Two Oruguitas (Marvel Fanfic)

Chapter 30: The Price Of Victory

🦋Chapter 30: The Price Of Victory🦋

I quickly made towards Stephen, who was still keeping the river back from drowning all of us. However, now he had Luna's help and the help of many Masters of the Mystic Arts. As soon as I reached Stephen, I placed my hands on his cheeks. Immediately, Stephen turned to face me. His gaze was piercing, staring at me with such an intensity I had never seen before from him. It was enough to make my breath hitch, nearly forgetting how to breathe. I could feel my heart rapidly hammered away in my chest upon having him so close to me. Stephen stared at me in shock for a few moments before he turned to face Luna.

"Help the others to keep the river back." Stephen urged.

Luna gave him a nod. "You got it, boss."

Stephen cracked a smile before turning to face me. He placed his hands over mine, which still lied on his cheeks, bringing them down as he kept my hands in his. He gave me a pleading look as he tightened his grip around my hands.

"Mari, whatever you're about to do. Don't." He advised. 

My heart clenched upon hearing his words and to see that look on his face, urging me not to do what I was thinking. He couldn't know what I had in mind though. However, he knew me too well. The tears glistening in his greenish bluish eyes was enough to make my heartache. But I have to do this. Thanos cannot win.

"I have to, Stephie. I can't lose anyone else. Take good care of Luna and Lucky, and watch over my family." I urged. "I'm sorry, Stephen."

"No, Mariana, please. Don't." He croaked out, laced with pain.

My heart clenched, but I didn't want that to stop me. I was prepared to leave, to run off to head towards Thanos, who had just used the Power Stone against Carol to knock her across the battlefield, while Tony lied on the ground, slowly climbing back on his feet. I need to go now. Before it's too late. Just as I was about to take off, when I felt a pair of arms around my waist, pulling me back. I craned my neck, seeing Stephen holding me back. He wore a pleading look on his face again with pain written across his face and especially his eyes. What the...? Why is he holding me back? I can end this right now. I struggled against Stephen's grasp, but he wasn't letting me go.

"Stephen, let go of me." I urged.

"I'm sorry, Mariana. But I can't let you do this." He persisted.

I then felt chains wrap around me, preventing me from going anywhere. I was taken back. Why was he doing this? I attempted to fight against the chains to try to break free. However, the more I struggled, the more the chains tightened around me. A pained expression appeared on his face.

"Please stop struggling, Mariana. This is for your own good." He advised.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Stephen turn to face Tony, who happened to glance over at him. I then watched as Stephen raised a hand in the air, lifting a finger up towards Tony. My heart clenched. No...that can't be the only way. Tony immediately understood as he gave a nod. Tony then lunged towards Thanos, who had placed the Power Stone back in the gauntlet, absorbing its power as he let out a yell. Tony then grabbed the gauntlet and they both struggled, pulling and pushing back and forth.

Until finally, Thanos shoved Tony back onto the ground, keeping the gauntlet on his arm. My heart dropped. No! He then raised his gauntlet as he turned back to face the device with a grin. My stomach churned as I watched this horrifying scene unfold. This can't be happening. This can't be it.

"I am...inevitable." Thanos announced.

He then snapped his fingers, releasing a clang sound. I braced myself to be dusted or to receive a worse fate, but nothing happened. Thanos was just as baffled as he glanced down at the gauntlet in utter confusion. He immediately turned the gauntlet over to find quite a surprise. The Infinity Stones were missing from the gauntlet. I stared in awe, shock, and relief. That meant...