-General P.O.V-

Tony took a week to recover. Not physically, but psychologically.

All his injuries from endless walking, exotic energy poisoning from the arc reactor radiation and malnutrition, had been taken care of upon arrival.

His mental scars on the other hand, caused by the ordeal, had placed him in a coma for an entire week.

What woke him up was an argument. And loud voices yelling.

Opening his eyes bombarded his sight with bright lights, causing him to wince and turn his head to the side. His hand reached out blindly, knocking over a vase of flowers.

The sound of the porcelain shattering caused the voices to stop talking.

"Argh, wa- water..."

He groaned weakly, trying to get up only for strong arms to grab his shoulders, and gently lower him back onto the bed.

"You need rest."

A familiar voice said to him.

"C- Cap? That you?"

Tony called out, peeking his eyes open to find Steve smiling down at him.

"In the flesh."

The supersoldier replied.

"We can talk later. Right now, sleep. Sleep while you can."

Something in his voice eased Tony's agitation and he felt his eyelids get heavier.

The darkness of sleep took him over once more.

-0-

A few hours later, Tony was wheeled out of his room by Steve.

"I can walk by myself."

He grumbled on the wheelchair, hands gripping the arms tightly. Though he didn't seem to notice.

"We both know that's a lie."

Cap responded.

"Just bear with it for a little longer."

"Fine."

The genius inventor acquisced.

"But you know, if I had some tools and a workplace, I could install an automatic self-propelled system on the sides."

He tapped the wheelchair.

"Or hover tech. That would need a considerable amount of resources."

He stared at the bricklaid walls on either side of them.

"Though with the architecture around, I'm guessing we're in a place where such tools and resources are in short supply?"

"It was the best we could do. You'll understand why soon enough."

Cap responded.

"The others...Nat, Clint, Sam...they're dead Steve."

Tony said in a low voice.

"I know. We will Avenge them. I promise."

Steve's voice rang with resolve as he replied.

The conversation ended there, and the rest of the way, the two stayed silent as they passed through a few more hallways before arriving at a door framed by two silver statues.

Voices could be heard coming from the other side of the door. Steve knocked and with a push, he entered, wheeling in Tony.

Immediately, every eye was on them.

There were five individuals inside, surrounding a large table in the middle.

A fireplace crackled at the end of the room and 4 massive glass windows framed the walls.

What surprised Tony was the view outside. Unfamiliar stars and a purple miasma that seemed to cover the ground.

Tony didn't have time to consider the implications, as one of the six individuals walked up to the two of them.

"Tony Stark, as I leave and breathe."

The woman said.

She was dressed in a form-fitting blue suit with red and gold accents. A star emblem lay prominent on her chest and a red sash was tied around her waist.

Lastly, her blonde hair was cut short and looked good on her. She could even be called beautiful if it wasn't for the prideful aura around her.

"The name is Captain Marvel. It's a pleasure to meet you."

She introduced herself.

"The pleasure is all mine, Captain."

Tony returned the cordiality, eyes roaming over the rest behind her.

"Let me introduce you to the others."

Captain Marvel genially stated.

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

She turned around and motioned at a dark skinned muscular man dressed in a blue and white costume.

"This is Blue Marvel."

"Mr.Stark, I have to say, you've looked better."

Blue Marvel spoke in a deep voice. The sheer presence and power he exuded reminded Tony of Thor, only more controlled. Or rather, contained.

"Ah, forgive me, but do we know each other?"

Tony asked, noticing the look Blue Marvel shared with Captain Marvel.

"Also, what's up with the similar name? Are you two partners or something?"

"It's complicated. We'll explain everything in a bit."

Captain Marvel assured, moving on to the next person.

"The woman beside him is Jean Grey. Also known as the Phoenix."

The redhead dressed in a green costume and a black trenchcoat with an X symbol nodded at him but remained silent.

"Then we have..."

Captain Marvel went to introduce the next person but she was cut off.

"Spiderman."

The black and red costumed teenager(Tony could tell from his voice) came forward and shook his hand in excitement.

"I'm from a parallel Earth where you are a legend. It's such an honor to meet you sir!"

"Parallel Earth?"

Tony turned to questioningly glare at Steve.

"It's...part of what we were going to brief you on."

Cap responded.

"These good folks are all from other worlds Tony. Earths like our own but separate. Different. Yet some elements are the same. It's a bit like-"

"I know the Multiverse theory Steve."

Tony interrupted, rubbing his temples. His mind was already working at hyper speeds. The maths, the implications...

"Then that should make everything easier."

A new voice stated from behind them.

And walking in, was a tall man dressed in a long, flowing blue tunic paired with a red, high-collared cloak with an intricate gold trim.

His beard was trimmed and the hair at the sides of his head were gray. To complete the ensemble, an ornate golden amulet hang from his neck.

"Stark, meet Dr.Stephen Strange. Sorcerer Supreme."

Captain Marvel introduced.

"You have him to thank for treating your injuries."

"Thank you doctor, when can I expect an invoice?"

Tony shook Strange's hand.

"No worries on that front Mr.Stark. I haven't practiced in many years."

Strange replied.

"A shame."

Tony sighed.

"I remember I was at death's door. Anyone capable of bringing me back from that...let's just say you're leagues better than my physician."

"Then let's call it a favor. I might need your assistance one day."

Strange proposed.

"Any time doctor."

Tony nodded, before turning to the final person in the room. A man, shrouded in a green cloak standing next to the fireplace.

"And you are...?"

Stark questioned.

"The Host."

Replied the man, turning around to face Tony, revealing a figure in an intricate metal armor with a similar full face mask on.

"The Rightful king of Latveria, Victor Von Doom. And you're in Doom's castle, Stark."

Ominous lightning flashed outside the windows.

"Okaaay."

Tony trailed off, throwing his gaze around the room.

"Clearly, there's something big going on here. So why don't we cut the crap and get down to business?"

"Tony's right."

Steve agreed, walking forward with his gaze turned to the sky.

"Instead of wasting more time, why don't you join us Watcher?"

"Watcher?"

Tony repeated with his brows raised.

"Who's that? A super powered voyuer?"

Spiderman started laughing.

"Oh man, you have no idea how close to the mark you are."

"It would be wise not to antagonize him."

Strange cautioned.

"As opposed to interference as he is, he is still a being of unfathomable power."

"And yet he's content to sit still and watch as entire worlds perish."

Jean seethed bitterly.

There was a gasp, as the chamber lit up in white. A huge figure dressed in a white and blue robe appeared in the air above them.

The most outstanding bit was his huge head and completely white eyes.

His form shrunk into something close to human size, although he retained his massive head.

"I have sworn an oath that prevents me from ever changing the course of events, Jean Grey. That is my burden, as I'm sure you know, given yours."

Jean looked away without saying a word.

Tony saw the way she shrunk in on herself, reminding him of the guilt he held over his weapons being the cause for the loss of so many innocent lives.

Shaking his head, he faced the new arrival.

"You must be the Watcher. So, what's your deal? Do you like, see everything with those white eyes?"

"I see the future, present and past of infinite worlds. What can be, what is and what was."

The Watcher replied.

Tony scoffed, remarking,

"Oh. Then what can you tell me about my past, present and future, oh powerful Watcher? Or what I had for breakfast on Saturday."

"Tony Stark."

The Watcher begun.

"Genius Billionaire Inventor. A man burdened by his own legacy. The redemption you seek is close Stark. You just have to believe. Oh, and you skipped breakfast on Saturday."

Tony rolled his eyes.

"Believe in what? Magic?"

He pointed at Dr. Strange who was leaning on the table.

"No offense doc."

"None taken."

Strange threw in.

"Parallel words?"

Tony continued, motioning at everyone present.

"Or self proclaimed gods that can see everything in existence?"

He mockingly pointed at the Watcher.

"And that last bit? You could have easily picked off the web."

"I understand you're skeptical Stark, but listen to what we have to say. You can make a decision afterwards."

Blue Marvel intervened.

Tony snorted, clearly dismissive.

"Tony, if you can't trust them, trust me."

Cap told him, and the two held gazes before Tony sighed and gave in.

"Fine. Humor me."

"Great!"

Spiderman clapped, shooting a web that snared a chair close to the table, and pulled it closer to the fireplace.

At everyone's stares he shrugged.

"What? I need to warm my feet. It's really cold in here."

"Okay, what's a kid doing here?"

Tony asked.

"Dude! So not cool."

Spiderman protested.

"Spiderman is like us."

Blue Marvel came to his defense.

"The last survivor of his universe."

"Survivor?"

Tony frowned.

"Of what?"

The others exchanged knowing looks.

"It will be easier if I showed you."

The Watcher stated, lifting his finger and pointing it at Tony's head.

A rush of memories poured into his mind. Memories filled with screams, suffering, death and Chaos.

With wide eyes, Tony looked around at the occupants.

"Wait, wait...you're telling me, a parallel version of Wanda went crazy, murdered a sub-race of humans known as Mutants, and when a different version of the Avengers and other heroes from that Earth tried to stop her, she killed everyone? And took over the world?"

"She didn't just kill them."

Jean said with gritted teeth.

"I saw her suck out their life force. I saw her devour their souls. Everyone I care about..."

She covered her face with her palms, the anguish of loss in her tone.

"And she didn't stop there..."

Spiderman cut in grimly,

"She somehow figured out there were other worlds out there. And also how to travel across them, so she came for us next. And destroyed everything in her path. My entire world was gone in a day."

Captain Marvel sighed, staring at the floor.

"I remember fighting a losing battle. She was just too powerful. None of my attacks could do anything."

"The only reason any of us survived was due to the Watcher. At the last possible second, when the only thing awaiting me was death, he pulled me out of my universe."

Blue Marvel narrated.

"I never see it coming."

Dr. Strange said with a shake of his head.

"She first lures her own Parallel Versions with the promise of power. Targeting them when they are at their lowest by sending a copy of the Darkhold their way. And once they get corrupted by it, they become her slaves."

"You mean...that book?!"

Tony exchanged looks with Steve, who nodded.

"Yeah. Our Wanda fell for the same trap."

Steve disclosed.

"Then it's only a matter of time before the Entity of Extinction finds its way into your Universe."

Doom pitched in.

"She will wreak havoc, using your Scarlet Witch as a puppet to destroy any opposition. And when she arrives, she will consume her variant along with your entire Cosmos, sinking it all into the realm of Chaos."

"You wanted to know why we're all gathered here Stark?"

Captain Marvel posited.

"You have your answer. To stop her wave of indiscriminate destruction. To avenge our families and friends. Our worlds are already gone, but yours can still be saved."

Marvel stretched out her hand.

"So what do you say, Iron Man? Will you join us and save everyone? Will you join the Guardians of the Multiverse?"