The familiar hum of the TVA timepad signaled their arrival in yet another universe. The group stepped out of the swirling portal and onto a deserted New York street. But this time, something felt… off. The streets weren't bustling with the life Harley had come to associate with the city. Instead, they were eerily quiet. The few people around moved like shadows, their faces gaunt, their eyes hollow.
"Okay, this is depressing," Deadpool said, looking around. "Is this New York, or did we stumble onto the set of The Walking Dead: The Aftermath? Where's my Rick Grimes cameo?"
Doctor Strange's expression darkened as he surveyed their surroundings. "This is Earth after Thanos's snap. Half of all life is gone. It's been five years since that day."
Harley's stomach churned. He'd seen this in the movies, but seeing it in person—the absence of life, the quiet despair—it hit differently. "So, this is… the aftermath?" he asked.
Strange nodded. "And the remaining Avengers are here, somewhere. We need to find them."
As they started walking, a small group of pedestrians stopped to stare at them. One older man squinted at Doctor Strange, recognition dawning on his face.
"Doctor Strange?" the man said, his voice trembling.
Strange offered a tight nod.
"Weren't you… weren't you gone? Like… snapped?"
Strange gave him a brief, grim smile. "It's complicated."
The man stared at Logan and Deadpool next. "Who are they supposed to be? Cosplayers?"
Deadpool put a hand on his chest, feigning offense. "Cosplayers? Excuse me, sir, this is authentic leather! Also, where's the nearest shawarma place? Asking for a friend."
The man frowned, muttering something about crazy people, and shuffled away.
Logan smirked. "You've really got a way with people, Wade."
"Thank you, I try," Deadpool replied, twirling dramatically. "But let's not ignore the fact that no one here recognizes me. No love for the 'Merc with a Mouth'? This world truly is broken."
Strange ignored him, gesturing for the group to follow. "Come. The Avengers' compound is this way."
The walk to the compound was filled with a heavy silence, punctuated only by Deadpool's occasional quips. When they finally arrived, the place looked as desolate as the streets. The once-bustling base now had the air of a relic, its grounds overgrown, its buildings weathered.
"Welcome to Avengers HQ," Deadpool said with mock enthusiasm. "Sponsored by sadness and poor landscaping."
The main doors opened as they approached, revealing Steve Rogers and Natasha Romanoff standing inside.
Steve stepped forward, his face weary but still holding the unyielding strength Harley had always admired. "Doctor Strange," he greeted, his voice calm but tinged with surprise. "We thought you were gone."
"I was," Strange replied. "But things have changed. I need your help."
Natasha's sharp gaze moved to Logan and Deadpool. "Who are they?"
Deadpool raised a hand, grinning. "Hi, I'm Deadpool, and this is Wolverine. We're here to save your universe. You're welcome."
Natasha didn't flinch. "And the kid?"
Harley, caught off guard, stammered, "Uh, I'm Harley. Just… along for the ride."
Steve exchanged a glance with Natasha. "You'd better come inside."
Inside the compound, the atmosphere was no less somber. Steve and Natasha led them to a sparsely furnished meeting room.
"We've lost a lot," Steve began, his voice steady but laden with pain. "The Avengers are scattered. Tony… he's gone. Clint went rogue. Thor is off-world. What's left of us is just trying to keep things together."
Strange nodded. "I understand. But this isn't just about your world. The multiverse is at stake."
Natasha leaned forward. "What does that mean?"
Strange explained, detailing the broken timelines, the TVA's intervention, and the cascading consequences of Thanos's actions rippling across realities.
Steve listened intently, his jaw tightening. "You're saying this is bigger than anything we've faced before?"
"Yes," Strange replied simply.
Natasha stood. "We'll need Bruce. Rocket, too."
Steve hesitated. "They'll come. But this…" He looked at the group, his gaze lingering on Deadpool. "This is going to take some explaining."
"Oh, don't worry," Deadpool said, throwing an arm around Harley. "Exposition is my specialty. Speaking of which, when's the team dinner? Do you still do shawarma?"
Logan pinched the bridge of his nose. "I swear, Wade, one more word…"
Deadpool winked at him. "Relax, Logan. It's not like this is the endgame or anything. Oh wait…"
Natasha and Steve exchanged confused glances, but Strange merely sighed. "Let's get everyone here first. Then we can figure out our next move."