Wanda and Kara froze, eyeing the newcomer warily. James recognized him—Doctor Strange, movie universe.
He stood, removing his sunglasses. "Stephen Strange? Trouble in your universe?"
Strange took a deep breath. "Our Earth faces a catastrophe. A self-proclaimed divine herald demands it as fuel. The Avengers are defeated, Wanda's missing, and I've no Time Gem to fight him."
James raised a brow. "Even the Avengers couldn't handle him?"
"He's fast, interrupts my spells, has immeasurable strength, and absorbs energy," Strange said. "We're out of options."
Wanda and Kara said in unison, "We're going!"
James waved them off. "Keep playing. I'll check it out." He set his juice down, nodding to Strange. "Lead the way."
Strange, grateful, opened a portal. James stepped through, vanishing in golden sparks.
Wanda and Kara watched the portal close. Kara crossed her arms. "How long till he's back?"
Wanda shrugged, tossing the boulder. "Sounds like a tough guy."
"He'll be fine," Kara said, smacking the boulder skyward.
Avengers Compound, Movie Universe
The hall was tense. Middle-aged Tony Stark tapped the table, brow furrowed, his scorched helmet beside him. Steve Rogers stood by the window, staring at the half-ruined compound. Banner sat silently, hands clasped. Thor, heavier, wore sunglasses, lacking his old bravado. Clint clutched Natasha's old quiver. Peter Parker gripped his hands. "What now?"
No one answered. Thor gripped Stormbreaker. "Strange went for help, but we just wait? We're Avengers!"
Tony stared at the table, calculating. Steve eyed Fury's communicator, unanswered despite countless tries.
"We need to stall him until help arrives," Steve said.
"Stall?" Sam scoffed. "He's faster than light, one-punched Hulk. How?"
T'Challa crossed his arms. "Wakanda's army is decimated. More attacks are futile."
Rhodey set down a block. "We just sit and die?"
Scott bit his lip. "Try the Quantum Realm again?"
Banner shook his head. "Too risky, no time."
Buzz! A golden portal opened. Strange stepped out, hopeful. James followed, hands in pockets. "What day is it? Quite the party."
The team blinked. Tony squinted. "James?"
James shrugged. "Heard you've got a divine herald. I'm here to see."
Steve relaxed slightly. "Can you handle him?"
James smiled, not answering, turning to Strange. "Where is he?"
"New York City, patrolling," Strange said. "Soon, his master will devour Earth."
James nodded, super vision piercing the walls, locking onto the target. "Got it."
Whoosh! He vanished, leaving an afterimage.
Peter blinked. "He's gone?"
Thor grinned, gripping Stormbreaker. "This'll be good."
Tony stood. "Let's see how strong he is."
Steve nodded, lifting his shield. "Avengers, assemble!"
They rushed to New York.
High above, James hovered, locking onto a silver figure on a surfboard. "Silver Surfer?" he smirked. "Thought it was someone big."
James teleported before the Surfer, who jolted, board shifting, eyes wary. "You're not from this planet."
James tilted his head. "Good eye."
The Surfer raised a hand, gathering destructive energy. "I'm the herald of divinity. This planet is chosen as fuel. Leave, or be consumed."
James laughed. "Divinity? Galactus? All this swagger for him?"
The Surfer's eyes narrowed, energy fluctuating. "You know us?"
James shrugged, tapping his wristwatch. Click! Nano-armor enveloped him, black with golden veins, six Infinity Gems glowing. The Surfer recoiled. "Infinity Gems?!"
"Bingo," James said, cracking his neck. "No prize, though. Let's play."
Bang! James vanished, his fist slamming the Surfer's chest. Boom! The Surfer crashed through skyscrapers, steel and concrete exploding like paper.
"Holy shit!" Peter, arriving with the Avengers, gaped.
Tony's faceplate popped open. "He one-punched the guy who tanked Thor's hammer?"
Thor's eye widened. "His power rivals Father's!"
Steve exhaled. "What were we worried about?"
The Surfer rose from rubble, silver body flickering, repairing. He glared, voice heavy. "Who are you?"
James hovered, gems glowing. "Just a passing Superman. Time to stretch."
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