As all of the Sakaaran Mercenaries defeated and Ronan the Accuser lay defeated, the battlefield ARE now quiet. Amidst the scattered debris and the aftermath of intense combat, Michael Wilson, aka the Legendary Spider-Man, Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man Red, and their allies—Peter Quill, Drax, Groot, Gamora, Mark Taylor, aka Nightwing, Mark's wife Emily Taylor, aka Lady Vamp, Agent Phil Coulson, and Agent Jemma Simmons—gathered to say their farewells.
The air was thick with the smell of ozone and scorched metal, the ground littered with remnants of the fierce battle. The Guardians of the Galaxy stood in a semi-circle, their postures gradually relaxing as the immediate threat dissipated.
Peter Quill, still catching his breath and clutching a wound on his side, approached Michael Wilson. The look on his face was a mix of exhaustion and gratitude. "Um..." he started, his voice trailing off as he tried to find the right words.
Michael looked at Peter Quill with a curious expression, tilting his head slightly. "Yes?"
Peter Quill hesitated for a moment, then spoke earnestly. "I'm sorry for being a jerk and... Thank you, Spider-Man."
Michael Wilson nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face. "No, call me by my name... My name is Michael Wilson." With that, he took off his mask, revealing his face to everyone.
Everyone who saw Michael's face was shocked. The usually reserved Gamora's eyes widened slightly. Peter Parker, standing nearby, was particularly taken aback. "Captain, you... took off your mask." he said, his voice filled with surprise and admiration.
Michael laughed, a light, genuine sound that contrasted with the somber battlefield. "It's okay, Red. They should know me. This is my respect towards them."
Peter Parker, emboldened by his mentor's actions, took off his mask too, revealing his youthful face. The movement was smooth, a deliberate act of solidarity.
Phil Coulson, already familiar with both Michael and Peter's identities, watched with a knowing smile. Agent Jemma Simmons, on the other hand, was taken by surprise, her eyes widening as she pieced together the revelation. "He... is... Director Loe... Hallo...-" she stammered, her voice trailing off.
Phil nodded, still smiling. "I know, I know. He is Director Loe's close friend, Michael Wilson." he said, his tone calm and reassuring.
Gamora looked at Michael Wilson, clearly impressed. "He is handsome," she remarked, then turned her gaze to Peter Parker and added with a smirk, "and this red one is a teenager."
Drax, with his usual bluntness, stared at Peter Parker. "You are a kid?" he asked, his deep voice filled with incredulity.
Peter Quill, joining the conversation, said, "Yeah, you are?" He looked at Peter Parker with raised eyebrows.
Peter Parker chuckled, "I'm 15. Hehehe." he said, his laughter light and youthful.
Peter Quill, ever the charmer, turned to Michael Wilson with a playful grin. "And I am more handsome than you" he declared confidently.
Drax shook his head, disagreeing with Quill. "No, you are not. You are a dude, and this man is a handsome man." he said, pointing to Michael Wilson with a straightforward honesty that only Drax could muster.
Peter Quill, feigning offense, said, "Excuse me?" He placed a hand over his heart, mimicking a wounded expression.
Everyone burst into laughter, the tension of battle giving way to camaraderie and relief. For a moment, amidst the debris and the remnants of their hard-fought victory, they were just people, sharing a rare and much-needed moment of levity.
Michael Wilson, without mask, stood among the Guardians of the Galaxy and their allies, breathing heavily but with a sense of satisfaction. His gaze swept over the varied expressions of relief and exhaustion on their faces. The tension that had gripped them moments ago had melted away, replaced by a rare and much-needed moment of levity.
"It's time to say goodbye." Michael finally declared, breaking the brief silence that followed their shared laughter.
Peter Quill, his posture relaxed but still bearing the marks of battle, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's been quite a ride."
Michael glanced around at the gathered group, then paused thoughtfully. "Wait, what about the Power Stone?"
Peter Quill, ever the charismatic leader, waved off the concern with a casual gesture. "Nah, you can have it. That Power Stone won't work in your universe anyway."
A flicker of realization crossed Michael's eyes. "Oh, okay." he responded, inwardly noting the differences between comic lore and the cinematic universe.
In his mind, Michael mused; Well, I already know the Infinity Stones won't work in another universe. I saw it in the movies where they won't work, but there is also an exception when it comes to comic materials.
Before Michael could delve deeper into his thoughts, Peter Quill interrupted with heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you once again, really."
Michael nodded warmly, a smile spreading across his face. "You're welcome." he replied sincerely, appreciating the bonds forged in battle and the victories they had shared.
Around them, the Guardians and their allies began to exchange farewells and final words. Laughter and banter filled the air as friendships solidified amidst the aftermath of conflict. The moment was a reminder that even in the face of daunting odds and interdimensional battles, moments of connection and shared purpose were what truly mattered.
..........
[Gamora side]
On the other side of the battlefield, Emily and Gamora were saying their farewells. The landscape around them was littered with the remnants of battle: shattered weapons, broken pieces of armor, and scorched earth.
Gamora, still catching her breath but visibly relieved, approached Emily Taylor, aka Lady Vamp. "Um... V, thanks for helping us." she said, her voice tinged with gratitude and respect.
Emily turned to Gamora with a warm smile, her features still showing signs of her half-vampire nature, heightened by the lingering rush of adrenaline. "Call me sis." she said warmly, acknowledging the bond that had formed between them during the intense battle.
Gamora's smile widened in response to Emily's gesture. "Sis." she agreed, the word carrying a depth of camaraderie born from shared triumph and danger.
.......
[Drax side]
Meanwhile, amidst the scattered debris, Drax and Groot stood shoulder to shoulder with Peter Parker, known as Spider-Man Red, and Mark Taylor, also known as Nightwing. The quartet, their breaths visible in the cool, post-battle air, stood together as a testament to their resilience and the bond forged in battle.
Drax, his muscular form showing the marks of battle, turned to Peter Parker with a rare expression of gratitude. "Thank you, Red." he said, his voice gruff but sincere, acknowledging Peter's contribution in the fight against Ronan.
Peter Parker nodded appreciatively, wiping sweat from his brow. "Thanks, man." he replied, feeling a sense of pride in earning Drax's respect.
Drax corrected him with a nod, his demeanor softening slightly. "Drax." he stated firmly, offering his name as a token of their shared respect.
Peter Parker extended his hand, accepting the warrior's gesture wholeheartedly. "Parker—no, Peter Parker." he corrected himself with a smile, his tone friendly yet respectful.
They shook hands firmly, their grips strong and unyielding, symbolizing the bond forged through their shared battle. Drax nodded once more, his voice carrying a rare warmth. "Goodbye, friend." he said, his words filled with sincerity and respect.
Peter Parker returned the sentiment with equal sincerity. "Goodbye, friend." he replied, a sense of camaraderie warming his heart amidst the cool aftermath of battle.
Groot, towering beside Drax, then turned his attention to Peter Parker. "I am Groot." he rumbled, his deep voice resonating with gratitude and respect for the young hero who had fought bravely alongside them.
Peter Parker smiled warmly at Groot's simple words. "I am Peter Parker. Goodbye, Groot." he replied, acknowledging the sentient tree's unspoken gratitude.
Mark Taylor, standing beside Peter Parker, mirrored his actions with Drax, extending his hand to shake the warrior's firm grip. "Bye, Drax." he said, feeling a sense of respect for the formidable fighter who had stood valiantly against their common foe.
Drax nodded once more, his expression softening. "Bye, Nightwing," he said, using Mark's alias with a hint of camaraderie.
Mark corrected him with a friendly smile. "Call me Mark." he replied, feeling a bond forming between them.
Drax nodded again, a rare smile crossing his rugged features. "Bye, Mark, friend." he said, acknowledging their shared connection forged in battle.
Mark chuckled softly, feeling the weight of their shared experience and mutual respect. "Friend." he echoed, appreciating the warrior's straightforward nature and honor.
Turning to Groot, Mark extended his hand once more. "Bye, Groot." he said, addressing the towering tree creature with genuine warmth.
Groot responded in kind, his expression gentle despite his formidable appearance. "I am Groot," he replied, the words carrying a depth of gratitude and farewell.
.......
[Rocket side]
Rocket the Raccoon stood amidst the charred remains of a fallen tree, its once vibrant leaves reduced to ash. The air around them carried the lingering scent of burning wood and metal, a testament to the fierce battle that had recently unfolded. Nearby, Agents Phil Coulson and Jemma Simmons stood, their expressions a mix of weariness and quiet admiration.
Rocket, ever the brash but loyal companion, turned to the agents with a sharp salute. "Bye, agents." he said with a nod, his tone gruff but tinged with genuine appreciation.
Agent Phil Coulson couldn't help but chuckle at Rocket's mannerisms, a faint smile playing on his lips. Returning the salute with a sense of formality, he replied, "Bye, Agent Rocket." acknowledging the raccoon's unique role in their recent victory.
Rocket's smile widened, a rare moment of pride evident in his eyes. He nodded once more, acknowledging Coulson's farewell.
Agent Jemma Simmons, moved by the camaraderie despite the chaotic circumstances, stepped forward and embraced Rocket tightly. Her arms encircled the small, furry creature, conveying a warmth and gratitude that transcended words. "Bye, Rocket." she said softly, her voice filled with genuine affection.
Rocket, unaccustomed to such displays of affection but touched nonetheless, patted her back awkwardly. "Bye, Agent Jemma." he replied, his voice gruff but appreciative.
.......
With all farewells exchanged, Michael Wilson, aka Legendary Spider-Man, Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man Red, Mark Taylor, aka Nightwing, Mark's wife Emily Taylor, aka Lady Vamp, and Agents Phil Coulson and Jemma Simmons prepared to return to their own universe. They gathered near a shimmering portal, its edges crackling with energy, casting an ethereal light over the group.
As they activated their portal device, the Guardians of the Galaxy watched them with a mix of gratitude and respect. The heroes from different worlds had forged bonds that would last a lifetime, their shared struggles creating a profound connection.
Peter Parker, known in this universe as Spider-Man Red, turned back for one last look at his newfound friends. "Goodbye, everyone!" he called out, his voice filled with youthful exuberance as he waved energetically.
Peter Quill gave a thumbs up, his trademark grin back in place. "Take care, Spider-Man!"
Drax, standing stoically with his arms crossed over his chest, nodded solemnly. "Stay strong, friends." he intoned, his words carrying the weight of his warrior spirit.
Groot, the towering tree-like creature, spoke in his deep and resonant voice. "I am Groot." he said simply, a heartfelt farewell that conveyed volumes in its simplicity.
As the portal closed behind them, the Guardians of the Galaxy stood together, contemplating the incredible allies they had just made. For Michael Wilson and his team, the journey home marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, their adventures far from over.
[The End of The Convergence Arc]