Worthy

Part 69 - Make It Quick

As Strange predicted, early the following morning Thanos arrives at the compound; his huge ship overshadowing the entire compound. The previous evening had been used to discuss tactics; Steve had finally broken down and gathered everyone together, planning the best line of defence they could. While he had tried to keep back the information Strange had said about Thor, Tony refused to let the issue drop and had managed to get it out of him.

While every member of team had tried to convince him otherwise, Thor had refused to stay behind. Despite the rousing feeling in his gut that he should stay by your side until you woke up, the desperation to get revenge on Thanos pulsed through him. It was for his father, for Loki and for you. As he sat beside you, knowing sleep would never come to him, he took your hand, tracing the ring still sitting preciously on your finger. Never saying a word, he does nothing but look at your face; peacefully sleeping, thankfully now without the oxygen mask. Taking in every single detail about you that he hadn't already committed to memory.

When the dawn creeps in through the medibay window, he stands, readying himself for the battle ahead. Vision slowly creeps in the room; the plan for him to remain hidden from view, whilst also protecting you was one neither man was keen on; but Steve had been adamant. Resolve etched on Thor's face, he takes a deep breath, placing a tender kiss on your lips, before leaning down and softly kissing your stomach. "This is for you." He whispers, before standing strong and walking out; leaving Vision, who even in his artificial capacity, couldn't help but feel as though his heart was breaking.

***

"Hear me and rejoice!" Ebony Maw shouts as the group of six walk towards the team; Thanos straggling at the back. "You are all about to die at the hands of the Children of Thanos. Be grateful..."

"I'm sorry," Tony interrupts, letting his Iron Man mask slowly form around his face. "Earth is closed today." Everyone stands ready to fight; tension mixed with a slight fear rippling through the air from both sides, culminating in nothing but silence, until Thanos breaks it. His smug laugh echoing over the open air.

"Always the joker Stark," He twists the gauntlet; the four stones shining brightly. "I was willing to do this peacefully, but you are getting on my last nerve."

"Feeling's mutal." Thor remarks, gripping Mjolnir tightly.

"I almost destroyed you without any of the stones." He smirks. "What makes you think you can stop me now?" As he makes a fist the stones glow; the power rippling through them makes everyone stand even more on edge. It surprises everyone when Thanos walks over to a broken piece of the Milano, and sits calmly with his sword perched into the ground at his side. "But I have learned one valuable lesson."

"What's that?" Steve's voice echoes over the air, his the calmest of the three.

"To never underestimate you." As Thanos looks over the group, he smiles. "I see you are missing two key players. Shame." He sighs, looking at the orange stone embedded in the gauntlet. "She reminded me of my Gamora," He looks up and catches Thor's eyes. "Did her time on Ego's planet end her?" Rage built up within him, Thor tries to stride forward when Loki stops him; terrified for his brother. Surprised that Stark had nothing to say, Thanos smiles. "Ah, she is still with us." He raises his hand, making several beams of light shine down from his ship. "I'll remember to thank her when this is all over." He fold his arms, as the large contingent of creatures march forward slowly from the light; the Black Order leading a barrage of creatures towards the small group standing near the compound. "Make it quick." Thanos orders.

Proxima Midnight raises her sword, ready to give the order for the onslaught when her eyes are drawn to the small orange circles appearing amongst the group. One by one the portals open up, revealing different scenes behind them. The largest one opens up next to Thor, with Strange marching through it. "Did you really think the Avengers were the only people willing to fight for this universe?" Strange yells, as thousands of people start marching through them: Masters of the Mystic Arts, Wakandans, Asgardians, Ravagers, Xandarians; people from every corner of the galaxy stand alongside the Avengers.

"I hope you know what you're doing?" Tony yells at Strange, who turns and gives him a wink as one last person crosses through the portal before they all close. "What the hell?" Tony smirks beneath his helmet as Quill strides forward, taking a stand beside Rocket and Drax.

"Tell me she's safe Stark," He yells over the noise coming from behind him, as the massive army chatters amongst themselves, ready for the fight of their lives. Before Tony can respond the ground rumbles with the sound coming from Thanos' army; all roaring in an attempt to strike fear throughout the group. Assuming you're still alive, Quill looks at Rocket and Drax, the latter patting him on the back. "For Gamora." He nods at them, before switching his helmet on and running head first towards the enemy.

***

The fight rages on, but Thanos simply sits and watches. Never taking his eye off of Strange, whose power surprises him, but doesn't faze him. While the sorcerer has one great weapon, he has four. He is unstoppable, in his mind. The fact that at least half of his army is already dead doesn't faze him either. Nothing can keep him from his destiny.

"We have to keep Thor away from him," Steve yells over to Tony, who quickly blasts two creatures about to sneak up on Steve when his back is turned.

"And how are we supposed to do that?" He watches as Thor looks over at Thanos in between fighting, desperate to make a move. Once again Iron Man blasts away his closest rivals before looking around for Loki in the chaos. Finally he spots him, working with Parker as they manage to take out Cull Obsidian alongside Hulk. "Kid," He yells over comms. "Tell Loki that..." But Tony is knocked to his feet, as a fresh wave of Outriders storm the grounds.

"Someone get to Vision," Steve yells over comms as he realises too late that they are heading straight for the compound; secretly he hopes Thor will respond to how close they are also getting to you. Immediately a large bolt of lightning tears across the sky, landing directly on the huge group of monsters as they draw close to the compound. Thunder raging behind it, as Thor lands, offering Tony a hand up.

"We're almost there Stark," He bellows, eye fixated in the distance at the figure of Thanos, still sitting idly by. "We almost have him."

"No," Tony grabs him as he tries to leave. "You've done your part. Now go." He points towards the compound. "Go be with her, make sure that Vision..."

"The Vision is more than capable." Thor growls. "I want Thanos' head." Before Tony can stop him, Thor swings Mjolnir, pulling himself into the sky.

"Shit," Tony hangs his head, looking one last time back at the compound, before turning and flying after Thor, cursing himself even more when he sees that he's landed directly in front of Thanos.