Ah, my head hurts...
The younger version of Tony Stark rubbed his temple as he slowly descended the stairs. Each step felt like he was walking on clouds—both surreal and slightly heavy.
The early morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a soft golden glow on his slightly tired but still handsome face.
The atmosphere in the living room was warm and lively.
Alex Ray stood in the open kitchen, a frying pan in his hand, expertly flipping golden eggs. The delicious aroma quickly filled the entire space.
He looked up at Tony, who had just come downstairs, and a warm smile curved on his lips. "You're awake? I've been waiting. Breakfast is almost ready."
They had attended a cocktail party the night before.
A celebration hosted by the Avengers to commemorate the success of their plan.
Everyone drank heavily—except Alex Ray, Thor, and a few others whose physical enhancements allowed them to metabolize the alcohol instantly. Doctor Strange cleverly had his astral projection do the drinking.
Tony, being a regular human, got absolutely hammered.
Alex simply smiled and continued preparing breakfast. Wanda and her counterparts had a good heart-to-heart with their alternate selves from this universe.
Thor spent the night in contemplation after learning from Fat Thor about what had transpired in this world. He was deeply affected and vowed never to let such tragedy repeat itself.
He planned to return to train and sharpen his divine powers, consult with Odin, and—if possible—release Hela. He was determined to rewrite this fate.
Meanwhile, Strange and Doctor Strange had shared spell techniques. Strange had brought over some newly acquired magic from the Harry Potter universe, while Doctor Strange showed him how to properly wield the Time Stone.
When Doctor Strange realized that Strange from Alex's world had become a sorcerer without enduring the brutal car crash and its aftermath, he told him, "You should thank Alex Ray."
If not for Alex, Strange would have suffered immensely. Doctor Strange knew full well that Alex's intervention not only altered Strange's fate but also shaped his character into someone more gentle and tolerant.
He also learned that in another universe, Alex had been his college classmate for four years, explaining Strange's current temperament.
If Doctor Strange had met Alex back then, maybe he wouldn't have become so arrogant and domineering.
The two eventually moved the conversation to their girlfriends, with Doctor Strange advising Strange to cherish his relationship.
Later that evening, Wanda noticed that Scarlet Witch seemed melancholic during the party. She walked over to chat with her. On the battlefield, Wanda had been completely focused on Alex, so she hadn't paid much attention to her counterpart.
But now, with time to breathe, Wanda observed how her other self was faring.
Scarlet Witch had been upset about not being able to avenge Vision, but she didn't direct her frustration toward Wanda.
After some honest conversation, a genuine smile began to form on Scarlet Witch's face.
She learned that in Wanda's world, both she and Pietro hadn't been weaponized by Hydra, but instead were rescued by Alex Ray. They were adopted by a loving family and had a joyful childhood.
Scarlet Witch felt happy for her alternate self—especially when she heard that Pietro was still alive, Wanda had someone she loved, friends, family, and a job.
Scarlet Witch was genuinely moved… and a bit envious. If Alex Ray had existed in her world, could her life have been just as fulfilling?
Wanda, on the other hand, had tears in her eyes. She looked at Scarlet Witch with immense sorrow and tenderness.
In this world, Scarlet Witch and Pietro were orphaned and raised by Hydra to be assassins. Her childhood had been traumatic. Her brother and her lover had both died. She had no one left.
Wanda's heart ached.
She hadn't imagined her counterpart had suffered so much. At the same time, she felt immense gratitude toward Alex. Without him, her own life might have mirrored that same tragedy.
Her feelings for Alex deepened further.
When she learned that Pietro had died from a bullet, she was stunned—and furious. She thought of her brother's usual carefree attitude.
She swore to return home and drill Pietro until he could dodge bullets in his sleep.
A mutant taken down by a bullet? How humiliating.
She couldn't afford to lose that man. And she wasn't ready to lose her brother.
The two women, lost in emotion, ended up hugging each other tightly, tears flowing freely.
Women—they're always this emotional.
Before parting ways, Wanda invited Scarlet Witch to visit Hell's Kitchen. In fact, she invited her to stay and recognized her as a sister.
Scarlet Witch accepted and also acknowledged Wanda as her sister. Two versions of the same person, from different universes, became sworn sisters in that moment.
However, Scarlet Witch declined the offer to stay, wanting to remain with Vision. She promised she would visit Hell's Kitchen as soon as she had the chance, to see Wanda and meet her new siblings.
As for the younger Tony, he didn't engage much with his older self. His attention was drawn elsewhere—to Morgan, the daughter of the older Tony.
To Morgan, having two identical men claiming to be her father was a bit overwhelming—until old Tony cleverly said that the younger one was his "younger brother," which made him Morgan's uncle.
That helped Morgan adjust quickly, and she was soon laughing and playing with young Tony.
Although young Tony was a bit annoyed at being called "Uncle," he couldn't hold onto that frustration for long—not when faced with Morgan's adorable smile.
He made up his mind right then and there: he'd go back, propose immediately, and make sure Morgan came into his life as soon as possible.
He absolutely loved this child.
As for the other Avengers, their lives hadn't changed drastically. Overall, the ending was a happy one for most.
After all, Natasha and old Tony were still alive.
Loki, however, couldn't be resurrected—he had been killed directly by Thanos, not by the power of the Infinity Stones.
Vision also remained dead. As he had been fused with the Mind Stone, even with the stone retrieved, Alex Ray didn't believe Vision could be revived.
Whatever emerged from the remnants in the future would no longer be Vision. Perhaps a new magical construct, or something else entirely.
In short, besides the absence of Tony's funeral, not much else differed.
Just as Alex Ray finished plating breakfast, the ever-impatient Thor asked, "So, what do you want from us? You've been pretty secretive."
Alex smiled calmly. "No rush. Let's wait for the other Thor and Stephen. Then… we'll watch a movie. A movie about Loki."
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Bonus Chapter - 150 Power Stones
2nd Bonus Chapter - 300 Power Stones
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