Back in my world, I confirmed that the two universes run on different time streams. I left the Stranger Things universe at midnight and stayed in the Marvel universe until around 6 a.m. However, when I returned, my clock showed it was only 2 a.m.
That means the Marvel universe runs about three times faster than mine. One day here is roughly three days there. Good thing I did not risk it, but thankfully those extra hours mean I have more time to prepare. Previously, I had around two months to prepare for the beginning of Season 1, but now I have six months. Not that I would be able to use the full six months, because I cannot just disappear for two months straight, but even if I only go to the Marvel universe every night, it gives me a whole extra day to prepare. Plus, I can always go after school too.
I would need to make the most of this time, which was why I spent the next day anxiously waiting while pretending to do nothing. Wasting a whole day, when the beginning of the apocalypse was getting closer, felt almost painful.
Finally, when the deadline I had agreed on with Tony ended, I returned to the Marvel universe while focusing on Tony's penthouse. I really did not want him annoying me again. I landed in his living room, the only room I had seen last time. However, this time he was not alone.
All the Avengers were there, just as he had promised. All of them, except Thor. I assumed he had already returned to Asgard.
Clint and Natasha were just chilling on the sofas. Although Clint was in a strange position; instead of sitting normally in the armchair, he was perched on top of it like a bird. Banner was at the table, surrounded by science reports, completely entranced, probably by something Tony had given him. Steve and Tony were arguing again in the corner. I did not even want to know what that was about this time.
The moment I arrived, every head snapped towards me. Steve immediately shifted into a fighting stance, while Natasha and Clint instinctively raised their guns in surprise.
I raised my hands above my head dramatically.
"Calm down. It's just me."
They relaxed, lowering their stances, though probably not completely. Spies and soldiers never fully relax.
"So, I know that we are all tired and recovering from the battle, and you probably want to go back to your normal lives, but I need help," I began. "Despite coming back to my normal universe, not expecting this craziness of yours, I realised that I was not completely safe. The lab in Hawkins is like a Sword of Damocles hanging over my head at all times. And since I cannot count on anyone there, I need your help."
I took a breath.
"I know that Tony probably informed you all already, but I need to prepare against this threat. Therefore, I will need your help with training. Please, I will owe you all a major favour in the future, one that you can cash in anytime," I said, desperately needing them to agree.
Tony did not hesitate.
"I already told you," he said, arms crossed. "I'm in. That was never up for debate."
Natasha stayed quiet for a moment, her expression unreadable. When she finally spoke, her voice was calm but heavy.
"I don't like the idea of training a child," she said honestly. "You shouldn't fight something like this alone." She met my eyes. "But I also won't let you walk into danger without knowing how to defend yourself. And if there are children being used like tools…" Her jaw tightened. "Then they deserve someone to stop it."
She looked almost murderous at the thought of the lab. The situation hit far too close to home for her. She wanted to spare those children the fate of becoming weapons, a fate she herself had once lived. It felt as if the lab was the Red Room, just wearing the mask of the United States in another universe.
Clint shifted beside her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Yeah," he said. "You're not doing this alone. If Nat's in, I'm in too. Looks like our mission in New York just got extended."
Bruce cleared his throat, pushing his glasses up nervously.
"I don't really know how much help I'll be," he admitted. "I'm not exactly… combat training material. That would be the Hulk." He gave a small, awkward smile. "But if there's science involved, or understanding what's happening to you, I'll do everything I can."
Steve had been listening quietly, arms folded, gaze steady. When he finally spoke, his voice carried quiet certainty.
"I've seen what happens when people experiment on others," he said. "Back in my day, we fought against it. This isn't any different." He looked at me seriously. "If you're standing up to something like that, you won't be doing it alone."
They were all in.
The lab had better watch out, because I had just assembled the Avengers against them. Even if they could not fight directly, the next few months of brutal training were about to begin.