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“I..am..Iron Man.” Tony could feel the power pulse within. He no longer had veins or blood in his body. He could only feel raw power. He went to snap his fingers, but nothing happened. His fingers wouldn’t move. A thick black fog was surrounding his hand. He couldn’t see through the fog, since it was so dark.
“No no no” he whispered. This was supposed to be it. He was supposed to snap and win. He knew this was his ending. This was supposed to be the last period of his story. Slowly, the fog enveloped the stones and removed them from his suit. He could feel the power leave his body as the stones were gone. The ground rumbled violently as if there was an Earthquake. Slowly, the fighting began to cease since neither side could figure out what was happening. The black fog began to expand, separating the Avengers from those they were fighting.
Finally, there in the middle stood Tony and Thanos in the middle while two walls of the black fog kept them separated from their respective sides. The fog changed to be more opaque, so they could see through, but whenever someone tried to break through, the wall wouldn’t budge. Cap tried to throw his shield at it, only for it to bounce back. Wanda threw her magic at it, but it only absorbed it. Yelena shot at it, only for the bullets to disintegrate. It was fog, but it acted as if it were solid.
Thanos tried to move towards Tony, but his feet were encapsulated in the fog, as were Tony's. Neither could move. Tony could vaguely hear people call his name.
More of the fog was moving around the field, and in a blink, several figures were surrounding Tony and Thanos. The figures were human-shaped, of varying height and size. No details could be made out other than that. It was as if they were walking shadows.
“What the fuck? Was a big purple alien not enough?” Tony’s body was so tired. The stones did a number on him, and he had to will his body to stay upright.
“Well well sorry we are late to the party.” One of the figures spoke out. It sent a chill down everyone’s spine. Tony looked over at Thanos, struggling to break free. He didn’t seem surprised by the appearance of the figures either. Tony wishes he were that surprised by this new occurrence, but his life leaves no more room for surprises.
The figures started to circle Tony and Thanos. It felt like a predator readying to pounce on its prey. “The Mad Titan. I would say we were almost impressed with your ingenuity. You had us there for a moment.” Tony looked over at his friends and family. He could see they had halted their attempts at breaking through the barrier. Hearing them mention Thanos planted a seed of hope within everyone on the Avengers side. Maybe these figures would be on their side. At the least, they would eradicate their problem. Everyone felt powerless as they watched their friend and loved one trapped.
“You made a big mistake. When you trapped us in our realm, you were so sure we would be there forever. However, there wasn’t one thing you could account for.”
Thanos gave up trying to escape the foggy restraints. He found his voice to respond to the figures. “And what could that possibly be?”
The figures paused their circling with one figure now standing directly in front of Thanos. The figures began to change. The fog dissipated from them to reveal what seemed to be humans. There in front of Thanos stood you.
“You didn’t account for me.” For a moment, Thanos’s mask cracked. The slightest change could be seen.
Tony felt like he saw a ghost. Maybe you were a ghost, and everything he thought about death was wrong. He watched you die. He remembers you dying in Wanda and Nat’s arms in the earlier stages of Thanos.
Your back was to the Avengers side, but everyone knew that voice. Wanda felt her heart drop. She was sure that maybe she had died in battle and was seeing you in the afterlife. She felt her knees buckle for a moment. Pietro ran and held up his sister. They could only watch as you continued to speak.
“I think in my life, I was pretty level-headed. Sure, I had some times where my anger got the better of me, but for the most part, I was pretty calm. I was annoyed when we had to deal with the Sokovia accords and watched my family split in half, but we overcame it.” You started circling Thanos without breaking eye contact. You were here with a mission, and as much as you wanted to see your loved ones, you had something that needed to be taken care of.
“I was annoyed when a purple Barney fuck caused problems in my life. I was mad that I had to die, but more mad that you killed me in front of the people I love… I was pissed off when you snapped half the population and hurt the people I loved once again.” You could feel your rage building in your chest. If you had the gift of fire, you were sure it would be coming out of your nose and mouth as you spoke.
“I was slightly relieved when my family found a way to bring everyone back. But.” You paused as you motioned with your hands. Thanos felt the force of the fog move, bringing him to his knees. He gritted his teeth at the pain of his hard landing. “I was absolutely enraged to know that one of the women I loved sacrificed herself to get one of the stones. It being one of the stones we are set to protect was really the icing on this fucked ass cake. The thing about the realm you locked us away in is that we watched it all unfold without being able to act. Unfortunately for you, Thanos, you made one too many wrong assumptions.” You were face to face with the one who wreaked havoc on you and your planet.
You brought your hand up and allowed fog to encircle it like a glove. The stones were snug within the fog. “Make no mistake, Thanos, this talk is just beginning. However, I could do without your little cronies around. I was thinking maybe leave some survivors to spread the news throughout the universe of the failed attempt of fucking with Earth. Looking at them, though, I change my mind.” You snapped your fingers and watched as they started to crumble. They thought they could run from their fate, but all that was left was satisfying piles of dust. Thanos could only watch. You turned to look at Tony with a smile.
“No joking that these stones pack a punch. Tony, I have no idea how you held these for so long.” This was the first time you acknowledged anyone’s existence.
“Well, you know me, Kid. I have always been exceptional.”
“Yea yeah I know old man. I see even now the nickname stays.”
“ You should know that by now. How about you let me out of whatever is holding me in place?”
You released the fog around Tony and caught him when he started to fall. You knew he was tired and more than likely injured. You finally allowed yourself to look at the people on Tony’s side. You could cry at finally seeing them, but also because one of the people you loved wasn’t there. “Let’s get you patched up, old man. Oh, and Thanos? Please feel free to hang back.” You waved your hands and heard Thanos cry out in pain as the fog tightened around his limbs. “Oops, too tight?”
You looked at the other Shadows you arrived with for approval to help Tony. You know they had your back, but you wanted to make sure. You saw them nod their heads in approval while you assisted Tony. You walked up to the fog wall and went through it with ease, Tony hanging onto you.
You were face to face with Pepper, Steve, Wanda, Pietro, Clint and Yelena while the others hung back watching. You imagined this moment for years. Time moved differently in the realm, so it felt longer than it was.
“So I know there are so many questions. I will answer things as best as I can, but you all can rest first. There are things I have to take care of.”
You helped Tony into Pepper’s hold. She looked at you with glassy eyes. She knew you saved Tony. She was angry with him for what he was going to do, but more than anything, there was relief.
“Thank you for saving him.” You looked at her and nodded your head. Your emotions were catching up to you. Seeing your family overwhelmed you, but you held on to your composure.
“Well, I guess your nickname had more meaning than we thought. Huh, Shade?” Yelena elbowed Pietro in the side. You chuckled at the grunt that came out.
“Yeah, Piet. I guess you could say that.” Wanda’s breath hitched at hearing you call her brother by his nickname. You looked at Wanda, and everything in you broke even further. You needed to see those pale green eyes for the first time in so long.
“Hi, Wanda.” Wanda wasn’t sure if she wanted to hit you or jump into your arms. She threw caution to the wind and launched herself at you. You caught her and held her as she buried her head in your shoulder. “I missed you so much, love.” You could hear her voice tremble as she spoke into you.
“I missed you, too, Mi Vida.” You wanted to hold her and just stay like that for eternity, but you had more tricks up your sleeve. You pulled back from Wanda so you could look at her. “Can I?”
Wanda knew before you asked what you wanted. Before you could hear an answer, her lips were on yours. You just let yourself be in the moment as you both moved your lips against each other.
“Alright, as much as I would love to watch you two make out with each other. Do we not have other things to take care of? One of them being purple?” You smiled after backing up from the kiss at hearing your best friend's voice.
“Hm, sounds like jealousy, Yelena. All you had to do was ask for affection.” You tackled your best friend in a hug. You kissed her cheek. Being your best friend allowed Yelena to get used to physical touch. You knew what the Red Room was like for her and Nat. You became a constant in their life and allowed them to get comfortable with you, never pushing their boundaries. You stepped back and took in all those fighting on the Avengers' side. The number of beings was nothing if not impressive.
“You all have fought hard. It’s time for you to rest. My good friend Jax will be assisting with your injuries. I will be taking care of our Grimace issue over there. I am so sorry that I wasn’t here for all of you through this. You have been through some long years, and I will spend every ounce of my energy making this up to you.”
Steve walked up to you. He placed his hand on his shoulder. “Kid, there was nothing you could have done. There is no saying that having you there would have tipped the scale. Not to mention, you were gone. None of this is your fault.” You could feel your heart ache at his words. You knew he was trying to avoid mentioning your death. The guilt was like a stone in your chest. It weighed you down. Your death and your not being here led to Nat’s death.
You pulled Steve into a hug. He hugged you back with the same intensity. You backed up and gave him one more smile. Steve was good at figuring out what the right thing to say. “It’s time to end this.” You backed up through the fog before anyone could stop you.
The team started protesting and wanted you to lower the wall. They were worried that death would come to claim you once again. You walked up to Jax and gave him a quick hug.
“Take care of them for me.”
“Of course I will. Though I can tell they are going to be stubborn about me healing them.”
“Where do you think my attitude comes from?”
“Well, good thing taking care of you has prepared me. Now go kick that douchebag’s ass.” You started to talk back towards Thanos. Your face darkened. “With pleasure.”
Your power surrounded your hand for a moment, then dissipated, leaving a curved dagger in your hand. The dagger was a deep black that almost looked like it wasn’t real.
As you stalked closer to Thanos, your moves became more calculated. This was the moment that you waited for as you were trapped in the realm.
You look at the other Shadows. They were still standing around Thanos, their faces told it all. They were daring him to move so much as a muscle out of place. As you got closer, Thanos's eyes fell on you. He was still kneeling while gritting his teeth. Your fog was still wrapped around him.
“I'm sure you may have questions. I think I am in a nicer mood now that I have gotten to see some important people.” You waved your hands to loosen the darkness without allowing Thanos to get up. There was a slight relief on his face. He was silent for a moment, debating whether he wanted to ask or if he should just accept his death now. He knew his death was inevitable at this point. Maybe it always was.
You motioned with your hands, and the fog moved and made a chair in front of Thanos. You sat down in front of him, playing with your favorite dagger.
“I don’t think you understand how many scenarios I dreamt up while trapped away. All the pain I would inflict on you. When it started happening, I even scared myself with what I thought of. While being alive, I was faced with the terrible things the world can inflict on someone. I know there isn’t a person on this battlefield who doesn’t understand that in some way. I tried to rise above and be a better version of myself. However, becoming a shadow upon death, I realized something. Destiny, I learned, was lurking around the corner waiting for me. I was born to become a shadow upon death. You just sped up the process.”
You stood up from your chair and stepped directly in front of the titan. In a swift motion, you lodged your dagger into his torso. He yelled out in pain as you twisted your weapon. You pulled out your dagger.
“The pain I am going to make you feel is only a fraction of what you caused. I hope you trust me when I tell you I am going to try my best to make it the worst thing you have felt in your life so that your last moments will be agonizing.”
You stabbed Thanos again in the torso but left your dagger this time. You looked at the other Shadows and saw the glint in their eyes. They have waited for this moment for so long. They were angry, and even though they weren’t able to prevent Thanos’s actions, this would give them temporary relief from the guilt. You backed away and allowed them to swarm him. He was screaming in pain as they inflicted as much damage as they could. Once Thanos was a crumpled mess on the ground, you bent down near him to make sure he could hear you.
“I guess your trap had somewhat of a helpful outcome. I learned so much. Unfortunately, for you but fortunately for the world, you won’t be around to see it.” You lodged your dagger into his head as you watched his eyes glaze over. The titan was once again dead. You summoned the stones once more and snapped, allowing his body to turn to ash.
You grabbed your dagger and wiped off the blood onto your sleeve, and sheathed your weapon. You turned to your team of Shadows and saw the relief. They weren’t able to help the world, but to know this was over, you saw them breathe easier.
“I know this wasn’t easy for any of us. I know this affected people we love. I say that we take the rest of the day off and spend time with those we care about. Jax and I will take care of the stones.”
You hugged the other shadows and watched them vanish into fog as they went to see their loved ones for the first time in years. You looked and saw the wall of fog. Through it, you could see Jax tending to people, but also you could see some of the Avengers looking at you. They had never seen you use such brutality before, and you were nervous about how they would react to this version of you.
You changed your stance and motioned your hands, allowing the fog wall to drop. You walked over to Jax to check in on the status.
“How are things, J?”
“After some initial resistance, they have allowed me to tend to the more serious injuries. It’s pretty much just some cuts and bruises.”
“I would compliment you on how you are the best healer, but your head is big enough.”
“All I heard was you are the best healer.” You pushed Jax away from you while smiling. Since meeting him, he has always been able to keep you in a better mood. He had the kind of personality that melted the coldest of hearts. When you first arrived after dying, he was the one who snapped you out of your depression. The only time he couldn’t, even though he knew better than to try, was when Nat died on Vormir.
“As much as I love our squabbles, don’t we have some more business to take care of?”
“It’s called Avoidance, Jax.”
Jax lowered his voice to make sure only you could hear him. “I know you are worried about what they will think of you. Based on the reactions, I was able to hear, though. They are just happy you are here.” You could feel the tears wanting to fall. You held back as best as you could.
“I just don’t think I can handle more loss.”
“Won’t know until you find out, Shade. Stop being a scaredy cat.” Jax was laughing and poking at your sides.
“Call me scaredy cat again and I will plant legos in your path to step on.”
“ If I had pearls, I would clutch them right now. Now let’s finish our tasks.”
You walked over to Steve and the others. Before you could even say anything, Wanda threw herself into your arms. Of everyone, you were most worried about how she would react to you killing Thanos.
“You are never leaving my side again.” You chuckled as she burrowed herself into you. Your body was tense with worry. Your brain was in overdrive, running through ‘what if scenarios.
“You wouldn't be able to get rid of me if you tried.” You kissed the side of her head, trying to calm yourself.
“Detka, I don't think any different of you, and neither does anyone else. Some people wish they got to be in your place.” With every word, your body slowly relaxed.
“I don't think there are enough words in existence that could properly display how much I love you, Wanda Maximoff.”
“All this time and you still know how to make a girl swoon.”
You pulled back from her so you could look into those beautiful eyes. You looked around at everyone as they spoke to each other. Everyone seemed lighter. Their souls would forever be marked by this war, but in this moment, they were just able to be without worry. It warmed you to see everyone intermixed. You interlinked your hand with Wanda's and backed up to where the fog wall once was.
“I know we just reunited, but there is another thing I need to do. Jax would he helping me. It won't be dangerous, but only Jax and I can do it.” You made sure to project your voice so you could be heard.
Those who knew you started to protest. You could feel the tension in Wanda’s body. You would owe her a million cuddles for stressing her out.
“ I know we just reunited, but we have to do this. It will be longer for us, but for you, it will feel like a minute at most. If it works, though, I can promise it will be worth it.” You stayed as vague as possible. If you told them the truth and, for any reason, it goes wrong, you couldn't live with the disappointment.
Tony walked up towards you. You could tell he was enjoying the healing done by Jax. He looks better off than at the beginning of your appearance.
“Kid, I think most of us would agree that we can't let you go. And you know it's bad when the Capsicle and I agree on something. You just came back, and now you are trying to go on some mystery mission with some guy we don't know that well. It sounds like you are asking for something bad to happen.”
“ I know it's been a long time, but before my departure, you all trusted me. I need you to put your trust in me again. This is one of the most important things I could do.” You had that look everyone was accustomed to. The determination within your eyes was assurance that no matter what, you were going to do whatever needed to be done. Wanda knew that look, and she loved you for it.
Everything in her wanted to panic. Every cell was trying to pull her into action, to keep you from leaving. However, you were like an immovable force.
“I know this will be quick, but I am going to need a shower when we get back.”
Yelena looked at you as if you had two heads.
“I am not sure if you have noticed, but we are standing among rubble. Did you hit your head?”
“Still got that Russian charm, I have missed Yel.” Before she could give you another smartass remark, you summoned the stones one last time. You waved your hand, and before everyone’s eyes, the compound was reassembled. Looking at the place that you considered home made you feel so many emotions. Wanda walked up to you.
“I trust you love. I’m not happy about it, but I know once your mind is on something, there is no letting go. As long as you know that you have to make it up to me.” You pulled her into a strong hug.
“I promise that I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you. I plan to spend every breath loving you and giving you the life you deserve.” You placed one more kiss on her lips before regrouping with your fellow shadow. Jax motioned, forming a dark foggy circle. You both stepped through it.
You stepped out to the last place you wanted to be in. This was your last stop after returning the other 5 stones. It was only fitting that your last stop be Vormir. You both stepped forward and waited a moment for the Red Skull to make his entrance. Speaking of the Devil, Shmidt glided forward.
“You two are the last people I expected to see.”
“Let’s get past such pleasantries, Temu Version of Voldemort. We have come to return the stone and get back the soul connected to it.”
“Breaking the rules, are we now, Shade?” The way his spit out your name pissed you off. You wondered if he thought he was completely untouchable. Maybe the loneliness rotted his brain, or he forgot what pain was since he had been here so long. You summoned one of your special daggers through the fog.
Before he could blink, you stabbed Shmidt in his eye, leaving your dagger in place. This dagger was made from special properties only available to Shadow, so it added an extra kick. The yell coming from him made some satisfaction wash over you.
“You will watch your tone around us. Maybe your isolation has reduced your brain cells. This stone is ours to protect. Shadows were here for Vormir and the Soul Stone’s conception. We know the fucking rules. Now before you piss me off further I suggest you get with the damn program. The Black Widow will be coming home, and if you ever take an Avenger or anyone we care about again, you will wish that death had taken you.”
You dislodged your dagger and allowed it to evaporate and return to its place. You returned the stone to its place and watched as an orange light beamed up into the sky. The stone disappeared, and in its place stood the other woman you love.
“Natasha.” Her name came out breathless. You couldn’t stop the tears that began to pour down your cheeks. You know she was disoriented, but your legs were faster than your brain, and you pulled her into a hug.
“I was hoping I would see you again one day,” Nat remembered the jump. She wasn’t sure what death had in store, but she was thankful it included you. She was hoping that the setting wouldn’t include the place where she died. Vormir had a certain beauty, but it held more pain than she could withstand. She held you tight, soaking in your scent and how you feel against her.
You felt your heart crack in your chest. She thought she was dead, and you were together. You allowed yourself a moment before pulling back into the gorgeous green eyes.
“Nat, my love, you aren’t dead.”
“What are you talking about? I jumped to get everyone back. I am now seeing you, and last I remember, you died right in front of Wanda and me.”
The guilt crashed into you like a tsunami. “ I know Honey and you are right, but some things happened and I will explain everything, but there are some people who I think would be happy to see you. Let’s go home, darlin.”
You formed the fog portal this time. You, Jax, and Nat walked through and could see most people were dispersed, leaving only a small group of Avengers. As soon as the portal closed and everyone realized you were back, there was nothing but silence.
“I told you it would be fast.” No one dared to speak. “I know we have a Panther around, but cat got your tongue?”
Clint stepped forward and looked at Nat. His eyes were full of tears. Never had he allowed anyone besides Laura or Nat to see his emotions. They both clashed in a hug. If you concentrated, you would be able to hear them whisper to each other, but you allowed them their privacy.
Wanda could only look at the two’s reunion. She wasn’t used to this feeling. Loss was a part of her very soul. To have the loves of her life come back to her in the matter of an hour couldn’t possibly be real. She was sure she was dreaming and at some point, she would wake up.
Nat separated from Clint and walked over to Wanda.
“ Hello moya lyubov.” Wanda pushed the Russian.
“No! You don’t get to come here and say something sweet and expect me to just be okay. You left! How fucking selfish could you be? I come back only to find out that my girlfriend was fucking dead on some planet. I was never going to be able to see you again because you had to be a self-sacrificing idiot.” Wanda was slapping her chest, unable to hold back her tears. You ran over and wrapped your arms around her from behind. You kept assuring her and whispering to her that it’s okay to just let it out. Wanda turned around and cried into your chest. You picked her up bridal style and signaled for Nat to follow you.
You and Nat took Wanda back to your home on the compound grounds. It was far enough that you had a sense of privacy, but close enough that you were able to interact with the team. You took the witch to the shared room and laid her down on the king-sized bed. You were going to take a quick shower before you felt a hand grab you.
“Don’t leave, please. Stay here with me…both of you,” Nat looked over in surprise. She thought the couch was going to be her best friend for a while. She knew it would take time to mend things, but this felt like a step in the right direction.
You grabbed some comfortable clothes for the three of you. You didn’t want anyone to get blood in the bed. As much as you wanted a shower, preferably with your two loves, you would take what you could get. After changing and getting into a comfortable spot between Nat and Wanda, you felt the tension leave your body. Your body felt like it had run multiple marathons, and this is the first time you could lie down in years. Everyone’s hearts didn’t come out unscathed from everything that took place, but in this moment, being here with the two loves of your life. This was enough.