Suddenly sparks erupted from the ceiling. The remnants of the star-shaped portal hadn't completely closed. A crack appeared in space — then something forced its way through.
A massive tentacle burst out and wrapped around America before anyone could react.
"AHHH!"
America struggled against its grip. The tentacle tightened and began dragging her toward the portal.
Tony reacted instantly. Nanoparticles surged across his body and formed around his arm. A repulsor charged in his palm — but the creature was moving constantly, using America as a shield. A direct shot risked hitting her.
He adjusted his aim several times and never fired. The angle was terrible.
"What are you looking at?!" America looked toward Luke. "Do something!"
Luke remained completely calm. In fact, he looked like he wasn't paying attention to the monster at all. "I'm wondering something."
"What?!"
"What the wedding venue should look like."
America stared at him. Then rage took over. "THIS IS NOT THE TIME FOR THAT!"
Tony lowered his repulsor slightly. Even he was beginning to feel sorry for her.
The tentacle kept pulling her toward the portal. "I'm serious!"
"I know," Luke nodded. "That is why I'm thinking seriously."
America felt her eye twitch.
The portal crack widened as more of the creature tried forcing its way through. Luke finally glanced toward it — from the tentacle to the dimensional tear — and looked mildly disappointed.
"Hmm."
The creature stopped moving. The tentacle froze completely, every part motionless. Then it crumbled into gray dust that vanished before touching the floor. The dimensional crack collapsed immediately afterward.
Complete silence returned to the workshop.
America fell onto the ground. Tony lowered his arm. Luke returned to thinking. "Maybe an island would work."
America sat on the floor staring at the spot where the creature had been. The thing had chased her across universes, torn through walls, survived attacks. Luke hadn't moved. Hadn't cast a spell. Hadn't done anything visible. The creature had simply died.
"He didn't even make a move," America said.
Tony shrugged. "You get used to it."
"No, you don't."
Tony thought about it. "Fair point."
America got back to her feet. "So am I free from that witch now?"
Luke shook his head. "Wanda is very persistent. She'll definitely send something else." His tone was completely matter-of-fact. "She won't stop until she gets her hands on your power — the ability to jump from universe to universe. It's an extremely rare ability."
"What does she need it for?"
"Something she can't obtain in her own universe."
America didn't like the sound of that.
"So, to permanently solve the problem, we go to her universe and talk to her."
America immediately shook her head. "No way. I've been running from that woman for who knows how long, and your solution is to go meet her?"
"Yes."
"That is the worst plan I've ever heard."
Luke looked completely unconcerned. "Not really. The alternative is spending the rest of your life running."
"That's not an option."
"I agree. Or I can remove your power." America almost looked hopeful — then Luke finished. "In the process, it will kill you."
Silence.
America pointed at him. "Why do your solutions keep getting worse?"
"Because those are the realistic ones."
America covered her face with both hands. "Doesn't this have any peaceful solution?"
"Of course."
She immediately lowered her hands. "Really?"
"Yep. I can grant you a peaceful death."
America's expression went completely blank. Tony closed his eyes. Even he felt that answer was a little much.
"Luke, this isn't really the time to be playing games," Tony said.
America immediately nodded. For once she was completely on his side.
Luke shook his head. "I'm not playing games." His expression became more serious.
"I'm saying this for her own good. Her power is unique even among the multiverse — there aren't many abilities like it. If she doesn't learn how to deal with the people chasing her, this won't be the last time."
America remained silent. Deep down she knew he was right.
"Today it's Wanda. In the future it could be someone worse. Someone stronger. Someone who doesn't hesitate." Luke's tone wasn't harsh. Just matter-of-fact.
"She can't spend her entire life looking for easy routes and hoping problems disappear on their own."
America looked away. That was exactly what she had been trying to avoid.
"And don't worry." His voice softened slightly. "I'll be there to help you."
America looked back at him.
Luke turned toward Tony. "Do you want to come?"
"Me? Why?"
"Because I think you'll find something valuable in that universe."
Tony narrowed his eyes. Luke clearly knew something and wasn't saying what. "What exactly am I supposed to find?"
"If I tell you now, it'll ruin it."
Tony sighed. That sounded exactly like something Luke would say.
Considering the timeline America came from — one that should exist sometime after Endgame, where Tony Stark had died and Wanda had fully become the Scarlet Witch — Luke already had a rough idea of what was waiting there.
Tony studied Luke's face. He couldn't get anything else out of him.
Luke turned back to America. "So, Chavez. Are you coming?" He waited patiently. "Or do you plan on running for the rest of your life?"
America looked at the floor. Then at Luke. Then back at the floor. Running forever, or willingly walking into the universe containing the person she had spent months trying to escape from. Neither option sounded appealing.
Tony watched the internal struggle on her face. "Good luck," he said.
*****
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