Beyond The Stones -Wattpad Contest-

◆Beyond The Stones◆

Stephen couldn't believe the thoughts running through his head. Ever since he looked through the multiple possibilities of the future fight with Thanos (with the time stone of course), he just couldn't fathom what that one successful time line is telling him.

Sure, he acted like a big jerk towards the man when they first met. Their egos clashing with each other's and then the subtle teasing durning the first fight. Stephen had lost his family and almost lost his only friends due to his own actions.

This wasn't his own actions. He couldn't believe what the time stone was telling him. Tony Stark is meant to die by using all of the stones and sacrificing himself for the unknowingly universe. He remembers his last words to Tony before he felt nothing for a slit second... "There was no other way. "

Through those vast multi-verses he saw Tony giving everything he had to stop Thanos. Iron-man would fail every single time. Every. Single. Time.

However.... When he first felt something, he knew how long it has been. Stephen looks over to Peter, noticing that the boy got off the ground with confusion lining his face. "What happened? " He asks.

"Come on! It's been five years, let's go, " Stephen said, as he starts to form a portal. The first stop was to get more sorcerers so...

"Strange? " Stephen saw Wong put down a book softly before smirking. "Took you long enough... I'll get the others, " Stephen nods, closing the portal and waits.

The Guardian's all stood still, but Stephen could help but mess with his wrist.

Christine was a lovely woman. She excepted (as much as anyone can) how Stephen was. He loved her, no he really did. However, Stephen knew when to say goodbye and let go of something that can't be fixed again. Something that will never change no matter what.

Tony Stark is going to die and it's going to be Stephens fault.

All of the portals form on the battle field as Stephen floats down and conjues his shields in one quick motion. He couldn't help but to look over at Tony, seeing the man smile and his eyes light up made the sorcerer pause. 'What am I doing?!' He thought. 'I can't save him... There's no other way!' He tried to tell himself.

He had to try.

Stephen fought with his fear and anger on his belt. He fought like it would actually change something. He couldn't face the fact that those timelines he went through... Is that he has grown to love Tony... He's grown to love Anthony.

Stephens heart couldn't take another person leaving him behind, and he's going to try everything to keep Anthony alive... Even if the man doesn't like him back? That made the sorcerer pause and undoubtedly get hit back. He fell to the floor of the planet, a bit dazed.

"-ange! Str- Stephen! " the sorcerer looked up. There was Anthony, pretty banged up, but with a determined look on his face. "Come on! We can win this, " Anthony looked so determined... It's like he knows what has to happen.

'How could I?' Stephen asked himself, taking Anthony's outstretched hand. He almost flat out cried at the gentle grasp and pull from Anthony. 'I can't let him die!' Stephen felt tears build up in his eyes.

You don't have to.

Stephen startled and looked around, not noticing the concerned look Anthony was giving him.

'Who said that?' Stephen thought.

Some mortals like yourself call me the Soul Stone.

Stephen froze. 'How are you talking to me?' He asked.

It's quite easy... Me and the other stones are connected... You are the protector of the Time Stone... No?

"Stephen! " The one in question was snapped back to reality, and saw Anthony. "Are you okay? " He asked, he seemed more worried about the others well-being than anything else around him.

"Y-yeah... Go on.. I'll be okay, " Stephen said softly. Anthony smiled.

"Okay, be careful wizard! " Anthony calls out with a wink, before he flew off in a random direction. Stephen blushed a bit, but he cleared his throat.

'I am the protector of the Time Stone. ' Stephen responds, as he doged an attack.

Good. You have been wondering how to save the other mortal... Right?

Stephen took a second. 'Of course. ' He answers.

Time has told me what the future holds for this mortal that is so dear to you. So, I have a proposal.

'And that is? '

If you continue to keep my brothers and sisters safe for all eternity... I'll give you what you desire the most.

'What do I desire the most? 'Stephen felt as if he was questioning himself.

Look deep inside, sorcerer...

"Anthony, " Stephen mutters out loud.

*Soul chuckles* It wasn't that hard to think of what you desire the most... Do we have a deal?

Stephen thought back to all of the other realities... Anthony dying in pain, Stephen himself dying, and Anthony blaming himself to the bitter end as he disappears. There is no doubt. 'Deal. ' He simply responds.

Then he looks up to see Anthony giving him a pleading look. So...

He raised one finger.