OUR LIFETIME « Pietro Maximoff

24 /| his favorite

*•.* [chapter twenty-four]

"DOES THAT LOOK FAMILIAR TO YOU?" Tony asked Savannah over the roar of the circular spaceship floating in the center of Bleecker Street. The roads were cluttered with cars and debris, but the crowds of people were growing sparse.

"Not exactly," she let out, allowing the blue glow to emit from her hands as they approached the ship.

The doctor, a few steps behind them, waved his hands around in a uniform motion, and pushed a wall of wind down the street, clearing the dust from the air.

Savannah raised her brows, confused, but she continued to maneuver through the chaos. The ship sent down a glowing beam, and two figures appeared on the blacktop, one larger than the other. Their skin held an unusual gray pallor, their limbs alien to this world. They were alien to this world.

Savannah could vividly remember the shorter one: Ebony Maw. The closest thing Thanos had to a right hand, and the most powerful of his children. The big one's name she could not recall, but his face and build were easily recognizable. His favored axe-like weapon glinted menacingly in her memory, and it now glinted a few yards down the street.

The woman slowed, falling behind Tony, and settling her powers.

"Hear me, and rejoice," the Maw began. "You are about to die at the hands of the Children of Thanos. Be thankful, that your meaningless lives are now contributing to—"

Tony's voice interrupted him. "I'm sorry, Earth is closed today," he shouted. "You better pack it up and get outta here."

Maw paused, his eyes darting to the rest of the group and settling on the doctor. "Stonekeeper. Does this chattering animal speak for you?"

"Certainly not. I speak for myself," Strange began, moving to the front of the group, his hands creating small copper colored shields. Savannah saw Wong's hands do the same. "But you're trespassing in this city and on this planet."

"It means get lost, Squidward," Tony added.

The alien tilted his head toward the larger one and said, "He exhausts me."

Savannah scoffed. "And you exhaust me," she tossed back, stepping around Tony. "It's always the same shit with you, Maw. You would think that after all this time the Titan would give you a different script, but I suppose he just can't be bothered."

"You know him?" Tony whispered harshly, referring to the figure standing a few yards before them. She ignored him.

For a split second, recognition flooded Ebony Maw's features, coloring his flat expression, but it was quickly replaced with a sneer. "Vorm. Saveria," he said with disgust. "The Great Titan will be delighted to see you," and then to his companion, "Bring me the Stone and the girl."

Savannah made a face, almost wishing she'd stayed silent.

Almost.

The creature dragged its large weapon along the street, forcing up the concrete as he slowly approached them. The situation seemed like a fitting one for the Hulk.

"Banner, you want a piece?" Tony asked, not looking away from the alien.

Bruce shrugged his shoulders, attempting to release some stress it would seem. "No, not really, but when do I ever get what I want?" The shorter man, positioned himself, feet apart, neck strained.

"That's right," Tony agreed. "Been a while. Good to have you buddy."

Bruce grunted and Savannah glanced to see what could possibly be taking so long. The man's neck was green as he tried but failed to push the Hulk to the forefront. They were all looking at him now. "I just—I need to concentrate here for one second. Come on, come on, man." The man was straining even harder now, and it was simply embarrassing.