This Side of Paradise (Peter Parker x Reader)

29. Thanos

Y/N's POV

The figure of Thanos materialized out of a swirling, thundering purple portal, which dissipated as soon as he emerged. Concealed behind a large piece of scrap metal, you found yourself in the company of Mantis, who was curled up, holding her knees close to her chest. While cautiously peering out to observe the unfolding scene, You watched as Thanos engaged in conversation with Strange. Curiosity got the better of Mantis, prompting her to crawl forward slightly for a glimpse, only to abruptly recoil back.

Assuming a position of relative safety, you whispered to Mantis, "There's no way he can see us. We're positioned behind him and protected by this" You said gesturing towards the large piece of metal, 

"You cannot be certain!" Mantis whispered back, her voice filled with apprehension. "What if he possesses the ability to perceive from all directions? We must use caution," she added, visibly uneasy. I directed my attention back to the unfolding confrontation, waiting anxiously for a signal.

In a moment, a flash of red emanated from the vicinity where they stood, prompting Strange to rise and conjure protective orange shields around his hands. Meanwhile, Tony skillfully maneuvered a ship, toppling it onto the formidable adversary. "Piece of cake," he proclaimed confidently.

"Yeah, if you wanted to piss him off!" Quill shouted, his voice resonating through the communication devices we all wore. I listened attentively to the ongoing chatter while witnessing the ship explode into vibrant purple fragments, revealing an unscathed Thanos. Suddenly, the remnants of the destroyed vessel transformed into crimson birds, hurtling straight towards Tony. Reacting swiftly, Peter and Drax rushed to engage, using webs and knives in an attempt to kill him.

"When do we make our move?"You asked through the comms.

"Not yet," Quill responded, his voice carrying a note of caution, as he swooped over and threw a bomb onto Thanos' back. The explosion failed to faze him, and Quill flipped him off, after which he tumbled into one of Strange's mystical portals.

"Now?" Mantis inquired, her anticipation palpable.

"No," Drax asserted firmly. You couldn't help but roll my eyes at his response, glancing over at Mantis, who sat there with crossed arms, a pouting expression, and her legs sprawled out childishly. Suddenly, a gust of wind swept past me, you recognized it as your brother's presence. Cautiously peeked out once more, observing Peter skillfully traversing multiple portals, delivering swift kicks to Thanos with each pass.

"MAGIC! MORE MAGIC! MAGIC WITH A KICK! MAGIC WITH A—" Peter's exuberance was abruptly interrupted as Thanos seized his leg, hurling him to the ground and crushing his throat. 

 I leaped up, screaming, "PETER!" Thanos shifted his gaze towards me, casting Peter aside. "Oh sh—"

"I suppose now works" Quill remarked, seizing the opportunity. Mantis sprang to her feet and began running, and I followed, levitating slightly above the ground while grasping Mantis' hands, carrying her with me as we soared through the air. She couldn't contain her excitement, exclaiming gleefully, "WEEEEEE, THIS IS VERY FUN!"

Meanwhile, Strange ensnared Thanos with lava-like ropes, Drax continued his relentless assault, and Pietro darted around him with a metallic-looking rope. Hovering directly above Thanos I dropped her onto his shoulders. She then held his temples, her antennae glow lying faintly,

"You're magic," Strange stated to you. I nodded in acknowledgment, "Help us restrain him!"

Fixing my gaze upon Thanos, I carefully observed his feet. Extending my arms, I conjured misty shackles around his feet,  "That will do!" Strange affirmed.

Quill, never one to miss an opportunity for banter, approached Thanos confidently, declaring, "Thought you'd be hard to catch! For the record, this was my plan."

"Dont think he can hear you," I interjected.

"Not so invincible now, huh?" Quill taunted, drawing closer to Thanos. "Where is Gamora?" he demanded, confronting Thanos directly.

"My Gamora," Thanos strained, acknowledging Quill's inquiry.

"He can hear me! Take that, you little witch!" He responded, You rolled your eyes at Quill's impulsive behavior. Mantis lost her balance momentarily, her hands inadvertently leaving Thanos' temples. Reacting swiftly, I created a shield with my free hand to push Quill back, preventing any further escalation. Overcome with emotion, Quill banged against the shield, sobbing, while Thanos shrugged Mantis off and seized the gauntlet.

"Y/N, do something!" Tony said, his urgency evident. I expanded the magical shackles, transforming them from mere restraints on his feet to encompass his hands, desperately attempting to keep him in check. Thanos groaned and clenched his fist, causing a stone to emit a red glow. In an instant, the shackles dissipated into dust, and he rose to his feet. "Well, that was helpful for two seconds," Tony commented wryly, leaping into action and launching himself at Thanos. A fierce clash ensued, with Thanos brutally assaulting Tony, dismantling his suit, and finally impaling him through the abdomen.

"You have my respect, Stark," Thanos declared, gripping Tony's head.

"You don't have mine!" You shouted at Thanos, your anger and defiance boiling over. Startled, Thanos turned his attention toward you, only to be ensnared by mist and flung across the floor to the other side.

"You're strong for a kid," Thanos remarked, regaining his footing. "I must admit, I'm impressed." your hands, wreathed in mist, ignited with determination as you maintained an unwavering stare, ready to face him. Thanos raised his clenched fist, all four stones emitting a radiant glow. "I hope they remember all of you," he ominously uttered.

"Stop!" Thanos abruptly turned his attention to the voice behind you. "Spare her life, and I will surrender the stone," Strange proposed, attempting to negotiate with the villain. Thanos appeared intrigued by the offer, lowering his fist as he approached Strange. Seizing the opportunity, you rushed over to Tony's side, who was seething with pain, his breaths coming in sharp gasps.

"Are you okay?" you asked, concern etched on your face.

"Yeah, just skimmed me. Does it look like I'm okay?" Tony retorted, his discomfort evident. 

Placing your hand on his shoulder you said, "This might hurt a little."

"I don't particularly like those words, Y/N," Tony responded. Determined, You closed your eyes, focusing on Wanda's teachings about healing wounds. Focusing on the blade and its removal, You visualized the skin mending itself and heard Tony wince, indicating the success of your efforts. "Holy... Y/N, how did you...?" he marveled, clearly surprised by the outcome.

"You're welcome," you replied, returning his smile. As you prepared to rise to your feet, a wave of dizziness washed over you, leaving you disoriented. Wanda had neglected to mention the toll it would take on my energy. It felt as though half of your life had been drained away. Gazing up, I witnessed Quill charging at Thanos with unwavering determination, only to witness Thanos swiftly disappear into yet another portal.