Strength is confidence. Life is stronger when you embrace your roots.
When the years of a long, powerful life collapsed back into mere decades, Carol—already nearing fifty—felt her resolve shatter.
"No, no, no, no," she gasped, calm gone. The stubbornness that had lifted her after every setback vanished.
Her trembling hands reached to touch her face. Her arms—once powerful—felt brittle. Wrinkles etched her cheeks in ugly lines.
Carol stared in horror, light draining from her eyes. It was as if she'd fallen into a dark well, the world slipping away.
"Already feeling pain? Don't worry. Humans are adaptable. You'll grow accustomed to it," Malrick said gently. "It will hang over you like a nightmare for the rest of your days."
His voice startled her. She raised her dim gaze to him as if seeing hope again.
"Don't do this, Malrick," she pleaded. "Please—grant it back to me. I can't lose them."
Never had she regretted so much: returning to Earth, confronting him with force, or trusting her fondness for a cause misread. And worst of all—trying to stand firm when she was outmatched.
Carol crawled toward him, inching forward with desperation. But Malrick's telekinesis halted her.
"Realizing the value of something only after losing it is too late and meaningless. May your days be spent learning what it truly means to cherish something."
He opened a portal. "I'm sending you to Tony—it's time you accounted for your deeds before the world."
He would hand her over to the international court for trial. He pictured her fading existence in the Raft prison—a fitting punishment.
On Earth, at Stark Tower
Tony stared, incredulous. "You wiped them out just like that? Didn't they use the internet? Know how strong you are?"
"If they did," Malrick replied, "they're next-level disgusting."
As Carol's shouts echoed from the corridor, Tony poured a glass of brandy. "She's in your hands. Make it an honest outcome."
Tony spun his finger overhead. "Everyone knows only you could stop hundreds of those green monsters in one shot. Jarvis recorded you—it's proof. You say something, nobody will argue."
He smirked. "Though sometimes... you seem awfully dark, Superman. Haven't even met your soul mate yet. Is this mood appropriate?"
Malrick sighed. "The wings on my back are tangled—I wouldn't call it unearthed."
"Not denying you're dark? No wonder you've been wearing black." Tony lifted his glass, voice softer.
"Is something bothering you?" Malrick asked, noting Tony's grip trembled.
Tony cleared his throat. "I can't help being nervous when those glowing Skrulls showed up. Each as powerful as Captain Marvel."
Malrick grinned. "I have them under control."
"Controlled?"
He nodded. "With help from the Starry Sky World's Enslavement Secret Art."
Tony's eyes widened. "A secret art? Wow, Malrick, you're not sounding like such a hero anymore."
Malrick revealed a swirling white-gold glow in his hand. "A present."
Tony, surprised: "Fiftyth birthday?"
"Yes, and it's your power now—super strength, speed, self-healing, enhanced lifespan."
Tony leaned forward in awe. "You stripped Carol's powers... and plan to give them to me?"
Malrick nodded. "Best punishment I could devise."
Tony panicked. "I don't want to be a glowing dress!"
"You're in front of divine power and worried about looks?" Malrick raised an eyebrow.
Tony paced, considering. "Give it to the Men in Black—they need it more."
"They can borrow my power when they need and protect others," Malrick replied.
Tony brightened. "That's a great idea. But hmm... maybe Jack or Pepper would benefit more?"
Malrick nodded again.
Tony beamed. "Pepper would be perfect—self-sufficient and safe."
Malrick opened a portal with a half-smile.
On the other side, Pepper paused mid-tea. "Tony? Malrick? What are you two scheming now?"
Ever since Jarvis became sentient, Pepper had time for thoughtful moments again.
"Want to stay beautiful forever?" Malrick asked with a grin.
"Eternal youth? Don't joke, Malrick!" Pepper set down her teacup.
__
Get access to chapters in advance by becoming patrons.
patreon.com/Zphyr_