Survive: An Endgame Story

The Return

Survive: Part 1 of 2

Space, Day 22 following "The Snap"

Rocket and Nebula were the only others alongside Tony that had survived the battle with Thanos. The two sat playing some card game while Tony sat near the pilot's seats in the front of the ship. Rocket was trying not to eavesdrop this time but he couldn't help but overhear what would most likely be the last time Stark's voice was heard by Pepper and the rest of the Avengers that were still alive. He was recording it on his partially destroyed Iron Man helmet, which sat across from him on the ground.

Tony was tired, weak, and losing hope. He had lost a lot of weight being stuck on this ship. It didn't help that his injury was only being held together by the last of his binding material from his suit, but it was wearing off. Alongside the oxygen running out in less than two days, things didn't look good.

He rested his head on his hand as he was finishing up his last message to Pepper, it was a good thing the helmet couldn't see him. That image wouldn't be something he'd want to send to his soon to be grieving fiance.

"I should probably lie down for a minute, rest my eyes. Please know, when I drift off, it will be like every other day. I'm going to dream about you. It's always you." He finished. This recording had sapped his strength, he slumped forward slightly, his arm supporting his head. But he forced himself to stand, try to stand.

Rocket heard the dying man click off the helmet. Tony used the Benatar's wall to help him stand but he was just too weak. This was it, he thought. His legs gave out and he landed on his knees. Rocket and Nebula were at the man's side in an instant, blood was dripping from the man's mouth again his left hand guarding his wound.

"Shit, Nebula help me get him on his side," Rocket asked.

They gripped the man's arms as they gently helped him lay on his right side. Rocket tucked Tony's tattered jacket under his head.

"You alright there Mr. Science?" Rocket questioned, kneeling near the man's face.

"Ready... for this... to be over." Tony's breaths were ragged and shallow.

He looked tired and incredibly thin. For once, Rocket thought the man looked frail and weak, which was an occurrence that had never happened before. Iron Man wasn't a name given to a dying man who had lost hope of returning to Earth alive.

"If you guys... make it back..." Tony had to stop to catch his breath, but Rocket understood. Get the message to Pepper.

Then Tony's eyes closed. Rocket knew the engineer wasn't going to make it more than a few hours, it hurt to see another Avenger lost.

A bright light suddenly flashed into existence. The light blinded Rocket and Nebula as it cast into the center of the ship, they covered their eyes trying to catch a glimpse of what it was hiding.

A woman with blonde hair and a red and blue suit was floating outside the ship, Captain Marvel.

"Let's hope he lasts the trip." Rocket looked down at the dying man.

Earth, Day 22

Rocket could feel the Benatar's suspension taking on the weight of Earth's gravity as they landed. They were outside S.H.I.E.L.D headquarters where the remaining Avengers were quickly approaching the ship.

The bay door opened, revealing Rocket, "We're gonna need some help, Tony's hurt."

Bruce immediately was pushing past the others and running into the ship followed by Steve.

They approached the figure laying on the floor, Bruce knelt down next to him.

"He still has a pulse, it's weak, we need to get him to the med bay now." Bruce was lifting the