Chapter 1- a few months later

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In 2016, the world was a chaotic tapestry woven with threads of heroism, vengeance, and the unforeseen complexities of time. Jayden, a 16-year-old kid with the fate of the universe on his shoulders, stood at the intersection of both realms—one of Earth's defenders and a Time Lord's companion. He bore the name of an Avenger, but also walked the intricate paths of space and time with the Doctor, a mysterious Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey.

After the catastrophic battle with Ultron, which had left the world searching for stability, Jayden felt the weight of expectation resting heavily upon his shoulders. Having helped the Avengers in securing peace, he was now pondering whether it was his place to stand alongside legends like Captain America, Thor, Hulk, and the newly reformed team led by the Scarlet Witch, Vision, and Sam Wilson, the new Falcon.

It was a typical afternoon in the heart of New York City, where the skyline pierced the clouds. Beneath it, an unassuming café buzzed with life, the fragrance of fresh coffee mingling with the hum of conversation. Jayden sat at a corner table, a book on time travel and interdimensional theory open before him. But his thoughts strayed far from academic pursuits.

"Hey!" a voice broke through his reverie. It was Sam Wilson, his vibrant smile lighting up the room. "Lost in thought, or just trying to figure out how to stand out in this bunch of super-soldiers and demigods?"

Jayden chuckled, his eyes wandering to the entrance where the Scarlet Witch and Vision had just arrived, sharing a light-hearted moment between them. "A bit of both, actually. Sometimes it feels like I'm merely lucky to be here."

"Don't sell yourself short," Sam said firmly, settling into a chair across from him. "You helped save the world, remember? You belong with us. The Avengers are more than just extraordinary powers; it's about heart."

Jayden appreciated Sam's encouragement, but he felt the pang of uncertainty. What did that heart look like? His recent adventures with the Doctor had taught him that sometimes heroism wasn't as clear-cut as it seemed. The timelines were tangled, and not every moment was meant to be saved.

Suddenly, a familiar whirring sound filled the air, pulling Jayden from his introspection. The bright blue police box known as the TARDIS appeared right outside, drawing the attention of bystanders. The café patrons turned, amused and confused, but Jayden felt a mix of excitement and dread.

The door creaked open, and the Doctor stepped out, his bow tie askew and an exuberant grin on his face. "Jayden! Got a new adventure waiting for us—time's a bit jumbled up in 1920s New York, and I need my best companion by my side!"

Jayden shot Sam an apologetic glance. "Looks like I'm needed elsewhere."

"Go," Sam urged with a nod. "Just remember, you're an Avenger too. We've got your back when you come back."

With a smile, Jayden rushed outside. The Doctor was already fiddling with the TARDIS controls, throwing switches and twisting dials. "Right, in we go! Time waits for no one, my young friend!"

As they stepped inside the TARDIS, the familiar sights and sounds enveloped him, pulling him into a world of wonder. "So, what's the plan?" Jayden asked excitedly, the thrill of adventure surging through him.

"Simple," the Doctor replied, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "We need to find a temporal anomaly disrupting a gala in 1925—and it involves jazz, a stolen time crystal, and a rogue Time Lord trying to rewrite history!"

With a flash, they were off, hurtling through the vortex of time. As they landed with a jolt and the TARDIS door swung open, Jayden was greeted by the vibrant beats of jazz and the dazzling lights of a roaring twenties gala. But something felt off. The laughter was too loud, the smiles too wide.

"Stay sharp," the Doctor insisted as they stepped into the fray. "There's something lurking here—a distortion that could rip apart the timeline."

Just as they maneuvered through the crowd, a shadow fell across the dance floor. Klaxons blared as chaos erupted—a contingent of time-warped creatures unleashed their fury upon the unsuspecting partygoers.

"Doctor, we have to contain them!" Jayden shouted, instinctively activating his hero-studded gadgets fashioned from the remnants of Ultron's technology.

"Right you are!" The Doctor grinned, pulling out his sonic screwdriver, its blue light flickering intensely. "Let's do this together!"

What ensued was a whirlwind of combat and strategy: Jayden darted through the crowd, weaving between partygoers as he used his tech to neutralize the threats. Meanwhile, the Doctor dispatched temporal locks to contain the anomalies, his voice weaving through the chaos, commanding attention even in the midst of danger.

As the last creature fell, the crowd erupted into cheers, their cheers ringing against the jazz-infused air. Jayden stood amidst the applause, the mingled warmth of victory and connection filling his chest. He turned to the Doctor, who was glowing with pride and mischief.

"Not bad for an Avenger in training, eh?" the Doctor chuckled.

"Thanks! I guess I'm starting to find my place," Jayden replied, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

As they stepped back inside the TARDIS, the Doctor gave him a conspiratorial grin. "Remember this feeling, Jayden. It's not just about the powers you wield; it's about the impact you leave behind. The hero's journey is never alone."

And with that, the TARDIS dematerialized, leaving behind the echoes of the past and setting forth to realms yet unexplored. Jayden nestled into the warm embrace of the adventure once more, certain that he was carving his own path, not only amongst the Earth's mightiest heroes but also as something even larger—a protector of time itself.

Chapter 1. The marvel and doctor who universe phase three infinity saga Where stories live. Discover now