Avengers: Incursion

Manipulation

"I am," Vision replied in a voice that co be yes a sense of wonder. Though his features were different- his entire body was solid white rather than the red, yellow and green pallet Dean was familiar with- there was no denying the calm, kind intelligence in his expression. He gazed longingly at Wanda, who continued to focus on Nightstar as he loomed in the distance.

"Taylor," Dean said in a level voice, tearing his eyes away from the spectacle of Vision. "You have to stop this."

Nightstar raised a finger, pointing it at Wanda accusingly. "I'll stop when I'm done with her."

Dean moved so that he was standing in front of Wanda. "No. You'll stop this now."

"You're going to make me?" Nightstar asked. An aura of purple and black energy pushes around his fists, growing in size.

Dean narrowed his gaze as Kyle and Vision closed ranks on either side of him. "You've been told what could happen if you do this."

"I can handle it!" Nightstar cried out. "I can control her! Make her give back what I lost when she caused the incursion! And then, once she's fixed it,  she'll never hurt anyone again."

Dean tensed up, his entire body ready for a fight as his mind rapidly read Nightstar's body language, expectant of an attack.

"Don't you understand? I lost my entire universe because of her!" Nightstar roared, his eyes releasing a torrent of tears.

Dean felt the pain and heartache rising up from Nightstar in a way that nearly took his breath. Steadying himself, he reached out with his mind, drawing the negative feelings to himself.

"What are you doing?" Nightstar asked with a scowl.

"You've carried the pain alone for too long," Dean said in a calm voice. "You're trying to soothe that pain but this isn't the way. Let me share it with you. Let me help you. We don't have to fight each other."

Kyle watched the exchange, ready to go all in on Nightstar if this went poorly. I hope you know what you're doing, Dean.

Nightstar could feel a link growing between himself and Dean as a lightness began to show itself in his heart- the seat of his sorrows.

"That's it," Dean said as the raw pain and loss entered his own heart. "Share it with me. You can heal through this, and I'll help you."

Wanda watched the exchange with confusion and fear. Vision inched closer, eager to comfort her but knowing she had no earthly idea who he was. In fact, she could barely look his way, a fact that wounded him.

Dean continued to pull the emotions loose, taking them for himself. Tears spilled down his cheeks as he assumed more of Nightstar's pain, but then something else danced across his mind.

Fear. Confusion.

Dean narrowed his eyes. Confusion and fear of what? He asked himself.

Nightstar flinched as an assemblage of dark thoughts wrapped around his mind.

He wants to stop you from fixing things. He wants to ruin your life. And now he mocks you by pretending he could ever fully understand your pain. Haven't you suffered enough?

"Dean," Kyle spoke in a warning voice before hastily shooting a bolt of telekinesis directly at Nightstar. The attack struck him in the chest and threw him several feet backward. He slammed against the Quinjet, the back of his head cracking against it before he slumped down in a heap on the ground.

Breathless from the exertion, Dean released the connection and allowed the emotions to dissipate. He turned to Wanda. "Go with him," he ordered. "You can trust him- I promise." He then turned to Vision. "Take her someplace safe, okay?"