A mile in my shoes

Chapter 36

There were battles, too many to count. Villains appeared all of the sudden and disappeared just as fast. The presence of superheroes inevitably brought out opposition, a reflection of the perpetual conflict ingrained in human nature. Laura couldn't help but to worry each time Tony went into battle. The assurance of a real, dedicated team that had his back offered her some measure of comfort. Tony had always been careful, despite popular belief. Since he had a family, he exercised an extra layer of caution. Tony had reasons to be alive.

In an effort to build a link between Kamar-Taj's and the rest of the world, Wong worked with the Avengers. The responsibility of being the Sorcerer Supreme had just passed to Stephen Strange, who, in turn, assumed a reserved position with the team. His level of magical expertise was apparent during each battle, assuring the Avengers' victory. It also played a crucial role in building trust between magic users and the general public each time a little more. Although it was still a work in progress, it was working.

Since the birth of the shadow agency, Shield had been tracking down mutants and inhumans. The agents were continuously trying to keep the world sage from any perceived threats for the greater good. It more often than not boiled down to having the bigger stick.

The shadow agency never passed on an opportunity that was given to them, ready to use those people to their advantage. Not everybody wanted to work for Shield. The Raft hinted at a darker side of their intentions. It always had been and still was Shield's way or the highway.

The Sokovia Accords, from the very beginning, required some tweaking, a fact that Tony had been talking about early on. With the support of individuals such as Wong, Stephen Strange, Professor Xavier, and Dr. McCoy, the regulation had evolved into something that would protect both enhanced individuals and the broader population. Shield was not as dead as people imagined and was not to be underestimated. The revamped accords now functioned as a barrier, preventing organisations like Shield from carelessly manipulating and destroying the lives of those with extraordinary powers.

No wonder Hydra had thrived within Shield.

The looming threat of Thanos materialised as he dispatched two of his children to Earth to retrieve the Infinity Stones that were on Earth.

Their arrival was met with a proclamation that echoed across the streets of New York about to become a battleground: "Hear me and rejoice. You have had the privilege of being saved by the great Thanos."

However, before the alien envoy could elaborate, the resolute new Avengers stood ready to defend their home.

"Whatever it is you want, we won't be giving it to you. So, go back to where you came from. Earth is closed today!" declared Tony Stark, not beating around the bush.

The shorter alien wielded a form of mind power, while his bigger companion seemed to be the embodiment of sheer brutal force. The Avengers were not lacking in firepower, strength or magic powers of all kinds. Those aliens should have listened to Tony and retread to their weird donut-shaped spaceship, and fly far far away.

Obviously, the so-called great Thanos followed not long after. Tony and the others had not expected anything less. Thor, with Bruce Banner in tow, had returned to warn Earth about the Mad Titan. Tony had always known that day would come. The destruction of Asgard, caused by Odin's lies and manipulations, served as a reminder to the magnitude of the impending danger. It seemed that the title of God of Lies had been bestowed on the wrong guy.

Once upon a time, Tony might have gone to great lengths to help Thor and Bruce, believing they were not only friends but also crucial in facing anything that was coming to Earth with the worst intentions. Perhaps they might still have a role to play in what was about to happen. Whatever the future held, the burden was not solely Tony's to bear. Everybody on Earth would contribute in their own unique ways and abilities.