John stepped out of the workshop slowly, blinking as the sunlight hit his face. His eyes looked a bit tired—he had been working non-stop. Time had completely slipped from his mind.
Natasha was sitting nearby, sipping a cup of tea. When she saw John, her eyes widened.
"John! You're finally out?"
John looked at her, confused. "What do you mean?"
Natasha stood up and walked closer.
"You've been down there for more than a week. We were starting to think you'd become part of the workshop."
John raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"A week? Really?"
Then he smiled softly and shrugged.
"Guess I got too focused. It took longer than expected."
She gave him a playful punch on the arm.
"Well, next time, take a break and say hi. We missed you."
John was a little surprised by her change in attitude. They had always been on good terms, but she had never been this physical before. Still, he just chuckled.
"I'll keep that in mind."
Just then, Thor and Hawkeye came around the corner, both looking relaxed.
"Ah! There he is—the great workshop warrior!" Thor laughed, slapping John on the back.
"We came back two days ago," Hawkeye added. "You were still locked away, so we figured you were building something in there."
John smirked.
"Just something small but useful."
Thor looked up at the sky, then back at the group.
"So… is it time?"
John nodded.
"Yeah. We've stayed long enough. It's time to go back to our Earth."
---
They walked together through the familiar halls of Avengers Tower. The building had become something of a second home during their short time there.
They found Tony standing in the main control room, looking at a screen full of reports and blinking lights. He turned as the group entered.
"Well, well," Tony said with a smile. "Look who finally decided to rejoin the land of the living."
John smiled.
"Tony… it's time. We're going back."
Tony's smile faded a little, his eyes softening. He walked forward and gave John a small nod.
"I figured. Things are calmer now."
"You all helped," John said quietly. "We just did what was right. And you would've done the same."
Tony paused, then extended his hand.
"You're a good man, John. You remind me of someone… someone I was proud to fight beside."
John took the handshake.
"I'll try to live up to that."
Thor and Tony exchanged a short hug.
"I'll miss your stories, Thunderboy," Tony said with a grin.
Hawkeye gave Tony a short nod.
"Take care."
Natasha looked at Tony and whispered,
"Thank you… for everything."
Tony waved it off with a smile, though his eyes were a bit glassy.
"Just don't forget to visit next time you guys come around."
---
John turned to the others.
"Everyone ready?"
Natasha, Thor, and Hawkeye joined hands with him, forming a circle.
"Let's go home," Natasha said softly.
John nodded and activated the rune fully. The circle of light grew brighter, surrounding them. In a second, the air shifted—the room around them blurred.
The journey was smooth and quiet. No chaos. No interruptions.
When the light faded, the group opened their eyes to find themselves standing in the lounge of Stark Tower—the very place where their journey had begun. Everything looked just as they had left it: the sleek furniture, the glowing tech panels, and the warm afternoon light streaming through the tall windows.
John took a deep breath. The air smelled familiar—like home.
Without wasting a moment, he sat down on one of the couches and closed his eyes, focusing inward. His mind traveled to the spiritual sea within him, where the rune glowed gently, spinning slowly like a silent guardian.
"Origin energy…" he muttered under his breath.
To his surprise, it was only half-empty.
So, traveling through a parallel Earth didn't drain much… interesting, he thought. He could feel the remnants of energy still swirling within the rune's formation. It must've absorbed energy from the environment itself… clever design.
He opened his eyes and looked at the others, who were quietly taking in the familiar room.
"So…" he said, stretching his arms a bit, "Where do you guys want to go now?"
There was silence.
John raised an eyebrow.
"What happened?"
Thor, Hawkeye, and Natasha glanced at each other. A silent conversation seemed to pass between them—one built on trust and shared experiences. Then Natasha stepped forward, her expression serious.
"John," she said, her voice steady but soft, "I want to become strong. Can you help me?"
John blinked.
"Uh… what?"
For a moment, he was confused. Then the meaning behind her words clicked.
"You want to become a Star Wizard… like me. Like Tony."
Natasha nodded.
"Yes. We all do."
Thor and Hawkeye stepped beside her. They didn't say anything, but their expressions made it clear—they stood with her.
Natasha took a deep breath and continued,
"Our experience in the other Earth… it changed us. We saw how easily things could spiral out of control. We faced enemies that didn't follow any rules, and we barely made it out. If not for you, we doubt we would've survived."
She paused, her eyes meeting John's.
"We realized that power matters. Not for glory, or pride—but for survival. To protect the people we care about. If your brother Tony could do it… then we can too."
John looked at the three of them. He hadn't expected this. Not from them—not like this. But the resolve in their eyes was undeniable.
A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Well," he said, standing up, "this is going to be interesting."
He looked at each of them, one by one.
"I won't lie. It won't be easy. It'll take time, effort, and more discipline than you've ever needed before."
Natasha crossed her arms.
"I'm ready."
Thor chuckled.
"I've been through worse."
Hawkeye nodded.
"Let's do it."
John stepped forward, his tone calm but firm.
"Alright then. I'll teach you. I'll help you walk the path. But remember—once you start, there's no turning back."
The three of them nodded in unison.
And just like that, something shifted. A new chapter was beginning to unfold, and the Avengers had taken their first step into it.
John glanced out the window, the city skyline stretching out before him.
'Let's see what the future holds,' he thought.