Avengers Compound, 2023
Bruce Banner looked up at James Holden, his expression a mix of awe and doubt. "So, it was really you?"
James nodded. "Yup. Just wrapped up the New York Battle. Took care of the Chitauri while I was at it."
Bruce took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Alright, assuming you're telling the truth, what's your plan? We need the stones to bring back the vanished."
"I'll help," James said, "but on one condition."
"What's that?" Bruce asked warily.
"The Space, Mind, and Time Stones return to me after use."
Bruce hesitated, glancing at the Ancient One.
She smiled faintly. "Dr. Banner, his power surpasses your imagination. If he's offering aid, it's likely your best shot."
Perhaps sensing his skepticism, she added, "His magic is exceptional."
Bruce was silent, then nodded. "Fine, I trust you. But we need to get to 2023 fast—our team's waiting."
James smirked. "No problem. Give me your universe's coordinates."
Bruce rattled off the coordinates. James raised a hand, golden energy swirling in his palm, forming a massive portal. Beyond it lay the 2023 Avengers Compound.
Bruce's eyes widened. "Cross-timeline teleportation?"
"Let's go," James stepped through. "Your team's waiting."
Bruce exchanged a glance with the Ancient One, who stayed behind in 2012, and followed.
Avengers Compound, 2023
Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Scott Lang, and others waited anxiously. A golden portal spun open in the compound's center, revealing Bruce and a stranger.
"Doc!" Tony strode forward. "What's the—who's this?" His eyes narrowed at James.
Bruce quickly explained, "This is James Holden. He's got the Time, Space, and Mind Stones and is willing to help."
"What?" Steve eyed James cautiously. "The stones are with him?"
James didn't bother with words. He raised a hand, and the three stones materialized, glowing in his palm. "Here they are. But I need your agreement."
"On what?" Steve asked.
"They return to him after use," Bruce clarified.
Tony studied James, eyes sharp. "Who are you, exactly?"
"A visitor from another universe," James said with a slight smile. "You can call me Superman."
"Superman?" Scott blurted. "Like, the comic book guy?"
"Close enough," James shrugged. "But I prefer solving problems with my fists."
The team exchanged looks, unsure how to respond.
Tony sighed. "Alright, you've got the stones and you're offering help. We'd be idiots to say no. But the snap…"
"I'll do it," James cut in. "Your bodies can't handle the stones' energy. Mine can."
Bruce stared. "You sure? Six stones could destroy any lifeform!"
James grinned. "Trust me, I'm built different."
His eyes flashed gold, an invisible aura rippling around him.
Tony studied him, then smirked. "Fine, we're out of options. Welcome to the Avengers, Superman."
James nodded. "Feels… different."
"Where's Natasha and Clint?" Bruce asked suddenly.
Just then, Clint Barton stumbled out of the quantum tunnel, clutching the orange Soul Stone, his face etched with grief. "We got the stone…" His voice cracked. "But Natasha… she…"
The team understood instantly.
Tony patted Clint's shoulder. "We'll honor her sacrifice."
Bruce's face paled, his body swaying. He braced against a lab table, its metal screeching under his grip. "No… it can't be…" His eyes widened, pupils dilating. "We were supposed to come back together!"
James sensed the gamma energy spiking in Bruce. He subtly deployed his bio-force field, isolating Bruce from the others.
"Easy, Doctor," James said, his voice carrying a calming force. "Anger won't fix this."
"Easy?!" Bruce roared, slamming a fist into the wall. It crumbled like paper, but James's field absorbed the shockwave, protecting the lab.
"She died for that damn stone!" Bruce's voice growled with Hulk's rasp.
Steve gripped Bruce's trembling shoulder. "We all miss her, but we need you, Bruce. Finishing this honors her."
Bruce's breathing hitched, green flickers in his eyes fading.
James placed a hand on Bruce's temple, a faint golden glow calming the gamma surge.
"What did you do?" Thor asked, tightening his grip on Mjölnir.
"Just balanced his hormones," James said, withdrawing his hand. "Ready to get to work?"
Tony, watching Bruce stabilize, activated a hologram. "The model says we need to channel the six stones' energy into the nano-gauntlet…"
Bruce, now calmer but eyes dim, muttered, "For Natasha."
The team followed Tony to the nano-gauntlet chamber. A glass case opened, revealing the gauntlet via a lift.
All eyes turned to James. He calmly approached, sliding his hand into the gauntlet, which resized to fit. One by one, he embedded the six stones. Instantly, six-colored energy surged through him.
The Avengers watched, breathless, as the nano-gauntlet's radiant glow lit their faces.
James felt unprecedented power coursing through him, each stone a burning star. Power, Space, Reality, Soul, Time, Mind—cosmic forces intertwined at his fingertips, the universe's weight on his arm.
"This feeling…"
He squinted, sensing he could obliterate Earth or tear space with a punch. But he restrained the urge, turning to the Avengers.
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The plans are now available.
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