Two days ago, an Avengers online eting took place. All mbers gathered in a virtual room created by Stark Industries—a pristine, all-white space arranged specifically for this purpose.
Tony introduced Peter Parker, the "Little Spider," to the group.
"Here's the situation: our Main Universe… Oh, you don't know yet. There's an organization called the Ti Variance Authority that arbitrarily designated our Universe as a branch Universe," Tony explained, sitting at the end of the long virtual table with one leg propped casually.
"And now, the Main Universe is colliding with another Universe, so Peter ca to us for help."
Peter hesitated for a mont before greeting the team. "Hi everyone, nice to et you… well, actually, this is our first eting, but in my Universe, we all know each other well."
He leaned close to Tony and whispered, keeping a sunny smile.
"Mr. Stark, didn't you say you were bringing to find Malrick? Where is he? By the way, your virtual setup is incredible."
Although Peter spoke softly, the virtual conference transmitted every word directly to each participant.
On the left side of the table, Young Captain Arica frowned.
"Tony, you should listen to this kid and find Superman first. I don't know much about a Universe collision, but it sounds serious."
"That's not the best choice, Captain," Tony replied. "Malrick sent a ssage before leaving—he's undergoing a very important transformation. We'd better handle this ourselves and avoid disturbing him."
Diana and the others on the right side nodded in agreent. Malrick had emphasized the importance of his current mission.
"What? Malrick isn't on Earth?" Peter's smile vanished. "Oh no… if we don't fix the collision quickly, the Ti Variance Authority might notice sothing is wrong!"
Carter, next to Young Captain Arica, tapped a pen against the table. "The Ti Variance Authority? Why didn't you inform them?"
Peter ran his hands through his hair in frustration. "I can't! If they can't resolve the collision, they might use the Ti Crusher to destroy one Universe! I have to fix everything first!"
Young Captain Arica looked incredulous. "Destroy a Universe? That organization is worse than HYDRA?"
"No, worse than Thanos," Old Captain Arica said grimly.
Carter glanced at Tony. "We need Malrick."
"It's not ti yet," Tony shook his head. "The Ti Variance Authority won't destroy a Universe unless it threatens the Multiverse. They're like white blood cells of countless Universes—destroying so viruses without harming healthy cells. A collision is like a small cut on a finger. At most, they'll send the Anchor Point team to help, nothing more."
Peter blinked, surprised.
Banner scratched his head. "So they're actually… helpful? Tony, how do you know all this?"
Tony shrugged. "Jarvis' sub-body monitors the TVA constantly. He keeps updated."
Jarvis, appearing red as cinnabar in holographic form, nodded. "Mr. Stark is correct."
Peter exhaled in relief. "So my Universe isn't at risk of being destroyed?"
"Yes, but there's one caveat," Jarvis added. "Peter's Universe is the Main Universe, which holds unique importance to the TVA. They won't destroy it. But if the collision continues and the Main Universe itself is at risk, the TVA could intervene and eliminate the other Universe."
Everyone's expressions darkened, including Peter's.
Diana stood. "Then what are we waiting for? We must act imdiately. Even if we eventually notify Malrick, we need to understand the situation first. And Malrick is in a critical mont now—if possible, we should not disturb him."
Tony nodded. "Diana's right, Malrick's girlfriend Athena has a point."
Diana and Wanda shot Tony a glare.
"Are you sure we won't make things worse?" Wanda asked, uneasy. "Doctor Strange's interference caused this. Could we repeat the sa mistake?"
"Don't worry, I confird with Peter. During a collision, other Universes don't interfere. Even if we went and accidentally blew up an Earth, it wouldn't affect the outco."
Peter nodded vigorously. "Exactly what I wanted to hear."
Young Captain Arica stood. "No, we cannot destroy another Earth! Billions of lives are at stake."
Tony rolled his eyes. "I was giving an example. You know, like grammar lessons in Brooklyn schools seventy years ago?"
The Captain walked over. "I get it, but seriously—we cannot destroy anything."
"Don't worry, Captain, no one here intends to harm anyone," Tony assured him.
Satisfied, Captain Arica nodded. Tony then clapped his hands at Peter.
"Alright kid, open the portal and let the Avengers go help steer your Universe."
The orange-yellow space-ti portal shimred open. The Avengers filed in.
---
In the 616 Main Universe (Marvel 199999 Universe, 2025), the Avengers had long disbanded. Facing the other Earth that hovered ominously in the sky, superhero groups assembled across the city.
Peter guided them to 177 Bleecker Street, the New York Kamar-Taj Sanctum.
Banner rubbed his hands. "Familiar place… so all the heroes gathered here?"
Peter hesitated. "Mostly. After the phantom Earth appeared, Stephen summoned New York's heroes. I… mainly ca to help Captain Arica and Ant-Man, but had a hunch sothing bigger was happening."
In the Main Universe, no one rembered Peter was Spider-Man. Strange and the others had even forgotten him entirely, so he had co on his own initiative to observe and assist.
"Your arrival might startle people, so I'll announce it first," Peter whispered, hand on the doorknob. Everyone nodded.
The door swung open, and Sam Wilson, in Captain Arica's uniform, yanked it ajar, startling Peter.
"Spider-Man, where have you been? Stephen said you were at the door… Holy…!"
Sam froze at the sight of Tony, Carter, Young Captain Arica, and Old Captain Arica.
"This can't be real… are you imposters?" he muttered.
Recognition quickly overca doubt. That reliable, steadfast gaze was unmistakable—the real Steve Rogers.
"How is this possible, Captain? You… and… there are two of you?"
Young Captain Arica grinned. "Our future relationship is good, Sam. Sotis you're just a little slow."
Old Captain Arica blinked. "On your left."
The words triggered laughter in Sam, mingled with a pang of nostalgia and hope. The shadow of another Earth lood oppressively, but for a mont, he was back on a sunny morning ten years ago, hearing Steve repeat the phrase over and over.
Sam embraced Tony, then the two Captain Aricas tightly. Old Captain Arica smiled.
"Of course I haven't forgotten. I didn't expect you to beco Captain Arica, Sam."
Sam's smile faltered. "Steve… maybe you shouldn't have given the shield. I don't have the serum—I'm just . I can't carry everyone like you did."
Both Captain Aricas were surprised by the depth of emotion. The Main Universe Steve's decision to entrust the shield to Sam carried weight beyond words.
Old Captain Arica considered silently. Perhaps it was ti to return to his own World and pass on the legacy of justice, just as it should always be.
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