst of all, Jack, you're afraid you'll never know why... why you?" When Jack thought he saw Pitch, he gestured to the others as they bounded off after him in the dark, only to find another wall.
Just then, Spider-Man's Spider-Sense went off again, "Behind us."
The three turned around, to see Pitch grinning at Jack, as they all stood on guard, "Why were you chosen? To be like this. Well fear not, for the answer to that… is right here." Pitch held out Jack's tooth-box, much to the white hair boy's shock, "Do you want them, Jack? Your memories."
Jack slowly reached for the box, but pulled his hand back, so Pitch laughed as he vanished again, leaving the three to dart off through the bird cages. As they searched for the villain, Pitch appeared from Jack's shadow, "Everything you wanted to know... in this little box." He laughed some more as Jack chased him followed by the two Avengers, "Why did you end up like this? Unseen, unable to reach out to anyone... you want the answers so badly. You want to grab them and fly off with them, but you're afraid of what the Guardians will think. You're afraid of disappointing them. Well let me ease your mind about one thing: they'll never accept you, not really... like the humans will never accept mutant kind even after everything you've done for them. Peter knows that for certain-"
Jack groaned as he clutched his head, "Stop it, stop it!"
"After all, you're not one of them." He appears from the shadows again, backing the three heroes up against his dark globe of the Earth, "None of you are."
"You don't know what I am!" The 300-year-old aimed his staff at Pitch, as Peter did the same with his lightsaber, and Wanda was ready to blast him with another hex.
"'Course I do! You're Jack Frost! You make a mess wherever you go," Pitch grinned before tossing Jack his teeth, "...why you're doing it right now."
The Winter Spirit caught it, as his eyes widened in horror, "What did you do?"
"More to the point Jack, what did you do?" He cackled as he backed off into the darkness again. The heroes chased after to and ended up on the other side of a stone wall, they turned back around to head back inside but there was no door.
It was then Spidey realized, "Where's Baby Tooth?"
The other's eyes widened in horror as Jack tried to get back inside, but was unable to... only to hear Pitch's voice echo, "Happy Easter, everyone..."
Wanda went to check on something when she stepped on something, stepping back, she picked up what she had stepped on, and saw it was a painted egg shell, one she painted with Peter and Sora, "Oh no... guys..."
The two men turned around and saw what the full-time Avenger saw, smashed Easter Eggs all around them. Jack whispered, "No..."
"We're too late," Peter groaned, "He wanted us distracted with him. That's why he never sicked any Heartless or Nightmares on us!"
The three where frustrated with themselves before the Scarlet Witch's eyes widened in horror, "My baby!"
Wanda then launched herself to the skies as both Peter and Jack followed her, praying that Sora was at least safe...
Meanwhile, back on Earth, Wolverine set down another Easter Egg, hidden underneath the table, before going to his Avenger ID card, "That's the last of the eggs, I'm going back for another-"
He then stopped, and took a sniff, as his eyes narrowed, as Cap wondered, "Logan? What's wrong?"
"We've got company," He answered as he put away the card, as one of Pitch's Nightmare appeared. He grinned, "So, you're the nasty creeps giving kids nightmares..." The Nightmares neighed angrily, as Wolverine growled he unseathed his claws...
SKINT! SKINT!
... as he raised them, "...you thought dealing with Holiday icons was rough, now you dealing with the best there is at what I do!"
With that, the leader of the X-Men roared as he charged in to gut them...
Notes:
Well, things are looking good for our heroes or Easter, but I don't think Pitch was counting on the rest of our Marvel Cast to interfere with his plans!
Bet you weren't expecting to see our favorite superheroes and the Brotherhood help prepare for Easter on their wolrd either! XD So, they now know most of the situation of who the big bad is and that Wanda and Peter have a son... they just have yet to know that he was adopted and that he is the Child of Destiny. On the downside, Peitro now knows that his future brother-in-law is Spider-Man which by extension Magento will know. How that'll play out in the long run, you'll see!
Few things to get out of the way, I've seen both the new Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man series and Captain America: Brave New World! Loved the former and looking forward to the next season as for the latter... it was flawed... but it was still good. They tied some of the previous MCU projects and obviously set for Avengers Doomsday, so that's always a plus in my opinion but I prefer when Steve was Cap. Nothing against Sam of course! Love his character, and hoping to use him in a future fic, but I miss the OG in the MCU.
Now then, before we conclude this chapter, let's move on to the sneak preview of the next chapter!
With Eggs mostly smashed, children start to stop believing in the Guardians, forcing a wall between Jack and his new friends. While our favorite couple still has ties to their friends back home, they won't arrive in time to help. When all seems lost can Sora and Jack turn the tide? What happens when Sora summons more Dream Eaters? And will his final summon be enough to make Pitch give up...
...consider this summon was a friend back home... and no one likes it when he's angry. Stay tuned!
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Be sure to leave a review! Also if you haven't already be sure to leave a follow and fav. as well! Until next time, see ya real soon, True Believers!
Chapter 17: Chapter 16: Who's Afraid of the Boogyman?
Summary:
With Easter in shambles, things aren't looking too well for our heroes. But they still have one last shot at saving the holidays! Jack Frost, Sora, Jamie, and a certain founding Avenger. But will it be enough? And how has Marvelous City been handling defending their Easter on their world?
Notes:
I don't own Avengers or Kingdom Hearts. They belong to Disney, Square Enix, and Marvel. Oh, and I don't own Rise of the Guardians either as they are owned by DreamWorks. And here it is, the third part and conclusion to the Rise of the Guardians arc! We've almost reached the end as the next arc will be the finale arc! So, let's not wait any further and dive right in!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 16: Who's Afraid of the Boogyman?
Deep in space, the Milano flew through the stars, as Rocket crossed off another planet name, "And no kids on Vormir... but considering what you're supposed to do on that planet, that's probably a good thing."
"We've been at this for over a week and there's still no sign of those kids," Peter sighed as he rubbed his eyes, "Where could they be?"
"I am Groot," Groot spoke up.
"Well, if they were on Earth," Rocket glanced to the tree-like alien, "...don't you think someone would've told us by now."
"I am Groot?" The Flora colossus raised an eyebrow.
"Hmm... yeah... maybe we should've given them a heads up about this whole situation," Rocket admitted, "...and what we've been up to."
Star Lord turned back to his crew, "You mean to tell me, after all this time, not a single one of you thought it would be a good idea, to let Spider-Man's and Scarlet Witch's team know what the flark has been going on?!"
"I thought it would be a good idea," Drax stated after a minute.
"Oh, so you thought it'd be a good idea," Peter nodded towards the Destroyer, "THEN WHY IN THE GALAXY DIDN'T YOU SAY ANYTHING?!"
"I thought you were going to," Drax shrugged innocently.
"Yeah, he's got ya there, Quill," Rocket gestured to Drax, "It's your flarken planet where they came from..."
With that, Peter proceeded to face-palm himself, as Gamora and Scrooge McDuck joined them. The business duck hummed, "You lot a crazy lot, I can tell after a day with ya, but something tells me you'd get along with me great nephews."
"Well, we made contact with his King and did find out that Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch almost sealed all the bigger cracks in reality," The deadliest woman in the galaxy revealed, "They just have the one left then we just need to worry about Xehanort."
"Well, that's good at least," Peter sighed as he rubbed his eyes, "In the meantime, we can simply find a couple of missing kids..."
The daughter of Thanos proceeded to take the seat next to Star-Lord, "You know I'm just as worried about them as I am. Yet, we need to keep looking before someone like Thanos finds them and turns them into living weapons."
"Eh, don't fret, lass," Scrooge turned to Gamora, "I'm very certain we'll find the little ones soon enough." Then he noticed something bright getting bigger, "Captian, we seem to be getting awfully close to that star."
All the Guardians went on alert, as they secured the ship's control consoles, as Rocket muttered, "Figures, I leave you in control of my ship for five minutes, and you immediately fly us directly to a star, Quill."
"My ship!" Peter corrected, "And we can't be flying towards a star! I have the ship orbiting Vormir!"
"Perhaps the star is flying toward us!" Drax declared.
"I AM GROOT?!"
"Don't listen to Drax," Rocket yelled at Groot, "Stars don't fly toward planets!"
"Actually... it is coming right at us..." Gamora blinked in shock, checking the data.
Peter then stood up, "Guys, I don't think that's a star..."
And sure enough the 'star' stopped right in front of the Milano, revealing that it was never a star but a woman. Captain Marvel turned to the light of her powers, "The Guardians of the Galaxy! Thank goodness I've found you..." She smiled, "A couple of friends of mine are M.I.A. and we could use your help getting them-" She then blinked, "Wait, is that... Scrooge McDuck in there?"
"Oh, thank heavens," Donald's Uncle sighed in relief, "For a moment there, we thought you were a rogue star, lass."
Carol blinked in confusion, as Peter shrugged, "It's a long story..."
"If you're worried about Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch," Rocket spoke up, "Don't be. We ran into them a little over a week ago."
"Wait, really?" Carol blinked as she searched around the inside of the ship, "Where are they?"
"You might want to come inside," Gamora spoke up, "We'll fill you in."
The Captain nodded as she flew towards the airlock, Rocket glared at everyone, "I told you guys we should've reported the Avengers that we found them before we left Traverse Town!"
"No, you didn't," Drax turned to the not-raccoon.
"Of course, I did," Rocket argued before muttering, "Just... in my head."
"How can you speak inside your head, and how are we supposed to hear you if you speak inside your head," The Destroyer blinked in confusion.
Peter moaned as he stated, "I hope everyone back on Terra is having an easier time than we are."
Meanwhile, back in New York, Captain America threw his shield which bounced off one Nightmare to another, before returning to his hand. He called out, "These things are targeting the eggs! Do not let them anywhere close!"
Domino fired her guns at the incoming swarm of creatures of darkness, "I don't think I have enough bullets for all of them!"
Toad screamed as he ran for his life, holding onto a bunch of Easter Eggs, and the Nightmares chased after them, "Get them away from me!" Suddenly, he saw Wolverine run directly at him, causing him to scream like a little girl, and duck for cover, only for Wolverine to jump over him and start clawing through the horde of Nightmares. Toad then remembered, "Oh yeah... go Wolverine..."
Wolverine stabbed through another dark horse and saw Clint looking around, "Dang it, Barton! Don't just stand there! Shoot something!"
"At what?" Hawkeye blinked in confusion, "I'm not seeing anything? Where are the bad guys?"
"Are you serious?!" Domino exclaimed, "How could you not see the flying evil black horses?!"
A Nightmare was about to hit the lucky powered mutant from behind when Wong stepped in and created a magical barrier to protect her causing the black sand construct to dismantle. The sorcerer then created a magic sword and shield, "He still doesn't truly believe! It's the only reason why he can't see them!"
With that in mind, Cap came up with a plan B, as he slammed his shield into a group of Nightmares before ordering the archer, "Clint! Fire an arrow, twelve o'clock!"
"But there's nothing-"
"Do it!" Cap ordered as Hawkeye fired an electric arrow which shocked the Nightmare...
As swarms of Nightmares descended upon the field of eggs where the Cap's team had previously hidden the eggs but were struck by lightning before they could touch them. The remaining Nightmares looked up to see Thor and Storm using their powers to create a lightning storm. The creatures of darkness charged at the two powerhouses, only to be struck down by the former's hammer. Storm then warned the android, "Vision! To your left!"
While being a machine made the Nightmares invisible to the Vision, he nonetheless fired a beam from his head to destroy the incoming black horses. He turned to Storm, "Did I get them?"
"Yes," Storm revealed, "But this battle is far from over."
"Let them come," Thor's eyes narrowed in anger, "For we shall smite them for attacking Midgard's children!"
The three prepared for the next coming wave of dark creatures...
Meanwhile, at the Baxter Building, a Nightmare was about to crush an egg went an invisible shield prevented it from smashing. Surprised, it turned to the Invisible Woman who was protecting the egg, before she conjured another force field and used it to crush the Nightmare. More Nightmares swarmed after when Jean caught the Nightmares mid-fight, as she called out, "Now Scott!"
Cyclops didn't hesitate and fired an optic blast destroying the Nightmares. Wasp was pursuing another group of dark creatures firing her stingers at them, "I get it! You creeps don't celebrate Easter! That doesn't mean we're going to aside and let you ruin a perfectly good holiday!"
The Human Touch burned many of the Nightmares as he beamed, "Finally! Some action!"
As more Nightmares swarmed the streets, Avalanche created a concrete wall between the eggs and the black horses, cutting them off. Before they could find their way around, they could hear Blob shout, "HEY!" The dark horses turned to see him, Juggernaut, and Thing charging at them, "Do you have any idea how hard we worked on those without breaking them?! Or eating them?!"
"You guys wanna ruin Easter for innocent kids," Thing glared as the three brutes charged at the Nightmares, "Then IT'S CLOBBERING TIME!"
The three made quick work of the Nightmares, punching, running into them, crushing them. Any way they could.
A large amount of Nightmares charged for a large load of eggs that had yet to be delivered but they were well guarded as Iceman created a large barrier of ice. One of the Nightmares charged at Shadowcat but she phased through it and kicked it from behind. Another tried attacking it from above, but it was intercepted by Nightcrawler, who teleported it outside of the Baxter Building, and towards another group of Nightmares. He jumped off and teleported away before the Nightmares crashed into each other.
He then teleported beside his fellow X-Men, who gave the teleporting mutant a thumbs up, before all three of their eyes widened in horror, as Kitty muttered, "Uh-oh!"
A massive wave of Nightmares angrily charged towards the eggs. Iceman tried freezing them but they were too many. It seemed like the dark creatures would destroy the finished eggs...
...when a certain green founding Avenger landed in front of the X-Men, huffing before glaring at the Nightmares, who looked terrified at their new appointment, as he grumbled, "So... you want to smash these Easter Eggs, huh?" Before they could react, Hulk grabbed two of them, and roared, "SO, I'LL SMASH YOU!"
He then threw the two Nightmares into more dark horses, before charging at the remaining, creatures and striking them with powerful blows, instantly destroying any that came towards the eggs. As the X-Men watched the Hulk's damage on the Nightmares, Bobby whistled, "Remind me never to make him angry."
Back where the geniuses worked, Nightmares swarmed around the portal, the heroes were constructing as the Black Panther used his vibranium daggers to destroy the group of Nightmares. He then leaped on the back of another, and began to cut it down with his claws, "It would seem the Boogyman isn't only seeing the eggs as a threat."
"He clearly..." Reed grunted as he restrained several of the dark horses, "...doesn't want us interfering with the other worlds, or get to this Child before we do!"
"I think we all get it," Yellowjacket exclaimed as he shrunk down and punched a Nightmare, and shrunk down another using Pym Particles.
Beast used his own agility to stay ahead of the Nightmares, as he disposed of them, as Iron Man fired a repulsor blast at another. He turned to the acting director, "C'mon, Hill, if we want the kids around our world to have a happy Easter, we could use S.H.I.E.L.D.'s help for once!"
Hill blinked, before asking, "Have you all lost it?! There's nothing here?!"
Magento used several metal materials to destroy several more Nightmares, as Tony turned to her, "I know we've had our differences, but do you really believe we're just fighting nothing?! That all of this is for nothing?! The threat is real Maira, you just can't see it!"
"Even if she did," Strange grunted as he pushed back a Nightmare with a magical shield construct, "I doubt she could convince every S.H.I.E.L.D. agent around the planet to believe in the existence of Pitch Black." His eyes then narrowed with determination, "Thankfully, I know some roundabouts."
He then quickly cast a spell with his hands clapped together, as he whispered something to himself, before spreading them out, "...NOW REVEAL YOURSELVES CREATURES OF THE DARK!"
A bright spell shined around outlining the once invisible Nightmares to the non-believers, Maira's eyes widened in horror, "WHAT THE HELL?!" Acting out of instinct, she pulled out her gun and shot the creature in front of her, and glancing around the room, she saw more of those creatures, "What... are... those..."
"There isn't time for an explanation," Iron Man told her before firing a repulsor at another Nightmare, "Just know, that these things are around the world, feeding on kids' fears, and plan on ruining Easter for them!"
The acting-director blinked before going to coms., "Agent Quartermain! Report!"
Back on the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, all agents were on alert, as Clay Quartermain reported, "Ma'am, I don't know how else to describe it... but there are these... flying horse-like monsters descending everywhere across the globe! The superheroes have engaged them... but what should we do..."
After a moment, she reported, "Take those things down! They are targeting children! I repeat! Shoot to kill!"
"Understood," Agent Quartermain nodded, "All agents! Engage!"
With that order, S.H.I.E.L.D. began to counter-strike the enemy...
Back with Cap's team, the Nightmares became invisible to all... including a certain archer. Clint grinned as he drew out another arrow, "Ah, there they are!"
He then fired an explosive arrow and destroyed a group of them. Winter Solider and Black Widow stood back to back as the fired their respective weapons upon the creatures of darkness, not letting a single Easter Egg come to harm.
Mystique was starting to get overwhelmed, when all of a sudden, the Nightmares that were overwhelming her, were shot down. The shapeshifter's eyes widened, "Is that...?"
"It's S.H.I.E.L.D.," Natasha spoke up, "I guess Director Hill's final has her eyes opened."
"With some help of Strange, no doubt," Wong added as Blade took out a great many of Nightmares.
"We'll take any help we can get!" Captain America exclaimed, "Now, let's get these things off our world!"
With that, the Man Out of Time threw his mighty shield at the incoming Nightmares...
S.H.I.E.L.D. weren't the only ones who became aware of the Nightmares, Daredevil ran across the rooftops, as several of the creatures pursued him. Sensing them with his radar vision, the Man Without Fear threw his billy club which bounced off several objects before taking out the Nightmares and landing back into his hand. Another was about to spring up, but it was killed by an incoming sai which landed in front of the blind lawyer, as its owner picked up her weapon, he smirked, "I know it was there..."
Electra twirled her sai, as she nodded, "I know. But I thought you would appreciate some backup." Just then, more Nightmares showed up, putting the two vigilantes on alert, as she wondered, "Matt, what are those things?"
"Not sure," He admitted as he went into his battle stance, "But ever since I could sense them, I can feel them targeting kids... all over the city. We have to stop them."
Her eyes narrowed as she went into her own battle stance, "Then let's get to work!"
With that, they charged straight for the overwhelming enemy without fear...
Frank Castle was having a busy night when the Nightmares showed up. As soon as he saw those creatures targeting kids... he knew he HAD to punish them! The Punisher began unloading everything he had in the Nightmare...
Iron Fist proceeded to use his glowing fist and destroyed a Nightmare, turning to his best friend Luke Cage, who was wrestling with another creature, "Let me guess, you sending the bill to Stark again."
"You know it," Luke grinned before slamming the dark horse to the ground, destroying it.
Just then, a swarm of ants attacked the Nightmares as Scott Lang, the second Antman, lead the charge, "I don't care if we get payed for this or not! These things are going to regret going after my daughter!"
With that, he grew into Giant Man and began crushing the Nightmares, the ants missed...
In England, the Black Knight rode on his pegasus as he struck down Nightmare after Nightmare...
Wakanda immediately wiped out all traces of Nightmare, as the Dora Milaje led the attack, Okoye stood by Shuri, as she declared, "This is the fate of all who come to invade Wakanda!"
In the Savage Land, Ka-Zar killed a Nightmare with his bare hands, as Zabu the Sabertooth Tiger pounced on another. One was about to seek upon the Lord of the Savage Land, when a spear stabbed the creature, destroying it, he turned to his wife, Shanna, who picked back up the spear, "I think it's time we speak to our friends within the X-Men and Avengers about what we things are."
"Agreed," He nodded to the Queen of the Jungle, "But first, let's ensure our village's children are safe."
The half-naked couple stood back to back, while the endangered tiger groweled at the incoming dark horses...
In Latveria, Doctor Doom blasted a Nightmare with his own power, while grabbing another by the throat, pulling it in to face him as his Doombots exterminated the rest. His eyes narrowed, "You trespass on Latverian grounds, intimate it's children, and thought you could walk away... you were mistaken." He then finally let the creature go, as it nervously back away, "Tell your master that Doom fears no one and this land, this world belongs to Doom. Attempt this again, and he will suffer... now, go... while I still allow it."
With that, the Nightmare retreated back to its world. The arch-foe of the Fantastic 4 turned to his computer, analyzing the power to travel between worlds and comparing it with the information, he stole from the Baxter Building, he hummed to himself, "Interesting..."
Back in New York, Maira turned to Tony, "S.H.I.E.L.D.'s are engaging these creatures all over the globe. Some of the other superheroes too, I think. But I want a full report of what's going on here."
"We're still figuring out some of the details ourselves," Iron Man admitted before firing at another repulsor at a Nightmare trying to damage the world portal. Harry even joined the fight, as he was now in his New Goblin suit, before throwing several pumpkin knives projectiles at the Nightmares. Tony sighed, "Easter Sunday can't come soon enough. I hope Spider-Man and Wanda are having a better time than we are."
Back on the World of Holidays, Bunny was looking guilty when none of the kids were finding his Easter Eggs... only he barely had any to send out thanks to Pitch...
"There aren't any eggs... There's nothing here. I give up, come on. Let's go. He didn't come. I don't understand."
"Maybe he just hid them really well this year."
"Kids, wait..." Bunny hopped out of the bushes with a basket full of painted eggs, hoping to cheer them up.
"I checked everywhere. There's nothing."
"Yes, there is! There is!" He told them as he offered some of his eggs, "I mean these aren't my best-lookin' googies, but they'll do in a pinch!"
"I can't believe it-" A girl frowned.
"I- I know," Bunny chuckles ruefully but his smile went away at what the girl said next.
"...There's no such thing as the Easter Bunny." She finished brokenhearted.
"What? No!" The Easter Bunny shook his head, "Wrong! Not- not true! I'm- I'm right in front of ya', mate!" But they passed through Bunny, like he was a ghost causing him to gasp in despair, "They don't see me... They don't see me..."
Bunny proceeded to crumple over and cry softly. Soon enough, Spider-Man, Scarlet Witch, and Jack returned as the Web-Head eyes widened under his mask, "Oh no..."
Tooth went to comfort Bunny as North turned to Jack and the two Avengers, "Jack! Where were you? The Nightmares and Heartless attacked the tunnels, they smashed every egg, crushed every basket... nothing made it to the surface!"
"Well... I..." Jack tried to explain while Wanda scanned the area, with fear in her eyes.
"Sora! SORA!" She called out completely worried, before turning to Santa, "Where's Sora? Where's my baby?!"
"Relax Wanda," North reassured her before stepping aside to reveal a sobbing boy being comforted by Genie and Meow Wow, "They tried but we didn't let them anywhere near the boy..."
"Oh, thank God," Wanda sighed in relief before rushing to his side, picking him up, "Hey, hey, hey... It's alright... what's wrong, baby?"
"They smashed my eggs," Sora cried before sobbing, "They ruined Easter!"
"Sssssshhhh," The Scarlet Witch comforted her son, before thinking nasty thoughts of all the things she was going to do to Pitch when she got her hands on him for making Sora cry, but held those emotions back, whispering, "It'll be alright. You're safe. That's all that matters. We can always paint more eggs. Jesus still rose from the dead on this day. We can still have a happy Easter."
Peter removed his mask and brushed Sora's hair, as Tooth flew over to the Winter Spirit, "Jack!" She noticed the tooth box in his hands causing her to gasp, "Where did you get that?"
"I was- It's, uh-" Jack tried to explain.
"Where's Baby Tooth?" She gasped again, before assuming the worst, "Oh Jack, what have you done?"
"That is why you weren't here?" North looked betrayed, "That's our Avengers friends never showed? You were with Pitch?"
"Ooooooh," Genie winced before muttering to the Parker family, "I wouldn't want to be Chris Pines at this moment."
"No, listen! Listen!" Jack tried to defend himself, before seeing Sora's shocked expression tears still falling. Wanda didn't need to read minds to know that expression made Jack's heartbreak further. He sighed before apologizing, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean for this to happen!"
"He has to go," Bunny finally spoke up.
Jack turned to face Bunny in shock, "What?"
"WE SHOULD HAVE NEVER TRUSTED YOU!" Bunny glared at him stunning Jack, before the former looked at him looked heartbroken, "Easter is... new beginnings, new life. Easter's about Hope." He shook his head as he turned away, "And now it's gone."
Unable to say another word, Jack turned around, as North and Tooth turned away from him. The Winter Spirit pulled out the wooden baby from North's nesting doll and dropped it in the grass before taking off on his own. Things were silent, until Bunny patted himself, "Wait... I... I still feel believed in... not much... but a world full of kids still believe."
Tooth and North turned to the Easter Bunny in shock, "But how...?"
"The Avengers," Wanda answered as the three Guardians turned to her and Spider-Man, she explained, "Harry managed to pull through, and we were able to get a hold of our friends back home. Just before we came to the Warren, we informed them of the situation and Cap led an operation to ensure Easter happened on our world and made many eggs. And since we told Cap about Pitch, they must have been able to repel Pitch's Nightmares...
While many were sleepy, the heroes of Earth smiled to see happy children finding Easter Eggs in Central Park. Thor smiled, "It would appear this day has been won."
"About time," Clint added before glancing at his empty quiver, "Those Nightmares made me use all of my arrows..."
Storm smiled as she saw a little girl finding an Egg, beaming like she received the best gift in a long time, "Those happy faces on those children... and if it helped Wanda and Spider-Man... it was all worth it."
"Hmph," Hulk crossed his arms, "Was hoping I get a chance to smash this Xehanort or the Boogyman..."
"Get in line, bub," Wolverine grumbled.
"I see things went smoothly out here," Black Panther joined the group of heroes without his mask on.
"T'Challa," Storm brightened up at the King of Wakanda's presence before smooching him on the cheek, much to Clint's shock, "My love."
"Since, when was T'Challa and Storm a thing," Hawkeye turned to Hulk.
"I thought it obvious, Cupid," The founding Avenger replied.
"I have a life outside of the Avengers, Clint," T'Challa smirked, "Including reuniting with old childhood friends."
"Seriously, you're Wakanda," Clint blinked at the Mistress of the Elements.
"I was born in Africa, but I never lived near the Kingdom," Storm admitted, "I was a thief when we met, and tried to steal from him."
"So~ reverse Aladdin if he was royalty and Jasmine was the Thief," Hawkeye blinked, "Never would have guessed."
"I suppose that's an accurate comparison," The King of Wakanda smiled.
"So, how's getting our friends that backup they need going?" Logan removed his mask.
"With Mr. Osborn's help, we should soon be able to contact our missing friends with our Avenger I.D. cards, even if we're on another world," T'Challa answered, "Unfortunately, we won't be able to run the portal stable without the Arc Reactor at Stark Industries, I've requested to Wakanda to donate some vibranium as an alternative power source, but it will take time to transport here."
"Time we don't have," Logan sighed, "Great, guess the Web-Head and Wanda are on their own... with a kid to keep an eye on."
"And the Child of Destiny, whoever they may be," Storm frowned in deep concern.
"Hey, we saved Easter," Hawkeye gestured to the kids playing, "That's gotta count for something at least."
"Yes, we saved the eggs and baskets we made," Black Panther nodded, "However, no additional eggs or baskets were among the gifts we made... we can only assume something went wrong on Spider-Man's and Wanda's end. All we did, was keep hope alive on one world out of trillions."
"You mean to say we did next to nothing," Hawkeye's eyes widened in shock.
"We don't know for sure until we get our ID cards updated and operational," T'Challa glanced to the skies, "The only thing we can say for certain is that we bought some time."
"Then... it's truly up to them," Thor frowned at that statement, "Let us hope they use that time wisely..."
"...it's not much since the rest of the team can't leave our world yet," Wanda finished, "...but we can at least keep Hope alive until children realize Hope isn't something that's so easily killed."
"Thank you..." Bunny nodded, "...I wouldn't have any believers left if it hadn't been for you two..."
"So, what now?" Tooth wondered, "How are we supposed to make a comeback against Pitch now? Sandy's gone, all of my fairies are captured, Pitch ruined this year's egg hunt..."
"...and it's only a matter of time before all the children stop believing," The Easter Bunny sighed, "...and Pitch is finally free to screw around the other worlds."
"We have one shot left," North realized, "Pitch wasn't counting on the other Avengers participating in this year's Easter, protecting their eggs so they wouldn't lose hope." Before turning to the heroes from the Marvelous City, "Which means, what happens next is up to the two of you and your team..."
"So, no pressure," Genie joked while squeezing a Spidey Stress Ball, "At least compared to what Marve has been doing to you in your comics these days."
The two Avengers turned to each other, before Peter crossed his arms, "Well, we know where Pitch's lair is, but going over there now when Pitch is at his strongest isn't the best idea."
"If we had more of the team here like Iron Man, Cap, Thor, Hulk... anyone, I'm sure we could defeat him," Wanda thought before shaking her head, "But we don't have any way to bring them here..."
"...unless we borrow a snow globe," Peter thought before turning to Santa, "Can you...?"
"Is good plan, but the power of the globes is powered by belief, the less there is," North gave the heroes, "The distance they can carry, we'd be lucky to transport anywhere on this world now with the globes."
The two Avengers groaned, "So much for that idea..."
Meow Wow gave a small whine, as everyone thought about what to do. Sora then spoke up, "Then... I say we get Jack back..."
"WHAT?!" Bunny exclaimed scaring Sora, as his mother held him back, "After what he did?!"
"Easy, Bunny," Tooth told the Easter Bunny, "Remember Sora's just a kid going through serious issues."
Bunny took a deep breath and sighed, "Look, Sora, I'm sorry I yelled, but you've got to understand Jack went to Pitch instead of coming here where we needed him. We can't trust him."
"But didn't the Man in Moon choose him to be a Guardian?" Sora blinked in confusion, "Why would he pick Jack if he knew he was going to hurt you?"
"Jesus also chose Judas to be among his disciples, knowing that he would betray him," North explained to Sora calmly, "Perhaps he was hoping he would be given a chance to choose a better path..."
Peter then spoke up, "Then again... many of the Saints we know and love, didn't start off as righteous either. Peter denied Jesus three times during his capture, Moses grew up as an Egyptian Prince who ignored his people for years before finding he was related to them, and even then wandered the desert instead of finding a way to free his people from the start... but that's not what defined them. They would overcome their sins and become the men God wanted them to be." Everyone turned to Peter, "I know I had my share of poor choices and mistakes I still regret to this day, but I try to do my best to do better. Remember everything my Uncle taught me."
Wanda smiled as she joined him, "Yes, we can all agree Jack could've ignored Pitch calling out to him and come right back here immediately, without dragging us along, but just because someone stumbles and loses their way doesn't mean they're lost forever."
"I think what Sora is trying to say is that maybe if we speak to Jack, find out why the Man in Moon chose him," Peter smiled as he brushed Sora's hair, "We can turn this around and stop Pitch and Xehanort."
"Hmmm..." North hummed in thought.
Bunny raised an eyebrow, "And if still allies himself with Pitch?"
"Then I'll kick his butt myself," Wanda smiled, as she her free hand, started a hex.
"..." Bunny stared at her before shrugging, "Okay, I'm convinced."
"You are?!" Tooth blinked in shock.
"Hey, even if they fail, which I bet they will," Wanda frowned at that, as Bunny continued with a smirk, "I know Scarlet Witch will hurt him ten times over, and I'm not going to let that pass up."
While it was clear that Bunny did not believe Jack could be redeemed after everything that had happened, he still gave them his approval to go after him. North, however, nodded to the two Avengers in approval, "Even if this wasn't our only option, everyone deserves a second chance. If Jack can be redeemed, we cannot give up on him."
Tooth nodded as she told the two Avengers, "Pitch will be more focused on us with Easter in shambles... we'll keep him busy until you return."
"We'll be back, and we'll stop him," Peter nodded before Wanda lifted up Sora and flew off, with Spider-Man swinging after her. Genie followed close to the group, as Meow Wow hopped after them.
Wanda smiled at the islander, "Sora... I'm very proud of you despite everything that's happened, you're willing to give Jack a second chance."
"I know he hurt Santa, Bunny, and Tooth Fairy for not helping... hurt me too when the monsters broke my eggs," Sora admitted, "But I never thought Jack was a bad guy."
"Neither do your mother and I," Spider-Man replied, "That's why we have to find him. Jack was willing to come back with us... until he said he heard something. And I doubt he deliberately would come if Pitch was calling. Not without alerting the others."
"So, what did call him," Wanda smiled.
"Well, I'm no Dwayne Johnson," Genie spoke up getting the two Avengers' attention, "But since the teeth hold childhood memories, it's like Pitch used an old memory of someone he knew before he became Jack Frost."
"Someone close to Jack..." Peter whispered in realization, "If heard Gwen's voice or Uncle Ben..."
"...you would go after him running," Wanda came to the same conclusion, "Like I would if he used the memory of my foster parents. Anyone would have been tempted."
"And since Jack had no memory of his life prior..." Spider-Man realized, "We need to find him! And Quick!"
Meanwhile, Jamie was still searching for eggs with his friends. He tried to reach for an egg in the gutter of his rooftop, but he lost his balance on the ladder and only broke his fall by clinging onto the gutter as it pulled off before crashing to the ground. Jamie looked up, but the 'egg' turned out to be a colorful tennis ball. He dusted himself back up as he told his friends, "Let's check that park again!"
"Really?" Caleb, one of his friends, rolled his eyes.
"For what?" Claude, another one of his friends, asked, "The Easter Bunny?"
"Guys, I told you! I saw him!" Jamie told him of the events last night, "He's way bigger than I thought! And he's got these cool boomerang things!"
"Ugh, grow up Jamie…" Caleb told the brunette much to his shock.
"Oh man, seriously?" Claude rolled his eyes again.
Jamie turned to his friends who looked incredibly downtrodden. His eyes widened in concern, as if they were completely different people, "What's happened to you guys?"
"It was a dream!" Caleb told the only one in the group who still believed, "You should be happy you still get dreams like that and not..."
"Nightmares..." The big girl nicknamed Cupcake finished as they all turned away to go home.
"Forget it, Jamie," The other girl in the group, Pippa, looking at Jamie in sympathy, "There's just no Easter this year."
"He really is real!" He desperately called out to his friends, "...I know he is."
Meanwhile, in Antarctica, Jack ran up to the side of an ice cliff and was about to throw his box of baby teeth off the ledge in anger... but he couldn't do it. As much as he hated the fact he failed the Guardians... that look Sora gave him when he found out why all of his Easter Eggs were smashed... he couldn't throw away the memories of his old life either. Suddenly, Pitch appeared behind him, "I thought this might happen. They never really believed in you. I was just trying to show you that. But I understand."
Jack's eyes narrowed in anger as he reeled on Pitch, blasting him with ice, and forcing him to raise a black sand barrier in defense. The Winter Spirit roared, "You don't understand anything!"
He then fired another icy blast at the Boogyman, as their powers clashed creating a blinding explosion. As Jack went to search for the villain, he could hear Pitch call out, "No?! I do know what it's like to be cast out! To not be believed in!" Jack spun around as he looked at him with a sympathetic face, "To long for... a family." Jack lowered his staff as the King of Nightmares continued, "All those years in the shadows, I thought, 'No one else knows what this feels like.' But now I see I was wrong. We don't have to be alone, Jack. I believe in you - and I know children will too!"
"In me?" Jack blinked.
"Yes! Look at what we can do!" Pitch smiled as he excitedly gestured to a spiky creation of ice and black sand, made during their clash, "What goes together better than cold and dark? We can make them believe! We'll give them a universe where everything, everything is-"
"Pitch Black?" Jack glared at him, seeing through his ruse.
"And Jack Frost too," The Boogyman added after a moment before grinning, "They'll believe in both of us."
"No, they'll fear both of us," The Winter Spirit shook his head, "And that's not what I want. And don't think Wanda and Peter hadn't told me what you and Xehanort want with Sora... even if it was belief over fear... I would never ally myself with someone who would harm a child!" He then turned away from the Boogyman, "Now for the last time, leave me alone."
Pitch was taken aback by Jack's words but waved it off, "Very well. You want to be left alone? Done! But first..."
Jack froze when he heard familiar squeaks and much to his horror saw Baby Tooth in Pitch's hand causing him to gasp in concern, "Baby Tooth!"
He aimed the staff at Pitch again but held the tiny fairy just so that the Winter Spirit would have to go through her to get to the Boogyman. The villain demanded, "The staff, Jack!" Jack's eyes widened, as Pitch glared at the three-hundred-year-old, "You have a bad habit of interfering. Now hand it over, and I'll let her go."
Baby Tooth shook her head, telling Jack not to do it. However, blaming himself for putting her into this position in the first place complied, as he handed his staff to the Boogyman. The Winter Spirit glared at the Boogyman as he held out his hand, "Alright, now let her go."
Pitch smirked in victory, before frowning, "No." Jack was shocked, before getting furious at the villain, "You said you wanted to be alone. So be alone!"
The villain laughed wickedly when Baby Tooth bit into his hand, causing him to yelp in pain. In anger, he threw her aside on the icy crack. Jack's eyes widened in horror, "No!"
Before he could do anything, Pitch broke his staff in half causing Jack to groan in visible pain. He was about to blast him with his black sand when a red hex struck him in the chest sending the King of Nightmares flying back, dropping the broken staff, and sliding across the snow. Jack blinked in shock when he saw Wanda gently descending to the ground to his side, glaring at Pitch, as the Boogyman recovered from the Scarlet Witch's attack with a smirk, "Shouldn't you be hanging out with your Guardian friends... it's only a matter of hours before everyone loses faith in them and they end up powerless to help your precious boy."
Wanda's eyes glowed red as she glared at him, "You...made... my... baby... cry..."
Red mist surrounded Pitch as Spider-Man, Genie in a Secret Service outfit, and Sora on Meow Wow landed beside her much to Jack's shock. The mist picked up the Boogyman in the air much to his shock before slamming him all over the snowy grounds like a ragdoll. Wanda pulled Pitch towards her much to his shock, before she pulled a fist back, glowing with a heck, and punched the Nightmare King in the face sending him flying and crashing through the icy wall. Jack glanced at Peter, "Man... your girlfriend can be scary..."
"Just be grateful she's not taking that anger out on you," Peter half-joked.
Jack nodded, mentally thanking God, she was more angry at Pitch than she was at him. The Boogyman scrambled to his feet as Wanda slowly approached him with Genie at her side, he glared at him, "Listen here, Watson! I've been doing this gig longer than your franchise was an inkling of a thought! I never failed to grant a wish and I ain't planning to start now!"
"Okay, you're more powerful than I gave you credit for," Pitch turned to Wanda, wiping the snow and ice off his bruised face, as she slowly approached him, "But every child who succumbs to my Nightmares and darkness, only makes me stronger... perhaps, if the Child of Destiny was older and received the Keyblade, you'd have a chance but that's still distance in the future... one that'll never come to past... it's only a matter of time before all children lose their faith, and Xehanort and I get the boy!"
Meow Wow growled at Pitch, as Wanda merely shrugged, "Then I guess we'll have to put an end to your reign now... so I'd surrender if you know what's good for you."
"I'd listen to the lady," Peter agreed, "We've faced the Lord of the Underworld, a crime rat, a man-hating tiger, a corrupt judge, a couple of my rogues, and a Sith Lord! And we've always come on top!"
"You've been lucky this far, but this is where your luck ends," Pitch shrugged them off, before turning to the Dream Eater, "I can't risk you bringing their dreams back, so allow me to reintroduce an old enemy..." He then snapped his fingers as Heartless appeared ready to attack, "While I'm sure you'll have no problem dealing with them, they'll keep you occupied long enough for me to finish my work... but don't you worry..." His grin grew, "I'll be back for the boy when I'm done."
With that, Pitch disappeared into the shadows, as Wanda turned to Jack, "Watch after Sora and Baby Tooth. We'll deal with the Heartless."
"I won't fail you two again," The Winter Spirit nodded, as Sora hopped off the Dream Eater and picked up the pieces of Jack's broken staff. The three-hundred-year-old gestured to the islander, "Come on, Sora."
The little boy nodded as he ran to his side as they went to chuck on Baby Tooth. Genie then poofed into the Terminator, "Hasta la vista, baby!"
He then blasted the Heartless with powerful magic, as Peter activated the lightsaber and cut down the incoming waves of Heartless. The Scarlet Witch effortlessly began wiping out every Heartless in her sight. One tried to get Wanda from behind when a web-line latched onto it, and Spider-Man made a certain fighting character impression, "Get over here!"
He then yanked Heartless towards him as he struck it down with the blue lightsaber. Wanda gave Peter a nod with gratitude, as Meow Wow began to plow right through the Heartless. Another group of Heartless came charging in, but Genie turned into a caveman with a bowling ball and threw it at the Heartless taking them all out. He then cheered, "Yabba-Dabba-Doo!"
It wasn't long before the remaining Heartless were eliminated, as Wanda looked around, "That's the last of them. Any sign of Pitch?"
"Gone," Peter answered as he deactivated the Jedi Weapon, "Chances are, we won't see him again until he's ready to face us... or unless we throw a monkey-size wrench into his operation."
The Scarlet Witch sighed as she turned to Sora, "I hate to say this... but if we don't find a way to stop Pitch soon... without the Avengers to help... I'm not sure how we're going to keep him safe this time."
"We'll find a way," Peter reassured her, "We always do."
Wanda lightly smiled at Peter before that, as Genie glanced at the script labeled 'Avengers: Darkness in Kingdom Hearts,' "I also think Spiderfan has a happy ending planned for this with an exciting post-credits and trailer for a spin-off for this story... so I think we'll be okay in the long run."
Both Avengers and Dream Eater stared at Genie in confusion before turning to Jack, who nodded, "They'll be okay..." He sighed, "Can't believe you came to help... despite how badly I screwed things up..."
"Sora didn't want to give up on you," Wanda admitted as she gestured to the boy, "Even after his eggs got smashed by the Nightmares, he knows you never meant for it to happen."
Jack glanced at the child, "Seriously?"
The boy nodded, "I forgive you... for not being back for coming right back like you said you would to your friends."
"Yeah, well, I'm sorry all the same," Jack told the boy, as the two Avengers sat beside the group, "How'd you guys even find me anyways?"
Peter then grabbed a device on the Winter Spirit's hoodie, "I placed a Spider-Tracer on you, right before we returned to the Guardians... just in case you ran off on your own blaming yourself for everything that's happened. I attuned it to work with my Spider-Sense, so they worked even here. One way or another, I knew we'd have to track you down eventually."
The white-haired frozen teen nodded, before turning to Baby Tooth, "You alright, Baby Tooth?" The tiny fair twittered before sneezing, he sighed again, "Sorry, all I can do is keep you cold."
"We should keep moving," Wanda suggested, "Get to someplace warming and find a plan to stop Pitch for good."
"Look, I'm grateful after everything I did, you guys came back to check on me..." Jack raised his hand, "But Pitch was right about one thing, I do make a mess of everything."
Baby Tooth then climbed inside Jack's Hoodie's front hand pocket, as Peter told him, "I get it... there's been times I've felt like just giving up too." The Winter Spirit blinked, as the masked hero stated, "Don't let my humor fool you, I've seen some things I wish I hadn't. And made my mistakes and bad choices I wish I could take back. The humor is just to hide that pain, and mask my own fears... don't get me wrong it has its benefits, like keeping people calm when they're scared or making my enemies angry and sloppy... but I've lost some good people because of me: Uncle Ben, Captain Stacy, Gwen, Eddie... but the thing is I've come to learn that I'd be letting them down if I just gave up. Sure, we screwed up, we've all have at some point in our lives... but the trick is to never give up. Otherwise, a lot of people wouldn't be here now if it hadn't been for me."
"That's true," Wanda smiled in encouragement, "I've also had my own share of bad choices... but I became an Avenger, wanting to right those wrongs... maybe this is just your next step to becoming a Guardian..."
Jack thought about what the two had to say, when all of a sudden, he heard that voice again, "Jack? Jack!"
"What is it?" Wanda wondered, "Is it the voice again?"
"Yeah," He blinked. He proceeded to stare at his pocket which began to glow with a golden light.
Sora tilted his head, "What's that?"
He pulls the toothbox out of his pocket, "Jack!"
Jack stared at the box before Baby Tooth climbed out of his pocket. Peter blinked, "You're memory teeth?"
"Yeah, but with everything that's happened..." Jack looked conflicted by looking into his memories now.
Wanda placed a comforting hand on him, "It's okay... you've been waiting for this... see why you were chosen..."
As everyone encouraged Jack, he turned to Baby Tooth once more, who gave him a nod as she placed her hand on the spot he was supposed to touch. The Winter Spirit complied as he pressed the box and the memories started coming back to him...
He was remembering it all. He had a mother, a father, and a little sister. He had a family, but he was a prankster even then as he recalled something his mom once told him, "Come on Jack, you can't have fun all the time."
He remembered entertaining children as he hung upside down from a tree branch while 3 children watched him, one of who was his sister. She told him, "Jack, get down from there!"
By firelight, he remembered performing buffoonery with two antlers on the side of his head causing many to laugh. Then one Winter, he decided to take his sister ice skating as he remembered the last thing his mother told them, "Be careful."
"We will!" He laughed as his sister laughed with him.
Of course, that would be the last time he ever saw his mother, as the ice wasn't quite thick enough, the ice underneath his sister began to crack. Jack remembered to take every precaution, including removing his own skates as he cautiously tried to approach her without damaging the ice any further, as he attempted to calm her, "It's okay, it's okay! Don't look down, just look at me."
She turned to him with fear in her eyes, "Jack... I'm scared..."
"I- I know, I know, but you're gonna be alright... you're not gonna fall in," He tried to reassure her before coming up with a plan, giving her a smile, "Uh... We're gonna have a little fun instead!"
"No, we're not!" She cried.
Jack tilted his head, "Would I trick you?"
"Yes!" Her sister exclaimed as the ice cracked further, "You always play tricks!"
"Well, alright," He gave her that before going back to reassure her, "...well not- not- not this time. I promise... I promise you're gonna be... you're gonna be fine. Ya haft to believe in me." His sister gulped before he told her, "You wanna play a game? We're gonna play hopscotch! Like we play every day!"
He then decided to do a little example of what he wanted her to do, as he hopped, "I- It's as easy as, uh, one..." When the ice cracked a little, he distracted her by pretending to almost lose his balance, "Woah!" He remembered it working causing her to laugh, as he finished his turn to reach his shepherd's staff, "Two! Three!"
He remembered the part he was on was sturdy as he knew it could hold her weight, he also recalled he had to act quickly if he was going to save her, "Alright. Now it's your turn. One..." She complied moving towards him a little as the ice beneath her cracked further, causing her to gasp, but he still encouraged, "That's it, that's it. Two!" He held out the stick near her as he moved closer, before making her final jump, "Three!"
Act swiftly, Jack used the staff to catch her and quickly switched places with her around so that she would on the thicker ice towards the land. He sat up and smiled, relieved that she was safe, as she smiled back at him...
However, as he stood back up, the cracked ice could not hold his weight before it broke and he fell into the icy waters, instead of his sister. The last thing he remembered as his sister crying out for him, "Jack!"
As Jack's life slowly drained in the icy water, the moon looked down on him, shining its light upon him, and transforming him... as his hair turned white, Jack Frost was born...
Back in the present, Jack gasped inside the fissure, still holding the tooth-box as saw everyone blinking at him. Genie then shrugged, "So, was that it?" He then transformed into Tinker Bell, as he spoke in a squeaky voice, "Just a little sparkle sparkle? Isn't this supposed to be the grand reveal moment, or is it something only Jack and the readers get to see?"
"Did you see- Did any of you see that?!" Jack brightened up.
Baby Tooth shook her head as Peter stated, "Yeah, sorry, none of us our tele-" Wanda cleared her throat before the Web-Slinger corrected himself, "Most of us aren't telepaths."
"And I didn't intrude on your memories..." Wanda smiled, "So, what did you see?"
Jack laughed as he picked up Baby Tooth and he beamed with excitement, "It- it was- it was me! I had a family! I had a sister! I saved her!"
"Jack, that's wonderful," The Scarlet Witch smiled, before looking at him with sympathy, "I'm sorry you can't see her though... she's probably..."
"Hey, she got to live a full life, I wouldn't have changed a thing about the day I became Jack Frost," The Winter Spirit reassured her, before glancing to the moon, "That's why you chose me...because I was willing to lay down my life for her's..." The moon shined brightly as he realized, "I'm- I'm a Guardian!"
"I wish I had siblings," Sora frowned in disappointment.
"I don't know..." Wanda smiled at her boy, "Maybe if everything works out between me and your father... then maybe we can give you some brothers and sisters one day." She then turned to the Web-Slinger, "If you're okay with that..."
"Yeah, yeah..." Peter lightly chuckled, "I'm fine with that..." Before clearing his throat, "...after we get married..." He then babbled in embarrassment, "Not that I'm purposing... I mean... we should date a few times before we get to that..." Just then, their Avenger ID cards went off as Spidey muttered to himself, "Whew! Saved by the bell. Or ID card in my case."
Wanda blinked in shock, "Peter... our ID cards shouldn't be working this far from home... at all!"
Everyone's eyes widened, as the two Avengers went for their cards, as Iron Man'a image appeared on the screen, "Happy Easter, guys!"
"Tony!" They beamed as Jack leaned in to check on the armored Avenger.
"We finally got the ID cards upgraded so they could reach you," Iron Man smirked as he removed his helmet, "Thanks to Mr. Osborn and his company... we can now contact each other even if we are on the opposite ends of the Universe..."
"How are things holding up at home?" Spider-Man wondered, "Did Easter go okay over there?"
"Well, minus the fact that those creepy black sand horses tried to destroy every egg we got out," The CEO of Stark Industries answered, "Everything went okay. Strange cast a spell so any non-believers could see the baddies, and S.H.I.E.L.D. along with every other superhero on our world, fought against those things, and ensured the holiday went okay."
"We have a new problem though," Captain America added speaking into his own card, "The creatures are back and targeting the kids by storm... we're holding up, but they're scaring the kids one way or another."
"Guessing that means you and the team of holiday icons couldn't protect them from Pitch," Iron Man stated.
"Unfortunately, thankfully, Sora... and the Child of Destiny are safe for the moment," Wanda answered, "But we're not exactly sure how to stop Pitch at the moment..."
"We actually came up with a theory on that," Hank Pym said in his Avenger ID card, "If the Nightmares originated from Pitch, then there's a good chance if we defeat him, the Nightmares will as well."
"Great," Peter stated, "Problem is, with many kids stopped believing in the Guardians, they won't be in the best shape for the big showdown...,
"Wait, you can communicate with us through our Avenger ID cards," Wanda spoke up with hope in her eyes, "Could you send us some backup?"
"We have been studying magic energy from the portal Santa Claus makes when traveling between the worlds," Black Panther answered, "And through science, created a similar way we can travel back and forth between worlds. In theory, we should be more than capable of watching over these worlds with the Jedi Order, until the Child of Destiny and other Keyblade Masters are able to again. Even then, we can aid them when threats like Xehanort appear."
"Great, fire it up, and send us some backup already," Spidey's voice spoke up, hoping it wouldn't just be them against a major villain.
"One problem," Iron Man spoke up as he glanced towards the Master of Magnetism, who was currently leaning up against the wall, staring at the portal they had finished constructing, "This thing takes a lot of power to juice up, and since Wanda's dear old dad decided to trash the place... we're not powering it up anytime soon."
"SERIOUSLY, FATHER?!" Magento winced as his daughter screamed through the ID cards, "IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO MY SON BECAUSE OF YOUR HATE TOWARDS THE HUMANS-!"
"Easy, Wanda," Captain America spoke up, "We need you to be calm in all of this. We want to help, so work with us... is there any other way we could help."
Wanda tapped her foot in thought, "Without that portal, I'm not sure how you..." She then turned to Sora, "...can..." Her eyes lit up, "Wait... maybe we have a way to send one of you over here to help us deal with Pitch!"
"Seriously," Tony blinked in shock, "Great! Let's hear it!"
"I'd like to hear about this as well," Peter recalled.
"Remember, whenever, Sora needed help," Wanda smiled, "He's always been able to summon a friend for help, even if they're on another world."
Spider-Man's eyes widened underneath his mask, "That's right! Like Toby, Baloo, and Ashoka!"
"You're kid can do that?!" Tony blinked in shock, "With Disney Characters?!"
"Yeah," The Scarlet Witch smiled, "If Sora can bond with someone back home..."
"...we might be able to send you some backup after all," Captain America realized with a smile.
Iron Man nodded, "Okay, but who should the kid bond to? Something tells me that we've got one shot at this."
"Maybe Thor," Peter offered, "Or Wolverine."
"No," Wanda's smirk grew, remembering what she told Pitch she was going to do, "I know just the hero to send... I need you to contact the Hulk..."
Sora tilted his head, as Jack blinked, "Uh, what's a Hulk?"
"The Hulk is a founding member of the Avengers, and many people see him as a monster," Peter explained, "I've actually met the guy a few times. On our world, the Hulk is the strongest one there is."
"Seriously, an actual monster?" The Winter Spirit's eyes widened, "With fangs?"
"We literally visited a monster world when collecting teeth, and this is what shocks you," Peter raised an eyebrow.
"Touché," Jack nodded at that.
"You sure Wanda?" T'Challa asked the Scarlet Witch, "This could be the only backup we can send..."
"Which is why the Hulk is perfect, nothing scares him, he can protect my son easily," The daughter of Magento smirked, "...and he might be the only one strong enough to take Pitch down at the moment."
"..." After a brief moment of silence, Cap replied, "Understood, we'll put him through now."
"I wonder what he's been up to lately," Peter wondered...
"RRRAAAAGGGGHHHHHH!" Hulk let out a mighty roar as he tore a Nightmare in two. He groweled as more Nightmares charged at a family, so he moved in to incept them and stood in front of the scared citizens. He then proceeded to bash and punch and Nightmare that came at them. Once they were gone, the brute told the family, "Get yourselves home and lock your doors and windows."
"We will," The father of the family before he and his wife escorted their children home.
He then noticed Wasp zipping her way past him and zapped more Nightmares that came into the city, "Ugh! Can't these guys just quit already?! They're not beating us!"
"They don't have to," Vision stated as he destroyed another dark horse with a punch while firing a laser into another, "They only need to scare the younger ones. Which they are succeeding. They'll forget all about their Guardians and Pitch will be free to to roam the universe!"
"I still think we should go to him and smash him!" Hulk declared as threw a car at a group of Nightmares, destroying him.
"I'm with the Hulk on this," Blade agreed as he swung his sword decapitating three Nightmares before pulling out a gun and shooting another, "We have to cut off the head of the snake to end this!"
"Great plan," Hawkeye stated as he launched a net arrow to catch a group of Nightmares, "Did you all forget the fact we still can't reach this Pitch guy?!"
Wasp proceeded to finish off the Nightmares that the archer caught with her stingers, "Look! Hank, Tony, and the other scientists are making a way for us to reach them right now! We just need to buy them a little more time!"
As more of the dark horses came charging in, Thor's hammer came in and struck each and every Nightmare before returning to his hand, "Then we shall buy every minute, until that portal is working! Then we can battle these cowardly villains and save our friends and save the Child of Destiny!"
Just then, more Nightmares swarmed the heroes, as Wasp exclaimed, "Right then, Avengers Assemble!"
As more Nightmares swarmed in, the heroes moved to engage the enemy when Hulk's ID card went off. Blinking, he answered, "What? I was just about to smash some black sand horses!"
"Hulk," Captain America spoke the Avengers ID card, "We might have a way for you to join Wanda and Spider-Man... we need you to return to the Baxter Building now!"
"About time," Hulk nodded before changing direction and leaped toward the home of the Fantastic 4, already looking like he'd be halfway there from the first jump.
"Uh, guys," Clint blinked for a moment, "Did Cap really just call our heaviest hitter back in the middle battle?"
"Clint, Nightmares first, ask questions later!" Wasp told him as a massive horde of Nightmares charged at them.
Thor spun his hammer as it charged with lightning before he charged at the endless number of Nightmares, "HAVE AT THEE, NIGHTMARES!"
When Mjölnir made contact, an explosion of thunder and lightning could be seen, destroying the horde...
It didn't take long for Hulk to arrive at the Baxter Building. The promise of smashing the man responsible for the Nightmares was just too good to pass by. Heck, he didn't even bother waiting for the automatic doors to open, he knocked them down with ease. Reed turned to Tony, as the latter looked sheepish, "Ummmm... I can pay for that. Just be thankful he isn't living here."
Hulk glanced to the portal, "So, is that the machine that's supposed to take me to another world?" He then grunted after a minute, "Doesn't seem so impressive to me."
"Well, it's currently waiting for a power source before we try it out," Iron Man answered, "Regardless, that's not how we're sending you in there anyway."
Hulk glanced to the billionaire, as Cap spoke up, "It would appear that Wanda's son, Sora, could summon any friend from any planet or world for help. She believes if one of us could make that connection to the boy, he'd be able to call one of us for help against the fight against Pitch Black or Xehanort if he shows."
Hulk raised an eyebrow at that statement, "And you want me to be the kid's friend?"
"It was her request," Magento spoke up with his arms crossed, "Personally, I would have picked someone more... creative... on how to approach situations."
The green behemoth marched up to Wanda's father, and growled, "I can smash you too, magnet man."
Magento looked like he was going to stay his ground, when Cap stood between the two, "Easy, remember, we have a common goal here."
The two eased up, but their glares remained. Cap turned to the founding Avenger, "Hulk... Wanda and Spider-Man are counting on you to protect their kid. They know as well as I do of the kind of hero you are, and I know you can't stand the sight of an innocent child getting harmed. Pitch and Xehanort likely plan to do so one way or another. So, please, talk to him. Make him feel safe around you. Let him be your friend, and you be his..."
With that, Hulk took a deep breath, and his face softened. "Alright... so how do I contact this kid?"
Back on the World of Holidays, Hulk's image appeared on screen, and Wanda smiled, "Thank you for doing this, Hulk." The Jade Giant nodded as she turned to Sora, "Hey, buddy, do you want to meet another superhero? This one is a very good friend of mine and your father's."
Sora nodded eagerly as she gave the boy her Avenger ID card, "Hello?"
"Hey, kid," Hulk greeted the boy, "How are you holding up?"
"I'm okay, but the Boogyman smashed all my eggs," The islander admitted.
"I'm sorry about that," The founding Avenger apologized, "Tell you what, when I see this Boogyman... I smash him for that." Sora lightly smiled at that, "So, what's your name?"
"Sora," The boy answered, as Wanda smiled at Peter.
"Nice to meet you, Sora," Hulk replied, "I'm Hulk."
"My daddy said you are the strongest there is," Sora stated.
The strongest Avenger grinned, "You're dad sounds like a smart man..."
"So, be honest, did you pick him because you knew Hulk would be a good fit for Sora," Peter asked his girlfriend, "...or you really want Hulk to hurt Pitch the next time we see if for making Sora cry?"
"Yes," Was Wanda's only response.
After staring at her, Spidey shrugged, "Fair enough, in the meantime, we should do something to help weaken Pitch..."
"Like freeing the fairies back in his lair," Jack suggested, as he glanced at Baby Tooth, "I was already thinking of the same thing..."
Picking up the two broken halves of his staff, Peter blinked, "Wait... I thought Pitch broke it so you can't join in the fight."
"Hey, I'm not that stupid," The Winter Spirit grinned, "This isn't the first time my staff broke, I always have a way to fix it!" He then gestured to Baby Tooth, "I just needed Pitch to think otherwise, so he'd let Baby Tooth go..."
He then combined the two halves of the staff, as blue light shined as he began repairing itself. Baby Tooth grinned as three Genies held out signs of 10, 9.5, and 9.8 in rating Jack's fixed staff. Wanda blinked, "Wow... you actually had us all fooled there for a few minutes there... okay, but I doubt Pitch is just going to let us break into his lair again..."
"Oh, ye of little father," Genie waved Wanda off, "Sora made a good wish to save the holidays and I'm eager to grant it!"
Genie appeared as a certain Sorcerer Supreme and a portal similar to Strange's to Pitch's lair was open, much to everyone's awe, as he stated, "I think sometimes everyone forgets I'm phenomenally cosmic power! I beat I could even be a good matchup for old Galactus boy!"
"Great work, Genie," Peter smiled as Wanda placed Sora on Meow Wow, while he was still talking to the Hulk.
"Whoo hoo hoo hoo!" Jack immediately hopped through the Magic portal.
"Stay close to us, Sora," The Scarlet Witch told her boy, as she and Meow Wow hopped inside of it as well.
As Spidey and Genie joined them, the former stated, "Finally, things are looking up today!"
Meanwhile, back in New York, while Hulk was having a conversation with Magento's grandson, the Master of Magnetism crossed his arms as he stepped back, as he awaited his son's return. Just then, Quicksilver ran to his father's side, "Sorry for the delay, the humans have been keeping me busy with hiding eggs and fighting the creepy horses."
"Did you get what I requested?" Magento asked his son.
Pietro nodded with a smirk, as he presented him with Spider-Man's mask, "You were right. Peter Parker is Spider-Man... I found this hidden in his Aunt's home."
Magento took the mask, as wondered, "And the theory the humans came up for when the alien confused him in a Halloween costume..."
"Pure coincidence," As the speedster then revealed silver bracelets, "If it was a case of mistaken identity... then why would he carry the devices that project his webs?"
Magento lifted the devices with his power, muttering to himself, "Well, played Mr. Parker. You managed the fool the whole world, and fool your homosapien boss to accept photos of yourself." He then glanced at him, "What else did you discover about Wanda's lover?"
"Parents died of a plane crash when he was small, his uncle was murdered when he was a teen," Pietro stated, "And unless my math is off, he's been Spider-Man since High School." He then added, "That's not even the most interesting part, his only family is his Aunt, and not even she knows about his relationship with Wanda, my nephew, or the fact he slings webs in broad daylight..."
Magento's eyes widened slightly, "That... is interesting..."
He understood why she or her lover never told him about Sora, he didn't like it, but he understood. Maybe in a strange way, he understood why she never told about the other Avengers. Too many enemies to protect one boy from... but the fact that the Aunt of her boyfriend, maybe her husband, never knew about what he did with his own powers, her niece-in-law, or her great nephew puzzled him.
Sure, mutant-kind has hidden from their human family their own gifts, in fear of how they react. Did Parker have to hide his own gifts from his Aunt since High School? Did his Aunt fear mutants? Then why use his powers to help people, he didn't exactly keep a low profile... the Daily Bugle can attest to that.
Still, perhaps that's what attracted Parker and his daughter in the first place, and had a child together. He then asked his son, "Any indication if Parker is mutant or simply gained superhuman abilities."
"Looked around, and outside of those web bracelets, no... nothing I could tell," Peitro admitted, "Could be either one to be honest? But he's been around for a years, and is hated and feared like the rest of mutant-kind." He then wondered, "Why did you never recruit him?"
"Because if he was a mutant," Magento began, "I'm sure Charles would have recruited him in an instant since he's been protecting the humans." He crossed his arms, "Then again, there's a good chance he overlooked him like I have or just preferred to be on his own."
"Well, in terms of guys, Wanda could've ended up with someone worse," Quicksilver admitted, "Some of the humans thought she and Vision would've ended up together..." Magento glanced at his son, who raised his hands in defense, "Of course, I never believed it. Wanda's never been crazy enough to marry a android." He then turned to the Hulk, staring at his Avenger ID card, "So, what are they up to now?"
"One of Sora's gifts can briefly summon a friend to aid him, even if they're on another world," Magento explained, "Wanda's hoping he makes a connection with the Hulk so he can aid them."
"Really? That's like sending Blob or Juggernaut to help," The speedster raised an eyebrow, "I would have sent a professional like Domino or Psylocke. Heck, I would've volunteered to go myself."
"Unfortunately, Wanda doesn't partially trust us, especially after we attacked the 'heroes' at Stark Tower," Magento explained, "We may have overlooked the consequences for doing so, as the Arc Reacter would have powered the machine for us to travel to where they are right now..."
"...except we trashed it..." Quicksilver winced at that, "Okay, I get why she's angry now... and like it or not... this is our only play..." He then turned to his father, "So... if they survive this Pitch Black... do we confront Parker afterward?"
"Perhaps, but this Xehanort is still out there as well," Magento pointed out, "And he's clearly after the Child of Destiny which very likely could be Sora, so first we need to do everything in our power to ensure your nephew, my grandson, and the other lost children are safe from his grasp. Then we'll talk to Peter Parker... Spider-Man about a future with Wanda..."
Quicksilver nodded quietly as they awaited to see how things play out...
It wasn't long before Jack Frost, Spider-Man, Scarlet Witch, Genie, and Sora riding Meow Wow entered Pitch's lair. Peter pulled out his 'borrowed' lightsaber, "I've got Sora covered, free the fairies!"
Jack and Wanda nodded as Genie appeared as a military sergeant and saluted him. From there, they went to each cage, despite the dark power that kept the cages locked, it was no match for the combined powers of Jack Frost, Scarlet Witch, and the Genie. The last of whom turned into a certain sponge as he exclaimed happily, "Freedom! FREEDOM!"
"Come on, let's go!" Jack told the now-free fairies.
However, none of them took flight, as Wanda blinked, "Why aren't you flying? What's wrong?"
Genie then poofed into Peter Pan, "Huh, I didn't think fairies could run out of Pixie Dust?"
Jack's eyes widened in realization, "None of you can fly?"
Baby Tooth squeaked as she gestured to Pitch's globe. Everyone turned to see only a few lights still shining on it. Peter's eyes widened under his mask, "The lights..."
"We're too late," Wanda whispered in horror...
Back at the North Pole, a yeti had finally finished repainting all of the toy robots red, after Santa told him he didn't like the color blue. Smiling with satisfaction, until the entire workshop started shaking. Pitch Black came flying in as black sand, creating a big mess, as he grinned, "You're all free to go! We won't be needing any Christmas toys this year, thank you! Nor ever again."
Many yetis glared and grumbled at him while the one had finished repainting the robots, and groaned sadly, feeling like he couldn't catch a break. Pitch then glanced down on Santa's globe as he taunted, "Only six left... six precious children who still believe in the Guardians with all their hear-" He then stopped himself as he grinned while stepping on one of the lights, "Make that five!" He then moved on to step on another, "Four~!" Then another, "Three~!" And another as his grin grew, "Two~!"
With one light remaining, he smirked, once it vanished, he'd be free to roam the worlds, consuming them with darkness and fear, and not even the two Avengers could keep the future Guardian of Light safe from him. He snapped his fingers expecting it to go out, but it didn't vanish. Stunned, he tried snapping two more times, but it refused to go out. Despite everything he's done, one child still believed in the Guardians and refused to be snuffed out. His eyes narrowed in anger, "One!"
"Guys! Look! There's still one light left!" Spider-Man lept on the globe as everyone gathered around it.
"Hopefully, it's one on this world," Wanda muttered as she stared at the last remaining light.
"Wait, I know where- no, who this is," Jack brightened up as he recognized the location, "It's Jamie!"
"The kid Santa accidentally woke up," Spider-Man's eyes widened under his mask, "...and saw..." He then thought to himself, "Actually, considering he saw the Guardians... explains a lot!"
"Seeing isn't always believing, trust me I know," Jack explained, "Kid was a firm believer before he met North, Bunny, Tooth, and Sandy!"
"If he's the last one," Wanda realized, "Pitch is going to do everything in his power to make him stop believing or worse..." She turned to Genie, "We need to reach him first!"
Genie then transformed into a Magic School Bus, and another Genie sat in the driver's seat as Ms. Frizzle, "Seatbelts everyone!"
Everyone climbed inside as Meow Wow whimpered something, as Sora whispered, "What is it, boy?"
Glancing out the window, Sora saw a colorful bat looking down on them as he whispered to the newcomer, "Help us..."
With that Genie drove off as the 'bat' squeaked and flew off... to find other Dream Eaters...
It wasn't long before the heroes arrived at Jamie's home, the boy sat awake in his room as he turned to a stuffed rabbit, "Okay, look, you and I are obviously at what they call a crossroads. So, here's what's gonna happen..."
As everyone listened to his conversation with his stuffed toy, Genie turned into Gargamel, "This would be creepy in any other situation."
Everyone shushed Genie, as Jamie continued, "...if- if it wasn't a dream, and if you are real, then you have to prove it. Like, right now. I believed in you for a long time, okay? Like, my whole life in fact. So you kind of owe me now. You don't have to do much... just a little sign so I know. Anything. Anything at all."
"What's he doing, mommy," Sora whispered to the Scarlet Witch.
She turned to him softly, "Other than you, Jamie is the only one left who still believes in the Guardians... he's probably feeling more alone than ever... and wants to know if this is all worth it."
"Well, let's tell him they're real," Sora gestured to Jamie as he awaited for any response from the Easter Bunny.
"We can't, he doesn't know we exist," Peter admitted.
"Well, we've got to do something, otherwise that's it," Wanda glanced at her boyfriend.
When his stuffed rabbit did nothing, Jamie sighed as he dropped the toy off the bed, "I knew it..."
"Oh..." Genie looked at his laptop, "A failed wish is not going to look good on my resume..."
Jack hummed to himself before his eyes widened, he propped the window open, and Wanda turned to the Winter Spirit, "What are you doing?"
"Everyone, inside," He told the others, "I have an idea..."
Sora quickly complied followed by his Dream Eater and Genie. The two Avengers followed as Wanda closed the window behind him. Jack then placed his hand on the window, covering it with frost, he then began tracing his finger on the window, Jamie took notice as well, and to him, an Easter Egg was magically drawn on the window. The boy gasped as Jack proceeded to draw a rabbit underneath his first drawing. The last believer whispered, "He's real..."
"It's working!" Peter beamed as he turned to the Winter Spirit, "Keep drawing..."
"I've got something better in mind," Jack smirked as he finished the rabbit. He then glanced at the spikey-haired kid, "Sora..." The boy lifted his head, "Watch this..."
He concentrated on his drawing and pulled the frost off the glass into a 3D rabbit that hopped around Jamie's room, much to everyone's awe. Jamie and Sora laughed at the frost bunny, and Genie nudged him as he turned into Sylvia Sidney, "Not bad... not bad..."
Sora and Jamie chased the bunny on the bed before the latter touched it causing it to burst into snow, "Woah!" Jamie exclaimed as a small snowstorm started in his room, "... Snow?" A snowflake landed on Jamie's nose before he whispered to himself, "Jack Frost..."
Jack blinked in shock as he turned to the others, "Did he just say-"
Sora glanced at Jamie, who stood on his bed and started looking around as if looking for someone, "Jack Frost?"
"He said it again!" Jack turned to the two Avengers in shock, as he gestured, "He said-" The Winter Spirit turned to Jamie, "You said-"
Jamie turned directly at the 300-year-old, mouth gaped, "Jack Frost!"
"That's right! But- but that's me! Jack Frost!" Jack gestured to Jamie, "That's my name! You said my name!" He then turned to the two Avengers, "He said my name!"
"Uh... Jack? I think he sees you," Peter removed his mask and gestured to the boy who still had his eyes locked-in on the Winter Spirit while Wanda stared to notice as well.
Jack froze as he slowly turned to the still gaping boy, "Wait, c- can you hear me?" Jamie slowly noded, as Jack's eyes widened with hope, "Can- can you... can you see me?"
Jamie nodded again causing the Winter Spirit to laugh in shock, "He sees me! He- he sees me!"
Jack was so happy he did a backflip onto the boy's table. Jamie's eyes widened in awe, "You just made it snow!"
"I know!" The 300-year-old beamed.
"In my room!" The boy continued with excitement.
"I know!" He bounded off the bed and back near the window.
"You're real?!" Jamie asked in awe, as all of Jack's friends in the room smiled at him.
"Yeah, man! Who do you think brings you all the blizzards, and- and the snow days?!" Jack nodded as he gestured to the window before asking, "And you remember when you went flying on that sled the other day?"
"That was you?!" Jamie exclaimed in awe.
"That was me!" He confirmed with a smile.
"Cool!" The boy started bouncing on the bed as Sora climbed off and returned to his parents, who were happy for Jack, while Jamie wondered, "But what about the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy, like, I mean-"
"We- Real, real, real!" The Winter Spirit revealed with a smile, "Every one of us is real!"
"I knew it!" Jamie beamed, confirming what he was wasn't a dream.
"Jamie!" They could Jamie's mother call out to her son causing stop bouncing, "Who're you talking to?"
"Uhm..." Jamie hesitated before Jack gave him a look, saying it was okay to answer, "Jack Frost?"
This caused Mrs. Bennett to laugh, thinking he was talking to an imaginary friend, "Okay..."
While Jamie and Jack laughed together, Wanda smiled at the latter, "Congratulations Jack."
"We know you've been waiting a long time for a moment like this," Peter patted the Winter Spirit on the shoulder.
Jack chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head, "Oh, you guys have no idea!"
"Okay, now who are you talking to," Jamie asked Jack Frost.
"Oh, right..." Jack recalled, "They would still be invisible to you." He then gestured to the others, "Uh... these are my good friends Genie, Meow Wow, Spider-Man, Scarlet Witch, and their son, Sora."
"Wait... is that really going to..." Peter wondered as Jamie turned to them shocked, when Spidey realized, "...never mind. He definitely sees us."
"Hi, Jamie," Sora happily greeted the boy, "I'm Sora!"
"Wow!" Jamie glanced between all the people in his room.
Genie chuckled as he waved modestly to Jamie, "I know..." His face then poofed into Robin Williams, "...I just have one of those faces."
He chuckled in awe, "This is so cool!" He then turned to Wanda and Peter, "So, wait, are you two actually superheroes?!"
"That's right," Wanda smiled before gesturing, "Though technically so are Jack, Santa, the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, and the rest."
"That's so cool!" Jamie beamed when Meow Wow hobbled to the window and squeaked something, "What's with him?"
Sora peeked out the Window and saw North's sleigh, as the boy beamed, "It's Santa!"
When the others checked to see, it looked like the sleigh and the reindeer were having a tough time staying in the air. Wanda's eyes widened in concern, "That doesn't look good..."
"Come on!" Peter gestured to the others as the heroes, and the two boys quickly went back outside to check on the remaining Guardians...
North's sleigh had a rough landing on Jamie's street, and when it came to the stop, the reindeer ran off, despite his protests, "Ah, come back!"
"North," Tooth glanced at the Saint in concern, "...are you okay?"
"Is official," He sighed as he gestured to his now normal sleigh, "My powers are kaput!"
Tooth then noticed Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch with Jack, causing her to gasp, "Look!" She jumped off the sleigh, but was unable to fly, "Jack!" She stumbled to her feet, "Jack!"
"You okay?" Jack helped her to her feet, as she gingerly brushed her feathers back, looking a little embarrassed.
North used one of his swords as a crutch, "What are you all doing here?"
"Same as you," Jack answered as he glanced at a certain native boy of their world. Jamie ran out of the house with Sora by his side and saw the Guardians standing in front of the other heroes.
"The last light!" North gasped.
"Jack was able to figure out where it was when we liberated Tooth's fairies," Peter happily told the two, "We never would've gotten here in time, if it wasn't for him."
"Wow! It is you! I mean, it is you!" Jamie beamed happily before turning to Jack, laughing, "I knew it wasn't a dream!"
"Jack," North's eyes widened in joy, "...he sees you!"
"He also got him to see us as well," Wanda smiled, "Makes things less complicated for what comes next."
Jack shoved Jamie on the shoulder in fondness, before blinking realizing they were missing someone, "Wait- but- where's Bunny?"
"Even with the backup eggs the heroes of the Marvelous World provided, losing Easter took its toll on all of us," North admitted before glancing to the sleigh, "Bunny most of all."
Everyone raised an eyebrow in confusion when a tiny grey & white rabbit jumped up on the edge of the sleigh. Everyone gasped in shock, even Jack as he muttered, "Oh no..."
Genie blinked as he turned into a doctor, "Someone's got the rare case of Benjamin Button's aging..."
"Mommy? Daddy?" Sora turned to his parents in confusion, "Why is the Easter Bunny small, cute, and fluffy when he looked different yesterday?"
Peter was trying to hold back his laughter, while Wanda blinked, "I...I've got nothing, sweetie."
She then elbowed Peter to get him to stop laughing, but that didn't stop Jamie from laughing, "That's the Easter Bunny?"
"Now somebody on this bloody world sees me!" Bunny gestured to Jamie annoyed, "Awh- where were you 'bout an hour ago, mate?"
"What happened to him?" Jamie wondered, "He used to be huge, and cool, and now he's... cute."
"And fluffy!" Sora beamed as he and Jamie rubbed his head.
Bunny thumped his foot happily on the sleigh in response, "Oh, s' good!" He then snapped out of it and angrily waved them off, "Ahh! Stop that! Both of you!" He then glared at the Winter Spirit, "Did you tell him to say that?" He leaped down to Jack, jumped up, and hit his leg with both rear haunches, then hopped on his back feet like he was going to fist fight Jack, "That's it, let's go, me n' you! Come on!"
Peter's laughter resumed even though Wanda bumped him to try to stop, she couldn't help laugh either. It was just so adorable! Jamie quickly spoke up, "No, actually, he told me you were real! Just when I started to think that maybe you weren't..."
Bunny rested on his haunches, actually shocked by this revelation, "He made you believe? In me?"
Jamie nodded causing the now-small Bunny to turn to Jack, genuinely grateful. The Winter Spirit smiled back at him as Peter muttered to Wanda, "I think it's safe to assume Bunny's finally forgiven Jack."
"I think that's a safe bet," Wanda smiled back when thunder and lightning began to crack as everyone looked up, "Just like I don't believe that's Thor or Storm!"
Pitch stood tall on his black sand cloud with Nightmares and Heartless at his side. Spider-Man's eyes narrowed under his mask, "And I think it's safe to assume why he's here!"
"Get Sora and Jamie out of here!" Jack told the others, "I'll hold him off!"
"Be careful, Jack!" North told the Winter Spirit as he fell out to face the Boogyman.
The Guardians led the two boys away while Spider-Man, Scarlet Witch, and Genie, as a certain Asgardian, swinging a cartoon-like mallet, covered their escape in case any of Pitch's forces got past Jack. As Wanda glanced to the boys behind her, "Stay with them, boys!"
"Jack Frost!?" Pitch blinked in shock at the sight of the Winter Spirit still standing strong with his staff. He then shook off the shock as he chuckled while gathering all of his power, "Let's end this, shall we?!" The two charged at each other before Jack struck first with his ice powers only for Pitch to catch it, "That little trick doesn't work on me anymore!"
the Boogyman proceeded to blast Jack back with black sand causing him to fall to the city below. Pitch glanced to his Nightmares and Heartless, "Bring me the Child of Destiny... and tear his Dream Eater apart..." Many Nightmares and Heartless obeyed his command, as the rest remained by his side, "The rest of you... follow me!"
With that, Pitch Black led the charge against the heroes...
"This way, this way!" Bunny led the way to guide the boys to safety as the other two Guardians stood by their side and the Avengers and Genie made sure that no creature of darkness would come their way.
"Here they come!" Wanda's eyes narrowed in determination, "Sora... try to summon the Hulk... like the way you did with Tobey, Baloo, and Ashoka."
Sora nodded as he tried to focus as Nightmares and Heartless came for the heroes. Peter activated the lightsaber and used the blue blade to slice through three monsters as Wanda and Genie blasted the creatures with hexes and magic. Unfortunately, both the Nightmares and Heartless were more numerous than usual, likely due to the effect that one child outside of Sora still believed in the Guardians while the rest were just plain terrified and that just made the darkness all that stronger... especially with Sandy gone. What's worse was many actually, got past them as they descended upon Sora, causing the boy to scream, and Wanda's eyes to widen in horror, "NOOOOO!"
Thankfully, Genie saw the danger and poofed as a small army of Spartans raising Mickey Mouse emblem shields as one Genie declared, "This! Is! DISNEY!"
The darkness tried pressing in, but Genie refused to let any Nightmares or Heartless through, he turned to the others, "I've got him covered! Keep going! We'll join you when we can!"
"But-" Wanda raised her hand.
"Wanda, I don't like it either, but if Pitch gets Jamie, we'll lose anyway!" Peter told her as he placed a hand on her shoulder, "But Genie can protect Sora while we ensure Jamie's safety. We're the only ones who can with Jack keeping Pitch occupied while the other Guardians are out of commission! He can keep Sora safe from the darkness until he can summon the Hulk! It's all we can do until we turn this around somehow!"
Wanda hated this, but she could see Peter's point. This would be simpler if her father hadn't unintentionally sabotaged their chance of getting back up from the rest of the Avengers. This was their only shot. She turned to their son inside the army of Genie's who was trying to put on a brave face, she gave him hers as she told him, "Stay with Genie! We'll come back the moment Jamie is safe!"
"Try to get him to a Catholic Church if you can," Peter told the Genie, "The Heartless can't enter inside, and maybe there's a good chance the Nightmares can't either!"
Genie gave Spidey a thumbs up, as he held back the Heartless as the others split up from Genie, Sora, and Meow Wow...
Inside Sora tried to focus on bringing Mr. Hulk to this world, as he whispered to himself, "Come on! Come on!"
"Stay your ground men!" Genie told his copies, "We will not let the enemy pass us!" Suddenly, there was a bit of commotion outside of Genie's defenses as if something was fighting the darkness, when suddenly, silence caused Geine to blink, "Did someone hit the mute button? Can I didn't think that was possible since this is a written FanFiction..."
Meow Wow cheered happily causing Sora to blink in shock, as he peeked outside as many squeaks, whines, and roars could be heard. His eyes widened as did the Genie, as he transformed into the cast of the OG Jurassic Park with shocked expressions. Except for one that looked like Doc from Back to the Future as he whispered to himself, "Great Scott..."
Back with the Avengers and Guardians, Bunny unintentionally led them to a blocked-off corner of closed buildings as his eyes widened, "Ahhh, dead end! Other way, other way!"
Tooth and Jamie started to run, but North was hobbling as Peter went to help him, "Come on! We need to move!"
All of a sudden, Jack crashed on the streets before them, as Jamie called out in concern, "Jack!"
Everyone went to check on the Winter Spirit, and he groaned as North told him, "That was good try, Jack. A for effort."
"He's stronger," Jack admitted, "I can't beat him."
"We could really use the Hulk right about now," Spidey stated.
"Isn't he back on your world?" Bunny blinked in confusion missing the fact of what the Avengers had been planning.
Just then, the storm cracked with thunder and lightning again as they all heard Pitch laugh, "All this fuss over two little boys, and still this refuses to stop believing! Very well. There are other ways to snuff out a light. I need Sora alive but the other..."
"If you want him, you're gonna have to go through me!" Bunny stood bravely.
"Oh, look how fluffy you are!" Pitch mocked him as his shadow poked at Bunny from the ground, "Would you like a scratch behind the ears?"
The small rabbit hopped to North's hand, annoyed, "Don't you even think about it!"
"I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see you all like this!" Pitch told them as he, the Nightmares, and the Heartless emerged from the shadows as he rode on of the Nightmares, "You look awful."
"Well, you're no Marry Poppins yourself," Peter mocked back as he held up the Lightsaber.
"Oh, give it up, already, Parker," Pitch waved off Spider-Man, "Genie may have bought the other boy some time, but I will have him my grasp soon enough, and you and your little girlfriend should be grateful neither of you will live long enough to see what Xehanort has planned."
Wanda's eyes narrowed with anger as Jamie turned to the Winter Spirit, "Jack, I'm scared."
Jack felt parrels to when his sister was also in mortal danger long ago, he knelt to him let he once did for his sister, "I- I know, I know, but you're gonna be alright." His eyes then widened in realization, "We're gonna have a little fun instead." He then brightened up, "That's it - that's my center!"
Jamie only looked confused at that response, as Pitch chuckled, "So what do you think, Jamie? Do you believe in the Boogey-" Suddenly, a snowball struck Pitch in the face, "AH!"
Both Nightmares and Heartless alike were puzzled while Jamie openly laughed as the others joined. Jack laughed as well, as he told the boy, "Now let's go get your friends."
Pitch cleared the snow from his face, annoyed and embarrassed... just as Jack's ice run streaks past them. They all went careening down the middle of the street, laughing as Jack kept them moving. Even Bunny was enjoying himself for a brief moment...
A snowball hits Cupcake's window. She looked to see who it was as her eyes twinkled with Jack's snow as laughter escaped her lips after what felt like a long time...
Sometime after there was a knock on Pippa's window, when the girl looked outside, she was shocked to see Jamie was hovering in midair. She stared at him dumbfoundly, "Jamie?! How are you doing that?!"
"Jack Frost!" The boy answered, "Come on, we need your help!"
With that, he flew off, and her eyes narrowed as a new face became visible and appeared helping Jamie fly, her eyes widened in realization, "Hey, i- is that…?"
"Jack Frost!" Her friend and neighbor, Monty smiled brightly as he placed on his coat as laughed as he went to join the others outside...
Claude and Caleb were shocked when presents appeared on their beds as the Guardians and Avengers sled past their house. North told them, "Merry Christmas!"
"Happy Easter!" The Easter Bunny told them, gesturing to the actual holiday from yesterday.
"Don't forget to floss!" Tooth told the children when they spotted Cupcake joining them, as the two siblings were shocked to see her, as Caleb's eyes widened, "Cupcake?"
It wasn't long before the others could be seen, and the children joined them in the fun, laughing all the way. Monty cheered, "Yeah!"
"YEEEEHAAAAAH!" Spider-Man laughed as he used a web-line to change direction so he could be closer to Wanda, who was actually enjoying herself.
"Jamie, you were right!" Pippa laughed as she admitted.
"The Easter Bunny's real!"
"And the Tooth Fairy!"
"And Santa! They're all real!"
"And they're working with real-life superheroes!"
Peter glanced at Wanda, "Wanna swing by Sora and have him join the fun!"
"Thought you'd never ask," Wanda joked as they sled in the direction of their son with the Guardians and the other children... where Pitch's army was awaiting them.
The heroes and most of the children slid to a halt as the Avengers took the lead to stand protectively in front of the children. Only Monty didn't seem to notice as he still cheered, "Whoo! Yeah!" That's when noticed Pitch and his army, causing him to scream and retreat behind the heroes, "AHHHH!"
"You think a few children can help you?" Pitch raised an eyebrow as he gestured to his army of Nightmares and Heartless, "Against this?!"
Spider-Man and Wanda were ready for a fight, North raised his sword to join them but was too weak. Jamie looked worried as Jack reassured him, "They're just bad dreams, Jamie."
"Maybe they are," Pitch shrugged before gesturing to the Heartless, "But they're not! And they're always looking forward to consuming more hearts!"
While still nervous, Bunny reassured the boy, "We'll protect you, mate."
"Oh, you'll protect them?!" Pitch laughed, "But who will protect you?"
Spider-Man, Scarlet Witch, and Jack stepped forward, but Jamie walked ahead of them, "I will!"
"I will!" Cupcake's eyes narrowed in determination.
"I will!" Claude joined the other children, ready to fight for their heroes.
"I will." Caleb declared.
"And me," Pippa joined beside Jamie.
Monty, while nervous, joined them as well, "I- I'll try."
While they would prefer the children to be far away from this battle, the Scarlet Witch declared, "And the Avengers will always have their back!"
"Still think there's no such thing as the Boogeyman?" Pitch taunted as he raised his arm ready to give the order to attack.
"I do believe in you," Jamie admitted before adding, "I'm just not afraid of you."
Just as the Nightmares and Heartless were going to strike, a youthful voice exclaimed, "AHOY, MR. BOOGIE MAN!"
The other children blinked in confusion while the Avengers and Guardians, blinked in disbelief, as Wanda muttered, "Oh, no! Don't tell me..."
Everyone turned to see, Sora on Meow Wow's back as he held out a megaphone, while Genie was decked out in a military suit, standing at attention. Jamie blinked in shock, "Sora?"
"Who's Sora?" Pippa wondered, "Is... is here new in the neighborhood?"
Jack's first believer gestured to the Avengers, "He's Spider-Man's and Scarlet Witch's kid."
"Wait..." Monty blinked, "His parents are superheroes?!"
"Sora," Peter muttered to his son quietly, "What are you doing?!"
"I WILL ACCEPT NOTHING LESS THAN YOUR COM-PETE AND UN-CON-DISH-ANAL SURRUNDER!" Sora's voice boomed.
After a brief moment of silence, Pitch began to chuckle, "M-my unconditional...? Ha ha ha..." before bursting out laughing, "BWAH HA HA HA HA HA HA! ARE YOU SERIOUSLY!" Pitch laughed so hard he clutched his sides and fell on his back, "HA HA HA HA HA HA! OH, THAT'S RICH! HA HA HA! WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS?! AN AVENGER?!"
Pitch continued laughing as Peter glanced at Wanda, "Uh... you think he finally summoned Hulk?"
"If he did..." She glanced around her son, but saw no other Avenger with him, "...I don't see him."
Pitch then pulled himself together, still chuckling, wiping a tear from his eye, "Yeah, right... Heh! You and what army?!"
Sora lowered the megaphone as he gestured behind him, "This one..."
Suddenly, something did approach Sora, causing Pitch to actually stop laughing, as his eyes widened in horror, "Im- Impossible..."
"Shostakovich..." North muttered to himself as the Guardians, Avengers, and the ofter children looked equally as shocked at the army Sora presented. Like Meow Wow, they were colorful, and had the same symbol on them, but came in every shape and size as someone can imagine. Some were only slightly taller than the spikey hair boy such as the ones who looked like frogs and penguins, and others while others were bigger than many of the heroes who looked like rhinos, pandas, elephants, and even dinosaurs... including one that looked exactly like a Tyrannosaurus Rex that let out roar.
"Wanda..." Peter spoke up unable to look away from the massive army their son had formed.
"Yes, Peter," Wanda blinked as Sora placed on a toy knight's helmet given to him by the Genie.
"What is even happening right now?" He asked her as Genie presented Sora with a toy sword.
Sora accepted the wooden weapon and raised it earning a cheer from the colorful spirits, "Sora managed to form a massive army of Dream Eaters, and looks like he's going to declare war on the Boogyman."
"How is that possible?" The Web-Head asked his girlfriend.
"I don't know," Wanda shrugged, "...but I'm not going to complain in this case."
After a brief moment of silence, they watched one with the appearance of a Bat land on Sora's shoulder, before Spidey shrugged, "Fair enough."
Jack glanced between Pitch and Sora, the former didn't look so confident anymore. He had to admit, out of everything he expected that would happen tonight... he was only met with surprise after surprise...
Sora rode on Meow Wow as he turned to the massive army of Dream Eaters, "Friends... I know we've only known each other for only a few moments ago, but I thank you all for joining us here. Today, we're united for one reason and ONE reason only." Sora aimed his toy sword at the Boogyman, "That man... is a meanie!"
Pitch was completely speechless as the boy went on, "He's a big bully! He's hurt friends! Turn dreams into nightmares! He's smashed all of our Easter Eggs and wants to destroy Easter, Christmas, and every single good holiday in the history of forever!"
"Okay," Tooth blinked in shock, "Now what's happening?"
Bunny raised his ears as he answered, "I think the little lad's trying to give a motivational speech."
Peter blinked in shock, "A four-year-old giving a motivational speech to an army of Pokémon knockoffs... I never thought those words would ever come out of my mouth..."
"He's an enemy to everything that's good, just, and fun!" Sora continued before whispering, "I bet he even plans to steal our candy!"
That earned angry noises from every Dream Eater within the army, as Genie shook his head, "Tsk, tsk. Shameful. Just shameful."
"He's pushed us, good friends, for far too long! Well, that ends today! Here and now!" As he turned to face the Boogyman, Sora declared, "We shall teach that bully a lesson he'll never for-get! We have superheroes, Santa, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, and Jack Frost on our side! With them, we shall de-wiver justice! It's time to do what you were born to do!" His eyes narrowed, "Justice shall be swift! Justice will be painful!" With his free hand, he tightened his fist, "IT WILL DELICOUS!"
The Dream Eaters roared and cheered at Sora's speech, before he raised up the megaphone, "NOW SURRENDER! I SHALL ASK ONLY ONCE OR WE SHALL KICK YOUR BUTT!"
"Normally, I would be against my son going anywhere near the battlefield," Wanda called out to Pitch, with her eyes narrowed, "But I happen to agree with his words in this scenario..."
Pitch gulped, no longer so confident in his victory, but tried to put on a brave face, even as sweet fell from his face, "Yo-you think just because your boy amass an entire army of Dream Eaters... that happen to eat Nightmares and turn them into dreams... the whole reason I removed Sandman in the first place... that I would be scared of a four-year-old boy who has even received the Keyblade yet?"
"Mate, you're almost crying for Pete's shake," Bunny called out, clearly amused by this moment, "At least have some self-respect!"
"I'm not crying," Pitch tried whipping off the sweat and tears, "I'm not scared of a powerless four-year-old!" He then told both Nightmares and Heartless alike, "TARE HIS ARMY APPART AND BRING ME THE BOY!"
As the Nightmares, swarmed in, Sora's eyes narrowed his eyes, he held out his wooden sword, "You're wrong. I'm not powerless..." Unaware to all, a certain individual inside his heart stood beside him, Keyblade in hand as they said as one, "My friends... are my power!"
When they run into Sora's wooden blade enhanced by the power of the Keyblade, the Nightmares burst into Dream-sand. The golden sand launched all around them much to the kids, Dream Eaters, Guardains, and Avengers' excitement, Pitch's eyes widened in horror as Genie blew a trumpet, "Da-da-de-da-DA-DA~!"
"CHARGE!" Sora exclaimed as he raised his weapon as the Dream Easter charged into battle with the creatures of Darkness. The Nightmares and Heartless charged at the spikey-hair islander boy and the army of Dream Eaters and it was a massacre... for the Nightmares and Heartless. The Dream Eaters were overwhelming both dark creatures, with the Spirits doing what they were born to do. Consume the Nightmares and create good dreams! The Heartless tried to stop them, but the Dream Eaters had each others' backs and destroyed the Heartless through their own strikes.
The more Dream Sand that was created, the Guardians' strength and powers returned to them. This was proven when Tooth started flapping her wings and lifted off the ground. Spider-Man's eyes widen in awe, "Sora's doing it... he's turning the tide!"
"Aha!" North laughed as he no longer felt weak as he lifted up both of his swords, "Atta boy." He turned to Sora's foster parents, "You should be proud."
"NO!" Pitch saw his plans being torn apart by the second, he turned to the rest of his army to his sides, "GET THEM! DO YOUR JOB!"
The Heartless and Nightmares moved in to charge at the heroes, children, and Dream Eaters, but Jamie came to a quick conclusion, if Sora had the power to turn Nightmares into Good Dreams... then so did he and his friends. He merely touched a Nightmare and it too turned into Dream Sand. Wanda turned to Sora, who was leading the charge against the forces of darkness, before turning to Peter, "C'mon! Let's make sure nothing happens to Sora just in case!"
"Alright," Spider-Man nodded as he used a free hand to sling a web, and swung himself towards their son, as Wanda flew alongside him, each of them destroying Heartless and Nightmares along the way!"
Bunny closed his eyes and hoped he would become big again, "Oh yeah, come on, come on!" However, Nightmares pursued him before he could causing him to leap away for his life, "Oh crikee!"
North smirked and opened two portals, through which yetis and elves exited the portals ready to aid their friends. The kids beamed at the sight.
Bunny scrambled underneath a car for cover"'M just a bunny!" A Nightmare grabs his tail and drags him out, but fortunately, he's back in his prime again, grinning at the shocked Nightmare, "G'day, mate." He pumped his feet, knocking out the Nightmare that was holding him, somersaulted into the air, and tossed his boomerang toward more creatures of darkness destroying them, before they returned to his paw. He proceeded to thump ground and up came his Easter Island Statue Warriors, "Come on!"
"Let's get 'em!" Cupcake grinned as she led the charge.
"Take that! And that!" Sora told the Nightmares turning them into dream sand with his wooden sword, riding Meow Wow like a horse.
"ADRIAN!" Genie roared as he was firing a minigun at the incoming Heartless, and he appeared as Sylvester Stallone before Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch joined him.
Spider-Man cut down Heartless, while Wanda hexed the Nightmares. One was about to sneak up on her, but it got pounced on, by a Dream Eater that looked like a lion. Just then, Pitch appeared in front of Sora, "YOU!"
"Pitch!" Wanda's eyes narrowed in anger, as she and Spider-Man went to reach the Boogyman, but we were cut off by more Nightmares and Heartless!
Sora stood his ground as the Pitch glared at him, "I don't know how you amassed an army of Dream Eaters that were supposed fo be extinct, but I've come too far to be stopped by you now! Once I have you, I will take back everything, destroy the Guardians, your Avengers parents, and your friends, and drag you straight to Xehanort myself!"
Sora grinned as he finally shined with light summoning an alley, but Pitch waved it off, "Oh, please, like I didn't already know about how you can summon a friend from another world! Xehanort already told me..." Unaware of the large green figure behind him, emerging from the light, "It doesn't matter who you summon! Compared to me, they're all weak, powerless, puny!"
"Who are you calling puny?" An angry voice grumbled causing the Boogyman's eyes to widen, and slowly turned around to see the Hulk, looking down at Pitch with his arms crossed, clearly angry at him.
Watcher then glanced to the scene, a faint grin appearing on his face, "To quote a certain actor... 'it was at this moment, he knew... he fucked up!'"
Pitch really began sweating, as he laughed nervously, "Puny? Did I say puny? No, no, no... I said... nice, handsome, strong... monster..." Hulk growled in response before he stated, "Oh, that's right, you hate being called a monster..."
"Back away from the boy... now..." Hulk told the Boogyman.
"Yep, sure thing, you the boss," The villain laughed nervously, before shooing off the spiky-haired boy, "Moving along little one... go... go to your parents..."
Sora smiled as he rode off with Meow Wow but not before waving to the founding Avenger, "Hi, Mr. Hulk!"
Hulk gave a smile and wave to Sora, before turning back to Pitch with a glare, as he nervously smiled at the Green Behemoth, "See, no harm! No foul! So, will you let me go?"
"No," Hulk answered.
"B-b-but I-I-I... did what you said..." Pitch glanced nervously between Sora and the Hulk, much to everyone's amusement.
"In case you've forgotten, you made a whole lot of kids around the universe miserable, haunt their dreams, tried to ruin the holidays, messed with my friends, and tried to smash my eggs," Hulk reminded him, "...and that makes me angry."
"Oh... right..." Pitch winced as he backed away, and the Hulk slowly approached him, "N-n-now, hold on! Violence doesn't solve anything! I know you don't like it, Banner!"
Hulk's eyes narrowed further, causing the other two Avengers to smirk, as Spidey glanced, "Oh, he forgot rule number one with facing the Hulk: Don't mention puny Banner!"
Pitch blinked when suddenly boxing gloves appeared on his hands, and Geine rang the boxing bell, dressed as a referee, "Ding ding!"
Hulk grabbed Pitch by the face and threw him in the air screaming and when he came back down, he was met with Hulk's fist which sent him flying. The founding Avenger let out a mighty roar, "GRRRAAAAAAA!"
Pitch stumbled hard when he landed stumbling to a Nightmare as he told his forces, "Protect me!"
Many Nightmares went directly for the Hulk, but he swatted away each and every one of them off. Jamie blinked in shock, "Another superhero?!"
"He's huge!" Monty's eyes widened as he adjusted his glasses.
Seeing how the Hulk was tearing his Nightmares apart, it wouldn't be long before he turned his attention back on him. So, he tried running off as Jack pursued him. Hulk grabbed one of the Nightmares and threw it at a Heartless destroying them both. He then turned to see a massive horde of Nightmares coming at him. Most would scare anyone, but the Hulk wasn't even nervous as he grinned. Stretching out his hands, he exclaimed, "HULK SMASH!"
Before unleashing a Thunder Clap that creates a shockwave that disorients the Nightmares, creating a blinding cloud before the Hulk began leaping after Pitch. Sora cheered, "Get him! Get him, Mr. Hulk! Get him!"
Peter and Wanda laughed in amusement, as the former told the boy, "C'mon! Let's help the others deal with remaining Nightmares. Then we can watch Hulk make Pitch his personal punching bag."
Sora nodded as he and the two Avengers added the kids and the Guardians with the Nightmares. Two of the elves were gnawing on a Nightmare's leg as a frog-like dream eater, holding a sword in one hand and a shield in another spoke, "Ribbit! Ribbit!" Which roughly translates to, "I challenge thee!"
With the swing of the Dream Eater's blade, they destroyed the Nightmare, as many others were destroying the Heartless. One Nightmare was running away from all the chaos when Cupcake stood in front of it before touching it turning it into a Dream-Unicorn, which affectionately nuzzled her before it spread out its Dream Sand.
Spider-Man cut down more Heartless with the lightsaber before webbing up some Nightmares, allowing Sora to turn them to Dream Sand. Wanda was dismantling Nightmares from left and right, as Peter wondered, "You think the others are holding up okay without the Hulk?"
"I'm sure they're doing fine now," Wanda reassured him...
Back in New York, Wasp was blasting Nightmares when she saw the golden sand boom in the sky. She blinked, "Uh, guys, are you seeing this!"
Iron Man fired a repulsor blast at a Nightmare before glancing at the sky, and seeing the sand, "I see it..." He then spoke to his AI butler, "J.A.R.V.I.S., what exactly are we looking at here?"
"Scans indicate that the sand is very similar to that of the Nightmares threatening the planet," J.A.R.V.I.S. reported, "However, they also revealed that, unlike the Nightmares, this one is purer..."
Strange saw the sand strike a Nightmare turning it into a happy doggy barking around the city skies, "It's Dream Sand! Wanda, Spider-Man, and Hulk... perhaps even the Child... they must have done something to turn the tide!"
Captain America's shield returned to his hand after it destroyed many Nightmares, "They gave us an opportunity, let's get these things off our planet!"
Acting Director Hill then reported, "Agents, we've been given an opening! Press the attack!"
The S.H.I.E.L.D. agents around the globe began chasing off the Nightmares that were converted by the Dream Sand. Shooting down the Nightmares alongside the heroes of the Marvelous City. Mockingbird twirled her staff smacking each and every Nightmare that came her way, while Quake began shattering the retreating dark horses. Nick Fury shot down a few as he shouted out, "Cloak! Dagger! Take 'em out!"
Just then, a man in a black cloak appeared and opened up a portal allowing his partner to strike the creatures with her light daggers. Some of the Nightmares went directly for Cloak but he was ready for them as he caught them all with his cloak, teleporting them away directly into Dream Sand where they became friendly sand animal constructs. Mockingbird then turned to the 'MIA' Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., "Sir, what do you think is going on?"
"I'm certain considering the fact we're winning means that Stark found something," Fury admitted, "But even if we get rid of these things... I have a feeling the real war has only begun. I'll speak to Hill with Stark. I'm certain it'll all be cleared out by them!"
Just then, another Nightmare tried escaping but a chain caught in and yanked it towards its owner, where it came face to face with a man with a burning skull, "You... attack innocent children... your master's sins are innumerable. I am here to see your kind burn in Hell!"
The Nightmares were then consumed by the flames, Ghost Rider gave him, as Quake blinked as she stated, "Like that wasn't creepy at all. Who's this guy again?"
"Johnny Blaze," Nick Fury glanced to the Ghost Rider whose flames vanished and revealed the man underneath the Spirit of Vengeance, "You have any clue of what's going on?"
"The Nightmares were brought upon an ancient evil, one I, unfortunately, cannot reach," The former daredevil revealed, "However, I fear their master is only a pawn for a much darker master..." He glanced at the evening stars, "When we win the night, I have a feeling we'll be seeing him soon enough."
Fury's good eye narrowed, that didn't sound good at all. Still, one threat at a time, as more Nightmares showed and Johnny transformed into Ghost Rider once more, "One thing at a time, these things first and then..."
As the heroes in Fury's group prepared for battle, Ghost Rider pulled out a flaming shotgun, "...THEN I WREACK VENEGENCE ON THEIR MASTER'S SOUL!"
With that, the heroes charged with Ghost Rider driving his motorcycle towards the enemy...
The heroes of the Marvelous City weren't the only ones who fought back against the Nightmares, on the Kingdom of Corona, some Nightmares snuck into a lonely tower, only to be struck by a frying pan, held by a little girl with long golden hair. Rapunzel blinked before staring into the even sky and stared in awe at the gold sand in the sky with her only friend, a chameleon named Pascal, watching from her shoulder...
In the Deep, Jungle the Nightmares searched only to be met by a spear by a young wild boy who only wore a brown loincloth, Tarzan was encouraged by his friend group as he let out a victory cry while he pounded his chest...
Pitch rode on his Nightmare from the rooftops, but Jack remained in pursuit, as the Hulk was gaining on the both of them. Bunny and North went to join them as the former opened a tunnel for the Saint, "All yours, mate!"
With that, he ducked into a tunnel followed by North and one elf who wasn't watching where he was going. As Jack pursued Pitch, he destroyed several Nightmares and Heartless alike with his icy blasts. Pitch's eyes narrowed in anger as he threw a black sand dagger at Jack but it was destroyed by Tooth. Jack nodded to her in appreciation, "Thanks Tooth!"
As Tooth took out several more Nightmares, the Hulk landed right behind Pitch much to the villain's horror. The founding Avenger grinned as he raised his two mighty fists before bringing them down on the Boogyman forcing him to raise a sand barrier in defense. the barrier didn't last long as the Hulk smashed after two hits, but it was more than enough for him to slip out from the Hulk's rage. Just then, Crimson Jazz Heartless floated avoid and stared blast the Hulk with fireballs, who began tanking their attacks.
Bunny suddenly appeared from out of a chimney as he grinned, "Ho ho ho!"
He then proceeded to throw his boomerangs, destroying several of the Heartless that were attacking the Hulk, who destroyed the remaining with another Thunderclap before turning his attention back at Pitch, growling at him.
"Hyah!" Santa laughed as he hopped out of one of Bunny's tunnels only to see that the battle was going on a different roof, with the Hulk tearing through more of the Heartless and Nightmares. His eyes widened, "Wrong roof."
Hulk almost got his hands on the Boogyman again but he fleed in Santa's direction, unaware that another Guardian was coming to ride him and destroyed the Nightmare he was riding causing Pitch to fall.
The grey man tried to stop his fall with back sand but was tackled by the Hulk forcing him to crash on the ground. The Strongest Avenger raised a fist, ready to strike him again, but Pitch blasted him off of him. As the two opponents recovered from each other's attacks, North struck the villain next followed by Bunny interspersed with Tooth, then Jack, who kicked him away.
Pitch then constructed a scythe which he swung at the Guardians only for Spider-Man to leap in and block the weapon with his lightsaber as he tauntly hummed 'Duel of the Fates' loudly, as he parried each and every strike, before blinking Pitch with webbing. Pitch growled in anger as it took him a minute to tear the webbing from his face...
...only to instantly regret taking it off as the first thing he saw, was Hulk's fist coming right at him, which sent him flying. In desperation, he summoned hundreds of Nightmares down upon the heroes. Most were imbraced for impact, but much to everyone's surprise, the Hulk caught them all in one massive black sandball. Jack muttered in awe, "Incredible..."
Pitch's eyes looked like they were going to fall out of his skull, as Hulk raised the giant ball over his head. He glared at Pitch, "Stupid grey man thinks his puny Nightmares are strong?! HULK IS STRONGEST THERE IS!"
With that, declaration Hulk threw the sand ball back at Pitch which exploded on impact and sent him flying. Hulk let out a mighty roar as he charged at the Boogyman, as Bunny turned to Peter, "So, where's the lucky lady? I figured she wanted a piece of Pitch just as much as the rest of us do."
"She's helping Genie making sure none of the Heartless reach Sora, Jamie, or the other kids," He answered, "Even with an army of Dream Eaters, we agreed we're better safe than sorry. Especially if Xehanort decides to show up at the last minute."
Speaking of whom, Wanda was wiping out each of the remaining Heartless as Genie criticized, "Seriously, endless possibilities with his Nightmare sand and he chose horses to be his enforcers?" He then glanced to no one in particular, "Someone clearly lacks an imagination."
"That's probably a good thing in our case," The Scarlet Witch stated as she effortlessly destroyed another Nightmare, and golden sand floated around them, much to the kids' awe.
Sora tilted his head as Meow Wow and the bat Dream Eater began bouncing making happy noises, "Hmmm?" Meow Wow squeaked something, causing the boy's eyes to widen as he happily called out, "Mommy! I think I know what I have to do!"
Wanda glanced at her little boy, "What is it, sweetie?"
"It's easier if I show you," Sora stated he placed his toy sword down and started gathering the golden sand as he began pilling it, the sand started to take form much to the boy's excitement. Wanda raised an eyebrow of what her son was doing before her eyes widened as the form took hold someone familiar... someone everyone assumed they lost."
"ENOUGH!" Pitch exclaimed as the heroes surrounded him, "I am the Boogyman, King of Nightmares! And I will not be bullied by-"
But before he could finish, Hulk grabbed his leg and started throwing him and slamming around on the ground like a rag doll. When he was finished, Hulk created a small crater with Pitch's body where he groaned in pain. Hulk glared at him, "Puny King."
Everyone laughed at that, as Jack aimed his staff at him, "It's over, Pitch. There's no place to hide."
Pitch grunted as forced himself back up, before retreating into the shadows. Hulk roared angrily, as he smashed where Pitch once was. North glanced to Spidey, "Peter!"
"Hold on..." Knowing what he was asking, Peter closed his eyes and focused on his Spider-Sense, when it went off, coming from behind Jack, "There!"
"Jack, look out!" Bunny threw a boomerang to where Spidey pointed as the Web-Head shot out a web himself. Pitch knocked away both attacks still trying to strike the Winter Spirit down... when a golden whip wrapped around Pitch's wrist and yanked him to the swirling mast of golden sand, Sora had put together...
...and from the light emerged Sandy, smirking at Pitch. The heroes' eyes widened in relief, seeing their fallen friend was okay, while Pitch's eyes widened in disbelief. Sandman tsked him silently before punching Pitch into the air while still hanging onto Pitch by his whip, looking more like a balloon string.
"The Sandman!" Monty beamed as the other children stared in awe before Sandy created a bowler hat and tipped it to the children. He then gave a respectful nod to Sora, for bringing him back.
Sora gave a salute in response as Wanda leaned to her child, "Other arm, sweetie."
The Islander immediately switched arms as the other children started clamoring excitedly. Sandman then noticed the Hulk next to him, before offering him the whip. Hulk accepted the whip, grinning, before yanking Pitch down to the ground hard, finally defeated.
He jumped for joy as the other Guardians gathered around him. Tooth beamed, "Sandy!"
"C'mere!" Bunny greeted him with a hug.
"Hahaha!" North laughed as he lifted Sandy up in his excitement.
"Mate, you are a sight for sore eyes," Bunny told the original Sandman.
Peter glanced at Wanda, "How...?"
"I'm guessing as long there was enough golden sand, Sandy could always be put back together," Scarlet Witch answered before gesturing to Sora, "But it was our special little boy who figured that one out."
Hulk glanced at the defeated Pitch, as golden butterflies flew above the villain's head. Genie, as a referee blew a whistle before gesturing towards the Hulk, "That's the match! Winner!"
Sandman rose up on his cloud of sand to control everything, bringing back beautiful dreams to children...
A young Jane Porter happily smiled as she dreamt about the Guardians...
A young Aladdin watched from his old home as golden sand flew everywhere...
Back on the Marvelous City, the heroes cheered as the remaining Nightmares were defeated and replaced with Dream Sand...
Tooth's fairies had enough belief so they could fly again, and they went to the stolen tooth boxes not only to return them back to the palace but to activate the children's memories...
Back in Arendelle, Elsa's and Anna's eyes widened as their happiest memories came flying back to them... even if the latter's was a little bit off due to Troll interference...
Huey, Dewey, and Louie beamed as their memories came coming back to them as well...
All over the Universe, the children believed in the Guardians and Jack Frost. Sophie had just joined them, enjoying the golden sandy skies, "Pretty!"
The Dream Eaters cheered as they hung out with the golden sand constructs. From the gigantic dinosaurs walking through the town to manta rays and dolphins 'swimming' alongside them. However, Peter's eyes weren't on the golden sand, but Wanda, "Yeah, she is pretty..."
Wanda blinked in confusion as Peter removed his mask, and pulled her in kissing her. Surprised for a moment before she smiled, and kissed him back. Genie immediately covered Sora's eyes, while the other children looked away, a little uncomfortable at the sight, rather looking at the sand.
The Guardians smiled at the couple, while Hulk crossed his arms, "So, Peter Parker is Spider-Man."
Shocked, the couple stopped kissing, as North laughed sheepishly, "Yeah, my fault..."
Hulk raised a hand, "Relax, I know how to keep a secret..." He then gestured to Sora, "But the others are going to want some answers about Sora."
The couple smiled in appreciation. Jamie was about to touch the golden sand when Jack threw a snowball at his back. Jamie laughed and picked up a snowball to fire back. He hit Monty, and the kids started a snowball fight free-for-all. Sora attempted to make a snowball, but couldn't quite figure it out. The couple laughed as Peter walked up to Sora, "C'mon, I'll show you how it's done, little man."
Sandman descended to the ground as North approached Jack, raising an eyebrow, "Your center?"
"Well, it took a while," Jack admitted while shrugging, "...but I figured it out."
With that, North happily tossed him his own carved wooden 'baby' for the center of a nesting doll. Jack smiled in appreciation, and considering it looked like it was made for some time, North likely knew what his center was all along. Saint Nicolas winked at him, then looked stunned as he was hit in the back by a snowball. He turned to face the culprit, Caleb and Claude quickly blamed an elf. North simply laughed while joking, "Haha! You're all on Naughty List!"
Everyone laughed and ran as Santa made a snowball before turning to the Easter Bunny, "Bunny! Think fast!"
He pelted Bunny in the face, which actually made Bunny smile when he sat up. Everyone took a brief moment to enjoy the snowball fight, Sora attempted to throw his snowball, but it wasn't going to go very far... until Wanda used a hex to send it flying towards Jack where it hit him.
Wanda was then hit by a snowball as well coming from Santa, and everyone enjoyed themselves. Hulk was even petting the T-Rex Dream Eater. That's when Pitch finally recovered, "No..." He ducked from a Dream-sand Manta-ray and was angered that no one was afraid, "You dare have fun in my presence?!" Both Guardian and Avenger turned to him, with the Hulk growling at him, "I am the Boogeyman! And you will fear me!"
He went right for Jamie, who ran straight through him like he didn't exist. Pitch's eyes widened in horror, "No! Oh... No..."
It was then Pitch came to a horrifying conclusion, the kids were having so much fun, that they completely forgot about him. He was powerless once again. He bumped into the Hulk startled before running for the forest. Wanda's eyes narrowed, "He still has the crack. We can't let him get away again."
The founding Avenger was about to go after him when a giant snowball rolled up before him. Hulk turned to Jack, "Try this one out for size, big guy."
Hulk grinned as he grabbed the snowball...
Pitch neared the frozen lake when suddenly, a giant snowball slammed behind him making him fall on the ground. Genie appeared as an umpire, as he gestured behind him, "YOU'RE OUT!"
Hulk then landed beside him as the Avengers, Guardians, and Dream Eaters all surrounded him. Hulk glared at him, "Where do you think you're going?"
"Leaving the party so soon?" North smirked.
"You didn't even say goodbye!" Tooth told him before tossing him a coin.
Pitch blinked in confusion, "A quarter?"
Before he could react, Tooth punched Pitch in the face, knocking a tooth out, "And that's for my fairies."
The tiny fairies also glared at him, as the Boogyman stumbled to his feet, "You can't get rid of me! Not forever! There will always be fear!"
"So what?" North shrugged like it was no big deal, "As long as one child believes, we will be here to fight fear."
"And don't forget, the Avengers know you exist now, so if you do return," Wanda glared at the Pitch, "We'll be coming for you as well."
"And in greater numbers," Spidey quoted a certain Jedi Knight.
Pitch glared at them before smirking, "Really? Then what are they doing here?"
Everyone turned to see Nightmares by the edge of the lake, North shrugged, "Haha! They can't be my Nightmares, I'm not afraid."
"Not mine either," Spider-Man shrugged, as he glanced at his girlfriend, "Wanda?"
"Nope," Wanda smiled before turning to Sora, riding on Meow Wow again, "Sora?"
Sora shook his head as Pitch's eyes widened, and Jack grinned, "Looks like it's your fear they smell."
Pitch gasped and started running for his life, but the Nightmares pursued him. It wasn't a long chase as he was grabbed by the Hulk, who pulled out the last crack from him, before turning to the Nightmares, "He's all yours!"
"No, wait! Please!" Pitch pleaded as Hulk threw him at the Nightmares who caught him and dragged him down to his lair and pulled all of the leftovers of the bedpost into the hole with them, "No, don't! Ahh! Nooo!"
The hole was tunneled in too, but just as a precaution, Hulk slammed a giant bolder of where the entrance once was, "And stay down..."
"Well that was dark," Genie commented before brightening up, "But the wish has officially been granted!" He then turned to Sora, "Which means you only have one wish left! Oh, I'm looking forward to the finale!"
With that, Genie returned to his lamp. Hulk then presented the crack to the other two Avengers, "This the last one?"
"Yeah," Peter confirmed, "Which means after we seal this... we just have to deal with Xehanort..."
Wanda then picked up their child and held him in her arms, "Which also means the moment we return to Earth... er... the Marvelous City... he's going to throw everything he has at us to try to get to Sora."
"So, he's the Child of Destiny," Hulk realized.
"We believe so," Peter answered as he rubbed the boy's hair, "We couldn't say before because we didn't want to risk people like Hydra or Doom finding out."
"I get it," Hulk nodded before placing the crack beside the small family, "I'll head back to our world and let the others know that they need to reach you the moment you come back home. Keep your kid safe..." He then placed his fist in his palm, "...then smash Xehanort."
"Thank you, Hulk," Wanda smiled in gratitude as the light shined and sent him back home to their world, she then turned to Sora who looked sad, "Don't worry, we'll see him when we get home. Then we'll get your friends back."
Sora smiled at that while Jack looked up at the moon as the clouds parted with a knowing smirk. Tooth giggled and hugged the Winter Spirit, then pulled herself away as Baby Tooth chastised her. The three-hundred-year-old laughed in amusement. North approached with a smile, "Are you ready now, Jack? To make it official."
Jack nodded as the elf with the trumpet from earlier glared at him, hoping that he wouldn't stop the music this time. When the ceremony began a yeti brought North the book earlier, "Then is time you take Oath..." Santa cleared his throat as he read, "'Will you,' Jack Frost, 'vow to watch over the children of the world?'" The children and Dream Eaters approached the heroes on the lake and witnessed the events, "'To guard them with your life - their hopes, their wishes, and their dreams, for they are all that we have, all that we are, and all that we will ever be.'"
Jack turned back to Jamie, and his friends, who all gave him encouraging nods and smiles. Turning back to North, he answered, "I will."
"'Then, congratulations,' Jack Frost'" North smiled as he finished reading before closing the book, "'...for you are now, and forevermore, a Guardian!'"
Everyone cheered, as Wanda leaned to her boyfriend, "Look, if you wish to be a full-time Avenger... I'll put a good word in for the others. After everything that's happened, we'd be fools not to."
"Wow, full-time, seriously," Peter glanced at her still clapping for Jack, "It'd be an honor..."
Suddenly, North picked Jack off the ground, "Klassno!"
He kissed each of Jack's cheeks, much to his and the Avengers' shock, before setting him back down. Peter raised an eyebrow, "...but Tony or Cap isn't going to do that for me, right?"
"No, no..." Wanda shook her head, "They... won't. Promise."
An elf mimicked North by kissing the grumpy elf with the trumpet on the cheek, but the 2nd elf punched the 1st out. Jack turned to see that the little fairies had made a heart shape out of themselves. They swooned before one fainted, and Tooth told them, "Keep it together, girls."
The children and Dream Eaters cheered, North's sleigh and reindeer descended down on the ice. As the children's eyes widened in awe as Caleb beamed, "You guys, look! Santa's sleigh!"
"Did you guys see that?!" Pippa beamed.
Sora looked down from his mother's arms, "I actually got to fly on the sleigh!"
The other kids turned to Sora, as Jamie exclaimed, "That is so cool."
Bunny sighed as he turned to Santa, "Everyone loves the sleigh."
North chuckled as he turned to the Avengers, "Thank you for your help, my friends, I know you came to us for help but ended up helping us instead."
"By the way, having the kid befriend the Hulk so he can summon him later," Bunny spoke up, "That was a smart move." He chuckled, "Heh! He was so scared..."
Tooth then glanced to the Dream Eaters, "...and don't even know, how Sora managed to bring about the return of the Dream Eaters to our little corner of the world."
"Yeah, we're still puzzled about that ourselves," Peter blinked in shock, "But I won't complain about the results."
Everyone nodded with the Web-Slinging, as Jack cleared his throat, "But seriously... thanks guys... for everything."
"Don't worry about it," Peter admitted, "It's what we do..."
Wanda then glanced at their son, before turning back to the Guardians, "Actually, maybe worry about it a little. Pitch may have been defeated but Xehanort is still out there..."
"And my best friends," Sora whispered in concern.
"Don't you worry, mate," Bunny reassured the boy, "We won't rest until your friends... and if there are any other children who escaped your island's destruction... we'll find 'em."
Jack nodded at the spikey-hair boy, "Count on it."
North then nodded at the rest of his team, "We should get moving then."
Each of the Guardians nodded as Sandman tossed sand fireworks into the air, they then turned to say goodbye to the children. Bunny handed Sophie an Easter Egg, "Happy Easter, ya little ankle-biter. Gonna miss ya."
Sophie hugged the Easter Bunny, giggling, "Bye-bye, Bunny."
"You're leaving?" Jamie turned to the heroes, "But what if Pitch comes back? What if we stop believing again? If I can't see you-"
"Hey, hey, " Jack crouched down to him, "Slow down, slow down. Y-you telling me that you stop believing in the moon when the sun comes up?"
"No..." The boy shook his head.
"Okay, well," Jack smiled and asked, "...do you stop believing in the sun when clouds block it out?"
Jamie chuckled and shook his head, "No..."
"We'll always be there, Jamie. And now, we'll always be here," He touched Jamie's chest, "...which kinda makes you and Sora Guardians, too."
Meow Wow whimpered to Sora, as the little boy reached out for them. Wanda sighed, as she knew this moment was coming, "Sorry, Sora, we can't bring Meow Wow or the other Dream Eaters with us..."
"Aw..." The spikey-haired boy frowned, "Why not?"
"Well for one..." Peter glanced at the large army of Dream Eaters, "...I don't think there's enough room in... any place we call home."
"Besides, even if it was just Meow Wow... this is his home," Wanda gestured to the world around them, "We can't just... take someone away from everyone they know and love. If your parents had survived, your father and I... we would have returned you to your birth parents..." Sora frowned as she told him, "Besides, you remember our policy of owning a pet, right?"
"I'm not old enough, right?" The spikey hair boy recalled.
"Bingo," Wanda smiled.
"Besides, we can visit him and the others one day..." Peter smiled before gesturing to Sandman, "Besides, I'm sure Sandy will take good care of 'em, while we're away. Isn't that right, Sandy?"
The no-longer deceased Guardian gave the young family a thumbs up. Sora sighed, "Okay..." He then glanced at his parents, "Can I at least say goodbye?"
"Of course," Wanda smiled as she set Sora down as he went to hug Meow Wow.
"Bye, Meow Wow," The boy frowned as the dog-cat hybrid let a few whimpers before licking his face earning some giggles from the boy.
As the Guardians turned to leave, Jamie called out, "Jack!"
Everyone turned to see the boy running up to the Winter Spirit and gave him a hug. While stunned, Jack returns the hug. North then glanced at the current full-time Avenger, "I suggest you and your family get going before the Dream Sand takes effect."
Nodding to him, she then recalled a certain promise she made to Sora before pulling out a letter, "Oh, Sora, wrote you a letter for Christmas... It's mostly about finding his friends, but there are stuff he wants for himself and his friends and..."
"Say no more..." Santa smiled accepting the letter, "I think I'll make an early stop at wherever he ends up living... but just this once given the circumstances."
"Thank you," She smiled, "We'll make sure we'll leave out milk and cookies when you do."
After releasing the Dream Eater from the hug, Peter told Sora, "Hey, you want to see where you'll be staying... our home..."
"With all the superheroes?" Sora asked his father, as he confirmed with a nod, as a yeti handed Wanda the backpack. While sad he was leaving, he brightened up again, "Okay, if Riku and Kairi can be there too!"
"Deal," Wanda smiled. With that Santa and the rest of the Guardians took flight as the Deam Eaters followed, as Peter tossed an orb into the crack, as his girlfriend blasted a hex at it opening it up, she then glanced at her family, "Let's go home."
With that, the three entered the portal, with Wanda smiling as they were finally coming home, as the other children said their goodbyes, some began to yawn. Unaware the Watcher was present among them, "With the final crack sealed, with their friends eagerly awaiting them on the other side... it would seem the war for Sora would soon be over." He sighed as he glanced to a disappointed young Xehanort, "However, they would soon discover the war had only just begun... and they would discover Xehanort's true dark plans for the future Guardian of Light..."
And the Watcher wasn't the only one watching them. Pete and Maleficent watched the events play out, with the former groaning, "Doh! So, that Pitch Black fellow would appear nothing but talk! Getting beat by a bunch of kids... even if they also had the Hulk... would never see me losing to anyone who ain't even old enough to drink!"
"Disappointing, I had hopes that infamous Pitch Black would be worth enough to join our numbers," The evil fairy stated before grinning, "Fortunately, I always had a plan B, should he be unworthy..."
"Really?" Pete glanced at the witch, "Who?"
Maleficent glanced away, as she told him, "Let's just say... Pitch Black isn't the only Boogyman..."
Meanwhile, near the North Pole, a tree with an image of a Jack O' Lantern on it, led to a place called Halloween Town, and on that World, a shack full of bugs laughed, "Ha! Ha! Ha! So, ol' Pitchy Boy lost, eh?! I knew my cousin was all talk!"
Oogie Boogie then turned to his town, "I say it's time to show the world who the REAL Oogie Boogie Man is!" He then laughed before glancing at a certain skeleton, "But first, I need to dethrone a certain Pumpkin King..."
Meanwhile, the Hulk returned to the Baxter Building, Iron Man turned to the strongest Avenger, "Guess it worked. How'd it go?"
"Pitch Black won't be a problem for a long time," Hulk stated, "Sandman's alive, and Wanda and Spider-Man have the final crack and they'll be on their way with the Child of Destiny shortly."
"Okay, that's great news," Quicksilver grinned, "This awkward alliance can almost be over..."
"I hate to agree with a mutant terrorist," Maira Hill glared at the speedster, "With those creatures gone, and Scarlet Witch, Spider-Man, and whoever this Child of Destiny is, we can find the missing kids and-"
"Unfortunately, it's nowhere close to being over," Dr. Strange cut the acting Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. off, "Pitch Black may have been defeated by Xehanort's past-self is still out there..."
"We've been doing our best to prevent the Heartless from coming to our world, but their numbers grow and the protection spells are ready to break," Wong added with a very concerned tone, "If they get free... Xehanort will have an endless army on him."
"And if the present Master Xehanort is the devious tactician Wanda and Spider-Man warned us about," Captain Ameria crossed his arms, "There's no telling what the version they've been dealing with has been planning."
"So?" Juggernaut then spoke up, "Then let's just kill him and be done with it. No past version, no present version."
"I can't believe I'm saying this," Wolverine groaned before gesturing to Charles Xavier's half-brother, "But I'm with Juggernaut on this one. From how they described and what we know if he wins... the universe might be better off without him existing in it."
"We don't know the consequences of ending Xehanort's past version, it could have dire changes to the timeline," Mr. Fantastic stated, "This isn't what the X-Men, the Avengers, or even us... have dealt with before. We've seen grim futures and made adjustments to the present than alter them... but Xehanort existed long before any of that..."
"Besides, doing so could very well cause the end of the universe," Strange warned those around them, "Both Spider-Man and Wanda warned us, the only way we win this is if we send Xehanort into one of the cracks and seal it up, sending him back to the past where he'll forget his entire journey here..."
"We can deal with Xehanort Senior another day," Iron Man's eyes narrowed under his helmet, "Right now, we need to ensure that the Child, along with Wanda's secret family, and the other missing family are safe and stop Xehanort Junior before all of reality crumbles. And if they say this is the only way to stop... then that's what we'll do."
"Speaking of the Child of Destiny," Strange glanced to the Hulk, "Did you see 'em? You said they were safe for the moment, but..."
"Yeah, I saw him," Hulk admitted, confirming the gender of the Child, "But Wanda insisted on us reaching him the second they return to our world because Xehanort's going to throw everything he has to get him." He crossed his arms, he then glared at Magento, "She also didn't want to the wrong ears find out the kid's identity, because they're going want to gun for him too." His eyes narrowed, "But you already knew who the kid was, didn't you?"
Everyone turned to the Master of Magentism, as he sighed, "I had a feeling... I know my daughter and the moment she knew I was with you... she refused to say who he is in front of me. Couldn't confirm it anything though..."
"So~ Who's the Child," Clint spoke up, blinking before his eyes widened, "...he's Wanda's kid, isn't he?"
Hulk nodded, "Yup."
"WHAT?!" Everyone exclaimed, except for Wanda's family.
"It can't be," Wong shook his head, "According to the legend, the child would be born on the isles of Destiny..."
Vision crossed his arms, "Genosha is an island... and many significant events have played out on that island."
"The X-Men had prevented or tried to prevent many tragic timelines from happening to those shores," Jean spoke up, glancing around the room, seeing Vision's point, "Who's to say Gensoha isn't the Isles of Destiny?"
"Then ensuring that boy's safety just became a bigger priority," A familiar voice spoke up as everyone turned to see the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., as the acting director stood at attention, as Fury and a bunch of other vigilantes and heroes around the globe, from Daredevil to the Punisher, from Moon Knight to Ka-Zar, from Ghost Rider to the Black Knight, followed him. Nick Fury narrowed his one eye, "Now then, Stark, you have a plan on figuring out where they'll be, because we're in the endgame now."
After a long pause at Nick Fury's grand return, Strange turned to Wong, "Why does that sound like something like I would say?"
Notes:
YES! FINALLY FINISHED AND READY FOR THE FINAL ARC! ALL DURING THE LENT SEASON! Whew! Aw, man, I've been looking for the final arc for some time. Maybe we'll finally get a KH4 update by the time this story is finally done. We're supposed to get some game updates next week so maybe... if not... maybe we'll at least get some superhero and/or Star Wars game updates.
Now then, Captain America Brave New World is out, I've seen it, and I didn't think it was as bad as everyone said it was. Sure, it wasn't as good as the first three and I'd rather have Steve Rodgers as Cap any day, but I thought Sam had a good solo film as his version of Cap. Sure, Red Hulk, Leader should've been used for a Hulk movie but it is what it is. Anyway, we've got other cool Marvel projects on the way like DD: Born Again (I really need to catch up on the Netflix series btw) and the other shows coming this year and beyond, and hopefully, they'll be even better. Hearing good things about Daredevil so, I say so far so good!
Now onto the preview, our heroes finally return to their world, but not before Wanda learns the fate of Terra and Xehanort's plans for Sora. With the combined effort of Earth's greatest and mightiest heroes, plus a few villains, must come with a plan to protect Sora, protect their world, and defeat Young Xehnaort once and for all. Can they pull it off? And what happens when Xehanort gathers some of Earth's worst villains to come after Sora alongside an army of Heartless? And what's Kang been doing all this time? Stay tuned!
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Be sure to leave a review! Also if you haven't already be sure to leave a follow and fav. as well! Until next time, see ya real soon, True Believers!
Chapter 18: Chapter 17: Dark Visions
Summary:
Our heroes finally arrive home, but not before Wanda sees what befell the three missing Keyblade Weilders... especially Terra. Now, knowing what Xehanort is planning, Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch warn their friends and allies about the threat and what will become of Sora if they fail. Now, Earth's Mightiest Heroes must put up their final stand to protect their world and everything they hold dear. But will it be enough to catch the Young Xehanort off guard?
Notes:
I don't own Avengers or Kingdom Hearts. They belong to Disney, Square Enix, and Marvel. Alright! Finally, at the beginning of the end for this story! So without further delay, let's get started on the first half of the grand finale! Enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 17: Dark Visions
Somewhere in a barren wasteland, Terra stood alone between crossroads. Surrounded by thousands, perhaps even millions, of fallen rusted Keyblades. When he heard footsteps approach him, he witnessed Aqua approaching him. After a long pause, she finally spoke up, "I was told... that Master was struck down."
Stunned that she knew so quickly, he didn't even bother asking how she knew, he slowly nodded, "Yes... That's right." He closed his eyes in shame, "I was stupid and helped Xehanort do it." Aqua gasped in horror, as he explained, "The Master... he tried to hurt Ven. I only fought because I wanted to protect him."
Aqua sighed at this realization, as Terra tightened a fist, "But I was tricked, Xehanort set the whole thing up... all so he could awaken the darkness inside of me." Turning back to the young Keyblade Master, "You were right, Aqua... and so was the Master. I went astray... but no more."
\The blue-haired woman looked like she wanted to believe him, but she appeared she still have her doubts, "What else is darkness but hate and rage? Xehanort is feeding the dark fires within you... making you fight. You'll go astray again. Tell me... how does this honor the Master's memory, Terra?"
Neither one spoke for a minute before they heard another approaching them. They turned to see the youngest of their trio of friends approach them, looking haunted. Concerned, they put their conversation on hold. When he came to a stop, he revealed to them, "Xehanort wants me and Vanitas to fight, and make some kind of 'χ-blade.' But the Master said we can't let that happen... and he tried to destroy me for it."
"χ-blade?" Aqua blinked in concern.
"I still don't know exactly what it is," Ven admitted before placing his hand over his chest, "But... it scares me to death. Even just the thought of it."
The two older Keyblade Weilders went over to comfort him, as Terra placed a hand on the younger teenager's shoulder, "Relax, Ven. We're here and we're gonna take care of you."
"I may have to fight Vanitas after all," Ven admitted before he closed his eyes, "If I do, guys... I want you to-"
"The three of us can never be torn apart, all right?" Terra shook his head, not even accepting what Ven was asking as an answer, "I'll always find a way."
He tightened his hand on his shoulder, as Aqua placed comforting hands on his face. After a minute, he brushed off their hands, "I'm asking you, as a friend... Just... put an end to me."
Terra and Aqua stared at Ven neither one wanting to do the deed, but before anyone could make a decision they could hear someone else approach him. Master Xehanort approached the three grinning with his hands behind his back, before Vanitas appeared and walked alongside the dark Keyblade Master. The two stood far apart from the Guardians. After a long pause, Xehanort gestured to the many fallen Keyblades, "Behold... These lifeless keys used to be full of power- united with the hearts of their masters. On this barren soil, Keyblades of light and darkness were locked in combat... as a great Keyblade War raged. Countless Keyblade wielders gave up their lives, all in search of one, ultimate key. And it will soon belong to me..."
He then pointed his finger at Ven, "χ-blade!"
The three glared at the villain before slamming their armor pieces, which activated their full armor, as they summoned the weapons to their side. The two villains seemed unfazed. Ven attempted to move in, but Terra shoved him back and charged at the two dark Keyblade Weilders alone. Just as he was about to reach the two, Xehanort merely stretched his arm out and lifted in the air, which created a giant wall of rock surging forth from the ground underneath Terra, who stumbled forward. He looked up to see another wall of rock burst through, carrying Master Xehanort and Vanitas upward. Terra dodged another rock wall sent by Xehanort and looked up at him, gasping in shock. Xehanort laughed, holding his arm out, and a great wind burst from the earth, sending Keyblades flying. Aqua looks up to see the snake of blades rushing toward her, "Ven!"
Vanitas leaped onto it and surfed on the Keyblades that moved toward Ven. He was about to jump out of the way, but tripped doing so. The whirling blades flew upward and knocked Terra off one of the walls. Aqua looked up sharply, watching him fall. Her eyes move to the ground, which shakes as the whirlwind of blades shoots out through the earth, attacking her and lifting her into the air. She fell to the ground hard as her Keyblade fell beside her. Ven ran over to her in concern, "Aqua!"
Removing her helmet, she picked up her fallen Keyblade and raised it towards the lifeless Keyblades, slamming into Terra and casting a spell towards her, "Terra!"
The spell created a barrier that shielded Terra from the attack and exploded, knocking the Keyblades away from him. As Aqua slowly recovered, Ven didn't hesitate to run up the large pillar to help Terra, as he fell to the ground in front of Xehanort.
Stumbling to his feet, Terra charged in at the Seeker of Darkness. However, the experienced Keyblade Master parried each of his blows and countered the young man's attack, breaking his helmet and sending him back with ice magic.
The old man held out his Keyblade, ready for the next attack when Ven attempted to strike Xehanort from behind, but teleported away at the last moment, and grabbed Ven's head, raising him helplessly in the air. Terra's eyes widened in horror, "Ven!"
Ven's helmet starts to crack from the pressure, revealing his terrified eyes. Despite being wounded, Terra moved in to help his friend, but the whirling Keyblades returned and knocked him away as Vantias returned to his Master's side.
Terra fell down the large pillar while the countless blades pummeled him. Aqua stood and looked up to see Xehanort's hold on Ven. She gasped in horror, "Ven!"
Xehanort covered him in dark ice, causing Ven to cease moving. The old man dropped the young frozen teen off the pillar to the ground below. Unable to move, he hit several edges of the rockface, knocking off his helmet. He likely would have shattered if Aqua hadn't moved in to catch him before he hit the ground. She moved out from under him and gazed into his eyes, breathing heavily, "Ven, are you okay?"
His eyes gaze back at hers, but it's all he was able to do. Master Xehanort's Keyblade vanished, and a large blue orb giving off electric purple fire appeared in his hand. He held it up and it blasted into the sky. A great wind picks up and pushes the clouds aside. A blue light streams out from between the parting clouds. Aqua looked up, disbelief on her face, as she watched a large blue heart-shaped moon, Kingdom Hearts, appear in the heavens. She gasped, and Master Xehanort smirked darkly.
Down below, Terra picked himself up. He tore off his helmet, anger coursing through him. He glows brightly and summons his glider, riding it to the top of the pillar where the two villains were waiting for him.
He leaped down and dispelled his armor, facing the two dark Wielders alone. Xehanort smirked, "Admirably done. I knew this was a journey you could make... over the unseen wall that divides darkness and light. And I was not wrong, Terra!"
"My friend Ven," Terra stretched his arm and summoned his Keyblade to his side, narrowing his eyes at Xehanort's grinning face, "You tell me, Xehanort... what did you do to him?!
"Why, I did him a favor and freed the darkness inside him," Xehanort grinned without a hint of guilt, "Alas, poor Ventus never had the fortitude for such strenuous trials."
"Xehanort!" Terra roared in anger as he charged at the two dark wielders. Wanda stood on the sidelines as she watched Terra engage the two powerhouses alone. This was it. The moment Mickey and Yen Sid asked her to look into. This was the battle that caused Ventus to lose his art, forcing Aqua to find a safe place to keep his body safe until they could find a way to find and return his heart before she disappeared herself. No one really knew what happened to Terra, so this could be her only chance to find out what happened to Terra after the climax of this battle. It wasn't long before Terra clashed blades with the elder Keyblade Master. As their blades were locked, the man who destroyed Sora's birth family and home turned to his pupil, "Go take what Ventus owes you. And take Aqua's life."
Terra glanced over at Vanitas, who nodded before running toward the opposite end of the pillar, likely where Ventus and Aqua were. The young man managed to push Xehanort back and rushed over to intercept the masked boy before he could reach his friends.
However, Vantias had already leaped off the pillar as Xehanort appeared in front of Terra, forcing him to jump back to avoid a surprise attack. The old man gloated, "You see how powerless you are to save them? Savor that rage and despair. Let it empower you!"
Wanda's eyes narrowed, it was clear as day Xehanort wanted to make Terra angry, but he didn't want him as a pupil like his half-brother wanted Anakin to be. So, what did he want? That's when darkness, once again started to rise from Terra, as he clutched his free hand in anger, "You will pay, Xehanort! Was my Master-" He then shook his head, "...no, my father, Eraqus not enough for you?! Leave my friends alone!"
"Yes, boy, that's it! More!" The Keyblade Master beamed as he went into his own battle stance, "Let your whole heart blacken with anger!"
Whatever Xehanort had planned for Terra, was clearly working, as Wanda saw the darkness from Terra grow more and more. Despite not actually being there, she felt the need to back away from the young man, as he roared in anger, unleashing the darkness within his heart. He then went to reengage the elder man with rage.
The fight seemed to turn in Terra's favor, despite the powerful attacks Xehanort threw, the battle seemed to be in the former's favor. Or so it seemed. She had been in enough battles to know appearances could be deceiving. Like back in the Galactic Republic, despite Sidious's defeat, the whole thing was an experiment of Xehanort, and she could not help but notice... Xehanort seemed to be... losing intentionally. Even if it meant Terra would kill him, what could he possibly gain from his own death? Why bother fearing her own son if he was planning on Terra killing him anyway? That's when Terra laid the apparent final blow as he grinned, "Only now have I truly won."
Her eyes widened at that, what did he mean by that? Xehanort fell to his knees as he used his own Keyblade to prevent himself from hitting the ground. Terra stood over his second master, victorious, when an explosion lit from the other side of the pillar, behind the young man. After catching his breath, Xehanort grinned as he gestured behind him, "There, you see?"
At first, Terra thought it was a trick and refused to look. If Wanda were in Terra's place, she'd likely believe the same thing. But when he noticed his grin did not fade, he turned to see the pillar of light and darkness behind him, as his eyes widened in horror, as Xehanort gloated, "The χ-blade has been forged!"
"Ven!" Terra cried out in concern for his friend. Wanda knew that would happen from Mickey's story, but what came next, she never saw coming.
Xehanort lifted his Keyblade and turned the blade towards his chest, "And now, Terra, it is time for the final union!"
"Final union?" Wanda whispered to herself, and to her shock, the elder man thrust into his chest, as a dark light ignited from the blade.
"What?!" Both she and Terra gasped as the latter turned to face the old man.
"At last, our moment is here." He opened his arms, and a circle of light emanated from his pierced chest. His Keyblade vanished while an orb, shimmering with light, floated out of his body, "Out with the old and brittle vessel, and in with a younger, stronger new one!"
Wanda's face turned pale, remembering Mickey mentioning his friend, Ansem, had a young man who also went by the name of Xehanort... she turned to Terra, who gasped in horror, trying to back away, as the heart floated over Xehanort, who raised his arms toward it, "I swore I would survive... and be there to see what awaited beyond the Keyblade War! And now it is your darkness that shall be the ark that sustains me!"
He lowered his arms and thrust his heart directly at Terra. Acting quickly, Terra reactivated his armor in hopes of protecting himself. Unfortunately, by the time the suit of armor was equipped, the heart had already struck the young man, causing him to gasp in pain. Xehanort grinned before closing his eyes, as his body vanished.
Not long after, 'Terra' dropped his Keyblade and removed the armor bit by bit, piling it on the ground. When Wanda finally got a good look at his face, she was horrified. While physically he looked fine, something seemed off about the man. His hair turned silver, as he grinned, and spoke with a deep voice, "This heart belongs again to darkness. All worlds begin in darkness, and all so end. The heart is no different. Darkness sprouts within it... it grows, consumes it. Such is its nature. In the end, every heart returns to the darkness whence it came."
When 'Terra' opened his eyes, Wanda saw that his natural blue eyes were replaced with yellow eyes. Xehanort's eyes. Wanda covered her mouth as she gasped in horror, "Oh, God... Xehanort..."
She felt like she was going to vomit; heck, once she woke from this nightmare, she likely would. Xehanort had taken over Terra! The possessed man summoned Xehanort's Keyblade into his hand and went off the claim his ultimate prize down below...
...at least that was what he was planning. The chains of gold covered the pillar, preventing Terra-nort from leaving. The silver head blinked in shock, "What?!"
Both he and Wanda turned to see the armor, fully gathered, kneeling with its hands on the Keyblade. Terra-nort glared at the empty suit of armor, "Your body submits, your heart succumbs..." He then went into Terra's battle stance, "SO WHY DOES YOUR MIND STILL RESIST?!"
The armor slowly stood up on its feet, before grabbing the Keyblade with its right arm and lifting it carefully out of the ground, ready to engage the possessed man. Wanda then came to a sudden realization, Xehanort might have taken over his body... but Terra's mind and soul weren't ready to give it up without a fight.
The two engaged with each other, this time, giving it everything they had to win the battle. Neither one of them was willing to yield until the other fell. In the end, Terra's Lingering Will was the victor of the fight, as his final attack knocked Terra-nort unconscious.
However, the armor made no attempt to reclaim its body, as Wanda realized that Terra didn't know how. Instead, the armor plunged his Keyblade into the ground and knelt once again. An enormous burst of energy surged toward them, splitting earth and atom alike. Glowing with the most intense burst of light, it covers Terra's body and the armored sentiment. Wanda had to embrace for impact, while not really there, the light of the explosion was blinding.
When the explosion settled, Terra's armor remained as the clouds around Kingdom Hearts swirled, bending inward and hiding Kingdom Hearts again from the world. And still, the armor stands, as the memory ended, she could hear Terra's voice...
"Aqua, Ven... One day I will set this right."
Wanda was still unconscious by the time they landed on the new world, back in the clothing they wore at the start of their journey. Sora's eyes widened at the large city around them, "Wow... this is your home?"
"That's right," Spidey placed a comforting hand on Sora as he gestured around Times Square, "Welcome to New York City..."
Marvelous City
Citizens turned to see the sight of the heroes returning, so they pulled out their phones to take pictures of the scene. A newspaper was blown around by the wind until it collided with Spider-Man's leg. Picking it up, he saw it was the Bugle, with yesterday's date. He read, "Scarlet Witch still MIA after being kidnapped by Spider-Man." He chuckled to himself, "I never thought I'd miss ol' pickle puss and his outlandish opinions about me."
"Mommy?" Sora turned to the Scarlet Witch as she recovered.
She groaned as Peter dropped the old newspaper and went to check on his girlfriend, "Scarlet! Wanda! Are you okay?!"
"No..." She groaned before running over to the nearest trash can and emptying her lunch in the public bin.
"Is mommy sick?" Sora innocently asked his father.
After finishing, she wiped her face, "Geeze, Wanda, what did you see?"
"Oh, Pe-Spidey," She turned to him and held on to him, "It was awful! I saw the battle Mickey told us about... and what happened to Terra... and... and..." Her eyes widened in horror, as she turned to their son, "Oh God! I know what Xehanort wants with Sora!"
Suddenly, a single slow clap could be heard as Spider-Man's Spider-Sense went absolutely nuts. The two Avengers turned to face Xehanort as the crowds continued to record the events on their phones. The youthful Xehanort clapped his hands, "Well done... if I'm being honest, I thought you two would have failed long ago, but even as a boy, the Child of Destiny still had several tricks up his sleeves. Now, you've forced my hand, you're journey ends here-"
Suddenly, Xehanort was blasted back by a hex from the Scarlet Witch, causing the villain to hit the side of a car. The people inside quickly rushed out, as Wanda took little chance of his recovery, and used her hexes to lift up two parked cars, and slammed them on top of Xehanort, which likely would have killed most, even before the cars exploded. Stunned, Peter turned to Wanda, who looked furious, "You... YOU MONSTER!"
Some civilians made a run for it, while the rest stayed to take photos and recordings of the events. Xehanort stepped out of the flames, brushing off the attack, "So, you saw my future self's handy work on Terra, eh?"
"XEHANORT! YOU ARE ONE SICK-!" She stopped for a brief moment, turning to her child, "Sora? Do mommy a favor and cover your ears..."
Confused, Sora did what his mother requested. She then turned right back to Xehanort and started swearing and cussing every single inappropriate word that would make even the toughest New Yorker flinch. Some parents cover their own children's ears to prevent them from hearing the foul language coming from the Avenger's mouth. Spider-Man's eyes widened under his mask in disbelief.
The Watcher, himself, had to cover his own ears to overhear the swears himself. To Sora, everything that came from his mother's mouth came up muffled as he couldn't hear a word. When she was finished, she removed one of the boy's hands, so he could hear her telling him, "You can open them now..."
The boy removed his hands from his ears, as Peter stated, "Dang... we might need to start a swear jar after this... in fact... I didn't even know half of those words existed."
"Take another step, Xehanort, and I'll make you regret the day you were born!" Wanda growled as she readied another hex.
"Hmmm... I expected as much from you, Witch," Xehanort shrugged off her swear words as if it were no big deal.
"Spider-Man, the Xehanort of our time, placed his heart inside of Terra." Wanda glanced at Peter, "He turned him into Xehanort, and he wants to do the same with Sora!"
"He did WHAT?!" Spider-Man's eyes narrowed under his mask as Sora hid behind his parents at Wanda's reveal.
"Yes," Xehanort grinned as he began monologuing, "My future-self came to me with a task, gather thirteen worthy vessels for his heart to inhabit..." He then glanced around, "...but thanks to you, I have given a clear look into my future... beyond even my most future-self could've foreseen..."
His eyes narrowed at Sora...
Somewhere in the future, in another timeline, Sora stood alongside his friends, Donald and Goofy, on the highest building of Scala ad Calem, face to face with the elder Xehanort. The teenager's eyes narrowed as he summoned his Keyblade to his hand, "It's all over, Xehanort!"
He then aimed his Keyblade at the grinning villain.
"Time and time again, these two would clash in one vessel or another, for the fate of the worlds and Kingdom Hearts."
"You thought you could contain me here..." Master Xehanort raised an amused eyebrow, "...knowing all that you do about connections?"
Xehanort wiggled his fingers in front of them, sparking a brilliant light. They shield their eyes as the χ-blade appears in his hand. Sora gasped while Donald and Goofy's eyes widened. Xehanort lifted off the ground before them, feeling the weight of the blade in his hand, "There is one sky, one destiny!"
"Despite all odds, Sora would overcome and stop each one of his schemes, but my future-self was still prepared for every eventuality, perfecting his goal, my goal, for the χ-blade and the secrets of Kingdom Hearts..."
Sora's Kingdom Key clashed against the ultimate Keyblade, as Donald and Goofy provided with the backup he needed. Eventually, Xehanort lept up to the evening sky, "Come, Kingdom Hearts!"
He aimed the χ-blade into the sky, releasing a beam of light to a point in the clouds. He laughed as the clouds parted, revealing the shining Kingdom Hearts behind it. The great heart-shaped moon sent a laugh from the belly of the old man, his plans coming to fruition before the battle continued to rage on.
"With the Guardians of Light against his Seekers of Darkness... Destiny on our side... he was so close to reaching his goal... when the impossible happened..."
During the end of the battle, Sora used his own Keyblade to defend himself from the blast of the χ-blade's power; he would have been overwhelmed, but Goofy came to help ease his burden, holding back the attack alongside him. He gave the teen a nod. When Donald also came to his side, he too, held the attack back, nodding at Sora. Grateful, he smiled back at them as together they pushed the attack back.
Stirring up the air around them, Sora aimed the Keyblade toward Xehanort, the three holding on together as a large crown symbol appeared at their feet. Comets of red, blue, and green spiral into the teeth of the blade before the Trinity Limit sent Xehanort's dark beam into pieces, striking back against the Master once and for all. The world flashed white as Master Xehanort was sent back to the roof of the citadel. The scent of darkness wafted from him as he dropped the χ-blade before collapsing on the ground. The trio eased up as the old man struggled to get back up but was too weak to stand...
...unaware that his past-self witnessed the events, horrified he had lost!
"So close to our goal, our endgame, our dreams, and yet, Sora still managed to ruin it," Xehanort angrily snapped, causing the four-year-old to flinch, "I couldn't believe it. The prophecy stated that on that fated land would darkness prevail and light expire! The Guardians were meant to lose the war, but the boy ruins everything!"
Neither hero made a response, Spidey likely would have made a joke if Wanda had not told him what Xehanort did to Terra and what he plans to do to their son. Xehanort calmed himself, "That's when it came to me... only the Child of Destiny would have the power to defy this fate. To think all that time, I thought we were dealing with a mere dull boy... when in truth... he was the ultimate piece in the game. Whoever holds the child wins the war... controls destiny itself..."
He grinned as he turned to the heroes, "So, with the information I have of the future, and the fact that your battle with Kang gave me a chance at altering my fate... I came up with a plan that would ensure my most future-self would achieve our goal." He then turned to the boy, "Take the boy, bring him to my future-self and place his heart inside his... and destiny can be whatever he chooses it to be!"
"YOU'RE MAD!" Wanda snarled.
"We're talking about an innocent boy's life here!" Peter snapped, "You destroyed Sora's home, and ripped him from his loved ones so that you won't die of old age... to destroy everything out of pure curiosity?!"
"If you think we're just going to let that happen to him," The Scarlet Witch stated as she handed Peter the bag with the last orb inside it, "Then you're in for a rude awakening!"
"And what are you planning to do?" Xehanort grinned, "Throw me inside a breach and seal me inside of it with the last orb the wizard gave you..." He laughed, placing a hand over his chest, "You should know by now... like my future-self... I prepare for every eventuality."
He then thrust his hands behind him, opening a breach, as the heroes' faces paled as they saw what was inside. Sora gasped, peeking behind Wanda, "Riku! Kairi!"
"Yes, they too have a role to play in the coming Keyblade War," Xehanort revealed to the heroes, "I have no intentions of letting them die..." He then gestured to the heroes, "...and sure... if you two did somehow manage to defeat me, and seal me away inside the breach, I would return to the past with no memory of the events that led me here... but you'd doom the children as they would be lost to time and space forever, with no hopes of any rescue... and break Sora's heart..."
"Dammit," Peter muttered under his breath. Xehanort thought of everything. They couldn't risk defeating him now without bringing harm to the other children. Sora's closest friends.
"Let them go!" Wanda demanded.
"Of course, I'm not completely unfair," The time-traveler from the past grinned, "I have to hand it to you two, despite everything, you managed to keep the Child of Destiny safe from my grasp this far... I can respect that... that's why I'm offering a trade. The other children for the Child of Destiny. I'll even spare your world from the coming conflict of light and darkness."
"Even if we believed you'd actually keep your word..." The Wall-Crawler glared under his mask.
Wanda then finished, "We wouldn't take it."
Xehanort chuckled as he closed the breach, "I suppose I've given you two meddlers enough chances. I went easy on you sending those villains to claim the child..." He then summoned his own Keyblade to his side, "...but now... I shall take the boy from you myself..."
Before he could engage them, a shadow covered the four as something massive flew above them. Wanda looked up, shocked, "Is that..."
"The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier," Peter gasped under his mask, "Hulk must have told the others... but how did they find us so quickly..."
Suddenly, several Mandroids descended upon Xehanort, surrounding him along with several heavily armed S.H.E.I.L.D. agents with jetpacks. The weapons were trained on the young Seeker of Darkness, as Agent Quartermain's voice spoke from the Helicarrier, "By the authority of S.H.E.I.L.D., you are to lay down your weapon, back away from the Child, and surrender..."
Xehanort then started laughing maniacally, as Peter thought to himself, "Man, I hate when the authorities surround the bad guy and they just start laughing..."
"If this is the best security your world has to offer," Xehanort smirked before raising a free hand, "Then I'm severely disappointed..."
With a wave of his hand, more cracks appeared and Heartless started pouring out of them, and immediately swarmed in to attack S.H.E.I.L.D. After that, people started panicking and made a run for it.
"Take 'em down!" An agent in Mandroid armor exclaimed as they started to open fire upon the creatures of darkness. While successful in destroying a handful of Heartless, S.H.E.I.L.D. agents are instantly overwhelmed. Some were quickly dispatched and lost their hearts to the Heartless.
For those who tried to go against Xehanort from the past, they were beaten even faster, as he blocked their laser strikes with ease, ever charging to bash them with his weapon, taking them down. A Mandroid tried subduing him, but Seeker of Darkness used his Keyblade to slice one of its arms off, causing the man inside to scream in pain. They were getting killed out there, as Wanda turned to Peter, "We have to get Sora out of here!"
Just then, a magical portal opened behind the two as Nick Fury and Maira Hill stepped out with their guns raised at the Heartless. While they weren't surprised to see the latter there, the former, they were both shocked to see. Peter's eyes widened under his mask, "Fury?! What are you-"
"No time! Get inside!" The Director of S.H.E.I.L.D. exclaimed as he and his acting director started blasting the Heartless, "Don't let our agents' sacrifice be in vain!"
The two ultimately nodded as Wanda picked up Sora and ran inside, followed by Spider-Man. Fury and Hill made sure no stranglings followed as they backed inside the portal as it closed as soon as they entered...
Maria still had her gun trained on where the portal once was before lowering it. She turned to her superior, "We're clear."
"Wanda!" Wasp beamed as she flew over to the Scarlet Witch before growing to her natural size to hug her, "Thank God! We got to you in time!"
"Jan..." Wanda sighed in relief and used her free hand that she wasn't using to hold Sora to hug her back, "It's good to see you too!"
"Wait, Ka-Zar?" Spider-Man blinked under his mask as he spotted the Lord of the Savage Land among the heroes present, before going around the room and spotting familiar faces that were not on the Avengers, X-Men, or Fantastic Four rosters, "DD? Frank? Blaze? Cloak? Dagger?" He then wondered, "What are you doing here?"
"Those Nightmares attacked everywhere, and the moment we heard you were caught in the middle of this, old friend," Ka-Zar smiled as he greeted Spider-Man alongside his wife and Zabu, "We figured you could use the help."
"Given what we know so far," Daredevil gestured around the heroes, "It sounded like you could use it."
He nodded to his friends outside of the Avengers, before turning to Fury, "You need to get you're people out of there, Fury! Xehanort's forces are massacring them!"
"Now hold on!" The acting director spoke up, "S.H.E.I.L.D. can still-"
"Director, the assailant has wiped out our ground forces, and the Helicarrier has taken major critical hits!" Agent Quartermain's voice exclaimed through the private secure coms., "We're going down!"
Hill's eyes widened in horror as Fury gave out orders, "Try to land her in the water if you can! Then abandon ship!"
"Understood!" The S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent replied as those by the window watched as the Helicarrier started to fall right out of the sky.
"They'll not make it," Jean gasped in horror as Kurt immediately started praying for a miracle.
"Iron Man, Thor!" Captain America gave out orders, "Try to stabilize her! Guide to the water, if it crashes in the middle of the city..."
"No need, Captain," Wong spoke up as he started creating another portal with his sling ring, a much larger one this time, which opened near the helicarrier's location and towards the ocean. The protector of the ancient books then pushed the portal towards the massive ship, ensuring the city's safety.
Everyone sighed in relief as the portal closed, and Wong nodded, "That was a close one."
Hill groaned to herself, "Seriously, I can't believe this happened again!"
"Why are you surprised?" Iceman asked the acting director, "Don't you lose the Helicarrier every other Tuesday?"
Kitty elbowed him in response, as Maira glared at him, "I'd be angrier..." before sighing, "...if it wasn't true."
"We had all the cracks secure before," Strange stated as he created a magical map of the world with every crack location, "Xehanort just created 13 more effortlessly... not as big as the ones that have been sealed but just enough to be a problem for our world..."
"And these Heartless are a whole more aggressive than the Nightmares were," Director Fury glancing to the destruction the Heartless were causing, "...and that's saying something."
"Xehanort is desperate to get his hands on Sora," Spider-Man gestured to the boy in his girlfriend's arms, "If he succeeds-"
"Hey," Wasp blinked as she looked around, "Where's your hubby? I was hoping to meet the father..."
"Oh, yes," Pietro crossed his arms, "Where is Peter Parker? I'm sure Spider-Man knows..."
"He's not still out there, is he?" Thing glanced out at the city.
"Uh... no... he's fine," Peter reassured the group, attempting to protect his secret identity, "Xehanort wasn't after him, so I got him to safety before Xehanort showed..."
Wanda confirmed this with a nod, as Quicksilver smirked, lightly tapping his foot, "Right~"
After a long pause, Wanda narrowed her eyes, very suspicious, "Pietro, what did father have you do this time?"
"Mommy?" Sora lifted his head, "Who's that?"
The speester blinked as Magento slowly approached his daughter, as she sighed, "Sora... that's your Uncle Pietro..." She then turned to Magento, "...and your grandfather..."
"Grandpa?" Sora tilted his head as Wanda's father. Magento looked like his heart had just melted at the mere words of the boy.
"I'll talk to you about them later," Wanda promised the boy, before telling the heroes and the Brotherhood, "Just listen to what Spider-Man has to say! We now know what Xehanort wants with Sora-" She then turned to the telepath in the room, "Jean! Look into my memories! From when we first arrived on this world!"
Jean blinked at this before slowly nodding, closing her eyes, and focusing, reading the mind of Wanda Maximoff. Jean then saw Wanda's latest memories of Xehanort, from the battle on the Keyblade Graveyard to the fate of Terra to Xehanort's plans for the young boy. Her eyes widened in horror, "Oh my-"
The telepath collapsed on the ground as Cyclops caught her, "Jean! Are you okay?"
"Oh, Scott, it was awful," Jean declared, turning to him, "We can't let Xehanort get anywhere near Sora!"
Seeing how Spider-Man, Wanda, and now Jean were deeply concerned for the child made everyone in the room feel uneasy. T'Challa then turned to Wanda, "Tell us... what is Xehanort planning...?"
"Do I really have to do this now?" Sora asked nervously about what was happening.
Jane Foster placed a stethoscope on Sora's chest, as she gave him a reassuring smile, "Relax. It's just a little check-up your mother wanted for you after your long journey... we won't be doing anything too serious for the moment..." After hearing his heartbeat was healthy, she removed the stethoscope and pulled out a reflex hammer, "Now... we're going to check your reflexes, you remember what you have to do back home?"
Sora nodded as he stuck his legs out on the chair he sat on. While that was going on, Wanda and Spidey explained Xehanort's goals and plans for the boy. After finishing, everyone in the room was horrified.
"Sweet Christmas," Luke Cage gasped.
"Odin's beard!" Thor exclaimed.
"Good Lord," Iron Man gasped.
"Oh, man," Toad felt woozy, before gagging, "I think I'm going to be sick!"
He then ran towards the nearest bathroom to throw up, Frank was the first to act as he loaded his gun, "Alright, where's that son of a-"
"Frank, you know why we can't kill him," Daredevil turned to him.
"Yeah, but nothing's stopping me from finding our present Xehanort, and punishing him," The Punisher declared.
"If you kill Xehanort now, we could end up losing Terra forever as well," Black Panther crossed his arms. "If there's a way we can reverse what Xehanort did to him, place Terra's mind and soul back into his heart and body, then we have to try..."
"One thing at a time," Cap spoke up, getting everyone's attention, furious about all the evils Xehanort has and plans to commit, "Right now, we need to do everything in our power to stop the breaches, and send the past Xehanort back to his own time! And never makes his dark plans come to fruition!"
"But now we understand what will bring an end our our universe," Doctor Strange stated, as everyone then turned to him, "Sora and Xehanort are destined to battle each other for the fate of our universe. It's an absolute point in time."
"Absolute?" Thing raised an eyebrow.
"Unchangeable, unmovable," Strange stated before gesturing to Spider-Man and Wanda, "The Xehanort you two met, told you he was tasked by his future-self to gather thirteen vessels to hold his heart for one of his schemes. If it's true, then there are certain rules he had to obey prior to your battle with Kang."
"Like what?" Magento wondered.
"First, you must leave your body behind to do it. Then, there must be a version of you waiting at the destination," Wong explained, "Upon arrival, you can only move forward as per the laws of time. And you cannot rewrite the events that are destined to happen."
"Okay, but what about Kang?" Iron Man stated, "He still had a body traveling through time..."
"Oh, and Merlin from the Disney films is a time traveler too," Wasp raised her hand, "...and he's real too!"
"Merlin is the most powerful wizard in the universe," Strange glanced at the founding Avengers, "And Kang has technology way more advanced than anything we have now... but even they have to follow certain rules."
"Like not changing anything that was meant to happen," Storm realized.
"Exactly," Strange nodded, "That's why we never saw Merlin prevent countless well-known tragedies that have happened over the centuries, or why Kang didn't decide to assassinate Captain America during World War II."
"But what about our adventure on Coruscant?" Wanda spoke up, "Peter and I prevented Anakin from becoming Vader and stopped Palpatine from creating the Empire and destroying the Jedi Order."
"Yes, Xehanort took measures to see if destiny can be changed," The Sorcerer Supreme gestured to the Scarlet Witch, "However, he overlooked one thing. It wasn't necessarily destined for Anakin to turn to the Dark Side..."
"...that's right, he was prophesied to destroy the Sith and bring balance to the Force," Peter realized.
Wong then nodded to the two Avengers, "Which you two ensured that still happened. Anakin Skywalker destroyed Darth Sidious..."
"It has played out very differently and earlier from how it went in the movies," Strange added, "But the prophecy of the Chosen One had still been fulfilled. And as a bonus, countless lives were saved." He glanced around, "Still, it was enough with him to convince himself that he could change his fate now. However, according to what he told you, he was recruited to gather his thirteen vessels after Sora stopped some of his schemes already. Not before."
"But he believes he can now," Sue's eyes widened.
"Yes, but since he's attempting to prevent battles between him and Sora that were always meant to happen... and possessing the young boy before he ever received a Keyblade he risks breaking an absolute point," The former surgeon explained, "If he succeeds in breaking an absolute point in time, the resulting temporal paradox will destroy this universe."
"And that's what we saw through your Infinity Stone," Wolverine gestured to the Eye of Aggomotto, "Xehanort will break that Absolute Point in time unless we stop him."
"Even if it didn't tear our universe apart, I for one am not going to stand aside and let an innocent child experience a fate worse than death," Captain America proclaimed, "A fate I wouldn't wish even on my worst enemies..."
"Aye," Thor nodded in agreement as he raised his hammer, "First, we'll send this fiend back from whence he came, free Terra, then smite Xehanort off the face of Midgard!"
"Let's clobber this loser," Thing threw his fist into his hand.
"So, we gotta send Junior back to the past," Wolverine growled as he popped out his claws, "I ain't heard anyone say he had to be in one piece to get there!"
"We're not 'superheroes' like the rest of you," Quicksilver spoke up, "But the Brotherhood's in too."
"If Xehanort desires a war," Magento's eyes narrowed in anger, "Then we shall give him one!"
"You still have that orb?" Cap turned to Spider-Man and Wanda.
Pulling out their bag, Spidey tossed the orb, "It's the last one."
"Then we have one shot at getting this right," The Man out of Time caught the Orb, "Clint, if we knock Xehanort into a crack, can you take the shot?"
"Easily," Clint nodded, taking the orb from Cap and placing it on one of his arrows.
"Then let's smash him!" Hulk was about to exit the building. "The cupid can finish this..."
"Wait, not yet," Wanda warned the archer.
"Why not?" Quicksilver blinked in shock, "I thought you'd want to get rid of that monster more than the rest of us!"
"I do," Scarlet Witch nodded with her eyes narrowed, "But Sora's friends are being held hostage inside the cracks if we are successful in sending Xehanort back to the past..."
"...we risk ending up losing the other children," Reed's eyes widened at that, "We cannot allow that to happen..."
"Then we need to buy time to figure out how to get them out of there," Tony glanced at Reed.
Soon enough, Jane brought the boy back, who was currently sucking a lollipop, as she turned to Wanda, "Well, as far as I'm concerned, despite traveling to seven different worlds you have one healthy four-year-old."
"Thank you, Jane, for coming on short notice," Wanda smiled in appreciation, "Especially everything that's currently happening..."
"It's fine, Wanda," The paramedic reassured her, "It's part of the job, and what are friends for..." She then turned to the Prince of Asgard, smiling lovingly at him, who smiled bashfully. She then gave a teasing smile to a certain archer, "...and your son does a good job behaving unlike someone else I tried to treat."
"I WAS FINE," Hawkeye complied, "AND IT WAS ONE TIME, PEOPLE! ONE TIME!"
Everyone rolled their eyes at Clint, as Wasp knelt down to the boy, "Awe~ He's just too cute!" Jan then turned to Wanda, "Seriously, Wanda, why haven't you said anything? We could've thrown you a baby shower!"
"Well, in Wanda's defense," Jean spoke up before glancing to the Scarlet Witch for permission, who ultimately nodded, "Wanda or her boyfriend haven't-"
"Wait, you're not married?!" Pietro blinked in shock, before turning to his sister, "...and you gave me grief for waiting until finding the right woman! You just jumped on the first nice guy you met and-"
"Peitro!" Both Wanda and Magento glared at him before gesturing to Sora, as the former stated, "Sora's right here and he doesn't need to hear how the birds and bees work this moment!" She gestured to her son, "Besides, it's not what you think!"
"...as I was saying," Jean spoke up, "Wanda or her boyfriend hadn't met Sora until after they disappeared to another world."
Everyone turned to Jean in shock, "Huh?!"
"Sora was born on a world outside our own," Spidey revealed, kneeling beside him, "On a group of islands called the Destiny Islands."
"The Isles of Destiny..." Wong's eyes widened in realization, "So, that means..."
"Since Sora lost his home and family because of Xehanort and the Heartless," Wanda lifted up her child, "Peter and I... we were planning on adopting him after the threat was over..."
"Wait, so you mean..." Jan turned to Wasp.
"Jan, the day I am expecting a baby," Scarlet Witch smiled to the founding Avenger, "You and my sister will be among the first to know."
"Oh, thank goodness," Jan sighed in relief, but still happy for her, "Though I see why you want to keep him, he looks so adorable!"
"Honestly, I think you fooled us all," Sora's uncle turned to the boy, "He kinda looks just like you."
Magento remained silent for the time being, as Cap spoke up, "Blood or not, Sora's your child, and that makes him one of us. If Xehanort or any other supervillain targets one of us, then they have to go through the rest of us." He turned to Wanda and Spider-Man, "You two have dealt with the Heartless longer than the rest of us. Is there anything we can use?"
"Yeah," Spider-Man nodded, "On the Hunchback world, we discovered that the Heartles could not enter Notre Dame. They cannot touch holy ground or they'll be destroyed."
"Then God is still with us," Kurt smiled.
"Then we need to evacuate every citizen within the area to their local Catholic Church," The Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. declared.
"Not everyone's going to be thrilled with that idea," Moon Knight stated, "Not everyone on the planet shares the same faith or even believes in any God."
"For their sake, they're going to have to suck it up until the crisis is over," Captain America declared, before turning to the team, "Now, as for the childern..."
"As expected," Everyone froze as they turned to see Dr. Doom approaching the heroes with his hands behind his back, "None of you has an inkling of how to solve this crisis without Doom's aid."
"Doom!" Thing glared at the armored ruler of Latveria.
The heroes quickly stood in front of the Child of Destiny, as Sue threatened, "So much as take another step towards the boy...!"
"Why, dear Susan, I have not come for the boy." Doctor Doom raised his hand before turning to Iron Man, "Recall, Stark, it was I who gave you the solution to expose the Skrull during the Secret Invasion."
The CEO did not keep his eyes off the ruler of Latveria, "Why are you here, Doom?"
"I've been studying the breaches in reality, the moment they first appeared," Doom stated, "I've also had my eye on your 'heroes' since you're eyes were open to the threat, and learned of your inferior portal to the other worlds."
He then pulled out a chip out of his suit, as Spidey lightly joked, "Oh, look, a gobber..."
"This chip has all of what I've learned of the portals." Dr. Doom harshly glared at Spider-Man.
"There's always a micro chip, a data chip, a who cares chip, with a list I can't remember, so I always call it a goober. Long story." Spider-Man earned a light chuckle from his family.
Annoyed, Doom turned back to Iron Man, "If you wish to rescue the other children, this information will allow your portal to access the breaches, and work well with your little machine..."
Iron Man took the chip, and Reed glanced at Doom. "Why are you helping, Victor? You always had a reason for what you do... good or bad."
"This world, like all worlds, is mine to rule and mine alone," He answered as his eyes narrowed, "This Xehanort cannot have it." He then glanced at the other heroes, "And while you see me as the villain, I am no monster. I won't endanger the lives of children in my goal to rule the worlds."
Sora tilted his head in confusion, as Wanda refused to keep his eyes on the Latverian Dictator, "So, what? You're going to fight Xehanort with us."
"That would be beneath me," Doom answered as he walked away, "Such chores are what you people are for." He then pressed a button on his suit as he turned to Magento, "Eric."
"Victor," The Master of magnetism nodded back, before Doom teleported away with a green flash.
With that, the heroes eased up before Thing spoke up, "Should we be concerned that Doom knew what we were up to? And the fact that he knows how your own machine works, Stretch?"
"Another problem for another day," Reed stated as he turned to Tony, "Xehanort is the immediate threat at the moment."
Hill wondered, "Can we trust Doom of all people?"
"As much as Doom makes my skin crawl," Tony answered, "Doom gains nothing if Xehanort wins. Be it now or when the kid was supposed to stop him."
"We'll check out the chip-" Yellow Jacket spoke up.
"Goober," Peter half-joked.
Hank Pym sighed, "...the goober... and ensure that it's safe to use."
"After that, and once we get the portal working, and install the chip if it is what Doom says it is," Beast spoke up, "We can find and rescue any chip inside the breaches through the space-time continuum."
"And then we smash Xehanort back to the past," Hulk growled, wanting to smash Xehanort now after everything that the heroes revealed.
Wolverine then glanced at the King of Wakanda, "So, how long will it take for your people to deliver enough vibranium the get that thing up and running?"
Just then, a Wakandian ship became visible, flying just outside the window, as T'Challa answered, "That would be them now."
"But it will take time," Beast admitted, "So we'll need to protect Sora, the Child of Destiny, until we confirm that the children are safe."
"I'll led you eggheads Forge," Wolverine nodded, "He might be able to help cut that time in half."
"We also need to protect our world's Keyhole," Wong spoke up, "If Xehanort is as cunning as what we heard, he may attempt to send Heartless to draw some of us away."
"Seriously, a keyhole?" Quicksilver raised an eyebrow, "What's so special about a keyhole? Should our number #1 priority be protecting my nephew?"
"The Keyhole leads directly into the heart of our world," Keeper of the Ancient Books explained, "If the Heartless reach it first and consume our world's heart..."
"...no more Earth, or anyone on it," Strange stated, "We'd either lose our hearts and join the horde of Heartless or be trapped within the Realm of Darkness and then turned into Heartless."
"Ooooh," Quicksilver blinked in shock, "Okay... yeah, that does sound bad..."
"And just like that, we've run into another end of the world scenario," Dimino sighed to herself.
"But he's not wrong either," Strange gestured to the speedster.
"He is?!" Everyone from the Avengers to the Brotherhood gasped.
"I am?!" Pietro gasped equally as shocked before putting on a smug face, "I mean, yeah, I am!"
"If Xehanort reaches Sora and implants his heart inside him, then we all know the outcome." The former surgeon revealed before glancing at Wanda and Peter, "So, if something does go wrong... if we fail to stop the Heartless from reaching the Keyhole and are unable to send Young Xehanort back to the past... You two need to get the child away from our world. Come up with a plan B..."
"Hold on, Strange," Peter raised a hand, "I'm all for doing everything we can to protect Sora. But if we do that, billions of people are going to experience a fate worse than death."
"We'd lose our home, friends, and other family..." Scarlet Witch pointed out in deep concern, "Strange? Do you know what you're asking us to do?"
"I know. I know," He turned to the recent couple in sympathy, before telling them with a serious look, "But in the grand calculus of the universe and countless worlds within it," He then gestured to the boy, "This boy's life is worth infinitely more than our world's existence."
"It won't come to that," Captain America declared, "We'll protect the boy and make sure our world is still spinning?"
"You have a plan?" Clint glanced at the super soldier.
"Yes," Steve confirmed, "We need to break off into teams. Each one is critical to the survival of Sora and our world." He turned to Iron Man, "Stark, you, Reed, McCoy, Pym, and Forge finish the machine and use Doom's information on the portal and open a crack to reach those kids." He then turned to his partner, "Bucky, you'll take a small team to pull those kids out of there and let us know the very second that the kids are safe."
"You got it, Cap," The former assassin of the Red Skull nodded with determination.
"Wong," The Man Out of Time turned to the Keeper of the Ancient Books, "You take a team to find and protect this Keyhole. Guard it for as long as you can while the rest of us handle Xehanort."
"Finding it shouldn't be an issue," Wong admitted, "The Acinet One discovered it long ago, we'll buy you whatever time you need to send Xehanort back from when he came from."
The World War II hero nodded before turning to the Black Panther, "T'Challa, I hate to ask this, but we need an army to oppose Xehanort, and to keep Sora safe-"
"I know what you are asking, Captain, and I know what's at stake," The King of Wakanda nodded to Steve, "If this is our final stand against this great evil, then my people will be honored to join you." He then turned to the other heroes in the room, "And I know we will not fight alone."
"Aye," Thor nodded, as his eyes narrowed with determination, "You shall not. I shall bring us additional forces. I will speak to my father about sending us reinforcements from the armies of Asgard."
"You sure, Thor?" Jane glanced at the Thunderer, "If I'm not mistaken, your father nears the Odin sleep. He may deny this request."
"Given the alternative is Ragnarok to all of the realms," The Son of Odin declared before using his hammer to open a portal back to Asgard, "The Alfather may make an exception. Lady Jane, my friends, I shall return to Midgard with the greatest warriors that Asgard has to offer."
With that, Thor entered the portal as it closed behind him. Nick Fury then spoke up, "S.H.I.E.L.D. forces will help defend Wakanda and the Keyhole..."
"Uh, Director, with all due respect," Hill spoke up in protest, "But Keyholes, other worlds, turning people into the same man! Don't you find this all hard to believe?! Look, I want to help those children as much as the rest of us, but one boy compared to the shake of the entire planet..."
Wanda smirked as she glanced down at Sora, "Sweetie, I need to look as adorable as possible..." Her son turned to her, confused as she shook her head, "On second thought... just be yourself..."
She picked up Sora and walked over to the acting director, as she stated, "All I'm saying is we shouldn't use all of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s resources to protect one-"
Wanda then held up Sora directly in front of her face, causing her to stare directly at the Child of Destiny. The boy softly greeted her, "Hi..."
Blinking once, twice, thrice, Maira stared directly at the child before stating, "...oh my goodness... this boy is adorable..." After another moment of staring, she went to her earpiece, "This is Acting Director Hill to all available S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. Director Fury has given the order to get everyone who isn't dead or dying to Wakanda. We now know who our prep is after, and we must protect the child known as Sora at all costs! I repeat! Get to Wakanda and prepare for war! This is not a drill! Go! Go! Go!"
Everyone who knew Hill's jaws dropped in shock. Spidey glanced at a smug Wanda, "How'd you know that would work?"
"It's Sora," She simply answered, "You'd have to be heartless or pure evil not to love him."
"Here, here," The other women in the room agreed, thinking the boy was absolutely adorable.
"We also need agents to assist some of the heroes at..." Hill continued before pausing, turning to Wong, "Where is this Keyhole we need to protect again?"
Meanwhile, Thor flew across the Bifrost Bridge to the Kingdom of Asgard. Hemidal waited over the bridge as he greeted the Son of Odin, "Hail, Thor!"
"Hail, Hemidal," Thor landed and greeted his old friend, "I take you saw what is happening on Midgard."
"Aye, while your missing friends found the Child of Destiny," The protector of the Bifrost nodded, "The boy is in great danger from a great evil. Should this Xehanort succeed, I fear the fate of the nine realms and beyond." He glanced at the Prince of Asgard, "You were right to bring this to Odin. I would volunteer to join you in this great battle, but I must remain here to protect the Bifrost should these Heartless invade Asgard."
"Fear not, my friend," Thor smiled, patting the protector of the Bifrost, "I shall smite many Heartless in your name."
Hemidal smiled in appreciation, as Thor traveled to the Halls of Asgard, where Odin sat on his throne as he spoke with Sif and Baulder, until he saw his son approaching him, "Thor, my son, what brings you home, my boy? I have not yet entered the Odinsleep, still I appreciate you coming home nonetheless."
"Father, I bring grim news from Midgard," The Son of Odin declared, "My missing friends, they have found the Child of Destiny."
Balder and Sif's eyes widened in shock. Odin was surprised to hear the news as well, sitting up, "Is it so? After centuries of searching, the Child of Destiny has finally been found?"
"Aye," The Prince of Asgard nodded, "He is a young mortal by the name of Sora. Only four."
"That would explain why we never found him," Baulder spoke up, "He had yet to be born."
"Where is this Child now?" Sif wondered.
"My friends brought him to Midgard for safety," Thor answered.
"This is excellent news," Odin smiled, "The boy is in good hands then. Then what is the trouble?"
Thor then explained all the events of what had happened over the past week. And the arrival of Xehanort's past self. He concluded, "And if Xehanort foolishly plants his heart inside of Sora's, turning the boy into that monster... he'd bring Ragnarok to all the realms. Nothing would survive!"
"By Odin's Beard!" Sif and Baulder gasped in horror.
"NAY!" Odin's good eye narrowed in anger, "Is this Xehanort mad?! He dares to harm someone as important as the Child of Destiny and risk Ragnarok across the realms because of what the Child will do!" He declared, "He cannot be allowed to succeed!"
"My friends are coming up with a plan to protect the boy, but I fear we may not have enough numbers to stop the villain's forces," Thor continued, "I know the Odinsleep comes upon you, but I ask of you... to send reinforcements to repel this threat..."
"That let it be so!" The King of Asgard nodded, and he turned to Baulder, "Baulder! Seek out the Warriors Three!" Then to Sif, "Lady Sif, the Valkyries! Xehanort does not go near the Child!"
"Aye, Alfather!" Baulder bowed, "We'll see it done!"
"And send this villain back where he belongs!" Sif bowed as well, "But what of you!"
"I will be fine for a few more days... but do whatever it takes..." Odin reassured them, "My son was right to come for help! Xehanort is the bigger threat. And should his present version return, he shall face the full might of Asgard!"
Thor nodded in appreciation...
After the plan had been set, most of the heroes planned for an immediate flight to the Kingdom of Wakanda. Peter turned to his best friend, "Harry, you've done more than enough to help, you don't need to-"
"Pete, if a supervillain threatened Normie, I know you would be there to help protect him," Harry reassured him, "It's only fair I do the same for him." He then pointed out, "Plus it'll be the end of the world if we lose so..."
"Fair enough," Spidey saw Harry's point.
Sora sat nervously on his mother's lap as she reassured him, "It'll be alright... We'll keep you safe and rescue your friends. Just like we promised."
"Are people going to get hurt?" The boy nervously asked his mother.
"A lot more will if anything happens to you." She gave him her honest answer before handing him the Magic Lamp, "Just remember, you have one wish left. If you feel like you're in danger, just rub the lamp and wish for help. We'll grant your wish to save your friends..."
Just then, Kurt teleported next to Wanda, startling Sora. Nightcrawler smiled apologetically, "Oh, sorry, little one. I didn't mean to frighten you."
"It's alright," Scarlet Witch reassured him before turning to the islander boy, "Remember, my friend Kurt?" The four-year-old nodded as she turned to him, "This is him. He is a very good man. He's working on becoming a priest."
The boy blinked in shock as the fury blue mutant knelt to him, "I can see that God had big plans for you and your Guardian Angel, as well as some good friends of mine, have kept you safe so far." He smiled, "How about we pray to God that he keeps you safe in these dark times."
Sora lightly smiled, turning to his mother as she smiled, "I think that's a wonderful idea."
All of a sudden, a phone began to ring to the tune 'the itsy bitsy spider,' as everyone turned to Spidey, who blinked under his mask, muttering to himself, "I cannot believe my phone has kept a charge for all of this time." He then hit the accept button and pulled up his mask to his nose, "Hello?"
"PPPPPPPAAAAAAAARRRRRRKKKKKKKKKKEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRR!" A loud voice shouted in response, so loud that everyone nearby could hear.
The Web-Head blinked in shock, "Mr. Jameson?"
"It's about time, Parker," The publisher and editor of the Daily Bugle exclaimed through the phone, "I've been trying to get a hold of you for over a week! The perfect story about taking that Webbed Menace down just falls into our laps, and you've vanished off the face of the Earth!"
"It's... kinda long story, sir," Peter's voice responded.
"Save, Parker!" J Jonah Jameson glanced out the window to see the carnage in the streets, "I would fire you, but a much bigger story just fell right on our laps! Spider-Man now has two hostages on him! An Avenger and an innocent boy, cahoots with a man in a black coat! Before S.H.I.E.L.D. could finally lock that criminal and his accomplice up once and for all. Those two sent an army of shadow monsters and decimated the biggest security on Earth! Slipping away again! The Wall-Crawler isn't playing small time anymore, and I want pictures of the whole thing! The whole world needs to know how dangerous Spider-Man really is!
"Of course..." He heard Peter sigh, like not even surprised, "I'll do my best, sir, but I also have sort of a family emergency and-"
"Parker, if you don't get me those photos in the next 12 hours and 4.7 seconds," Jameson growled, "Then you're FIRED! Do I make myself clear?!"
"Yes, sir," Peter nodded, frowned, "I'll get you those photos. I'll e-mail them to Robbie the minute I have them." He turned to Wanda, who looked very concerned for Peter, as he ended the call, before someone whooshed past him, "Whoa!"
Suddenly, his phone was out of his hand, and he turned to see that it was in Peitro's, who waved it tauntingly, "Hey, Spider-Man... taking selfies of yourself for a living... never would've guessed. Very clever."
"Aw fudge, he heard everything," Peter thought to himself. He tried to play it off, "You mean letting Mr. Parker know where I'm going to make sure my face is on the front page? What? I like the attention."
"Of course, except the fact I visited your Aunt's home and found out-" Peitro twirled Spidey's phone...
...but suddenly his sister grabbed his ear, "Family meeting! Right now!"
"Ow, ow, ow!" The speedster winced in pain.
Peter's girlfriend then turned to their son, "Sweetie, stay with your father and Kurt until I'm done talking to your Uncle and Grandpa."
The boy nodded as Wanda dragged her brother away. Harry glanced at Peter, "You... you don't think that's going to be a problem later?"
"Wanda's family knows I'm Spider-Man? Where my Aunt lives?" Peter turned to the CEO of OsCorp, "I really hope not. But knowing my lousy luck... it might." He then turned to his son, "I should probably explain to Sora what that was all about."
"Yeah, I should let my own family know where I'm going," His best friend agreed, "See you at Wakanda."
He nodded as he knelt to the islander boy, as he asked, "Is mommy mad at Uncle Pietro and Grandpa?"
"I'm afraid so," Kurt sadly smiled at the boy, "Her relationship with her family is... complicated to say the least."
"Why?" Sora blinked in confusion.
"You see, Sora, long ago, during a great war," Peter explained to his son, "Some very bad people took your Grandpa's own mommy and daddy away from him."
"Like me?" The boy tilted his head.
"Yeah, but instead of being angry just at the people who ruined his life, he was angry at everyone," Peter explained, "So, when mutants... people born with special powers like your mother, he wanted to hurt a lot of people who didn't get powers. Good or bad. And he convinced your uncle and several other mutants that he was right."
"Ooooh, that's not nice," Sora frowned, before curling up into a ball, "Does that mean he doesn't like me either? Or my Uncle?"
"I don't believe that, when Strange found you and our friends," Kurt smiled, comforting the boy, "I believe he was the first to realize what you are to him. Since then, he's agreed to help us find you and your parents to see that you're safe. I also saw when you first called out to him that his heart softened. I think he loved you the moment he first laid eyes on you." The boy turned to Kurt, "My Professor, your grandfather's best friend, once told me, 'just because someone stumbles and loses their way, doesn't mean they are lost forever.'"
"Your grandfather has done a lot of bad and terrible things over the years, but there is still some good in him," Peter reassured him, "But I believe that your mother, will ultimately decide if she wants your grandfather or your uncle, who has been on your grandfather's side, to be a part of your life, you understand?"
The boy nodded as Kurt glanced at Sora's father, "So, I take it that means you're Peter Parker?"
Peter winced to realize Wanda's slip-up, and Pietro taunting that he knew he was Spider-Man, pretty much in front of the teleporting X-Man. Rubbing the back of his mask, "Yeah... um... listen, I appreciate if you didn't say..."
"Peter, you and the X-Men have been friends for years, as Spider-Man," Nightcrawler smiled as he lightly patted the masked hero on the back, "And you were there for Wanda and promised a home for Sora after everything Xehanort has done to him so far. Your secret is safe with me, and I'm certain the rest of the X-Men will be happy to protect your secret..." He then gestured to inside, "If you'd like, Jean could erase their memories of you being Spider-Man..."
"Not going to lie and say I'm not tempted," Peter admitted, "But... I should probably discuss this with Wanda when she gets back to see what she thinks."
"Good call," Kurt smiled, "If you wish to pursue a relationship with her, it's best you both be on the same page, but if Magento or the Brotherhood does threaten you or your family... we will be there to protect them..."
"Yeah..." Peter slowly nodded, as they turned back to Sora, "Now, come on, let's try to convince the Big Guy to help us in this needy hour..."
Soon after, the three started to pray...
"Ow, ow, ow!" Peitro continued to wince in pain as his sister dragged him by the ear to a room where they would be alone before asking, "Gee, Wanda, what's the big deal?!"
"Father put you up to this, didn't he?!" She finally let go of her brother, allowing him to rub his sore ear, "The moment he learned about Sora? Who I am seeing?! You invaded his personal life! My personal life!"
"I did," The voice of their father spoke up behind her. Closing her eyes, she knew her father would be here, as she turned to him, "Forgive me, but when I first learned of my grandson, I had to make sure who you were with was safe for you." He then crossed his arms, "I did not want a repeat of your sister's first choice in men."
"That was different, by a long shot." She raised a finger to her father, "I knew Gambit wasn't to be trusted! Peter, on the other hand, can be! I'm old enough to make my own decisions about who I see! I promised I would keep his secret identity safe, and what was the first thing you two have done?! What were you planning to do after that?! Threaten his elderly Aunt if he didn't play nice with me?!" Their silence was the only answer that Wanda, causing her to groan loudly in frustration, "This is exactly why I didn't want you two to know about Sora or even tell you whom I'm dating!"
Peitro then spoke up, "Frankly, I'm just glad that you aren't dating the robot!"
"SERIOUSLY?!" Wanda exclaimed even further, "YOU BELIEVED THOSE FALSE RUMORS ABOUT ME AND VISION TOO?!"
"You said you didn't believe those rumors." Their father turned to the speedster.
"No, I didn't mean it like that... I just..." Quicksilver waved his hands before turning to change the subject, "So, ummm, how long have you two been dating? I'm sure it must have been a nice little vacation from all the real threats!"
"If you must know, Peter and I only just started dating recently," Wanda crossed her arms, "This 'vacation' as you call it, is how we first met, and how we met Sora..." Her eyes narrowed, "But our journey was far from easy! Since I left this world, we were nearly dragged into the Realm of Darkness when the Heartless consumed his world and took his family along with it! We're nearly killed by a god of the Underworld and multi-headed monsters! Tiny as mice, with a rat nearly taking Sora from us! I was almost a snake's meal while running around in the Jungle half-naked while looking for our kid!"
"Uh... what?" Both Magneto and Quicksilver blinked in shock, not sure they heard Wanda right at that last one.
"I was nearly burnt on the stake being accused for being an actual witch again, unless I laid with a corrupt judge," She continued much to their discussed, "It's also I figure out how to fly, which would have saved me a whole lot of pain swinging around like Tarzan or George or whoever on the prior world..."
"You fly now?" Quicksilver blinked.
"I fly now," She confirmed.
"What... did you mean by 'swinging around like Tarzan,'" Their father asked her.
"I wasn't finished," Her eyes narrowed, before clearing her throat, "After that, we had to stop another war that no one would have won, caused by Xehanort's half-brother, while preventing some new friends of ours from splitting up their family and turning the father to evil! Which turned out to be an experiment by Xehanort! Then we had to help Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, Sandman, and Jack Frost to stop a great evil from escaping his world and bring more fear and darkness to the other worlds! All while keeping Sora safe from Xehanort, and I had to deal with his wicked memories! And you know what..." Her glare lessened. "That brought us closer together. I may not have given birth to him, but Sora is my son... and I like Peter. More than any other man I've met. I want to be with him if everything works out, and I trust him to be a good father to Sora even if things don't work out between the two of us."
She then turned to her father, "And it doesn't matter that neither of them are mutants. They are very much my family, all the same. And I don't care if you hate me for the rest of your life for that..."
"Wanda, no, I would never-" Magento shook his head before pausing, and sighed, "...I don't care if Sora never gains mutant abilities, or the fact you're planning on adopting him."
"And if he wasn't this Child of Destiny?" Wanda crossed her arms.
"Or that," He admitted, "The moment I saw that child... the moment he called me Grandpa... my whole world changed. I love you and your boy. Nothing would even change that... I never told you that your mother... your real mother was human."
Both Quicksilver's and Wanda's eyes widened at that, as he continued, "She knew what I was, and she just... saw me for... me. She loved me for who I was. When she died... I have forgotten that... there are some good humans out there, even after everything they've taken from me. I loved her. Just as I love you."
"How can you say that?" Wanda's voice became a little weak, "After Genosha, trying to make me a part of war, we knew no one would win... so many humans and mutants died that day. And you tried wiping out my closest friends while I was gone, and spied on Peter's personal life. Did you ever consider that he's also had a pretty hard life? Did you know that Peter also lost his parents at a young age? That he blames himself for his Uncle's death because he let the man who did it go earlier? That the world hates him despite all the good he's done? That the closest childhood friend became a monster to hurt Peter? That Harry's father murdered his first true love and tricked him into believing he killed her, trying to save her?"
Both of the black sheep in her family winced at that, as her brother rubbed the back of his head, "Wow... geeze... I kinda feel bad for the poor guy now..."
"..." Magento was silent, noticing the comparison between Spidey and mutant kind, "...you sure he's not a mutant?"
"It doesn't matter," Wanda crossed her arms, "We have similar beliefs and love Sora as a son... we like each other... we just shared our first kiss... I only wish we knew each other sooner..." She then turned to her brother, "Pietro, when you chose father over me... to finally come home... I was hurt. But I meant what I said, you're still welcome, and if you promise to be on your best behavior, I may allow you to be a part of Sora's life."
Stunned by Wanda's words, Pietro rubbed his arm, before she turned to their father, "Father... I'm not sure I'm ready to forgive the horrors you've committed, or even if you should be involved in Sora's life." Her father lowered his head at that, before she continued, "But if there's a part of you that still does love me or Sora... then help me do everything you can to protect him."
After a moment, her father nodded, "I promise... Xehanort will not so much lay a hand on Sora..."
Time passed as the plan was set in stone, Wong had opened a portal to the location of their world's Keyhole, Wong led the group with Quake, Iron Fist, Domino, Human Torch, Colossus, Blob, and Moon Knight, along with several heavily armed S.H.I.E.L.D. and SWORD agents came through to a very familiar place.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Wong." The A.I. Butler greeted the newcomers. "Can I offer you and your friends anything?"
"Avengers Mansion?" Quake blinked in shock.
"You're not saying that Tony Stark and the rest of the Avengers had been practically sitting on the Keyhole the whole time," Iron Fist turned to the Keeper of the Ancient Books, "Are you?"
"As soon as the Heartless manifested," Wong revealed to the team, "The Doctor and I searched through the Ancient One's journal. She discovered our world's Keyhole long ago... we instantly recognized the location and sealed any breaches that were opened nearby."
"And those spells will either fail or Xehanort will just make more cracks," Moon Knight realized, "We're going to receive a lot of company soon."
"Actually, this might be a good thing," Domino lightly smiled to the others' confusion, "We might have some additional help from Stark's computer butler, and he controls the security of the mansion, right? While the majority of us are protecting the boss's grandson, Robo Jeeve's can help keep the Heartless away from the Keyhole."
"Miss Thurman is correct," Wong confirmed to the Brotherhood member, to her shock, as not many knew her real name, "J.A.R.V.I.S. will be our front line of defense, but he won't be able to keep them out forever. Making us the final defense between the Keyhole." They then entered Tony's armory, "Strange has summoned a powerful communication spell across space and time. Our hope is that Master Yen Sid or King Mickey take notice and reach the Keyhole before the Heartless can. We will need to buy the time they need to reach our world."
"And if we fail," Johnny turned to the Sorcerer in concern.
"Then our world falls into darkness, and we have to hope that the others evacuate the Child of Destiny so Xehanort never gets his hands on him," Wong frowned before using a spell to reveal the location of the Keyhole, which appeared between two of Iron Man's armors.
Blob frowned as he crossed his arms, "Eh, why couldn't it have been in the kitchen? I'm starving here!"
"Food is the last thing we should be thinking of here," Iron Fist declared as he glanced towards the entrance of the mansion, "Because unless the others stop Xehanort... if we fail... our world falls."
Meanwhile, in the African Nation of Wakanda, the Black Panther's army prepared for the incoming Heartless assault. The heroes, S.H.E.I.L.D., SWORD, and even the MRD that were there aided them in preparing for their war against Xehanort. War Machine flew over the battleground, as he reported, "Everything's moving smoothly. No sign of Xehanort and his creepy crawly army yet. Strange had all the cracks inside moved outside of the shield dome, and was preparing a magical defense so Xehanort can't just create cracks behind the dome."
"Stay alert," Tony told his military best friend, "Xehanort will be there, and this will likely be the greatest fight the Avengers have ever faced on our own turf."
"Tony, don't you think this a bit much for one man and protecting one kid?" Rhodey asked as he saw Hulk bringing the Wakandians' heavy ammunition, as they loaded their cannons, "I know the kid is special and Xehanort is one serious evil son of a-"
"Rhodey, you weren't there when we learned what Xehanort's plans were for Wanda's kid," Iron Man explained, "He plans on placing his heart into Sora's turning him into a living Horcrux that he can control, before the kid can grow up to stop him." War Machine froze at that, "And if that happens, our universe ends!"
"How?!" Rhodey blinked underneath his helmet.
"Can't exactly explain myself, but I've seen it through Strange's Infinity Stone," Iron Man answered, "Not to mention, Kang was extremely concerned if Xehanort succeeded. We have to assume that it is the truth!"
"Does the president know?" War Machine wondered.
"Cap and Fury are informing him and the leaders of the world now," Tony explained, "Just do whatever you can to ensure that Xehanort's stopped and the kid is safe."
Meanwhile, within the home of the Black Panther, T'Challa, Captain America, and Nick Fury had the leaders of the planet on screen. The President asked, "So, it's true then? Our world is just a small piece of what the world once was?"
"I'm afraid so, Mr. President," Nick Fury revealed, "But that should be the least of our concerns."
"To our reliable intel," Steve reported, "Xehanort wishes to recreate the war that nearly brought the end to everything. However, the only one who can stop him is just a child right now, so he's doing everything in his power to ensure that the kid does not grow into the hero he was destined to be."
"Where is this child now?" The United Kingdom's leader spoke through the channel.
"Safe in Wakanda," Black Panther revealed, "However, Xehanort will be informed of this soon enough."
"That's why we're luring him here to hopefully send him back from where he came from," The super soldier revealed, "While Iron Man and the other think tanks rescue the other next generation heroes who are currently his hostages. God willing, we'll be able to keep them all safe."
"But if something goes wrong," Fury revealed, "Our world could fall as a result, but the rest of the universe would survive as long as the children are safe."
After a long moment of silence, the world leaders unanimously decided, as the President spoke up once more, "Director. Captain. In the interest of National Security and the immediate threat Xehanort poses to our world, you all have our permission to do whatever it takes to stop this apocalypse." Closing his eyes, he prayed, "May God save us all."
"You sure this will work?" Peter wondered as his Avenger ID card was hooked on a Wakandaian computer.
Shuri, the sister of T'Challa, turned to him, "Stark and Osborn may have enhanced your ID cards to reach the worlds outside our one, but combined with Wakanda's satellites... can well extend the connection and can communicate with even the most advanced alien technology across the universe."
Peter nodded to the princess, while Wanda looked across the next room, where Sora sat between a see-through, impenetrable wall and several Dora Milaje and several S.H.E.I.L.D. Agents. She then glanced at Peter, "You think they'll help?"
"I'm certain, they said they would after everything we've done for them," Spider-Man reassured her, "Once the portal is operational and Riku and Kairi are safe, we'll be able to bring them in if we need to. Hopefully, we'll stop Xehanort long before that happens."
After a moment, she sighed and nodded to Peter, "Okay, make the call..."
"I hope this works," Peter put in the frequency to their friends from a certain galaxy.
It took a few minutes before familiar faces appeared on screen, "This is the home of Anakin and Padmè Skywalker, who is..." The newest Jedi Master paused as he instantly recognized the caller, "Peter?"
"Hey, Anakin," Spidey smiled as Shurri gave a glance at the Web-Head.
"Peter! It's good to hear from you!" Anakin's wife smiled at him, "Is Wanda there too?"
"Right here!" Wanda smiled at their friends within the Republic and the Jedi Order.
"It's good to see you're both okay," Anakin smiled at the couple. "How are things holding up? Did you make it back to Earth?"
"Yeah, but Xehanort is more dangerous than we first realized," Spidey revealed, concerning the married couple, "And we could use some backup."
As the Jedi Master and potential new Chancellor glanced at each other, the latter asked them, "What happened?"
Wanda and Peter then explained everything that happened in the past several hours, including where the other children were and Cap's plan. Peter then explained, "...if we fail to stop Xehanort from possessing Sora like he did with Terra, this could end everything in existence."
"By the Force..." Anakin gasped in shock.
"Ani, we have to do something!" Padmè turned to her husband.
"No arguments here!" The Jedi Master nodded to her, "I'll speak with the Council about dispatching some Jedi to aid the battle, along with some of my men within the 501st and the Bad Batch! But getting to your world won't be easy!"
"We have a portal in the works," Peter revealed, "But we need to use it to get Riku and Kairi out of the breaches first, after that..."
"...we'll join you, and finish this battle," Anakin promised him, "Just try to hold out as long as you can."
"I'm sorry, I know after everything, you two need a break and-" Wanda apologized.
"There's no need to apologize, Wanda," The youngest Jedi Council Member reassured her, "You two not only saved the Republic and the Jedi Order, you saved both my family and my soul. I'll never forget that." He then pointed out, "Besides, our kids won't have much of a future if Xehanort wins."
"I'm certain our new friends within the Separatists will want to intervene as well," The senator reassured them, "We'll join you soon."
"May the Force be with you," Anakin told the two Avengers as the image faded.
Shuri turned to the couple, "Well, your message got through, but if your friends in America fail to get the portal stable and the kids out, we may not get those reinforcements."
"Yeah, no pressure," Peter muttered to himself, as Wanda glanced at the boy behind the impenetrable wall.
"I'm... going to leave you two be." The Princess of Wakanda walked out of the room, as she placed her respective weapons on, "Come join us when you're ready for the battle."
Once she was gone, Peter removed his mask and turned to Wanda, "You okay?"
"Not really," She answered, not taking her eyes off the boy, "You sure this will work?"
"It has to," Peter pointed out, "Captain America came up with the plan, and we're all united against Xehanort. I don't care how strong he is, he's not getting past all of us. We'll stop him and his army of Heartless."
Wanda gave a light nod as she stated, "When we first started this journey, I really wish to know what Xehanort wanted with him. Especially with seeing his present versions of memories. Learning what we knew from Yen Sid... now..."
"...now you wish it was just a Terminator situation where Xehanort attempted to just kill Sora before he becomes the hero that stands up to him." Peter sat down beside her, "Yeah, the truth turned out to be so much worse..."
She nodded, as she couldn't help but wonder, "Why would anyone do that? Especially to a child. As an Avenger, I've thought I've seen the worst kinds of evil. Heck, we stopped those kinds of evils."
"I can't honestly say for sure," Peter admitted, "Senior wishes to recreate the Keyblade War and reforge the χ-blade, blah, X-blade... and open up Kingdom Hearts and drag everything to darkness... and wants to live long enough to see the results. You'd have to be mad like Thanos or Carnage if you agreed with the old man. Or junior here."
Wanda slowly nodded, as Spidey comforted her, "Look, Kurt is planning to lead a prayer before Xehanort arrives. Hopefully, he'll listen to our prayers and help us."
"Yeah, we should... start heading over there..." The Scarlet Witch agreed but found herself unable to move.
"Hey, when this is all over... when we survive... and send Xehanort back when he came," Peter asked the daughter of Magento, "How about we take it easy and maybe see a movie... I know you don't want to distance yourself from the boy after everything, so maybe a family-friendly movie?"
She turned to him, as he explained, "Look, I know a Disney movie with no life and death situation... it's a classic... with Dick Van Dyke plays three characters..."
Lightly smiling, she chuckled, "That actually sounds nice... I'd like that..."
Wanda scooted closer to Peter as they enjoyed their brief moment of peace together before the real war began...
As the heroes prepared for war, War Machine, Storm, Vision, Wadp, and Falcon soared through the sky, when Rhodey's suit detected something, "Guys! My armor's picking up something entering the atmosphere!"
Everyone went on alert, as Captain America called out from below, "Hostiles?"
"Not sure," War Machine's eyes narrowed within his armor before they widened, "Wait! One of them has an Avengers ID card! It's Carol!"
Everyone eased up, as the King of Wakanda raised his coms, "Allow her in. Then seal the shields again once our friends are inside."
The shields opened up temporarily as Captain Marvel, the Milano, and a Kree ship entered before the barrier closed again. As Carol landed on Wankadian soil, the ships soon followed. The blonde smiled at the heroes, "Hey, guys. I found the Guardians, who had some interesting news. We stopped by Hala, and Mar-Vell wanted to help. We were about to update you when Tony got hold of us and told us everything."
"Good to have you back, soldier," Captain America greeted her, "And not a moment too soon."
Soon enough, Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch joined the army of heroes as the latter brightened up, "Carol!"
"Wanda!" The half-Kree greeted the daughter of Magento with a hug, "Thank God you and Spider-Man are okay!"
"It's good to see you, too," Wanda smiled as she pulled away.
Just then, the Guardians of the Galaxy exited their ship as Scrooge McDuck joined them, whistling at the sight, "Now, I've seen my share of kingdoms, but this has to be the most technologically advanced I've seen."
Iceman's jaw dropped, "Holy... that's Scrooge McDuck!"
"Well," Rogue blinked, "If there was any doubt that Disney characters are real, they're gone now."
"Well, glad to see you two made it through your Disney Journey in one piece," Star Lord glanced between the two now returned Avengers. "So, where exactly did you two go-" He then noticed the lightsaber in Spidey's hand, "Wait, is that a lightsaber?! You guys did get to see the Star Wars galaxy, and they let you keep a lightsaber!"
"More likely he stole it, Quill," Rocket crossed his arms.
"Borrowing!" Spidey pointed out, "Which Harry and Iron Man took a look at the schematics to make our own..."
"So, we can eventually make our own real-life lightsabers!" Peter Quill beamed, removing his helmet.
"Peter!" Gamora glanced at the leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy, "We've bigger things to focus on first! Considering what that mad man plans to do with that child!"
"Until today, I did not know one could remove their own heart and put it inside someone else," Drax blinked, "I could've sworn that kill 'em both."
"Clearly, Xehanort had found a method," Strange stated, "Ungodly one at that."
"I am Groot," Groot glared in anger.
"Yeah, no arguments here," Rocket nodded to Groot, "This Xehanort sounds crazier and worse than Thanos. And that's saying something."
"Mar-Vell," Cap glanced at the Kree Warrior, "I didn't expect you to join us."
"The Guardians came to our world, looking for the missing children," Mar-Vell explained, "Concerned, I did my own search when I joined Carol and the Guardians. Given the threat you're about to face, and the consequences of what happens if the boy falls into this Xehanort's hands... I figured you could use the help."
"Which we're more than grateful for, Mar-Vell," Carol smiled at the Kree lovingly. The Kree Warrior smiled back at her. Carol then turned to Wanda, "By the way, is what Tony told me true? You really planning on adopting the kid you rescued after everything?"
"Yes," Wanda nodded, "I am." She frowned, "Because of Xehanort, he has no one else."
After a moment, Captain Marvel nodded, "Then let's make sure your kid has a future."
Wanda smiled in appreciation when a portal opened up, as Thor exited, following female warriors on winged horses. Spidey glanced at the Asgardian, "So, your father agreed to help."
"Aye," Thor nodded, "Odin has declared the child is under our protection, should Xehanort come for the child, be it from the past, present, or future... he shall face the might of both Midgard and Asgard!"
"Good," Okeye approached the group, "Cause our scouts are reporting the enemy is on its way here."
"Then we are ready," T'Challa declared.
As everyone prepared for battle, Kurt teleported ahead of the army, "Before we begin, I would think it's best we pray to God for his help in the coming battle. I ask anyone who prays to join me. And even if you don't pray, if you wish to join, you are welcome."
Many who did bow their heads, and some who never prayed in their lives or prayed to other gods, joined them. And those who simply didn't pray were respectfully silent. Kurt performed the sign of the cross before beginning, "O most powerful and glorious Lord God, the Lord of hosts, who rulest and commandest all things..."
"Thou sittest on the throne judging right, and therefore we make our address to thy Divine Majesty in this our necessity," As Kurt continued the prayer, Wanda glanced towards Peter, "...that thou wouldest take the cause into thine own hand, and judge between us and our enemies." She took a few side steps, sanding closer to him, "Stir up thy strength, O Lord, and come and help us, for thou givest not always the battle to the strong, but canst save by many or by few. O let not our sins now cry against us for vengeance, but hear us thy poor servants begging mercy and imploring thy help, and that thou wouldest be a defence unto us against the face of the enemy." Leaning on his shoulder as they continued to pray with Nightcrawler, "Make it appear that thou art our saviour and mighty deliverer, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
"Amen," The others followed as the Catholics among them did the sign of the cross.
Spider-Man's Spider-Sense went off, as he glanced outside the barrier, "He's here."
Everyone went on alert as a Corridor of Darkness opened outside the barrier. Young Xehanort stepped out and began observing the barrier. Dr. Strange landed between Cap and T'Challa, "It's time."
Cap glanced at the new couple, "Wanda. Spider-Man. I want you two with us. You've dealt with him longer than the rest of us."
Scarlet Witch and Spidey nodded as they went to join the three as Cap told the others, "Remember, when the fighting starts, we need to buy time until the other children are safe. When Tony gives the signal, push this punk straight for a crack..."
Clint nodded as he pulled out an arrow that wasn't the orb. The five heroes walked up slowly, as Xehanort used his Keyblade, to see the effects of the barrier. Seeing the heroes, he made his weapon vanish, "Quite the welcome you've prepared for me... it won't be enough..."
"Xehanort, I presume," The super soldier's eyes narrowed at the time traveler.
"Yes, I am Xehanort, from the most distant past," Xehanort nodded with a smile, "And I know you are, Man out of Time, Panther King, and the so-called 'Sorcerer Supreme.'" He then gestured to Wanda and Spider-Man, "This hostility is hardly necessary."
"You killed a world, threatened countless lives, currently holding innocent children hostage, and plan to steal a boy's life to extend your own," T'Challa glared, "And that's not even mentioning the evils you will one day do."
"I say this kind of welcome had been rightfully earned," Strange added, "We know what you and your future-self are planning... Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch told us everything. You really think, even ignoring what you've done, that we allow you to consume everything in darkness."
"What would you even gain from it," Captain America kept his glare on the young man in the black coat.
"A new start," He answered, slightly shocking the heroes, "The World will be returned whence it started. The World began in darkness. And from that darkness came light. From the light came the people, and the people had hearts. Evil burgeoned in those hearts, begetting more darkness. And that darkness spread across the World like a plague. The light, the symbol of the World's hope, was devoured by shadow, leaving nothing but ruin... An utter failure. But, the first light... the light of Kingdom Hearts... it can give us a new start. An empty World, pure and bright..."
"That's not your decision to make," Steve argued.
"Then whose is it?!" Xehanort retorted, "The World needs someone to stand up and lead. Someone strong, to stop the weak from polluting the World with their endless darkness. Someone to dictate their destiny."
"I've had my share of dictators," Cap glared at the future Keyblade Master, "I didn't get along with any of them either."
"I'm not Hitler or the Red Skull," Xehanort shook his head, "Unlike those you've fought before, I seek to build the perfect world. A utopia in our lifetime." He then turned to the super soldier, "When you were finally pulled from the ice, did you see the results of what you fought for? A world where a parent would murder their own child before they took their first breath, a world that would allow guilty men to walk free based on faulty evidence, people who judge each other based on their skin color or if they were gifted with power...? There are even places that worship great evils around this world alone."
Everyone kept their glares on Xehanort, as he went on, "You call yourselves Avengers. And yet, many evils I've witnessed go unavenged. Is that the world you fight for?"
"I'm not arguing that the world isn't perfect; none of us are." Steve crossed his arms.
"And yet you stand against me," The time traveler turned to the leader of the Avengers, "The world I'll create there will be no more war, no more poverty, hunger, diseases, guns... all gone. No more darkness." He then glanced at the Kingdom, "That boy is the only thing that stands between me and a world without darkness."
"It would be a world built on the deaths of innocents," Strange glared at Young Xehanort.
"No one would ever know," Xehanort shrugged.
"Xehanort," Wanda approached the barrier to glare at him face to face, "Even if that's the world you desire, the means you've done and plan to do won't justify the results. I told you before, you are not getting Sora."
"I've tried talking to you and your boyfriend," Xehanort gestured to them, "But you simply won't listen to reason. Even if it means that you both suffer the most for your actions." The two glanced at each other in confusion. Suffer the most, sure, their lives weren't exactly picnics, but they wouldn't say they were suffering. He then turned to the other three heroes, "That is why I turn to you... I'm giving you a chance to avoid all of this. Your world was never destined to come between the forces of light and darkness. Hand me the boy, and your world will be spared."
"It won't, not if you take the Child of Destiny," Dr. Strange warned him, "The coming battle between you and Sora is an absolute point in time. If you placed your heart inside his, it would break our universe completely. Nothing will survive."
"You're lies will not fool me," Young Xehanort shook his head.
"It's the truth," Cap spoke up, "We've seen the future of what will happen if you don't stop. It won't end the way you believe it will."
"Are you sure you saw what you thought you saw?" Xehanort raised an eyebrow, "Perhaps you only witnessed the destruction of your world because you stood in my way."
"Even if what you propose didn't immediately eradicate all of existence," T'Challa's eyes narrowed, "We still stand in your way, as the results would be similar years later... and you plan to use a child for your own purposes."
"We're not moving Xehanort," Captain America declared with his feet firm on the ground like a tree told him, "Release the other children, then go back home to your own time."
"And what? Live my life until my defeat at the hands of Sora? My goals and dreams for the perfect world shattered?!" Young Xehanort shook his head, "I've gone too far to turn back now, and once I have the Child of Destiny..."
"Xehanort, we were all perfectly clear," Spidey's eyes narrowed behind his mask, "You are not getting him! If you really wanted to change your future, you would've gone back to your time to live a normal lifetime! Because you're future self isn't a benevolent savior! He's just a selfish old man afraid of dying!"
"Took the words right from my mouth," Wanda full-heartedly agreed.
Cap's eyes narrowed, "Not to mention, you're actions just made your future worse for yourself. You failed the moment Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch reached the boy. Perhaps the Avengers were never involved in this twisted war you wanted... but we are now... and once we're done with you... We'll be coming for your future-self!"
"And undoing the damage you've done to Terra, and God knows who else you've done this to," Strange crossed his arms, "And in case we weren't already clear on the subject... You are not welcome on our world or any world for that matter... I suggest you let the other children go and go home."
"Why can't you all see?!" Xehanort shook his head, "I'm trying to save you all!"
"We don't need your kind of help," Cap raised his shield.
"You are in Wakanda now," Black Panther added, "You or your future-self will have nothing but dust and blood."
"Fools, you underestimate me and the darkness," Young Xehanort declared, before slowly smirking, "Besides... I have blood to spare..."
Outstretched his hand, the Avengers assumed he was calling upon an army of Heartless. They were shocked by who stepped out of the darkness. Zemo stepped out of the shadows with his arms, nodding to his old adversary, "Hello, Captain."
Soon, other villains followed him: Abomination, Crimson Dynomo, Loki, Graviton, Living Laser, Electro, Vulture, Mysterio, Man-Ape, MODOC, Grim Reaper, Strucker, Super Skrull, Griffin, Red Hulk, Viper, the Serpent Society, Carnage, Sabertooth, Mordo, Sebastian Shaw, Harry Leland, Donald Pierce, Selene, Mr. Sinister, and many more super villains. That wasn't even mentioning the Hydra agents and AIM soldiers that joined the coming war.
Wanda glanced at Cap while not taking her eyes off the enemy, "Uh, weren't most of them already locked up?"
"Xehanort must have freed them the same way he did with Venom," Cap grimly stated as his eyes narrowed at Zemo.
"So, Captain," Xehanort grinned, "You sure you wish to stand against me?"
"For the sake of our universe, and the company you bring," Steve stood tall in the face of an endless army of villains and monsters, "Without a second thought."
With that, the heroes turned to rejoin their fellow heroes, as Cap reached his coms, "You seeing this, Fury?"
From inside the Kingdom, Fury witnessed the footage from outside the barrier, "Seeing, hearing about it, and everything..." The director of S.H.I.E.L.D. grimly added, "I just received word of a massive breakout of every maximum prison across the planet. Even the Negative Zone was affected."
"How on Earth did he get all these villains to agree to work for him?" Shurri wondered, "If the Earth falls, they do too..."
"He doesn't need to," Captain America spoke up through the coms, "He just needed to let them know how special Sora is, and people like Zemo would have their own interests with the boy."
"Kraven said something similar back in the Ancient Jungle or Jungle Book World," Spider-Man added, "While Xehanort brought him there, Kraven had no intention of giving Sora to him. He planned to turn Sora into the ultimate hunter."
"He's a child who can one day travel across other worlds," Wanda pointed out, "Even without being the Child of Destiny, I can see why many would want to use him for their own benefits."
"Well, that makes things more complicated," Fury closed his good eye as he sighed, "We can't let any one of them get the boy."
"The good news is, they're only united to get past the Wakandian defenses," Black Panther added as they rejoined their army, "After that, I doubt they'll stay that way."
"A house divided cannot stand," Cap nodded in agreement, "This gives us an advantage."
Falcon glanced at Cap, "I take it this means he didn't surrender."
"It's never that easy," The Man out of Time declared as they turned back to the barrier.
Wasp glanced at the super villains outside, "Gee, half these guys took nearly the whole team to take down the first time!"
Clint then drew an arrow, "Then we'll do it again. And take Xehanort down a peg as well."
Outside the barrier, Abomination approached the shield, ready to pound it, only to be shoved aside by the Red Hulk, "Outta the way, I'm cracking this egg!"
"You?!" Blonksy glared at the former General as he pulled him back, "You're not the real Hulk, Ross! You couldn't beat him on your best day! I highly doubt you'll walk away with the Child after everything is said and done!"
Red Hulk growled as the two looked like they were ready to tear each other apart, before Zemo declared, "Enough!" They turned to the Baron as he declared, "We can't afford to waste our energies on each other with the Avengers and the other superheroes inside. We'd be doing their job for them!"
"Well said, Heinrich," Xehanort nodded to the present Nazi, "Besides, there's no need to waste anyone's strength. They'll open the barrier for us."
"What makes you think they'll do that?" The Man-Ape glanced at the young Keyblade wielder.
"A little persuasion," He answered as he snapped his fingers. An endless wave of Heartless appeared and began trying to force their way inside..."
All the heroes on the inside stood their ground, as Black Panther let out a battle cry, "Yibambe!"
"Yibambe!" The Wakandains exclaimed as they slammed their melee weapons.
"Yibambe!" T'Challa exclaimed again.
"Yibambe!" His people chanted.
"Uh... what are they doing?" Iceman wondered as the Heartless pressed through the shields.
The barrier kept out and destroyed most of the Heartless, bashing their way inside, a handful in comparison made their way through. Storm's eyes widened in horror, "They're killing themselves."
"Only Keyblade itself can truly destroy them," Strange glanced at the X-Men, "The ones we do, only get sent back to their realm, and will return to try again."
Toad whimpered in fear, "Oh... we're going to die..."
"War Machine, Falcon, Vision," Cap immediately gave out orders, "Take 'em out!"
The three Avengers flew threw the skies over the charging Heartless that got through, as War Machine declared, "Okay, boys! Let's show what happens when someone messes with our world!"
With that, the three began blasting the ground the Heartless stood on, creating several explosions, stopping their advancements. However, the Heartless outside merely continued their assault, which began to expand around the barrier. Falcon then reported, "Cap, if these things circle the perimeter and get in behind us... There's nothing between them and the kid!"
Cap nodded in agreement, as he then declared, "Then we'll keep them and the supervillains in front of us."
Jean turned to the leader of the Aventers, "How are we going to do that?"
Knowing what the super-soldier was suggesting, T'Challa answered, "We open the barrier." He then placed his hand to his ear, "Shurri, on my signal, open North-West Section Seventeen."
"Requesting confirmation, brother," The Princess replied, before asking in confusion, "You said open the barrier?"
"On my signal," T'Challa repeated as the heroes readied themselves for the endless assault.
On the coms, everyone could hear Fury mutter, "God help us all."
Okoye sighed, "This will be the end of Wakanda..."
"Then it will be the most noble ending of all of history..." T'Challa declared before taking the lead, as he exclaimed, "WAKANDA FOREVER!"
He crossed his hands over his chest as his Black Panther helmet covered his face, leading the army as they ran toward the barrier. T'Challa and Steve are at the front of the advancing army, with Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch just shortly behind them. The King of the Nation then exclaimed, "NOW!"
With that, the barrier opened up, allowing the Heartless entry as they charged inside. The villains outside followed soon after, as Zemo drew out his sword, "Whoever gets the Child! Shall be Master of the Universe!"
As the two oppressing armies charged at each other, Valkreye declared, "Valkeries, warriors! Your seats in Valhalla are promised. Protect the Child with your lives!" She then led the Asgardians in the charge, "FOR ASGARD!"
"FOR MIDGARD!" Thor declared and threw his hammer at the endless waves of Heartless, briefly splitting the army. The other heroes began to clash against the Heartless, holding their own, until the supervillains backed them up. Strange battled his old college in a Sorcerer's duel. Juggernaut rammed headfirst into the Red Hulk. Cycolps fired an optic blast at Sabertooth, sending him flying.
Iceman slid around his ice ramp as he attempted to create a barrier to slow the advancements of the enemy, only for the Grim Reaper to cut threw and continue the charge. As Hydra agents poured through, "Bring Strucker the Child! So, Hydra may reach the very stars themselves!"
"Not if AIM reaches him first!" MODOC grinned as he blasted through the ice barrier, allowing his soldiers through.
Quicksilver then ran through the whole army, punching out each of the Hydra agents and AIM soldiers, as he declared, "Stay away from my nephew!" He then ran to Avalanche's side, "Knock these losers off their feet!"
With that, Avalanche made the ground rumble, creating an Earthquake, causing many of the enemy to fall into the crack. Grim Reaper nearly fell in too, if he didn't use his Scythe to catch himself and throw himself back into the battle. War Machine attempted to stop Crisom Dyinimo before he grabbed his head, "I was hoping to crush Iron Man here! Not his sidekick!"
"SIDEKICK!" Roudey's eyes narrowed underneath his helmet, before firing his unibeam into Dyimo's chest, before unleashing all of his weapons on a knock-off armored villain, "I'm no one's sidekick!"
Suddenly, Electro blasted him in the back, causing his armor to short-circuit briefly. Spider-Man then landed in front of the electrical supervillain, "Max! I know we've had our issues, but I never thought you would stoop so low as to into kidnapping children for a complete psycho."
"First, I ain't handing the kid over to the emo teen," Electro declared as he tried to blast Spider-Man, causing the hero to avoid the lightning shock. "Second, that kid is my ticket to get to someone who can actually cure me!" He added as he went after Spidey with another electric blast, "And third! My name is not MAX DILLION! It's Electro! So, for the last time, stop calling me Ma-"
Before he could finish, Electro was hit by a repulsor blast from War Machine, who grinned under his helmet, "Thanks for the recharge, Dillion!"
Electro groaned with frustration as he went to reengage the armored soldier, only to be met by Thor's hammer, sending him flying. As Mjölnir returned to its owner, Thor commented, "You were gifted with lightning, and you used it to harm your fellow mortals? How shameful..." Thor then noticed his evil step-brother among the crowd of villains, "Loki..."
He then flew into to engage his eldest foe, Spider-Man muttered to himself, "Well, that went quicker than normal... I should've joined the Avengers sooner..."
Just then, Mysterio appeared before Spider-Man, as he dramatically declared, "You really believe you and your friends can keep the boy safe from all of us, Spider-Man."
"Now, what's your deal with the kid, Beck?" Spider-Man crossed his arms, "This isn't your usual MO."
"True, but look around you," The Master of Illusions gestured to the battlefield, "There are countless crimelords who would gladly pay anything for that boy alone. I'd make a fortune!"
"What? To shine up that goldfish bowl you always wear?" Peter quipped, "You seriously think you can get past Earth's Mightiest Heroes, when you couldn't even beat little old me after all these years."
"We shall see," Mysterio replied before raising his arms before dramatically speaking in Latin, and with a poof of green smoke, his mini gargoyles flew in, one of them said with a wicked grin, "Rematch! Rematch!"
"The Web-Head we'll shred!" Another stated.
As a third stated, "I prefer the Disney Remakes!"
Spider-Man groaned in annoyance as he dodged their swipes, "Aw man! I hate these things!"
As the Web-Head avoided the swipes of the gargoyles, Toad screamed as he hopped around the battle feild avoiding swipes from Heartless, Donald Pierce's and MODOC's blasts, and laser shots from Hydra and AIM. He then dodged under a rock for cover. He muttered to himself, "Why did I agree to join the front lines?! I'm gonna die out here! I can't take on a single-"
Just then, he noticed Spider-Man battling the tiny gargoyles, kicking one away, before being scratched by another. Blinking, Toad felt a little more confident...
Peter shot several web pellets, knocking down a few of the robotic gargoyles, as they laughed wickedly.
"The Squels are better than the legends!"
"Frozen is overrated!"
"The moon landing was fake!"
"The Earth is flat!"
"Will Smith did a better Genie than Robin Wil-"
That one was immediately destroyed by Spider-Man, "Geez, these guys are somehow dumber than I remember..."
One was about to reach Spidey, when a long tongue caught, as it screeched as it was pulled into the owner's mouth, "Goodbye, cruel world!"
It died when Toad munched on it, before spitting it out, the robot parts, "Yuck! It was just a robot!" He then wiped his tongue, "Ugh! I think I chipped some of my teeth..."
He then spotted more of the creatures and began spitting out green slime, trapping them. He then turned to Spidey, "I've got these guys! You deal with the guy with the snow globe... and everyone else I can't beat..."
"Thanks," Peter nodded to the Brotherhood member before launching a web to engage Mysterio. While he thought to himself, "Grossest superpowers ever..."
Drax laughed as the laser bounced off his skin, and knocked out many Hydra agents and AIM soldiers. He plunged his knives into a Large Body Heartless, "Yes! A battle truly legendary!"
"Glad you're having a fun time!" Star Lord glanced at Drax as he tried to blast down MODOC, but couldn't get past his shields, "This oversized bobblehead is really getting on my nerves!"
"Fool!" MODOC exclaimed, "You cannot hope to defeat me! I was designed only for conquest!"
Suddenly, Nightcrawler appeared on the leader of AIM's head and teleported him out of his suit, causing it to crash to the ground.
Kurt left the defeated villain on the grassy grounds, "Might want to think about going back to your real name."
After teleporting away, MODOC complained, "What?! No! That's cheating!" He grunted, trying to sit up, but couldn't because of how massive his head was, "Gah! Someone help me!"
As Valkyrie struck down another Heartless, she turned to MODOC in disbelief, "By Odin's beard! You-"
"I know..." The defeated villain sighed before groaning, "I'm like a Forst Giant's head on a baby's body... You're Prince mentioned it before. Just... just take me back to prison. This is humiliating."
Falcon and Vulture engaged each other through the skies, trying to prove who was its master. Wasp stung many Heartless across the battlefield along with a couple of supervillains, giving her allies an opening, which Black Panther and Hawkeye took advantage of. Man-Ape charged at the former, "Panther! Once I have the child, Xehanort will gladly trade him for Wakanda in an instant! And when the Heartless turn you... You will be my-"
Suddenly, an electric arrow struck the brief king of Wakanda, causing him to yelp out in pain before falling on his back. T'Challa glanced at the archer, as he shrugged, "Hey, he didn't challenge you for the throne this time. He was fair game."
He nodded to him as Okoye leaped on the back of Griffin and used her Vibranium Spear to subdue the rabid villain. Once he was down, she leaped off of him to engage the Grim Reaper, who had killed several shield agents.
Storm lived up to her namesake and created a massive storm with thunder and lightning, which dispatched many Heartless and villains.
"Impressive."
Storm turned to face Graviton, who had his arms crossed, "You can control the very nature of the weather itself." He then grinned wickedly, "But I can control one of the four fundamental forces of reality. I can remove gravity's effect on you, sending you hurtling into space. Or I can increase it a thousandfold like this!"
Graviton then slammed his left hand down, sending the mistress of the elements to the ground below. Panther's eyes widened in horror, "Ororo!"
The King of Wakanda quickly ran to her aid, as Hawkeye provided cover fire by destroying several Heartless that were between T'Challa and Storm. Black Panther quickly threw Vibranium daggers at the powerful villain, but with a flick of his finger, he knocked the daggers aside. The former S.H.I.E.L.D. Scientist then forced Panther back.
Captain Marvel, Vision, Iceman, and Thor all tried to rush the villain, only to be met with a similar fate. Wolverine growled, "We need to take down their heavy hitter!" He then glanced at Thing, who was currently trading blows with Abomination, and ran straight for him, "Blue eyes! I need a fast ball special!"
Thing gave a blow to Blonsky, briefly stunning the gamma-powered villain, allowing him to pick up the leader of the X-Men and throw him directly at Graviton. Wolverine roared as he raised his claws, ready to plunge them into the villain's chest. Lifting an eyebrow in amusement, Graviton lifted a finger and sent the clawed mutant back to the ground, subdued like the rest of the powerful heroes. He laughed, "You're joking! Perhaps if you sent the monster after me, you would've stood a chance! But did you honestly think you could harm me when I control gravity itself?!"
"Perhaps," Wolverine grunted, lifting his head off the ground to reveal his smirk, "Then again... I wasn't trying to gut ya..."
Blinking in shock, the former scientist blinked in confusion, until a voice spoke to him in his head, "Hello, Franklin Hall."
Suddenly, Graviton clutched his head in pain as he fell to his knees, as Jean focused metal attacks against the villain. Logan then turned to Cycolps, "Summers! Take him out while Jean has control!"
The founding X-Men reached for his visor and unleashed a powerful optic blast, which sent Graviton flying. The combined attacks knocked him out cold, allowing the heroes he subdued to get back on their feet. T'Challa quickly checked on Storm before going to his Avenger ID card, "Tony! How's the portal coming along?"
Back in the Baxtar Building, the armored Avenger stated, "Well, we finished the scans, and it would seem Doom was telling the truth again. If we survive this, I just may have to send a gift basket to him when this is all over."
Reed took the 'goober' and handed it to Forge, who helped Beast and Yellow Jacket istall it, as Iron Man reported, "We're installing it now, and once the portal is up and running, Bucky and Widow will go inside to get the children out of tears... but we need fifteen minutes to get everything up and running..."
Back in the battle, more and more Heartless joined the siege, as T'Challa declared, "We may not have fifteen minutes."
Storm then blasted the incoming with strong winds, sending them flying back. Suddenly, Scott was forced to his knees as Harry Leland stood above him. Peice then launched several energy blasts beamed out of his cybernetic arm. Many of the heroes took cover as Carol absorbed the blast. Seeing how it only empowered her, the two members of the Inner Circle's eyes widened in horror. Peice muttered, "I'm sorry..."
Captain Marvel flew right them, Leland tried to stop her, but her fist already connected with his face, sending him flying as she proceeded to blast his co-worker. Vision flew in to aid the half-Kree Avenger, blasting more Heartless along the way. Jean went to Cycolps's aid when a familiar voice reached her ears, "We meet again, Miss Grey."
She turned to see the leader of the Inner Circle standing before her, as her eyes narrowed, "Shaw! I should've known you'd be after the Child as well. Haven't learned your lesson after the Phoenix, I see!"
"It would've succeeded if that traitor hadn't interfered," He declared in stubbornness, "But with the Child's power,r the Inner Circle will finally rule this world among many others!"
"I don't think so," She unleashed a physic blast at him, only for five blond girls to stand in her way.
He crossed his arms smugly, "I trust you remember these girls as well."
As the former host of the Pheniox was locked in a mental battle, Selene attempted to get behind the redhead to attack her. Only to be stung by Wasp, she snarled in anger, "Puny insect! You think you're pitiful powers compared to mine, you little bi- gah!"
Wasp continued to fire her stingers at her as she shook her head in amusement, "Yeah, yeah... you're more powerful than me... I've heard all before... then I proceed to kick your butt anyway!"
Back at Avengers Mansion, the Heartless attempted to make their way to the Keyhole, but thankfully, the Mansion's defenses kept them at bay. It certainly helped the small team of heroes aid JARVIS's defenses. Domino and Quake took many of the creatures out from a distance.
Tourch flew outside the Mansion and burned many Heartless, however, he only empowered the fire emblem Heartless. His eyes widened in shock, "Uh! Guys! I think I may have just made the problem worse!"
Just then, Colossus charged in and began bashing through fire-powered Heartless. He glanced up at the member of the Fantastic 4, "I'll deal with them! Just keep the assault up!"
Johnny nodded as he kept the assault up while Iron Fist, Moon Knight, and Blob protected Wong, as he protected the world's Keyhole. As Danny used his powerful fist to destroy another armor Heartless, he stated, "There are so many of them!"
"Keep at it," Moon Knight stated as he swiftly cut down three, "If even one gets past us! Our world falls!"
Blob crushed before noticing a Large Body Heartless, "Okay, now they're just ripping some of us off!"
He then charged after the massive Heartless as the two immovable forces clashed against each other...
Thor's hammer clashes against Loki's spear, as the former declared, "Was the All-father's punishment not enough of you for nearly bringing Ragnarök unpon us all once before?! You would risk it a second time!"
"Oh, dear Thor," Loki grinned as he broke the lock as the two clashed against their weapons upon each other, "Time and time again I've come to rule on the throne of Asgard only for thee and your mortal friends to intervene. But with the Child of Destiny, the cycle will finally be broken, as he shall be my champion!"
"I say thee nay!" Thor glared as he swung his hammer, "Neither you nor Xehanort shall claim the Child this day!"
With that, he laid a powerful blow across his brother's chin, sending him flying. Thor then flew after the Norse god of Mischief in pursuit. On that grounds below them, Cap blocked Zemo's sword strikes before kicking him in the chest, "Whatever Xehanort promised you, Zemo, I can say for certain he won't keep it."
"Unlike Amora or Loki," The Baron of Hydra quickly recovered, "He didn't need to promise any of us anything. He only needed to tell us who Sora is and what he will be capable of." He then boasted, "Imagine it, Captain, with the boy in my debt for protecting him from Xehanort, he shall lead me to worlds outside our own, and thanks to Disney, I now have a perfect list of who to recruit for my New Masters of Evil. With the boy and Kingdom Hearts, we shall become the Masters of the Universe!"
"That won't happen as long as I'm standing!" Cap declared as he charged in.
"A problem soon to be resolved," Zemo declared as he and the Super Soldier engaged each other once more...
Wanda avoided a strike from Bulldozer before blasting him back with a hex. The Scarlet Witch found herself in battle against the Wrecking Crew, as the Wrecker charged at her with his crowbar. She easily knocked him to the side with a hex, making him crash into his allies. Trapster tried to take a shot at her from behind, when Peitro ran in and knocked him out before he could pull the trigger.
Quicksilver grinned as he took his equipment, as he taunted, "Hey, can I borrow this?! Thanks!"
He then used Paste Pot Pete's own weapon to slow down the four large men. Wanda turned to her brother, as she nodded to him, "Thanks."
"Don't mention it," He answered sincerely. He then glanced to the battle around them, "So, this is what you do on a regular basis now?"
"More or less," She admitted as she destroyed more Heartless was another blast. She then scanned around the battle, "But something doesn't feel right about this..."
"What?" Peitro shrugged before gesturing to the battlefield, "Bad guys are focused on us. Little guy is safe and sound. What's up?"
"Xehanort," She answered as she examined the battlefield. As far as she could see, she could see every hero, villain, S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, S.W.O.R.D. agent, Hydra agent, and AIM soldier involved in the battle. She saw every Heartless from big and small. And yet, not a single sign of the man who orchestrated the war for her boy, "I don't see him."
Now understanding what Wanda was saying, Pietro told her, "I'll take a look around. He could've gone too far. If I see him, I'll come back and let you know." He then gestured to the Wrecking Crew, who were finally breaking free from the Trapper's paste, "Will you be alright on your own?"
Suddenly, the Maximoff twins could hear a mighty roar as the Hulk landed by them as he quickly started to smash each and every member of the Wreaking Crew. She gestured to the green behemoth, "Does that answer your question?"
Seeing the Strongest Avenger started using Bulldozer as a rag doll against the other crew, Quicksilver nodded, "Fair enough..."
With that, he sped off. Wanda then turned to see Spider-Man currently battling Mystrio as he dodged some 'mystic' fire. She flew over quickly to come to his aid...
Red Hulk and Juggernaut continued to trade blows, as the former taunted, "So you're the strongest mutant, huh?! Well, I'm the strongest there is! Period!"
Red Hulk threw a fist at Charles's half-brother, who glared at the former General, "Don't you know who I am?!"
Ross growled as Cain declared, "I'm the Juggernaut, bastard!"
With that, Marko grabbed Red Hulk and charged in, ramming to all that stood in their way. Rocket laughed as he unleashed all the heavy weapons he had, "IS THAT ALL YA GOT! I've seen Quill put up more of a fight when it comes to arguing that 'Footloose' is the best film of all time."
Peter looked deeply hurt by that statement, "Dude!"
Quicksilver stopped by the area of the battle, when a group of Heartless was about to get the drop on him, when a branch extended, impaling all the dark creatures. Turning to the Guardian that saved him, Groot declared, "I AM GROOT!"
Blinking, Peitro greeted the living tree, "I am Quicksilver."
Unfortunately for Wasp, Selene finally managed to get her hands on her, who began to drain the life of the founding Avenger, "At last you're mine!"
Wasp screamed in pain, as the cold-hearted woman grinned with satisfaction when something smacked her at the back of the head, "I suggest you put the lass down if ya know what's good for ya!"
Turning to face the fool who struck her from behind, her eyes widened to see Scrooge McDuck, glaring at her with his cane raised. She then laughed wickedly, setting the Avenger aside, "You... Ha ha ha... Aren't you some silly cartoon duck?!"
"You have a problem with cartoons, eh?" Scrooge raised an eyebrow.
She attempted to blast the rich tycoon with her dark power, but to her surprise, Scrooge used his cane to deflect the attack and came right at her. She attempted the same attack again, but the duck nimbly dodged each blast until he struck her across the face. She exclaimed, "You dare to hit a LADY?!"
"You are many things, ma'am," Scrooge kept his guard up, "But you... are no lady!"
With that declaration, Donald's rich uncle pressed the attack. Selene had been on this world for a long time, but she had never faced someone like Scrooge McDuck before. She could land a single blow on him while unable to avoid his strikes. He then proceeded to trip her with his cane, causing her to fall. Once she hit the ground, he leaped in the air and landed hard on her face, as he taunted, "And that's how we deal with people like you in Scotland!"
Wasp finally recovered as Scrooge helped her back to her feet, "You already, my dear?"
"Yeah," Jan nodded in gratitude, "Thanks for the save. Big fan by the way."
"Aw, you flatter me," Scrooge chuckled, "But there's no need for that. We're all on the same side." They then turned to the continuing battle, as he smirked with determination, "Now, let's win this war and send these villains packing!"
"Amen to that," She fullheartedly agreed as they rejoined the battle...
"We've done this thing for years, Beck," Spidey smirked under his mask as he easily avoided Mysterio's attacks, "You really think the results are going to be any different?"
"Call it intuition," Mysterio declared as green mist appeared around his old foe, for multiple versions of himself to appear. Spidey was ready to battle the illusions when suddenly, a red mist appeared around the other versions of Mysterio, but they were all disassembled, causing the one still standing, "What?!"
"You were right," A familiar voice spoke up, getting Spidey to smirk underneath his mask, as Mysterio turned around to see the Scarlet Witch flying down to him, "The results will be different this time, because in case you haven't noticed, Spider-Man is an Avenger. You attack one of us, then you attack all of us!"
The actor attempted to cast another illusion, only for Wanda to hex his high-tech gloves, causing them to short-circuit and stop functioning. She then slowly approached him, "Also, in case Xehanort failed to mention this little detail, the Child you're all after happens to be my kid!"
Mysterio froze at that statement, as he gasped, "Wait, you mean the boy is your-" After giving him a single nod, the actor began to stutter as he looked at a non-existent watch on his wrist, "Ph, would you look at the time! I, uh, I just remember! I gotta be- gotta be... not here! Bye!"
With that, he tried to make a run for it, when Spider-Man launched a web-line at his fleeing foe, and when it attached to the Master of Illusions, Peter yanked on it, pulling back to the couple, where he proceeded to throw a punch, breaking his helmet and knocking out the villain. As Spidey proceeded to wrap him up, he turned to Wanda, "I really hope he's not a robot this time."
"This time?" Wanda blinked in shock, "How often has that happened?"
"Too many times I care to count," Peter stated sadly.
Suddenly, Electro rejoined the fight, "If you think you're done with me, Wall Crawler, then you've got another thing coming!"
He then blasted Spider-Man with electricity, causing him to pull out his borrowed lightsaber, igniting it, to deflect the attack. The electric villain blinked, "Wait, is that a light-"
But Wanda blasted him with a hex before he could finish his thoughts. Peter then turned to Wanda, "I really wish I had met you sooner. It would have made battling the Sinister Six so much easier."
"Pe- Spidey," She lightly smiled, "If these guys really were giving you problems, you could've called. You had an Avengers ID card, we would've come if you called."
"Didn't think you guys would look after the little guy," Peter rubbed his arm.
"Well, it just so happens I like little guys like you and Sora," Wanda reassured him.
The two gazed into eachother's eyes when a battle between Mar-Vell and the Super Skrull got their attention, as the latter exclaimed, "DIE, KREE SCUM! THAT BOY WILL BELONG TO THE SKRULL EMPIRE!"
The Kree Warrior managed to keep at bay from the Skrull despite his foe possessing the powers of the Fantastic Four, but was unable to get past his force fields. Spidey rubbed the back of his mask, "Geez! This battle is insane!"
"Spidey, have you seen Xehanort?" Wanda spoke up, getting his attention, "I haven't seen him since the battle started!"
Peter froze at that statement, "No..."
Just then, Quicksilver ran up towards them, "Hey, lovebirds! I looked around the entire battlefield! There are no traces of silverhead brat!"
After a minute, the couple slowly turned to the Kingdom of Wakanda, as Peter muttered, "You don't think..."
"This was all a diversion," Wanda whispered in fear.
"I'll get him!" The speedster declared as he ran right for the kingdom, as the Scarlet Witch went for her Avengers ID card...
"Fury! Shurri!" Wanda shouted through the Avenger ID card, "We think Xehanort snuck inside! He's after Sora!"
The Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. pulled out his gun as Shurri grabbed her Vibranium gauntlets, as the former exclaimed, "Join us when you can! We'll keep him busy as long as we can!"
"Stark better be rescuing those kids now," Shurri declared, "I swear, I would have finished before they entered my home!"
"Run, now!" Fury told the Princess as they made their way to where they were protecting the future Keyblade Wielder, "Complain if we survive this!"
Meanwhile, Young Xehanort was about to enter the room where many Dora Milaje and Valkyries guarded the young boy. He chuckled to himself, "At long last, you are mine..."
Before he could take a step further, a sword was aimed at his throat, as a female voice stated, "I take it you're Xehanort."
Shocked at first, it wore off when he discovered who it was, grinning, "Well, well, well... if it isn't the most dangerous woman in the universe. How is your father these days?"
Gamora kept her blade close to the young Keyblade Wielder's throat, "Still has a head on his shoulders at the moment. Hopefully, that'll change after we're done with you."
"Oh, come on," Xehanort shook his head in amusement as the other warriors in the room went into their battle stances, "You really wish to live in a universe where the Mad Titan still roams free?"
"The universe isn't perfect," She admitted while glaring at the silverhead, "But it's our universe. You destroy it, and you destroy all the good left in it."
"Sometimes for the greater good, sacrifices must be made," The youthful Seeker of Darkness declared.
When more heroes emerge from the shadows: Blade and Ghost Rider, the latter stated, "Xehanort of the Destiny Islands, your sins are innumerable. I am here to wreak vengeance upon your soul."
"Meaning, we're not big fans of your so-called sacrifices..." Blade grinned as he pulled out his own sword, "We may not be allowed to kill you, but nothing's stopping us from kicking your ass!"
"So, unless you want to go back to your own time with broken bones," Nick Fury appeared with Shurri, aiming their respective weapons at the dark Keyblade Wielder, "I suggest you stay down!"
Xehanort merely smirked before vanishing from sight, causing shock among Sora's protectors, when three Dora Milaje and a Valkyrie were knocked down and defeated, as the silver head held his Keyblade in hand. The others didn't hesitate to attack, as Xehanort easily deflected and counterattacked all of his opponents with ease.
Despite how skilled both the warriors of both Asgard and Wakanda were, they were no match for the young Xehanort. Thankfully, they didn't battle them alone, as Ghost Rider wrapped his chains around the boy in the black coat and swung him around the room making him slam into the Vibranium wall. Fury and Shurri fired their respective weapons at him, but he quickly recovered and swung his blade wildly at them.
Blade and Gamora came to their aid and engaged the young Keyblade Wielder in a two-to-one sword duel. While able to keep up with both of them, they leaped back as Ghost Rider breathed out hellfire upon the Dark Weilder.
Xehanort lept out of the way before the flames could touch him, while aiming his Keyblade at the Spirit of Vengeance, "Deep Freeze!"
Freezing Ghost Rider in ice, he struggled to get free, while Xehanort reengaged the two sword wielders. Fury was able to get a few shots in before the villain knocked his weapon out of his hand. However, Fury was able to get a few hits in, making the villain stumble and get hit by a blast from the sister of T'Challa, knocking him down. Groaning in annoyance, he was then slammed in the chest by Peitr,o making him fall on his back.
The two silverheads glared at each other before the speedster went after him once more. However, Xehanort was ready for him this time, as he raised his Keyblade, he commanded, "STOPZA!"
Just as Ghost Rider broke free of the ice, time froze all around the heroes, even Quicksilver was frozen right when he was about to land a punch on Sora's future nemesis. Xehanort smirked with satisfaction as he walked past the paused heroes. Only he and Sora remained unaffected by the time spell. He knelt to the boy, "I have to give your protectors credit, they put up more resistance than anticipated. But as always, I prepared for every eventuality. No more escapes. No more defeats. No more tricks."
However, to his surprise, Sora smirked...
"Well, perhaps one more."
Young Xehanort's eyes widened at the words that came from Sora's mouth. It was not the voice of a child but the voice of an adult woman. Before he could react, "Sora" leaped in the air, kicking his chin, causing him to fall back as the boy grew and changed into Mystique, who smirked at him, "Didn't see that one coming, did you?"
"You?!" Xehanort blinked as the spell broke and Quicksilver ran in for another strike, knocking him back further. Just then, Cloak appeared as he brought Dagger, Spider-Man, Scarlet Witch, Captain Marvel, Hulk, Hawkeye, and Wolverine with him. Surrounding the villain, he complained, "I don't understand! Sora was supposed to be here!"
"That's exactly what we wanted you to believe," Clint smirked as he aimed one of his trick arrows at him.
"We knew you'd likely have more tricks up your sleeve," Peter pointed out, "That's why Cap came up with his own. While you were busy with us, Sora would be far away from this battle."
"Now I suggest for you're sake, you release the children and go back to your own time," Carol glared at the Seeker of Darkness.
Hulk then threw a fist in his palm, "Or we'll smash you!"
"Fools! You think you can trap me!" Xehanort snarled, lowering his Keyblade, "I know Sora still is somewhere on this world and I will find him." He then pointed towards both Scarlet Witch and Spider-Man, "I still know who you are and all the places you could've hidden."
With that, darkness swirled around the future enemy of Sora. Hulk growled as he moved in to smash him, but Xehanort had already teleported away through a Corridor of Darkness, by the time his fists struck the ground. Hawkeye cursed to himself, "Shit! He's gone!"
Just then, a groan could be heard as the heroes looked up, to see Living Laser standing before them, "Kid's not even here?! Gotta let Zemo know!"
With that, he sped off, as Carol grumbled, "Dang it! Now they both know..."
"We can still beat them to wherever you hid him," Cloak stated as he turned to the new couple, "Just let me know where and-"
"We can't," Spidey frowned under his mask, "We do that, and Xehanort will definitely find him a whole lot sooner..."
"We've got good people watching him," Wanda stated, "They'll let us know if he reaches them, we still need to buy Tony time to rescue Sora's friends."
"Let 'em know, Xehanort's onto the ploy," Fury told the two, "In the meantime," He glanced toward the speedster, "We need to know where Xehanort is at all times, and you're the only one fast enough to do so..."
"I don't take orders from you," Peitro snapped, before noticing Wanda's pleading eyes, causing him to sigh, "But for Sora's sake, I'll do it."
With that, he ran off to track down Xehanort, as Peter pulled out his phone and made the call. After a few rings, someone picked up, "Yuri, Xehanort figured out what happened and is looking for him now! He could show up any moment..."
"Don't worry, Spidey..."
Captain Yuri Watanabe held out her pistol with her free hand, as she reassured the Web-Head, "If he shows, we're ready and waiting for him..."
Inside a F.E.A.S.T. Building, there were dozens of cops and S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. Along with many heroes from Luke Cage to Antman. From Daredevil to the Punisher. From Shadowcat to the Invisible Woman. From Shung-Chi to Mockingbird. Among their team also consisted of Lady Sif, Baulder, and the Warriors Three. Magento was also among them, wearing a trench coat to conceal his identity.
And inside an office, May Parker held onto her great-nephew, as she reassured him, "It'll be alright, dear... You're quite safe here."
Sora looked nervously as he adjusted his grandfather's helmet, placed upon him, wishing to see his friends and parents, glancing down at the magic lamp in his hands...
Notes:
And that will conclude today's chapter! Bet you guys never saw the Mystique plot twist coming!
"SAY WHAT?! Where's Sora?! How'd he end up with his great Aunt May at F.E.A.S.T.?! How did he end up with Magento's helmet?!"
Easy, all those questions will be answered during the other half of the finale.
Yeah, I picked Avengers Mansion where the Keyhole is hidden, because it's just such an iconic place in the EMH Universe. Multiple things are happening at once; most of the brainiac heroes, with Widow and Bucky, are planning a rescue mission for Riku and Kairi. Wong's team is defending the Keyhole. Cap laid a trap for Xehanort to keep him focused on them, while Sora is safe with Peter's Aunt.
But how did we get there? What happens when Kang returns? Are all the villains after Sora, or are they those who oppose this, like Doom and Kang? Will Mickey, Donald, and Goofy get to their world in time? Will Anakin and the Jedi Order come in time? What happens when Xehanort reveals the fates of Peter and Wanda if they had never been on this journey? And will the combined efforts be enough to stop Xehanort and the Masters of Evil? Or will they need to look to a bright future for aid? And what happens when someone wishes upon a star?
Stay tuned for the final battle between the Avengers and Young Xehanort!
(Oh, and I forgot to mention, a certain hated character meets a sudden and humiliating death... you current Spider-Man fans know who I'm referring to. ;D)
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Be sure to leave a review! Also, if you haven't already, be sure to leave a follow and fav. as well! Until next time, see ya real soon, True Believers! And May the Fourth be with you! ;)
Chapter 19: Chapter 18: Assemble
Summary:
It all ends here. Will our heroes emerge victorious? Or will this be the end for this universe?
Notes:
I don't own Avengers or Kingdom Hearts. They belong to Disney, Square Enix, and Marvel. (I also don't own Rise of Guardians, as that movie belongs to Dreamworks) Hey, everyone, this chapter took me some months. Likely would have been ready soon if not for real life, and I needed a small vacation with my family. But now, I am back, and this chapter is finally complete, with only the Epilogue left. (And a little bonus ;D So keep those notifications on even after the epilogue is out.) Now, then, we've got a huge chapter containing the second half of the battle. With that, out of the way, enjoy the full final chapter!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 18: Assemble
The Watcher looked down upon the heroes when their ploy had been revealed, "Confused?" He looked away, "Perhaps we should back things up, hours prior to the final battle..."
With a wave of his hand, hours reversed to reveal Wanda and Spidey back at the Baxter Building, as Hill was gathering the data on where the Keyhole was, Spidey glanced at the Wakandian King and Captain America, "So, Wakanda's really going to be protecting Sora?"
"Yes," Captain America nodded, before adding, "Or, at least, that's what we're going to let Xehanort believe."
"Huh?" Everyone in the room stared at the Man out of Time in confusion.
"If Xehanort is as smart as you say he is," T'Challa spoke up, "We have to take into account that he could find a way around our best defenses, and reach Sora, despite our best efforts..."
Steve then turned to Mystique, "Can you use your powers to mimic Sora's size as well?"
Glancing at Magento, he nodded to her as she shifted into Sora's appearance, much to the real boy's awe, as Cap explained, "She'll be posing as Sora, to misdirect Xehanort while the real Sora will be safely hidden away somewhere else. God willing, by then we'll have Xehanort on the wraps, but should he discover our ploy... it would take him a while to find him."
"So, where would we hide him?" Clint wondered, "Avengers Tower is in major need of repairs, and the Baxter Building is where the eggheads are working on rescuing the other children?"
"What about Avengers Mansion?" Wasp wondered, "Surely with JARVIS, he could aid in the defenses and..."
"I wouldn't recommend it," Strange spoke up, "That's actually where the Keyhole can be found, so it would be attacked while most of us are keeping Xehanort occupied."
Tony blinked in shock, "Seriously?!"
"Even if it wasn't," Vision spoke up, "It would likely be the first place he'd look."
"What about the X-Mansion?" Iceman spoke up, "It has some great defenses of its own and..."
Kitty slapped his arm, "Bobby! There are other children there and the Professor, who's still in a coma! That's not exactly ideal either!"
"I'm going to leave that decision to Sora's guardians," Cap gestured to Wanda and Spider-Man.
"Wait, us?" Wanda blinked in shock.
"I don't think that's such a great idea, Cap," Spidey spoke up, "Xehanort knows who I am under this mask, and Wanda's identity is public knowledge. He'd likely think of all the places we'd hide him."
"He wouldn't be alone," Steve reassured him, "A fourth team will be the real last stand between Xehanort and the boy."
"And it would still take him time to find where you choose," Tony pointed out, "Time we can use."
"If we can keep up with Xehanort before he knows where the Child can be found," Steve gestured to their foster child, "Then we shouldn't have anything to worry about."
"Spider-Man," Daredevil approached, "If it helps, I'm willing to be a part of that team, and I promise you, even if Xehanort does find him, I won't let Xehanort touch him."
Peter then turned to Wanda, as she nodded to him, agreeing to discuss this with him quietly, as he sighed and nodded in agreement, "Let us know when you've decided... after that, we get everything set for the coming storm."
The Watcher waved his hand once more, after Wanda had a private conversation with her father and brother. She went to join her boyfriend while Sora and Kurt continued to pray. Spidey went to approach her, "Should I be concerned?"
"Hopefully not," She tried to reassure him, "As long as nothing happens between us."
"Okay then," Peter then rubbed the back of his head, "No pressure."
"I'm so sorry," Wanda rubbed her eyes, "I never wanted them to know who you are! I should have known they'd go behind my back and pull a stunt like this!"
"I can't believe I'm saying this," Peter sighed, "But we can worry about that later. Right now, we need to think of a good place to hide Sora while we distract Xehanort in Wakanda... and I thought finding a new home to live would be hard..."
"Okay, Avengers Mansion is a no-go, same with Baxter Building, and the Xavier Institute," Wanda reminded him, "Where does that leave us?"
"Don't you and your sister run an entire island?" Peter pointed out, "Maybe..."
"Thought about it, and while I do want Lorna to meet her nephew," She frowned with her arms crossed, "The citizens of Genosha still haven't gotten over the aftermath of my father bringing the Sentinals to the island. Even if we gathered everyone to the churches we have on the islands, they still might not be comfortable bringing another war to their after we promised them we wouldn't get them involved again."
"Okay, so that's a no to Genosha as well," He groaned, "My apartment isn't ideal either, and God knows my landlord already kicked me out since I was behind on the bills and was gone for over a week. My childhood home isn't that great or spacious either to hide other heroes to protect our kid."
"There has to be something we can think of that'll work!" Wanda exclaimed in frustration, "Somewhere or someone we can trust..."
After a long moment of silence, Peter's eyes briefly lifted, "Maybe..." His girlfriend glanced at him before he shook his head, "No, no, no... I can't do that..."
"What? What is it?" Wanda asked in desperation.
"Well, my Aunt helps out at a homeless shelter within the city," Peter admitted, getting her interest. "The building would be large enough to keep Sora hidden, the owner is a close friend, and knows all the ins and outs of the building, and we could keep whoever volunteered to the last line of defense there without drawing suspicion... but the people inside..."
"We have to try," Wanda spoke up, "Maybe the owner could agree if we asked... and your Aunt has to find out about Sora eventually... besides, we can evacuate anyone staying there to the local churches for protection until the crisis is over..." She then pleaded, "Peter... please... we both know this could be his only hope..."
Peter sighed and nodded before pulling out his phone and dialing the number. After a few rings, someone picked up, "Peter? Is that you?"
"Hey, Mr. Li," Peter greeted the founder of F.E.A.S.T.
He could hear the man sigh in relief, "Oh, thank God, you've been silent for so long, your Aunt and I were beginning to worry..." He then wondered, "Where have you been?"
"It's kinda of a long story," Peter rubbed the back of his head, before turning to his family, "Listen... I know I'm asking a lot here... but there's someone here that needs a safe place to stay... he'd be there for a couple nights at most and..."
"I see, someone who needs a roof over his head after losing his home," Martian Li spoke up, "Peter... this is exactly why I opened F.E.A.S.T., bring 'em over. I'm sure you're Aunt and I can make the arrangements for your friend. Come by anytime."
"Li, you're a lifesaver," Peter smiled in relief, making Wanda smile, "I'll explain everything when I arrive... see you soon."
With that, he ended the call as Scarlet Witch sighed in relief, "Thank goodness, so where is this shelter?"
"Chinatown," Peter revealed.
She then stood up, "Well, come on, let's go..."
"Wait, we can't just web swing or fly him over," Peter pointed out, "If Xehanort sees we left the Baxter Building, he might not show up in Wakanda at all..."
Wanda winced at that, "That's right... We need to escort him without drawing too many eyes... but how?"
"I actually might know someone for that too," Peter smiled as he pulled out a separate phone, and dialed a different number, "C'mon, Yuri..."
Thankfully, the current Captain of the police answered, "Spider-Man? Wait, it is you, right? You've been silent for so long, how do I know you're not just some prank caller or a Skrull?"
"Come on, Yuri," Spidey lightly joked before he hardened his voice, "How can anyone forget everyone's favorite loveable-but-tough, grizzled, seen-too-much detective?"
"Oh, no! No, no, no, no..." Captain Watannabe pleaded, "I'm convinced! There's no need to bring in-"
"Spider-Cop," Peter continued in the voice, making his girlfriend snicker at the antic, "Part Man. Part Spider. All Cop!"
"..." A brief moment of silence, before she replied in an annoyed voice, "Welcome back, Spider-Cop, now could I please speak to Spider-Man? I believe he had a reason to call me after he vanished off the face of the Earth with Scarlet Witch and the monsters that have been attacking all over the Earth, and now the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier fell right out of the sky, and now the entire city is in a panic."
"It's complicated, and I know what's causing all of it," Spidey revealed, "And who the big bad is after."
"Seriously," The police captain gasped, "Who? How?"
"It's rather a long story," Spidey told her, "But a guy named Xehanort is planning a world-ending scenario, and he's seen the future of a future hero that will one day stop him, and he plans to ensure that never happens by going after him while he's still a kid. So, the bad guy is basically SkyNet, and he's trying to eliminate John Connor before he rises against him... but with a darker twist."
"Given how we've had our share of Time Travelers and typically supervillains," Yuri sighed, "I'm surprised this hasn't happened sooner."
"Basically, I'm with his foster parents now, and one of them is an Avenger," Peter clarified as he turned to Wanda, "We've arranged a place where he can hid until this is all over, but we need an escort there without drawing too much attention."
"I'm on my way now," Yuri told him, "Where are they now?"
"Baxter Building," Spidey answered, "We need you to get 'em to the F.E.A.S.T. Shelter, and maybe provide police protection for the kid. Cap and Nick Fury are currently getting a warrant for Xehanort, the big bad, so I don't think getting approval for it should be too difficult."
"Good enough for me," Captain Watanabe replied, "I'm getting word out to get everyone in the city to their local Church until the crisis is over. It could be good cover to send over some of my men over without raising too many eyebrows. I'll be there to pick up the kid and his parents soon... I'll be expecting the full details soon though..."
"Thanks again, Yuri," Peter nodded as he ended the call.
"You never told me you had a good relationship with the police," Wanda blinked in shock, while giving him a pleasant smile.
"Well, after what happened with... Captain Stacy," Peter sighed as he rubbed his head, causing her to see that it was a painful memory, "...Yuri was his best partner and took up his role as head of the NYPD after he passed. We've worked with each other ever since..."
"Well, if you trust her," Wanda smiled, "Then I do too."
She then glanced at their son, still with Kurt, "We should probably get changed before she gets here."
"Right," Peter nodded as they went to change into their civilian clothes...
Time passed, as Peter stood outside the homeless shelter, nervous about the whole thing, as Wanda helped Sora out, their son turned to the police Captain, "Can I turn on the sy-ron!"
Both women laughed at the mispronunciation, as Yuri promised him, "Maybe some other time, kiddo." She then turned to Wanda, "You have a sweet kid."
"Thank you," Wanda smiled, "...and thanks again for doing this."
"It's my job," Captain Watannabe reassured the Avenger, as they joined Peter.
Wanda glanced at her boyfriend, "What's the matter?"
"I'm beginning to have second thoughts about this, let's just-" He attempted to turn back...
...only to be stopped by Wanda, "She was going to learn about Sora eventually. And she'd want to help."
Peter sighed as they entered the building. They could see a Martian Li escorting a man out of the building, as he complained, "Okay, okay... I'm going! I'm going!"
Li glared at him, "You show up here again, harassing my volunteers and my guests, I'm pressing charges, Paul!"
"Yeah, yeah," He waved him off, before spotting Wanda as he grinned, "So~ what's you're name?"
"Out!" Li glared at him, causing him to yelp, and he picked up the pace. He then smiled at the photographer for the Bugle, "Peter! Welcome back!"
"Mr. Li," Peter greeted as he shook the shelter owner's hand, "It's great to see you again!"
"Likewise, sorry you had to see that," Martain apologized.
Wanda gestured to the man, who left the shelter, "Who was that?"
"Paul," He answered, "He used to volunteer here, but recently I've been getting complaints from those who seek shelter here and even from other volunteers that he's been trying to make moves on women even after they told him they weren't interested or already seeing someone. Just caught him doing it red-handed, and he's overstayed his welcome."
"Gee, what a pig," Wanda glared at the pathetic man.
Peter muttered, "I hope I've seen the last of him."
His eyes narrowed, "I'm sorry, you look familiar..." He then snapped his fingers, smiling brightly, "Ah! I got it! Scarlet Witch!"
"Yep!" Wanda confirmed with a smile.
"I knew it!" He laughed as he pulled out his phone, wanting a selfie, as Wanda politely smiled as she gave a small pose as he took the photo, "It's not often we get an Avenger around here! It's an honor!"
"Thank you for the warm welcome," She thanked him.
He then asked her, putting his phone away, "What brings you here? You come to volunteer?"
"Peter has spoken highly of this place, I just might, whenever I'm not saving the world," Wanda smiled.
Surprised, he turned to May's nephew, "Really? How do you and Miss Maximoff know each other?"
"We... uh... recently started dating," Peter revealed, shocking the shelter owner.
"Really?" He asked.
Spidey and Scarlet Witch confirmed with a nod, as he smiled, "That's great! Happy to hear that!" After a moment, he cleared his throat, "Now then, I believe you said you had someone who needs our help."
Peter nodded as he and Wanda turned to their son, who hid behind his mother, as the former reassured him, "It's okay. Mr. Li is a friend of mine."
Peeking out his head, Li smiled as he knelt to the boy, "Well, hello there..."
"Hi..." The boy greeted.
"Uh... this is Sora," Peter smiled, "He recently lost everything due to a supervillain attack, and Wanda and I discovered him and brought him back with us to safety."
"Ah, I see," Martian's face softened, "I'm so sorry... I know what it's like to lose everything..."
He then stood back up, as he glanced at the Captain, "I take the fact you're here, there's more to the story."
"The villain responsible for the crime," Yuri spoke up, "Is still out there. He's holding other children hostage, and he desperately wants Sora." Li's eyes widened in horror at that, "The boy's foster parents were hoping he'd be safe here, while the Avengers handle the culprit."
He glanced at Yuri in confusion, "Foster parents?"
"Well, it's the reason why we've gone the past week," Wanda admitted, before glancing at her boyfriend, "Ever since we met him, he's brought great joy to both of us... after everything is said and done, we're planning on adopting him."
"So, that means..." Li blinked again before giving another genuine smile, as he lightly patted Peter's shoulder, "Congratulations." He then turned to Wanda, "To both of you." He then smiled at their son, "Hey, your father and mother are good people. I know they'll take great care of you."
"I'm sorry to do this last minute, Mr. Li," Peter quickly apologized.
"There's no need to apologize, Peter," He reassured May's nephew, "This is exactly why I opened F.E.A.S.T., like you're Aunt always says. When you help someone..."
"...you help everyone," Peter finished, remembering his Aunt's quote.
"This isn't the first time we've had to protect our guests from an abusive spouse or parent," Martian nodded to Peter, "We won't get intimidated by a supervillain either. Especially with a child's life at stake." He then gestured upstairs, "Besides, May is family, and by extension, so is Sora. We protect our own..." He then gestured to Wanda, "...and it's not every day when the Avengers turned to F.E.A.S.T. for help."
Both Wanda and Peter smiled at that. Martin gestured upstairs, "You should probably introduce May to her great-nephew." He then gestured to the police captain, "I'll speak to Captain Watanabe and figure out how to help."
"The Heartless can enter holy ground, so we're evacuating anyone to their local churchs," Yuri revealed, "And for those who can't be moved from the hospital or unable their homes, we're calling upon every priest, bishop, deacon, even the pope himself to bless the buildings and pray that'll be enough to keep everyone safe until the crisis is over. I can help move everyone, staff, and the homeless to those places so on the off chance Xehanort figures out where we're hiding Sora..."
"...no one will get caught in the crossfire," Li smiled. I would deeply appreciate it. I'll help in any way I can."
As Yuri and Martain left to prepare for the coming storm, Wanda leaned to Peter, "Well, so far so good."
"Yeah," Peter nervously nodded.
"Hey there, Tiger."
"Oh, hey, MJ," Peter greeted the familiar voice, before freezing, as he turned to see Mary Jane Watson offering Coffee to a homeless man. Blinking in shock, he gasped, "MJ?! What are you doing here?"
"I help out you're Aunt during the weekends, whenever I'm off," She smiled as she poured out the coffee in a styrofoam cup, "It's for a good cause."
"Wow, that's... that's great," Peter blinked.
"Thank you," The homeless man thanked the redhead.
"You're welcome, Stan," She smiled as she approached the Parker family.
They could hear Stan Lee whispering, "Wait; was she an actress, model, or reporter?"
"Uh, Wanda," Peter turned to his girlfriend, as he gestured to his neighbor, "This is Mary Jane Watson." He then turned to MJ, as he gestured to the mutant Avenger, "MJ, this is..."
"Wanda Maximoff," Mary Jane instantly recognized the Avenger, "Scarlet Witch. I've read about you in the papers."
"It's nice to finally meet you. Peter said great things about you." She shook the redhead's hand with a smile.
"Well, I've heard great things about you, you've helped save the world," The actress returned the smile, "You're an Avenger." She then glanced between the two, "So, how did you two meet?"
"It's a long story," Wanda smiled sheepishly as Sora glanced between his mother and MJ.
MJ then smiled at the boy, "I couldn't help overhearing. You two really planning on adopting this little guy."
"Yeah," Peter smiled as he rubbed the boy's hair, "We love the little guy."
"And we are the only ones who know what he's going through," Wanda gave a sad smile as she picked the boy up and held him in her arms, "You must think we're rushing things. I mean, we only just started dating and..."
"No, I get it. He needs you," MJ told the two of them, "Both of you. Plus, he looks so adorable, I can't blame you for adopting on the spot."
Before Peter realized it, an arm wrapped around his shoulders, "Seriously, Parker! You're a father and have an Avenger as a girlfriend! Major respect!"
Turning to the other familiar voice, he turned to see the former Midtown Quarterback and former tormentor, "Flash?! You volunteer here too?!"
"Sure do!" Flash Thompson smiled in a military uniform, "I'm currently off duty, so I'm doing what I can for the city! I figured that's what my guy, Spidey, would do!"
"Uh... Peter?" Wanda glanced between her boyfriend and the U.S. soldier, "Who...?"
"Oh, this is Flash Thompson," Peter gestured to his former bully, "We went to school together..."
"...you were friends?" Sora blinked.
"Well... at first..." Flash rubbed the back of his head in shame, "But... I didn't always make the best choices... made your father's life a little rough for him..."
"Wait... you were one of the bullies he mentioned about..." Wanda blinked in shock.
"Yeah..." He admitted.
"But he really has turned his life around, changed," Peter spoke up in Flash's defense, "Now, he dedicates his life to protecting our country..."
"Yep, it's the straight and narrow for me now," Flash proudly stated, "Now, I stand up for the little guy like Spidey!"
Wanda blinked again, as Peter clarified, "He's Spider-Man's number #1 fan..."
Her eyes widened in shock. He picked on Peter growing up, and now Spider-Man inspired him to do what's right. He then turned to him, "Actually, it's a good thing you're here. Long story short, but um..."
He then gestured to him to come closer, as Flash complied, and Peter quickly whispered who Xehanort was and why he wanted Sora. The Corpal's eyes widened in shock, "He WHAT?!" He stared at Peter, "That is seriously messed up! Even the old me would find that disturbing!"
"Gee, what did you say?" Mary Jane wondered.
"Trust me, you don't want to know," Wanda glanced at Peter's neighbor.
"No kidding," Flash nodded, "I mean, this is nuts. At least when Voldemort put a piece of himself inside Harry Potter, it wasn't intentional, and Harry still had his free will." He turns to Peter, "...and this Xehanort loser wants to fully intentionally do it to a kid and take that away from him!"
MJ's eyes widened in horror as she turned to Wanda, who sadly nodded, "That's an accurate description..."
"Holy sh-" MJ gasped before glancing at Sora, before changing her words, "-oot..."
"Exactly," Peter nodded before turning to his former bully, "I know you're off duty, but Spider-Man and the Avengers are calling everyone they can to-"
"Say no more," Spider-Man's biggest fan raised a hand, before declaring, "Corpal Thompson, at your service."
"Just like that," Wanda blinked in shock.
"Just like that," He nodded, "That loser needs to be stopped, and if my boy, Spidey, is asking for help, then I always have his back!"
Scarlet Witch blinked again before nodding, "Okay, then."
"Well, I'm no soldier, or superhero," Mary Jane Watson spoke up, "But I'm in too."
"MJ, you don't have to-" Peter tried to protest.
"Peter, you've lost enough in your life," She turned to him, "Your parents, your uncle, Gwen... You can't lose your son, too."
"I'll call up the old gang," Flash offered, "Some may volunteer as well."
Peter wanted to protest as Wanda placed a hand on his shoulder, "It's like you said, Peter, we need all the help we can get. Besides, if Xehanort succeeds, then chances are we're all going to die either way."
"How come?" MJ raised an eyebrow.
"Well, we sort of learned Xehanort wants to start an apocalypse, and Sora's the only one who can stop him." He rubbed the back of his head, "Which is kinda why he's doing all this..."
"..." The two blinked as Flash realized, "So basically, Sora's John Connor and we're trying to stop Judgement Day."
"More or less," Peter nodded.
"Then I'm extra in," The US Soldier declared as he pulled out a phone.
"I'm ready to do whatever I can," MJ nodded, "I'll help your Aunt get Sora out of here if it comes to it."
With that, the two went to prepare as Flash began calling up his old friends, as Wanda placed a hand on Peter's shoulder, "C'mon, no use in prolonging it now... she'll find out sooner than later..."
"Right," Peter nodded, "Let's just do it gently... my Aunt has had a heart attack in the past."
"Of course," She nodded with understanding before reaching his aunt's office, as she was going over some paperwork.
Peter took a deep breath and took the first step, "Hey, Aunt May."
The elder woman looked up to her nephew with a bright smile, "Peter!" She stood up and walked over to Peter, giving him a hug, "I was so worried. I haven't heard from you in over a week."
"I know, I'm so sorry," He apologized.
"Harry told me you were doing an assignment for the Bugle that would be gone for a few days," She told him, "But I thought you would've called first."
"Thank you, Harry," Peter thought to himself, as he rubbed the back of his head, "Yeah, it's a long story and-"
"Completely my fault," Wanda stepped in as she placed Sora down.
Peter's Aunt blinked at the Avenger's presence, as she wondered, "Peter? Who's this?"
"Ummm... Aunt May, this is Wanda," Peter gestured to the woman, "We've... just started seeing each other..."
"Oh, how lovely," May smiled brightly, as she went to greet the young woman, "And she's you're age too this time." She then lightly joked, "At this rate, I was beginning to think you date a woman as old as me."
Blinking in confusion, she turned to Peter, who shrugged, "Yeah, I may have asked out older women when I was younger..."
Wanda nodded in understanding before turning to Peter's Aunt, "Mrs. Parker, it's great to finally meet you."
"Oh, call me May, dear," May smiled at the Avenger, "So, how'd you meet my Peter?"
"That's a long story, as is the second reason why we're here," Wanda and Peter glanced at each other, realizing now was the time to introduce the new addition to the family. She then glanced at the boy behind her, "It's okay... You can come out and say hi..."
Sora peeked his head beside his foster mother as May gasped, as Peter gestured to the boy, "Aunt May... meet Sora... your great nephew..."
Truth be told, Peter was unsure how she'd react to having a son before getting married, but she smiled so brightly, with tears of joy in her eyes, "I- I have a great nephew..."
Wanda smiled knowingly to her boyfriend as she gestured to Sora, "Go on, you can say hi to your great aunt..."
"Hi, Great Aunt May," Sora greeted his foster father's aunt.
"Why, hello, Sora," May knelt to the boy as she pulled him in for a hug. Wrapping her arms around the boy, her great-nephew returned the gesture. She then turned her attention to Peter and Wanda, "Now, then... I trust there's a story to go along with this..."
Peter slowly nodded, "Well, I guess you can say it all started with a prison break..."
"Peter and Wanda proceeded to explain all that transpired on their journey home," The Watcher declared, waving his hand, to Peter and Wanda, explaining their journey as Sora sat quietly on his great aunt's lap, "While, describing Peter and Spider-Man as two separate people, they explained everything else. To all the worlds they visited, the majority based on a popular Disney franchise, to Xehanort's plot and goals..."
"...and while Spider-Man, the Avengers, and many other superheroes keep Xehanort distracted in Wakanda," Wanda explained the plan to her, as she gestured to herself and Peter, "Peter and I, hoped Sora would be safe here for the time being. At least until we can rescue the other children from the islands and send Xehanort back to his rightful time period."
After a long pause, his Aunt slowly nodded, "Well, that certainly is a long story..." She then glanced at Sora, "Honestly, the fact that the films you watched growing up were real is a bit of a shock. And that's not even mentioning you meeting the real Santa Claus, and the Easter Bunny."
"I know how it sounds and..." Peter spoke up.
"As crazy as it sounds, I believe you," His Aunt reassured him before gesturing to the world around them, "We live on a world full of superheroes, supervillains, time travelers, shape-shifting aliens... I guess I shouldn't be surprised that there are worlds where Hercules is still learning to be a hero, a mouse society with their own Sherlock Holmes, other talking animals, Quasimodo finally leaving Notre Dame, Star Wars, and a holiday super team isn't that surprising." She then sighed, "That being said, raising a child is a lot of responsibility; he needs a roof over his head, lots of love, food, a good education, a strong faith... You two only just started dating."
"We know," Wanda reassured the elder woman...
...as Peter placed a hand over his girlfriend's, "But we're the only ones who understand what Sora is going through. I also know what it's like to lose your parents at a young age, and I don't know how I'd turn out if it wasn't for you and Uncle Ben. I want to repay your kindness forward by helping Wanda raise Sora."
"Peter and I discussed this, we're hoping this relationship goes well," The daughter of Magento reassured Peter's Aunt, "And even if things don't work out, we promise we'll always be there for Sora..." She then silently added, "Though, I'm really hoping your nephew is the one."
After a minute, his Aunt smiled, "Good... Then I have no complaints. Besides, I'm not going to reject the first of many great nephews and nieces, after we just met." She then smiled at the boy, "You hungry, little one?"
Sora smiled and nodded, as he smiled, "Well, how about I wipe up something for you and your parents to eat. I say wheat cakes are in order after everything you three have been through. Especially since you're parents were the only superheroes there the whole journey..."
As she escorted Sora to the kitchen, Peter and Wanda blinked, as the former pointed out, "...and Spider-Man. Of course, nothing super about me."
"Peter, if you're going to be a good father to Sora, then I suggest setting a good example for him by being honest with your parents," May smiled, "So, no need to lie that you're not Spider-Man."
The two heroes froze at that, as Peter's jaw dropped, "You knew?!"
"Of course, I knew," May smiled as she escorted her great-nephew downstairs, "Why else did you think I had that heart attack when those awful people ambushed you at the theater?"
"You... you knew all the way back then," Peter gasped in disbelief.
"I suspected," Aunt May smiled as the two followed her and their son, "You may have fooled the world when they suspected too, but I believe the day you and Spider-Man happened to vanish off the face of the Earth was the final proof I needed."
Once in earshot of others, they quiet down, as Peter looked to her with sympathy, "I never wanted you to worry."
"Peter, I'm your Aunt, it's my job to worry," May told him as she gestured to Sora, "As it will be yours to your son when he becomes this hero that that awful Xehanort fears he will become." Peter and Wanda froze at that, they were so afraid of what Xehanort would do to Sora now, they never even considered the hardships their son would face when he gets older. Nonetheless, his Aunt smiled, "But I'm so proud of you, and Ben would be too. All the people you've saved..."
Soon enough, they were in the kitchen, and his Aunt went straight to work. May then glanced at the two, "Now then, I believe you two have you're work cut out for you... I trust you two have a plan of where he'll stay when the crisis is over..."
Nervously glancing at each other, Peter sheepishly answered, "We're... working on it..."
They talked about it, sure, but never actually came up with an actual answer. Just then, Mr. Li entered the kitchen. "Hey, how's the new addition to the family holding up?"
Everyone glanced at the child, who answered, "I'm okay... a little scared..."
"That's understandable," Martin reassured him, "You've been through a lot, but you'll be perfectly safe here."
"I was just about to make him some of my famous wheatcakes," May smiled.
"Ah," The philanthropist smiled and nodded, before glancing at the boy, as he gestured to May, "Well, you're in luck, you're great aunt makes the best wheatcakes in the city, hands down."
"He's right," Peter nodded to Li, causing the boy to smile.
Martin then turned to May, "Congratulations. I know you've been wishing for some great nieces and nephews for a while."
"It's certainly not how I expected to happen," May smiled, "But who am I to ask God why I've been given this blessing?"
Li then turned to the parents, "That being said, the city evacuation to the local churches has begun, and Captain Watanabe is arranging the S.W.A.T. Team and some of the heroes who volunteered to be a part of the last stand are on their way. She told me that she'll be able to take you both back to the Baxter Building at any time."
"And the people staying here," Wanda wondered.
"We're helping transport them there as we speak," He reassured them, "Some of them have never been religious before but... considering the state where they are, they're open to finding some."
"I just hope there's not anyone foolish enough to not hear the warnings," May stated as she pulled out the ingredients for wheatcakes...
Meanwhile...
"Attention, citizens. We are currently being invaded by creatures of darkness, and have received confirmation that they cannot enter Catholic Church grounds. Please seek shelter at your local church until the crisis is over. If you're unable to move, please dial this number so that we may send a priest to bless where you are staying. We apologize for the inconvenience."
"Please," Paul rolled his eyes, "I ain't setting one foot in a church! You only live once, and I'm going to live to the fullest by stealing that girl May's nephew was with!" Then he foolishly challenged the Lord, shouting out to the sky, "And nothing is going to stop me!"
Suddenly, a shadow Heartless rose in front of him, causing him to snort, "Seriously?!" He openly laughed, "This is what everyone is so concerned about! A kitten's more threatening than this-"
Suddenly, more and more Heartless rose from the ground, creating a Demon Tide, much to his horror, causing Paul's eyes to widen. He then screamed like a little girl as he ran for his life as the tide of Heartless pursued him through the city streets.
He tried losing them a few times, but still continued the chase. Paul cried out, "What did I do to deserve this?!"
He turned a corner to attempt to lose them again...
...only to slip on a banana peel that missed the trash can, causing him to scream as he fell head first into an open sewer grate and landed with a hard...
CRACK!
Ending his life as the Demon Tide passed over the sewers, Paul was never seen nor heard from again...
"I'm sure people are smart enough to listen to a worldwide crisis at this point," Mr. Li smiled, before turning to Sora, "Would you like to help too?"
The boy smiled brightly and nodded, as Martin smiled toward the Parker family, "As far as I'm concerned, you two are off to a great start."
Suddenly, Li's phone began to ring. As he pulled it out, he apologized, "I'm sorry, I need to take this. I'll be back soon."
Everyone nodded in understanding, as the homeless shelter owner left the kitchen...
When he was out of earshot, he answered the call, speaking in his native tongue, "[Alert the men, I want none of the monsters near F.E.A.S.T. Find a man with silver hair and a black coat. He's after a child under my protection. If you see him... kill him. Mr. Negative out.]"
Li's face then began to turn briefly dark, before going back to its natural color to hide his criminal activities. He sighed. He really hoped May or her family never found out about his dark secret... but if it went out... at least it was for a noble cause and protected her family...
"You have a good boss, May," Wanda complimented, "He seems like a good man."
"I'm sure he appreciates that," Mrs. Parker smiled, "And I'll let him know you believe that. Besides, it's not often one gets to help Earth's Mightiest Heroes."
Suddenly, another knock could be heard as MJ stood by the entrance of the kitchen, "Hey, everyone. Sorry, I'm interrupting anything, but someone wanted to see you."
Peter and Wanda turned to each other in concern, worrying that Xehanort followed them, as the former wondered, "Who?"
"He said he was your kid's grandfather, although I have a pretty good idea of who he is from the news." MJ stepped aside, allowing an old man in a trench coat and fedora to approach them. While it wasn't his usual attire, Wanda could recognize her father's face anywhere.
The Scarlet Witch sighed, as while undecided whether she would allow her father to see his grandson, she did ask for his help in protecting him. She nodded, "It's okay, MJ. He agreed to help." The redhead nodded, stepping aside, allowing Magento into the kitchen as he removed his hat, as Wanda approached him, "Father? How did you-"
"When I had your brother do a..." Magento began to answer, "...background check... on Mr. Parker... He checked out everywhere your boyfriend lived or visited. This was actually my first stop."
Wanda gave an annoyed look, before shaking her head, "You know what, this is a conversation for another time, for now, I want you to..."
"Excuse me," May spoke up and approached a very stunned Brotherhood leader, "You must be Wanda's father, Sora's grandfather, yes?"
"Well- I- um..." Eric blinked at the sight of Peter's Aunt, much to Wanda and Peter's shock. The former had never seen him act bashful. He finally was able to get out an answer, "YES! Ahem... Yes."
"Well, it's nice to meet you, Peter's Aunt," May smiled, "May Parker. May I ask for your name?"
"It's um..." Magento stuttered as his face turned red, "...a- a pleasure, ma'am. I'm Magnus Lehnsherr Eric... I MEAN... Eric Magnus Lehnsherr!"
"Well, it's nice to meet you, Eric," May shook the stunned man's hand.
Peter glanced at Wanda, "What is... happening right now?"
"I- I don't know," The daughter of Magento answered, glancing between her father and Peter's Aunt, "You don't think this is going to be a problem, right? You're Aunt wouldn't date a man who's been labeled as a supervillain for a reason, right?"
"..." Peter paused as he whispered with deep concern, "My Aunt almost married Doc Ock at one point..."
Wanda winced at that, "Oh... great..."
"I was just about to welcome your daughter to the family," May smiled, as she gestured to a curious Sora, "Seeing how our children blessed us with a child of their own."
"Um... yes..." Magento gave a small smile before clearing his throat, "Of course..." He then gestured to the building around them, "I came to ensure my grandson has a future as well..."
"Well, we can use all the help we can get," May nodded to him before turning to the young adults, "Isn't that right?"
"..." Peter hesitated because Magneto knew who he was and who he cared about, but ultimately agreed, "Yeah... for Sora's sake."
"Of course," Wanda glanced at her father before looking back at May. Before taking another second glance at her father, she noticed a very familiar helmet by his side, a helmet that was supposed to be under the X-Men's protection to ensure he wouldn't stab them in the back.
Wanda's eyes widened as her father spoke up, "Anyways, I was hoping to speak to my grandson... I hadn't had much time to speak with him since he... arrived..."
"Well, I have no problem with it," May reassured him, "But seeing how his parents are our own children, so it's completely up to them."
"Of course," Eric nodded as he turned to his daughter with her boyfriend by her side. As May went back to cooking, Wanda and Peter turned to him, as he reassured them, "I did not follow you, this was just an educated guess based on all of the places Peitro noticed that you, Mr. Parker, frequently visited. I'm not here to cause any trouble."
"Gee, was this before or after you decided to spy on my personal life?" Peter crossed his arms.
Wanda then pointed her index finger at her father's helmet, "Shouldn't that thing be underneath the Earth, thanks to Kitty?"
"After all my battles with the X-Men, and all the times they took my helmet," Magento presented his protection against telepaths, "You didn't think I learned to make spares, it's why I wasn't that upset when Gambit attempted to steal my helmet."
"You gave your word that you wouldn't use your helmet so you wouldn't betray our friends," His daughter quietly scolded him, "Was that a lie?"
"No, I gave my world," Magento shook his head, "And the helmet is not for me." The parents blinked in shock as he knelt down to the curious boy, with a smile on his face, "Hello, Sora."
"You're my grandpa?" Sora tilted his head.
"Yes," Magento nodded, "I am. I wish we could've met under different circumstances." He wondered, "How are you feeling?"
"Little scared," He admitted, "I don't want to become someone else..."
"Neither do I," His grandfather nodded with a smile, "You're perfect the way you are." He then presented him with his helmet, "That's why I believe this may provide some help to you."
Using his power, the helmet shrank down to Sora's head size, as he placed it on his head, covering his spikey hair. He blinked in confusion, "A helmet? Like when I ride my bike?"
"Yes, but this helmet is very special," He explained with a small smirk, "It doesn't just protect you from head injuries, it was made to keep people like Xehanort..." He then lightly tapped his own head, "...nasty thoughts out, keeping your mind safe and sound. Promise me, you'll keep it until after we deal with the bad man."
Sora glanced at his mother, who had to admit that it was a good idea. From what she learned, Xehanort could read minds, even from another world. If Xehanort figured out of the trick, that helmet might buy them some extra time. She nodded to him, as Sora nodded, "I promise."
"That's a good boy," Magento smiled, "I promise, I'll get you something fun next time." He then turned to his grandson's parents, whispering, "I wasn't sure how well it would keep Xehanort from possessing him, but I believed it could provide some comfort and protection to him."
Wanda sighed in relief, "No, that was fine. Although you probably should've told me back at the Baxter Building."
Her father nodded, as he turned to Peter, "I've... heard... your life hasn't been an easy one..."
"That's a rough summary," Peter admitted, "You and your son made things all that much more difficult by spying on my personal life. It was called a secret identity for a reason."
"Yes, Wanda had made that very... clear," Magento glanced between his daughter and the father of his grandson, "You're Aunt seems... nice..."
"She is," He admitted, "I don't know how I would've turned out if it wasn't for her and Uncle Ben." He sighed, "Which is exactly why I hope nothing happens to her while this is going on. Other than Wanda and Sora... she's the only family I have left."
"She and Sora will be safe," Wanda's father reassured him, "I'll see to it." He then wondered with a slight blush, "On a completely unrelated note, what's her opinion about mutants?"
Wanda facepalmed herself as Sora tilted his head in confusion, Peter raised an eyebrow, "Umm... she likes Wanda and has been helping them in F.E.A.S.T."
"She has?!" Both Eric and his daughter turned to him in shock.
"Of course," May revealed, overhearing the last part, causing the two to turn to her, "While there are many that fear and hate mutants, most of us here had arranged safe transport to Genosha and the Xavier Institute for those who fell on their luck. Whether they seek to control their gifts or simply want to live the rest of their lives in peace, we keep them comfortable and well-fed while we help get them safely to where they wish to go."
"Wow," Wanda smiled, "That's very kind of you, May..."
"...yes..." Magento blushed harder, "...very..."
Peter turned to Wanda again as he whispered, "Are you sure we need his help again? Cause part of me prefers the day I might have had to fight him one day..."
Glancing between her father and Peter's Aunt, she muttered, "I'm right there with you..."
While the two hoped someone would come in and change the awkward subject of the fact that Magento had a crush on Peter's Aunt May. Just then, a magic portal opened up, and Strange exited the portal, "Well, got to give it to Stark..." The two Avengers turned to the Sorcerer Supreme as he held out his Avenger ID card, "...the tracking on these things is top notch."
"Strange?" Wanda blinked as more heroes entered the building, much to everyone's surprise.
"Cap wanted to speed things along," Dr. Strange revealed, "Considering your signals stopped awhile ago, we assumed you chose this place to be our final stand."
"He has family here," Wanda stated, "It was the safest place we could think of."
"I understand," The former Surgeon nodded.
As Sue Storm exited the portal, she glanced between Sora and May, and rested a hand on Peter's shoulder, "It'll be okay, Peter. We'll keep your Aunt and son safe..."
"Sue?" Wanda blinked. "How do you know Peter?"
"Oh, he hasn't told you," She smiled at the Scarlet Witch, "Pete's part of the family."
Blinking, she glanced at her boyfriend, as she whispered, "Yeah, she and rest of the FF know. Doesn't explain Strange though."
"When Wong and I finally found the two of you traveling along the other worlds," Strange proceeded to explain, "I saw you two cosplaying Tarzan and Jane at one point. I was able to put the two together and figured out you're alter ego."
Peter groaned in frustration, "Seriously? Who else is going to figure out my secret identity this day alone?"
Meanwhile, in Wakanda, Shuri randomly sneezed, blinking in confusion, "That was weird."
"Consider the fact, I showed the three of you in costume, it won't take long before the others put it together either," Strange told Peter.
Wanda gave her boyfriend a sympathetic pat on the shoulder, "Hey, it'll be alright. We'll figure this out..." She then turned to Strange, "Are we leaving soon?"
"Yes," He nodded, "But there's something I want to discuss with both of you. A concern I have for the coming battle."
The two glanced at each other, as even Magento took interest, leaning in, "What concern?"
"According to what you two learned from Master Yen Sid, Xehanort, to this day, is fascinated by the prophecy," Strange told the three, "'On that fated land, darkness will pervail and light expire.'"
"Yes, it's why he's angry that Sora will prevent that prophecy from coming true," Peter slowly nodded, "What about it?"
"The coming Keyblade War," The former surgeon proceeded to explain, "Xehanort was always meant to win, unless the Child of Destiny was there to stop him. Which means, it's likely no one else can stop him and defeat him except for Sora."
"Stephen, what are you saying?" Wanda tilted her head in confusion.
"He doesn't believe we can win this fight," Her father understood the Sorcerer, "Not unless Sora was older and had complete control of his powers."
"I can't believe I'm saying this but..." Dr. Strange gestured to the former ruler of Genosha, "...he's right. It's exactly what I'm saying. We can fight the good fight. To the last man. But in the end, I fear the only one who can stop Xehanort and send him back to his time... is Sora."
"I don't believe that," Peter told Strange, "Look, we've faced much worse baddies over the years: Kang, Thanos, Galactus..."
"Loki, Sinister," Wanda added on.
"The Phoenix," Magento joined in, "Apocalypse."
"We can beat Xehanort," Peter insisted, "I'm sure of it."
"I hope you're right," The Sorcerer Supreme sighed, before looking to them seriously, "But just take what I suggest to heart in case we can't stop him."
"We're not going to let Xehanort near Sora," Peter declared, "But we're not abandoning the Earth either."
"Technically, you won't since 'Earth' is a mere fraction of what it once was," Strange pointed out.
"Oh, you knew what he meant," Wanda crossed her arms, glancing at Strange as she gestured to the world around them, "We're saving Sora and our home. And we're sending Xehanort back to his time... whatever it takes."
The Watcher, who witnessed these events, sighed, "Despite her strong words and determination, both of Sora's impumtu parents feared Strange's worlds. He was not wrong; only Sora himself could defeat this version of Xehanort, and he was just a boy now. In any other circumstance, despite the heroes' efforts, Xehanort succeeds in his goal, ending this universe. But I am the Watcher and have seen all."
With a wave of his hand, time shifted around him...
...to far in a dying future, Kang was desperate to persevere, witnessing the heroes' actions, "And I see a glimmer of hope. One last hope for this universe..."
The Time Conqueror was desperate to repair his tech, as he witnessed the heroes' efforts to keep the child safe. One of his grunts stood at attention, "Sir, the alteration to the timeline is constant flux. But the alteration will soon commence. This timeline only has moments at best!"
"Damn it!" Kang cursed, as his timechair was nearly repaired, "Because of my battle with the Witch, I cannot go back and prevent the events prior from happening... the Avengers may already be doomed to fail-" He then blinked, "Wait, you said constant flux. What do you mean?"
"Well, sir, due to your actions, sending both Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch to the Destiny Islands before Xehanort's past could reach Sora, created two possible timelines, it's been in constant flux," The grunt showed him the report, "Neither one taking full effect, but in a few moments, the timeline will end with..."
"Wait," Kang took the report and observed it, "...if there's still a possible timeline is still there, I might still be able to travel there..."
"Sir?" The goon blinked as Kang stood up and finished the preparations.
"Prepare my chair for a time jump," He ordered his men, as they quickly complied.
"Sir, what would traveling to a possible timeline accomplish?" The same goon wondered, "It'll be wiped out as well when the new one-"
"I only need to the key to Xehanort's defeat there, and then join the Avengers battle against his past self," Kang declared, "It's our only chance!"
"Sir, what could possibly help against a monster like Xehanort?" The same goon asked.
"Not what," The Time Conqueror corrected, "Who." He then typed in the time coordinates, as he declared, "Damocles! Initiate the Time Jump to these exact coordinates! Now!"
With that, Kang and his time chair vanished, as Kang's crew were helpless as time changed all around them. All they could do was pray that their leader wasn't too late...
Meanwhile, on the planet, Coruscant, present day, Anakin rushed to the Jedi Temple with his former Padawan by his side, as she wondered, "You think Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch are holding up?"
"Considering the universe still in one piece," Master Skywalker replied, "They're keeping Xehanort's forces at bay, but we can't guarantee it'll stay that way for long."
"Fair enough," Ashoka nodded. While it had only been days since the former Jedi came to aid the Avengers and Guardians, she was relieved to hear they made it home okay, and that the Sandman was still alive, but was disturbed of what her Master learned of Xehanort's plot.
They quickly entered the Council, they were in another meeting. Obi-Wan was surprised to see his former Padawan there along with Ashoka, "Anakin? Ashoka? What are you-?!"
"Masters, I apologize for the interruption," Anakin and Ashoka bowed respectively to the Jedi Masters, as the former continued, "But this couldn't wait. My wife and I received word from our friends who saved our galaxy an hour ago."
The Jedi Council's eyes widened as Mace spoke up, "What did you hear? Did they make it home with the boy?"
"Yes, but Xehanort revealed his plan to them," Anakin revealed, "In order to extend his own life, he plans on placing his heart inside of Sora's!"
"By the Force," Ayala gasped in horror.
"Certain of this, you are," Master Yoda asked the expecting father.
"Yes, Masters," Anakin confirmed, "Wanda saw in Xehanort's memories of him doing so to Terra."
Gasps could be heard around the room. Ashoka then stepped in, "It gets worse than that, Masters. According to their allies back home, Sora's fight with Xehanort is an absolute point in time. If Xehanort succeeds in placing his heart inside Sora's..."
"...the resulting paradox will destroy our universe," Anakin revealed, "No one would survive."
"Hmmm..." The Grand Master hummed, "Disturbing news this is. Stop Xehanort, we must!"
"Arriving to Earth will not be easy," Ki-Aid Mundi stated, "The worlds invisible barriers prevent anyone from journeying to the worlds outside our galaxy."
"Had Peter or Wanda update you on how they plan to accomplish bringing us to their world?" Obi-Wan asked his former pupil.
"Yes, Masters," The most recent Jedi Master revealed, "They were able to create a functioning prototype, but it's been revealed that Xehanort is holding the other children hostage with the breaches, they're going to use the machine to send a rescue team there, and once the children are safe-"
"They're requesting reinforcements to repel Xehanort's forces," Ashoka spoke up on her former Master's behalf, "Senator Amida- er Senator Skywalker is requesting both the Republic and the CIS to answer the call."
Mace Windu then stood up from his seat, "Then we must act quickly, as soon as they open the portal, we must come to the Avengers' aid if the Universe is to survive." He turned to Obi-Wan and Anakin, "Prepare the 501st and 212th Attack Battalion for ground assault, the Jedi Council will see to it personally that Xehanort will return to his respective time and the Child of Destiny does not fall into the wrong hands."
Obi-Wan stood alongside his old pupil as they bowed to the rest of the council, as Anakin stated, "We'll prepare them immediately, and inform the Bad Batch as well. Just to be certain."
"Considering the boy's foster parents are trusting me with his future," Ashoka spoke up, "I'll come as well, if the council permits it."
"Join us, Young Tano will," Master Yoda spoke up.
"We must be ready for anything," Plo Koon spoke up as the Jedi Masters stood up, "If our encounter with Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch had taught us anything, many individuals on Earth possess great powers and not all use it for good."
"Agreed," Kit Fisto nodded, "May the Force be with us all."
As Anakin, Ashoka, and Obi-Wan left the council chamber first, the General of the 212nd turned to the Hero without fear, "Anakin... I know how badly you wanted so time to ensure your wife was okay by the time your children are born..."
"They won't have a future if Xehanort has his way," Anakin pointed out, "Be now or when Sora's old enough to fulfill his destiny. Either way, I owe them my life. The galaxy is forever indebted to them. Our vacation time can wait until the crisis is over."
Obi-Wan smiled at that, "I knew you would become a great Jedi Master one day."
"Let's just try to keep the universe together so he has a chance to fulfill his duties," Ashoka told the two Jedi Masters as they entered the elevator. They nodded as the doors closed behind them...
The Watcher waved his hand again, returning to the battle in Wakanda, "And now, we return to the home of our heroes, after Xehanort finally caught on to their ruse."
Carnage laughed manically, as the Dora Milaje attempted to subdue the serial killer, "This war is a blast! Can't believe Xehie didn't invite me sooner! We could've painted the worlds red together!"
Launching tentacles, the Dora Milaje attempted to cut down the sharp projectiles, however, some did get through, killing some of them. That's when Iceman attempted to freeze the psychopathic symbiote solid. It didn't take long to break free of the ice, turning a hand into an axe as he cut down Iceman's ramp, causing him to fall to the ground. Carnage taunted the X-Man, "The Web-Head attempted to do my old man that way! You really think that trick would work on me!"
"That's because Spider-Man and the Man of Ice aren't true destroyers," Carnage looked up to see Drax dive above him, knives raised, while grinning, "Let's see how you last against a TRUE Destroyer!"
With that, the two began unleashing everything they had against each other, as Bobby was forced to look away, "Man, I actually miss fighting the Brotherhood, or Sinister!"
"We can arrange that," The OG X-Men looked up to see him surrounded by Multiple Man, who created more copies of himself, as Sinister stood behind him, grinning.
"Wait, you're here too," Iceman blinked, "Hold on! The kid's not a mutant, what could you possibly want with him?"
"True, but his ties to the other worlds can be quite useful," Sinister grinned, "With the right... Improvements... the boy can collect endless samples of DNA to create the ultimate mutant. With donners like Elsa, Hercules, Maui, the Incredibles... no one would be able to stop me."
"'Cept your boss is toast," Bobby grinned as he got back on his feet, "We stopped the Age of Apocalypse."
"Perhaps so," Mr. Sinster gave an annoyed glance, "But with the new DNA, I gather with the help of the Child, Apocalypse will return stronger than ever."
"Like that will ever happen," Iceman declared as he began to freeze the incoming copies, unaware of the Living Laser soaring above them...
Sabertooth roared as a Wakandian spear impaled him, swinging his claws wildly, all while his boss spoke on his earpiece, "Sabertooth! Do you have the Child in your possession?!"
"I'm working on it, Doc," The loyalist to the Weapon X program growled as he threw a Wakandian soldier to the side.
"I need not remind you why the Child is so important," Professor Thorton told him, as he tried to make his way threw the heroes' defenses, "The ultimate weapon is within on grasp, with him, and some... modifications... can lead us to many worlds for more possible test subjects, but I need the boy for Weapon χ!"
"I'll bring the brat, don't ya worry," Sabertooth grinned as Vulture screamed as he crashed on the ground, looking up to see Falcon flying right at him, "Even if I have to kill every one of these heroes!"
As Sabertooth avoided Falcon's strikes, they just missed the Living Laser as he passed by...
Zemo swung his sword, which clashed with Captain America's shield, as both Hydra agents and Heartless tried closing him on the First Avenger. The Super Soldier pushed the Barron off of him, before throwing his shield, which bounced off the incoming enemies, knocking them down, before returning to his hand, where he slammed it onto Zem,o knocking him back. Cap's old foe would've reengaged the soldier when Living Laser appeared to his side, "Boss! It was a trick! The kid's not here!"
Zemo raised an eyebrow, not taking his eyes off Captain America, "Is Xehanort aware of this?"
"He left us to find him," He reported.
With that, he sheathed his blade, as he nodded, "Well played, Captain, but in this war for control of Destiny itself, I too came with a plan!" Looking up to the skies, he called out, "Dynamo! We're leaving!"
Shrugging off War Machine's attacks, Crismon Dynamo turned to the leader of the Masters of Evil, knowing why he had called out to him. Firing his own rockets at the armored marine, the Russian criminal flew to Zemo's side, as a Corridor of Darkness opened up, as the villains entered through it, but not before Zemo gave one last taunt to his arch-foe, "Another time, Captain."
Cap threw his shield to attempt to stop them, but they were long gone before the star-spangled shield could hit them...
Captain America wasn't the only one who took notice of Zemo taking his leave; Sebastian Shaw noticed as well. Turning to the telepathic women protecting him from Jean Grey, he opened a portal of darkness, "Girls. We're leaving."
He then entered the dark portal as he turned to leave, as one by one the Stepford Cuckoos followed, keeping their focus on Jean. Seleena grunted in pain, taking punishment from both Wasp and Scrooge, when she noticed Shaw retreating. Her eyes widened, "Wait! Don't leave me!"
She turned to run, only for Donald's rich uncle to get ahead of her and use his cane to trip her. Aiming his cane at her head, Scrooge gave a taunting grin, "Just where do you think you're going, lassie?"
Rogue, who had absorbed the powers of Graviton, threw down Seleene's defeated colleagues beside her, as she glared at the witch...
Other villains still made their retreat, either noticing Zemo and Shaw leaving, or overhearing that the Child of Destiny was never in Wakanda. Okeye turned to the Black Panther, "My King, the intruders are in full retreat."
"Indeed, just not for the reasons we hoped they would," T'Challa's eyes narrowed, as Cap picked up his shield.
Cloak then appeared, allowing Spider-Man, Scarlet Witch, Hulk, Blade, Shuri, Captain Marvel, Dagger, Gamora, Hawkeye, Ghost Rider, Mystique, Nick Fury, and Wolverine. Wanda ran to the leader of the Avengers, "Cap, Xehanort..."
"I know," He nodded, "I overheard what Laser said to Zemo. They slipped away to look for him as well." Placing his shield on his back, he then reassured her, "Don't worry. We've planned for this. Has your brother begun looking for Xehanort?"
She nodded as Thor landed beside them, "My brother, Loki, has fled from battle as well. Most likely waiting for Xehanort to reveal the location of the child."
Fury told the others, "Let's contain the villains we did defeat, and ensure they can't get away as well."
"Umm... is anyone wondering about the black portal things?!" Wasp flew up, "I thought only Xehanort could do that trick."
"Anyone who's embraced the power of darkness can create these Dark Corridors," Strange revealed, "Zemo and some of the other villains who can't naturally teleport, must have figured that one out on their own or Xehanort taught them to keep us busy."
"Well, that's just great," Clint groaned, "What's going to stop the bad guys from literally walking away every time we lock them up."
"I can create countermeasures," Strange reassured the heroes, "But I suggest we find out where Xehanort is, since he's the main priority."
"Agreed," Cap nodded before pulling out his Avenger ID cards, "Quicksilver! Any sign of Xehanort!"
Mystique raised an eyebrow as she turned to Wanda, "You gave him a membership card?"
"We needed a way to stay in contact with him in case this happened," Wanda explained, "We're not making him an Avenger."
"Stark probably made a fail-safe on that, like he did when Red Hulk was on the team," Clint muttered as the Juggernaut walked up to him, "Made capturing him a whole lot easier."
Juggernaut grunted, "Probably not as fun though."
Cap shushed the others, "Repeat that, soldier."
"I said he was just at the Bugle, but he vanished," Quicksilver repeated, "Swinging by the mansion, but he ain't there. Wait, he's at the Parker home... and he's gone... I'm going to try Genosha. Hopefully, Lorna doesn't confuse me with the big bad!"
Spider-Man then turned to Wanda, "Maybe you should call ahead, and maybe your sisters' security can keep him occupied until we get there."
Wanda nodded, while she preferred to keep her people out of harm's way, she didn't wish to risk their son's life on that. Pulling out her phone, she dialed his sister's number. After a few rings, Lorna picked up the call... who began screaming in her sister's ear, "Oh, thank God! Wanda! You're okay! I was so worried! Where were you?! I tried calling, but you never responded-"
The Scarlet Witch winced, pulling the phone back, as Harry flew to Peter's side, "Dang, kinda makes me happy that Liz was an only child at times." He turned to Spider-Man, "Good luck dealing with that."
"Uh... why does Spidey need to worry about her?" Jan wondered, "Peter's going to be Sora's father, right? Not Spider-Man..."
New Goblin winced at that, giving an apologetic look to Spider-Man, before playing off, by pretending to be on call with Peter, "Uh... yeah... but we'll make sure your girlfriend and son are okay. Captain America is working on Xehanort as we speak."
"Listen, Lorna, it's great to hear your voice," Wanda told her sister, "I'll explain everything but first, I need a favor..."
Meanwhile, at the home of the Fantastic 4, Forge checked on the data, "Okay, with the Vibranium keeping the power steady and stable. How's that data coming along?"
"Well, after we all confirmed that the information about the cracks wasn't a deception from Doom," Reed checked out a computer while inputting the data on another, "It would appear to be going along smoothly."
Just then, the portal opened up, matching the same color as the breaches. Iron Man smirked, "And the portal is active... I'd say everything is turning out great." He then turned to his A.I., "J.A.R.V.I.S., remind me to send Doom a gift basket when everything is said and done."
"Duly noted, sir," J.A.R.V.I.S. complied.
"What about the children?" Natasha wondered, "Wanda and Spider-Man journeyed through the breaches multiple times, but were unaware they were there until Xehanort revealed it to them."
"Well, thanks to Doom's information, we've got the exact location of where the kids are," Beast revealed, "However, there is the problem of the Heartless also inside. While the portal won't allow them into our world, your team might have a hard time reaching them. You may have to fight your way in and out."
Forge then glanced around, "So, where exactly is your team. Is it just you and Bucky or..."
"You said you had a team picked out," Natasha glanced at him, "Who?"
"Yeah... you're not going to like it..." Bucky warned her as he loaded his gun, "I'm so sorry."
Natasha didn't know who he was talking about until...
"NATASHA!"
Knowing his voice anywhere, she frowned, "Oh... oh, please God... no..."
"NASTASHA!" She slowly turned to see that her surrogate father, Alexei Shostakov, also known as the Red Guardian, beamed with her surrogate mother, Melina Vostokoff, on his left, while her surrogate sister, Yelena Belova, on his right, "IT'S US! YOUR FAMILY!"
Natasha placed her hand over her eyes, closing them before pinching her nose. She prayed desperately that this was just a bad dream. It would explain why Santa Claus and Mickey Mouse were real. She opened her eyes to see that they were still there. She groaned to herself, it was unfortunately not a dream. Alexei went on further, "WE ARE JOINING YOU AND YOUR BOYFRIEND ON SPECIAL MISSION!"
Meanwhile, on Genosha, Xehanort glanced all around the sanctuary for mutants when he heard someone growling from behind him. He gave a small smirk, "I was wondering when the security of this island would notice my presence here."
Standing behind him were Mellencamp and Senyaka, Magento's former acolytes, and now Genosha's current security. The former was on all fours, growling at him like a wild animal, and the latter conjured an electric whip.
Xehanort summoned his Keyblade into his hand as Mellencamp charged straight for him, only to get smacked with his weapon three times before knocking him back. Senyaka snapped his whip at him, causing the past version of Xehanort to leap back and aimed his Keyblade at him, "Firaga!"
A big blast of fire was sent for the cloaked mutant, causing him to dodge the flames. Xehanort then reaimed his weapon at the reptile skin mutant, "Deep freeze!"
With that command, Mellencamp was frozen solid. Senyaka quickly wrapped his whip around Xehanort's weapon and attempted to yank it out of his hand. However, the cloaked villain merely smirked and pulled back, causing the guard to be pulled into the air instead.
Senyaka landed on the metal ground hard, as Xehanort taunted, "You're the best security they have to offer on this island? Or some kind of joke?"
Suddenly, the metal ground bent and took shape as they turned into spikes aiming at Xehanort's throat. However, he wasn't intimidated, as he smirked, "Ah, the youngest child of Magento... I was wondering when you'd show?"
From the shadows, a young woman with light green hair and eyes emerged, wearing a green long-sleeved top that exposed her midriff, long green pants, and green bits of fabric that joined to her wrists and back. She glared at the intruder, "You come to my home and attack us! Wanda warned me you'd be coming! Why did you attack her?! What did she do to you?!"
"Hmmm..." Xehanort raised an eyebrow, "Not the reaction I expected."
Just then, Cloak appeared before dispatching Captain America, Thor, Black Panther, Wolverine, Nightcrawler, Spider-Man, Hulk, Dagger, Wasp, Ghost Rider, Blade, and Hawkeye. Quicksilver ran to their side. Thor raised his hammer, "Yield, Xehanort! And perhaps my father's punishment upon your present self be merciful!"
"I do what he says if I were you," Captain America glared at the time traveler.
"The Child of Destiny is not on the shores of Genosha," Xehanort shrugged, "No matter. There are only so many places you can hide him on this world. And I will look at every possibility until he is mine!"
Without even moving a muscle, Xehanort opened a Corridor of Darkness, just as Hawkeye fired an trick arrow, but the villain was long gone before it could hit, the villain was long gone. Wanda turned to the speedster, "Pietro..."
"Already on," Quicksilver promised his sister, "I'll let you know where he stops next."
With that, the son of Magento sped off to track down Sora's future arch-nemesis. Lorna ran up to her sister, "Wanda? What's Peitro doing here? I thought he stuck by our father's side. Who was that man?"
"Lorna," Wanda pulled her sister into a hug, "I promise I'll tell you everything when this is over. For now, we really need to track that man down and stop him before it's too late."
Hulk looked around as the security team began to recover, "Hmmm... I expected more monsters and bad guys to smash... disappointing."
"Yeah, where did Zemo and the other escapees run off to?" Hawkeye raised an eyebrow, along with his bow, "You'd think they'd be looking for the kid, too."
While Polaris was confused by kid, as Cap spoke up, "I've known Zemo for a long time... he's waiting... waiting for the moment Xehanort finds Sora... and once he does..."
"We can count on the other baddies and Heartless will as well," Wolverine nodded, "Question is, how is he doing it?"
Wanda crossed her arms before coming up with an idea, turning to her sister, "Lorna, I know I've been asking a lot, but I need one more favor..."
Meanwhile, Crisiom Dynimo checked on his armor's data, as he reported, "The emokid stopped by Genosha for a few moments before leaving."
"Then the boy is not there," Zemo held his arms behind his back as he gave his next orders, "Keep tracking him. If he stays longer than he did on Genosha, we will know he has found the Child."
The Masters of Evil had retreated to their new lair after they learned that the Child of Destiny was not in Wakanda. Abomination shrugged, "All this fuss over a kid, so what if he will one day travel to other worlds. That's not exactly helpful to us now. Why bother with this at all?"
"If you were actually paying attention, like I was," Zemo turned to the Abomination, "Then you'd know why. It's not merely the fact that the boy can travel to other worlds or the power he wields. Those are just bonuses. It's his very nature that makes him special." Raising his fist, "To defy destiny itself, with him under our control, no one can stop us. Perhaps our defeat was inevitable, even that of Hydras' itself, but with the boy, things can change into more of our liking."
"So, why is he here?" Blonsky gestured to the disgraced General Ross, who had his arms crossed, "As I recall, he turned me into a monster as an attempt to recreate and weaponize the Hulk, then threw me into the Cube to experiment with me and other gamma-powered 'super-villains.'"
"No one else on this God forsaken planet realizes how much of a threat the Hulk is," Red Hulk growled, "Everyone and their grandchildren think he's some kind of hero, and the Avengers are backing him up, I'm not going to let them brainwash that kid too."
"Ross! You are such a hypocrite," Abomination glared as he gestured to him. The two gamma monsters were about to go at it again when Zemo exclaimed, "Enough! Stand down! Both of you!" He then turned to Blonsky, "Ross has his uses... and we need every ally to reach the boy before Xehanort or one of the other villain factors get to Child first. Otherwise, the Avengers will just make that boy another pain we have to deal with." He then turned to Ross, "Our common interest makes us allies. Don't let your own ego do the work of the Avengers for them."
With that, the two gamma-powered beings eased up, while they still glared at each other. Zemo then turned to Dynimo, "Now then, we wait for the Child to be found. Then we will strike."
Meanwhile, back at the Baxter Building, the rescue team was gearing up for their trip inside the breaches. As Yellowjacket checked out the safety cable hooked up on Black Widow, as he stated, "I wasn't aware you had a family."
"In my younger days, we posed as one for three years in Ohino as a mission for the Red Room," Natahsa revealed, "It's a long story..."
"Don't worry, Nat," Yeelna spoke up, "We won't embarrass you too much in front of your boyfriend and Avenger friends..."
Nat turned to Bucky as he sighed, "We need all the help we can get. Besides, didn't you patch things up with them last year when you took down the Red Room?"
"Da!" Red Guardian smiled with pride, "And now we are superteam! The Thunderbolts*! And we help rescue adorable children from scary portal with monsters inside!"
"We never agreed to that name," Melina pointed out.
"Besides," Nat's sister spoke up, "Hasn't that name been taken when Zemo pretended to be a hero, unintentionally making a real superhero team?"
"It's why I included the asterisk," Aleixi smirked as Beast prepared his safety cable, "Protects us from copyright claim."
"No one's going to notice it when saying the name," Natasha sighed as she rolled her eyes.
"Good point," Her surrogate father nodded in thought, before snapping his fingers, "That's it! We'll make the s a z! The Thunderboltz. See! Make total difference!"
Natasha face-palmed herself, as Tony spoke up, "Well, as amusing as this awkward family reunion has been... There are a few things you should all be aware of..."
"Such as the thousands of monsters swarming around the place," The surrogate mother of the Black Widow raised an eyebrow as she loaded a pistol.
"As a start, yes," Tony nodded.
"Inside, moving around space, time, and reality," Reed continued, "There's no real ground, so no gravity at all. The cables we've attached to your person will provide some mobility and a quick exit once you have the kids. And we've only had one shot at this before Xehanort realizes what we're up to."
"..." Yelena stared at the scientists for a moment before asking, "Is that it?"
"Well... there is one little thing you should be concerned about..." Forge glanced at the data, "One tiny little thing."
"The cables are all that's keeping you from getting lost in the breaches," Beast pointed out, "If they were to cut, you would be stranded inside... and since the orb will permanently close the portals forever... You would essentially be wiped from existence..."
"Unless the Heartless consume you," Tony pointed out, "Then you'd likely join their numbers in the Realm of Darkness... Neither situation is pretty so try to keep your cables intact."
After a brief silence, Yelena shrugged, "There are worse ways to go... let's do this..."
"Ditto," Natasha nodded as they made sure their lines were secure.
Once they were, they turned their attention to the portal, as the Winter Soldier told the team of scientists, "We're ready..."
"Go!" Iron Man stated, "And let us know the second you have the kids."
With that, the rescue team leaped in, weapons raised, and jumped inside to see portals to countless worlds... along with countless Heartless, which immediately came their way. Red Guardian threw his shield at them while everyone fired their respective guns, desperately searching for the future Guardians of Light...
Back at F.E.A.S.T., Daredevil leaned back on the wall, as Electra glanced at him, "You hear anything?"
"Other than the commotion at Avengers Mansion," The lawyer shook his head, "No. Nothing. We remain hidden at the moment. But I doubt it'll stay that way for long."
"We'll be ready for 'em," Frank stated as he readied his weaponry, "Monsters, Supervillains, even Xehanort himself... We'll be ready for 'em all."
Doc Samson shook his head, "I still can't believe this. All this destruction for one child."
"If Xehanort gets that boy," Jennifer Walters, She-Hulk, spoke up, "It'll get worse than this."
"Hey, let's not worry the boy further," Luke spoke up with his arms crossed, "Sora's been through enough this week alone."
The heroes glanced at the child still donning his grandfather's helmet, as Kitty Pryde offered the boy a stuffed teddy bear. The boy eagerly accepted it as Sue Storm approached the police captain. Yuri wondered, "Well, how's that backup coming?"
"Black Bolt and the royal Inhumans are protecting their citizens from the Heartless, but they said they'll come as quickly as they can," Sue explained sadly, "And Namor's only concerned with protecting his people rather than surface matters. I told him that it was Cap asking for help... I hoped that would be enough, considering they were allies back in World War II, but I'm not sure. We may be our own if Xehanort finally shows up."
"We'll make do," The police captain nodded, "Spider-Man, and the other heroes will join us the moment Xehanort shows his face."
At the same time, Peter's old classmates were united, as Rad Roberson glanced at Midtown's old quarterback, "You know, I expected to meet again during a High School reunion..." He then turned to the four-year-old, "This isn't what I had in mind."
"Yeah, how'd Puny Parker of all people hook up with an Avenger," Kenny Kong rubbed the back of his head, "How does he gain all the chicks?"
"THE REAL QUESTION IS..." Everyone turned to Randy's fiancée, Sally Avril, in her wedding dress, "HOW THE HECK DID PUNNY PARKER TURN MY MOMENT TO SHINE TO IT BEING ALL ABOUT HIM?"
"Cut him some slack, Sally," Gloria Grant spoke up on Peter's defense, "After everything he's been through, even you have to admit, he deserves some happiness." She then gestured to Sora, "Besides, have you met his kid. He's absolutely adorable."
"...You mean to tell me all of this is because of Peter's little..." Sora glanced at her as she continued, "...annoying..." Sora tilted his head, "...offspring..." Her tone and glare immediately changed her tune in a very unexpected way. "…is going to wive with us forevah?! OH, YES, HE IS! YES, HE IS!" She then immediately went to rub the boy's spikey hair underneath his grandfather's helmet, "Oh, isn't he just so adorable!"
"Parker made that with an Avenger?" Kong blinked.
"They're adopting him... well... going to once he's safe," Flash corrected, "Some lowlife loser wants to turn the little guy into just another copy of him. You like, Voldemort from the Harry Potter movies."
"Seriously?" Rand blinked in shock as both MJ and Flash nodded, "Dang! No wonder why they need this much help!"
Suddenly, they heard someone load a gun, and the old midtown students turned to expect to see someone like a police officer or the Punisher with a loaded gun, but were shocked to see Sally with a weapon, "Okay, if anyone harms the cuite, I'm making them wish they were never born!"
She then turned to an officer, "Now, which one of these hurts when hit the most?"
Suddenly, they heard Volstagg let out a mighty laugh as he held out a turkey wing, "That young maiden possesses a warrior's spirit! I like that!"
"Uh... we appreciate your concern, citizen," Yuri approached the bride-to-be, before taking the gun from her, "But leave the fighting to the professionals."
Sif, Baulder, and the Warriors Three observed Sora as he snuggled his stuffed bear, as the once lover of Thor, raised an eyebrow, "It's hard to believe one so small and adorable is the Child of Destiny."
"Yes," Baulder nodded, "But he will grow into the hero he's destined to be, if we are victorious this day."
"With the combined might of the greatest warriors of Asgard and Midgard," Fandral smirked as he winked at a female officer, "I have little doubt we will fail."
"If we do, it means Ragnarök for all," Hogun bluntly stated, "And we're up against a foe only the Child can defeat, and the army he leads is infinite. The odds are not in our favor, yet we cannot fail."
"Aye," Baulder nodded in agreement, "Should we have to lay down our lives for the child, then I shall gladly do so."
Sif took notice that Sora overheard their conversation, as she knelt to the child, "Fear not, young one, nothing shall happen to you or your family."
Magento stood silently to himself as he watched everyone from mutants, to superhumans, to Asgardians, to... even normal humans... adore his grandson. Yet, he felt a little out of place. All this time, he believed humans and mutants could not live in peace. That one had to die for the other to survive. And even if it wasn't the case, man has always feared what they didn't understand. Yet, everyone was united against a common threat, and they wished to protect Sora from harm.
Could it really be possible for Xavier's dream to be true? Could humans and mutants live in peace? Or was this just a common goal to protect their world and stay alive? His grandson was the Child of Destiny after all.
Those thoughts changed when he spotted a box labeled: Shipping to Genosha. Surprised, May approached him, "Not many know about this, but F.E.A.S.T. has been one of the many shelters, sheltering and helping transport mutants to Genosha for years."
"One of the many?" Eric turned to Peter's Aunt in shock.
"Of course," May smiled, "Special abilities or not, we're all human at the end of the day. And God wants us to help all in need. Sure, we're not all perfect, and we don't always do the right thing when we should, but there are still many of us who strive to."
"I... I had no idea..." Wanda's father admitted. He was aware that some shipments smuggled mutants to Genosha for extra cash, but he didn't know how some of the less threatening mutants were getting the funds to get safe transport. He couldn't help but wonder, "When has F.E.A.S.T. started doing this?"
"Oh, before your attack on New York with the reprogrammed Sentinels," May answered, surprising him. She knew that was him. She smiled, "I don't need to read minds to know what you're thinking. 'Why don't I hate you like many should?' Don't get me wrong, I'm not happy about what you did all those years ago, but we're meant to hate the sin, and not the sinner. Plus, the fact that you're here now for your human grandson proves you're not incapable of change. You want to do better for your family's sake, and that's something I'll never turn away from."
"Um..." Eric blushed at that, "Um... thank you..."
Soon enough, Sora slowly approached his elder family members, turning to his mother's side, "Grandpa? Are you okay? You're face is all red?"
"Hmmm... oh, um, nothing's wrong," Magento answered, smiling sheepishly, "Just a little hot in here."
Just then, Daredevil spoke up, "Everyone quiet..." Everyone turned to the man without fear, as he warned them, "We may have company!"
May picked up her grandson, as Baulder approached the hero from Hell's Kitchen, "Heartless?"
"No, too human for that," He shook his head, "It may be Xehanort."
Frank pulled out a snipper, and glanced around the window, checking out all possible locations when he spotted a young man in a black coat, looking around the city block, "He's here. I have my sights on him."
With that, everyone quickly went into fighting stances as May picked up the young boy, and Magento stood protectively in front of both of them. Punisher's eyes narrowed, tempting to pull the trigger now, and end it all before it could begin. Daredevil glanced at him, "Don't. You'll only alert him that we're definitely here. Even by some chance you do hit Xehanort, you'll risk our universe collapsing as a result."
"Well, we can't let him roam free either," Frank pointed out.
Yuri went to her phone, "Spidey. We have our sights on Xehanort, but he has not noticed us yet."
"We're on our way," Spidey told the police captain, "Don't engage him unless you have to. Just be ready to move Sora to safety the second, he suspects anything."
"Understood," She nodded. She then turned to the heroes, officers, and volunteers, "Backup's on the way."
"Frank..." Daredevil cautioned the war veteran, was looked like he was ready to pull the trigger. Suddenly, Xehanort jumped out of the way of a speeding blitz. The Man Without Fear glanced at Magento, "You're son has engaged him. Did he know where we were hiding him?"
"No, but I suspect that he checked all the likely locations prior to the battle." He admitted, "He wants to protect Sora just as much as the rest of us."
"Well, your son very well may have given away our location," Samson grimmly pointed out in deep concern...
Xehanort smirked as he leapt back to avoid another strike from the speedster, "Ah, he's close. Meaning he's lost all the places to hide."
Just then, Cloak appeared and brought many of the heroes with him. Cap threw his shield at the madman, "And you'll have to go through us to get to him!"
The Seeker of Darkness avoided the red, white, and blue shield; however, the shield bounced off a couple of buildings and struck Xehanort from behind, causing him to stagger, and allowing Quicksilver to get a hit in. Wolverine growled as he unsheathed his claws and charged at the gray-haired young man. It was then that Xehanrot summoned his own Keyblade and blocked each of the feral X-Man's strikes. After locking blades, the clouds darkened, and Thor raised his hammer, "Xehanort! We will have words with thee!"
Pushing the X-Man back, he grinned, "In case you've forgotten... I have an army with me, in one of the most populated cities on Earth!"
Stretching out his hand, many Heartless came on to him at command, surrounding the heroes, as Cap grinned, "In case you've forgotten... the Avengers are never alone!"
Just then, one by one, the heroes all around the Earth began appearing without Cloak's assistance. Wanda gave a small smile, "Thank you, Blink..."
Strange brought many more heroes with his portals, who instantly charged at the invading Heartless. Spidey turned to the Hulk, "Hulk! Take him down!"
Grinning, Hulk turned his attention towards the cloaked villain before letting out a massive roar, "RRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRR!"
He charged at the time-traveler, throwing a fist, only to miss, striking the ground where he once stood. Swinging another fist, Xehanort avoided the strike before blasting fire into the Strongest Avengers' face. Thor then swung his own hammer upon the green-haired youth, "HAVE AT THEE, VILLAIN!"
Xehanort's Keyblade managed to block the blow of Mjölnir. Carol glanced at Cycolps, "Give me a charge!"
Nodding, the founding X-Man blasted an optic blast at the half-Kree, allowing her to absorb its blast. She then gave a more powerful blast at Xehanort, before he raised his hand, "STOPJA!"
Time all around them, frozen, leaving only Xehanort himself to move, he then glanced to see Loki's mist starting to appear. The time villain grinned, "Surely, your old adversaries will keep you occupied long enough for me to acquire my goal." He then turned to the F.E.A.S.T. building and saw the tip of the Punisher's gun peaking out, "Ah, there you are."
Meanwhile, Frank informed the others of what was happening outside, "Something's wrong... everyone's stopped moving..."
"He can control time?" Yuri raised an eyebrow, "Sure... why not?"
"Let's just hope he underestimates us," Daredevil stated, "God willing, we just might be able to catch him off guard."
"We've got another problem," Punisher's eyes narrowed, "He saw me."
"Alright," She-Hulk threw a fist into her palm, "Let's do this!"
Just then, a Corridor of Darkness opened near the just beside the Punisher. Acting quickly, Frank turned his sniper on the approaching villain, only to be knocked away by the villain. The officers and volunteers instantly raised their weapons on Xehanort, while the heroes went into their battle stances. The police captain exclaimed, "Freeze! You're under arrest, Xehanort!"
The future Keyblade Master merely grinned...
Meanwhile, at Stark Tower, the scientists at work keep track of how the rescue team was doing with the breach. Forge told the others as he observed the monitors for each of the self-proclaimed Thundertoltz, "Well, we haven't lost anyone, and the cables are still in tack. That's something at least."
"Yes, but this all be pointless if they can't find the kids," Beast sighed.
"Iron Man to the rescue team," Tony spoke through coms., "Any sign of the kids."
"Net," Red Guardian answered as he blocked an incoming fireball with his shield, "Nothing but shadow monsters as far as eye can see!"
"Like trying to find needle in haystack," Melina stated as she used dual pistols to fire upon the incoming Heartless.
"We're not giving up though," Black Widow declared as she fought beside Yeleena back to back as they searched for the missing children, "We'll keep searching until the children are safe!"
"Tell Cap he needs to buy us a little more time," Winter Soldier declared as he bashed a Large Body with his metallic arm, and proceeded to shoot down more Heartless...
"Sir, time anomaly detected," J.A.R.V.I.S. reported to his maker.
"A time anomaly?" Reed glanced at Tony.
"After we first defeated Kang, I learned everything I could about Kang's time tech," Iron Man revealed, "Just in case, he or someone else is up to no good with time. But since Kang is extremely against Xehanort, I doubt it's him, so who else..." He then turned back to his computer, "J.A.R.V.I.S., where's the anomaly?"
"In the F.E.A.S.T. shelter in Chinatown, New York City, sir," The AI revealed to the armored Avenger.
"Chinatown," Yellow Jacket blinked, "That's close by. Why here?"
"I don't-" Tony shook his head when it hit him, "Wait! I bet that's where Wanda and Spider-Man hid the kid! Xehanort must have figured it out!"
He then turned to leave as Forge wondered, "Wait, where are you going?"
"Something must have gone wrong," Tony answered, "If Xehanort gets his hands on Wanda's kid, it's game over for the universe!" He turned to Yellow Jacket, "Hank, you're with me." The fellow founding Avenger nodded as he ran over to him, as Tony continued, "The rest of you, stay with the rescue team. The minute they get the kids out of there, you get that backup from the Star Wars Galaxy."
"Tony, the present Xehanort could hold his own against Keyblade Masters at their prime, and the one from the past can create time anomalies," Reed pointed out, "There's no telling what we're dealing with."
"He's right," Beast nodded, "You need to think this through for a better plan of attack."
"I have a plan," Iron Man declared before opening up the roof of the Baxter Building, "Attack!"
With that, he blasted off to F.E.A.S.T. with Yellow Jacket right behind him. Reed then turned back to the rescue team, "Did you hear that, Bucky?"
"Loud and clear!" Winter Soldier nodded as he crushed a Shadow Heartless's head, making it vanish, "We'll triple our efforts!"
Red Guardian threw his shield at a charging group of Heartless as they dived further into the breaches...
Colossus knocked away another group of charging Heartless, as the Mansion's security shot them down. Blob was in a wrestling match with a large body Heartless, as the Human Torch continued soaring around the skies, destroying many Heartless from above. Domino shot down any of the fire-branded Heartless that Johnny intentionally missed to prevent powering them up. Her eyes narrowed in annoyance, "There's just no end to them!"
Inside, Wong and Iron Fist fought side by side, the Heartless presistant on trying to reach the Keyhole. Wong told them, "Keep fighting! We cannot allow a single Heartless to get pass!"
Iron Fist struck a powerful blow to a Heartless destroying it, as he commented, "Let's just hope Mickey really can seal this thing! Otherwise we're all screwed!"
"I just hoping he shows up at all!" Domino declared as she avoided a strike.
As Human Torch engaged the Heartless in the skies, "I don't care what Spidey and Wanda say! There's no way a cartoon mouse that existed in the 1920s is going to make that much of a difference! We've got this!"
Suddenly to the heroes' horror, a Demon Tide swarmed through the streets and was heading there way. Johnny attempted to burn them by nothing was slowing them down. Colossus exclaimed, "Brace for impact!"
The heroes closed their eyes and awaited for the end, when all of a sudden from the skies, a shooting star bounced around before getting ahead of the coming Heartless, as familiar screams from the classic Disney cartoons came from it. Crashing down in front of the defense team, Donald and Goofy groaned in pain as Mickey charged at the coming swarm of Heartless, exclaming, "ULTIMA!"
A huge burst of light magic emerged from his Keyblade, blinding all but pushing the Heartless back. The heroes turned to the famous cartoon characters in shock, as Mickey smiled, "Guess we arrived just in time!"
Johnny's jaw dropped as the Devil's Tide was completely destroyed, and Domino smirked, "You were saying?"
As Donald and Goofy leaped to their feet, more Heartless came, causing everyone to go on the defensive. Mickey turned to the others, "Is the Keyhole inside?"
"Da!" The X-Man confirmed, "Seal it! We can keep these monsters busy for a few more minutes!"
Donald summoned his staff while Goofy summoned his shield, as the latter declared, "We'll add some more, your Majesty!"
"Yeah, seal the Keyhole, then we stop Xehanort together," Donald squawked.
"Right," Mickey nodded, "I'll see ya all real soon!"
With that, the newest Keyblade Master ran inside Avengers Mansion to seal the Keyhole, as the heroes prepared for the final wave...
Everyone was ready to jump at Xehanort even if he made the slightest movement. Baulder declared, "Xehanort, by the decree of Odin, this child and realm is under the protection of Asgard. Take another step to the child, or you will face our wrath!"
"What the Viking said," Yuri declared, "Surrender is your best and only option."
Xehanort merely laughed in amusement, as Shun-Chi glanced at the others, "Anyone else creeped out by his laughter?"
"Who isn't?" Kitty asked in response.
"Something funny," Daredevil's eyes narrowed as he twirled around his Billy Clubs.
"Perhaps, if you've been aware of my goal from the beginning, the heroes of this world might have posed a threat," Xehanort replied, glancing around Sora's defenders, "But now, your world will be forever pulled into the Realm of Darkness, your kind wiped out, and Sora will become my vessel."
The child nervously hid behind his foster family, Sif gestured the blade at Xehanort, "Fool! You're actions would bring Ragnarok upon us all!"
Punisher then pulled out a pistol and aimed it at Xehanort's head, "And we're not beaten yet. And just for the record, once we send you back to your timeline, I will find your present self... and if the boy won't kill ya, then I will!"
"You'd have to get in line," Electra told the war veteran as she twirled her sais, glaring at the youthful villain.
"Aye," Volstagg raised his blade along with the other Warriors Three.
Xehanort merely gave an amused grin, summoning his Keyblade to his side, "And what makes you think you can possibly stop me?"
Suddenly, smashing through the roof, Iron Man landed in front of the black coated villain with his arms crossed around his arc reactor, as he declared, "Because as of today, Sasuke, we're all Avengers!"
Realizing what the armored Avenger was about to do, Daredevil exclaimed to the heroes behind Xehanort, "Everyone move!"
Quickly dashing to the side, allowing Iron Man to fire his Unibeam without anyone else in the way, blasting Xehanort with a powerful blue beam, knocking him out of the building, creating a massive hole. Smoke covered the streets as Yellow Jacket landed to his side, "Little overkill much?"
"If Xehanort senior is as dangerous as we were warned about," Tony's eyes narrowed underneath his armor, "My most powerful attack won't keep junior down for long." He turned to May, "Mrs. Parker, get your great nephew outta here! We'll handle Xehanort!"
"C'mon, May, Sora," Sue told the elder aunt and son of Peter as she escorted them out of the building. Yuri, Magento, Shadowcat, Baulder, and Sif followed behind while everyone else stayed to delay the villain.
When the smoke cleared, Xehanort could be seen brushing off some of the debris from his coat, "I was wondering where you were in Wakanda, Stark? Whatever you and Pym are planning, it won't stop my own goals."
"Maybe..." Iron Man shrugged, "Then again... it did break your universal pause button..."
Suddenly, Captain Marvel slammed right into the time schemer, smashing him throughout the streets and vehicles. The rest of the Avengers soon joined them. Captain America turned to the Armored Avenger, "Tony, how's the rescue team doing?"
"It's a big universe, Cap," Iron Man answered, "With a lot of space in between. We need to buy your old partner more time."
Just then, Corridors of Darkness were opening all around them as Zemo, the Masters of Evil, Hydra, Loki, and all the other supervillains that participated in the previous battle appeared before the heroes. Clint pulled out another arrow, "Would be a lot less complicated if everyone else on the planet wasn't also after him."
"A homeless shelter," Zemo raised an eyebrow, "Very clever, Captain... but not clever enough..." Drawing out his sword, he commanded, "Tear this shack apart and bring me the child!"
With that, the supervillains charged in, Scrooge McDuck readied his cane, "Bring it on!"
Suddenly, vans and cars started pulling up between the heroes and villains as men in creepy masks exited the vehicles and aimed their guns at the supervillains, much to everyone's shock. And among those vans was the leader of the gang. Spider-Man's eyes widened. "Mr. Negative and the Demon gang?"
"[Don't allow a single foot inside the shelter, protect it and the boy with you're lives]" Mr. Negative declared with his own sword drawn, as he men followed his command, shooting down many Hydra agents and attempting to slow down the supervillains.
"Wait, are... are they helping us?" Wasp blinked, "Aren't they supposed to be the bad guys?"
"Perhaps, like Doom, there are lines even the Demon gang will not cross," Vision glanced around the other heroes.
"We can talk about this later," Cap declared as he raised his shield, "Let's back them up!"
With that, the heroes charged as the Fandel declared, "For Asgard!"
Cap led the charge as he threw his shield at the Heartless. The two Hulks roared at each other as they leaped to engage each other, as Juggernaut clashed with Abomination.
The star-spangled shield bounced off the Heartless until it returned to its owner, who went to re-engage his old foe...
Carol slammed her fist across Young Xehanort's face, as she slammed him through an empty building. Xehanort crashed down on the couch which broke in two, as Captain Marvel towered over him, "You messed with the wrong world! And you messed with my friend's kid! Whatever future you saw, you have it coming, you little prick!"
"Is that all?" Xehanort chuckled as he once again stood back on his feet, brushing the debris off of his coat, "I expected more from the great Captain Marvel."
Carol's eyes narrowed in anger, as she began to glow, "Alright, tough guy. Let's see how you like this!"
She raised a fist ready to strike him harder, only for Xehanort to resummon his Keyblade, and block her strike with ease. Stunned by his strength to hold her back, she was equally surprised when he pushed her back. She stopped herself mid-flight, only to be struck by a ball of fire.
Temporarily blinded, Carol was struck multiple times by Xehanort's weapon. Just then, a laser was fired, forcing Xehanort to go on the defensive. Mar-Vell landed by her side, "Carol, are you...?"
"I'll be fine, just caught me off guard," Carol reassured the Kree Scientist, shaking off the strikes, "He's stronger than he looks. Don't underestimate him."
"Understood," Mar-Vell nodded, when Hill and many S.H.I.E.L.D. agents surrounded him.
"Stand down," The acting Director glared at Xehanort, "You're done!"
Suddenly, more S.H.I.E.L.D. agents in Mandroid armor landed beside them. Hill grinned, "See? S.H.I.E.L.D. isn't beaten so easily?"
Xehanort merely gave an amused grin, raising an eyebrow, "Is that so...?"
Suddenly, the Mandroids turned on the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, much to Hill's horror, "What the-?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? FRIENDLY FIRE!"
As the Man-Droids wiped out the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, the symbol charged into the symbol of the Heartless, "What on Earth?"
"Shit!" Carol's eyes widened as she absorbed the blasts of the armored agents, "They've been compromised! Xehanort turned them into Heartless!"
"Oh, director," Xehanort gave Maria Hill a taunting grin, "S.H.I.E.L.D. never had a chance against me, and all you'll be remembered for is causing the heroes to divide themselves, forcing a greater evil to take S.H.I.E.L.D.'s place."
With that, a dark portal began opening underneath Xehanort's feet, turning her gun on him, she commanded, "WAIT!" However, the villain was long gone, as she cursed herself, "Damn it!"
She then ducked just in time as a Mandroid Heartless took a swing at her. She shot it in the chest with no effect. Thankfully, Carol was there and knocked it away. Turning to the acting Director, she pointed out, "Still believe the Avengers shouldn't get involved in these situations?"
"No," She admitted, as her eyes narrowed, "I just feel like the Avengers would work better as S.H.I.E.L.D. agents than vigilantes."
Mar-Vell transformed his weapon into a sword and began cutting down the Heartless-controlled Mandroids, "You two can discuss politics later! There'll be no point in it if Xehanort gets the boy!"
Realizing the Kree Scientist was right, they turned their focus back on the battlefield. Still, at the same time, Hill couldn't help but wonder, "Divide the Heroes? A greater evil taking S.H.I.E.L.D.'s place? What was he talking about?"
Jean found herself in another psychic battle with the Stepford Cuckoos. The moment Shaw reappeared, Jean went on the offensive, causing the women to protect their master. Shaw grinned, "Face it, Jean, with these girls, you will never stop me from claiming the Child of Destiny for myself."
"Then how about we even the odds a little?"
Before Shaw could react, Mr. Negative grabbed two of the sisters' arms and began corrupting them with his power. The leader of the Inner Circle blinked in shock as two of the five Cuckoos turned the same shade as the crimelord, "Go... turn on your master and take out as many of the other super criminals as you are able to."
Turning to their master with their now glowing eyes, Shaw pleaded, "No! Stop, I am your master! You can't- GAH!"
Shaw clutched his head in pain as he felt the mental attack from the two women. The three not under Mr. Negative's control turned to their corrupt sisters in shock, but gave Jean the opening she needed to take them out.
Not long after, Shaw collapsed as the two girls then took out many super criminals. Jean turned to Negative, "Why are you helping us?"
"I've got people in the world worth protecting," The Crimelord glanced at the redhead, "Let's leave it at that."
While the two sisters under his control took out many super criminals, like Griffin, Absorbing Man, Mandrill, and the Living Laser, Red Hulk merely growled when the sisters tried to shut him down, as he marched up to them, as knocked them aside. Jean and Negative quickly went on the defensive, ready to face the red gamma monster, when the Hulk tackled him to the ground. Jean then glanced at him, "Well, I won't deny the help, but I don't think you're henchmen are going to be much help against the other super villains... No offense."
"None taken," Mr. Negative told her as he cut down a Heartless with his enhanced sword, "And I'm well aware... so I made some calls to others who disagree with our common enemy's plot."
Jean raised an eyebrow, wondering who he was referring to...
"Quickly, this way," The Invisible Woman told May, Sora, and the others while keeping them invisible.
"Where are we going?" Sora whispered to his great Aunt.
"Away from the battle," She shushed him, "It'll be alright, little one..."
"I wouldn't make promises that you can't keep, madame."
Everyone went on the alert, as Kitty's eyes widened, "Quick! Shield us!"
Sue quickly complied just in time, as Blockbuster and Archlight struck. Magento's eyes narrowed at the mutant enforcer's master, "Sinister."
"Greetings, Magento," The evil genetic scientist grinned as he calmly approached the shield, "It's been a long time."
"Not long enough," Eric glared at him, "How'd you find us?"
"You were clever giving the boy your helmet, making locating him difficult," Sinister grinned as Heartless emerged as he pet one of them, "Unfortunately for you, invisible or not, these things can find a heart with very little difficulty. I can see why Xehanort is so fond of them."
The police captain turned her gun at Sinister, "Regardless, if you think we're going to just hand the boy to you..."
Sinister merely chuckled in response which sent shivers down Sora's spine, "Like I have much to fear from a Homo Sapien with a gun..."
Magento then stepped forward as all the metal objects rose from the ground, "I believe I may provide more of a challenge."
"Aye," Blauder declared as he and Sif drew out their swords, "As well as the finest warriors from Asgard."
"Lay so much as a hand on the Child," Sif's eyes narrowed, "And you may very well lose that hand."
"Hmmm..." Sinister smirked, "You're not wrong, but you should realize by now that I'm always prepared."
Snapping his fingers, Sora's guardians, along with Sora himself, fell to their knees, feeling quite weak. May wondered, "What... what's happening?"
"Vertigo," Magento answered turned towards the green haired woman the best he could, "She can create mental waves of psionic distortion... we need to take her out if we want to keep moving..."
"Unfortunately for you," Sinister grinned, as he gestured to Archlight and Blockbuster, "The Child will be mine before you get the chance..."
The two began hammering upon the Invisible Woman's force field, but despite how sick she felt, she fought to keep it strong. However, it did not look like she could hold it for long when all of a sudden, gaint footsteps could be heard, coming at them all full speed when something slammed into Blockbuster at full force knocking him away. Archlight's eyes widened in shock, when a grey muscular hand grabbed his face and threw him into a wall before he fell into the dumpster.
Stunned, Veritgo attempted to use her power on the newcomer when she was struck in the back with a shield, which bounced off the wall before it returned to its owner.
"What the devil?!" Sinister blinked in shock.
With Veritgo's power no longer in effect, the heroes looked up to see Rhino standing between them and Sinister's forces. May gasped, "It's the rhinoceros man!"
And stepping from the shadows, stood a man with a skull mask, bearing both shield and sword in each hand, causing Kitty to blink, "And Taskmaster?!"
"You want the kid?!" Rhino glared at Sinister, getting ready to charge again, "Then you gotta go through us!"
Sinister's eyes narrowed in anger as he snapped his fingers, causing the Heartless and Multipleman to attack. Taskmaster used his shield to block the balls of fire and ice launched by the Heartless, as the duplicates Multipleman tried to subdue Rhino. The latter merely threw them off of him, as the former cut down the incoming Heartless. Glancing at Sora's final wave of protectors, Taskmaster told them, "Get the kid outta here! We'll keep these guys busy!"
Kitty glanced at Magento, "Did you hire them?"
"Certainly not," Sora's grandfather shook his head, "But we cannot deny the help either."
Rhino roared as he ran straight at Sinister, forcing the villain to raise a barrier, only for the brute to ram straight through it and tackle him right through a building wall. Vertigo attempted to use her power to save her boss, but a sandstorm blinded her vision.
"Try giving us those headaches when there's a nasty sandstorm." Her eyes widened as the sand took the form of a giant fist, which knocked her away. The sand then reformed into Flint Marko, otherwise known as Sandman. He then turned to the heroes, "Don't worry. We'll cover ya!"
Sue then nodded to Sandman, as she told the others, "To the Baxter Building! Move!"
As the heroes moved, Blockbuster recovered, running straight at Sandman with his fist raised, before throwing it threw Sandman's chest, but couldn't pull it out. Marko grinned as his right fist grew and he threw his own punch, knocking Blockbuster away, unaware that Xehanort appeared just shortly after the heroes started moving again...
Dr. Strange raised a magical shield to defend himself from Mordo's attack, as the evil sorcerer declared, "That's Child will make the perfect vessel for my master, the dread Dormammu."
Strange glared at his old rival when suddenly they both heard someone say, "Not if the Hand brings him back to our master first!"
The two turned to see red-clad ninjas joining the battle, with swords raised. Mordo complained, "Hey!"
However, it gave Strange an opening which he exploited. At the same time, Spider-Man kicked Constrictor away while Wanda hexed Whiplash's equipment to go hairwire when they took notice of the ninjas. Spidey glanced at Wanda, "Ninjas?! Remind me again who has an army of ninjas at their disposal?!"
Scarlet Witch shrugged, as Electra swirled her sais, "The Hand! They're a cultist ninja clan responsible for countless assassinations over the centuries. Should've known they try to come for the Child as well!"
With that, she and Daredevil charged at them, as Spidey groaned, "Sure, like them being ninjas wasn't bad enough!"
One struck Luke Cage with a sword, only for it to break upon impact. The ninja froze as the Hero for Hire knocked his attacker out, "Seems like every super villain and their mothers want the kid!"
"We need to consider filing a restraining order against these creeps!" Wasp quipped as she strung both Hydra Agents and the Hand Ninjas.
Hawkeye launched an explosive arrow at a group of Heartless, "I hate to say it, but we can't keep Sora safe from Xehanort if we're keeping him safe from these guys!"
Thor threw his hammer, dispatching many foes of every kind, before it returned to him, "Aye! We need to find Xehanort and end his madness!"
"I thought Carol was dealing with him," Cycolps stated as he blasted a ninja before firing another optic blast at a Heartless.
Black Panther, who was in the middle of a fight with Bullseye, broke both of his opponent's arms before knocking him out with a kick. He glanced at the founding X-Man, "Carol reported that he managed to slip away. And that the Heartless had possessed the Mandroid armor!"
"And people wonder why I'm not selling my armory," Iron Man's eyes narrowed as he blasted Grim Reaper with a repulsor blast.
As Clint pulled out another arrow, he glanced at Stark Industries' CEO, "Those Jedi reinforcements are sounding really helpful at this moment."
"We can't. Not yet," Tony answered, firing several missiles upon the Heartless. "Bucky's team hasn't found the other children yet..."
"We need to buy more time," Yellowjacket declared as he punched a ninja and shrank a Dreadnought with Pym Particles before crushing it, "But we may not have that option... if we don't get back up soon..."
Zemo took several shots at Captain America, who ran straight at him with his shield raised and deflected the shots before slamming right into him, "We can't abandon those children! And we won't let Xehanort or any one of these punks get his hands on Sora! Is there no one else available? The Inhumans?"
"...are in the middle of dealing with Black Bolt's brother when Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch finally returned," Thing answered as he delivered powerful blows to the shadow monsters and Crisom Dyinmo, "Stretch already reached out to them before the battle, Crystal said they'd try to join us as soon as possible but I wouldn't hold my breath, Cap!"
"And Namor?" Cap wondered.
"You know how stubborn he is," Thing stated before raising his arms to defend himself from the missiles sent to him by the heavily armored villain, "He's only looking after his kingdom these days!"
Hulk was currently beating Abomination to the ground, as he glanced at the incoming enemies, before turning back to his friends, "Then go and save the kid! I smash everyone one of these monsters and supervillains!"
Red Hulk grabbed Hulk from behind, as Loki then blasted Hulk with powerful magic from his staff. Thor threw his hammer at his brother, causing him to vanish, allowing the original Hulk to throw Ross off of him. Thor stood by his side, "Nay! There are too many! Even for you!"
"Splitting up is a bad idea!" Hawkeye agreed, as he fired an electric arrow at Sabertooth, as Mockbird kept him covered.
"Can't you see, Captain!" Zemo grinned as he struck down his blade at the Captain, who raised his shield to defend himself from the blow, "The Avengers may have beaten us time and time again, but all of us together, can protect the one child. You wish to save this universe. Then give him to us! He stands a better chance with us than with Xehanort! Or you and your allies will die!"
"I wouldn't agree with that statement, little man!"
Surprised by the new voice, Zemo was blasted away by a powerful green blast, knocking him away. The heroes turned to the Man out of Time's savior and we were shocked to see who it was, but none more than Spider-Man, "Shocker?!"
Sure enough, it was Montana, leader of the Enforcers, and better known as the Shocker. He turned his Gauntlets against a Hydra Dreadnought, destroying it. Suddenly, a helicopter soared down, and Silver Sable pulled out a sniper and fired upon the Heartless and Hydra agents. Batroc the Leaper also leaped down and attacked the numerous Heartless before leaping to the next group.
"The hell...?!" Carnage blinked in disbelief, "You guys are supposed to be on our side!"
"Then I saw her face~Now I'm an Avenger~" Deadpool appeared from behind the psychotic symbiote as he plunged his twin katanas into the villain, as he continued singing, "I'm in love~ Ooooooh~ Aaahhhhh~ I'm an Avenger~ I couldn't avenge less if I tried~"
"Oh, stop singing and help us kill these things!" Hobgoblin glanced at the Merc with the Mouth as he threw down a pumpkin bomb at the Heartless.
He turned to the Goblin, "What? The author put a DreamWorks film in this story! We'll be fine!"
To the heroes' surprise, more villains showed up to and battled their fellow villains. Absorbing Man. The Executioner. The Enchantress. Doctor Octopus. Tombstone. Wasp blinked in disbelief, "What is happening right now?"
"Ain't it obvious?!" Absorbing Man asked as he absorbed the metal from Crisom Dynimo's armor, "We're help ya!"
"What?" Wanda blinked in disbelief.
"It's true, mortal," Amora appeared behind Wanda to protect her from an attack from Mordo, "Xehanort turned to us to join in his battle for the Child! But we refused to aid him in this quest!"
"Umm..." Peter glanced at Wanda, who shrugged in response, "Okay... but why?"
"Negative warned us of Xehanort's plan for the boy," The former mystery crimelord answered, as his arms swatted aside both Hydra soldiers and ninjas, "Don't mistake us for allies, Spider-Man," Otto glanced to his old foe as he used one of his metal arms to throw a Shadow Heartless into a group of them, "You and you're fellow heroes have earned our wrath! But we draw the line at harming children! They're innocent!"
"And it helps that the Child is irresistibly adorable!" Amora beamed as she blasted King Cobra away, "I mean! Have you seen his hair!"
"I know, right," Wanda beamed equally, "It's like a spikey, fuffy, round pillow..." The two then glanced at each other, "We'll never discuss this again."
"Agreed," Enchantress agreed!"
"Traitors," Zemo raised a fist in anger as he quickly recovered from Shocker's attack, "All of you! Working with the heroes! Left in the hands of the Avengers! What do you think the Child will become? Just another hero to foil our plans!"
"Perhaps," Doc Ock admitted as one of his arms grabbed Zemo's forehead and tossed him into a car, "But at least our world and universe will remain intact." He then turned to the super soldier, "We shall delay both the Heartless and Zemo's forces! Stop Xehanort and save the children! Save the world!"
As Daredevil kicked a ninja, he turned to the soldier, "He's right, Cap. This could be the opening we desperately needed."
Molten Man threw a massive fireball at a Dreadnought, which melted the machine. Hogun smashed a Heartless with his mace, "Go, Captain! Take you're best warriors to protect the Child! The Warriors Three shall aid our questionable allies."
Steve closed his eyes and nodded, as he turned to the others, "Avengers! Pull back to aid Sora!"
As Shanna strangled Griffin with her spear until he fell unconscious, Rogue turned to her, "Does this make us Avengers then?"
The Queen of the Savage Land gave a half shrug, "Probably..."
"C'mon, Peter," Wanda whispered to her boyfriend as the two retreated to help her child. At the same time, Doc Ock reached his own coms, "Sandman. Taskmaster! Aid the heroes! Xehanort will most likely target the boy while he's at his least defended."
"Understood!" Taskmaster responded.
With that, Blink, Cloak, and Strange began getting everyone to where Sora was currently located. Unaware that Stacy was unleashing all of her gun's bullets into the charging Heartless, "Yippee Ki‐Yay, you mother-fu-"
"Come on, Rambo!" Randy pulled his fiancée away from the fight through the nearest portal, as Shocker kept them covered...
Back in between the realms, the rescue team, or the Thunderboltz, as Red Guardian declared them, continued to fight between worlds to search for the lost children. Winter Soldier glanced at the others, "I'm getting reports that Xehanort has his attention on Sora! We need to find those other kids now if we have any hope in getting Cap back up!"
Melina kicked one Heartless away before shooting down another, "It's been hours! We could be searching for hours more!"
"They have to be here some-" Natasha glanced at her mother figure...
...when Yelena cut her off, "There! I see them! 12 o'clock!"
Turned to Yelena's sight, they spotted two small figures below, causing Black Widow to brighten up, "That's them! Let's get them out of here!"
"Go!" Red Guardian told the team as he raised his shield, "I shall keep you covered!"
With that, they soared over to the children's location, with a young boy standing strong in front of the terrified girl, "Hey! You stay away from us!"
Putting away her gun, Natasha showed the boy her hands in a calming gesture, "It's okay... we're here to rescue you..."
"Yeah, right!" The silverhead boy rolled his eyes. "So did the guy in the black coat!"
"We're not with him," Bucky reassured the children.
"Do you not recognize them?" Red Guardian glanced at the children as he bashed away a large Heartless, "Natasha and boyfriend are big-time Avengers."
"Dad, they're from another world," Yelena pointed out, "They never heard of the Avengers."
Knowing her sister was right, she knew she had to find another way to show they were telling the truth. That's when it hit her, she gave a soft smile, "It's okay... Sora sent us to help..."
The nervous redhead peeked behind the boy's back, "You know Sora?"
"That's right," She nodded, kneeling down to them the best she could, "You're Riku and Kairi. Sora's best friends."
"H-how..." Riku blinked, a little shocked, but still a little suspicious, "How do you know Sora?"
"Some very good friends of ours found Sora, and were able to bring him back to our world," Bucky joined in, giving them a calming smile, "He told us everything, and we put a plan to rescue you two..."
Kairi turned to Riku with hope in her eyes, while the latter was still unsure, Nat offered them her hand, "We'll take you right to him and keep you safe. I promise."
Slowly, the little redhead reached for the older redhead's hand. Riku tried to stop her, but she glanced back and gave him a nod before continuing forward. She was about to take Natasha's hand, but she moved in for a hug instead. Stunned, she returned the hug when she heard the girl's cry, "There, there... It's alright."
"So, kid, you want to come with us," Yelena turned to the boy, "Or stay in endless space forever..."
"I'll come," The boy answered, "Not that I trust any of you, I just want to keep my friends safe."
"Fair enough," The Winter Soldier nodded as the boy approached, allowing the former assassin to hold the latter. Nat reached her coms, "Richards. We found the remaining children. I repeat, we found Sora's friends. We're ready to return to our world."
"Excellent," Reed smiled before nodding to the remaining scientists in the room, "We're pulling you up now."
"Finally, some good news," Forge smirked as he slammed his hand on the button as the cables rolled back in, "Maybe we can save our universe yet." He turned to the others, "Should we let Cap know to force Xehanort into one of the breaches now?"
"Not yet," Beast shook his head, "If Cap's team acts too soon, we'll lose both the children and Bucky's team inside the breaches forever! We need to ensure nothing goes wrong first!"
Just as he said that Heartless started appearing inside the Baxter Building, as Hank removed his lab coat, "Like that for instance..."
"We have to protect the portal and the cables," Mr. Fantastic declared, "If they damage them before they exit..."
"Right! Game over! We get it!" Forge nodded as he reached for his big, high-tech gun. With that, the scientists protected to incoming waves of Heartless...
At the same time, the Heartless were starting to get more aggressive toward the Thunderboltz. Meliena stated, "It would appear we kicked the hornets' nest!"
"Big bad does not want to make rescue of small children too easy for us," Red Guardian declared as he threw his shield at them.
"Then we'll fight our way out," Black Widow declared as she held Kairi protectively in one hand and used her free hand to fight off the aggressive Heartless, unloading her whole clip before throwing away the gun and striking the Heartless, then switching to her Widow bites. She whispered to Kairi, "It's okay... you're going to make it, little one..."
Riku stared in awe as the rescue team, despite being outnumbered, kept the monsters back, maybe... they could give him the strength he needed...
Slowly, the cables pulled. One Heartless attempted to cut them, but Reed caught it and threw it into a wall before it could, allowing Meliena to reach back into the world, which was soon followed by Yelena, then Red Guardian, and Winter Soldier with Riku in his arms.
"Almost there..." Hank muttered when a Heartless zoomed past him, "Reed! The cable!"
Mr. Fantastic attempted to stop the creature of darkness, but it was able to cut the final cable before he could stop it. Everyone's eyes widened in horror as Bucky placed the boy down and joined everyone to stop the cable from falling into the portal, "NNNNNNNNOOOOOO!"
However, none of them were able to snag it in time...
Widow's eyes widened as the cable stopped pulling her in, and she saw that it had been cut. She and Kairi were unable to return to their world without it, but she put on a brave face as she readied to fight the good fight, against an endless wave of Heartless to protect the little girl...
...that's when Reed acted quickly, and stretched on arm to secure himself to the Baxter building and stretched his other arm and head, to Riku's shock, into the portal...
The Black Widow embraced herself for the end, ready to make peace with God. When she felt an arm grab her cable. She turned to see that Reed and caught them.
"Hold on!" He shouted as he pulled them back through the portal, as the Heartless pursued them...
Mr. Fantastic pulled his head back with Black Widow and Kairi along with him, much to everyone's relief. He exclaimed, "Close it quick!"
Forge dropped his weapon and slammed the emergency shut-off, preventing more Heartless from entering the Baxter Building. Everyone sighed in relief as Winter Soldier quickly dispatched the remaining Heartless in the building.
Dropping his gun, he ran to Window's side, "You two alright?"
Widow glanced at the girl, who stared in awe at the new environment they were in, making her smile, "I believe we are."
As Widow's family went to check on her, Reed smiled, "Finally, now, we need to inform Captain America and the others of the good news..."
"With the children safe, we can finish this fight," Beast nodded before glancing at the portal, "And get those reinforcements we need."
"I start inputting those coordinates," Forge quickly started typing in the information that Peter and Wanda gave them.
Riku looked around as he wondered, "Where's Sora?"
"Riku," Kairi pulled his attention as she gestured towards the city, his eyes widened at the battle that raged on.
Reed quickly activated his Avenger ID Card, "Everyone! Riku and Kairi are safe! Get Xehanort to the breach and seal him in!"
Every hero with an ID card received the message, as Invisible Woman turned to the spikey-haired boy, "You hear that, Sora, your friends are safe."
The boy gasped in joy, turning to both his Great Aunt and Grandfather, as the latter stated, "I'm glad you're friends are safe, my boy."
"Would you like to see them?" His Aunt asked the boy.
Sora quickly nodded.
"You heroes are starting to get on my nerves!"
Sora's eyes widened as he huddled closer to his Aunt, as Xehanort stepped forth from a Corridor of Darkness. Shadowcat glared at him, "Oh, just know when you're beat, you freak!"
"I'll never be defeated as long as that boy is mine!" Xehanort declared as he charged after Sora, only for a car to slam into him.
Quickly recovering, he saw Magento flying above him, glaring at him, "Keep your hands off my grandson!"
Lift more metal objects around the area. Magento threw everything he could at Sora's future nemesis, who dodged all around him. Baulder and Sif drew out their swords, as the latter glanced at Kitty, Sue, and Yuri, "Keep them moving towards the fortress of the four warriors of fantasticiness! We shall deal with this snake!"
With that statement, the two Asgardian Warriors charged an engaged Xehanort in close-quarters combat, clashing their swords against Xehanort's Keyblade. Kitty quickly stepped into the middle of the group, "Everyone! Hold on to me! We're taking a shortcut!"
Everyone quickly complied as she phased everyone through the closest wall. The two warriors of Asgard pressed down on their attack, but Xehanort refused to back down. Seeing where the Child phased off to, his eyes narrowed in anger and pushed the two off of him... only for a semitruck with a fuel tank to land on top of him before it exploded. Baulder glanced at the boy's grandfather, "A wise strategy... if the plan wasn't to take the fiend alive."
"You really believed that could kill him," Magento dared not keep his eyes off the flames.
Just as the Master of Magentism assumed, Xehanort stepped out of the flames, bruised, only to raise a hand, as green magic channeled around him, healing his own injuries. The silverhead's eyes narrowed, "Your world was never supposed to get involved, and now its people will suffer!"
"I wouldn't hold my breath to that," Captain America's voice declared when Xehanort's eyes widened as he raised his Keyblade just in time to deflect Cap's shield, which returned to its owner.
Xehanort was about to counterattack when he was forced to leap back to avoid a blow from Thor's hammer, which shattered the ground. The Seeker of Darkness glanced up to see the Prince of Asgard glare at him, "Xehanort! We will have words with thee!"
The young incarnation of Xehanort's eyes widened to see the heroes all around him, "What are you all doing here?! Zemo and your enemies were supposed to..."
"Distract us?" Spidey crossed his arms, "Like that's never happened to any of us before..."
Suddenly, sand moved around the villain's feet, grabbed all of his limbs, as Sandman declared, "You really think all of us would be okay going after an innocent kid?!"
He then threw him into a crashed car, where it was struck by an explosive arrow, sent by Taskmaster, "Think again!"
Xehanort snarled in anger, "You think you can stop me! Train the Child! Save the worlds! None of you has what it takes! You're all too soft!"
"How's this for soft?" Hulk retorted before leaping on top of Xehanort and crashing him straight through a building.
The First Avenger glanced at Wanda and Peter, "You two! Protect Sora! We'll finish this fight!"
Confident that Xehanort was as good as defeated, Spidey and Wanda glanced to the teleporting X-Man, as the latter exclaimed, "Kurt! We need a lift!"
Nightcrawler complied, taking them away from the battle. The super soldier glanced at Tony, "Iron Man! Where's the closest breach?!"
"J.A.R.V.I.S.?" The billionaire turned to his AI.
"I've already marked closet one to you, sir," The British AI answered, "Only two blocks away."
"Avengers! Push him through!" Iron Man declared as both heroes and villains alike, charged at Xehanort...
Hulk roared as he beat the future Keyblade Master while on the ground, giving him no quarter. No chance to get him. All of a sudden, with in seconds before the next fist, his Keyblade stopped the blow, much to the Hulk's shock.
Not taking another chance, Xehanort pushed the fist back and plunged his Keyblade into the Hulk's chest, causing a blinding light just as the other heroes joined them. With a swing of his Keyblade, to everyone's shock and horror... two bodies lay unconscious in front of the heroes.
The Hulk...
...and Bruce Banner.
"Wha...?!" Clint blinked in shock, "What just happened?"
"Did he...?" Wasp blink in disbelief, "Did he really just separate Hulk from Dr. Banner?!"
"That... that shouldn't be possible," Thing gasped, "Stretch had been trying for years."
"You heroes have no clue who you're messing with!" Xehanort declared as he snapped his fingers, dispatching more Heartless.
Zabu roared as he pounced upon a Heartless, as Shanna stabbed another with her spear. Punisher shot down as many Heartless as he could before turning to Magento who lifted and threw another car at Xehanort. As the villain cut it in two, Frank wondered, "What are you waiting for?! Take that thing away from him!"
"That was the first thing I tried," Eric glanced at the war veteran, "Whatever his Keyblade is made it, I cannot control it!"
"Sure, when it's Thor's hammer, you've got no issues," Hawkeye rolled his eyes as he fired a net arrow ar Xehanort who cut it before it could, "But when we need you to take away the BIG Bad's key-sword...!"
"It's okay, Clint!" Iron Man declared as he activated his wrist missile, "We still have other options!"
Firing it beneath Xehanort's feet caused an explosion, knocking him back, allowing Black Panther to get Bruce to safety, "Now! Jean! Shut him down!"
Jean then focused her mental blasts upon the Seeker of Darkness...
The Master of Masters sat on a rock, being approached by the young villain. There was a moment of silence before the one sitting asked, "So?"
Removing his hood, Xehanort smiled, "Yeah. It wards off darkness. It's useful."
"Told ya!" The hooded man beamed before asking, "So, how'd it go? The tour?"
Xehanort walked up to the mysterious hooded man before he sat beside him, "I learned... the reason for my existence."
"Ooooh," The man seemed intrigued, "Tell me more."
"All around the world, people live seemingly peaceful lives," Xehanort leaned back as he looked to the sky, "Those who are weak, or who desire great power, simply strip the strong of their power, and convince themselves they've earned it. That's how people get tainted by darkness. They believe what they want to believe, using hollowing reasons as justification. They repeat the cycle, and their darkness grows."
"Sounds like your trip around the world open your eyes," The hooded man commented, "...but you got a bit more than you anticipated. Must've seen a lot of darkness."
Xehanort leaned back as he looked to the sky, "Those who are weak, or who desire great power, simply strip the strong of their power, and convince themselves they've earned it. That's how people get tainted by darkness. They believe what they want to believe, using hollowing reasons as justification. They repeat the cycle, and their darkness grows."
"So you're saying that the weak feel the need to justify their actions to maintain a sense of self." The hooded man shrugged and through his hands up. "Can't let that slide?"
"No, it's better they be ruled by darkness. People carry delusions of having power, but it's a lie," Young Xehanort answered him, "They are like sheep pretending to be wolves. Though I admit, I can understand why."
The hooded man faked a shocked tone humorously. "Oooh, I've never heard that one before. A Keyblade Wielder wielding to the side with the darkness?" He uses a deep, funny voice, wagging his finger and deadpanned, "Why not just let them be until the darkness consumes them?"
Young Xehanort leaned forward and clasped his hands together, "Because left alone, the world would fall to chaos. There needs to be order."
"You sure about that? Why not just sit back and watch it play out?" The hooded man asked him while standing up and pacing with his hands behind his back.
"Understanding hearts is difficult, more so the emotion within," Xehanort told him, "I simply realize that it's easy to dismiss what you don't comprehend."
The hooded man hung his head back and groaned a little, "All right, all right... The world needs you, I'll grant you that one."
"I don't know what I can do," Xehanort admitted, "...but I will act. What comes next is too important."
"I suppose letting false light dictate the future might be a... pretty lousy movie." The man stated before turning back to Xehanort, "So? You can make a change, you have that power. What do you want for the world?"
"Power, eh...?" Xehanort repeated before shrugging, "Who knows? My training's coming to an end, and the exam is not far off. Maybe I can get some clarity then."
"You're letting the exam decide?" The hooded man asked as he shook his head humorously, "Listen to me, the results don't matter. You believe the world needs you. Sounded like you know where you're headed."
"It's funny. Somehow, I can sense where I'm supposed to go, and what I'm supposed to do." Young Xehanort smirked before staring at his black-gloved hand in realization, "Yes, even this coat, there's a familiarity about it, as if I'm meant to wear this."
Just then, the hooded man hummed, getting Young Xehanort's attention, "Hmmm... No... you'll ditch it soon."
"What do you mean?" Xehanort wondered.
"I mean that one day you're going to outgrow it," The mystery man explained.
Xehanort then asked, "How so?"
"If you truly possess great power, the darkness can't control you," The man continued to explain, "You won't need a silly old coat to keep you safe. In fact, you'll be the one controlling the darkness instead." The hooded man then chuckles humorously, "Me, on the other hand, I'm too much of a scaredy-cat to ever take mine off."
Xehanort then leaned in curiously at the man, "Who are you really? Some kind of fortune-teller?"
"Well, I could lie to you and tell you that's what I am, when I'm actually a brilliant artist, or even a scholar," The man stated as he turned away, "I could tell you I dream of world peace, when I'm actually planning its destruction. The truth is what you see with your eyes, not what you hear."
After a moment of silence, Xehanort simply smirked, "So, your name?"
The man in the Organization coat turned to him, completely dumbfounded, "What did I just...?!" He then sighed and shook his head, "Never mind, I guess there's no harm. My name is..."
But just then, his name was blurred out to the future villain, much to his shock, "Huh?!"
After a moment of silence, the master simply shrugged, "I'm a Lost Master."
Young Xehanort blinked at that, "A Lost Master?"
The hooded man simply turned away before telling Xehanort, "May your heart be your guiding key."
After a brief moment of silence, Xehanort's silver eyes flicked into the yellow eyes the heroes knew him for, as he smirked, "Trying to get in my head, Jean Grey, perhaps if you still had the Phenoix inside you, you'd be a threat. But if you think I haven't prepared for this, then you're sorely mistaken..."
Jean was knocked back as she clutched her head. Scott ran to her side, "Jean!"
"I... I can't shut him down, he's prepared mental defenses in case anyone got into his head," She groaned, rubbing her head. "Likewise, he doesn't have the power to shut any of us down either."
"Guess we'll do this the old-fashioned way," Cycolps declared as he turned to Xehanort and reached for his visor. He then fired several optic blasts at the man in the black coat.
Xehanort deflected the red beams at the other charging heroes: Falcon, Iceman, and Thing. Some of the heroes were ready for it, like Cap, who blocked the blast with his shield, Thor, who did the same with his hammer, and Yellowjacket, who shrank down to avoid the blast. That's when Xehanort reflected the final blast back at the X-Man, knocking him down. He groaned, "So that's what it feels like."
Sif and Baulder moved in to re-engage the villain, as well as the other heroes and villains that joined the former. While Jean quickly sent out a message to what she saw inside Xehanort's mind, "Wanda! There's something you and Peter should know about the Lost Master...!"
Meanwhile, Wanda, Spider-Man, and Nightcrawler looked around for Sora, Aunt May, Yuri, Shadowcat, and the Invisible Woman. That's when Scarlet Witch stopped and glanced back, "Jean?"
Both her boyfriend and former love turned back to her, confused, "Jean...?" Not seeing her, Kurt realized, "She must be sending Wanda a telepathic message."
"Really? Now of all times?" Peter raised an eyebrow under his mask.
"Whoa! Whoa! Jean! Slow down!" Wanda replied to the telepath before listening, as her eyes widened in shock and anger, "HE WHAT?!" She then groaned in frustration, "I KNEW WE COULDN'T TRUST THAT SON OF A-"
"Uh, Wanda, you next to a soon-to-be priest," Peter gestured to Nightcrawler, he then turned to Kurt, "We're totally starting a swear jar after today..." He then turned back to his girlfriend, "What did she say? Your father didn't betray us or anything like that? One of the other baddies who is supposed to be helping us?"
"No, just someone else we need to give a beating when everything is said and done," Wanda answered after taking a deep breath, "But that can wait... let's just find Sora... and make sure he's safe."
Nodding, as he looked around, "Where do you think they are?"
"If everything's going according to plan," Wanda glanced at the home of the Fantastic Four, "They should be heading to the Baxter Building if Xehanort found out about F.E.A.S.T."
"Then we head in that direction," Kurt stated, "With any luck, we can spot them along the way."
With that, Kurt grabbed the two of them and teleported closer to where Sora and the others were heading...
At the same time, things weren't looking too well for the heroes, as Xehanort managed to defeat a great many of them. Quicksilver. Storm. Cycolps. Iceman. Samson. Falcon. War Machine. Luke Cage. Sif. Star Lord. Drax. Rocket. Groot. Thing. Ka-Zar. Shanna. Zabu. Electra. Punisher. Ghost Rider. Shurri. Shang-Chi. The Valkyries, including their leader herself. All were lying unconscious after desperately attempting to push Xehanort towards the crack.
Sandman was trapped in a thick sheet of ice. Hulk was still down.
The ones still standing weren't fairing any better. Xehanort managed to get Baulder on his knees, but the warrior refused to stay down, "You'll... you'll have to kill me, monster... for I shall not yield."
"As you wish," Xehanort grinned as he raised his blade to give the final blow when Wasp flew in his face. She stuck her tongue at him before unleashing bolts from her stingers, causing the time-traveling foe to wince in pain. This gave T'Challa enough time to get the weakened Baulder to safety. Xehanort finally had enough of Wasp's attacks, as he raised his Keyblade, "Wind!"
The gust of air knocked the founding Avenger back, knocking her into the wall. Blade and Gamora quickly moved in with quick strikes, which put Xehanort on the defensive, only to be struck in the face by two shields, which bounced off of him and returned to their owners. Cap and Taskmaster raised their shields as Xehanort's eyes narrowed in anger as he transformed his weapon into a whip, wrapping it around Gamora's leg and throwing her into the vampire slayer. He was met with repulsor blasts, with a combined attack with magic from Dr. Strange pushing him further back. The Armored Avenger turned to the Sorceror Supreme, "I'll give junior this... he's one tough bastard!"
"Keep pressing the attack!" Cap exclaimed, "We need to knock him out of our timeline!"
Daredevil kneed the villain in the chin, allowing Thor to blast him with lightning, "HAVE AT THEE, VILLAIN!"
Thor followed up those attacks with strikes from his hammer, but in the middle of those strikes, Xehanort spotted Hawkeye on the rooftops attempting to get a good shot. Realizing what they were planning, the youthful villain, blocked the next strike with his Keyblade and launched a ball of fire, which the heroes easily dodged. Taskmaster stated, "He's slipping up! This could be our chance!"
As Mockingbird groaned as she recovered from the blows she received, she saw where the ball was heading. Her eyes widened, "Clint! The Baxter Building!"
The archer paused and turned to the fireball. Normally, he wouldn't be too concerned as the Baxter Building had received worse punishments throughout the years. But he realized, like Mockingbird, that wasn't his target. From the edge, the silverhead boy watched the battle rage...
"KID! GET AWAY FROM THE EDGE!" Forge ran towards the boy.
Riku's eyes widened as he saw the ball of fire coming, and he quickly turned to run, but it was too late as the ball hit the side of the edge where Riku stood. While he wasn't harmed by the attack, it did make him lose balance and start to fall. Kairi cried out in concern, "RIKU!"
Hearing the boy's screams, Clint knew he had to act quickly. Switching arrows, he grabbed his grapple arrow and fired it towards the Baxter Building. Once attached, he used his bow to pull himself up.
He knew it was going to be close, he reached out...
...and caught the boy just in time! Stunned, the silverhead tuned to his rescuer, who pulled him back to the rooftop. Setting him down, the archer told him, "You've got courage, kid, but I'd stay away from the edge until the battle is over. You may not know it, but you and your friends will be very important in the future."
"Yeah, thanks..." Riku slowly nodded.
"It's Hawkeye," He introduced himself before pulling out another arrow. Firing an arrow with a cable wire, he attached the other end to the building before once again using his bow to slide down it, returning to the battlefield, unaware Riku was watching in awe at the archer...
"Coward!" Thor's eyes narrowed as he raised his hammer. This time, Xehanort avoided the blow and was able to get some hits on the Prince of Asgard. Only for Taskmaster to hit Xehanort with an explosive arrow, allowing Captain America to push him back with his shield.
Grunting in pain, Young Xehanort moved Cap's shield away and kicked him back. Suddenly, a giant shadow overtook him, he turned just in time to see Scott Lang had grown into Giantman, who threw his fist at the cloaked teen, attempting to crush him.
After a minute, he pulled back his hand in pain, as his hand was burning. Xehanort emerged from the hole Giantman made, only to be quickly on the defensive when Wolverine charged at him, claws raised. Xehanort did his best to block and dodge the unbreakable claws, as Cap told the heroes still standing, "Keep pushing him! This battle is almost over!"
Back with Sora, he wimped as his great Aunt May held him. While trying to slip away, Sora's defenders found themselves surrounded by Heartless. Sue's force field held, but she was starting to get overwhelmed. Yuri held out her gun as Kitty held up her fists, "You have to keep this up! At least until help arrives!"
Sue was sweating, falling to her knees when suddenly, Spider-Man, Nightcrawler, and Scarlet Witch appeared as the three quickly dispatched the Heartless. This allowed the Invisible Woman to final drop her shields and get some deep breaths in. Wanda ran over to Sora, "My baby!"
Sora perked up as he leaped to his mother's arms. Spidey then turned to his Aunt and Yuri, "Is everyone okay?"
"We are now," Yuri sighed in relief, clearly happy to see the wall crawler.
"Oh, yes, we knew you'd come as soon as you could," Peter's Aunt smiled.
"We need to keep moving," Kitty told the others, "Xehanort will likely send more Heartless when he realizes you're here."
"I never did so with so many people," Nightcrawler spoke up, "But perhaps..."
"No, Kurt," Wanda glanced at former circus performer, "We need you at full strength if something goes wrong, and Xehanort finds us again!"
Sue then stood back on her feet, "Then we better keep moving! C'mon! We're almost there!"
With that, the group began to move...
...when the Black Order appeared in front of the group, as Maw smirked, "Hear me, and rejoice-"
"OH NO!" Spidey finally lost it, "I don't care who you're boss is, YOU'RE NOT GETTING OUR MAGICAL KID!"
"What?" Maw turned to the web-head, confused, before explaining, "No, we're actually here on vacation! We heard this world had some pretty great amusement parks!"
"What, really?" Peter blinked in shock underneath his mask before shrugging, "Uh, okay! Have fun!"
"Wait," The herald of Thanos paused as his sinister grin grew, "Did you say... magical child?"
Wanda turned to her boyfriend with a nasty glare, "PETER!"
"I'm sorry, okay," Peter turned to her apologeticly as they quickly made a run for it, around the Black Order, "It's been a very stressful day!"
Maw glanced at the other members of the Black Order, "We may want to call this one in."
Proxima Midnight sighed as she twirled her staff, "So much for the relaxing vacation..."
She and Corvus Glaive quickly pursued the heroes...
"Wait, you called him Peter," Yuri blinked in confusion as the heroes still continued to run, "As in Peter Parker?"
"Can we talk about this later?" Peter told the police captain, as Wanda gave him an apologetic look, "When do you think we're getting those reinforcements? Because we'll need them since Thanos's lackeys decided to join the party..."
"Hopefully, any moment now," Sue answered as a group of Heartless cut them off, making them change direction completely.
"We'll all be dead at any moment," Kitty pointed out.
"She's right!" Wanda nodded to Shadowcat, before glancing at Sora, "Baby! Make your last wish!"
Quickly rubbing the magic lamp, the boy exclaimed, "I wish we have help stopping the bad guys..."
With that, the lamp began to shake as blue smoke emerged, and from it emerged the Genie, who blew a bugle, "Righto! You're final wish is my command!"
With that, Genie ripped off his chest to reveal a Superman outfit, before soaring towards the Baxter Building. Yuri blinked, "Uh, wasn't he supposed to help us?"
Meanwhile, at the Baxter Building, the Thunderboltz, kept Riku and Kairi safe while the other scientists worked on getting the portal back online. Reed rerouted different cables to the Baxter Building, "C'mon! C'mon! Try it again!"
Forge then told the world's smartest man, "I am! The emergency shutdown fried the system! It won't be easy getting back online!"
"We have to keep trying," Beast declared as he knocked a Heartless away from their hard work.
Black Widow pulled out her batons as she glanced at Kairi, "You and Riku stay behind us, sweetie."
The girl nodded as she battered any Heartless that came their way, and was soon joined by Yelena, who glanced at her, "Sweetie?"
"Hey, Wanda's not the only one who wants to adopt a child," Natasha answered as she kicked a Heartless away, "This could be my best chance."
"You know, this is a really sudden decision," Her sister pointed out, "Maybe you should think it over-"
"You'd be an Auntie," Nat promised her.
"That's all I needed to hear," Yelena smirked at the idea, "I'm going to spoil her crazy."
"Did you hear that," Red Guardian turned to Melina, "We're gonna be grandparents!"
That's when she shot a Heartless that was about to strike him from behind, "How about we celebrate after we survive, yes?"
As the heroes were either on the defense or hard at work, Genie was poofed by the scientists, appearing as Bill Nye the science guy, "Ah, you see, kids, the problem with this machine is that the emergency shutdown had short-circuited this machine..." Riku and Kairi blinked as he raised a finger, "Not to worry though," He then poofed into Fix-it Felix as he held a tiny hammer, "I can fix it!"
Forge raised his hands at Genie, "Whoa! Whoa! This is very sensitive technology... hitting with a hammer could only make things-" Genie then lightly tapped the portal with the tiny hammer, which caused the portal to start functioning properly, as causing the mutant inventor to blink, "...better apparently."
"Seeing how this is the grand finale, it's time to pull out all the stops!" Genie beamed as he dived into the portal and surfed around, adding powerful magic to the portal and with a flash of light, many individuals exited the portal. The heroes there were surprised to see who they saw: Hercules. Phill. Pegasus. Another spikey-haired warrior they had never seen before. Basil. Dawson. Baloo. Bagheera. Tigger. Quasimodo. Esmeralda. Djali. Phoebus. The statues of Victor, Hugo, and Larvene. Obi-Wan Kenobi. Anakin Skywalker. Padmè Skywalker. Master Yoda. Mace Windu. Ashoka Tano. Numerous clones and battle droids. R2-D2. C-3PO. Santa Claus. Tooth Fairy. Sandman. Easter Bunny. And Jack Frost.
Everyone who wasn't made of stone stared around in the new environment. Phil was the first to break the tension, "Okay. Two words. What just happened?"
As Dawson counted the actual number of words, Tooth flew about, "How did we end up back on the Marvelous City?"
The Guardians turned to North, as he raised his hands in defense, "Not my fault. Did not lose snow globe this time."
"Okay, I'd be shocked by the fact I'm standing next to the real Santa Claus and Easter Bunny... and well, the rest," Pheobus, back in his gold armor, spoke up, "If I wasn't also standing next to giant mice and wild animals."
Baloo chuckled, "We deep down, we're all wild animals, man."
All the humans, even the goat, turned to Baloo as they exclaimed, "He talks!"
Bagheera rolled his eyes, "It's getting him to shut up is the real trick."
Everyone stared in disbelief as Dawson turned to the great mouse detective, "Uh, Basil? Where are we?"
"Hmmm," Basil blew his pipe, as he observed the world around them, "Let's see..." He spotted the Thunderboltz, "Bright colorful costumes..." He turned to Reed, who stretched back into place, "Fantastical powers..." He then turned to Riku and Kairi, who stared at the newcomers in awe, "...and two youngsters who originated from islands..." He then smirked, "I dare say we all have made common friends we've made recently. Two Avengers and the boy they've sworn to protect."
Hercules blinked, turning to Basil, "You know, Spidey, Sora, and Wanda?"
"As do we all, I deduce," Basil smiled with satisfaction, and before Dawson could ask, "It's all elementary."
"Wait a minute," Jack spoke up, as he knelt to Riku and Kairi, "Are you two Riku and Kairi?"
Kairi nodded her head as Riku tilted his head in confusion, before the latter asked, "Wait... that's Santa? But he's not supposed to be real!"
"Riku and Kairi?" Ashoka stepped in, realizing, "Then this is Peter and Wanda's homeworld."
"Then they made it back," Esmeralda smiled in relief, "Thank God." She then blinked, "Wait, home world?"
"Uh oh, I don't think everyone was meant to be here." Anakin winced slightly.
As Bagherra sighed, "Well, there goes the world order."
"Sandy... take 'em out," Bunny turned to the Sandman. Sandy smirked as he threw his fist in his palm, much to everyone's confusion. Bunny face plamed himself, "With the dreamsand, ya dum dum! Cranky, first with Jamie and now this!"
Suddenly, Reed ran up to the newcomers, "Hold it! While we never meant to bring everyone here. We need all the help we can get."
Tech, removed his helmet, "Ah, you must be Reed Richards then. Mr. Parker told us about you and your team."
"Guess that means the machine works," Hunter glanced to the others, "But I recall how it was just meant to be us clones, clankers, and the Jedi that were supposed to be here."
Artoo beeped, as Threepio turned to the astromech, "Well, here we go again."
"I have a certain, a certain blue friend of ours, might have gotten carried away with a wish from Sora," Obi-Wan stroked his beard.
"Wish," Everyone who had not met the Genie raised an eyebrow.
Bunny groaned as he rubbed his eyes, "The Genie! Of course! That bloody explains a lot!"
Suddenly, Genie reappeared before the group, "Isn't this great?! We're all together connected to some kind of great film studio!" He then gestured to the Guardains, "Except for them! Disney hasn't bought their studio... yet, but they're pretty great too!"
"Does anyone know what he's talking about?" Zack blinked in confusion.
"Oh, yeah," Genie glanced to the spikey-haired hero-in-training, "Forget you were here too. Making a big comeback in the Remake trilogy."
"Something tells me we may not want to know," Quasimodo blinked, glancing at his friends and the others around him.
"Well, I don't know what's going on here," Baloo managed to get free of Genie's arms, "But my little man-cub is here, and I'm going to hang out with him until I have to return to the jungle." He glanced at Tigger, "You with me, my bouncy friend?"
"Oh, absolutely positively!" Tigger bounced out of the hug, "Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!" He then bounced alongside the bear before they noticed the battle below, "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Say, what's with the mess here?"
"Listen, everyone," Padmé stood in front of the group and got everyone's attention, "Peter and Wanda called us for help! As many of you may know, Xehanort has been after Sora before we even met our mutual friends!"
"Tell me about it," Phil rubbed his head, "Guy made a deal with the god of the Underworld to get him."
"I take this means our amazing friends have deduced Xehanort's plot," Basil assumed.
"Yes, in order to avoid his own defeat," Mr. Fantastic spoke up, "Xehanort plans to place his own heart and turn Sora into him..."
Everyone, man, alien, and beast alike, eyes widened in horror. Even Sandy has an explanation point over his head. Dawson gasped, "My goodness..."
Esmeralda gasped, "My God!"
"The fiend!" Basil's eyes narrowed in anger.
"Well, what are we just standing around?!" Baloo exclaimed in deep concern, "We gotta stop him and save Sora!"
"Agreed," Master Yoda stepped ahead, "Stop Xehanort, we must. Depend on us, the universe does."
"Even if that wasn't the case, I think we all agree on is the Peter and Wanda risked their lives to save our homes, even if theirs wouldn't have been harmed if they had done nothing," The future chancellor declared as she drew out her blaster, "We owe it to them to save theirs and their child!"
Everyone let out a loud vocal agreement, as Wrecker laughed, "The cavalry has arrived!"
Red Guardian glanced at Santa, "Yes! I knew Santa Claus was Russian!"
After the cheers died down, one of the battle droids asked, "So, where are they again?"
Some of the Jedi quickly ran beside the bear, looking down on the battle of New York City. Mace Windu's eyes widened, "There!" Those closest to him turned to where he was pointing, "And they have company!"
"We need to get down there! Right now!" Baloo declared.
Pheobus glanced at Mr. Fantastic, "Where are the stairs to this place?!"
"Just around the corner but-"
"Then we gotta move quickly!" The reinstated Captain of the Guard declared as he ran off in that direction.
"Right behind you!" Zack quickly followed him.
Dawson was about to follow when Basil stopped him, "Not so fast, Dawson..."
Once they were out of the room, Commander Cody glanced at this world's smartest man, "Um, the elevator, sir?"
"In the center of the room," Reed answered before turning to the Guardians, "But I believe we have faster options."
"Da! You do!" North nodded.
Bunny grinned as he patted his foot down, creating a rabbit hole inside the building, "Let's dive into the action then!"
With that, Bunny leaped down, as he was quickly followed by Tigger, Yoda, Plo Koon, Aayla Secura, Kit Fisto, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Cody and several other clones leaped inside. Wrecker laughed wildly, "Alright! Let's do this!"
He leaped into the hole...
...only to get stuck. His eyes widened as he struggled, "Uh-oh! Uh, guys? A little help...?"
"Well, that's embarrassing," A battle droid glanced at another.
The other nodded in agreement, "Roger, roger."
As Hunter and Crosshair tried to pull their squad member out of the rabbit hole, Hercules leaped on Pegasus along with Phil. The demigod glanced to the others, "Anyone else need a lift?"
"I'll take you up on that offer," Ashoka nodded as she joined him before they flew off, much to the satyr's happiness.
Santa then pulled out several snow globes and slammed them on the ground, creating portals to the battlefield. Rex turned to his brothers, "Alright, boys, Sidious may have created us for an evil plot, but we will fight against the darkness! FOR THE REPUBLIC!"
Rex led the charge as the 501st Legion followed in with a battle cry. North, Tooth, Sandy, Esmeralda, Quasimodo, Baloo, Bagheera, Djali, and several Jedi joined them. The Bad Batch soon followed as soon as they pulled Wrecker out of the rabbit hole, which closed up as soon as they did. The battle droids joined them, "For the Separatist Alliance!"
"Roger roger!"
"Roger roger!"
"Roger roger!"
"Roger roger!"
Basil ran over to the edge of the building and whistled loudly, "Toby! Here, boy!"
Soon enough, the giant hound ran toward the side of the building, barking happily. Anakin blinked in shock, "That's Toby?"
"Wow," Padmè stated equally as shocked, "Peter and Wanda weren't kidding when they said Toby was a giant hound."
"Toby!" Basil raised a finger, "Little Sora is in mortal danger!"
Toby stopped his happy panting before his eyes narrowed in anger, and he showed his fangs as he growled. He lowered his ear, allowing Basil and Dawson to climb on him. Anakin rushed on as well, admitting, "Well, it's not the strangest creature I've ridden on."
"C'mon, Threepio," Padmé told the protocol droid.
Artoo beeped as he followed the senator, and Jack landed on top of Toby's head, muttering to himself, "Sora's got some interesting taste in pets."
"Um, my lady," C-3PO slowly climbed on the giant hound, "I know what's at stake, but should you be joining them in this battle? You are very late in your pregnancy."
"No time to argue," She told the droid.
"Actually, I'm with Threepio on this one," Anakin turned to his wife, "If you die out there, so do our children..."
"Ani... should we lose the day," The potential future chancellor glanced to her husband, "None of us will be here... Now, I won't take any unnecessary risks, but I'm not going to stay on the sidelines either. The fate of not just our galaxy but all of existence rests upon our shoulders..."
The Jedi Knight sighed as he glanced up to the sky, "Lord... watch over us..." He then turned to his wife, "Okay, but stay close to me, and if you feel like you need to..."
"I'll let you know-" With that, Toby rushed off to the battle, after a loud howl, which cut the senator off, "Whoa!"
Basil laughed, "The game's afoot!"
Genie then leaped off the Baxter Building as Buzz Lightyear, "To infinity... AND BEYOND!"
As the Thunderboltz and eggheads watched the once-believed fictional heroes dive into battle, Beast turned to Forge, as more clones and droids exited the portal to join the final battle, "Keep that portal open. As long as it's active, we can get the numbers we need to turn this around."
Forge gave his fellow X-Man a thumbs-up as Reed went to the Fantasticar and turned it on. Beast went to join them, as Widow and Bucky nodded to each other. As the two former assassins ran to the car, Natasha turned to Kairi, "Stay with Riku and the others. We'll be back!" She then turned to her sister, "Yelena..."
"We'll keep them safe," She promised.
Smiling in apperception, she joined the scientists, as they too flew into battle...
"They're getting closer," Kitty pointed out at the incoming members of the Black Order.
"Tell us something we don't know," Yuri retorted as she shot several bullets at them, which were deflected with ease.
As the heroes headed toward the Baxter Building, they could feel the ground shake beneath their feet. Wanda groaned, "Now what?"
"My Spider-Sense isn't picking up anything..." Peter stated. When, all of a sudden, it actually went off, "...and I retract that statement."
He turned around and activated the borrowed lightsaber, ready to block Corvus Glaive's blade...
...when something pushed him back, sending him flying. Midnight's eyes widened, "What the-?!"
She was suddenly forced to stop, as a giant paw nearly stepped on her. Everyone turned to see their savior, who was a giant hound. As Wanda blinked, "Tobey?"
Suddenly, leaping off of Toby's head came Basil, Dawson, Anakin Skywalker, and Jack Frost. The Winter Spirit cast ice upon the Proxima further back as the Jedi Master activated his own lightsaber and clashed his blue blade against the herald of Thanos's spear, quickly disarming her as Dawson and Basil knocked her down. Spidey blinked, "Anakin? Basil? Dawson? Jack? You're all here?"
"You're blue friend may have gotten carried away with the backup," Basil told the two Avengers.
Suddenly, as Glaive recovered, his eyes widened as North charged at him, swords raised, as clone and droid reinforcements charged in through the magic portals, and attacked the incoming Heartless. Black Dwarf roared and swung his axe, cutting down clones and droids alike until Wrecker tackled him to the ground.
"Well, we're here to help," Dawson raised his hat to the heroes, "Just as you helped us."
"So, what's the plan?" Anakin wondered as he quickly cut down the incoming Heartless.
"Push Xehanort into a crack, and use the remaining orb to seal it shut," Peter answered, "Keep Sora safe from the other villains after him."
"I'm good with that plan," Jack nodded in agreement as he froze a Heartless in place.
Just then, something beamed down to City, and emerged with a large edge double bladed sword, clade with golden armor, stood the Mad Titan. As he looked around, "The Stones?! Is this about the Stones?! Have you found them?! Where are they?!"
He then spotted the small child in Wanda's arms, seeing how everyone was after him... yet carried no Infinity Stones. He turned to Maw with a glare, "A boy? You called me for a boy?!"
"Heh," Maw laughed nervously, "He's magical..."
Before Thanos could bring any harm to his subordinate, the white skinned alien was shot in the head by Crosshair. The sniper then turned to the Mad Titan and attempted to blast him, only for the bolts to bounce off his armor. In response, Thanos threw his blades at him, forcing the marksman to dodge as the massive blades barely missed him.
Anakin blinked, "So, who's this guy?!"
"Someone as equally as deluded as Xehanort," Spidey stated, "Either way, we need to get Sora out of here!"
"And quickly," May added, knowing who Thanos is on the news.
"Fair enough," Anakin nodded as Toby lowered his head.
The pregnant senator blasted a few Heartless as she told the group, "Get on! Quickly!"
As they complied, Wanda blinked, "Padmè? You're here too?"
"It's great to see you all again," She smiled before turning to May, "Oh, who's this?"
"May Parker," She greeted the wife of Anakin.
"Padmè," She shook the elder woman's hand before realizing, "Oh, you must be Peter's Aunt! It's so good to meet you!" She then realized she unintentionally blew Spidey's secret, as she turned to the web-head, "I'm so sorry."
"Don't apologize," Wanda reassured her as she lifted a hand, "I blew it long before you got here... plus she kinda already knew."
"Wow..." She blinked, "These past few weeks must have been crazy for the both of you."
"Unbearably," Peter admitted as Toby lifted his head off the ground, "...and I have a feeling it isn't going to end just yet!"
Seeing the giant hound turning to leave with the Child, Black Dwarf kicked Wrecker off of him and went after them, only for Master Yoda to stand in the way. The brute member of the Black Order laughed, "You think someone as puny as you is going to stop me..."
The Grandmaster lifted an eyebrow in amusement, "Judge me by my size, do you?"
Black Dwarf raised his giant axe to crush the over 800-year-old Jedi, for the green alien leaped out of the way before the axe hit the ground. Yoda then used the Force to summon his lightsaber to his side, as he ran up the brute's arm. Before the member of the Black Order could react, Yoda activated his lightsaber and struck at his head...
Back with Xehanort, the heroes had managed to push Xehanort to the crack, which was only on the other side of the street. As Magento threw more abandoned vehicles at him, the Seeker of Darkness cut them down with his Keyblade. Iron Man fired several repuslor blasts, "C'mon! We almost have him!"
Taskmaster threw his shield at Xehanort, who knocked it aside, only to get kicked in the chest by the mercenary, who engaged him in a duel. The two had clashed blades, both seemingly evenly matched, which took Xehanort by surprise briefly, before he smirked, as he noticed that his current opponent was mimicking his own battle stance, "Of course, you learn your opponent's movements and master them on your own."
"That's right," Taskmaster glared behind his skull mask, "Anything you can do, so can I!"
As the mercenary moved in to attack again, Xehanort changed his strategy; he deflected Taskmaster's attack with a barrier, then blasted him back with darkfire, sending him flying, making the villain smirk, "Not everything."
He then proceeded to deflect Iron Man's blasts, as New Goblin soared above him, throwing pumpkin bombs at the young man in the black coat. At the same time, Captain America was trying to get an unconscious Hulk back in the action, "Hulk! We need you! Banner may no longer be in there but I know you're still in there! We can't finish this fight without you!"
Black Panther and Wolverine moved in on all sides with quick speed, hacking and slashing their claws at Xehanort. While he was able to block a few of them, many managed to hit him, causing him to grunt in pain, until he cast another barrier, knocking them back.
He then raised his Keyblade over his head, "Heal!"
Green magic flowed around him, healing his wounds, when Nick Fury and Dagger hit the hooded villain with lasers and light daggers, respectively. Quicksilver ran in and punched him from all sides, "C'mon! Get in there, you son of a bi-"
Xehanort then knocked him away, just as the Juggernaut charged at him, "I don't care how tough you are! Nothing stops the-"
Before he could finish, Xehanort opened a Corridor of Darkness, which the half-brother of Charles Xavier ran through...
"...Jugger-what?" Juggernaut blinked to realize he was no longer on his world. Instead, he ended up in a garden, with many roses, which had been crushed upon arrival, "Where am I?"
"YOU!"
Juggernaut turned to see a large woman dressed in royal clothing and guarded by oversized playing cards, glared at him, "HOW DARE YOU SMASH THROUGH MY BEAUTIFUL ROSES!" She then ordered her cards, "OFF WITH HIS HEAD!"
With that, the cards charged in, as Cain sighed, shaking his head. Knowing how pointless this act would turn out...
As the Dark Corridor closed, Xehanort turned just in time to block another repuslor blast, which was barely pushing him toward the crack in reality. His eyes narrowed, "Fools! You really think you can defeat me! If you had handed the Child to me willingly, you're world would have been spared! Now you will all-"
Suddenly, he was struck in the head with a tambourine, "GAH!" He turned in the direction from which it came, "What?!"
Esmeralda gave a mocking smirk and a wave, distracting Xehanort as Hercules moved in, kicking him in the chest. Dagger blinked as she turned to Iron Man, "Wait, was this the plan?!"
Iron Man looked up to the skies, "No! But that is!"
Leaping off of Pegasus, Ashoka activated her lightsabers and pushed Xehanort back with the Force. The Seeker of Darkness tried to fight it, but a rope held by Quasimodo at one end and Phil from another caused him to lose balance, before Djali ran into him, followed by a punch from the son of Zeus, causing him to fall closer to the crack.
As he recovered, he was dumbfounded by the people who weren't supposed to be on this world, "How?!"
"What can we say?" Dr. Strange declared as he prepared a spell, "We're full of surprises!"
He then cast a powerful spell, forcing Xehanort to dodge, but Bunny leaped out of a rabbit hole and threw several boomerangs at him, making him fall back to the crack. With one final shout, Captain America exclaimed, "HULK!" The Hulk's eyes shot wide open as the super soldier pointed a finger at the future nemesis of Sora's, "SMASH!"
Growling Hulk leaped back on his feet and ran straight at Xehanort. At the same time, the villain was able to knock Ashoka back after clashing blades, but his eyes widened to see the gamma brute charging straight at him before throwing a fist, knocking him into the crack, but he grabbed onto the edge of it. Cap then exclaimed, "Now, Clint! TAKE THE SHOT!"
From the rooftops, Clint pulled out the arrow with the magic orb on it and aimed it at the crack with Xehanort in it. His eyes narrowing with determination, "Say 'ah,' dirtbag!"
With that, Hawkeye released the arrow, which was sent directly to its target. As always his aim was straight and true. As the arrow gain closer upon its target, it seemed victory was all but assured for the heroes...
...so it turned to shock and horror, as Xehanort caught the arrow, merely inches away from its target. Finally, pulling himself out of the crack, Xehanort grinned, "A valuate effort..." He twirled the arrow with the orb before slamming it into the crack behind him, sealing it away, "But you lost you're only shot at stopping me!"
Taskmaster then drew out some arrows and launched them at Xehanort, as he dodged the projectiles. Suddenly, Master Windu leaped above him, lightsaber raised. The youthful villain raised his Keyblade to block the strike, as the Jedi Council member exclaimed, "Surender, Xehanort!"
"You're too late, Jedi," Sidious's half-brother grinned as he pushed him aside. As the purple lightsaber wielder, landed on his feet, Xehanort opened a Corridor of Darkness, "And I'm done playing around!"
Ashoka and Hercules moved in to stop him, but he was long gone before he could reach him. Hercules groaned, "He got away!"
"And we were so close at ending this!" The former Jedi groaned.
"Great! Does anyone have a plan B?!" Iron Man wondered.
Master Windu went to his coms., "Anakin! Are you with the Child, and his guardians?!"
"Yep," Anakin answered as he deflected, magic attacks from the Heartless trying to pursue them on Toby, "We're okay for the moment! Please tell me we have some good news!"
"Unfortunately, we lost the final orb," Master Windu answered, "Xehanort got rid of it as soon as he got his hands on it!"
"Dang it!" Wanda exclaimed as she hexed a Heartless.
"Is there any other way we can send Xehanort back to the past," The Jedi Master asked through Anakin's coms.
"That was the last one Merlin gave us!" The Scarlet Witch revealed, "Maybe if Stark's machine can reach him..."
"Wait a minute," Spidey's eyes widened, "Maybe we don't need that orb!" Everyone turned to him, dumbfounded, as he reached for his Avenger ID card, "Wong! Did Mickey ever show up?!"
"He did," Wong sighed in relief, taking a minute to sit on the Avengers' couch, and take a breath, as the rest of his team did the same, "He managed to seal the Keyhole. Our world won't be visiting the Realm of Darkness any time soon!"
The King of Disney Castle approached the Keeper of the Ancient Books, "What did you need?"
"We need to make sure that Mickey is there when we send Xehanort through another crack," Peter answered.
"But Peter, we lost the last orb," Wanda pointed out.
"Yes, but Merlin only gave those to us because we didn't have a Keyblade," Spidey pointed out, making her blink. He explained, "Remember what he told ys back in Traverse Town? He said that the Keyblade could be used to fix them. Which means..."
"...meaning King Mickey has the power to seal them too," Wanda's eyes widened in realization.
"Did everyone get that?" Anakin asked through his own coms.
"Loud and clear," Master Windu nodded as he cut down another Heartless as Nick Fury shot down another.
The Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. turned to Armored Avenger, "Stark!"
"Already have a few options," Tony answered as JARVIS showed him all the breaches within the area, "Just one problem though, Xehanort knows what we're planning! With those dark portals of his, he can avoid any area we try to trap him in!"
"Then we have to try to lure him in," Captain America answered, "Something he wants and cannot resist, even if he knows it's a trap."
"Hmm..." Mickey hummed in thought, "Maybe some old knowledge of the Keyblade War?"
"That may not be enough," Wong stated, "Even if we had it, he may have already studied it."
"He needs the χ-blade to unlock Kingdom Hearts," Winter Soldier pointed out as he shot down many Heartless from the Fantasticar, "Maybe we can trick him into thinking the Asgardians had it the whole time!"
"Nay," Baulder shook his head, as he began to recover, "He would never buy it."
"There has to be something we have that he desperately wants," Obi-Wan spoke through his coms. leading his troops to aid the villains (who were on their side) against the forces of Hydra...
"Me..." A young voice spoke from the dog's head. Everyone with Sora turned to said Child, "I'm the reason he's doing all of this, right? Maybe I can lead him to one of those cracks."
"Sora, no," Wanda shook her head, "That is too risky."
"She's right, sweetie," His Great Aunt nodded in agreement, "We cannot risk losing you."
"But he does have a point," Dr. Strange lightly nodded, "We know that in the future, Sora's the only one who truly manages to foil Xehanort Senior's plans. He's the only one he can. And Xehanort Junior knows this."
"If Sora grows into the hero Xehanort fears," Vision glanced to Strange, "Then his plans are doomed to fail. This is why he is attacking our world to begin with."
"Maybe we can use that but not use Sora specifically," Carol replied, and she punched away a possessed Mandroid, "Mystique fooled him once, maybe she can fool him again..."
"Scratch that idea," Quicksilver knelt down to the downed mutant, "I just found her. She's alive and still has her heart, but she's down for the count." He then thought aloud, "But I heard that Enchantress chick knows a thing or two about shapeshifting... maybe..."
"Send me the locations," The Asgardian witch glanced to Master Fisto as he allowed her to listen in as the clones and droids fought off the Heartless and Dreadnoughts, "I'm certain I can draw our common foe to his-"
"I hate to say it," Yellow Jacket spoke to his coms, "Whenever we come up with a strategy to take down a supervillain, they always learn from the fight. They never fall for the same trick twice. The only way he'd take the bait is if the real Child, Sora, was actually there and present by the crack."
"Hank!" Wasp exclaimed through her Avenger ID card as Aayla helped her heal her wounds with the Force, "You're not seriously considering using an innocent child as live bait!"
"She's right," The blue Jedi Twi'lek replied through the same device, "Even if Sora wasn't the Child of Destiny, it's not worth risking his life."
As Hank punched out a Hydra agent, he explained, "We don't have to. We have multiple options for a quick exit. Have Sora be by a breach until Xehanort shows, then teleport him away to another breach..."
Now, realizing what the original Antman was thinking, Tony finished, "...so if Xehanort still decides to pull back and go after Sora, we'd still have him near a crack we can exploit, and just keep pulling this strategy to keep Sora safe and finally kick Xehanort out of our time." Iron Man then stated, "Wanda, I know you and Spider-Man, and other extended family members might not be thrilled with this idea... but this may be our only option."
"I can't believe I'm saying this," Magento glanced to the Armored Avenger, "But you're friend is right. It's risky, but it might be the only way to keep Sora safe from Xehanort."
Wanda looked like she was being torn apart. She could see the logic, but she didn't want Sora anywhere near Xehanort. Not even for a second. Basil placed a comforting hand on Wanda, "You and Peter have done well thus far to keep Sora safe, but if you wish to truly keep him safe so he may live to fulfill his destiny... this is our best chance."
"And you're not alone in this," Anakin reassured her and Peter, "We'll help you finish this fight."
"I'll pull Sora out of there myself," Nightcrawler reassured them.
"One way or another," Yuri reloaded her gun, "We're sending Xehanort back where he came from!"
As everyone gave them familiar reassurances, as she turned to Peter, "Well, Peter, what do you think?"
"I'm thinking you and I have the best chance at stopping Xehanort once and for all," Spidey took her hand, "And we can trust our friends and family to see this through..."
After a long thought, she turned to their son, "Sora... you hold onto Kurt and don't leave his side unless he tells you to. Stay close to our friends to keep you safe..." Sora nodded as Wanda turned back to her Avenger ID card, "Tony, send us the locations. Meet us at the closest one there."
"I'm sending the locations to all of our allies," Iron Man stated, "Get to one as soon as you can and be ready for the fight of your lives."
"We'll save Sora and the universe or die trying," Captain Amercia told everyone.
"Understood, sir," Rex answered through his wrist com, "Let's do this!"
With that, the Clone Commander of the 501st charged into battle against the horde of Heartless as his men followed. Tech nibally maneuvered around the Dreadnoughts, placing devices on them. By the time the machines turned their attention to the intellectual member of the Bad Batch, he touched a button on his bad, reworking the machine's programming, as he reported, "General Kalani. I have reprogrammed the Dreadnoughts; you should now have them under your command."
"Acknowledged," Kalani responded as he observed the battle from the Baxter Building, "I'm ordering them to turn on their creators and target the Heartless and those who threaten the Child." He then stated, "It is unfortunate we've been advisories until recently. We would have conducted many successful battle strategies."
Suddenly, the droid general turned to a commotion within the building. He noticed that the three gargoyles, who came to life after the majority of the new arrivals left to help the Child, were trying to figure out how to work a rocket launcher, as Hugo stated, "I'm telling you the pointy end goes through here!"
"I still think it goes the other way!" Victor scratched his head as Hugo loaded the launcher.
Larvene then took the launcher from them, "Oh, come on, you blockheads, we gotta hurry! Spider-Man, Scarlet Witch, and Sora need all the help they can get! So, stop your bickering and let's kick some booty!"
As the three went to the edge of the Baxter Building, Kairi turned to Riku, "How are they supposed to do that without legs?"
The boy shrugged as the three held the launcher, and Victor exclaimed, "READY! AIM! FIRE!"
With that, the three threw the launcher off the ledge to the battle below, where it clonked a Heartless on the head. As Hugo beamed with excitement, the other two Gargoyles turned to him. Victor wondered, "Are you sure that's how it's supposed to work?"
Just as he questioned it, another Heartless bumped it, causing it to fire as the rocket hit a group of Heartless, causing an explosion that incinerated them. Hugo grinned at his two friends as he shrugged, "Works for me!"
Kalani merely shook his head, trying to figure out how their antics even got the results needed. Only one thing came to mind. Dumb luck...
Finally, after running down over 30 staircases, Pheabos and Zack made it to ground level, panting. Zack wiped the sweat off his face, "Finally made it..."
"Yes," The Captain of the Guard from La Cité des Cloches took a deep breath, "Whew! Can't imagine doing that in every crisis!" He then glanced at the hero in training, "Come on! Hopefully, we're not too late!"
Nodding back, they drew out their swords and ran toward the exit to the building. Just as they ran out of the doors of the building, their eyes widened to see that everyone managed to beat them out, where they were already in the midst of the battle. Blinking in shock, before immediately frowning, Zack muttered, "They had faster ways out of the building through magic and superpowers, didn't they?"
"Yep, it would appear so," Pheobus nodded to the spikey-haired warrior, "Only makes sense knowing what Spider-Man and Wanda can do."
"Not to mention, my friend Herc owns a Pegasus," Zack just realized.
"Oh, yes, the flying horse," Pheobus nodded in agreement, "And there was also Santa and his own flying reindeer."
"Oh, he owns flying reindeer," He glanced at the golden armored knight. After receiving the nod, the two groaned. Soon enough, Zack stood tall, "C'mon, or they'll finish the fight without us."
"Right," Phoebus nodded before the two joined the battle, ignoring the weaponry that was being through off the building at the Heartless below...
Meanwhile, Bagherra roared as he pounced upon a flying Heartless, destroying it, when suddenly Wrecker was thrown beside him. The brute Clone groaned, "The overgrown raisin is tougher than he looks!"
Suddenly, Thanos's shadow towered over them, as the two turned to the Mad Titan, glaring down at them, "Fools! You truly believe you can defeat me! I've destroyed planets with a single punch! I've enslaved comic beings! I've broken the cosmic-rod! I've traded blows with Thor, the Hulk, even Odin himself! None of you can defeat-" Suddenly, something struck him at the back of the head, making him very sleepy, "Oooooooh~" He then noticed the sand infinity stones swirling above his head, "Infinity Stones..."
He then collapsed on the ground, snoring, as Sandy was smirking from behind him, lightly tossing a ball of sand in his palm. The two stared at the holiday figure, as Wrecker nodded to him, "I softened him up for ya!"
The panther merely rolled his eyes at him, as Tigger bounced around, "Sora! Oh, Sora! Come out! Come out, wherever you are!" Suddenly, the stuffed toy heard large stomping coming their way, "Say, the Heffalumps are here too!"
Soon enough, the Colonel and his herd of elephants marched throughout the streets of New York, crushing any Heartless that stood in their way. Hati told the herd, "Listen up, soldiers! This operation is unlike any we've been tasked before! Prepare for Operation... uh... operation...?"
"Stop that black coated man," His son suggested, glancing up at him.
"Ah, very good, son," Colonel Hathi smiled with pride, liking the idea, before clearing his throat, "Prepare for Operation: STOP THAT BLACK COATED MAN!"
"Oh, we march from here to there~ And it doesn't matter where~ You can hear us push through the deepest bush~" The elephants sang as they continued their assault, blowing their trunks, as Hathi exclaimed, "With a military air~" The herd repeated, "With a military air~"
Jesse glanced at the marching elephants as he questioned, "Are they... singing?"
A battle droid glanced at the clone, "I rather like it!"
The droid hummed as he marched further into battle...
"Mrs Parker," Yuri glanced at the elder Aunt of Spider-Man, "I suggest that for the remainder of the battle, you get yourself to safety... Let Dr. Dawson and I get you to the nearest church."
"And what about my great nephew and my nephew?" May wondered, not even trying to hide that Peter was Spider-Man, considering Wanda practically gave it away earlier.
"We'll be okay, we can keep Sora safe, and Peter's fought to protect this city even before the Avengers first assembled," Wanda reassured her, "God willing, we'll be alright..."
"We're also not alone, either," Spidey gestured to their friends.
Jack Frost, Basil, Sue, Kurt, and Kitty gave her looks of reassurance. The newest Guardian added, "With everyone here, and pushing the Heartless and the bad guys with Xehanort back will be a breeze."
After a moment, May sighed as she turned to her nephew, "Just be careful, my dear. I hate to lose you, Wanda, or Sora after your Uncle."
"We'll be okay..." Peter promised her when Genie flew above them.
Genie appeared as a taxi driver, as he spoke with a New York accent, "Ma'am, I do believe this is your stop."
With a snap of his fingers, both May and Dawson vanished with them. Wanda glanced at the pregnant senator as she spoke up, "Uh, Padmé, maybe you should join them..."
Just then, Anakin spotted Xehanort looking down at them from the rooftops, "No time! He's here!"
Jack blasted the villain with powerful ice magic, but vanished before it could hit. Basil turned to the heroes of this world, "Quickly, my friends! Where's the closest crack!"
Checking his Avenger ID card, Peter told the Great Mouse Detective, "Take the next right on Broadway!"
"Tobey! Quickly!" Basil instructed the giant dog. The hound quickly complied with a bark as he went to engage him.
Just then, Xehanort appeared on the dog's back, causing everyone to go on alert. Thankfully, Nightcrawller reacted quickly, knocking Xehanort off with a kick. He turned to the others, "Keep moving! I shall slow him enough so he doesn't get too close to Sora!"
With that, he teleported away to where Xehanort crash-landed. He aimed one of his swords at Xehanort's throat, "En garde, Xehanort!"
"Hmph!" Xehanort brushed off the attack before summoning his Keyblade to his side, "Whatever happened to turning the other cheek?"
"Sometimes," Kurt's eyes narrowed, "A good shepherd must protect his flock from the wolves."
With that, the two engaged in a duel, clashing their blades against each other, teleporting from one building to the next while the villain was trying to keep up with Tobey, while, the X-Man slowed him down. Wanda glanced at the others, "Kurt won't be able to keep him busy forever!"
"How much further, Mr Parker?" Basil asked the Web-Slinger.
"Just a few more blocks," Peter looked at the map on the ID card, as Tony sent him the data through JARVIS. Just then, his Spider-Sense went off, as he glanced to see Carnage, Grim Reaper, Sabertooth, and many Hydra agents were attempting to intercept him, "Uh oh! We've got company!"
Anakin activated his lightsaber, as his wife drew out his blaster, he asked, "Uh... We're still kinda new to this world. How do we tell the good guys from the bad guys..."
"If they're shooting or stabbing at you," Yuri's eyes narrowed, "They're bad!"
"Cute puppy," Carange grinned as his arm formed into a large blade, "They were always my childhood kills!"
Before he could stab the giant hound, Sue raised a Force Field to deflect the symboite's strikes, followed by Reapers. Anakin blinked at the serial killer, "Wait... is that...?"
"A symbiote!" Peter confirmed, "This one's bonded to a serial killer! Still any sonic gerades left over from Venom?!"
"You're in luck!" Anakin grinned as he pulled one out, before turning to the Invisible Woman, "Give me an opening!"
Sue smiled and complied as the Jedi Master activated the detonator and tossed it outside the barrier, where it went off, causing Cassady to scream in pain, clutching his ears as the red symbiote was desperate to stay attached to him, "GAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!"
Even Reaper was stunned by the sound bomb, knocking him back through a building. Sabertooth roared as he attempted to attack the hound from the front, only for the giant dog to bite into the feral mutant and throw him aside. As for the Hydra agents, that's went the clone and droid reinforcements arrived to turn it around. A prideful Hydra agent declared, "You cannot defeat us! Cut off one head and two more will take it's-"
That's when he was shot down by Rex, who glanced to his brothers and former enemies, as he commented, "Alright... let's find two more!"
Soon enough, Padmé's eyes widened, "There it is!"
Sure enough, it was just ahead. Tobey stopped just short of the breach, allowing the heroes to jump off of him, as Kurt teleported to their side, taking deep breaths. Wanda glanced at her former lover, "You alright, Kurt?"
"He's been well trained," He slowly nodded as he placed his swords away, "...but I should have enough strength to keep Sora moving to other portals should the situation call for it."
Wanda handed Sora to Kurt, as he took the child, as Xehanort appeared before the heroes, "You're heroes nearly had me earlier... but without the orb. You'll never be able to send me back."
"He doesn't know Mickey's here," Spidey smirked underneath his mask, "Good. That means we can still catch him off guard. Just need to keep him busy until he gets here. Keep him talking. He loves to do that. All villains with big egos have that in common."
He nodded to his girlfriend, who was having similar thoughts. She declared, "We'll find a way."
"We always do," Spidey went into his battle stance as the other heroes followed.
"Oh, is that so?" Xehanort grinned before gesturing to the two heroes, "And what do you think will happen if by some miracle you do manage to defeat me? Raise the boy? Get married? Live happily ever after? Please, that sort of thing only happens in Fairy Tales. Besides, I know the future for both of you... And you're hardly what I call decent role models for Sora."
He gestured to Wanda, "The power of yours... it eventually gets the better of you. You'll begin to lose your mind... marrying the Vision..."
"Oh, that's a load of bull-" Wanda snapped before remembering Sora was present, quickly changing her words, "...BALONEY! If you think you can fool me with a bunch of garbage fanfic-"
"Oh, I haven't even begun," Xehanort cut her off, "...when you are unable to have children with him, you use your powers to create your own..." Wanda's face turned pale, her eyes widened with shock, as the villain continued, "...and when you were forced to put everything back to the way of was, you went mad, killing many of your friends. Scott Lang. Clint Barton. Even your beloved husband, Vision."
"That's a lie!" Peter's eyes narrowed, "WANDA WOULD NEVER-"
"I'll get to you in a moment. I wasn't finished with her," Xehanort raised a finger to Spider-Man before turning back to Wanda, as she blinked, "Eventually, you tried to recertify you're actions by bending reality to where your father rules the earth, a utopia for mutant kind, and your friends ' deepest desires come true..." He gestured to Peter, "Even Spider-Man, whom you've grown so fond of. Giving him back his Uncle Ben, Captain Stacy, and even letting him marry the love of his life... Gwen Stacy, and they have a kid together in that reality."
Peter froze at that, as Anakin slowly moved to Wanda, "Do you really have that kind of power?"
"Theoretically," Wanda admitted before making a side note, "I've done it once as a child to a small town. But it wasn't real... it wouldn't have been real if I did either..."
"Oh, the heroes eventually wise up and attempt to stop you." Xehanort continued, "In fairness, for the most part, you do put everything back... with one alteration..." Wanda's eyes widened, recalling what Charles Xavier had warned about what could happen if she was pushed over the edge, "You know what I speak..."
"..." Wanda sighed as she whispered, "...no more mutants..."
"No," Everyone turned to Spider-Man, "Wanda would never do anything you accuse you for-"
"No, then perhaps, you'd like to know what you're fate would've been," Xehanort smirked, "Kang wasn't lying when he told you that you would be among this world's best heroes... as far as the public knew... You would have eventually married Mary Jane Watson and continued your life as Spider-Man."
"That doesn't sound so bad," Wanda raised an eyebrow. Sure, it wasn't her married to Peter, but she's met MJ, and she seemed like a good woman. Didn't exactly seem like a bad outcome to her.
"Oh, I have even mentioned Norman Osborn's return..." Xehanort smirked.
"Okay, now, even I know you're lying," Yuri's eyes narrowed, "Norman Osborn's currently pushing daisies at a cemetery in Harlem..."
"Oh, like he was before?" Xehanort glanced at Spider-Man.
Peter paused. The Green Goblin? Alive? He didn't want to believe it. It had been years. The last time they fought, Norman was impaled by his own glider. But he'd be lying that Gobby hasn't done this before, even back in high school. The possibility did exist. Xehanort calmly gestures to the heroes, "Only a few years from now, a series of events will start an act that will divide the 'Super Hero' committee. Super-human Registration Act. A law that would be passed by the US that would enforce the mandatory registration of super-powered individuals with the government. Any secret identity would become public knowledge. Any who refused to work with S.H.I.E.L.D. would be treated like the criminals they fought."
"Okay, now that's just stupid," Kitty spat with her eyes narrowed, "I get why the humans fear us! I don't like it, but I get it! But arresting superheroes who risk their lives to save people every day... no way that would ever become a-"
"Actually, Kitty," Sue spoke up, getting the other heroes' attention, "Maria Hill's been pushing the idea on Reed, Tony, and several other heroes for years... but it was a private talk. No one else knows about it. No one else should know about it!"
"Now do I have you're attention?" Xehanort smirked.
"That still doesn't explain why Peter wouldn't be a good father to Sora," Wanda glared at the black coated villain.
"Oh, the act pays a heavy toll on Spider-Man," The future nemesis of Sora's gestured to the Web-Slinger, "Stark manages to convince you to reveal your secret identity to the public as a means to convince more heroes to sign the regrsatration."
"Say what now?" Peter raised an eyebrow under his mask. Him? Revealing his secret identity to the public? He's seen the effect it had when Eddie tried to convince him who he was under the mask; he would never do that. Then again... it would explain how Young Xehanort knew who he was under the mask.
"When you realize the Act was far from just, you joined Captain America's side to fight against the Act," Xehanort continued, "But it also put a target on your family's back... which killed your beloved Aunt May." Peter froze at that statement, "Soon after your marriage falls apart, and you ask Strange to wipe out everyone's memory that Peter Parker is Spider-Man to protect. And that's only the beginning. You're life gets worse from there. Norman Osborn takes over S.H.I.E.L.D. Otto Octivous steals your body for years, leaving you for dead. And your MJ leaves you for another man, by the name of Paul Rabin."
"The pervert from F.E.A.S.T.?!" Wanda blinked in disbelief, "Really?!"
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure MJ has higher standards than that man," Peter mummbled to himself.
"Can't you see?" He gestured to Sora's foster parents, first to Wanda, "You're a threat to everyone around you," Then to Peter, "...and you can't seem to hold a happy life for yourself." He lightly chuckled, "You really think you'd be good parents for the Child of Destiny?"
"No, no, no..." Wanda shook her head as Sora turned to his foster parents in concern, "You have to be lying." Unknown to the heroes, there was chatter going on through Yuri's police radio, as she went to hear what's on the chatter, as Scarlet Witch continued, "You're only saying this so you can avoid your fate. Your ultimate defeat at Sora's hands."
"Yes, I admit," Xehanort slowly nodded, "If things were to play out as they were, my goal will never come into fruition. But would you like to know what came after... what happens to Sora after he defeats me?" After a silent pause, Xehanort slowly nodded, "Then I'll go on. To ensure that the χ-blade will be forged, my future self gets Sora to attack him... by striking down his precious Kairi in front of him."
Sora gasped in deep concern for her, "Kairi..."
"After my defeat, he abuses the Power of Waking to save her," Xehanort grinned, "Banishing him from everyone he ever holds dear from a place no one can reach him!" Wanda glanced at Sora in deep concern, "You want the future to play out exactly as it was? For yourselves or for him?"
Wanda then glanced at her boyfriend, "Peter...?"
Peter was silent as he glanced at her, before they heard Yuri lightly chuckle, "Really?" She then, after another pause she nodded, "That's for the update, Officer Davis. We'll pick up the body after the battle is over..." She pointed her gun directly at Xehanort, "Keep you're guard up! He was lying!"
"Oh, and how are you so certain?" Xehanort smirked, thinking she was bluffing.
"I just spoke with Jeff Davis," Yuri revealed as Spidey's eyes widened under his mask. That was Miles's father. She continued, "He just spotted a dead body that fell into the sewers. Paul Rabin's."
Everyone froze at that; even Xehanort's smirk faded. Paul Rabin was dead?! Kitty blinked, "Wait... if Mary Jane was supposed to leave Spider-Man for this Paul guy... then... how come he's dead?"
Xehanort looked completely speechless as Basil continued, "Because, my friends, in his desire to change his own fate... he failed to completely realize one other possibility. The chance that other events would change his own actions." He then glanced to the heroes, "Even if what he told us was true... he didn't take into account that the future changed not only for him... but for everyone..."
"Meaning, every horrible thing he just said could happen," Sue slightly smirked as the other heroes did too.
As Wanda finished, "...may never happen."
"There's also one other thing, Xehanort," Peter spoke up, getting the stunned villain's attention, "One other thing, you didn't take into account. I'm not going to marry MJ... because I love Wanda." Wanda blinked in shock as he slowly turned to her, "Wouldn't be right, if I didn't marry the woman I do love. Because I love you."
Wanda lightly chuckled at that as tears of joy rolled down her face. Peter then turned to Xehanort, "And I love Sora too. They're my family. Anything you may have heard has been thrown out the window since coming here to mess with our son!"
"And we're not letting you hurt Sora," Wanda's eyes narrowed as she stood by her boyfriend's side, "Or any of the children. Cap was right. Your future self won't just be facing his defeat by Sora..." She then smirked, "But we'll be there too. Proving everything you've said about us was wrong..."
"Xehanort," Anakin twirled his lightsaber before pointing the blade at the Sith Lord's half-brother, "In the name of the Galactic Senate of the Republic... you are under arrest. You will return home to your time to live out your life..."
"...while you, future self, will be prosecuted for every crime and evil you two have and will commit," Yuri joined in, "Go willingly, and maybe you'll get a fair trial."
"No, no..." Xehanort shook his head, "This... This changes NOTHING! The remaining orb is gone!" He forced a laugh, "You have no way to send me back! And I won't rest until my heart is inside that boy! I will control Destiny! And none of you can stop me!"
"Wrong again, Xehanort!" A cheerfully familiar voice spoke up. A stunned Xehanort, and several smug heroes turned to see Mickey, with Keyblade in hand, ready to take on the past version of the Seeker of Darkness, "There will always be a light to stand up against ya!"
And the King wasn't alone either. Donald, Goofy, Wong, Iron Fist, Domino, Blob, Colossus, and the Human Torch were there too, as the sling portal the sorcerer created closed behind them. The keeper of the books stated, "The Keyhole has been sealed. The Heartless cannot take this world so easily now."
"Yeah," Donald raised his staff, "And nothing's stopping us from kicking you back to the past!"
Torch leaned toward Goofy, "Did you understand what he just said?"
"WAK!" The animated duck wizard glared at Sue's brother, who shook her head in amusement as another portal opened as Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Hawkeye, Taskmaster, Mockingbird, Wolverine, Rogue, Hercules, Ashoka, Mace, Quasimodo, Esmeralda, her goat, North, Magento, and Dr. Strange all exited the portal. Captain Marvel, Mar-Vell, and Agent Hill soon joined in.
"So, emo teen, what will it be?" Iron Man raised his arm, "Easy way... or hard way..."
Suddenly, Wasp flew in Xehanort's face, "Please, say hard way, because I really want to see Hulk make you his personal punching bag!"
Everyone stood silently, with only the sound of lightsabers humming, and echoes of the battle all over the city being present, as everyone awaited to see what Xehanort would do now. Now, not as confident as he once was before coming here, he glanced to the heroes that surrounded him before back to the child that started it all. Darkness oozed off of him before he cried out in anger, "NEVER!"
"Kurt! Keep Sora moving!" Wanda told him as she handed him her Avenger ID card.
"AVENGERS! TAKE HIM!" Iron Man exclaimed as the heroes moved it to attack the villain.
"STOPZA!" Xehanort commanded as he raised his Keyblade. Time instantly came to a halt, as all the heroes froze in place before they could reach him. Xehanort smiled in relief, as he laughed, "See? Y-your nothing special. Just an obstacle for me to overcome..." He then walked past the heroes guarding Sora, kneeling to him, "...and Sora is mine..."
He reached out, ready to take the child... when a magical rope wrapped around his arm and yanked him back, causing him to gasp, "What?!"
The magical bind pulled him back further from the boy, and he turned to see the one who held him back. The Sorcerer Supreme. Dr. Strange. "Sorry, kid, you're not the only one good with time magic."
Just then, the Eye of Aggomotto opened, revealing the Time Stone within, and broke Xehanort's hold on the heroes. The first thing that hit the silver head was a net arrow from Hawkeye before being pelted by Wasp's stings, and fireballs from Torch. With Xehanort occupied, Kurt took Sora and teleported away.
Xehanort broke free of the net, knocking Wasp aside, and blasted the fire user with water, causing him to collapse to the streets as he tried to figure out where the future Presit took the Child. That's when Cap slammed his shield across Xehanort's face, as Thor continued the assault with his hammer, into the Hulk's fist, who pounded him into the ground. He rolled away before the next hit could be struck as he deflected strikes from Santa and the surrounding Jedi. Mace exclaimed, "Get him to the breach!"
Iron Man, Captain Marvel, Scarlet Witch, Mar-Vell, Hill, and Hawkeye continued the assault from a short distance, as the sword wielders pulled back, allowing the attacks to hit, pushing the villain towards the crack. Wolverine growled as he, Rogue, Spider-Man, Kitty, and Basil charged at him, but Xehanort summoned more Heartless to stop their advancements and keep the blasts off him. Hercules attempted to restrain the villain from behind... perhaps in his prime, he might have succeeded, but Xehanrot threw the hero in training off him. Metal objects around him circled the villain before he vanished in a Corridor of Darkness. Goofy exclaimed, "Oh no! Xehanort's getting away!"
"It's okay, we've planned for this!" Cap reassured the Captain of the King's royal knights, "Strange! Wong!"
The two Sorceerors blasted away the Heartless that came at them, and used their sling rings to open portals to where Sora would be. As they did, they saw that the heroes and villains that were on their side had already engaged them. Xehanort found himself avoiding Bunny's boomerangs and Red Guardian's shield, which bounced off a building back to him. The latter laughed, "You are no match for Red Guardian and his amazing friends!"
Winter Soldier fired several shots at the villain, pressing the attack, as Obi-Wan moved in the engage the villain, clashing his lightsaber with his Keyblade to the portal, as Kurt teleported Sora away again. Seeing how even more of his enemies were on his tail, he snarled, "You're luring me to the other cracks with the boy! Cheep trick!"
"Well, I suppose you could avoid the areas with the breaches altogether, " Obi-Wan shrugged, "But then again... you'll never get the Child that way..."
"Grrrrrrrr..." Xehanort growled as he teleported away, leaving numerous Heartless in his place.
The negotiator glanced at the heroes who had just missed the villain, "Keep going, he's bound to make a mistake soon enough!"
"Strange?" Wanda glanced at the Sorcerer Supreme.
"Here's hoping third times the charm," Strange stated, creating said portal, as they all ran through.
This time, they found Xehanort engaged with Master Yoda himself as Sandman aided him. Sora had been separated from Kurt. Xehanort must have caught them by surprise. Thankfully, Baloo managed to get a hold of him and allowed the others to engage the villain, "Get you're hands off our cub!" He then handed him back, "Keep him moving, blue tail!"
"Many thanks, my friend," Kurt nodded as he teleported away again. That's when Colonel Hathi declared, "Push him in! Give him no quarter!"
Stepping backwards, he exclaimed, "Stop! Doing! That!"
Just then, Wrecker grabbed him by his hoodie and lifted him in the air, "Aw, don't be a baby, and go home!"
Xehanort, using some agility, turned and struck the brute clone with several kicks, making him release him. He then teleported away again, causing the clone to growl, "Hate when he does that!"
"Don't stop now!" Cap ordered as Strange opened another portal as more Heartless showed.
Carnage attempted to stop them, "No, stop! I want my chaos! I want Maximum Carn- GAAAHHHHHHH!"
Suddenly, a loud scream could be heard as Wanda turned to see that Songbird and the Thunderbolts, the OG with a 'S', had joined the battle. Removing the symbiote from Cassady. Crosshair used this opportunity to stun the killer as Mach-IV blasted the red alien slug. She flew to the couple's side, "We got you're message, Avengers. Sorry, we're late!"
"Don't be," Wanda smiled in appreciation, "You arrived just in time."
They spotted Atlas giving Tobey pets as more Heartless entered the fray. Mockingbird complained, "Ugh! More of them!"
"It's okay," Meteorite smirked as Heartless strike phased passed her, "We didn't come alone either!"
Suddenly, Antlantians rose from the ocean, attacking the Heartless with Namor leading the charge, "IMPERIUS REX!"
"Guess the fish people decided to join the fight after all," Wolverine chuckled as he cut down a Heartless.
"Not just them," A familiar voice spoke up as a giant bulldog known as Lockjaw teleported before the heroes with the Inhumans along with him. Black Bolt, Medusa, Crystal, Karnak, and Gorgon joined the battle against the forces of darkness. The redhead smiled, "We were able to finish up our family matters quickly with Maximus!"
"Great, we're all here," Clint nodded as he shot an explosive arrow into a flying Heartless, "Now, can we get back to getting Xehanort out of our timeline! Before all of space and time is destroyed!"
"Cupid's right," Hulk nodded as he walked over before stumbling, "We need to... smash..."
"Whoa, big guy," Spidey blinked underneath his mask, "You okay?"
"Xehanort removed Banner from me," He admitted, "As much as we both wanted this... we both know we can't survive without the other..."
"Oh no," Tony gasped as the heroes who hadn't witnessed this were shocked by this revelation.
"Can you still fight?" Cap asked, concerned for the Strongest Avenger.
Hulk got back on his feet, "I can keep this up... until.. I smash Xehanort back to the past!"
"We'll find a way to save you and Bruce," Cap reassured the gamma monster, "You have my word." Captain turned to Strange, "Let's keep going!"
With that, Strange opened another portal...
Sure enough, hours had passed, heading from one portal to the next. The good news was that as the battle raged on, the villains who were opposing the heroes were falling by the minute, the bad news... Xehanort continued to spam more Heartless. An overwhelming amount of Heartless.
Everyone held out, refusing to give up. Fighting off both the Heartless, keeping Sora safe, and coming up with clever ways to catch Xehanort off guard. Sue attempted to stop Xehanort by putting shields around the portals he opened. Bruce Banner donned the HulkBuster to join the fight. Enchantress attempted to deceive Xehanort that he was going after the wrong Sora by taking his form. (He didn't fall for it, but it did get him distracted enough to get some hits in from the heroes.) Rogue attempted to absorb his life force so he would knock out, but to her surprise, her powers had no effect on Keyblade Wielders. Tigger bounced on his head several times, throwing him off balance.
Unfortunately, Xehanort didn't tire, nor did the Heartless slow their advancement upon the city. With the heroes divided from fighting off the Heartless from consuming their own hearts, and attempting to fight Xehanort was starting to get a little too much.
Eventually, Nightcrawler tired out completely, forcing the heroes to have a final stand at the portal he was at. Many who stood against him fell to their knees, leaving only a few protecting Sora who still stand. Cap grunted as Xehanort made him fall to his knees, "Last chance. Give me the boy, or die with your world..."
In response, Cap slowly stood back up, raised his arms and shield, "I can do this all day..."
Xehanort did not like that answer as he raised his Keyblade to kill the super soldier to get to the child, when Spider-Man struck Xehanort across the face. The villain turned to see that the two heroes still standing in his way were a battle-torn Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch. Both of their costumes were worse for wear, with Scarlet Witch losing her cape entirely and her headpiece gone, her hair was all over, but her eyes glowed red, as Spider-Man, with his torn mask revealing a bruised but glaring blue eye where one of his lenses once was, holding his borrowed lightsaber in his hand. Wanda growled, "Don't... touch... our... baby!"
"You die for a child you only met over a week ago," Xehanort glared at him.
Spidey shook his head, "We didn't find him." Glancing at Sora, he gave a small smirk under his mask, "He found us."
With that, the two heroes charged straight at him, where Xehanrot really began to take a beating. This surprised Xehanort the most out of everything he's seen so far. At this point in time, he believed Wanda was too weak, still learning about her power. The chaos magic she unleashed upon him made him think otherwise as the red mist slammed him to the concrete.
Then there was Spider-Man. Xehanort always believed him to be a jokerest. Not even at the top-tier Avengers' heaviest hitters... only to find out that a silent Spidey was something to fear. No quips, no jokes... no pulling his punches, he couldn't touch the Web-Head while he received every punch, kick, webbing, and slice from his borrowed weapon that the hero threw at him.
Sure, the lightsaber couldn't cut through him as the Jedi soon discovered after Master Yoda, Anakin, and Obi-Wan were able to get some good hits in. But it still hurt nonetheless.
It was now that Xehanort understood, while alone, the two were more dangerous than they first appeared, but together as one. No force across the worlds could stop this power couple. No one could threaten their family or Sora without serious consequences. For if he were like most villains, they would have fallen after the first few strikes, desperately needing a hospital, but Xehanort was not like those villains. If he could not hit Spidey, he'd go for the woman, striking at her leg, causing her to scream in pain. He prepared to launch of ball of fire, but Spidey took most of the blow, burning the top of his costume off, leaving him bare-chested and bruised. However, the impact knocked both of them to the ground.
"Yo... Donald," Deadpool groaned as he glanced at the downed animated duck, "Wouldn't this be a good time to heal everyone..." When he didn't get a response, he glanced at the readers, "Figures... even in fanfiction, Donald still won't heal you."
Mickey groaned as he stood back on his feet, "C'mon! We've got to keep fighting..."
He then fell to his knees, as Deadpool wondered, "Wait a minute... I thought this story was supposed to have a happy end-" He then paused as his eyes widened under his mask, "Oh, is this the part where hope seems lost and something comes in at the last minute to save us..."
The couple groaned as Sora ran to their side, "Mommy! Daddy!"
"No, baby," Wanda shook her head to their child, "You need to run..."
"How brave..." Xehanort breathed heavily, as the two heroes hobbled to protect Sora, "I severely underestimated you two and this world. But the outcome is the same..." He reached for Sora, "Destiny and soon Kingdom Hearts will be mine!"
A weakened Magento attempted to use the metal around him to stop Xehanort from approaching his grandson, but was tired out. Suddenly, a green beam blasted Xehanort away, as Kang the Conqueror appeared from his chair with a futuristic blaster in his hands. Deadpool turned to no one in particular, "Oh, I totally called it..."
"Kang..." Cap blinked.
Giving a glare at the World War II hero, he eventually gave a respectful nod to the Captain, "You've done well to protect the boy..." He glanced at the boy's foster parents, "You two especially..." He then turned to Xehanort, "Xehanort! For the safety of all time, my time and this one's, I'm willing to work with these heroes to stop you!"
Brushing off the Time Conqueror, Xehanort chuckled, "Hmph! You don't scare me, Time Conqueror. I know why you couldn't stop me earlier, why you had to use the Avengers to undo the damage you caused. You have no army. Even if you did, they'd be no match for my Heartless. You cannot defeat me. None of these heroes can..."
With that, Wanda and Peter stood back on their feet, ready for the next round. Kang then started to smirk, "I know... but he can!"
Suddenly, Kang moved his chair aside as a projectile spun right past him, slamming Xehanort in the face, knocking him to the ground. Wiping the blood off his face, he saw the object had stuck to the ground beside him, and his eyes widened in horror. It was a Keyblade. Very basic compared to the ones Wanda and Peter had seen on their journey. Everyone turned from the time portal where Kang emerged and saw one other figure walking out of it. He donned a black V-neck t-shirt with white hemming, black shorts with gray pockets. A black hooded jacket with red hemming, gray pockets with white hemming, and red flannel flaps that are held down by a series of yellow buttons. With matching fingerless gloves on his wrists. But what shocked the heroes the most was the teenager's head. Brown spikey hair, and a very familiar smiling face with blue eyes to match. Xehanort's eyes widened, "You..."
Wanda glanced between her child and the teenager who came to their aid, as her eyes widened in realization, "Sora?"
Glancing down at the two heroes, he greeted them, "Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad."
He raised his hand as the Keyblade that struck Xehanort vanished before flashing in the new hero's hands. Sora's future self had arrived. Despite how shocked he was, Spidey found himself laughing as he turned to Xehanort, "Oh, you're so screwed now!"
"No, no..." Xehanort stumbled to his feet, "You can't be here! I changed your time! You shouldn't exist!"
"And you did Xehanort," Sora's smile dimmed slightly, "The Sora you knew... would've know... doesn't exist. I'm from the timeline you altered. This one. You took my home. My birth family. For something I had even done yet. I didn't even know who you were..." He closed his eyes, "But I still had these amazing people to raise me... teach me right from wrong. To do the right thing, no matter what." He used his free hand to place it over his chest, "And thanks to them and my family... I still had my friends, my heart, and everyone that I hold precious to me... so, I grew up to become a son they could be proud of. A hero like my parents before me."
"No, that's impossible!" The silverhead shook his head in horror, "You can't exist! You shouldn't exist! I destoryed your world! I destroyed your time!"
"And I told you..." Cap's voice spoke up, who used his shield to help himself to stand, "You failed the moment Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch brought Sora to this world. And the proofs staring right back at you."
Xehanort's eyes narrowed with anger as the older Sora spoke up once more, "Xehanort... It's okay to admit you're scared to die, and you really can avoid your fate... Just not the way you hoped it would." Turning to Sora, the son of the two Avengers, pointed out, "I've spoken with Master Yen Sid. At this moment of time, I can't change what happens in my time, but if you return to yours willingly, the idea of what happens is etched into your heart, and you can seek out another path... a better path... I know what happened to your friends all those years ago. But you can still make some new ones. Maybe find someone special to settle down with." Sora's eyes narrowed, "But if you refuse to accept that... know this... when you get set back... and live out your life unaware of the changes you made to this timeline... if something like this happens again and you try to take advantage of... mess with my life more than you already you, then I promise you this..." Sore then went into his battle stance, "Then no matter what you do, and what you change. I will always be here to stop you!"
Kang smirked as both heroes and most villains alike pondered what Sora's archfoe would react to this. His fear quickly turned into blind anger, as he lashed out in rage with his Keyblade, blasting him with ice, as Sora easily stepped aside the attack. He then raised his own Keyblade, "HEAL!"
Green magic swirled around the entire block, restoring the strength of all the defeated, weakened heroes and villains alike. Deadpool rubbed his neck, "Whew! Finally! Probably wouldn't have been as bad if Donald actually used his heals when we needed them."
Sora glanced at him with an eyebrow raised, "Don't you have a healing factor?"
"Hey, I'm not going to judge a teenager who's being voiced by a man in his mid-thirties," The Merc with the Mouth gestured to the older Sora, "I'll have you know, I've been fighting for hours or months, considering how long the author figured out how to put together this final chapter!"
No one had a clue what Wade was talking about, as per usual. Xehanort roared as he ran straight at the future hero, who raised his Keyblade in defense, as their respective weapons were locked in combat. The Heartless pounced at the older hero, who kicked Xehanort away, and with quick slices with his Keyblade, wiped out the Heartless coming at him. Cap then gave his next set of orders, "Alright, everyone... let's keep off the Heartless off Sora so he can finish this fight!"
Sora grinned at that as he ran straight at Xehanort, whose eyes widened in horror, as the teenager exclaimed, "AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!"
With that, the older Sora smacked the villain in the face with his Keyblade as younger Sora blinked, "Whoa. Is that me?"
Spidey picked up the boy, as he told his girlfriend, "We should get him to safety, just in case meeting his older self destroys the fabric of space and time..."
"Right," Wanda nodded as Kurt appeared before them, as she handed the boy to him, "Kurt, could you...?"
"I'll bring him to his Great Aunt," Nightcrawler reassured the couple, "I'm sure she must be worried..."
Taking the boy, Kurt teleported away, and this time Xehanort didn't go after the younger him. He was blinded by anger and hate of the older one to even care. Wanda then blasted away many Heartless as Peter reactivated his borrowed lightsaber, cutting down many Heartless as well.
A darkside Heartless attempted to crush the Hulk, who merely stepped to the side, as he climbed up its arm to bash the dark creature in the face. Magento used many metal objects around him to destroy any Heartless that came after his grandson while he was dealing with Xehanort. Anakin ran over to his wife, "Padme, how are you holding up..."
"I'm fin-" She started before pausing as her eyes widened, "Ani... my water just broke..."
His eyes widened in shock, "The babies are coming!" He then went to help his wife, "We need a doctor here!"
Spider-Man swung up to them, "Oh boy, like this day wasn't insane enough!" He then pulled out his Avengers ID card, "Strange! We need you!"
Strange then blasted away many Heartless as he appeared before the three, "What's happening?"
"Our friend is going to have a baby, and you're the world's best surgeon, can you-"
Seeing the situation, he shook his head, "Peter, I've been out of practice for years, ever since I damaged my hands..."
"C'mon, there's gotta be something you can do," Anakin complained.
He thought about it before slowly nodding, "I know someone who can help..."
Meanwhile, Dr. Christine Palmer was working overtime in the hospital; the place was packed due to the current invasion. Thankfully, the place was blessed by the bishop, so the monsters couldn't get in at the moment. Her biggest concern was the supervillains, but the heroes kept them at bay.
"Hello, Christine..."
"GAH!" She screamed, turning to the Sorcerer, who was also her ex-boyfriend, who appeared behind her, "Stephen! Don't do that..."
"Sorry, this is short notice, but I have someone who could use your aid," Strange stepped aside as Spider-Man and a man cosplaying Anakin Skywalker from Star Wars entered with... was that Natalie Portman? Who looked like she was about to give birth. She blinked as she turned to Strange, "Is-" She gestured to the pregnant woman, "Is that who I think it is?"
"Not exactly," Strange shook his head.
"She's gonna have twins," The man with Spidey told her, "Can you help her?"
Despite the sudden situation, the doctor went straight to work, as she called out, "Someone get me a wheelchair and find an available room!"
The staff quickly went to work, as Strange nodded to the two men as some nurses took the pregnant woman, "She's in good hands. I suggest you two get back out there and save the world for those twins' sake."
With that, the two men ran back through the portal whence they came...
Back in the battle, as the heroes pushed the Heartless back, Sora continued his duel with Xehanort. The two Keyblade Weilders continued their battle for the fate of this timeline. Xehanort growled, "I will destroy you!"
"Man, I almost forgot how deluded you were," Sora shook his head in pity.
Growling in anger, Xehanort pressed his attack as before the spikey Keyblade Wielder. Hawkeye fired another arrow as he spotted the confrontation between the champions of light and darkness, "Shouldn't we help him?"
"Sora is the only one who can truly defeat Xehanort," The Time Conqueror told the archer, "If you wish to aid him, then focus on the Heartless. After we dispose of them, we can focus our efforts on aiding Sora in his battle."
Quicksilver ran around the city, taking down every Heartless within his sight, only for more to take the place of the ones he already destroyed. The speedster's eyes narrowed in annoyance, "Something tells me that we would be able to get rid of the Heartless until after we send Xehanort back!"
"Less complaining," Commander Cody glanced at the speester, "Keep fighting!"
A Demon Tide was heading straight for the city, until Black Bolt flew up to the massive tide of Heartless and whispered to them, "...get out..."
With the mere whisper, the demon tide was completely obliterated by the King of the Inhumans' voice. Yeleena glanced at her sister, "Where was he earlier?"
Black Panther glanced outside the city to see more tides of Heartless were coming, "I hate to admit it, but Quicksliver may have a point! As long as Xehanort still stands to command the Heartless, they will still continue to threaten our world."
"And my baby," Wanda whispered, knowing that her son was not yet out of danger.
"New plan then," Captain America declared as he threw his shield at a massive group of Heartless, "If Sora's battle gets close to yoy, help him however you can!"
Hercules nodded as he spotted Sora's continuing battle just a mile away. He then turned to the former Padawan of Anakin Skywalker, "Ashoka!"
As she cut down a large body, she gave the demigod a nod, "Right."
She ran right for him, as the hero in training, picked her up and threw her directly at Xehanort. While the villain was transforming his Keyblade into a whip, lashing at the future hero, making him dodge roll to avoid the attacks. Ashoka kicked the coated villain by the side, causing him to tumble. Vision fired his laser upon the silverheard, causing him to yell in pain. He raised his Keyblade as purple lightning came down, frying the android. Bagheera roared, pouncing behind the villain, knocking him to the ground, but before the panther could swipe his claws at the black coated villain, Xehanort managed to kick the panther off of him and used ice magic to freeze him to the ground. He raised his Keyblade ready to strike him down, but Sora protected him, locking blades with Xehanort once more. The silverhead forced a gin, "Kang was clever to bring you here! But all pointless! As long as I'm here in this timeline on this world, my Heartless will never stop until they take you're past self..."
Kurt teleported himself and Sora just short of the local church, but before they could enter, a demon tide blocked their path, forcing Kurt to teleport back. It was about to launch a ball of Heartless when a barrier of sand stopped the attack as Sandman took form from the sand, "What the heck?! I thought Xehanort wanted to make the kid a real-life Horcrux!"
"Kang brought Sora's future self to the present to fight him. After he had already become a hero," Kurt explained as more Heartless tried going after him, "He was not happy about this!"
Just then, Tooth and Sandy came in as the former used her knife to cut down the Heartless, as Sandy used wipes to keep them back. The Tooth Fairy stated, "He must just want to kill at this point to prevent his fate!"
"Seriously?!" Flint complained as he raised his sand to prevent the Heartless from getting around, "This guy gotta be pure evil!"
Moon Knight and Blade soon joined them, cutting through the endless wave of Heartless. The former raised his moon-shaped knives, "We need to buy some time for future Sora to battle his nemesis. If we fail..."
"Then we won't fail," Blade grinned, shooting down some Heartless, and despite the situation they were in, looked like he was having the time of his life...
"...the heroes of the world will get overwhelmed, even with the allies they've made," Xehanort continued, taunting the Keyblade's Chosen One, "And I know all of your moves-"
Right as he said that, Sora released one hand from the Kingdom Key and moved it in a familiar gesture
'THWIP!'
"GAH!" Xehanort cried out as webbing blinded his vision.
Sora then punched him in the face, making him stagger, as he grinned, "Not all my moves!"
Wanda blinked, turning to her boyfriend, "You gave him your web-shooters?"
"Apparently, I will in the future..." Peter turned to her equally as stunned.
Xehanort grunted as he attempted to remove the webbing when Thor's hammer struck him across the face, "For you stake, Xehanort, 'tis be wise if you stand down!"
He soon broke free of the webbing but was then struck in the back by an electric arrow and Widow Bites, as the archer stated, "You know what?! I'm glad Sora stops you in the future!"
"Yeah," Taskmaster agreed, striking the teen in the black coat with his shield, "'Cause any future that you're in charge has to suck!"
Finally, having had enough, Xehanort launched a wave of dark fire, knocking everyone who was coming after him, including the Asgardain, away, except for Sora, who had reacted in time, sliding underneath the attack, raising one of his hands as a yellow beam struck out of it zapping the past Xehanort, causing Wasp to blink, "My stingers?"
As Sora was able to get a few hits in with his Keyblade, causing Xehanort to stumble before parrying the seventh swing, knocking Sora back before he cast ice magic. The future hero then raised his arm as a holoshield, mimicking Cap's shield to block the spell. Mickey blinked in shock, "Gosh! Guess he learned a thing or two being raised by you!"
Wanda glanced at the Armored Avenger as she knocked away an entire group of Heartless, "Explanation, Tony."
As Iron Man fired a repulsor blast, he did a scan of Sora's clothes, "Oh my... I'm scanning nearly 30 known tech with the hero committee woven into his clothes. Even some of my own tech... enhanced by magic... heck, I'm even detecting some vibranium woven in there too."
Throwing a vibranium dagger, T'Challa glanced to Tony, "Given what he'll be up against and what's at stake... we must want him to be prepared for anything Xehanort could throw at him."
Spidey kicked away a Heartless that was attempting to attack Wanda from behind, as he muttered to her, "Also, a good cover to protect my identity if he's been given all of the Avengers tech..."
He supposed that was one less worry, as Xehanort swung his blade at Sora again, only for the teen to shrink down to avoid the strike. Definitely work of Pym Particles as he grew back to his regular size from behind to hit Xehanort in his blind spot. This made him open for other attacks as Magento dropped another car on Xehanort, causing a small explosion, before being struck by a hex from Scarlet Witch, which sent him flying, only for a web-line to catch on the teen with a black coat, and yanked him towards the Hulk, who grabbed him in the face and slammed him to the ground.
Just then, the Avengers' ID cards started going off all around the heroes, those who had them answered, as War Machine exclaimed, "Guys, we have a problem..."
"...Sora... er... well... present Sora, the kid... is completely surrounded by these damn shadows!" Rhodey exclaimed as he was part of the group doing everything they could to keep the Heartless off the Child. Those who joined the group, such as Executioner, Silver Sable, Molten Man, Domino, Shocker, Obi-Wan, Plo Koon, Kit Fisto, Yelena, Human Torch, Iceman, Enchantress, Sif, Baulder, Quasimodo, Rocket, Groot, Drax, Phil, Jean Grey, Cyrstal, Songbird, Captain Marvel, Mar-Vell, as well as many clones and droids, joined those who were attempting to get the boy safe in the church. Toad was also among them, but he was clutching his head, pleading, "Make it stop, make it stop, make it stop!"
"Oh for crying out loud..." Cody shook his head, "Stop crying there and help us!"
"YES," Drax raised his knives, "LET US DIE AS WARRIORS AS WE STAND AGAINST THIS ENDLESS HORDE!"
"HA!" Wrecker laughed, "I bet I can take more of them out than you before they get us!"
"Hey, hey, hey!" Rocket snapped, "There's no room for dying! If we fail, the universe is flarked!"
"How long can you keep that shield up?" Kit glanced at the Enchantress.
"Not forever," The witch answered, holding back the Heartless, as sweet flew down her face.
"The church is only a few feet away," Kurt spoke up, "If we can get him inside, then we only need to wait until Sora's future self can defeat Xehanort."
"So, why are you just standing there and smelling the roses?" Shocker glanced at the X-Man as he blasted back against the horde, "Do it already!"
"I need to see what's ahead," Nightcrawler answered as he held out his fingers, "Things can get pretty messy otherwise..."
"Then what are we going to do?" Molten Man wondered.
"Maybe... between me and the Jedi..." Jean glanced at the Jedi Knights with her, "We can maybe open a pathway between us and the Church... Bobby, Groot, and Sandman..." When she realized there were two people among them by the name of Sandman, she corrected herself, "Both Sandmen... can help us keep them off of Sora as we get him inside..."
"That's extremely risky," Obi-Wan glanced to the redhead, "If even we're successful, there could be many of us that fall victim to the Heartless, and if something goes wrong, we could lose Sora altogether, dooming the entire universe."
"If we do nothing, the universe is doomed anyway," Moon Knight stated, ignoring Toad's pleas, "I say go for it."
"Yeah, we can keep these things off you as long as we can." Rex nodded in agreement.
"We all knew what we signed up for," Blade stated, "There was always a good chance we all die this day!"
"Would be pretty good way to die," Yelena admitted.
After getting more verbal agreements from the others, Plo nodded, "Then it was an honor to fight with you all!" He raised his hand toward the church along with Jean, Obi-Wan, and Kit as they attempted to create the pathway...
As the heroes fought Xehanort and his army alike, as Sora continued to press the attack upon the former, Wanda glanced to see how much potential her son would grow to be. A future she feared that would not exist if Jean's plan failed. Not to mention, many of her friends would get caught in the crossfire if they were successful. Neither of these seemed like good options to her.
As Black Panther and Wolverine slashed against the Seeker of Darkness, she knew there was one way to end the Heartless threat. One way to ensure both her friends' and family's survival. Just as well, as in a way, this was her fault. She gave Xehanort a path that put Sora in danger earlier. Her fault that Sora's home and birth family were gone. It was up to her to set things right. She turned to Peter, who struck down a Heartless with his borrowed lightsaber, causing him to turn to her. She gave him a sad smile, "If I'm lost... give Sora my love... I love you too, Peter..."
She then rose off the ground, as Peter's eyes widened under his mask, "No, Wanda! Don't do it! We'll find another way!"
Tears rolled down her face as she channeled her power all around her, as Xehanort swung his Keyblade wildly at the heroes, knocking them away, as he prepared to re-engage Sora when he noticed the Scarlet Witch. His eyes widened as she glared down at him, "Xehanort..."
Xehanort felt like his breath had been taken away as he realized what she was about to do. Her eyes glowed red as she exclaimed for the whole world to hear her voice, "NO MORE HEARTLESS!"
"NNNOOOOOOOOOO!" Both Xehanort and Spidey screamed for two completely different reasons. But the damage was done as Wanda unleashed a powerful hex, which consumed both hero, villain, and monster alike. That red mist covered the whole city. The whole state. The whole Country. The entire Earth. Solar System. Milky Way Galaxy. And the entire universe. Changing the timeline forever...
The hex blinded everyone, including the team protecting Sora, and when their vision returned, everyone was stunned at what they saw. Or more accurately, what they didn't see. From a city once invaded by an overwhelming army of Heartless... was now Heartless-free. Not a single Heartless in sight. Wrecker blinked, "Wha... what happened?"
"I'm..." Tech glanced around, "Cannot say for certain..."
"Make it stop, make it stop, make... it... stop..." Toad opened his eyes to see that there were no more Heartless within miles. They were completely safe. He beamed, "I DID IT! I SAVED US!"
"You did?" A battle droid glanced at the mutant.
"I highly doubt that," Obi-Wan blinked as he deactivated his lightsaber, sensing the power that eliminated the Heartless, "Though I have a pretty good feeling who did."
Sora glanced around, "Mommy?"
While grateful for Sora to be unharmed, Kurt knew fully well of the possible consequences of the boy's mother's action, "Wanda... what did you do..."
With the hex complete, Wanda lost all consciousness and began to fall to the group. Magento, Pietro, and Peter all cried out in concern, "WANDA!"
All three moved it in an attempt to save her, only for her to be saved by another web-slinging superhero, who was dressed in a hoodie and wore a Spidey mask, and landed on the ground safely, as the newcomer reassured, "It's okay, Spidey, I've got her."
"Huh," Quicksilver glanced between Spider-Man and the other masked hero, "There's two of you?!"
Peter blinked in disbelief as he whispered, "Miles? What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to help you and my dad," He whispered back, "Found you first, and then Scarlet Witch made all the monsters vanish... how'd she...?"
Suddenly, there was a loud commotion. A brief explosion could be heard. Sora was using the holoshield to protect himself and some of the others from Xehanort's attack. He glanced at the original Spider-Man, "Dad! Mom will be okay! But this won't end until we defeat Xehanort!"
Miles blinked underneath his mask as he slowly turned to Peter, "Dad?"
Said villain snarled with anger, as he exclaimed, "You've ruined everything!"
With that, Xehanort burst out, unleashing darkness in his heart. Captain America nodded, "Sora's right! We'll never have a better chance to end this! We'll get Wanda help when all of this is over!"
"I can take her to safety," Magento floated down to the two Spider-Men. He glanced to the one he knew was Peter, "I'll take her to Sora, she and your son will be safe with the Heartless gone. There's a good chance Jean can protect her sanity."
Peter's eyes narrowed before nodding, allowing Wanda's father to take her from Miles's arms. Iron Man then pointed at Xehanort, "Take him down!"
With that, everyone else charged at Xehanort. The villain, who only moments ago outnumbered the heroes, was now outnumbered by them. Young Xehanort snarled as Quicksilver reached him first, who, with inhuman speed, knocked him aside. Hulk roared as he and Banner, in the damaged Hulkbuster, changed to smash him, but raised a barrier to protect himself and push them back. Thor raised as he raised his hammer, but the sliverhead struck him across the wrist, making him drop his weapon before the villain swung his own, pushing him back. Before the other heroes could overtake him, Xehanort created a barrier that prevented most of the heroes from reaching him. Except for Spider-Man and Sora.
Vision and Shadowcat attempted to phase through the barrier by were unable to, as an electric shock knocked them back. The only things that were in the barriers with Spidey, his future son, and Young Xehanort were the crack and the fallen Mjölnir. Captain America ordered the others, "Take that barrier down!"
With that, the heroes and villains outside hit the barrier with everything they had, seemly to no effect, leaving the two Parkers inside to fight Young Xehanort themselves, who was beyond furious, "HOW IS THIS EVEN HAPPENING?!"
"What's wrong, Voldy?" Spidey mocked, smirking under his mask, "Losing to a kid again despite trying to rewrite how your future goes?!"
"I'LL DESTROY YOU ALL!" Xehanort vowed before he went into his battle stance.
Peter glanced at Sora as he reactivated his powered lightsaber, "You ready for a little father-son time to kick your big bad's butt?"
Sora grinned as the holoshield vanished, and he went into his own battle stance, "Always, Dad!"
With that, the two Parkers charged at the villain. Despite no longer having an army, Xehanort was still dangerous. He still threatened the world as long as he continued to exist in this timeline. But the two fought, as everyone outside tried to bash their way inside to join them. Still, despite being on their own, the two held their own against Xehanort. Spidey was impressed as his son knew how he worked. Making attacks that worked well with his own.
Xehanort was fighting a losing war. He had the moment Future Sora joined the battle. Now that realization was finally hitting him. Figuaretively and literally. But he refused to stand down, not until he burned this entire world down to the ground. Dellusionable, perhaps. But he gave it all nonetheless. Xehanort eventy destroyed Spidey's barrowed lightsbaer as Harry's bombs hit the barriers, "Idiots! You're fighting a war that will never end! My goal would have ended it all!" The coated villain knocked both Sora and Spidey away, but the duo quickly recovered, "You waste your whole lives battling the darkness when it is in everyone! Your enemies! Your friends! Your loved ones! As long as a single heart has darkness, you're fight will never end! I was the only one with the power to save this universe..." He slowly walked up to the fallen Hammer as he clutched his hands on Mjölnir's handle, "ONLY I AM WORTHY!"
With that, he heaved, but the hammer did not budge. Stunned, he continued his attempt to lift the hammer, but it did not budge. He blinked in disbelief, "I-I don't understand..."
"Here," Sora marched up to Young Xehanort with a glare as he took the hammer, "Let me try it!"
Peter was about to tell Sora that only Thor could lift the hammer, but to his and everyone's shock, lightning sparked in Sora's eyes, and with ease, lifted the hammer off the ground and slammed it across Xehanort's face, knocking him into the breach! Mickey lifted his own Keyblade as he exclaimed, "ULTIMA!"
With the King's most powerful spell, the barrier finally shattered. Iron Man exclaimed, "Now! Make sure he stays in! Then slam the door on his face!"
Iron Man unleashed the Unibeam. Kang fired a large futuristic cannon. Hawkeye unleashed several explosive arrows. Cyclops removed his visor, unleashing a powerful optic blast. Cap and Goofy threw their shields. Panther his daggers. Anakin, Ashoka, and Master Yoda combined a powerful Force Push. Storm unleashed her lightning. Jack Frost, his ice. Hulk unleashed a gamma-powered thunderclap. The sorcerers, Donald, and the King unleashed powerful magic. Spidey unleashed web bullets. As much as Xehanort attempted to fight it, he was pushed further into the portal. Then Sora aimed his Keyblade at the crack as he told his arch-foe, "Goodbye, Xehanort!"
Light swirled around his Keyblade as a beam of light shot out of the Keyblade and struck the breach, which began to close on upon itself. Xehanort desperately attempted to get out, roaring in anger, "CURSE YOU, SORA! CURSE YOU-"
"Oh, shut it," Spider-Man told the villain as he charged in a delivered the final punch. The last thing anyone heard from Young Xehanort was a defeated scream as the breach finally sealed itself. After taking a few deep breaths, he turned to Strange, "Is it over?"
The Sorcerer Supreme used a spell to check the cracks across the universe, and saw them sealing away. Strange smiled as he nodded, "Yeah, it's over. We won!"
With that, everyone cheered, hugging each other, congratulating each other. Thor flew down to Sora, who offered him the hammer, "Here. I think this is yours."
Thor lightly smirked as he accepted his hammer back, "Well fought, Son of Spider-Man. It's not every day I see a fellow worthy hero such as yourself."
"Yeah," Sora lightly chuckled as his Keyblade vanished, placed his hands behind his head in a relaxed position, and glanced at his father, "Yeah, well... I had some pretty good parents and teachers..."
Peter let out a chuckle, proud of his son, before his eyes widened, "Wanda..."
Spidey fired a web and immediately swung towards the church, as Quicksilver took off ahead. Everyone stopped their cheers as they recalled Wanda's sacrifice, fearing for her health and sanity. Master Yoda closed his eyes, as Herc wondered, "Is there anything we can do?"
"Stay close, pray for one last miracle," Daredevil answered the demigod, "Right now... It's all we can do."
The only ones who didn't seem too worried were those from the future. Kang glanced at Sora, "You know how this plays out."
"Yeah," The future Sora nodded, "Ever since my parents saved me all those years ago, I knew exactly how the exact day would play out." He then glanced at the stars, as one particular star glew brighter than the rest, "And my parents always told me how everything worked out in the end..."
Everyone had gathered around the Scarlet Witch the moment her father brought her to them, as Jean did all that she could to help the Avenger, going through her mind carefully, mending the damage the hex had down to her. Sora was now in his Great Aunt's arms, "Will Mommy be okay?"
Before May could answer, Esmerelda spoke up, "You're mother is a strong woman. One of the strongest I've ever known. If anyone can pull through this, it's your mother."
May nodded to the gypsy, as she reassured her, "She's in good hands."
Quicksilver came to a stop by his father's side, as Peter joined shortly after, removing his mask, not caring who saw his face. Bunny saw the other people in the Church getting a little snoopy, as he lightly patted Sandy, "Eh, you should... do something about them..."
Sandy nodded as he turned around he releasing a gentle wave of golden sand, putting all civilians into a deep slumber. He turned to make sure the villains didn't see, but to his shock, they turned away. Before anyone could ask why, Otto answered, "We were allies today, out of respect... We'll allow the archnid to keep his secret..." As the villains left one by one, Amora turned to Sif, "Let Thor know we've done our part. The Child is safe. The crisis is over. But tomorrow..." Her eyes narrowed, "We shall be enemies again."
"And we shall be ready for ya," Sif promised as one by one the villains left, except for Sandman, Magento, and the Brotherhood.
Peter knelt to Wanda, as he turned to Jean, pleading, "Please... tell me she's okay... You can help her..."
After another pause, Jean turned to him with guilt, "I did all I could do... I'm so sorry..."
Horrified, Peter took the woman's unconscious body, as he whispered to her, "Please... please be okay... we still need you... I need you..."
Suddenly, a bright light lowered down to the Earth, getting everyone's attention. Zack blinked in shock, "By the gods..."
"What is that?" Baloo blinked in awe.
North brightened up, "Of course... it's her..."
The light dimmed as a beautiful woman with blonde hair appeared from the light before the heroes, with wings and a magic wand in her hands. She gently placed a hand on Peter's shoulder, getting his attention, "Don't worry, I'm pretty good at granting miracles as well..."
With that, she waved her magic wand across the woman's body as blue magic began to shine all around the mother of Sora. The child in May's arms wondered, "Great Aunt May... who's that?"
May adjusted her glasses, as she blinked, "I... well... I do believe that is the Blue Fairy..."
Jack blinked in shock, "I thought she was just a myth..."
"No more myth than you or I, Jack," North lightly chuckled, knowing their friend was in good hands.
"The Blue Fairy," Bobby blinked, "As in... from Pinnochccio?"
"Man," Johnny lightly chuckled, "The cartoon did not do her justice... she's so much hotter in person..."
With one final wave of her wand, the Blue Fairy commanded, "Now, arise, Wanda Maximoff. The gift of a sound mind has been restored to you."
Wanda slowly opened her eyes, rubbing her head, as she slowly turned to her boyfriend, "...Peter...?"
"Wanda," Peter let down tears of relief. He pulled her into a hug, "You're okay! Thank God! You're okay!"
Wanda returned the hug with tears of her own, as future Sora and Kang joined them. She then blinked, "And Xehanort..."
"Gone," He reassured her, "We won..."
She then sat back up, "And Sora?"
"Mommy! Daddy!"
The foster parents turned to see May setting down the boy, allowing him to run over to join them. They pulled him into a hug as everyone smiled in relief at the beautiful moment. Peter turned to the fairy, "Thank you..."
She smiled before turning to those among the heroes, "You all fought bravely and for what's right. When Xehanort threatened this universe, you all gathered to stop him. All paved the way to an even brighter future..."
"But we only sent Xehanort back to his proper time," Tech pointed out, "The War is hardly far from over. Not as long as the real Xehanort roams free..."
"So, what?" Sandman spoke up, "We'll be ready when he does reshow his ugly mug..."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Kitty then glanced to the older Sora, "And I think we've got a pretty good idea who wins the war in the end."
Older Sora lightly smirked as Wanda blinked, "So... I didn't dream that up..."
"Nope, he's here," Peter confirmed as much, "...and he can lift Thor's hammer." Wanda turned to her boyfriend in shock, as he admitted, "I was surprised as you are."
"Hey," Sora smiled, "I was glad I could finally help you guys finish the fight. I waited over ten years, but I was glad I was here today."
Wanda let down tears of joy, "You... you've gotten so big..."
"You all should be proud of your actions today," The Blue Fairy smiled before glancing at those not among this world, "Of course, there are some of you that cannot stay... as I leave here today... I will send to anyone who had no knowledge of the other worlds... back home with no memories of what transpired here today."
"Really," Tigger frowned, "Shucks... I wish I could tell all my friends about it back home..."
"We'll really have no memory of what happened," Dawson blinked, "At all?"
"It's for the best," Basil smiled, "Some things are better left unknown... but we'll know in our hearts that our friends had made it after a difficult journey..."
The Bule Fiary then knelt down to Sora, "Now then, Young Man, I do believe you used your three wishes... and the lamp you carried should return back to its world. There's a future friend of yours that still needs his wishes granted."
"Well, should have seen it coming," Genie shrugged, as he pulled out an Aladdin DVD, "It's been literally been seen for years now."
Sora then handed her the lamp, "I will get to see everyone again, right?"
Pegasus neighed, as Herc promised him, "Count on it."
"And not all of us will forget," Ashoka reassured the child, "And we'll be right here beside you whenever you need us."
"That little power I had left..." Kang slowly realized, "The one that allowed me to send Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch on their journey. That was no accident, was it..."
"Of course not," She nodded, "While what happened to the Destiny Islands was tragic, I thought it could be a good opportunity to grant some wishes to those who had done so much good to others." She turned to the two foster parents, first turning to Wanda, "You've come a long way since Sokovia, and wished to be a mother for a long time... I knew Sora was in good hands with you..."
Wanda blinked, surprised that she knew that, and the fairy then turned to Peter, "And you... You lost so much in life... yet have always done what was right. Your wish was not to be alone... You wished for a family."
"Yeah, but why me?" Peter wondered, "There are hundreds of better-suited husbands for Wanda and fathers for Sora."
"Perhaps," Magento walked up to him, "...the only problem with them is that they weren't you... and I see no better man to take care of my daughter and grandson..."
"We might disagree on a lot of things," Wanda glanced at her father before Peter, "But he's right on that..."
Peter blinked as the Blue Fairy chuckled, "Well, said... besides..." She then began to sing, "Fate is kind~ She brings to those who love~" She then flew around the heroes as magic swirled around them, as everyone said goodbye to the visiting friends, "The sweet fulfillment of~ Their secret longing~"
Bruce was then placed back into the Hulk as the damage down to the world began to repair itself to everyones awe, turning to the fairy one last time as she sang, "Like a bolt out of the blue~ Fate steps in and sees you through~" She then began to shine like the stars above, giving one last smile, "When you wish upon a star~ Your dreams~ coooooooome~ truuuuuuuuuuuuue~"
As those from Olympus Coliseum, La Cité des Cloches, Agrabah, Hundred Acre Woods, Mousedom, and Ancient Jungle vanished, Wrecker began to tear up, "That was beautiful..."
Everyone smiled in agreement, as Anakin blinked in realization, "I need to check up on my wife!"
He then rushed off as Strange sighed, "I'll make sure he goes to the right hospital..."
"Take it means you have to go too," Wanda glanced at the older Sora.
"Yeah, I promised you... er... future you that I'd be home before eight," Future Sora chuckled, "Besides, I want to see my friends again too."
"We won't keep ya," Peter lightly patted him, "Would want you to get in trouble with us for help... well... us."
Everyone laughed at that. Kang nodded to the heroes, "I shall return Sora to his time, and as agreed. You never see me again." Pushing a button, Kang's chair returned to him, "Come, Sora..."
Peter and Wanda hugged the older Sora, but he whispered something to him, "Don't trust the Lost Master..."
Understanding what that meant, they gave him a silent nod as future Sora turned to take his leave. Mickey then walked up to him, "Sora..." The spikey-haired teen turned to the King, "May your heart be your guiding Key."
Sora nodded, "See ya soon, your Majesty." He then nodded to the King's friends, "You too, Donald, Goofy."
Smiling at that, they returned the nod as future Sora joined Kang's side as the Time Conqueror opened a portal in time, which, upon entering, closed behind them. The young present Sora then turned to his parents, "Wait, where's...?"
"Sora!" Two young voices spoke up.
Sora brightened up as Riku and Kairi slowly joined the heroes, and everyone backed away. Turning to his foster parents, silently asking for permission, they nodded as Wanda told him, "Go ahead."
Smiling, he turned and ran to his best friends, "Riku! Kairi!"
The three children hugged each other, laughing joyfully as they were together again. Smiling at the scene, Quicksilver soon discovered the Blue Fairy had left one last gift as Juggernut reappeared. The son of Magento wondered, "Hey, where have you been?"
"Just teaching someone so manners," The half-brother of Charles grinned...
Back in Wonderland, the Queen of Hearts shivered in fear... her entire kingdom had been torn down. Her army was defeated. Unable to stop the brutal intruder. Nothing she had could stop him. She silently prayed wherever that man came from... never came to her ruined Kingdom again...
Notes:
Don't you all just love a happy ending?
I was surprised no one caught the hint that the Blue Fairy would show up in this chapter. Then again. A lot has happened with this chapter alone. But the main fact is Peter got the girl, Wanda's mind is okay, Sora reunited with his friends, and Young Xehanort has been defeated.
However, we're not quite finished yet; a few last details need to be taken care of for our heroes.
Stay tuned for the epilogue. Coming soon. (I may have gotten a head start on it, so God willing, it will be ready sooner than this one took.
Also, I posted a poll on Fanfic.Net for things you like to see in the spin-off. I like to hear what you're excited for the most. Until then, don't forget to leave a review. As well as a follow and fav. if you haven't already. Seen ya real soon!
Chapter 20: Epilogue: RE:CONNECT KINGDOM HEARTS
Summary:
It's over. Good had once again triumphed over evil. But what is to become of Sora, Riku, and Kairi? Is the crisis really over? What changed from the original timeline?
Notes:
I don't own Kingdom Hearts or the Avengers. They each belong to Marvel, Disney, and Square Enix. And, of course, Rise of the Guardians is owned by DreamWorks. Okay, here it is, the Epoligue! The conclusion before we close the book on this story. I would like to take the time to thank everyone who supported this story in the long run, as well as you're patience. It was a long one but we're finally here. It's funny, back when I first started this story, we had a bunch of KH news through the 20th anniversary, and now, the only updates we've received since this update were Missing Link getting canceled and a few images of KH4. Hopefully, things change as we move into the Fall at the earliest and before the end of the year at the latest for a new trailer.
On the bright side, the first few chapters of Kingdom Hearts: The New Guardians are up, and that story's heroes will play a role in What if... Sora saved the Justice League?! Some of you knew this already, but those who waited, let's wrap up this story so you can dive right in.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Epilogue: RE:CONNECT KINGDOM HEARTS
"Hey, Xehanort, you alright?" Earquas glanced down at his friend lying outside the castle.
Xehanort groaned as he tried to sit back up, only to fall back down, "W-what happened to me?"
"I just about to ask you that," His best friend offered a hand to help him up, "It looked like you got jumped!" Xehanort accepted the help and pulled him back to his feet, "Do you have any idea who did this to you?"
The young silver head thought hard, thinking of all the possible fights he's been in. To be frank, he hadn't been in a real battle since the darkness took hold of Balder... and Earqus was with him for that. Along with Master Odin. He shook his head, "No, nothing comes to mind. I just remember resting my eyes and waking up to feel like all of our enemies decided to gang up on me."
"Come on, let's heal you up," Eaquas told his friend, "Next time, stay close to me, so the next time you get beat up, I'll be there to have your back."
"..." Xehanort blinked before a smile appeared on his face, "Thanks..."
"Just take it easy for a bit," Earqus reassured him, "Give us some time to play a few rounds... maybe finally even out the score..."
"In your dreams," He told his brother before the two of them started laughing despite the situation, who were unaware that the Watcher was looking down on them...
"It was over," The Watcher smiled at the heroes' victory as the battle tore Wanda and Peter watched as Sora was finally reunited with his friends, "With Xehanort's past-self defeated and the breaches sealed, our heroes and their world live to fight another day. Our future heroes of the Keyblade were safe and sound."
With a wave of his arm, time passed as Sora played with his friends, as the heroes gathered around in Avengers Mansion, with the Jedi Knights and the Guardians among them, "Only one task remained..."
"So~" Hawkeye glanced at the three islander children as they raced around the room, "What are we going to do about them? Xehanort may be gone for the moment, but he did plenty of damage before we kicked his butt."
"Clint's right," Tony nodded, "We can't send them home to their families because the Heartless consumed their world along with their families. They need new homes... families..."
"I'm sure finding someone to adopt them won't be that much of an issue," Wasp spoke up, "I'm sure there's plenty of couples that want to be parents out there."
"Jan, all Sora could think about was getting his friends back," Wanda pointed out with deep concern, "If Riku and Kairi were to adopt parents on opposite ends of the U.S, at best, he'd be separated from them all over."
"You're not seriously suggesting you and your boyfriend adopt them all," Clint raised an eyebrow, "You two aren't even married. Heck, you two just started this relationship..."
"No," Scarlet Witch shook her head, "I'm not saying that at all..." She then placed her hand in Peter's, "Look. We know they'll be heroes one day, Xehanort, Kang, Merlin, and even future Sora confirmed as much."
"Maybe, if someone else on the team here wanted to be parents," Peter picked up where his girlfriend left off, "They can at least be close to each other... see each other as much as they like..."
The archer glanced at Spider-Man, who wasn't wearing a mask, "Is anyone else bothered by the fact that Spider-Man really was the Bugle's photographer? And that he's been wearing tights since he was 10?"
"I was 15." Peter corrected the archer, slightly annoyed.
After another moment, Clint crossed his arms. "Respect your elders."
"I actually agree with Spider-Man and Wanda on this," Natasha spoke up, getting everyone's attention, "I do believe it would be best for the children to be raised by us."
"You volunteering?" Tony raised an eyebrow.
"I suppose I am," Natasha gave a sad smile, "As many of you know from my time in the Red Room, a future with kids for me is... difficult to say the least..." She then glanced outside, "I'd like to adopt the girl... Kairi. If no one is against the idea."
Everyone gave Widow's smiles as Cap turned to his old partner, "Well, old friend? You up to being foster father as well."
Giving a half smile, Bucky answered, "Well, it was bound to happen eventually... I'll help Nat raise Kairi as well."
Clint blinked again as he turned to T'Challa, "You and Storm, Wanda and Spider-Man, and now this? Are there any other secret romances I don't know about?"
"Well, I suppose if you count my galaxy," Obi-Wan joked.
"Yeah, yeah..." The archer groaned, "Skywalker and Padmè I knew about!"
"Perhaps, there were some of us unaware of your marriage to Mockingbird," T'Challa stated to former S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent.
Clint blinked, before wondering, "How'd you know about that?"
"Well, since that's out, Clint and I call dibs on Riku," Mockingbird declared.
"Say what now?" Hawkeye turned to his wife.
Hulk grinned at Clint, "Guess, you're a father now, too, Cupid."
The Archer glanced between him, his other smirking friends, then back to his wife, trying to form words, "I... you... that's..." He then gasped, "NOW HOLD ON! Don't I get a say in all of this?!"
"Clint, the kid clearly took a shine to you after you saved his life," Bobbie laughed in amusement, "Besides, that kid's attitude reminds me of you! Like you were cut from the same cloth!"
"You can't prove that!" Clint argued as he gave a stubborn look with his arms crossed.
Tony blinked before grinning, glancing to the table, "JARVIS, could you pull up picture 8 of Riku..."
An image of Riku appeared on screen, with the older boy giving the same look with his arms crossed as Hawkeye. Immediately, everyone began laughing, as Wasp cracked up, "Oh my goodness! I totally see it!"
"Ha! He's the spitting image of you, Hawkeye," Thor joined in, "He'd do well with you!"
Hawkeye blushed in embarrassment as he sank into his chair, muttering, "I never had grey hair when I was two..."
"I'm pretty sure Riku's five, actually," Wanda smirked towards the Archer, "And I'm pretty sure it's silver hair..."
Glaring daggers into the daughter of Magento, Bobbie gave her husband a serious look, "Look, Clint... we've been trying... and, well, you know... we were really hoping for October 12th..." Clint's eyes widened before frowning, earning concerned looks from the others, "We've been praying for a child of our own for some time... Riku could be the answer to our prayers."
After another pause, Clint sighed, as he nodded, "Yeah... I guess... We'll adopt Riku then..." He then added, "I admit, I like the kid's spunk."
"Then as for Sora..." Cap started.
"He stays with us," Wanda perked up and held Peter's hand.
The super soldier reassured the newest couple with a smile, "After everything the three of you have been through, it'd be a crime not to." He then continued, "As I was saying, as for Sora... even though we know he's the Child of Destiny, the one who will defeat Xehanort, he won't receive any special treatment. Those other kids are just as special as he is. We also don't want you're boy getting an ego."
"Oh," Wanda sighed in relief, "We've already talked to him about that."
"He's not going to bring that up to them," Peter told the team, "We explained the Sora we've met was a potential future version of him, he still needs to make the right choices..."
"Besides, he's just happy to have his friends back," The Scarlet Witch smiled...
"And then right before the snake could eat mommy, Tigger bounced on the bad snake's head," Sora explained the whole journey from how he went from the islands, "And then me and Bagheera pushed the mean snake off the tree, and then mommy kicked the snake's butt."
Kairi blinked as Riku shook his head, "Okay, I could believe everything that happened, after everything I've seen today, up until you said that. There is no way you saved a professional hero!"
"Oh, c'mon, Riku!" The spikey-haired boy pleaded, "It's true!"
Kairi smiled, "It's okay, Sora, I believe you..."
"You would," The silverhead boy glanced to the girl of the trio, who stuck out her tongue at him.
"Just wait until you hear about the guy wearing a dress!" The young Parker told the two of them...
"Oh, they are so cute!" Kitty exclaimed, seeing that Sora told them the story from his perspective.
Iceman glanced at Shadowcat, "You want kids too, don't ya?"
"Maybe~" She playfully teased her boyfriend.
"Speaking of the future," Tony glanced to the leader of the X-Men, "Logan, any word from Charles?"
"Yeah, Chuck let us all know he was okay," Wolverine stated, "Future ain't perfect, but it's better than what was going to happen if we failed to protect the kid."
"We'll take that," Tony nodded.
"Say, I'm confused," Goofy spoke up, getting everyone's attention, "If Xehanort had possessed Terra after all this time, then what happened to him after Aqua went to look for him..."
"He was there all along," Mickey frowned in guilt, "Right under our noses... Ansem's apprentice... Xehanort... it wasn't just a coincidence. That was Terra... his body at least... if I had only made the connection sooner..."
"It was not your fault," T'Challa reassured his fellow King, "From what you've told us, the only ones you've truly met were Aqua and Ventus. You hadn't met Terra, so you couldn't have known what he looked like..."
"But Aqua went after him alone," Mickey pointed out, "...and no one's seen Ansem or Xehanort since Radiant Garden fell..."
"We'll find them," Captain Marvel reassured the King, "If they're alive... We'll find them."
Mace glanced to the eggheads of the room, "The machine that brought us here..." He wondered, "Can it really be used to take us to these unreachable worlds for non-Key Bearers? Or was it merely because Sora used his final wish to bring us all here?"
"The machine does work," Mr Fantastic answered, "We wouldn't have been able to rescue Riku and Kairi if that wasn't the case. There was an issue with getting it started back up when Forge triggered the Emergency Shutdown... But with the crisis over... we were able to repair it."
"We're now in the phase of mass-producing it," Tony added before gesturing to the heroes of Earth and the Jedi, "Soon, the Jedi Order and the Avengers can work together to keep peace on the worlds, while finding out what happened to our missing Keyblade Weilders... and what Xehanort's next move will be..."
"Wait, I thought we already beat him," Wrecker wondered, confused by the final battle, "I thought this whole thing was about!"
"We defeated a past version of Xehanort," Tech corrected, "The one who knew what the plan was from the original timeline until the Avengers clash with Kang set in motion all of this..."
"While that Xehanort was defeated," Obi-Wan stated, "The present Xehanort has no doubt is somewhat aware of the children's change of worlds... even if he truly doesn't know his fate anymore..."
Meanwhile, from outside of Avengers Mansion, from the city above, a brown cloaked figure looked down upon the playing children.
"...but I can say this with certainty, he is no doubt creating accommodations for his own goals, and taking into account that we're all involved now."
"Always in motion the future is," Master Yoda stated, "Far from over, our war with Xehanort is."
"But we now know his ultimate goal from the mouth of Xehanort himself," Captain America stated, "However, Xehanort is planning to accomplish his goals, we'll be ready for him."
"Hmph," Hulk crossed his arms, "Xehanort won't be so tough without his army..."
"I wouldn't count the Heartless out," Wong spoke up, getting everyone's attention, "Even with the cracks sealed, they were always meant to be a danger to our universe."
"But Wanda wiped them out," Wasp pointed out.
"Yeah, she nearly lost her own sanity doing so," Quicksilver pointed out as Peter held her hand tightly.
"Well, that is true," Mickey spoke up, "Wanda's powers to alter reality diminished the Heartless so that they won't be a threat at the moment... but as long as there is darkness in people's hearts..."
"...the Heartless will return," Strange slowly nodded, "By my estimate, we have about ten years before they reappear. And there's always a good chance, Wanda's hex might have missed a few."
"All the more reason why we need to safeguard the worlds," Kit Fisto nodded, "As well as train the next generation of Keyblade wielders..."
"Uh, hey," Thing raised his hand, "Just wanting to say something since our friends finally came home... what about Doom?"
Meanwhile, in Latveria, Dr. Doom's bots were recreating the same portal that the heroes created to bring their allies to this world, grinning behind his helmet.
"He may not have wanted the kid, but I know he didn't help us, and without getting anything out of it."
"Ben's right," Reed sighed, "What's worse is... while we recaptured most of the supervillains that broke of the Negative Zone with the exception of Mr. Brock and those who joined us against Xehanort... there's also a few who didn't participate in the fight at all...
"And God only knows where they could be now..."
Meanwhile, in a distant galaxy, home of the Jedi Knights, defectors from both the Separatist and Republic had gathered in one secret location. Wilhuff Tarkin raised an eyebrow to all who were gathered in. Many former Republic Officers, Jedi, and of course the Vicory and the Separatist Leaders who did not want to join their fellow Alliance members in their peace within the Republic. A very unlikely meeting, Tarkin presumed to take charge, "I assume we know why we're all here..."
"The death of Chancollar Palpatine," The former Temple, a Pau'an male whose name escaped him, answered, "Or Lord Sidious... has affected us all. In one or another..."
"Yes," Tarkin admitted, "He was a man who would finally have brought order to the galaxy."
"Speak for yourself," Gunray spoke up, "We were loyal to Sidious since before he was your Chancollar, and when we outlived our usefulness to him, he planned to kill us all! Who's to say he wouldn't have done the same to you eventually!"
"I'm with the Vicroy on this," This Jedi girl, Tarkin's name he briefly recalled, Lyn Rakish he believed, "We were gathered to hunt down any of the remaining Jedi who survived Order 66 if it had succeeded. Who's to say we wouldn't have eventually killed off after that deed had been done?"
"And yet, you're all still here," Tarkin wondered, "Why?"
"Because we refuse to serve a corrupt Jedi Order," Baylnn Skoll spoke up, getting the former Admiral's attention, "Or a Republic, which, along with the Order, both had nearly fallen to their greatest enemy without even realizing. Had it not been for the Avengers' intervention..."
"Well, I refuse to join in this peace with Senator Amadilla leading the Republic," Vicory declared.
"Um, wouldn't it be Senator Skywalker now?" Marrok wondered, "Considering that she's been married to Anakin Skywalker for over three years."
"Whatever!" Gunruy snapped, "I still went to prison because of that woman, and I still want her dead."
"Even though she had saved your life, along with your colleagues," Barris Offee, former Jedi and convicted terrorist, raised an eyebrow, "If she had said nothing..." Gunruy crossed his arms before she added on, "If you're going to act this way, why even call this meeting?"
"Wha-?" The Viceroy of the Trade Federation blinked, "I didn't-" He pointed a finger at Tarkin, "This old man did!"
"I did no such thing," Tarkin blinked in confusion, before turning back to the former Temple Guard, "I came here on you're request..."
"Hmmm," The Pau'an hummed in thought, "If we were all summoned here, and none of us were responsible... then who..."
"That would be me," A new voice spoke up, getting everyone's attention, a human male entered the room with dark hair entered the room. Alongside him was a Chiss male, whom Tarkin recognized as an Officer from the Chiss Ascendancy, Thrawn. And the other man beside him was one everyone knew well.
"You..." Gunray blinked.
"Ah, Vicory," Maul grinned, "It's been a long time, hasn't it?"
"But... you..." Gunruy blinked, "You're supposed to be dead! Killed on Naboo, all those years ago!"
"Oh, he's been revealed to be alive quite some time; he was Madalore's ruler until the Republic intervened," Tarkin glanced to the Vicory of the Trade Federation, "But last I heard, you were supposed on trial for your crimes, and to testify against your Master..."
"Oh, the Jedi were so focused on protecting the Child of Destiny back on the Avengers homeworld," The former Sith smirked as he gestured to his two colleagues, "This fine gentleman arranged for my early parole. Truly men of vision."
"My apologies for keeping you," The first man who spoke up, followed by men in green armored uniforms wearing a symbol, Tarkin did not recognize, "I had some last-minute details to oversee..."
"Who are you?" Tarkin wondered, "Why have you summoned us?"
"Much like yourself," The man spoke up, "I was handpicked by a man who was quite like-minded with Sidious, who wanted to bring Order to my world. I was put in charge of his science division... but I outgrew Hitler's vision... and used his division to create an empire of my own..."
"Mr. Schmidt, " Thrawn spoke up, gesturing to the man, "Forsees a greater Empire than Palpatine planned to create... and thanks to the Avengers... we have the means to create that Empire. One that will bring an end to all of our enemies."
"And I wish for you to join our cause," Schmidt continued as he poured himself a drink.
"Oh, and what makes you think it'd be enough to overthrow the combined might of the Jedi, the Republic, and the Separatists?" Gunry wondered, "...and that was before the Avengers showed... and only two managed to save all three..."
"Because, my friends, it's a big universe out there," Schmidt revealed, "There are countless worlds outside our own. Xehanort has shown us this. And now we have the means to reach them. The Avengers, Jedi... their focus will be on Xehanort himself... they will fail to notice our alliance that will bring our universe to its knees," He poured a second beverage and offered it to Tarkin, "... an Order of our vision..." He then grinned wickedly, "My vision."
"Yours?" Tarkin raised an eyebrow in amusement, "I can only assume you're from the Avengers world, a world that's never even explored its own galaxy because they're all so afraid to leave their home. I refuse to follow a vision so weak-"
'BANG!'
Tarkin froze, lowering his eyes. He saw that Schmidt had pulled out a slug-throwing pistol, and the barrel had let off some smoke after it fired. He had been shot! He began to collapse from his wounds, dropping his drink, as it broke on the floor. Everyone turned to the self-proclaimed leader, who put away his weapon and reached the back of his head, as Maul gestured, "Gentlemen, may I present, your new Emperor... Johann Schmidt or... as the universe will better know him as..." Schmidt pulled, revealing his face was a mask, as his true face was burned red, unlike anything anyone in the room had seen before. As Maul reintroduced him, "...the Red Skull!"
"Xehanort's forces will fall," The Red Skull grinned before gesturing to the people around him, "And Hydra will rise from its ashes! And should anyone try to stop us... they will meet a similar fate to Xehanort." Taking a sip of his drink, he added, "Cut off one head... two more shall take its place..."
He raised his glass, "Hail Hydra!"
Immediately, the soldiers in the room raised their arms in the air, "HAIL HYDRA! HAIL HYDRA!" One by one, a dying Tarkin witnessed everyone else, former Jedi, Republic, and Separatist joining them, "HAIL HYDRA! HAIL HYDRA! HAIL HYDRA!"
Back on the Avengers World, Captain America stated, "Should they return, we'll be ready for them." He glanced around in the room, "Now then... let's focus on what we can do now..."
He turned to the eggheads, "Xehanort taught those villains how to use those dark portals, which was how they escaped in the first place... what's to stop them from doing it again and going after Sora again?"
"We've taken that into thought," Dr. Strange stepped in, "After the villains were recaptured, Wong and I made some improvements to Prison 42."
"We've cast a protection spell like we did to Wankanda's shields," Wong revealed, "Xehanort only got through because we opened the shields to prevent the Heartless from going around us, but as long as the spell remains strong, they will be unable to leave their cells until their sentence has been carried out."
"...and I already went ahead a wiped their memories of who Sora is and what he even looks like," Jean added, "Even if they do break out, they won't remember who Sora is and how he is truly special..."
"I don't think we need to worry about Sora's safety anytime soon..."
Much footage of the war went on through many computer screens, as well as footage of the present and future Sora. Ultron witnessed it all from his future world, with his eyes glowing red...
Quicksilver sighed in relief, "Well, that's a relief..."
"Then that just leaves the children themselves," Aayla spoke up, "When do they begin their training?"
"I think after the whole ordeal," Ashoka spoke up, "They should have some time to settle into their new home."
"I agree," Master Yoda nodded to the former Jedi, "A hard week for the children, it has been."
"Da," Yelena nodded in agreement, "One almost became Horcrux and made target by every bad guy on planet and beyond. Other two trapped in another dimension for weeks. They need break."
"They also should be allowed to be children," T'Challa stated, "Not weapons..."
Wolverine nodded in agreement, "Amen to that."
"Well, since all three are being raised by the Avengers, I can accommodate rooms for the kids," Tony gestured to the Mansion around them, "At least until we find a more permanent and safe home for them. Cause God knows how often supervillains have attacked this place."
"Uh, excuse me," Quicksilver raised his hand, "This sounds all good, and I'm all for this..." He then glanced at Peter, "But does anyone else want to ask about how there's another Spider-Man out there other than my sister's boyfriend?"
"He doesn't need to answer to you, Pietro," Wanda glared at her brother, "Not after you invaded his privacy..." Before turning to Peter, "But I'd like to know as well."
"Oh, that's Miles," Peter rubbed the back of his head, "His dad works in the police force, and well... he was also bitten by a spider that gave him powers..."
"Similar to yours..." Wanda slowly realized, "Huh... when did you meet him?"
"Actually met him when the Fantastic 4 and I were stopping Kingpin from attempting to create a collider to bring his family to another dimension a while back. Been helping train him use his powers, and he wants to be a hero too," He explained, sparking interest from the other heroes, "I didn't want him getting involved with anything big like... well... what happened a couple hours ago."
"Hmmmm..." Tony glanced at Cap, "You thinking what I'm thinking?"
"I've got a general idea," The World War II hero nodded.
"Uh, Cap, Tony," Wasp blinked in confusion, "What are you two thinking?"
"Look, we know Xehanort and the Heartless will return," Iron Man glanced to Jan, before gesturing, "We've got about 10 years to get ready, and let's face it, we won't be getting any younger."
"It could be a good idea to start thinking about training the next generation of heroes." Cap picked up where Tony left off, "Not just through Sora, Riku, and Kairi, but the kids of our world, and maybe a few kids from other worlds."
"Ah, we could include a few young Jedi with this idea," Obi-Wan lightly nodded, "We know Anakin's children will play a big role in the future even with the Sith destroyed..."
"Although, if we're considering recruiting others from other worlds, I'd advise extreme caution on how we do it," Master Windu stated, "The World Order has to be preserved."
"I'm sorry, but isn't that saying a lot for people who take children from their homes to join their causes?" Tony glanced at the Jedi Masters, "Never to see their families again."
The Jedi Masters glanced down in guilt at that, as Mace nodded, "A poor choice, the Order must change... Anakin and I have been brainstorming better ideas to recruit future Jedi without the idea of losing touch with their families."
"Tony, we're not here to cast stones," Cap to the armored Avenger, "He's right, though. If we do recruit future Avengers from other worlds, it cannot disturb their own World Order or cause people to raise too many eyebrows if important people are gone for days or weeks at a time..."
"So, we couldn't recruit Hercules to fight with us on Earth or anywhere that's not his home," Hulk realized.
"Exactly," Cap nodded.
"Okay, say we do find these heroes," Bobby wondered, "What are you planning to do... open up your own school?"
"Not a bad idea, for the long lost brother of Elsa," Tony half-joked, "I'm sure Xavier School can give us good pointers!"
Bobby blinked at that, as Kitty happily patted his arm. Rogue wondered, "But where would you go to teach them? Even if they don't know about Sora and the other kids, if word gets out that there's a school for superheroes, villains are sure to attack it by the day!"
"She's not wrong," Beast nodded to her, "We had gone under the guise as a regular school to protect our home and students from those of the MRD or anyone who would persecute mutants."
"Then it's best it's not at the Mansion," Carol nodded the founding X-Man, "The Tower isn't much better."
"If I may speak..." Magento raised an arm.
"Uh, why should we take his opinion?" Hawkeye glared at the Master of Magnetism, "I know he helped us fight against Xehanort and all the other supervillains who wanted the kid, but before he tried to kill us all, along with everyone in the city."
"Because it concerns my grandson's future," Magento glanced back at him, "The last thing I wish is for any harm to come to him. We know the war is coming, and I wish for him to be ready for when Xehanort returns..."
Peter glanced at his girlfriend, who gave it some thought before ultimately nodding, "Clint. Let's just hear him out on this."
Hawkeye glanced at her before nodding. Sora's grandfather cleared his throat, "As many of you may know, I created a sanctuary for mutants on the islands of Genosha, where no harm would come to them..."
"Until you brought the war to the islands," Cycolps glared at Eric, recalling the events.
"I admit, I was not the best ruler," He nodded, "I didn't make the best choices... but up to that point and since afterward, my people remain undisturbed."
"What, you're saying we should open a school on Genosha?" Wasp blinked in confusion.
"No, I'm saying you have a billionaire with endless resources," Magento stated, "Sure, it would not be difficult to find a vacant island to buy and start a school undisturbed..."
"Hate to admit it," Yellow Jacket spoke up, "But it's not a bad idea."
"And with S.H.I.E.L.D.'s aid, we can keep it classified from the general public," Bobbie smiled, "Supervillains wouldn't know how to find it."
"But what about the Superhuman Registration Act?" Peter spoke up, "If what Xehanort says is true, what will stop Hill from trying to force her ideas on the future heroes..."
"I wouldn't worry too much about it," Tony reassured him.
Hill took the bill proposal before tossing it into the fire, and watched it burn...
"Hill took what Xehanort told you guys to heart. She didn't like the idea of her actions leading to Norman Osborn taking over S.H.E.I.L.D., making heroes the world's most wanted."
"And if we proved anything today, is that the world still needs its heroes," Cap smiled, "We'll do it better united than divided. If that act went through, then Xehanort would have already won."
Peter looked slightly relieved, as War Machine wondered, "What would we even call this school?"
"I'm just spitballing here," Iron Man smirked, "I was thinking Avengers Academy."
Everyone paused before slowly nodding, liking the idea, as Wasp smiled, "I like it!"
Wanda then cleared her throat, getting her father's and brother's attention, "I believe you two had something you wanted to say to Peter."
After a moment, Magento slowly nodded, "You have my blessing to see my daughter..."
"Ditto," Pietro nodded.
"And what else?" Wanda tapped her foot.
After another moment, Magento sighed, "We're sorry for invading your personal life."
"Yeah..." The speester nodded, "Guess we could've waited for you to get back, where Wanda could've explained the whole situation to us."
Smiling in satisfaction, she gave a nod to Peter. Jean spoke up, "That brings us to our final thing. Peter... I know how much you value your secret identity as Spider-Man. Now... everyone in this room. And some people on the outside know as well. If you're not comfortable with this, I can wipe everyone's memories to forget that Peter Parker is Spider-Man."
"And if that doesn't work, I could cast a spell to do the same," Strange offered.
"What will it be, Peter?" Cap glanced at the Web-Head, "We'll respect your wishes no matter what you choose."
Peter blinked at that as Magento and Pietro looked a little nervous at the thought, while everyone gave him support and patience. Truth be told, he was on the fence. One the one hand, he had kept his secret identity for years, and when it nearly went public because of Venom, it was not an experience he ever wished to go through again.
On the other hand, it was only the other heroes who were aware of who he was. Along with his Aunt and Yuri. If he went through with this, would Wanda or Sora not remember him either? Their whole journey, they've been through together? Would Wanda still feel the same way for him, without knowing he's Spider-Man?
But what was truly the deciding factor was what Xehanort of all people told him. Could have been lying? Maybe. But he seemed so shocked when he discovered that this Paul guy, who would have stolen his wife, had been killed. If he was telling the truth, if he did reveal his identity to the world, which caused his family so much pain, even after the spell made everyone forget, he still went through a lot of pain because of it. Peter sighed, "I appreciate the offer, guys. Really, I am. But... as long as it stays between us..." He turned to Wanda, "I'll be fine with whatever the future holds..."
Wanda smiled at that as her family sighed in relief. Tony then stood up, "Well, if that's the case, after speaking with Wanda earlier... we came to the same conclusion." Peter blinked, turning to Wanda, who smiled knowingly, as Tony declared, "No more part-time bases. We'd like you to be a full-time member of the Avengers."
Peter blinked in shock, "Gee... I... I don't know what to say..."
"Congratulations, Spider-Man," Cap smiled as he shook his hand, "I've been praying you'd be here one day."
"I'm still not sure..." Peter rubbed the back of his head, "I'm flattered... but..."
"You'd live close to me in a rent-free room," Wanda whispered.
"I'm in!" Peter happily agreed.
"Good to hear," Tony smiled, before adding, "And just for the record, I promise I won't try to make you reveal to the world that you're Spider-Man."
"I appreciate that thought," The photographer for the Bugle nodded in appreciation.
"If this meeting is just about over," Wanda spoke up, "Peter and I need to visit the hospital..."
"Um..." Peter blinked in concern, "What for?"
His Aunt was okay, Sora was okay, and Wanda's family was in one piece. The Blue Fairy helped treat their wounded friends on her way out, so why would they need to... Wanda reminded him, "Anakin and Padmé... they're going to have the twins..."
"OH," Peter's eyes widened in realization, "Right!"
"We also have other errands to run," She added as Peter leapt from where he was to her side, "Like making the adoption of Sora official and legal."
"Right," Peter nodded before turning to Daredevil, "DD, you think you can get in touch with your friend, Matt Murdock, to take care of the-"
"Of course," The Man without Fear nodded, appreciating that Peter still protected his identity from the others, "I'm sure he'd be happy to. The only issue is trying to adopt a child that as far as our world knows... didn't exist until earlier today. That also extends to Riku and Kairi."
"I've already spoken to Director Fury," Nat spoke up, "He's taken care of that little detail."
"Well, in that case," The secret lawyer nodded to the couple, "Come by Murdok's office later on today..."
The two nodded as they began to take their leave. Obi-Wan and Ashoka's eyes widened in realization; they also wanted to be there for Anakin and his wife, before they went to join them. Wanda reassured the rest of the heroes, "We'll be back!"
"Oh, before I forget," Magento lifted his finger, getting the couple's attention, "Do you know if May was seeing anyone at the moment?"
"Aaaaaand we're going!" Peter turned to leave with Wanda by his side, who groaned at that.
"Ummm..." Clint blinked in confusion, "Who's May, again?"
"Spider-Man's Aunt," Quicksilver glanced at the Archer, "My father has the hots for her."
"Oof!" Clint winced at that, "Boy, I don't envy them!"
"True," Pietro nodded, "But better them than us!"
"You think it's too late to ask if we can at least wipe Magento's memory?" Peter asked his girlfriend.
"Unfortunately," She sighed, "Let's just get Sora and check on our friends at the hospital."
"Yeah," Peter stated before glancing at their costumes, "Although we should probably change first."
"Good point," Wanda glanced to him before realizing, "And we should probably find some more clothes for Sora since he's worn the same thing since we left the islands over a week ago."
"Agreed," Peter nodded in agreement...
Back outside, Sora was still playing with his friends when his parents, who were no longer in uniform, left the Mansion, "Come on, Sora, we're going to check up on our friends at the hospital!"
"Oh," Sora blinked in concern.
"They're okay," Wanda reassured him, "Mr. and Mrs. Skywalker just had the babies delivered. You want to see them?!"
"Oh, yes!" Sora beamed at that before turning to his friends, "I'll see you later, guys."
"It's okay, Sora," Kairi smiled at the boy, "We'll still be here when you get back."
The boy blushed slightly as he went to join his foster parents, "Bye..."
As he ran to join them, Wanda took notice of how red Sora's face was before glancing at Kairi. A knowing smile appeared on her face as they left the backyard. Peter glanced at her as she took their son's hand as they went around to the front, "What are you smiling at that?"
"Nothing," Wanda kept her smile, "Just thinking to myself..."
Peter remained confused as on their way out. Suddenly, with a flash of pink light, Blink, alongside Polaris, appeared in front of the mansion, much to their shock, "Lorna?"
"Wanda," Lorna glanced at her in concern, "I was so worried. You never explained who that man in the black coat was and where you've been." She then noticed Peter by her side, "Who's this?"
"Oh, well, I guess we can share some details," Wanda nodded before gesturing to Peter, "Well, this is Peter..." She then raised an eyebrow, before Peter gave her a nod, "He's Spider-Man. We've been seeing each other."
Peter gave a kind smile as he offered her his hand, "It's nice to finally meet you."
"Oh," Polaris blinked, shocked by the fact that her older sister was dating someone in the human world. She cautiously shook Peter's hand, "N-nice to meet you too."
Wanda whispered to him, "Don't take it personally. The last guy she liked broke her heart, and has always been cautious around other humans..."
He nodded in understanding, as she glanced to her sister, gesturing to Peter, "So... um... he's the reason why you disappeared..."
"No... it was mostly..." Wanda tried to explain, but was unsure how to, "Well... It's a bit complicated..." She then shook her head, "You know what, I think it's best we just introduce him..."
Lorna was even more confused now, as she thought she was referring to Peter again. Until Wanda turned around, knelt to her son, who had hidden at the sight of the newcomers, "Hey, it's okay... It's just your Aunt Lorna... Come out and say hi..."
Sora peeked his head from behind his mother, causing Lorna's cautious and nervous face to turn to a bright smile with a gasp in awe. Wanda then turned to her sister as she gestured to the small boy, "Lorna, this is our son, your nephew, Sora..." She then turned to the spikey-haired boy and gestured to Lorna, "Sora, this is your Aunt Lorna..."
"I- I have a nephew?" Polaris asked as tears of joy rolled down her face.
"Well, adopted but..." Wanda tried to explain.
But her sister didn't care as she scooped up the child in her arms, "I LOVE HIM!"
Wanda shook her head in amusement, "Never mind..."
After a moment, Sora spoke up, "I like your hair..."
"Why, thank you," His aunt smiled, "I like yours too!"
She then pulled him into a hug...
As Riku and Kairi watched Sora be around his new family, Kairi glanced at Riku, "They seem nice..."
"Yeah," Riku nodded, "I'm grateful that they kept Sora safe and everything... but... I kinda wish we got to see some of the other worlds too..."
"Well, look at it this way," The young girl gestured to the Mansion, "We're finally on another world. One full of superheroes! That's still pretty cool!"
"I guess..." The silverhead glanced at the new environment, "Still... I cannot shake the feeling we left one prison... only to be trapped in another..."
He admitted, he could learn alot from this world. From its heroes. He glanced to the buildings ahead, and could've he saw someone in a brown cloak, looking down upon him...
...he just needed the strength to protect what matters...
On their way to the Hospital, Peter had to stop by the Bugle, to make sure he still had a job. Wanda reminded him that he'd be living in the Mansion rent free, and likely wouldn't have to pay for anything. But Peter believed this would be the best way to provide for his family nonetheless. Plus, he could hear the news first hand, allowing him to get ahead of some of the on going crime within the city. Peter ran into the office, where J Jonah Jameson was waiting for him, "It's about time you got here, Parker!" He grinned, "Please, tell me you've got something good for me!"
"Well, last week has been a little hetic and it wasn't easy getting pictures with all the monsters running around," The photographer admitted before pulling out several photos, "But I was able to get some pictures as the battle was ending!"
"Good!" Mr. Jameson grinned taking the photos and observing each one. Peter made sure none of the photos contained anything that could leak his identity, future Sora, or any of the Disney characters who helped them during the war. However, Jameson was far from happy of what he did bring him. Spider-Man helping the heroes taking down Xehanort, "No! No! NO! I wanted pictures of Spider-Man aiding the Man in the Black Coat! These pictures make that Spider-Menace look like some kind of hero! Parker! You were gone for a week and you come back with this!" Peter knew what was coming as Jameson slammed the photo's on his desk, "YOU'RE-"
"DADDY!" A young voice made the angry publisher pause.
Peter turned to see Sora running across the room to his foster father, who happily picked him up as his girlfriend followed him shortly, "Hey, spikey..."
Jameson blinked, along with Peter's other friends employed by the Bugle, "Daddy?!"
"I'm sorry, Peter," Wanda half-smiled, "Sora, just really wanted to see where you worked."
"Hold on," Jameson slowly realized, "You're the Scarlet Witch..." He then turned to the boy in Peter's arms, "...and you're the kid that masked menace took hostage alongside her..."
Wanda merely rolled her eyes, "Spider-Man didn't kidnap us... I dragged them along on a crazy journey... I also wanted to apologize for any inconvenience I put between you and the love of my life."
Everyone was silent for a few minutes, as Jameson then realized, "Hold up, Parker... is this your..."
"Family..." Peter confirmed, "It's why I've been gone, sir, I had to help them..." He then glanced at Wanda, "Even if one of them could take care of herself perfectly on her own."
"Well..." Robbie blinked before chuckling, "Congratulations!"
"Peter..." Betty smiled, happy for him, while rubbing the boy's hair, "Why didn't you say anything? We would've celebrated."
Foswel blinked, "Man, he looks just like the two of you..."
Peter then turned to Jameson, "I'm sorry again, Mr. Jameson but..."
"No... no, you're not fired," Jameson raised his hand in understanding, "You're a father. You had to take care of your boy..." He then admitted, "Giving your position, I would've done the same thing."
Picking up the photos, Jameson glanced, "Miss Brant. Give Parker his check for the photos. We'll think of something we could use that'll sell papers." He then stated, "But since you're lady is an Avenger, I expect pictures of them in action too. And a heads up if something happens..."
"Yes, sir," Peter was relieved, "This won't happen again, JJ. I promise." He then gestured to his family, "If it's okay with you, I'd like to take some time with my family."
"Of course," Jameson nodded with understanding, "Take whatever time you need."
Peter nodded in appreciation as Betty handed him his check, and he left with his family. Peter whispered, "Thanks..."
"Of course," Wanda smiled as Jameson thought about what the new headline would be.
"Avengers stop monsters in Times Square," Jameson decided, before telling the rest of his staff, "Make it happen, people! What do I think I pay you for!"
With that, everyone rushed back to work, as Jameson turned to a photo of him and his own son John...
Later at the hospital, Padmè held a baby girl wrapped in blackets as Anakin held a baby boy in his arms. The Jedi Knight turned to his wife, "How are you feeling?"
"Exhausted," The senator admitted, "But I'll live." She then turned to Anakin, "You sure we won?"
"Positive," Anakin reassured her before noticing familiar faces entered the room, "Don't believe me, ask Peter and Wanda yourself."
Blinking, she turned to see several familiar faces enter the room. Wanda, who was brightly smiling at the presence of the newborns, asked, "Are these them?"
Padmè smiled as she held up to show her daughter, "Yes, meet Leia..." She then turned to her husband, who presented the boy, "...and Luke Skywalker."
"Oh my gosh," Wanda went over to greet the baby, "Hi!"
"Speaking of babies," Padmè glanced at Wanda, "How's yours holding up?"
"Much better with his friends back and Xehanort gone," Wanda happily answered, "He's spending time with my sister, who was more than eager to accept the role of his Aunt."
"Good to hear," Anakin nodded before spotting his Master, and his former Padawan, which the latter was more than eager to meet the new arrivals, "Hey, Master. Snips."
"Anakin," Obi-Wan greeted as his Padawan went to greet his son, "So, Luke and Leia, huh?"
"Yeah, well, I was tempted to name Luke Jinn after Qui-Gon," The Chosen One admitted, before glancing at Peter, "But after learning what my son would accomplish in another timeline... I believe the name Luke suited him better. I could always use the name for our next child."
"Hey, let's let the kids who do have grow up a little bit first before we consider having more," His wife pointed out as Wanda booped her daughter's nose.
"Can I hold him?" Ashoka asked her former Master. He nodded, giving the child to her, who gave Luke a bright smile, "Hey, little guy... you're so much cuter than the baby your father and I rescued on our first mission together."
Anakin shook his head, before turning to Wanda and Peter in concern, "How are you two holding up? Xehanort didn't exactly say you had bright futures if Kang never broke out."
"Are we still talking about that?" Ashoka wondered before pointing out, "His visions of the future were flawed. In fact, the rest of the heroes are taking action to ensure this Act never happens."
"Perhaps," Obi-Wan nodded, "But Xehanort absolutely believed those futures were certain. So, there was some truth to go with it."
"Yeah, don't remind me," Peter slowly nodded, "...and that's not even mentioning the possibility that Norman Osborn, the Green Goblin, might still be alive."
"We could investigate the grave," Anakin proposed, "Make sure the Goblin really is buried and gone..." He then reassured him, "If he is alive, we make sure he doesn't come anywhere near your family."
"And if Osborn tries to push the act," Padmè spoke up, "I could always represent to oppose this Act. I could even convince others in the Senate... both the Republic and the Sepritists to speak up as well. After everything you two did for our home..."
"Thank you, guys, really..." Peter slowly nodded, "But from what Xehanort says... I screw up my family... Get my Aunt killed by revealing my identity, have a failed marriage with MJ, who leaves me for that... Paul guy..."
"Well, you don't need to worry about that guy," Obi-Wan pointed out, "Captain Watanabe confirmed as such as Cody recovered the body to ensure he gets a proper funeral."
"You know what I mean," Spidey pointed out, "I end up screwing my own marriage, and Gobby had nothing to do with it."
"We don't know that for a fact," Anakin pointed out.
Peter then glanced at Wanda, who frowned, as he admitted, "Still, my future sounds like paradise compared to what he said about yours..."
"Those stupid crazy fanatics, I never felt that way about Viz," Wanda stated, "Did my powers and their voices finally get in my head... make me lose it... make fake children... and then hurt some of my closest friends..." She then turned to her boyfriend, "That's not even mentioning the harm I cause you... Give you back Gwen, and your family, only for you to give it up in the end... and I wipe out mutant kind..."
"Hey," Anakin spoke up, getting their attention, "Even if what Xehanort says is even half true, I'll be there to ensure that doesn't happen. You saved me from becoming Vader... and I'll never forget it. I save you both from your own darknesses."
"I'm actually with Ashoka on this," Padmè spoke up, "One, whatever, future that was meant for the two of you that... clearly changed." She gestured to Peter, "You're not with this Mary Jane... you're with Wanda..." She then turned to the Scarlet Witch, "And you're not with Vision... you're with Peter..." She then gestured to the hall outside, "You two have a sweet little boy... as real as we all are... no tricks or illusions. He is real."
Wanda smiled slightly, "Yeah, he is..." She then frowned, "But what if I have to push my powers again to protect Sora from a threat worse than Xehanort... what if I can't have any children of my own... what if I end up losing my mind anyway... what if..."
"The Council feared your power when we first met," Obi-Wan spoke up, "But whatever future you were supposed to have... won't happen. You two clearly bring out the best in each other."
"We'll figure it out together," Anakin vowed, "The Jedi, the Avengers... all of us..."
"And God will take care of the rest," Padmè added, "Just like you told us... and you were right..."
After a long pause, Peter turned to his girlfriend, "You make sure I don't make any stupid decisions that'll destroy my family life, and I make sure you don't lose your marbles?"
Wanda forced a laugh as she turned to her boyfriend, with loving eyes, "Deal..."
"Hey, where's Rex?" Ashoka wondered, "I thought he wanted to see the kids as badly as we did?"
"He said something about helping Yuri with cleanup?" Peter slowly recalled...
Meanwhile, Rex and Yuri were watching as the armies of the Republic and Separatists returned to their Galaxy. Yuri glanced between the Captain of the 501st and the army of clones and droids, "So, your men are leaving?"
"Most of 'em," Rex nodded, "It was our agreement with the Avengers, and with a few exceptions like additional security in the Negative Zone to prevent further breakouts."
Yuri nodded, "Too bad. You guys were pretty helpful..."
"Well," Rex cleared his throat, "It just so happens the war is over back in my Galaxy, and I don't have an Inhibitor Chip in my hand... so I've got plenty of spare time now... if you wanted to... um... unless you don't want to. Which I would understand, I'm considered fiction here, and it'd be weird."
Yuri checked her watch, "I have a few more things to take care of before my shift ends... but I could go for a movie and dinner in after..."
Rex blinked, "Really?" He then nodded, "So, um, what time should I pick up?"
"I'm available at eight if nothing else happens today," Yuri nodded to the clone captain, "I'll see you then..."
With that, she left the room, as Rex nodded, "Right! See you then!" He then muttered to himself, "Wait... I don't know where everything is... I wonder if the General or Cut has any ideas what I should wear..."
"Huh?" Anakin thought to himself before thinking about what Wanda said, "Wait, a threat worse than Xehanort? What do you mean?"
"Yeah, we have Thanos, who definitely fits that description on deep lock up to the Negative Zone," Ashoka pointed out, "Who else could you be talking about?"
Everyone turned to Wanda, who sighed, "During the battle, Jean was able to get in Xehanort's head for a bit... she found something... someone who pushed Xehanort into doing all this."
This stunned everyone in the room, as Peter asked in concern, "Who?"
"Wanda revealed what she learned from Jean Grey," The Watcher revealed as he waved his hand, causing time to shift. "As time passed, our heroes took time to relax. The Parker Family spent the evening in Avengers Mansion watching Mary Poppins together before falling into a deep slumber... where they have one last face-to-face meeting with the Master of Masters."
The three fell asleep on the couch, all snuggled up to each other. Just then, the Master of Masters entered the room, "Aw, isn't that sweet. One big happy family. What more could one ask for the Child of Destiny..." He knelt to Sora, "With you safe and sound, and Xehanort scheming the way he should... everything is finally back on track..."
He reached out to rub his hair when a hand grabbed onto him, "Keep your hands off of him..."
He turned to Wanda, who wasn't actually asleep, glaring at him. He pulled back, as she stood up, as Peter stood back up, revealing that he was awake as well. Suddenly, he heard movement, as he was now surrounded by many heroes. Thor glared, "I would heed the witch's advice, villain."
Seeing he was surrounded by many heroes ready to throw down with the Lost Master, he chuckled, "Well, this is an awful way to say thank you. After all the help I gave you."
"Help," Cap glared at the man in the black coat, "You caused all of this."
"No, I didn't," He denied, "Xehanort was the one who went off script-"
"From your plans," Peter crossed his arms, "That's what you were going to say, right? Seeing how you pushed Xehanort to become the villain."
"Jean peeked inside Xehanort's memories," Wanda stated, "And to our surprise, you were there. Provided his black coat for him and everything."
"Ooooh, someone's been looking ahead in the book," The Master looked from intimidated, "Very naughty."
"Like creating the big bad for Sora," Hawkeye added, "One who will bring him and his friends so much pain in the future."
"That's not even mentioning all the lives ruined because of this," Mickey glared at the Master with Keyblade in hand, "Why would you do this? You're supposed to a Keyblade Master! The Keyblade Master! You were supposed to lead Xehanort away from the darkness! Not lead him to it!"
"And it's no question of who was responsible for turning his own pupils against each other," Anakin pointed out, lightaber drawn, "You started the first Keyblade War!
"Look! I get it! You're mad!" The Master stated, "I'll admit it, I may have given the kid a little push towards the darkness, but he was always going to end up there! Truth be told, I needed him to find the Child. I need him for my own goals."
"For what?" Wanda stood protectively in front of her son.
"Nothing you have to worry about now," He answered, "Just make sure that he grows up to be the hero who stands up to Xehanort and we'll be cool."
"That's not good enough," Peter glared at him.
"You will tell us why you'll do this," Iron Man's eyes narrowed, "Or we'll feed you to the Hulk!"
"Look! Despite what you may believe, I didn't start the original Keyblade War," The Master stated, "It's true, there was a Keyblade War in my younger days too." Everyone paused at that, "Very likely, there was another before that... and another before that... and so on... look if everything goes out, I can finally put an end to the endless wars. Sora is the key to all of it." He then glanced at the heroes, "Of course, I didn't take into account that Xehanort would use your little fight with Kang nearly brought an end to the universe, but hey, it all worked out."
"And how many more lives will end because of your goals?" Captain America stated, "Noble or not, the ends don't justify the means. If you come for the kid, any of the kids, we will stop you."
"You can count on it," Magento stated as he and his other children revealed themselves, glaring at the Master.
"You have my word, I won't come for the kid..." The Master raised his hands before adding, "...for now. And you won't see me again until Sora defeats the old man. But call the friends you want... past, present, or even future... You can't stop what's coming."
The villain turned to the exit as everyone watched him leave, "May your heart be your guiding key..."
"Hold it!" Quicksilver told him as he sped after the hooded man as he stepped out the door. By the time the speedster reached him, he was long gone, "Damn it!"
Suddenly, Sora stirred awake, causing the parents to turn to him, "Mommy? Daddy? Is something wrong?"
"No, sweetie," Wanda reassured her son with a soft smile, "You go back to sleep." Sora nodded, going back to sleep, as she picked up. Glancing to a corner, Sora's mother asked, "Please tell me, you found something? Anything? A name? His plans? Anything?"
Strange and Jean stepped out of a corner as the latter shook her head, "Unfortunately, no... his mind was well protected."
"And even my own magics couldn't piece into his mind," Strange stated, "I hate to admit it, but whoever our Lost Master is... took well preparation if we ever confronted him."
"Gosh, I can't believe he'd use his own students... other people like that," Mickey frowned, "I can't help but wonder if we'd even been in the situation, no if he left things unaltered."
"Thor," Cap glanced to him, "You've been around a long time, could anything he said be remotely true?"
"I cannot say," Thor admitted, "We only knew of the Child of Destiny. Anything that of the Keyblade War... has vanished from the pages of history..."
"If there were multiple Keyblade Wars, the Council has no knowledge of it," Mace admitted, "He could've been lying."
"Lies, deceit, creating mistrust are his ways now," Master Yoda stated, "Like Dooku and Sidous... stop him, we will."
"For now, we have to prepare for anything he may intend to," Captain America stated, "And make sure that the next generation of heroes are ready for the challenge."
"I agree," The Grand Master nodded.
Wanda frowned as she told everyone, "I'm... I'm going to put my baby to bed..."
Everyone turned to her as she carried her son to his temporary room, until the Academy was ready...
Wanda watched as her son slept soundly in her bed, but was scared to leave him on his own. Peter walked up beside her, "You alright?"
"It's not fair..." Wanda frowned, "Xehanort, the Master... before I screwed up everything, they would have used him for their own ambitions... heck, they still will, and there's nothing we can do about it."
"We can be there for him," Peter glanced at him, "Help him carry some of that responsibility. Let him know he's not alone in this fight. And make sure he's loved."
"I wish he wouldn't have to," Wanda frowned as she leaned toward her boyfriend.
"Then, we'll do everything we can to see if we get a head of Xehanort's schemes and stop him before Sora has to," Peter reassured her, "...but what matters is that he is safe. And he'll grow into an amazing young man..."
Wanda slightly smiled, "He was pretty good in that fight."
"You should have seen him lift Thor's hammer," Peter smiled.
Wanda blinked in shock, "He did that?" Spidey confirmed with a nod, much to her shock, "Wow! I've been able to lift that hammer..."
"Me neither," Peter half-chuckled, "Guess that means we'll do something right."
"..." Wanda hummed in thought, "Peter... what if I really can't have kids... no brothers or sisters to give Sora?"
"Then we can always adopt," Peter reassured her, "And they'd be just as loved."
"And what about Sora's future?" She turned to her boyfriend with serious look, "Xehanort hurts Kairi in order to get Sora to fight him... and we gets banished by saving her..."
"Well, that Sora clearly came after he fight with Master Xehanort so... I don't think we'll need to worry too much," Peter smirked, "Besides, I already spoke with Widow and Bucky about it, they'll prepare her so that she's ready for anything. Plus, we got quite a few friends that can get to her before Xehanort tries anything..."
Wanda laughed as she nodded, "You're right. God has given us everything and everyone we need to pull through."
"Let's let him sleep..." Peter gestured to the door, "...your sister agreed to babysit him if you wanted to go out tomorrow... with me..."
"I'd like that..." The daughter of Magento admitted, before confessing, "I love you, Peter."
"I love you too," Peter told her as they left the room, ready for whatever the future had in store...
"And now, we turn to the future," The Watcher revealed as Kang returned to his base.
He turned to his subordinates, "Give me the status of the 21st century... anything referring to Sora, Scarlet Witch, and Spider-Man..."
"Yes, sir," A goon nodded as someone entered the bridge.
Kang was stunned by who entered, as he gasped in disbelief, "Ravonna?"
"Kang, my love," His wife greeted him, "Is something wrong? Are you well?" Kang ran up to hug her, much to her surprise, "Oh! What did I do to deserve this?"
"Fine, everything is fine..." He held back his tears.
Suddenly, little footsteps burst into the room, "DADDY!"
Stunned as two children burst into the room and ran straight for him. A boy and a girl. Ran straight into his arms. His eyes widened in shock. These children... were his? He was a father! Rovonna giggled, "Sora! Kairi! Give your father some space! It seems like he had a long day..." She turned to him, "You promised to take them to the Avengers Museum. Show them to the great heroes they were named after. But if you are unwell..."
"No, no... I..." He shook his head before a bright smile appeared on his face, "Daddy will be more than happy to take you... I just need to check up on some things, and we can go."
"Can we get ice cream after?" His daughter, Kairi, wondered.
"Of course," He smiled sweetly at her.
"So, long as the Avengers don't need him," Ravonna reassured their children, "I'm sure we'll have a great day today."
"Wha...?" Kang blinked. The Avengers?
With that, Princess Ravonna took the kids away, "We'll see you home shortly..."
Stunned, he dug around his pockets, and to his surprise, he pulled out something he never thought he'd have. An Avengers ID card. Kang blinked, "Me, an Avenger? I have kids?" He blinked in shock, "What changed in the timeline?"
Just then, a holographic cartoon clock appeared, speaking with a female Southern accent, "Hey, there, boss... got those files you wanted."
Stunned, Kang blinked, "Damocles?"
"Sir?" The clock blinked, "It's me... Miss Minutes. Your AI?" Huh? Guess he chose the family-friendly AI in this timeline. Must have been because of the kids, as the clock, "That timeshift really did a number on ya. You still want those files?"
"Yes," He nodded, "Show them to me..."
"Well, here you go," Clock presented him the files as Kang began to observe them.
"It was here, Kang, saw what I see in our heroes' future," The Watcher revealed as footage appeared on screen, "Avengers Academy opened several months after the Battle for the Marvelous City. Young potential heroes were gathered from all around... even on other worlds..."
"I'm telling you, Papa," Young Princess Elsa, "I know what I saw before last Easter."
"Elsa," King Agnarr looked to his daughter with sympathy, "We've searched all over for these people you told us about. We haven't been able to find them; it might have all just been a dream."
The future Snow Queen frowned in disappointment as her mother, Queen Iduna, went to comfort her, but felt awful when their eldest daughter backed away. She told her, "I'm so sorry, I know how badly you wanted that dream to be real..."
"It was real! Is real!" Elsa insisted, before whispering, "I know they are."
The two pondered what they should do for their daughter when suddenly a portal opened in the middle of the room, causing gasp and surprise from the royal family. Just then, Black Panther, Storm, and the Dora Milaje came through. And not just them, Captain America, Iron Man, Blade, Spider-Man, Ashoka, King Mickey, and Scarlet Witch joined them. Elsa's eyes widened in joy, "They're here!"
"Who are you?" The King demanded, "What do you want?"
"Many apologies for the intrusion, King Agnarr," T'Challa spoke up, his mask retracted, revealing his face, "I'm King T'Challa. I rule a very distant nation called Wakanada."
This shocked the King and Queen, as the latter approached the Panther King, "Why... why are you here?"
"I am well aware of your daughter's secret." T'Challa revealed stunning the royals of Arendelle, before pulling out a brochure, "And we may be able to provide a solution if you are willing to accept it."
Taking the brochure, the Queen noticed a highly advanced building with a title over it: Avengers Academy...
"Children from all over were recruited for the School," The Watcher explained as Elsa stared in awe, as Miles swung past her, greeting her with a wave. She kindly returned the gesture. Several young Jedi, Cal Kestis and Caleb Dume, along with a Nightsister survivor, Merrin, walked past the future Queen.
"Gotta keep up, Sora! Kairi!" Riku smirked as he ran past the Queen as his two other friends tried to keep up!
"Awe, C'mon, Riku!" Sora complained, "Everyone knows its one, two, three, go! Not go on three!"
"You can do it, Sora!" Kairi cheered on. Picking up her suitcases, she followed the children to the new Campus.
"Aladdin, Kate Bishop, Cassie Lang, Robbie Reyes, Rick Jones, Amadeus Cho, Omega, Roberto Da Costa, Kamla Kahn, Cloud Strife, Tarzan, Sam Guthrie... and many more filled the school to its peak."
Captain America stood before the many students. He smiled at them, "Welcome, all of you! Today, you're all here because you want to ensure to make the world a better place. And we believe you, all of you, are the most qualified all around. And I'm more than proud you all eagerly wanted to join our cause..."
Many students cheered as Kairi waved to her new foster parents, who smiled, waving back to her. Peter was recording the whole thing on his camera as Sora gave his father a bright smile.
"Your journey will be far from easy, and you'll all be faced with many challenges," Steve continued, "But if you are willing, we will teach you how to overcome those challenges. Not just on your own, but as a team. The next generation of Earth's Mightiest Heroes!"
"With the new campus, new homes were built upon the island, allowing many of their families to stay with their children... the Parker Family, including..."
In the new home of the Parker family, Wanda handed Sora his lunch box, "Have a great day at school!"
"I will, Mom!" Sora promised as he gave his mother a hug, and he ran to the bus, waiting for him.
Wanda began to tear up, "He's getting so big!"
"Wanda," Peter walked beside her, "You do know we're employed for the Campus. We're going to see him shortly! In fact, you're supposed to be the kindergarten teacher-"
"Ssssshhhh!" Wanda shushed her husband, "Let me have this!"
"They visited all over the Marvelous City and learned from many heroes..."
Blade grinned as they stood outside the gates of Transylvania, "Kids, when going into a kingdom full of monsters! You need to be prepared for anything!"
Riku raised a hand, "Like Dracula!"
Kate snickered to herself, "The guy who says, 'blah blah, blah!'"
Suddenly, the Lord of the Vampires peeked his head out of his castle with an annoyed expression, "I DON'T SAY 'BLAH BLAH BLAH!'"
Blade grinned as he threw a stake at him...
"Okay, kids," Shanna led a survival camp within the savage land with many adult supervisions, "I'm going to teach you how to survive even the most harsh environment."
Many hands raised up, already knowing the question, she told the children, "No, we are not going to fight a T-Rex!"
"Awe~" Many of the students complained.
Sora still kept his hand up, as the Savage Queen shook her head, "You can't keep one as a pet either, Sora, I promised your mother..."
"Okay..." Sora lowered his hand in disappointment, as Tarzan gave him a sympathetic pat...
"And Sora would not be the only child of the Parker family..."
Peter held his pregnant wife as Sora placed his hand on her belly.
"She'd have children. REAL children. In this timeline..."
Time passed as two young children ran alongside Sora. A boy and a girl.
"Richard Parker and Mayday Parker!"
Mayday smirked as she superspeed passed her two brothers, as Richard complained, "No fair, Mayday! We agreed no powers!"
"Mayday would inherit superspeed alongside her father's abilities..."
Richard raised his arm, raising small metal objects, to attempt to slow her sister down, before she used her Spider Agility to avoid the objects.
"While Richard not only inherited his father's abilities but also his grandfather's power to control metal."
"Take it easy, kids," Peter called out to the three, "And make sure you clean up after you're done playing!"
"We will, Dad!" They all called out to him.
Wanda walked up to her husband, as he sighed, "Whew! Those three are a handful! I'm unsure if I can handle more kids..."
"I'm pregnant!" Wanda happily told her husband, much to his shock...
Time passed again, with Sora now entering his teenage years, as little baby climbed on the wall, when Sora spotted her, "C'mon, Gwen, don't want you getting into something you shouldn't."
As he took her from the wall, the little baby laughed, creating a small hex to lift a ball off the floor.
"And their youngest, little Gwendolyn Parker, who inherited both of her parents' abilities."
"Many of the other Avengers and heroes had children on their own. James Rogers. Hank Pym Jr. Francis Barton. Hope Summers. Laura Kinney. Azari. Torunn. Skaar. Franklin and Valeria Richards. Galen Marek. Jane and Michael Watanabe. Matthew Plunder. Vivian Vision."
When Christmas came, there was a big Christmas party on the campus with many presents gathered around the tree. The parents and grandparents helped sort them, as Magento called out, "I have one for Sora! And Mayday!"
"I have one for favorite granddaughter," Red Guardian raised a present, "For Kairi!"
"Luke! Leia," Anakin beamed, "Get over here and get your presents!"
Everyone always had a great time as Sora Parker, Riku Barton, and Kairi Barnes opened their presents from each other. The parents smiled at the children's excitement...
"They had many good years together!"
Elsa, now in complete control of her powers, hugged her sister for the first time in many years.
"Some lives are even better than how originally..."
The King and Queen turned to Captain America and T'Challa, thanking them deeply...
"Unfortunately, the new timeline was not without its dangers..." A team of heroes: Anakin, Spider-Man, Hulk, Wasp, Wolverine, Shadowcat, and the Invisible Woman, led by Captain America, battled the Red Skull's New Galactic Hydra on Olympus Coliseum with Hercules' aid, fighting off Stormtroopers led by Maul. "Hydra made many of their own attempts to take over the worlds..."
The Watcher waved his hand to see the Green Goblin's return, breaking into the Parker home to terrorize the children. "Norman Osborn was indeed alive and attempted to hurt Peter Parker again by going after his family..." But after waving his hand again, Goblin's glider was destroyed as Wanda glared at the downed villain, as he sucked his thumb in terror, "But, let's just say, Wanda put the fear of God into the Goblin..."
Watcher waved his hands again as Obi-Wan and Reed Richards investigated Princess Aurora's disappearance, as Wanda spoke with the parents and the Princess's husband. "However, Maleficent made her move as the Heartless made their return. It was only a matter of time before Xehanort made his move upon the heroes..."
Waving his hand once more, images of Sora, Riku, Kairi, and the other classmates trained hard with the heroes. "But the heroes would ensure that they and the next generation would be prepared."
Sora could be seen throwing Captain America's shield with some guidance from Cap, Red Guardian, and Goofy. "And Sora would always push to become the best hero he could be..."
"Sora! SORA!" His mother called out for him as the Heartless returned to their world. She watched as top students worked with other heroes to push back the Heartless. The good news was that because of King Mickey, they couldn't access the Keyhole, so their world would survive. Bad news, that didn't mean they were in any less danger.
She eventually spotted Sora. Seemily unharmed. She flew right towards him and saw the Keyblade in his hand. She immediately checked on him, "Are you hurt! D-did Xehanort come after you?!"
"No..." Sora shook his head sadly.
She then blinked in concern, "Then what's the matter?"
"The darkness... it just swallowed Riku up..." Her son answered, "And Kairi... she just vanished in my arms..."
"Hey, hey, hey..." She hugged her eldest child while flinging away a few Heartless that attempted to go after them, "It'll be okay. We'll find them. We've done it once, and God willing, we'll do it again. And this time, we have the full might of the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic 4, the Jedi Order, and the Guardians of the Galaxy on our side."
After a brief moment of silence, Wanda pulled away and escorted her son, "Come on, let's find your father within this madness, and inform Cap, as well as Riku and Kairi's parents, of what happened."
He nodded as he ran alongside her...
"His mother was right, of course, Sora would travel the same journey as he's done in so many timelines..."
Sora and heroes of all ages entered the world of Traverse Town, as the Watcher presented of montage of the heroes battling the likes of the Queen of Hearts (Who was horrified that there were more people like Jugernaut), Hades, Clayton, Jafar, Ursula, Oogie Boogie, and Captain Hook before going after Maleficent herself.
"Only this time, Sora would be fighting alongside the Mightest Heroes. Friends and Family alike. However, certain key points still happened."
"Although my heart may be weak, it's not alone. It's grown with each new experience, and it's found a home with all the friends I've made. I've become a part of their heart, just like they've become a part of mine. And if they think of me now and then… If they don't forget me… Then our hearts will be one. I don't need a weapon. My friends are my power!"
"It's no use that girl has lost her heart, she cannot wait up!"
"You... you're not Riku! Tell me, who are you?!"
"It is I, Ansem, the Seeker of Darkness... Lead me into everlasting Darkness!"
"Forget it! There's no way you're touching Kairi's heart!"
Sora, of course, ended up using the Keyblade to free Kairi's heart, which broke his parents' hearts... before threatening to tear Xehanort's Heartless apart immediately after! Everyone had to hold her back, forcing back out of the World of Hollow Bastion... until Kairi brought Sora back to the light, "Kairi... thank you!"
Wanda and Peter were seen holding their eldest son tightly as his siblings, aunt, and grandfather joined in the hug.
"Take this... It's my lucky charm! Be sure you give it back to me!"
"You see, darkness is the heart's true essence."
"That's not true! The heart may be weak. And sometimes it may even give in. But I've learned that deep down, there's a light that never goes out!"
"KINGDOM HEARTS! FILL ME WITH THE POWER OF DARKNESS!"
"You're wrong! I know now... that Kingdom Hearts... is light!"
"Now, Sora, let's close this door for good!"
"Take care of her."
"Kairi, remember what you've said before! I'm always with you, too! I'll come back to you, I promise!"
"I know you will!"
"Even with the heroes divided, they faced many trials from Maleficent, Xehanort, and the Organization, the Assembled heroes overcame those trials, met new allies, reunited with old friends... as well as brought some new additions to some families..."
Flashes of images appeared as Hawkeye and Mockingbird confronted their son, stuck in Ansem's form. The heroes battling against Xemnas over Kingdom Hearts. Roxas and Xion were seen alongside the Parker family. While Yelena adopted Naminè as her own.
"And when the time of the Keyblade War came..."
Young Xehanort didn't know why, but Scarlet Witch seemed to hate him just as much as she hated his future self... and that was even before he revealed his identity to the rest of the heroes, even it looked like they knew who he was from the very start. The Watcher waved his hand to see Sora battle against Xehanort's thirteen darkness with his heroic friends by his side.
"The heroes were well prepared for Master Xehanort's return and the Keyblade War. Xehanort was unable to capture Kairi due to her determined training, earning her the title of the next Black Widow. Even when Xehanort attempted to strike her down himself, the heroes with them ensured her safety..."
Kairi used her mother's old widow bites to stun Xemnas, and before Xehanort could strike her down, Quicksilver moved her to safety, even using some extra time to write 'LOSER' on the back of Xehanort's bald head.
"Allowing Sora to fulfill his destiny without abusing the Power of Waking..."
With Donald, Goofy, and his family by his side, Sora was able to overwhelm Master Xehanort, even with the χ-blade in his hand, and defeat him once and for all. Watcher waved his hand again, as Sora and Kairi spent some quality time together, giving Wanda and Nat hope for grandkids. While the Winter Soldier polished his rifle, earning a glare from Peter, "Really?"
"If he treats my daughter right," He told him, "I'll never have to use this."
"And when it came time for the Master to finally reveal his true goals..."
Luxu stood by his fellow Fortellers, glaring at Sora and the next generation of heroes who came after them.
"...Sora would lead the next generation to what would inspire many heroes to come!"
Raising his Keyblade, Sora exclaimed, "AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!"
"...Even Kang's..." Kang observed the new timeline to see that in the new timeline, since Sora never vanished, he was able to use the power of waking to restore his beloved princess and return her to his time, "...making Sora the patron saint of Keyblade Wielders."
Smiling gratefully, he glanced to the sky above, knowing Sora had made it to Heaven above, "Thank you, Sora..."
With that, he closed the files, ready to embrace his new future...
"Now, as if Peter and Wanda ever got married, I'd look a little bit after the academy opened."
Present day, just outside the campus, everyone from around the planet gathered for this momentous occasion, celebrating a new chapter for the heroes who saved the Child who would one day save the world. Gathered by a Church built on the islands, everyone sang happily, "A Whole New World~ A Dazzling Place~ A New Fantastic Point of View~"
Inside, Sora, the ring bearer, stood alongside his Aunt, Great Aunt, Uncle, and Grandfather. Riku stood alongside his parents as well. As did Kairi, who was the flower girl. As Father Kurt pronounced them husband and wife, Peter smiled, "A Whole New World~"
"A Whole New World~" Wanda repeated happily in her wedding dress.
"That's Where We'll Be~" Peter held her hands.
"That's Where We'll Be~" Wanda joined him as they sang together, "A Thrilling Chase~ A Wonderous Place~"
"For You and Me~" Peter and Wanda sang before kissing as everyone cheered for them. Lorna and May left out tears of joy...
"A Whole New World~"
Peter and Wanda waved everyone goodbye as they were on as they went on their honeymoon on a cruise boat. Fireworks dazzled the air as Peter and Wanda turned to their son, who was waving at them. His mother blew him a kiss as Peter waved to him.
"And they lived happily ever after..."
The End
"A Whole New World~"
Avengers :
All Characters Owned By Marvel,
DreamWorks, and Disney
"Our world's about to break~"
Kingdom Hearts:
All Characters And Songs
Owned By Square Enix
and Disney
"Tormented and attacked~"
A Very Spidey Christmas:
Songs Owned By Marvel
and Sony
"Lost from when we wake~"
Cast:
Josh Keaton as Peter Parker / Spider-Man and Hercules
Kate Higgins as Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch
Luke Manriquez as Sora
Jonathan Adams as Kang the Conqueror
Jeffrey Wright as Uatu the Watcher
"With no way to go back~"
Benjamin Diskin as Xehanort and Eddie Brock/Venom
Brian Bloom as Steve Rogers / Captain America
Chris Cox as Clint Barton / Hawkeye and Ivan Vanko / Crimson Dynamo
Jennifer Hale as Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel
Vanessa Marshall as Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow and Mary Jane Watson
Peter Jessop as Vision
"I'm standing on my own~"
Eric Loomis as Tony Stark / Iron Man
James C. Mathis III as T'Challa / Black Panther
Colleen O'Shaughnessey as Janet Van Dyne / Wasp and Valkyrie
Fred Tatasciore as Bruce Banner / Hulk, Thunderbolt Ross / Red Hulk,
Ben Grimm / Thing, and Franklin Hall / Graviton
Thing, Hank McCoy / Beast, Cain Marko / Juggernaut
Rick D. Wasserma as Thor Odison / Thor
"But now I'm not alone~"
Wally Wingert as Hank Pym / Yellowjacket and MODOC
Michael Jai White as Eric Brooks / Blade
Drake Bell as Earqus
Wayne Allwine as King Mickey Mouse and Moogles
Alan Young as Scrooge McDuck and Mr. Flaversham
"AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!"
Jon McLaren as Peter Quill / Star-Lord
Kimberly-Sue Murray as Gamora
Alex Weiner as Rocket Raccoon
Robert Montcalm as Groot
Jason Cavalier as Drax the Destroyer
Jeff Bennett as Merlin
"Always, we will fight as one~"
Rick Gomez as Zack
Robert Costanzo as Philoctetes (Phil)
James Woods as Hades
Bobcat Goldthwait as Pain
Matt Frewer as Panic
"'til the battle's won~"
Susanne Blakeslee as Maleficent
Jim Cummings as Pete, Kaa, and Tigger
Val Bettin as Dawson
Susanne Pollatschek as Olivia Flaversham
Diana Chesney as Mrs. Judson
Barrie Ingham as Basil
"With evil on the run~"
Vincent Price as Professor Ratigan
Candy Candido as Fidget
Eve Brenner as the Mouse Queen
Ray Chase as the Master of Masters
Mark Hamill as Master Earqus
Leonard Nimoy as Master Xehanort
"We'll never come undone~"
James Patrick Stuart as Braig / Xigbar / Luxu
and Dominikos Ioannis Petrakis / Avalanche
Haley Joel Osment as Future Sora
and Vanitas
Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Stephen Strange
Benedict Wong as Wong
"Assembled, we are strong~"
Jason Dohring as Terra
Willa Holland as Aqua
Jesse McCartney as Ventus
Phil Harris as Baloo
Sebastian Cabot as Bagheera
Louis Prima as King Louie
George Sanders as Shere Khan
"Forever fight as one~"
J. Pat O'Malley as Colonel Hathi and Buzzie
Verna Felton as Winifred
Clint Howard as Hathi Jr.
Eric Vesbit as Sergei Kravinoff / Kraven
the Hunter
Chad Stuart as Flaps
Lord Tim Hudson as Dizzy
Digby Wolfe voiced Ziggy
Dee Bradley Baker as Captain Rex, Commander Cody, all of the Bad Batch,
all Clone Troopers, Saesee Tiin, and Reec Richards/ Mr. Fantastic
"Assembled, we are strong~"
Erin Torpey as Susan Storm / Invisible Woman
David Kaufman as Johnny Storm / Human Torch
Steve Blum as Logan / Wolverine,
and Johann Shmidt / Red Skull
Susan Dalian as Ororo Munroe / Storm
Jon Curry as Bucky Barnes / Winter
Solider
"Forever fight as one~"
Jennifer Hale as Jean Grey
Nolan North as Scott Summers / Cyclops, Balder, Arthur Parks / Living Laser,
and Wade Wilson / Deadpool
Danielle Judovits as Kitty Pryde / Shadowcat
Yuri Lowenthal as Bobby Drake / Iceman
Kieren van den Blink as Anna Marie / Rogue
Tom Kane as Yoda, Erik Magnus Lensherr /
Magento, Professor Thorton
"Too small to turn the tide~"
Tony Anselmo as Donald Duck
Bill Farmer as Goofy
Corey Burton as Master Yen Sid
Christopher Lee as Ansem the Wise, and Count Dooku
Richard Epcar as Terra-Xehanort/Apprentice Xehanort
"Too stubborn to give in~"
Tamara Bernier as Raven Darkhölme / Mystique
A. J. Buckley as Mortimer Toynbee / Toad
Mark Hildreth as Peitro Maximoff / Quicksilver
Stephen Stanton as Frederick J. Dukes / Blob
"Pushed by pain and pride~"
Gwendoline Yeo as Neena Thurman / Domino
Phil LaMarr as J.A.R.V.I.S., Rand Robertson
Tom Hulce as Quasimodo
Demi Moore as Esmeralda
"To face these fears and win~"
Tony Jay as Judge Claude Frollo
Kevin Kline as Captain Phoebus
Paul Kandel as Clopin
David Ogden Stiers as the Archdeacon
"There's no one left to trust~"
Jason Alexander as Hugo
Charles Kimbrough as Victor
Mary Wickes as Laverne
Matt Lanter as Anakin Skywalker
"It all comes down to us~"
James Arnold Taylor as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Plo Koon,
and Harry Osborn / New Goblin
Matthew Wood as General Grievous and Battle Droids
Catherine Taber as Padmé Amidala, and Sally Avril
"AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!"
Ian McDiarmid as Chancellor Palpatine / Darth Sidious
Terrence C. Carson as Mace Windu
Phil LaMarr as Bail Organa and Kit Fisto
Anthony Daniels as C-3PO
Ashley Eckstein as Ahsoka Tano
"Always, we will fight as one~"
Olivia d'Abo as Luminara Unduli
Brian George as Ki-Adi-Mundi
Jennifer Hale as Aayla Secura
Cully Fredricksen as General Rahm Kota
"'til the battle's won~"
Cameron Monaghan as Cal Kestis
Travis Willingham as Jaro Tapa
Tasia Valenza as Tawni Ames
Tom Kenny as Nute Gunray
Tasia Valenza as Shaak Ti
"With evil on the run~"
Michelle Ang as Omega
Chris Pine as Jack Frost
Alec Baldwin as Nicholas St. North / Santa Claus
Jude Law as Pitch Black / Boogeyman
"We'll never come undone~"
Isla Fisher as Toothiana / Tooth Fairy
Hugh Jackman as E. Aster Bunnymund / Easter Bunny
Dakota Goyo as Jamie Bennett
Georgie Grieve as Sophie Bennett
Ken Page as Oogie Boogie
"Assembled, we are strong~"
Kari Wuhrer as Maria Hill
Troy Baker as Clay Quartermain
Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock / Daredevil
Élodie Yung as Elektra Natchios
Loren Lester as Danny Rand / Iron Fist
Christopher B. Duncan as Luke Cage
Crispin Freeman as Scott Lang / Antman, Max Dillon / Electro, and Jamie Madrox / Multiple Man
"Forever fight as one~"
Brock O'Hurn as Kevin Plunder / Ka Zar
Jessica Rothe as Shanna O'Hara / Shanna
the She-Devil
Alex Désert as Nick Fury
E. G. Daily as Bobbi Morse / Mockingbird
"Assembled, we are strong~"
Lacey Chabert as Daisy Johnson / Quake
Graham McTavish as Johnny Blaze / Ghost Rider
Aubrey Joseph as Tyrone Johnson / Cloak
Olivia Holt as Tandy Bowen / Dagger
Lex Lang as Victor Von Doom / Doctor Doom
"Forever fight as one~"
Oscar Isaac as Marc Spector / Moon Knight
Kari Wahlgren as Jane Foster and Enchantress
Daran Norris as J. Jonah Jameson
JB Blanc as Heimdal
Nika Futterman as Sif
Bumper Robinson as James Rhodes / War Machine
"AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!"
Lance Reddick as Sam Wilson / Falcon
Harrison Ford as the President of the United States
Carrie Fisher as the Queen of England
Roger Craig Smith as Mar-Vell
Robin Atkin Downes as Heinrich Zemo and Emil Blonsky / Abomination
"Always, we will fight as one~"
Xander Berkeley as Quentin Beck / Mysterio
Lance Henriksen as Eric Williams / Grim Reaper
Graham McTavish as Loki, and Sebastian Shaw
Kevin Michael Richardson
as M'Baku / Man-Ape
"'til the battle's won~"
Walker Boone as Donald Pierce
Geoff Kahnert as Harry Leland
April Stewart as Selene Gallio
Tara Strong as Stepford Cuckoos
Tara Platt as Yuriko Watanabe
"With evil on the run~"
Deborah Strang as Aunt May
Stephen Oyoung as Martin Li / Mister Negative
Matthew Gorman as Paul Rabin
Joshua LeBar as Eugene 'Flash' Thompson
"We'll never come undone~"
Scott Cleverdon as Cletus Kasady / Carnage
Clancy Brown as Odin, Dr. Nathaniel Essex / Mister
Sinister, Alexander O'hirn / Rhino, and Tony
Masters / Taskmaster
"Assembled, we are strong~"
Peter Lurie as Victor Creed / Sabertooth
Liza del Mundo as Lorna Dane / Polaris
David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov /
Red Guardian
Rachel Weisz as Melina Vostokoff
Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova
"Forever fight as one~"
Cam Clarke as Dr. Leonard "Leo" Samson /
Doc Samson
Maria Canals-Barrera as Jennifer Walters /
She-Hulk
Andrew Kishino as Kenny Kong
Cree Summer as Glory Grant
John DiMaggio as Flint Marko / Sandman
Jeff Bennett as Montana / Shocker
"Assembled, we are strong~"
Peter MacNicol as Otto Octavius / Doctor Octopus
Terry Notary as Cull Obsidian
Tom Vaughan-Lawlor as Ebony Maw
Carrie Coon as Proxima Midnight
"Forever fight as one~"
Michael James Shaw as Corvus Glaive
Josh Brolin as Thanos
Sam Witwer as Maul
Rachel McAdams as Christine Palmer
Ty Panitz as Riku
"Assembled, we are strong~"
Ariel Winter as Kairi
Elizabeth Daily as Karla Sofen / Meteorite
Mark Hanson as Abner Jenkins / Mach-IV
"Forever fight as one~"
Jennifer Hale as Melissa Gold / Songbird
"AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!"
Jesse Burch as Erik Josten / Atlas
"Always, we will fight as one~"
Michael Adamthwaite as Namor
"AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!"
Nadji Jeter as Miles Morales
Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop
Mary Faber as Crystal
"With evil on the run~"
Anson Mount as Black Bolt
Spencer Lacey Ganus as Elsa
Hayden Panettiere as Future Kairi
"AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!"
Idina Menzel as the Blue Fairy
Maurice LaMarche as King Agnarr
David Gallagher as Future Riku
Stephen Stanton as Tarkin
"Assembled, we are strong~"
Stan Lee as Oscop Employee
and Homeless Man
Jennifer Lee as Queen Iduna
Lars Mikkelsen as Thrawn
Tara Strong as Miss Minutes
"Forever fight as one~"
Avengers: Darkness in Kingdom Hearts
Written By Spiderfan626
"Assembled, we are strong~"
Cover Art by lyokoMARVELanime
Remember, I own none of this
"Forever fight as one~"
As the Watcher gave that universe one final look, the British voice of a friend called out to him, "You know, you never really explained who you were narrating to before I joined you..."
The Watcher smiled as he turned to an Amazon-built woman, dressed in a uniform with the British flag on her chest, with a Vibranium shield with the same colors and symbol of her country's flag. Her name was Peggy Carter, otherwise known as Captain Carter. She came from a universe where she received the super-soldier serum instead of Steve Rogers and became the First Avenger. She was once recruited by him along with various other heroes across the multiverse against an Infinity Ultron, who threatened all life in existence. Once the threat was over, she eventually found herself protecting alternate Earths when she was reunited with her old friend and teammate, Dr. Strange Supreme, where she was forced to battle him for the sake of righteous heroes and the multiverse's worst villains.
Once the threat was over, the Watcher agreed to take her home, but she requested that they take the scenic route. He happily obliged by telling her some of his favorite universe stories. The Watcher merely replied, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you..."
Peggy decided to take his word as she glanced at the universe with the happy family, before turning to Sora Parker, "You know... after showing me the many versions of this Sora boy... I'm surprised you never recruited any version of him to be a part of the Guardians of the Multiverse."
"I was tempted... I won't lie," The Watcher admitted, "But there are dark forces in every one of his timelines that would have taken advantage of the chaos. Threats far worse than Infinity Ultron ever was." He then turned to her, "Besides, I was confident that you and the others could handle him."
Peggy nodded in understanding, as she admitted, "Well... he is a remarkable lad... is there a version of Sora in my universe?"
"When you return... You could find out for yourself," The Watcher revealed to her. The Super Soldier smiled at that. She knew at this point he couldn't spoil everything for her. He was risking enough by showing her these timelines; otherwise, he would have warned her about what happened to her Steve Rogers. Watcher then gestured ahead, "Now then... shall we continue?"
"Of course," Peggy smiled as she and the Watcher continued to explore the Multiverse. She then couldn't help but comment, "So... Spider-Man and Wanda Maximoff... never would have guessed they'd make a handsome pair..."
The Watcher nodded in agreement, "True, unless one opens themselves, dares to face the unknown, and ponder the question-" Before he could finish, an explosion could be heard from behind them, "What?"
To Peggy's and the Watcher's horror, they witness an entire timeline... not far from the branch they just witnessed... die before their very eyes. Peggy whispered, "What... what just happened?"
"I... I'm not sure," The Watcher admitted. He has seen all. He'd seen everything that could or would happen. He'd seen all the possibilities... even if it led to the untimely deaths of certain timelines and yet... he had never seen a whole universe end so abruptly.
And the horror had not ended, as from the death of said universe, six singularities that shot forth past both him and Captain Carter. Singularities that came in the colors of red, purple, blue, yellow, orange, and green. The latter exclaimed, "Were those...?"
"Infinity Stones!" The Watcher's eyes widened in horror.
Neither one of them was a stranger to seeing Infinity Stones, but it was certain that the first time they'd seen Infinity Stones escaping a dead Timeline. They watched as each stone landed in six different timelines as the branches shined with the color of each Infinity Stone before dying down to their natural color. Peggy blinked when the event was over, "Six Infinities Stones from a dead timeline, crashing into six different timelines... what could this mean?"
"That's... a good question," Watcher admitted as he observed each of the new timelines, before glancing at the Multiverse as a whole, "I'm not sure... if I can narrate what will happen next..."
RECONNECT: KINGDOM HEARTS
Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter / Captain Carter
The Watcher Will Return in Kingdom Hearts: The New Guardians
"Space."
Sora stood on the Final World, glancing at the stars surrounding him...
"Time."
A variant of a young Peter Parker (Tom Holland) removed his mask to reveal an H brand on his left eye as he glanced at the teenage Princess Wanda Maximoff...
"Reality."
King Hans sat on the throne of Arrendelle as its citizens and familiar heroes bowed to him. Causing him to grin as he lightly brushed his crowning jewel ring around his finger: the Reality Stone.
"It's more than a linear path."
An alternate Hercules hugged the true love of his life in most timelines, Meg; however, merely grinned, revealing her fangs as she slowly moved towards the demigod's neck...
"It is a prism of endless possibilities..."
A grey-haired Anakin Skywalker stood alongside his wife and two children, along with many older clones, surviving Jedi, and heroes as they stood beside Master Aqua as they turned to the heavily enforced Galactic Imperial World as Stormtroopers, Dark Jedi, and Keyblade Wielders of Darkness marched across the galaxy...
"Where a single choice can branch into infinite realities."
Back on the Final World, Sora stood side-by-side with the Watcher, as the latter turned to the Keyblade's Chosen One, "And they're counting on you to save them..."
Sora turned back to the Watcher after observing each of these timelines, his eyes narrowed with determination, "Where should I go first?"
Sora is Back!
Sora aimed his Keyblade at a new universe as light swirled around the Keyblade, and he opened a new pathway to a new Universe...
On a whole New Journey!
Magento, with the Power Stone, stood before a clash of a mixture of citizens from other worlds, confused of what they were doing... why they were pulled from their homes...
"So, let me get this straight..."
Aladdin performed backflips, avoiding attacks from Bandit Heartless, before coming to a stop, raising his hand, and Mjolnir flew into his grasp. Twirling the hammer, he charged right back into battle...
"After a universe died, six Infinity Stones escaped its destruction..."
A retired Thanos knelt down to the waters of the Destiny Islands, and gently placed his purple hand into the waters to pick up the Space Stone, shocked to see it there...
"...which, by the way, somehow made them more powerful than they already were..."
King Adam and Queen Belle stood happily in their new kingdom, while their advisor Jafar grinned at Iago, as he held out his snake staff with the Time Stone placed on the snake's forehead...
"...merging the worlds together in a crazy jigsaw puzzle..."
Hades glanced around his new Kingdom, which was a mixture of Asgard, Olympus, Wakanda, Jotunheim, and the Underworld with his Queen, Hela: the goddess of Death, by his side as they ruled the entire cosmos together with an army of vampires and Titans at their beck and call...
"...and now these same Stones, founded by the worst of the Multiverse, threaten to destroy it all..."
The Dark Knights of the Sith Lord, Darth Sidious, knelt before him as they removed their hoods to reveal themselves to be Kit Fisto, Mace Windu, Terra, Ventus, Vanitas, Maul, Kannan, and Barriss. Palpatine smirked wickedly as he used the Force to carry the Mind Stone...
Peter, the Spider-Man Supreme, stood in the Sanctumm beside the floating Cloak of Levitation, a disguised Princess Wanda, as he looked toward the spikey hair Keyblade Weilder, "...and the one person the Watcher chose the entire Multiverse to save these worlds... is you?"
Sora merely shrugged in response, "Eh, I've faced worse odds..."
2025
The Winter Soldier fired his machine gun with the Heartless by his side at the human/mutant resistance as Leon and Sora deflected the bullets with their respective weapons...
Sora stood in horror in the storage room as he spotted a heartbroken Anna, frozen forever in ice, "This wasn't how things were supposed to go... Anna was supposed to sacrifice herself for her sister, Elsa. This world shouldn't still be trapped by an Eternal Winter..."
Another version of Peter Parker (who looked like Andrew Garfield) stood with Sora, Spider Supreme, Princess Wanda, and a worthy Aladdin, "That's the Multiverse for you, kid. Not every universe plays out the same way..."
The same Peter Parker held a lifeless Scarlet Witch in his arms, with tears running down his face, completely broken.
"...and not every story gets a happy ending."
Captain Marvel's, also known as Rapunzel's, eyes and hair glowed brightly, as she declared, "Not if we can help it!"
She wrapped her hair around a vampire Tarzan, throwing him into a vampire Carnage, knocking them both back, before she ended up trading blows with Commander Vampire Hercules. Soon enough, she found her backup as a small alien, covered in a black symbiote, landing on the ground, ready to face the horde of the undead, grinning wildly, "Meega Nala Kweesta!"
Suddenly, Venom's head unbonded from his head to glare at his current host, "Whoa! You kiss your own mother with that mouth?!" Stitch laughed like a maniac in response as the symbiote groaned as it rebounded itself to the genetic experiment, "I really wish I had never known the meaning of those words..."
"Everywhere I go, I see the faces of friends I have known for many years..."
Sora found himself avoiding the strikes of a young Hercules, Beast, and Peter Pan, all wearing S.H.E.I.L.D. uniforms, as he looked heartbroken to fight them...
"If they're not trying to kill me..."
Sora stared at the Vampire Slayer Black Widow, Kairi, as they looked at each other with affection of familiarity, and yet... complete strangers...
"They never knew me..."
Sora sat on the edge of the building, looking down as his new friends comforted him, "...I'm not sure if I can handle doing this every time."
Jiminy Cricket smiled at him, "Well, Sora, maybe we're not the same friends you know and love... but if there's one thing we can say about ya for absolute certainty... if there's anyone who can save the entire Multiverse... It's you..." Sora smiled at the variant of Pinnocho's conscience, "...and we'll be right here beside ya all the way through."
Sora turned to a version of Mulan in the Phoenix Uniform, who gave him a kind smile, "What's the worst that can happen?"
Sora, Peter, Wanda, Aladdin, Luke Skywalker, Rapunzel, and Stitch all groaned as a grey Hulk landed in front of them. Rapunzel quickly got back on her feet, "Don't worry, guys, if we work together, we can still win this-" The grey Hulk clutched his fists as three adamantium claws popped out of each of his knuckles, revealing he was more than just a Hulk. Captain Rapunzel Marvel's eyes widened in horror, before giving Sora a light pat, "...and I'm pretty sure you got this, Sora. Good luck!"
Rapunzel then gave a quick retreat. The Keyblade Chosen's eyes widened in horror as the Hulkverine let out an inhuman roar, as the latter tried to gut and smash him!
Mulan soared through the skies as the Phoenix burned brightly within her, as she fought through the cloudiest winter skies as the life-endangered bird screeched as Titans attempted to stop her...
"The Multiverse turns to you..."
Princess Kairi stood beside her version of Sora as she lightly placed a comforting hand on older Sora's cheek as he missed his own version of Kairi...
"...my Guardians of the Multiverse..."
Much like a familiar scene throughout the multiverse, the Guardians of Unversion stood back-to-back as Hulkverine let out a mighty roar, Aladdin twirled his hammer, Rapunzel charged her power, the flames of Mulan started to come off her, Stitch Venom hissed at the Forces of Darkness, Luke ignited his blue and green lightsabers, Sora went into his battle stance with the Infinity Keyblade, Princess Scarlet Witch prepared to conjure a hex, and Spider-Man Supreme floated with his cloak as his hands gestured his hands ready to web up anyone that got to close to the team...
Ian McKellen
"You dare face the Master of Magnetism," Magento sat on his metal throne as the Power Stone glowed on his helmet...
Jonathan Freeman
"Fools, you face the greatest sorcerer in the entire multiverse!" Jafar laughed wickedly as his and Aladdin's powers clashed against each other...
Santino Fontana
"The revolution is coming for you!" Red Guardian declared with the Guardians and Queen Elsa by his side, "And he wears Red and White!"
King Hans turned to his advisor, Quinten Beck, confused, "Who's this loser again?" Mysterio raised a finger to speak, "On second thought, I don't really care. Kill them all."
Ian McDiarmid
"You could have been my successor," Palpatine told the Grand Master Anakin as their Lightsabers clashed, "Yet, you gave it all up for what? Family?"
James Wood
"Hades, Hela, the Grandmaster... took everything from me," Kairi revealed to a blushing Sora in her savage land attire as she picked up her mother's old black tights, "If you anything like the Sora I loved... you'll help me bring Ragnarok to their world and free what's left of humanity. And I'll help you get your precious stone."
Surtur roared as he charged at the Titans, and the fire demon declared with the Twilight Sword in hand, "I AM ASGARD'S DOOM!"
Josh Brolin
The Guardians surrounded the Mad Titan as he raised his Infinity Gauntlet, revealing the Space Stone, "The hardest choices require the strongest wills..."
"...face the unknown as you ponder the question..."
Kingdom Hearts: The New Guardians
"...What if...?"
"Need some help?" A gritty, deep voice asked.
Peter removed a cover removing the dust off a high-tech black bat-shaped car, when a dark figure approached them. Sora, Spider-Supreme, Princess Wanda, Aladdin, and Red Guardian stared in awe as the older Peter, Natasha Romanoff, and Alfred Pennyworth gave knowing smiles. A Dark Knight approached the team as Sora whispered in disbelief, "No way... your... you're actually..."
"Yeah," Gotham's Caped Crusader nodded, before confirming who he was, "I'm Batman."
Batman lifted a green power ring as he skillfully and tactfully wiped out waves of Heartless coming at him without so much as breaking a sweet. He roared as he raised his fist, ready to strike against the thirteenth Prince of the Southern Isles!
Out Now!
Notes:
Now, there are a few things I would like to go over before we begin. First, for those who didn't read Avengers: Darkness in Kingdom Hearts, do not panic. You don't necessarily need to go back and read that one before this one. There are some minor spoilers for that one and a couple of my other stories, but you don't need to do the homework if you don't want to. I'll just make some * to point out where they mentioned it. You can see them at the end, before the credits for each chapter.
Second, unlike my previous KH stories, which the worlds are based on the Disney films or others, these worlds are almost completely original. This is What if...? after all, so anything can happen. That being said, it's only fair to warn you all that some major characters from popular franchises, some of which we all know and love, may end up getting killed off. I can't say who without spoiling too much but all I can say is our main Sora for this story is safe, as he's the main protagonist. But if you feel uncomfortable seeing a fan favorite character kick the bucket, I completely understand, you need to read this if you don't want to. But since this takes place in multiple different timelines, they may come back as another version, where they'll do even better...
Except for Paul Rabin. He will die in EVERY SINGLE TIMELINE IN THIS! (Justice for the Amazing Spider-Man)
...but if you're still not comfortable. I completely understand.
Now, thirdly, as I've stated before, this story is a unique one. It will be the first with multiple endings. Well, 2 actually. That means near the end of the story, where Sora and his Guardians of the Multiverse arrive at their goal, you can decide how it ends! That's right! You! The reader! You can even look back at the ending you didn't choose afterwards. I'll try to get them out around the same time! So look forward to that!
Fourth order of business, in case you're wondering, no, you cannot make suggestions of what What If scenarios are in this fanfic. I've already prepared six that will work for this story. They will be as follows:
What if... Magento ruled the Earth?
What if... Jafar was the Beast's advisor?
What if... the Eternal Winter never ended?
What if... Anakin never became Vader?
What if... Hades won?
What if... the New Guardians fought Thanos?
And the grand finale, the one you choose the ending:
What if... Sora changed the Multiverse?
Now, as for ships, I have plenty locked in, like Sokai is heavy in here. However, if you want to see certain characters or certain relationships appear in the story, I can't make any promises, but if you want to put them down in the reviews, I could add them down the line. Maybe not any big roles, but who knows.
For example, I do have a Spider-Witch ship in one timeline, but you could have Spidey or another hero paired up with someone else in another. Again, no promises, but I see what I can do. I'll be sure to leave your name in the credits if I do add a ship or character in I didn't originally plan. Could be fun.
Now, let's see... was there anything else? Oh, yes, the setting! Okay, this version of Sora is continuing his own journey after the events of KH3 Re: Mind. The one where he beats Yozora. Right between Seasons 2 & 3 of What If. Also, Captain Carter won't take center stage, so nobody panic! We're focusing on Sora and his Guardians in this!
Also, for my credits, there may have been a character or two I missed who was in here, so if you notice I forgot to include someone, feel free to mention it with the actor's or actress's name, and I'll try to add it later on.
Alright, glad everyone enjoyed this story. Don't forget to leave a review and fav. (If you haven't already) before you check out the next story. Oh, and make sure you also check out the little bonus I have for you all on the next page. Until next time, see ya real soon!
Chapter 21: Bonus: Outtakes and HISHE
Summary:
Just some fun extras! Enjoy!
Notes:
I don't own Kingdom Hearts or the Avengers. They each belong to Marvel, Disney, and Square Enix. And Rise of the Guardians is owned by DreamWorks. Hey, guys, two-for-one today. What? Did you think that after you just read the epilogue, and with The New Guardians' first few chapters up and about?
Well, we've got a little bonus for you...
But I've decided to let someone take the reins for hosting this chapter. So, let's here to words from our favorite protagonists of this story: Spider-Man, Scarlet Witch, and their son Sora. Let's here it for them... (Starts clapping, followed by the other readers.)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Extras
Inside the warm home of the Parker Family, Peter and Wanda Parker sat close on the family couch as Sora played with a toy boat on the carpeted floor. Peter waved to the audience before them, "Hey, everyone. I'm Peter Parker, you're Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man from Spiderfan626's Avengers: Darkness in Kingdom Hearts."
"And I'm Wanda Max-" Mrs. Parker introduced herself before freezing as she remembered the name change, "Parker... from the same series." She then muttered to herself happily, "Gosh, I still need to get used to that..." After clearing her throat, "And of course, you all know our son, Sora."
"Hi," Sora stopped playing to briefly greet the people watching.
"We're really happy, you've enjoyed this story as a whole," Peter spoke up, "And we like the time to thank you all for your support and patience throughout making this story for you."
"And an additional thanks to lyokoMARVELanime for our Cover for this story as well, and additional well-beloved stories of Spiderfan626," Wanda gestured to the cover before going back to the audience, "And of course, SORARULES23 for additional ideas when we're stuck on a few things to complete."
"We know you're all looking forward to some of Spiderfan's other stories," Spidey added, "Such as ones tied into this one, like Gotham's War for Sora and What if Sora saved the Justice League? Or one's not tied into this little What if KH franchise at all like the Prince of Arendelle remake or the Lost Son franchise, KH: Frozen Journey, or otherwise..."
"He's got quite a few stories going on," Wanda lightly laughed as Peter joined her, she then added, "We also know some of you are looking forward to the next chapter of this franchise: Kingdom Hearts: The New Guardians... but in the meantime, Spiderfan626 and the three of us got together and set up a little special chapter for you guys."
"We had a lot of fun making this story," Peter smiled before muttering sheepishly, "Although, we made plenty of mistakes in making this..."
"Yeah, but we all had some laughs all the same," Wanda smiled sweetly at him before Sora, "Remember sweetie."
The now 5-year-old Sora giggled humorously, before falling on his back, as Peter chuckled, "So, we got this little gag reel to see what took so long to make this... and we can still have a good time."
"Enjoy, everyone..." Wanda smiled, as the room began to dim...
Gag Reel:
Opening scene, Watcher glanced down at Multiverse, "Space... Time... Reality... it's more than a linear path..."
"CUT!"
"Wait... what?!" Watcher blinked, turning to the Spiderfan, "What happened? What went wrong?!"
"Uatu. It's Time, Space, then Reality."
"Isn't that what I said-?"
"No, no," Spider-Man then entered the room, "You said Space then Time. You mixed them up."
"Oh! Ummm..." Uatu chuckled sheepishly, "Sorry about that, everyone... heh... Can we start from the top?"
Scene re-take.
"Time... Reality... Spaaaaaaa-" Watcher froze as he face-palmed himself, "...crud! I heard it that time!"
"CUT! Uatu..."
"I know... I mixed Reality and Space that time," Watcher sighed, "I've done this for three seasons and several fanfics, I can get this! Promise! This time for sure!"
Scene re-take.
"Reality... Space... Time..." The Watcher started earning laughs from the other cast, as Uatu moaned, "Gah! Son of a-" Placing two fingers on his head, "Time, Space, Reality! Time, Space, Reality! Time, Space, Reality! Time, Space, Reality! I can do this! I SWEAR I CAN DO THIS!"
Peter chuckled lightly, patting the Watcher's back, "Of course, you can! We believe you!" Glancing at the Camera, he whispered teasingly, "We're going to be stuck here for a while!"
"Peter!" Wanda exclaimed, trying to hold back her own laughter, "Stop teasing the poor guy!"
Scene change. "Speed," a director calls out.
"Marker," the clapboard guy states while doing his job.
"Annnnnd…ACTION!"
As one of his drones slowly cut the vault open, he turned to face the armored Avenger. Before Iron Man could tackle him, Kang simply raised an arm as a highly technological force field appeared, knocking him back. Vision tried to phase through the shield; however, as advanced Vision was, he was still outdated by Kang's future tech, and the barrier shocked him. Captain America and Thor tried basing their way threw the shield...
...when Kang's shield died out. His eyes widened in horror, "No! Wait! My shield's died out too- GAH!"
The combined strikes from both Cap and Thor send Kang flying towards the armor door, sending him crashing right through it. The two Avengers dropped their respective weapons and rushed to the Kang-shaped hole in the door, "Kang! WE ARE SO SORRY!"
"Are you injured?!" Thor called out in concern.
Kang groaned before letting out a laugh, "No, no... it was my fault. I didn't check to see if the belt was fully charged..."
Soon, everyone else began to join Kang in the laughter, as Wasp gestured to the hole, giggling, "Well... ha ha ha... I suppose that's one way to get your tech back!"
Everyone then began laughing harder, as the director called out, "Okay, let's fix up the scenery, check on Kang, and then take it from the top..." Hulk pulled the door open, as Spidey helped the Time Conquer up, "...and in the meantime... make sure his belt fully charges..."
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
Wanda was unconscious on the Destiny Islands' shores when a large wave started heading where she lay. Peter's eyes widened under his mask, "Uh... Wanda?! You gotta move! The wave is getting awfully close..."
Too little, too late was the wave overtook the Scarlet Witch, causing her to yelp out, as she was now completely drenched. Laughter erupted soon after, even from Peter as he tried to help her back on her feet, he giggled, "You…You okay, Wanda?"
"Oh, yeah, I'm great," Wanda sarcastically replied, removing her headpiece and drenched cape. Suddenly, she grabbed the masked Web Slinger, "In fact, why don't you join me?"
"WHOA," Peter cried out as he was pulled into the pond by the woman as well, even as the director called cut. Sora came out of his hiding spot as he clutched his sides, laughing.
"Hey, can we get these two dried off and cleaned up before we try that again. And maybe make sure Wanda's not too close to the water this time?"
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
Sora poked his head from behind the Scarlet Witch, Spidey noticing the small child, knelt down to his level, "Hey there, buddy. What's your name?"
"Spider-Man," The boy answered, earning laughter from the two Avengers and the cast.
"I know who I am," Peter chuckled at the boy, "But who are you?!"
The small boy blushed in embarrassment as Wanda pulled herself together, "It's okay, Sweetie. We all make mistakes. Just make sure this time you say your name..." She then turned to the cameraman, "Can we take this from the top?"
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
Peter rowed both Wanda and Sora back to the main island, when suddenly, Peter burst out singing, "Sha-la-la-la-la-la~ Don't be scared ~You got the mood prepared ~Go on and kiss the girl~"
"Whoa, whoa~" Sora joined in as everyone began laughing.
Setting the oar down, Peter removed his mask, wiping the tears from his eyes, "I'm sorry! Couldn't help myself!" Despite laughing, "And the little guy adding the 'woah woah' was just perfect!"
Wanda was clutching her sides from laughing so hard while the director called cut.
"Okay, that was funny! But can we stick with the script here, people!"
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
Wanda turned to him in concern, "What's wrong?"
He whispered to her quietly, "I think we might have company..."
He then gestured to the door to the patio outside the building. Wanda's eyes narrowed and nodded to Peter. While the Wall-Crawler placed on his web-shooters to confront the possible danger outside while Wanda quickly put on her backpack and prepared to move Sora if the danger came for him. He slowly opened the door to the patio. While the view wasn't much to look at, he couldn't see the danger because it wasn't in front of him. It was above him. He fired a web in the sky...
...causing a body sealed in webbing to drop to the ground. Rocket muffled angrily through the webbing, causing Peter and the Guardians of the Galaxy to start laughing. Wanda rushed outside with Sora in her arms, smiling amusingly, "What happened?"
"Well, I was supposed to clog Rocket's gun," Peter chuckled as he removed one of the web-carriages from his web-shooters, "But I think I accidentally grabbed the web-fuild meant for Hydroman instead! Webbing him up!"
Wanda soon joined in the laughter, as Rocket managed to pull the webbing off his mother, "WILL YOU JUST GET THIS STUFF OFF OF ME! AND STOP LAUGHING AT ME!"
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
When Peter and Wanda said that Scrooge said he had a friend who could answer all their questions, the Guardians followed the two Avengers. Wanda carried Sora as they followed the anthropomorphized duck to the third district of Traverse Town. Peter Parker glanced to Wanda, "So, when do you think we're going to meet Leon?"
Suddenly, the cast started laughing, as Peter glanced around, "What? What did I say?"
"Leon would be too young around this time," Star Lord laughed, "In fact, he's not supposed to show up after you three leave!"
"Wait, really?" Peter blinked in shock. Everyone began laughing harder, as the Web-Slinger chuckled, "Oh, man, I just replayed the first KH game, I guess I got my stories mixed up there." He then waved the camera crew, "Sorry, everyone! My bad!"
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
A holographic image of Kang the Conqueror. Everyone from Avenger, Guardian, Duck, Wizard, and child gathered around as Kang gave his desperate call, "Greetings, Avengers. I need your help." Everyone leaned in when, without warning, Kang let out a loud, "BUUUUUURRRRRRP!" He blinked before smiling sheepishly, "Excuse me."
"CUT!"
Everyone groaned in annoyance except Sora, who just laughed, as he apologized, "Sorry, everyone! I just had lunch!"
"Ewwwwww!" Wanda covered her nose, "I can smell your breath from here!"
"How?!" Gamora asked, equally disgusted, "We're not even in the same room!"
"Oh, did I not remove the smell filters?" Kang blinked in embarrassment, "Oh, man, this is embarrassing..."
"I AM GROOT!"
"Okay, who's the genius who thought adding smell filters to a messager device in the future?!" Rocket exclaimed as he went to remove the filters.
Merlin complained, "Oh, for goodness' sake!"
Spidey glanced at the cameras, "Can we get some fans in here?!"
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
More Heartless began showing up as the two Avengers prepared to fight them. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps came running in, when a satyr jumped in between Wanda and the Heartless... only he didn't come to a stop and slipped tumoring further away from the heroes. Everyone watched as Phill crashed out of the scenery, causing a cat to sctreech, "MEOW!"
Everyone, human and Heartless alike, began laughing. Before Peter called out, "Watch your step, Phil! Someone just mopped there!"
"I got two words for you all," Phil yelled from a distance, "CUT!"
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
Peter and Wanda just won their latest battle in the games against Hercules and Zack when Hades appeared behind them, "Hey!" Everyone turned to the Greek god, "Just where do you think you're going?"
"..." Everyone stared at him, as if not expecting that line from him. Sora tilted his head, "...wha...?"
"Doh! Sorry! Wrong Script!" Hades face-palmed himself, as the director called cut, pulling out the script for KH4, "Between this and all the fanfics out there! It's hard, hard to keep everything straight... to make matters worse, to avoid spoilers, Nomura had given us the scripts in Japanese. You know, how hard it is to translate one language to another without looking at the English cut."
"Can I look at it?" Sora asked Herc's uncle, slowly reaching for the script.
Pulling the script away, Hades scolded, "Hey, no peeking!" He pointed out, "If Nomura isn't showing any trailers until the game is set, then you can't look either! The older you can!"
Sora groaned as Spider-Man rubbed his eyes, "At this rate, the PS5 will be last-gen by the time KH4 finally comes out."
"Just stick to this script for right now," Wanda sighed.
"Yeah, yeah," Putting away one script before pulling out another, "I know the drill."
Unaware that the child took the unreleased game script, without anyone knowing, the boy beamed, "Wow! One of the worlds is going to be-"
"No, no, no!" Both Avengers, Herc, and Zack tried to stop the boy.
"Cut the film!" Hades waved his hands to the camera, running towards it, "CUT THE FILM!"
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
Phil looked down to warn the two Avengers, and warned them, "Guys! Something's coming your way! Something huge!"
The two Avengers prepared to face the incoming foe as a large portal appeared in the sky, sending a beam down to the ground. The two could see a man with long silver hair through the brightness. The man slowly stood up, a black wing protruding from the right side of his back. He stretches out his arm, and the wing follows suit. The two Avengers' eyes widened as Sephiroth faced them, smiling through sinister eyes. He slowly places a hand on the elongated nodachi sheathed at his hip. He stood far from the two, but as he unsheathed the sword, he told them, "Come, I shall give you both dispear-"
"CUT!"
"What? What?" The One-Winged Angel blinked, "What did I do wrong?"
"Yo, Sephy, Sephy," Hades poofed next to him, "Listen, I appreciate what you did as a secret boss in the KH1 days... but you're not in this one."
"Huh?" The long-haired sword wielder blinked before pulling out a script. His eyes widened, "Oh, I see, I was meant to go to Frozen Journey as a secret boss for Daybreak Town. My mistake."
The two Avengers sighed in relief as the FFVII villain approached them, "I really am sorry, by the way. I'm a fan of the two of you."
"You are?!" Both of them blinked.
Peter admitted, "You don't seem like the comic book reader type."
"Oh, don't let my appearance fool you," He gestured to himself, before turning to Wanda, "I just loved you in Avengers Disassembled and House of M."
Wanda groaned as she face-palmed herself, "Of course you are."
"And you," Turned to Spider-Man, Sephorith beamed, "Man of your comics just scream despair! Especially the more recent ones!"
"That would explain things," Peter muttered to himself, as he and Wanda came to the same conclusion. He only liked their comics for their darkest moments in Marvel comics.
Sephorith then lightly patted them, "Anyways, I leave you to it! Have a great awful time!"
Spidey then turned to the camera, "Just cut the footage..."
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
Xehanort nodded, "You may do whatever to his guardians, but I need the boy."
"Prey tell," The villain of this world rubbed his hands together, "What could possibly need from such a small boy?"
After a moment of thinking to himself, Xehanort smirked, "Very well, I'll assume you, but this stays between the two of us."
Ratigan lifted an ear as Xehanort was about to whisper the plans he had for this boy... when he sneezed, "ACHOO!"
The rat was sprayed with the past incarnation's grems, and the crew began laughing, followed by the two villains, while the young human apologized, still laughing, "Sorry, allergies!"
"No, no, happens to everyone," Ratigan chuckled as he whipped away the spit before glancing to the camera, "Hey, careful around me, this might be the beginning of a new black plague..."
Everyone laughed at the dark joke...
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
Toby tracked the scent to a closed children's store for humans. Basil patted the dog on the head, "Splendid job, Toby!"
Suddenly, Toby growled and started growling, as Basil realized, "No! Toby! Don't!"
He started barking loudly as he started chasing another animal, as it screamed, "MMMMMMMEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWW!"
Everyone started panicking as Toby chased the cat all over the studio, forcing the mice, and the main cast clung onto the massive dog, as they screamed (while little Sora was laughing) as the dog continued chasing the cat, destroying the scenery, "ARF! ARF! ARF! ARF!"
"Toby! Halt!" Basil panicked, trying to take back control, "Halt! Resist!"
Spiderfan626 stepped into the frame as he turned to the crew, deeply annoyed, "Okay, who let the cat on the set!" Before he could get an answer, the cat scurried past him, as the dog came right at them, causing the director to exclaim, "INCOMING!"
He lept away as screams could be heard behind the camera was the dog was about to crush it...
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
Fidget was pettling to get the blimp going before losing his breath, and stopped, and turned to the crew, "C-C-Can we stop for a moment! Take a pause?!
"CUT!"
"I'm so sorry," He hopped off his seat, as he raised a figure, "I- I- I just really need some water!"
"Alright! Some get this guy some water!"
An extra quickly handed a bottle of water to the pegged leg bat, as he opened the cap and took a large sip. As the director told him, "Fidget. You're part's almost done. We just need to finish this scene, and you're part of this crossover is over!"
Sighing in relief, he handed the bottle back to the extra, "Thanks!" Hopping back on the set, he waved to the crew, "Okay! I think I should be good for the rest of the scene, Mr. Director!"
"Alright, from the top!"
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
Wanda rose from the earth grounds, dressed as a cowgirl, while Peter was wearing a space ranger outfit, and Sora an alien costume.
"CUT!" Everyone groaned in complaint as the director told them, "Okay! You know we're not doing a Toy Story World! This Jungle Book! There are no Cowgirls, Space Rangers, or LGMs in the Jungle Book!"
"I thought that was the case," Peter rubbed the back of his head.
"Do we really have to?!" Wanda muttered, "I would so much prefer Toy Story!"
"That wouldn't make much sense since Andy would be a baby or not born yet! Get changed, all of you!"
"Fine..." Wanda muttered as she threw her cowgirl hat aside, as she picked up Sora, lightly smiling at Sora, "But you look so cute as a little alien..."
Scene re-take.
This time, all three of them were dressed as a Pride of Lions.
"CUT!" The director complained, "Alright! This is not The Lion King! This is the Jungle Book! Change into the appropriate attire!"
"C'mon," Wanda whined as she picked up the boy and snuggled up to Peter, "Look at how adorable we look!"
"There are no lions in the original Jungle Book! Could you three please change into the appropriate attire?"
"What if we met you halfway?" Wanda asked, almost pleading, "We could wolves! There are wolves in the Jungle Book! Couldn't we be wolves instead?!"
"Wanda..." The director tapped his foot.
"Okay, fine," The Scarlet Witch complained. She then pointed a finger at the camera with a glare, "But not a single world more!"
"That's fine, ma'am!"
The Parkers went to their trailer to change for a third time...
Scene re-take.
This time, Peter was dressed as Luke Skywalker in his attire from Return of the Jedi, Wanda in Leia's metal slave bikini, and Sora dressed as Grogu.
"CUT!"
"This wasn't my idea this time!" Wanda pouted, "Peter and I had a bet, and I lost."
The camera proceeded to zoom in on Spider-Man, who smiled sheepishly, "I'm sorry! But I just can't wait until we reach the Star Wars Arc!" He then raised Luke's green lightsaber, "Just check me out! i am a Jedi, like my father before me!"
"No, he wasn't," Wanda crossed her arms, "Both your parents were scientists and S.H.I.E.L.D. agents!"
"Way to kill the mood!" The Web-Head frowned.
"Okay! Change again! This time! Stick with the outfits we picked out for you!"
Scene re-take.
Now with everyone in their Jungle attire, Wanda groaned, "I feel like I'm naked in front of the whole world!"
"Well, I think you look great..." Peter calmly told her with a smile.
Wanda blushed slightly as she turned to Peter, pulling him closer, "Come here, you."
As they kissed each other briefly before pulling away... before they closed the gap again, they had a full-on make-out session. Sora immediately covered his eyes as Peter came on top of her.
"Whoa! Whoa, whoa, whoa! Whoa! Guys, hold up there! I know you two are married now, but we need to keep this PG-13 at the most, remember," the director shouts. "Seriously, guys! Stop kissing! And…No, wait! Oh boy!" The director quickly stood in front of the camera before the clothes came off, "Quicksilver! Get your nephew out of here!"
The speedster ran towards the boy, while looking away at his sister and brother-in-law, picking up the child as he told Sora and himself, "Don't look! Don't look! DON'T LOOK!"
"Cut the camera!" Spiderfan told the camera crew as he heard noises he wished he could unhear, "Cut the camera, cut the camera, CUT THE CAMERA!"
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
"Trussssssst in me," Kaa told the Scarlet Witch as his coils wrapped around the woman's body, as she appeared to be in a trance...
...when she stopped pretending as her face started turning blue, "Too tight! TOO TIGHT!"
The snake immediately loosened up, allowing the half-naked woman to breathe, "Oh my goodnesssssss! I'm ssssso sasssorry!"
"CUT!"
The Jungle Queen cosplayer breathed heavily, as the python apologized, "I'm sssssorry! I'm sssssorry! That wassss not intentional! I've never done thisssss to a full-grown woman before!"
"It's fine!" Wanda's face turned back to its natural color, "You're fine! Just not so tightly next time! Make it believable, but just make sure I can actually breathe!"
"Of courssssse," Kaa apologized, "I promisssssse it sssssshall never happen again!"
"Alright! Let's take it from the top again!"
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
"Well then. I'll lay it on the line for ya." He told him as he jumped down from his throne, "A bop-bop do-do do-be-do..." He clapped his hands and sang, "Zap a da dee dop zwe bop~"
Everyone began laughing as the director called cut, "Louie! You know that's not your song!"
"I'm sorry, but it's such a good song," The ape chuckled, before turning to Sora and the other monkeys, "You know which one I'm talking about. The one that goes: Zabwe dap dooby doo~"
"Zap a da dee dop zwe bop~" The five-year-olds sang.
"Zwee Dap Zee Doo~" King Louie and half of the monkeys sang.
"Zabwe dap zooby dooby~" Sora and the other half began to sing when Wanda, Peter, Baloo, Tigger, and Bagheera joined them.
The entire cast then sang together, "Do zee zap dee doo~"
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
Sitting on top of a tree branch, the Master of Masters waved off the hex, slowly approaching her, "But I'm not here talk about you mutant magic powers, I'm here to help you find the little boy you and your not-boyfriend have become so found-" But as he was approaching her, he took the wrong step cause him to fall off the branch, "AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH- OOF!"
Wanda immediately broke her character, clapping her mouth shut to stop the giggles, only to burst out into laughter as she rolled on her back and clutched her sides. She laughed harder as the Master of Masters complained, "SERIOUSLY! HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW WHERE I'M WALKING IF I HAVE TO WEAR THIS HOOD 24/7?! 365 DAYS A YEAR?!"
Tears rolled down her eyes as she continued laughing, only to accidentally roll off the branch, startling her, "Woah! Woah!"
"OOF!" She fell off the branch and hit the ground, only to continue laughing on the dirt...
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
"Watch me scare the stripes of this impostor." Tigger smirked, before he then turned to Shere Kahn, growling at him, while Shere Khan looked unamused, which actually scared Tigger as he retreated behind the other vultures, "You know, running is another option."
"And cut! That was great, guys!" The director told the crew as everyone stopped acting, "Take five, everyone!"
Tigger then bounced up to Shere Khan, shaking his paw, "Gee! It's an honor to finally work with ya!"
"The honor is all mine," The tiger returned to gesture, "I've got to say, I'm quite a fan of your work."
"Aw, shucks, it's not that grand," The bouncing stuffed animal acted bashful.
"I'm serious. Look at me, I've only had two movies, a remake, and guest-starred in House of Mouse," The villain from Jungle Book insisted, "You, however, had multiple movies, shows, and that's not even mentioning the KH games you've appeared in. Everyone loves you."
"Oh, stop," Tigger chuckled, "You're making me blush!"
"You even have a whole movie dedicated to you," Shere Kahn pointed out, "How many side characters can say they had a whole movie featuring themselves?"
"Hoo-Hoo-Hoo," Tigger laughed, "That was nothing! When you first appeared in The Jungle Book! I was on the edge of my seat! You were absolutely terrifying! Cleaver! You even put the other villains in their place! Not to mention, you have a great voice! I wish we could have heard you have your own song!"
"Why, thank you," Shere Khan rubbed the back of his neck, "But while you're here, I could use your help with something."
"How can I help?" Tigger raised an eyebrow.
Shere Kahn then pulled out his script, "Well, when I'm finally defeated, Sora is supposed to summon Toby, the dog from the Great Mouse Detective, to scare the stripes off of me. Now, I'm able to pull it off with fire, because, well, everyone fears getting burned. Sure, a giant dog coming after me would be terrifying, too, but no matter how hard I try, it doesn't feel real yet. You showed that you could be scared of your own reflection during your debut. Any pointers?"
"Well, that's easy!" Tigger smiled, "First, try to imagine Toby being more terrified than he actually is."
"How, per se?" The villain from The Jungle Book wondered.
"Well, imagine that Toby was given the powers of the Human Torch." Tigger pointed out.
"My, that would be terrifying," Shere Khan admitted, "Anything else?"
"Well, unlike fire, since Toby is alive, trying to stutter and pleading with him." The bouncer pointed out.
"Like this," Shere Kahn asked before going to his lines, "H-hey, easy... it's... it's not what it looks like. I- I just wanted to kill the boy..."
"Say, that's not half bad," Tigger stroked his chin, "Mmmm... can you make an impression of a big scaredy cat?"
"Hmmm? I'm not sure. I'll give it a go," The tiger shrugged before clearing his throat. He then let out a large screech, "MEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOWWWWWW!"
"Perfect! Practice that a few more times, and you're ready!" The bouncing stuffed animal clapped and cheered as Shere Khan gave a bow. He then placed an arm on the trigger, "And listen, if the fact that your world has yet to appear in a Kingdom Hearts game. I'll speak to Nomura, I'm certain we can get a spot for ya!"
"At this point, I'll even accept a mobile game, like Gaston did," Shere Khan smiled, "Thank you very much, Tigger..."
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
At Avengers Tower, Scott Summers nodded in agreement, "Is there anything else we can try?"
"That's why we're here," Hank Pym answered, "Finding and getting them isn't going to be easy since most of Kang's tech was destroyed during the Skrull invasion, and what was left Kang stole when he returned to-"
Suddenly, Doofenshmirtz entered the room, "Oh, I'm sorry, i-is this Studio A?"
Everyone turned to the evil scientist, as Tony was about to answer, "No, this is Studio-" His eyes narrowed, "Hey, wait a second. You just wanted to get into this story when we said you weren't going to be in it, didn't you?"
"What?!" Dr. Doofenmirtz gasped in shock before he denied, "No...! No!"
Iron Man crossed his arms, "Yes, you did!"
"Yes, I did." The arch-nemesis of Agent P smiled sheepishly.
"Get out!" Wolverine told him.
"Alright," The not-pharmacist nodded in defeat, "But I can totally read that faster than Pym."
"Out!" Tony, Logan, and the director told him.
"Okay, okay," Doofensmirtz turned to leave, "Yeesh! Everyone is grumpy today."
Scene re-take.
"That's why we're here," Hank Pym answered, "Finding and getting them isn't going to be easy since most of Kang's tech was destroyed during the Skrull invasion, and what was left Kang stole when he returned to the future."
Doofensmirtz then peeked back in and quickly said, "When he returned to the future!"
"OUT!" The director and all the heroes told the evil scientist before he left for real...
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
With that, the Sorcerer Supreme returned Magento's astral body back to his physical body as if nothing had happened, only for him to groan in pain, "Oh, cut! Cut!"
"CUT!" The director called before asking, "Okay, Eric, what happened?"
"It's my back," He explained he winced, "I think Strange may have struck it too hard when he separated... my astral... um... my soul from my body..."
Peter then walked up on the scene, "Hold on, I know how to fix this..." He turned to Magento, "You mind?"
"No, please," His father-in-law reassured him, "By all means."
Magento crossed his arms, as Spider-Man cracked his back, much to the former's relief, "Ah, that's better. Thank you, Peter."
"You're welcome," Peter nodded at Wanda's father.
"Alright, we'll continue this off after Strange reunites you with your body," The director told everyone...
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
Wanda heard a guard behind her mutter to another guard, "You think he's ugly now? Watch this!"
Before either of the Avengers could react, the guard threw a tomato at Quasi, only for it to completely miss his face entirely. The hunchback blinked before turning to the guard, "Weren't you supposed to hit me with that?"
"Opps! Sorry!" He apologized, "I was a little off. Can we try again?"
Scene re-take.
The guard threw the tomato, which landed at Quasimodo's feet. He advised, "A little harder!"
Scene re-take.
The tomato flew over his head, as the hunchback stated, "Too high and too hard!"
Scene re-take.
A tomato struck Frollo in the face. Deeply annoyed, he told the Guard, "Wrong man."
Scene re-take.
The tomato would have hit Sora if Wanda hadn't used a hex to knock it away. She asked in concern, "Are you alright? You seem a little off today!"
"No, no... I got it this time!" The Guard called out, "Just give me one more try!"
Scene re-take.
The guard smirked, "You think he's ugly now? Watch this!"
Throwing the tomato once more...
...nothing happened that time. He blinked, "Huh? I could've sworn I've thrown it."
Looking up, the tomato smacked him in the face, causing everyone to laugh, as Peter stated, "That... was the worst throw ever... of all time."
The second guard turned to him, chuckling, "Yeah, maybe you should let me throw the tomato. And just say you threw it, or we're just going to run out of tomatoes at this point."
The guard sighed, "You're probably right!"
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
Phoebus blinked as he took the vial of green liquid, "Umm... okay? What is it?"
"Healing potion," Sora smiled happily.
Everyone stared at the boy, while thinking he was over exaggerating, but Pheobus shrugged, "Well, it's not like I have anything else to lose."
He then opened to vial and began to drink it. Suddenly, with a purple poof, the former Captain of the Guard turned into a llama. Earning a laugh, as Pheobus blinked, "Wait, why are you all laughing? Something doesn't feel right..." He glanced at himself, realizing what he had become, "Huh?" He then started laughing, "Well, I can honestly say Quasi is now the good-looking one."
The Hunchback laughed as Wanda giggled, "H-how did we get the potions mixed up?"
Everyone turned to Kronk, as he held a purple vial, "Uuuuuh... my bad, everyone. In my defense, it would be easier if you guys labeled the vials."
"Okay, let's get Pheobus an antidote and try this again!"
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
At that moment, Quasimodo decided he could remain stone no longer. He began to pull harder and harder. The bells began to quietly ring as he shook the very church, ripping out pillars of stone. Sora cheered as Quasimodo was finally free. The boy then handed him some rope as hunchback took it. He raced off and leaped off the edge of the cathedral, lassoing a gargoyle and rappelling down the side of the building. Finally, he was close enough. He jumped off, flew out over the crowd, and crashed into Frollo, knocking him down. Quasi winced as both the tied-up women quit their acting and burst out laughing as the flames died down and everyone joined. He chuckled, "Well, guess the guard wasn't the only one off this week!"
As Frollo recovered, the director stated, "Okay, guess we'll check on Frollo and try this again!"
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
"Wait, let me just check the focus!" The cameraman called out. As three Heartless eased up, one of them glanced at his co-workers, "So, Bories, you were in the first KH game?"
"Well, Jackie," The second Heartless explained, "You check out the tutorial, the scene where we created a portal beneath Sora, you can actually see my arm pulling him in, if you look hard enough."
Jackie wondered, "What are you going to do after this?"
"Well, I'm in a few more projects with Spiderfan," Bories answered, "I've actually got a small speaking role for a future chapter of 'What if... Sora saved the Justice League?'"
"Wow, really," The third Heartless glanced at him in awe.
Jackie nodded to him, "That's great!"
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
As they all approached the chair the Chancellor was in, the two Jedi bowed to him respectfully while Wanda and Peter stood close, the former with the child in her arms. Obi-Wan greeted him, "Chancellor."
"Are you alright?" Anakin asked him in concern.
"Count Dooku," Palpatine murmured, warning the group. Both Avengers and Jedi turned to see the Sith Lord enter the room with two Super Battle Droids by his side. While all the heroes narrowed their eyes at the villain, Peter saw the uncanny look of the late Christopher Lee. The actor who once played Count Dooku in the films.
Guess he wasn't that surprised, Anakin and Obi-Wan looked like their actors as well. The latter leaned to the former, "This time we'll take him together."
"I was about to say that," Anakin whispered back, standing by his side.
Count Dooku jumped down from the ramp with a flip... only to land on his back, causing everyone to wince. The Count then proceeded to laugh, "I gotta remember that first step! It's a doozy!"
This caused everyone else to join them, as he sat up...
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
As the two Avengers stood before the Jedi Council with Sora, Peter rubbed the back of his neck before explaining to her, "Yeah... Wanda... the Jedi... they don't really do that sort of thing. The children they recruit... don't really see their parents again due to their rule of zero attachments."
"Wait..." Wanda turned to Peter in shock, "WHAT?!"
Master Windu raised a finger at her, "Say what again! I dare ya! I double dare ya!"
After a short pause, everyone burst out laughing, as Windu turned to the camera crew, "I'm sorry! I couldn't help myself! Can you blame me?!"
Everyone continued laughing as Peter wondered, "Can we keep that part in?"
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
The three Jedi nodded as they ran to the severity room. Anakin used the Force to knock down the doors, as all three Jedi grabbed the hilts of their lightsabers. Anakin called out, "Senator! Senator! Where are..."
He stopped to see Venom hold his wife in his tentacles along with the Scarlet Witch and Sora, while it stared down face to face. All Jedi's eyes widened as they had never seen a species like this before. Mace muttered, "By the Force..."
The Jedi quickly activated their weapons, but Venom paid them little mind as its main focus was on Spider-Man. He taunted with a laugh, with a squeaky voice, "We heard you were adopting and we were in the neighborhood so-" Everyone stared at him for a brief moment before Spidey snorted as everyone started laughing except Venom, who was in disbelief, "What the-?! W-what? What happened to our voice!"
He then raised a fist to the sound crew, "We're supposed to have a creepy, terrifying monster-like voice! We sound like a chipmunk for goodness' sake!"
Venom released the hostages as they were rolling on the ground laughing, as he continued, "The audience is supposed to be worried about Spidey's impromptu family and the senator, they can't be worried if EVERYONE IS LAUGHING!"
"Okay, let's try to see what's up with Venom's voice. We'll try this again after we fix the issue."
"You sure we can't make that voice permanent?" Peter joked.
"I second that," Anakin raised a hand before the continued laughing...
Scene re-take.
The Jedi quickly activated their weapons, but Venom paid them little mind as its main focus was on Spider-Man. He taunted with a laugh, "We heard you were adopting and we were in the... uh..."
Everyone paused a minute, waiting for Venom to finish his lines, before the former friend of Peter's sighed, "Great! First, we lost our voice, and now that it's fixed, we forgot our lines."
Everyone groaned as Sora lightly complained, "But that took forever..."
"Sorry, kid, but I need to review my lines," He apologized, lowering the hostages again, "We'll be in our trailer."
"Just as well," Obi-Wan glanced at the time, "We should probably get some lunch."
"We'll get your usual for you, bro," Peter called out to Eddie Brock.
"Thank you!"
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
"Maybe we should let the Jedi examine it a bit more before we give the lamp a rub," Wanda suggested, unaware that her soon-to-be adopted son picked up the lamp, "You know, just to be sure."
Sora then rubbed the lamp like the Scarlet Witch had just told him, "Like this?"
Glancing at Sora for a moment, briefly seeing him rubbing the lamp, "Yes, sweetie, like that..." Wanda turned back to Peter, "I mean, as much as I love the show..." Her eyes widened as she fully grasped what Sora was doing, "SORA! WAIT!"
But it was too late, as the lamp suddenly began to shake and glow and blue and purple smoke burst out of the lamp. Anakin and Obi-Wan quickly pulled out and activated their lightsabers, with the former standing in front of the Senator. Wanda rushed as she picked up the boy who still held onto the lamp. C-3PO had just entered the room with R2 as the protocol droid wonder, "Just what is all this racket... OH MY!"
The only one calm about the sudden burst of magic was Spider-Man, as he not only recalled this is what had happened in the original film, his Spider-Sense wasn't tingling. All of a sudden, from the smoke emerged, as a little blue alien, "Meega nala kweesta! Ha ha ha ha ha ha!"
Threepio gasped, "Good heavens!
"Uh... that's not the Genie," Peter shook his head.
"Sorry, Stitch," Anakin apologized, "You're not the Genie. Or in the story, for that matter."
"Ooooh," Stitch flopped his ears down, "Okay..."
Scene re-take.
Emerging from the lamp, Sora rubbed, was Goofy, who declared, "I've got phenomenal cosmic powers!" He then turned to his back to see the lamp was stuck to his butt, "...and itty bitty living space."
Peter face-palmed himself, as Wanda pointed out, "Goofy? Why would you play the Genie? You're already playing yourself..."
"Really?" Goofy blinked as he turned to Wanda, "What am I playing? Checkers?"
Anakin and Wanda glanced at each other in confusion...
Scene re-take.
The Mad Hatter, who held a teacup, was emerging from the lamp Sora rubbed. He took the lamp as he stared down at the lamp, "You ain't never had a friend like me!" He then blinked in shock, "Me?!" He then brightened up, "TEA! Oh, Boy!" He used the lamp and tried to pour something else out, but nothing did. Shocked, he looked inside the lamp, "Hey, wait a second..." He proceeded to glare at the camera crew, "There's no tea in here!"
This time, both Avengers face-palmed themselves, as Anakin glanced at the camera crew, "Yeah... no... this isn't going to work..."
Scene re-take.
As Sora rubbed the lamp, a large fart shook the lamp, as Wanda groaned, pinched her own nose, and separated the boy from the lamp, as Timon's voice could be heard inside the lamp, "Pumba! You're stinking up my side of the lamp!"
"Sorry," The warthog apologized, as one by one the cast quickly followed...
Scene re-take.
Rubbing the lamp once, with a poof of blue smoke, Porlias appeared in a blue version of her clothes, as she greeted Sora with a hug as she sang to the tune of Prince Ali, "Little Sora~ Adorable he~ Sora, dear nephew~"
"Lorna?!" Wanda stared at her sister in shock.
"Hey, Wanda," Her little sister smiled at her, "What do you think of my Genie cosplay?"
"Uh... why are you playing the Genie?" Peter wondered.
"Oh, did no one tell you?" The youngest daughter of Magento glanced at the main cast, "Genie is still on vacation, so he asked some of us to help with rehearsal. I wanted to surprise you."
"No," Wanda's eyes narrowed before she turned to the other folks who tried to portray the Genie, "They didn't!"
"Uh, Lorna, I know you want to help, but if you think this is a rehearsal," Peter then gestured to the cameras, "Then why are we actually trying to film this?"
Turning to the cameras, she blinked, "Oooooooh..." She laughed sheepishly, "Whoops, heh..."
"Okay, everyone, guess we're taking a short break until the Genie returns from his vacation..."
Groans could be heard from the staff and cast. Wanda turned to her sister, "Lorna. You can help us with our lines, but let's try to stick with the script this time."
"Fair enough," Porlias smiled before glancing at her current outfit, "Blue's not really my color anyway."
Suddenly, Mushu ran in, "Ten thousand years can give you such a-"
"Don't bother!" Everyone who attempted to portray the Genie told the small dragon.
The family guardian looked down, rejectingly, "Okay..."
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
Peter and Anakin waited patiently for the Bad Batch, as the former tapped, "So... where are they?"
"I don't know," Anakin rolled up his good hand's sleeve and checked his watch, "Their ship was supposed to touch down five minutes ago."
"HEY!"
The two heroes looked the the opposite platform, to see that's where the Marauder was parked, and Clone Force 99 stared at the heroes, confused as Hunter called out, "WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING OVER THERE?!"
"WHAT ARE WE DOING OVER HERE?!" Anakin blinked, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING OVER THERE?!"
"We landed at Docking Bay 616 like the director told us to!" Tech explained.
"626!" Peter called out, "You were supposed to be at Docking Bay 626!"
"I told you they said 626," Crosshair glared at the pilot.
"I could've sworn I've heard 616!" Tech blinked in shock, earning groans from his teammates.
"Let's just try this again," Hunter shook his head before turning to their pilot, "And this time, land on the correct docking bay."
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
Crosshair was infiltrating the sector where Dooku met the traitor to the Republic, when he spotted Venom... talking to some very attractive Twi'lek women, "And that's how we were able to get a scene for the last Spider-Man movie..."
Crosshair groaned, "Brock..."
"Wha...?" Venom blinked as he turned to the sniper, "Oh, shit! We're on!" He then quickly apologized, "Sorry, everyone! We've lost track of time!" Turning back to the beautiful aline women, "We'll meet up later after we're done. We might convice the director to get you a role for The New Guardians..."
As the two women left, Venom glanced at Crosshair, "You think we have a shot with one of 'em?"
With that, crosshair face-palmed himself...
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
Wanda continued to lead Venom to the Senate Building. She then reached for her coms, "Guys, something's gone wrong! Palpatine must've activated the inhibitor-OOF!"
She had unintentionally slammed into a building board, causing Venom to wince, and catch her before she could fall. He glanced to the camera crew, "Uh... was that supposed to happen?"
Wanda groaned as the crew shook their heads, as she exclaimed, "Cut! CUT!"
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
"Wanda, are you sure your mind is capable of handling that?!" Spidey looked deeply concerned for her behind his mask.
"What other choice do we have?" Wanda glanced at the child, who ended up being like a son to them. Lifting up her free gloved hand, the red mist started to shine as she whispered, "No more-"
Suddenly, before she could finish, something much larger emerged from the storm. Large and furry. Who greeted them with a big smile, "Welcome to the Himalayas!" He then pulled out a tray of goods, "Snow cone?"
Sora blinked as Wanda facepalmed herself, "Oh boy!"
"CUT!"
"What?" The Yeti blinked, "What'd I do?"
"Look, man," Peter placed a comforting hand on the Yeti's shoulder, "This isn't the Monsters Inc. World, this is supposed to be the Rise of the Guardians world."
"Really?" The Abominable Snowman blinked before noticing Phil and the other yetis shaking their heads, "Huh? I wasn't aware Rise of the Guardians was a Pixar film..."
"Well, it's not... they're owned by DreamWorks," Peter explained, causing the out-of-place Yeti to blink again.
He glanced at the camera crew, "Did Disney buy them too?"
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
Pitch Black arrived with his army of Nightmares, all horse-shaped except for one that was in the form of a bat, causing the Boogyman to blink, "Wait, cut! CUT! Stop the film!"
The bat squeaked in confusion, "Brain... listen to me... You were supposed to take the appearance of a scary horse."
"Squeak squeak?"
"Yes, I'm aware some people are scared of bats," Pitch nodded before reminding him, "But in the film, when we did original did the film, you were all horses, remember?" Brain squeaked in acknowledgment again, "Good, then let's try this again... but this time... as a horse. Just like the others, okay?"
"Squeak squeak!"
"Great!" Pitch nodded before glancing at the camera crew, "Can we take this from the top?"
Scene re-take.
Pitch arrived with his Nightmares, all horse-shaped... and Brain... he was a Tyrannosaurus Rex, "ROOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAARRRRRR!"
"No, no, NO!" Pitch face-palmed himself, "BRAIN!" The dinosaur Nightmare glanced at the Boogyman, "We've been over this! A horse! You're supposed to be a horse!"
"Roar?" Brain blinked.
"THIS ISN'T DREAM DROP DISTANCE!"
"Roar?"
"The Spirit Dream Eaters are allowed to be here because of their connection to Keyblade Weilders like Sora! You don't see the Nightmares from the same game in KH3, do you?!" Pitch glared at Brain, the dinosaur looked away as he asked again, "DO YOU?!"
"...roar..."
"Good!" The Boogyman shook his head, "Now for the last time! Horse! Not a bat! Not a T-Rex! A Horse!" He turned to the camera crew, "I'm so sorry about him..."
Scene re-take.
Pitch arrived with his Nightmares, all horse-shaped... and Brain... was still not a horse as he rose from the shadows, "I am vengeance..."
Pitch's eyebrow twitched, "No..."
"I am the night..."
"Brain..." The Boogyman snarled, looking like he was about to lose it.
"I AM BATM-"
"STILL NOT A HORSE!" Pitch lunged straight at him to strangle him, causing a commotion...
...and from the set, Peter and Wanda stood with a sleeping child in the latter's arms. Peter glanced at the crew, "Can we try again tomorrow night?"
"Yeah, Sora's been out awhile ago," Wanda added, showing the sleeping boy...
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
A large amount of Nightmares charged for a large load of eggs that had yet to be delivered but they were well guarded as Iceman created a large barrier of ice. One of the Nightmares charged at Shadowcat but she phased through it and kicked it from behind. Another tried attacking it from above, but it was intercepted by Nightcrawler, who teleported it outside of the Baxter Building, and towards another group of Nightmares. He jumped off and teleported away before the Nightmares crashed into each other.
He then teleported beside his fellow X-Men, who gave the teleporting mutant a thumbs up, before all three of their eyes widened in horror, as Kitty muttered, "Uh-oh!"
A massive wave of Nightmares angrily charged towards the eggs. Iceman tried freezing them, but they were too many. It seemed like the dark creatures would destroy the finished eggs...
...when a certain green founding Avenger landed in front of the X-Men, huffing before glaring at the Nightmares, who looked terrified at their new appointment, as he grumbled, "So... you want to smash these Easter Eggs, huh?" Before they could react, Hulk grabbed two of them, and roared, "SO, I'LL SMASH YOU!"
"Uh... Hulk?" Iceman got his attention before he could smash them, "I think you might have done their job for them."
"Huh?" Hulk blinked to reveal that, when he made his grand entrance, he smashed all of the eggs, "Oops! Sorry, everyone!"
"CUT!"
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
Sora rode on Meow Wow as he turned to the massive army of Dream Eaters, "Friends... I know we've only known each other for only a few mittens ago-"
"CUT!"
"Huh?" The boy blinked.
"Sweetie, it's moments..." Wanda called out to her son, "You've only known them a few moments ago! You said mittens!"
"Oh, opps," The boy blinked, "Can I try again?"
Scene re-take.
He's a big bully! He's hurt friends! Turn dreams into nightmares! He's smashed all of our Easter bags-"
"Eggs!" Bunny called out.
"Wha-?"
"It's Easter Eggs," The small Bunny called out from below, "You said bags!"
"Didn't I destroy a bunch of those as well?" Pitch wondered.
"THOSE WERE BASKETS, YOU SON OF A-"
"BUNNY!" Everyone scolded the Easter Bunny before he could swear...
Scene re-take.
"He's pushed us, good friends, for far too long! Well, that ends today! Here and now!" As he turned to face the Boogyman, Sora declared, "We shall teach that bully a lesson he'll never for-get! We have superheroes, Santa, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, and Jack Frost on our side! With them, we shall de-wiver justice! It's time to do what you were born to do!" His eyes narrowed, "Justice shall be swift! Justice will be painful!" With his free hand, he tightened his fist, "IT WILL SCUMPCIOUS!"
Everyone face-palmed again, as Jack winced, "So close!"
"Buddy, it was delicious," Spidey called out to his son, "The line was 'it will be delicious!"
"Alright, who was the genius who wanted to have a kid do a motivational speech?" Bunny complained.
"Guys, it's alright," Wanda reassured everyone, "Just take out the parts where he messed up, and then continue filming after he says the right words."
Everyone glanced at her, as Bunny glared, "We've been out here for days... and now you've come up with that idea?"
"Can we attack now?" Sora asked on the Dream Eaters' behalf...
Scene change. "Speed!"
"Marker" clapboard.
"Annnd…action!"
ron Man unleashed the Unibeam. Kang fired a large futuristic cannon. Hawkeye unleashed several explosive arrows. Cyclops removed his visor, unleashing a powerful optic blast. Cap and Goofy threw their shields. Panther his daggers. Anakin, Ashoka, and Master Yoda combined a powerful Force Push. Storm unleashed her lightning. Jack Frost, his ice. Hulk unleashed a gamma-powered thunderclap. The sorcerers, Donald, and the King unleashed powerful magic. Spidey unleashed web bullets. As much as Xehanort attempted to fight it, he was pushed further into the portal. Then Sora aimed his Keyblade at the crack as he told his arch-foe, "Goodbye, Xehanort!"
Light swirled around his Keyblade as a beam of light shot out of the Keyblade and struck the breach, which began to close on upon itself. Xehanort desperately attempted to get out, roaring in anger, "CURSE YOU, PERRY THE PLATYPUS!"
Everyone stopped their attacks to start laughing, causing Xehanort to blink, "Wait... huh... what did I say?"
Sora tried to hold back his laughter, "You were supposed to curse me. Not Perry. He's not even in this fanfic!"
"Wait, what?" Xehanort blinked as he pulled out his script, "Wait a minute, somebody rewrote my script! Who-?"
"He he he!" Doofensmirtz laughed wickedly as he walked in veiw the camera, "Evil~"
"DANG IT! WHO LET HIM BACK ON SET?!" Xehanort climbed out of the breach, causing everyone to laugh more, slamming the script on the ground, "That's it! I'll be in my trailer!"
End roll.
Back at the household of the Parker family, the trio burst into laughter, as Wanda giggled, "I remember how much fun we had making that!"
"It took ages, but it's finally done," Peter glanced to his wife before glancing at the viewers, "But before we finally close to book on this epic tale, that's not all we have for you."
"As much fun as this story was," Scarlet Witch turned to the readers, "There were many occasions where our journey would have come to a close a lot sooner than everyone thought."
"That's right," Peter nodded, "Taking inspiration from that popular YouTube series... Spiderfan626 proudly presents..." Spidey gestured to a logo which popped up on screen, "How Avengers: Darkness In Kingdom Hearts Should Have Ended!"
Wanda knelt down to their first child, "Send us off... then we can go get Ice Cream..."
Sora glanced at the readers, "Enjoy!"
The two adults cheered the young boy as the parody began...
HISHE
In the SWORD Facility, two SWORD Scientists walked away from a vault containing supervillain gear. One of them turned to his buddy, "Looks like we're done. You sure all this supervillain tech is secure in the vault?"
"Yeah," The other scientist nodded, "I'm sure it's alright."
Just then, a third scientist with glasses walked his way over to the two of them. He glared at them as he pointed at them with an accusing finger, "Here's a bright idea, how about you dismantle all this dangerous supervillain tech instead of assuming this vault can withstand anything just in case a supervillain breaks out which leads to a boy to become several traumatized of the death of his home and loved ones, just because you're too lazy to safely do your job to ensure that no one would be hurt by this dangerous technology again? Hmmm?"
The other two scientists stared at him before the second one groaned, "Ugh! Okay! Fine!"
Later on, Kang finally broke into the vault, which he assumed contained his time chair, but when the vault finally opened up, It turned out to be a break room for SWORD employees where all the SWORD scientists were hanging out, as the scientist who reluctantly changed the vault into a break room, "You know, this is much nicer." He then noticed Kang, "Oh, look! A supervillain really did try to steal back his tech!"
"What the-?!" Kang gasped in shock, "Where's all my stuff?!"
"Oh, we dismantled your chair, so it can never be used again," The scientist answered with a grin on his face, "And now it's gone forever."
"YOU DID WHAT?!" Kang exclaimed as his suit finally ran out of power just as Spider-Man leaped in to web him up, "NO! NOT AGAIN!"
Spidey then turned to the Scarlet Witch, "Well, that was easy. I was beginning to think this was going to lead to this whole adventure where you and I team up and end up falling in love and adopting a kid we happened to help."
"What was that?" Wanda turned to Spider-Man.
"Oh, uh..." Spider-Man rubbed the back of his head, "Nothing! You wanna get a cup of coffee sometime?"
Wanda thought about it before smiling, "You know, why not?"
As the two left the building, Vision watched them walk off, "What?! What about WandaVision?!"
"Yeah," Wanda called back, "It would never work! I'd probably go crazy if I did!"
Vision thought about it before admitting, "She's probably right..."
How Avengers: Darkness in Kingdom Hearts Should Have Ended
"So, we rescued Sora from his world before it fell to darkness," Peter stated as he and Wanda walked their way through Traverse Town with the young boy, "What happens to him after?"
"We're adopting him!" Wanda beamed.
Peter blinked in shock, "Uh... shouldn't we make sure that his parents are okay?"
"We're adopting him!" Wanda again declared.
"I mean, we really just met and..." Peter tried to continue...
...when Scarlet Witch placed a finger on his lips, "Listen... I've only known Sora for half an hour..." Her eyes narrowed into no one in particular, "And if anything happens to him, I will kill everyone in this universe and then myself!"
Peter then turned to her in deep concern, "Uh... but you... won't, right?"
"Hmmm?" The daughter of Magento turned to Spidey, her eyes widened, "Oh, yes, of course not! I'm a hero! I would never do that."
"Whew! Okay, was a little worried for a second," Spider-Man laughed nervously, "So~ uh... You really wanna...?"
"I'm also super single," Wanda smiled slyly at Peter.
"And... I'm 100% on board with this," The Web-Head cheered, before growing serious, "But seriously, we should probably check to see if his parents are okay before we do anything drastic."
Fast forward...
Back in Merlin's home, Spider-Man, Scarlet Witch, and the Guardians of the Galaxy gathered around Merlin, as he turned to the heroes, "Okay... now this is very important..." He pointed to the two Avengers, "You two need to take the child to five Disney Worlds and one Dreamworks World to find the breach in reality by defeating all the main villains of those worlds without dying, then return to your world and defeat Young Xehanort."
"Really?" Star Lord gestured between Wanda and Spidey, "Just these two and the kid?"
"Yes," The Wizard nodded, "That's how it needs to be done."
"But isn't Xehanort after the very important child?" Gamora glanced at the spikey-haired future protagonist, "Should we send more of them than just these two?"
Groot nodded, "I am Groot."
"No! Just these two!" Merlin declared, "The rest can go on a wild goose chase to find his two best friends!"
"But isn't this insanely risky?" Rocket asked, "Wouldn't it make more sense if more of us went?"
"And didn't you say this sword in the shape of a key can also close these breaches?" Drax added, "Shouldn't we wait until the King of the Mice returns to help out as well?"
"And hey, we know how to get to Earth," Peter Quill added, "Let's just go to Earth and get the Avengers to help out and figure out how to send more of us there."
"I'm okay with getting the other Avengers," Peter Parker added.
Wanda nodded, "Me too. This seems like a bigger threat than sending the two of us."
"Okay, fine!" Merlin groaned in annoyance, "So much for a simple love story! Let's just bring in everyone and get this over with like Endgame!"
Young Xehanort from a distance, "Oh... this doesn't look like it's going to end well for me..."
Fast forward...
In Tarzan cosplay, Peter prepared to fight his old enemy, "Okay, Kraven! Let's do this!"
The Hunter grinned, "Oh, who said I came alone, Spider..."
Just then, Electro, Vulture, Venom, Mysterio, and Rhino joined in, as the symbiote grinned, "Hey, bro!"
"What the-?!" Peter gasped in disbelief, "The Sinister Six?!"
Young Xehanort then appeared: "Of course, at first, I thought I should send Kraven and Venom to two different worlds to get the Child of Destiny... but then I realized that you don't have your gear... so I just sent a team to deal with you and the Witch and take the child now!"
"Oh boy!" Peter glanced nervously.
"Don't worry, Peter!" He heard Wanda shout, "I'll save you!"
He turned to her, swinging on a vine like a Junge Queen... only just to crash into another tree, causing everyone to wince as she fell to the ground, breaking every bone in her body, causing her to scream in pain. Peter sighed in defeat, "Oh, poop!"
Back in the Villain Pub, The Sinister Six grinned as Sora nervously sat on Kraven's lap as he told them what happened in the Ancient Jungle, "And so we killed both Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch... took the boy, and he's now ours for the taking!"
All the villains laughed wickedly, and Joker wondered, "And what about Xehanort?"
"Oh, he fully expected us to give Sora to him," Mysterio grinned, "But I just cast an illusion and betrayed Xehanort, leaving him to die!"
The villains laughed wickedly again, as Palpatine grinned, "My half-brother is such an idiot..."
"So~" Joker spoke up, "Shouldn't you all be concerned that you all broke Absolute Point in time? From killing Xehanort and kidnapping Sora?"
The villains stopped their laughter as Kraven blinked, "Uh, what?"
Doom then stood up, "I have a problem with this!"
With that, time collapsed all around them, killing them all...
Fast Foward...
Magento and his Brotherhood invaded Stark Tower, ready to battle the heroes, as the Master of Magnistem demanded, "Where is my daughter?! If you don't tell me, then I will..."
"Hulk. Smash him," Tony told the Strongest Avenger.
Before anyone could reach, Hulk grabbed Magento by the leg and treated him like a rag doll, "Puny mutant! Puny mutant! Puny mutant!"
"Not a trace of metal on that Avengeer," Cap smirked, "Now... let's get the others!"
"The other villains glanced at each other nervously, as Quicksliver muttered, "Okay... we really didn't think this one through..."
Fast Foward...
Anakin and Obi-Wan finally reached Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch with Sora, as the latter Avenger beamed as she took the child, "My baby!"
"Wait..." Anakin blinked before having a big grin on his face, "YOU HAVE A SON?! THIS IS WONDERFUL! YOU SHOULD TELL EVERYBODY!"
He then ran about the enemy ship, bursting with joy for the two Avengers, "HEY, DOOKU! DID YOU HEAR THE NEWS?! GREVIOUS! SPIDER-MAN AND SCARLET WITCH ARE A MOMMY AND DADDY!"
"ANAKIN!" Obi-Wan went to scold his old Padawan, he then sighed, "I really hope this doesn't become a regular thing..."
After the battle, Obi-Wan's face turned pale when he found out that Anakin had a secret wife and she was going to have a baby, as the hero without fear ran around the senate beaming, "MASTER WINDU! DID YOU HEAR THE NEWS! MASTER YODA! WHAT ARE YOU AT! I'M GOING TO BE A FATHER!"
The Jedi Master groaned as Peter lightly gave him sympathy pats, "Yeah, I think we both know this will never end..."
Obi-Wan sighed in defeat, "You're probably right..."
Fast Forward...
Back in Padmé's apartment, Peter and Wanda showed them the Revenge of the Sith film as the secret couple were both stunned at what they saw. Anakin turned to Peter in shock, "What the-?! So you're saying-"
"Yep." Spidey nodded.
"And I will-" Anakin gestured to the iPhone.
"Uh-huh," Wanda nodded.
"And Padmé will-" The Chosen One gestured to his pregnant wife.
"Yep, at first, I thought I discreetly tried to change the events so this wouldn't happen," Peter tried to tell their new friends, "But Wanda insisted I just tell you everything now!"
"Peter. That would have been a whole lot more trouble if you did," Wanda crossed her arms, "Not to mention, we still have Young Xehanort to deal with, so we need to take care of this now!"
"Gee, thank you for showing me this!" Anakin nodded to the couple in denial, "I'm not going to do any of that! Heck! I'm going to deal with the Sith right now!"
He then ran over to the Senate Building...
Palpatine expected Anakin to return... what he didn't expect was the whole Jedi Order to come with him, as all the Jedi ignited their blades as Anakin and Yoda narrowed their eyes at him. Palpatine's eyes widened in shock, "Uh-oh!"
"Get him!" Windu declared as everyone started bashing their lightsabers on the Sith Master as he screamed in pain until he stopped moving as Windu grinned, "YEAH! THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!"
"And stay dead!" Anakin told the Sith.
Windu then turned to the two Avengers while Wanda covered Sora's eyes, "So... about the Child?"
"No," She declared while holding Sora protectively.
Windu sighed in defeat, "Okay..."
Or...
Anakin looked back at Peter, "Oh, by the way, in the movies, how did I destroy Darth Sidious?"
"Oh, uh, you grabbed him," Spidey proceeded to answer, "Lifted him in the air before throwing off a ledge to a bottomless pit."
Anakin hummed in thought before snapping his fingers, "I can work with that."
On a trip to the senate later, Palpatine turned to the two heroes, "Ah, Anakin, you're here sooner than I-" Anakin then quickly ran up to the secret Sith Lord, much to the villain's confusion, "Wait, what are you doing?!"
The Jedi Knight picked up the would-be Emperor and lifted him in the air, much to the Sith's protest, "PUT ME DOWN!"
As Anakin brought him to the window, the old man complained, "Anakin! The Avengers are taking over! Clones! Do something! Blasted Brian! Never here when I need him!"
"EXCUTE ORDER FALL AND GO SPLAT!" Anakin exclaimed before throwing out the widow, shattering it, as the Dark Lord fell to the city streets, screaming, to his doom, before an explosion could be seen from where the Sith landed. The Jedi raised his arms, victorious, "YES! CHOSEN ONE!"
"Wow, okay..." Peter shrugged, "That works too, I guess..."
Suddenly, Venom appeared, landing on the Chancellor's chair, "Ha! We're still here! You didn't forget about us did you!"
Anakin and Spidey glanced at each other before turning back to Venom, "Nope!"
The former then used the Force to activate the seat in the Chancellor's office, making the villain rise up into the senate chamber, "Wha...? What are you doing?! This doesn't change anything. We're still going to eat ya and give the kid over to Xehanort-"
"AND ACTIVATE THE SONIC WEAPON!" Hunter exclaimed, revealing the ambush.
Venom's eyes widened in horror, and all he had time to say before Tech pushed the button was, "Oh... sh-AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHH!"
Anakin and Spidey smirked from below as the symbiote was forced off of Eddie Brock, as the former stated, "All too easy!"
The two heroes proceeded to fistbump each other as Sharrk Ti, and several other Jedi entered the room, as she exclaimed, "Yeah! Some of us might have died!"
Fast Forward...
Back on Earth, Tony glanced at the heroes, "Okay, so we know where our missing friends are and what's going on, so let's make a massive portal and get right to them."
"Wait, we know the Time Stone exists here," Logan growled, "Why can't we just use the Space Stone and get to them right now?"
"The angrying claw mutant is right," Thor gestured to Wolverine, "We have it on Asgard... I just borrowed it so we can all go to our missing friends now!"
"Oh, wow!" Iron Man blinked, "That'll be a whole lot easier... Yeah, let's just do that!"
Spider-Man, Wanda, Genie, and the Guardians, along with Sora riding Meow Wow and Genie by his side, prepared to face Pitch Black as the villain laughed, "Do you really think you can defeat me?"
"Oh, we're not going to defeat you," Wanda grinned before gesturing behind Pitch Black, "But they are!"
"Huh?" Pitch turned behind to see a blue portal opening up as the Avengers, X-Men, Fantastic Four, and the Brotherhood all gathered to battle the Boogyman, whose eyes widened in horror, "Oh, son of a-"
Suddenly, he was hit by Cap's shield, "LANGUAGE!"
Fast Forward...
"No!" Wanda and Spider-Man's eyes narrowed in anger as they stood in front of their son. The former declared to their son, "We'll never let you take him and turn him into you!"
"Oh, well, in that case," Young Xehanort shrugged before summoning his Keyblade, "AND KEYBEAM!"
With that, he teleported the two Avengers away, leaving Sora completely helpless. As Xehanort grinned, "Well, that was easy..." He then blinked, "Why didn't I just do that earlier?"
Or...
Wanda and Spider-Man told the other heroes everything, as everyone's eyes widened in horror before Strange tilted his head, "So, let me get this straight... Xehanort is doing all of this horrible stuff because he's obsessed with the χ-blade and the legend of Kingdom Hearts? And he learns that he wins from something called the Book of Prophecies?"
"Yeah, that just about summons it," Peter answered.
The Sorceer Supreme smiled, "Well, in that case, I know how to take care of this! You two come with me, and bring the boy, I think I know how to take care of all of this..."
The two Avengers blinked as the child stared between the two heroes...
Back in the Scantumm, the new couple and their child watched as Strange started to cast a spell, as he sang to himself, "Erasing Book of Prophecies~ and the χ-blade~ cause I like my universe~ YEEEEEAAAAAHHHH~"
"ARE YOU SERIOUS?!" Wong then appeared angry with Strange, "YOU'RE DOING THE MEMORY ERASE SPELL AGAIN?!"
"Stop talking!" Strange glared annoyingly at Peter of all people.
Spidey turned to his girlfriend and son, "Why is he looking at me when he said that. I didn't say anything."
Wanda and Sora shrugged at that...
Or...
Xehanort and his army of Supervillains and Heartless stood outside of Wakanda, as the heroes prepared to fight them. Okeye sighed, "This will be the end of Wakanda..."
"Then it will be the most noble ending of all of history..." T'Challa declared.
Cap turned to the other Avengers, "Anyone else having a serious déjà vu moment here?"
Just then, Wong entered through a portal as he turned to the others, "Don't worry, everyone! I've got this!" Clearing his throat, he waved his arms, "Mirror Dimension!
A magical spell was cast on Xehanort's entire army, as the villain helplessly watched them vanish away. He groaned, "Oh, come on!"
"Sing ring," Wong then created a portal next to the villain's face, "And Hulk sucker punch!" Hulk's fist entered through it, punching Xehanort out. Wong then cheered, "YES! WONG!"
Or...
Sora nervously hugged his great Aunt, as she held him protectively, as Xehanort slowly approached him, laughing wickedly, "At last you're-"
"HEY!"
Xehanort blinked as he slowly turned around to see that Wanda had gathered a large group of heroines that slowly surrounded him, as he muttered, "I didn't realize, there were so many of you..."
"I just spoke to everyone here, and we had a new rule for creeps like you!" Wanda snarled before snapping her fingers.
At command, all the women declared, "All creepy evil villains make adorable children cry will be beaten senseless by every able-bodied heroin on the planet." As Jan was just a little bit out of sync, "...planet."
"Uh... he... he... he..." Young Xehanort laughed nervously as he slowly backed away from Sora, "Hey, come on now... violence solves nothing..."
"GET HIM!"
"I IMMEDIATELY REGRET MY DECISION!" Xehanort screamed as Scarlet Witch, Wasp, Captain Marvel, Shadowcat, Storm, Jean, Invisible Woman, and all the other female heroes piled upon him, beating him senselessly.
The other villains present, watched in horror as Xehanort was instantly overwhelmed, as Abomination stated, "Uh... I just remembered... I... I gotta be somewhere else..."
"Yep," Zemo nodded.
"Me too," Crimson Dynimo agreed.
"Ditto," Shaw nodded as they instinctively made a run for it...
Hours later, Young Xehanort found himself, now in a full body cast, in the hospital in police custody, until he was healed enough to be sent back to the past. Groaning and crying in pain as Jane Foster walked up to him, as he asked her, "You wanna know... how I got these scars?"
"Because you messed with an adorable child?" She raised an eyebrow.
He nodded in confirmation, "Because I messed with an adorable child..."
"Mmmm-hmmm," She nodded as she held up her client board, "Just as I thought."
She then smacked it on Xehanort's leg, causing him to scream in pain...
But this is how it really should have ended...
Wanda and Peter knelt beside Sora as Peter told him, "Okay... buddy... You have one wish left... let's make sure you use it wisely..."
"Uh, what wish?" Wasp blinked in shock.
"Oh, Sora was given the Magic Lamp from a man in a black coat who may have his own plans for Sora," Wanda explained, "You know, from Aladdin. He used two of his wishes to save Star Wars and the Holidays, and now he has one wish left."
"You have..." Nick Fury blinked in shock, as everyone exclaimed, "WHHHHHAAAAAAAATTTTTT?!"
"We were planning on the fight of our lives, and you two had that magic lamp from Aladdin the whole time?!" Reed blinked in disbelief.
"Yes?" Wanda blinked in disbleif, "Why?"
"Okay, everyone," Cap turned to the other heroes, "Here's what we're really... going to do..." He then smiled at the boy, "Hey, buddy? Is it okay if we borrow that lamp for a little bit?"
"Okay!" Sora brightened up as he handed the Super Soldier the Magic Lamp...
Genie felt the lamp being rubbed before exiting the magical object, "Alright... wish number 3! We've been waiting for this..." He blinked to see he was in a room full of heroes, with Captain America holding the magic lamp. He glanced at the reader, "Ah, this is a HISHE!" His face briefly turned into Jafar, "I suppose it's better than being greeted by a tall, dark, sister man..."
"Okay, Genie, my first wish," Captain America declared, "I wish that all the Heartless are gone for the next 10 years!"
"Easy!" Genie snapped his fingers...
Suddenly, all the Heartless vanished off the face of the universe, much to Young Xehanort's shock, "What the...?"
"I wish for our machine to create a portal to other worlds to be functioning and operational," Iron Man wished.
Genie slammed a wrench on the powerless portal to make it spring to life, as he appeared as Red Green, "If women don't find ya handsome, at least they can find ya handy."
"I wish the missing children stuck with the breaches are safe and sound in our world," Black Widow smiled.
Genie turned to a fisherman and threw a rod with a life preserver into a breach before waiting for a bit until the string started tugging and pulled Riku and Kairi out from the breach, "And they're some big ones!"
"Yay!" Sora cheered.
Dr. Strange then had the lamp, "I wish for all the breaches to be closed but one."
Genie used magic duct tape to seal the breaches, sealing the cracks in reality in an instant, "Wow! This stuff really does fix everything!"
Scarlet Witch then held the lamp, "I wish that the last breach and the past Xehanort were here right now!"
"Beaming them up now," Genie declared as Scotty from Star Trek as both Xehanort and the final breach appeared before the heroes...
"OH! Now What?!" Xehanort demanded before he realized he was surrounded by heroes, "Oh crap!" Hawkeye raised his arrow, as Xehanort pleaded, "No! Wait! You don't understand! All my classmates were betrayed and killed... and that makes it okay for me to break the law! I'm not a bad person!"
Of course, the heroes didn't care for his sob story so Spider-Man took hold of the lamp, "I wish for him to fall inside the crack comically."
Genie was munching on a banana as a gorilla before tossing the peel underneath Young Xehanort's feet, causing him to step on it and slip inside the portal, "GAH! Come on!"
Hawkeye then pulled out the Orb Arrow, "And close forever!"
He then fired the arrow into the portal, which was a direct hit, causing Young Xehanort to scream, "NNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOO!"
The final portal then sealed itself away forever as Xehanort went back to the past with no memory of the embarrassing events that happened to him...
"And so, we defeated Xehanort and his army of Heartless by passing the lamp around and making wishes that screwed up his plans," Peter explained the previous events, "...making him wondering what the heck happened as he was made a meme before sending back to the past, we introduced Sora to both sides of our family and now, Wanda and I are going out while we prepare for Xehanort's return with our friends within the Jedi Order."
Sora, Wanda, and Peter sat between Superman and Batman inside the Super Cafe as they retold their journey to the two World's Finest. Wanda then shrugged, "So we pretty much save the universe."
"Well," Batman spoke up, "More like Genie did."
"Yeah, I can't believe either of you would figure that out sooner," Superman admitted, "Could've made things so much easier for you three."
"I know, right?" Peter laughed, "Just imagine what would happen if we didn't do that."
Wanda laughed, "So many people would've turned into Heartless or break out supervillains or something!"
"Yeah, and future me would have come to turn the tide!" Little Sora beamed.
Wanda cooed, "Awe~ He's already accepted the craziness that is our universe."
"Well, going through several classic Disney films..." Batman spoke up again, "...and meeting most of the Holiday Icons would help with that..."
"No kidding," The Man of Steel nodded. He then wondered, "So what happened to Genie afterward?"
"Well, many of us made certain wishes to prepare for what's to come 10 years from now," Peter revealed before glancing at his son, "Then Sora used his last wish to free the Genie since he and his friends were safe."
"Wasn't Aladdin supposed to do that?" The Dark Knight wondered.
"...and not before Jafar gets and probably would have caused us more problems than it was worth later," Spidey pointed out, "We would have had our hands busy with Xehanort, this might make things a whole lot easier than later."
"Fair point," Batman shrugged before taking a sip of his coffee.
"So... are you two now raising Sora as a couple now?" Superman wondered, "I mean... what are you planning now?"
"Well, we're planning on talking things slow," Wanda spoke up, "I know most couples don't tend to have kids... adopted or otherwise... but Sora's circumstances were unique and he needed a mother and father who understand what he's going through..."
"...and we also wanted him to stay close after Clint and Bobbi adopted Riku while Bucky and Nat adopted Kairi," Peter picked up, "So we settled on a special school for training the next Avengers we kinda created with the lamp. Two separate bedrooms for now..."
"...but if everything goes smoothly for us and we end up getting married, we might have more kids in the future," Wanda concluded, "We can also use the spare bedroom for additional babies."
"And how are you two planning to continue your career as heroes," Batman asked, "Before I had Dick become Robin, I always believed I had Alfred to watch over him... and neither of you are trillionares or have a fancy butler..."
"We can always have Aunt May or my sister look after him, whenever we're needed," She answered, "And if neither can make it, I heard Squirlgirl is a capable babysitter. My brother is an option as well... my father... well, he'll be our absolute last resort if we can find anyone else."
"Well, you two really thought of everything," Superman spoke up, "So... congratulations, I guess..."
After a minute, Batman asked, "You know what I would have done?"
"Thrown a batarang at Xehanort?" The Kryptonian raised an eyebrow.
"Probably," The Dark Knight shrugged before adding, "But I also would have had Genie use his power to capture the other versions of Xehanort, cure Terra, and find the missing Keyblade Wielders before freeing him. That way, Sora would never have to go through all the trauma when he gets older."
The new couple winced, as Peter admitted, "Yeah... that would have been smart..."
"Guess we also could have used the lamp to foil the Master of Masters plan as well," Wanda winced, "Shoot."
"Well, at least he has you two to watch out for him," Superman smiled positive at them before glancing at Sora, "Even if he shares a similar origin to mine... being one of the last of his kind... before being raised by a great couple... who raise him to be a hero..."
"I doubt Ma and Pa Kent would have found their way to Krypton and brought you back safely to Earth," The World's Greatest Detective pointed out.
"Like you could do better?" Superman smirked.
"Of course I could," Batman nodded, "You wanna know why?"
"Why?" The little boy asked.
Earning groans from the two Avengers and Superman, as the Dark Knight declared, "BECAUSE I'M BATMAN!" He then added, "I'd know how it would go too..."
"Yo, ladies," Batman walked up to all the attractive women across their universe, much to their irritation, "What's up, I'm Batman."
"We know it's you, Bruce," Wonder Woman annoyingly replied.
Shanna asked, "What do you want?"
"Well, as it happens, I found a new Robin, and I could use some extra hands raising the little guy," The Dark Knight declared, before pulling out little Sora, causing all the women to grow silent, "Any volunteers?"
After a brief moment of silence, Black Widow declared, "Oh, my gosh, that boy is so cute..."
Suddenly, every woman, from hero to villain, happily wanted Bruce to pick them to be the boy's mother. Batman chuckled as the woman told him to pick them, "Easy, easy... now who wants to know my secret identity?!"
"ME! ME! ME! PICK ME!" The women cheered as they followed Bruce, while Jason and Elsa stood there with their own version of Sora. The former groaned, "Dang it, Bruce..."
"Wait, did you just imagine another version of the situation from another timeline within your scenario?" Peter blinked in confusion.
"Of course," Batman nodded, "Because I'm Batman..."
"Well, I guess we'll be here for whatever happens next," Superman shrugged, "I just hope it doesn't become a reoccurring thing... as fun as it is..."
"It can be sweet too," Wanda smiled, "Who doesn't love a romantic couple starting a family?"
"With Disney no less?" Peter chuckled, "But only the classic ones... they need to do better with the current ones..."
"You know what, you guys are lucky that Young Xehanort didn't just go right to his Heartless and Nobody, and the rest of the Organization, and explain to them everything that he learned about the future," Superman pointed out to Wanda and Peter.
The two groaned, as the girlfriend of the Spider-Man admitted, "Oh my gosh, we would've been screwed if all of Sora's future enemies came to us while bringing back Sora to Earth."
"Not to mention, even if we still won," The Web-Head rubbed the back of his head, "Xehanort would have still known everything and accommodate his plans to make Sora's life a living-"
"Uh-uh!" Wanda warned the Web-Head while covering their son's ears.
"I was going to say heck," Peter reassured her, "I know how to watch my language... unlike the potty mouth you gave Xehanort."
"Like he isn't all that," Sora's new mother smiled as she let go of his ears, as everyone muttered in agreement...
The End
Paul and Jar Jar stood side by side, as the former stated, "Wait, I thought Spider-Man's current girlfriend wanted to dump him and have fake kids with me."
"Messa thought this is where messa fanbase would be," Jar Jar Binks blinked in confusion.
"So, what are we doing here if this isn't-" Suddenly, they were both shot in the heads as they screamed in pain before dying.
Deadpool then appeared as he nodded to the camera, "You're welcome, universe..."
This just happened outside the Super Cafe, as Superman wondered, "What just happened?"
"Deadpool just killed Jar Jar Binks and Paul Rabin," The Dark Knight answered.
"I know," The Man of Steel nodded, "But why?"
"Well, for Jar Jar... that one's pretty obvious," Batman answered, "...as for Paul... well... have you read any of the more recent Spider-Man comics?"
"No, I've been preparing for my return to theaters, saving lives, and this..." Clark gestured outside the Cafe, "Why, who is he? What did he do?"
"He stole Mary Jane and had fake kids with her!" Bruce exclaimed.
"WHAT?!" Superman's eyes widened, "Why?!"
"Who knows, but since then, Spider-Man's practically been a punching bag for the universe," Batman explained, "And it's all Paul's fault! Also, Mary Jane's Venom now!"
"How?!" Superman blinked, "Why?!"
"I'm not sure," Batman admitted, "But I'm betting Paul had something to do with it."
"Okay," Superman sighed, "...now I see why so many people don't like Paul... and why people prefer AU's and fanfictions to the canon comics these days..." He then glanced at him, "Still, is that any reason to kill him?" Batman remained silent, as the reporter wondered, "You don't want to say yes, because you're against killing, but at the same time, you don't want to say no either because what he did to ruin him..."
"Pretty much..." Batman admitted.
Superman then stood up, "You know what, I know how to fix it so no one dies, and no one's relationships get ruined..."
He then flew out of the cafe and swirled around the Earth, turning back time and breaking through to another universe...
At Marvel Comics, the story writers are coming up with a plan for One Day More...
"So, then in order to save his Aunt May, Spider-Man will have to sacrifice his marriage to his wife, and prevent their daughter they could have from ever being born," One of the writers explained to his boss.
"Oh, wow wow wow!" The CEO smiled, "Wow!" He then wondered, "So, do Spider-Man and MJ ever get back together?"
"Well, we might tease it every now and again, but then we do something to stop it," The author explained, "Like putting Doc Ock's mind in Spider-Man's body, hook him up with another woman, or have MJ date our greatest love interest ever, Paul!"
"Say, can we give them fake kids too," The CEO suggested.
"Oh, like the Scarlet Witch and Vision," The writer realized.
"You know it," The CEO nodded to him, "Will it be a problem?"
"Oh, it'll be super easy," The writer brightened up, "...barely an inconvenience."
"Oh yeah," The CEO beamed, "You ready to make sweet Spider-Man money off of Spidey's misery?"
"Oh, making sweet Spider-Man money off of Spidey's misery is tight!" The writer beamed.
"Here's a bright idea," The scientist from Spider-Man's timeline told them as Superman brought him in, "Why don't you let Spider-Man grow and have a family with MJ instead of making a completely an unlikable character, and turn Spider-Man into Marvel's punching bag, just to ruin his loving marriage since 1987?! Hmmm?!"
After a minute, the CEO of Marvel Comics sighed, "Okaaaaaay, fiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnneeeeee!"
The next issue was released, and in the newspaper revealed this title: "Marvel gives Spider-Man and Mary Jane kids! Allows, eighty-year-old Aunt to pass!" As well in a lower page: "Reject Zeb Wells OC character to ruin marriage!"
Back in the present day, Superman and Batman sat back in the Cafe, as the former stated, "There! It's done! No one dies! ...except Aunt May, but Spidey's life should be okay now, and Paul did not have to die!"
"Oh, Paul still died," Batman told him.
"WHAT?!" Superman gasped in horror, "How?!"
"He slipped on a banana and fell into the swears headfirst," The Dark Knight answered, before grinning, "It was hilarious!"
Clark groaned as he sighed, "Well... at least it only happened this one time."
Just then, the Watcher appeared before them, "Oh, we're just getting started!"
Superman's and Batman's eyes widened in shock, "Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!"
Notes:
Ha, ha, ha! Don't we know it! We have a lot of fun here! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this little bonus.
I'm sure many of you who stuck around until the end were waiting for this before checking it out. Well then, I won't keep you any longer. In case you can't find it on the main fanfic page, because the site's glitching right now. You can still check it out on my profile page.
But before you do, leave a nice review and a fav. to show you're support. And check out some of my other stories... even if I really need to get back to them... anyways, that's it! Have a good one, everyone!
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