When we are Broken, We will not Win.

Natasha POV

There were many things Natasha regretted. Apart from the obvious red in her ledger. Most recently she had been scolding herself for not noticing. She was a supposed to be a superspy and yet had completely misjudged someone’s character. After she had looked up from her book to see Tony stumbling through the room, looking practically dead, she had been worried. She didn’t show it of course, he didn’t trust her after all and trying to make a move towards him would probably make things worse. She had watched him stagger towards his room, before deciding to follow him to make sure he was alright. Standing she had moved after him and sunk into the shadows outside his room and sat there thinking. She had sat there probably for several hours engulfed in her thoughts which had drifted from worrying about Tony to her confused thoughts on Bruce. Then a noise came from Tony’s room and Natasha sat up and alert listening closely, the noise was heard again but Natasha couldn’t quite make it out. Listening intently she heard it again clearer now. It was a whimper, Natasha froze wondering what was happening inside Tony’s room. She crept forwards and silently opened the door to his room slightly. Tony was tossing and turning in his bed, groaning and crying out. A nightmare, Natasha then almost hit herself, of course it was. He did have PTSD after all, creeping back out she began to head to Rhodey’s room down the hall deciding that waking him herself wouldn’t be the best idea. She knocked on his door and waited. A minute or two later Rhodey opened the door already alert, must be his military training, Natasha thought. Seeing that it was Natasha there he frowned raising an eyebrow.

“Tony’s having a nightmare.” she said calmly, “I thought you would be the better option over me to wake him up.” Rhodey sighed and began to head relatively quickly to Tony’s room. It must be a regular occurrence, Natasha thought, Judging by his reaction, worried, but not surprised. Natasha followed quietly after him. Standing by the door as if entering Tony’s room would be a major violation of his privacy. Ironic considering her line of work. Rhodey looked at her before heading into the room.

“Thank you for telling me, you can go.” He stated before hurrying into the room, the door swung shut behind him but didn’t close leaving a crack in the door. Natasha sunk back into the shadows and listened, Tony had begun to scream now, no wonder they had their rooms so far away from anyone else. His screams were so full of pain and fear Natasha almost ran into the room to attempt to kill the terror’s that plagued him, but she couldn’t so she didn’t. Rhodey was speaking too, attempting to wake Tony up she guessed. After a minute the screams returned to a constant moaning of No, No, No, a pleading that seemed to invade Natasha’s mind and worm its way into her own tortured memories. Then as Rhodey yelled a final plea of,

“Tony wake up!” There was a sharp intake of breath and then a thud and hyperventilating as Tony woke up and crashed to the floor, Natasha could just make him out on his knees Rhodey crouched near him, mouth moving in comforting words.

“Worse than normal,” Rhodey said, a confirmation of the regular occurrence of terror Tony’s insomnia making so much more sense now. “You wanna talk about it?” Tony shook his head. “You need help Tones. If not professional then just talk to one of us. Talk to me.” But Tony Stark never seemed to want to talk to anyone.

“When I’m ready,” he muttered. Natasha could just make out the words from the shaking wreck of a man that knelt on the floor, not looking like Tony Stark at all. Rhodey replied to the statement voice laced with sadness.

“You never seem to be.”

---

Natasha had found herself sitting on the edge of a circular metal platform that stood elevated from the grassy plain spreading out from the palace. She had almost ran to escape the all too familiar derailment to her previous friend, the shame clouding her senses as she felt responsible for his mental state, not just because of the Accords issue, but for not noticing, for not asking if he was ever okay. The sun was rising, beautiful, over the shining paradise. Natasha sat there, legs hanging off the side of the platform and skimming the grass until the sun was nearly fully risen, consumed in her thoughts when she heard the noise behind her. Jumping up and turning she saw it was Thor and his friend, Heimdall if Natasha remembers correctly, in a discussion and heading towards the field.

“I will go to Xandar first, then Nidavellir, then Knowwhere. It is a logical way to inform those holding the stones that they should prepare for an attack. Thanos is likely to attack them first considering he is in space already.” Thor was saying and Heimdall was nodding in agreement, then Thor noticed her. His expression hardened ever so slightly.

“Lady Natasha,” he said, back to formalities then. She nodded at them and then raised the question.

“Where are you going?” Thor hesitated before answering.

“To check on the protection of the other infinity stones and get a new weapon since Mjolnir was destroyed.” Natasha nodded, this seemed logical.

“Okay,” she said. Everything was so professional, it was times like this she missed the original Avengers when everything was so relaxed and even she had to admit, fun. Thor continues to walk, to the far edge of the field close to the force field that was a dome around the place. Heimdall didn’t follow far just stood near Natasha and waited until Thor stopped and turned back to them. He then began to mutter some words about Allfather’s or something and then the rainbow light came down and Thor was gone. Natasha turned and went back into the palace and to the common room. Sitting back down she resumed her book. A short while later she heard someone’s footsteps heading down the hall and towards the room. Turning her eyes up she saw Bruce enter the room and head to the kettle to make some tea. After putting the kettle on he noticed her.

“Nat,” he said haltingly.

“Bruce,” Natasha replied smiling slightly.

He finished making his tea and was about to walk out when Natasha spoke again.

“Can we talk?” Bruce stopped and looked at her then sat down in a chair opposite hers. He then waited for her to speak.

“What’s going to happen? When this is over.”

“What are you referring to Nat, Earth, the Avengers, or do you mean us.”

“Something like that.”

“I don’t know.” they sat in silence for a while, Bruce sipping his tea now and then. “He was our friend. Our family, someone we were supposed to protect not destroys.” Natasha knew he was talking about Tony.

“I was a fool, I should have noticed. Not said the things I did.”

“But you did.” Bruce stood up preparing to leave again. Before he went Natasha stood up too walking to him.

“Do you hate me?” she had to know, in case her deductions were wrong. Bruce smiled sadly.

“I probably should, Tony’s my best friend and you hurt him. But I can’t hate you, I can’t. But.” he paused, “I don’t know if I can forgive you.” Bruce left the room leaving Natasha with the hole in her heart that seemed to constantly be growing.

Peter Quill POV

Peter watched as Rocket fiddled with something across the table, probably making another bomb, Peter was almost hoping it was a bomb, anything to stop the incredibly boring bimonthly meeting with the Nova Corps that they had insisted on otherwise they’d put them back on their wanted list since the Guardians were a risk or whatever when unaccounted for. The Nova Prime was talking about something, Peter wasn’t listening, probably Gamora would be the only one listening considering she was the most responsible. Looking at her now Peter couldn’t turn his face back away, she was truly beautiful. Feeling his eyes she turned to him and glared, Peter merely smirked and she rolled her eyes turning away. Peter was about to pull out his Zune when there was a knock on the door. Nova Prime turned and motioned for the door to be opened and Nova Prime’s assistant entered,

“Maam there is someone here to talk to you.” Nova Prime stood up.

“Who is it?” she asked. In answer a man walked in, muscled, annoyingly handsome, and eyepatched he smiled at Nova Prime.

“Your Highness,” she said, bowing her head slightly in a gesture of respect. Irritated by the attention, specifically Gamora’s attention on this man Peter spoke up.

“Who are you?” he asked failing at keeping the annoyance out of his voice. Rocket spoke before he could answer.

“He’s obviously royalty dumbass, are you deaf?”

“I am Groot,” confirmed Groot.

“But Quill is not deaf.” Drax said confused, “surely you know this?”

“Shut up you idiots!” snapped Gamora making them fall into a disgruntled silence.

“Apologies for them, they are useful but lack manners,” Dey said smirking.

“Who are you calling useful.” grumbled Rocket, “Are we your tools now.”

“That’s a compliment Rocket.” sighed Gamora, rubbing her temples.

“It’s fine, they remind me of the Avengers on Midgard.” the Man said still smiling. “I am Thor, Son of Odin, God of Thunder, and King of Asgard.”

“Are you really a God?” asked Mantis eyes wide, great just great, this man couldn’t get any more perfect could he.

“Yes I am”

“So you're immortal?” asked Rocket.

“Almost.”

“So, theoretically, someone could kill you?”

“Anyone can be killed,”

“What would it take to kill you?”

“Shut up Rocket,” hissed Gamora.

“Just asking some questions.” Rocket said a glint in his eyes.

“How may we help you?” asked Nova Prime.

“I merely come with a warning and a question,” Thor said. “I would like to inquire if you truly have the Power Stone and how well defended it is.” The room instantly became incredibly tense.

“Woah, Woah, Woah. Why do you need to know that?” Peter asked in suspicion. Thor smiled grimly.

“You need to be prepared,” he said.

“What for?” Mantis asked in fear, Peter noticed Gamora’s eyes were downcast, he knew what was coming instantly.

“Thanos,” Thor said simply. “He has begun his quest for the infinity stones more actively, and is likely to attack here, or Knowhere first.”

“I am Groot?”

“Yes there is a stone on Knowhere,” replied Thor to Groot.

“You speak Groot?” said Rocket in disbelief.

“Why would there be a stone on Knowhere? That’s a stupid place for one.” Peter said.

“Or the perfect place,” Thor said.

“How can you be so sure he is going to Xandar or Knowhere first?” asked Gamora.

“There are six infinity stones as I assume you know, the Soul stone is lost and the Time, Space, and Mind stones are on Earth, or Terra as I think you call it, with the Avengers.”

“Who are the Avengers and just how did they get three Infinity stones?” asked Peter in disbelief that mingled with his shock that his birthplace was mingled in with the chaos again.

“Earth’s mightiest heroes, one of the Avengers has the Mind stone in his head, another is a sworn protector of the Time stone and the Space stone was on Asgard before it was destroyed.”

“Is Kevin Bacon on the team?” asked Mantis, Peter almost grimaced.

“Who? No. Not that I know anyway. But I just wanted to make sure you were okay with continued protection of the Power stone before I go to Nidavellir.”

“You made up that word,” says Drax, but Rocket’s eyes has sparked in excitement and he leaps up.

“Nidavellir is real!”

“What’s Nidavellir?” Peter asked cluelessly.

“They make the most powerful and dangerous weapons in the galaxy,” Thor is grinning at Rocket now, “things that can destroy whole planets and civilizations. I would very much like to go there.”

“Why do you need a weapon with that level of awesomeness?” questioned Drax.

“To kill Thanos,” said Thor as if they were discussing the weather, Peter thought he saw Gamora winced ever so slightly.

“Couldn’t we all use a weapon like that?” said Peter in irritation.

“Your mortal bodies could never wield something as powerful as their weapons, your bodies would be crushed as you mind dissolved into insanity.” Rocket was practically jumping up and down at the prospect of these weapons.

If Thanos is coming” interrupted Dey, “He would most definitely destroy all of Xandar.” Nova Prime looked greatly troubled by this.

“If you would prefer I can take the Power stone back to Earth, we have plans to either destroy the stones or hide them somewhere else,” said Thor, Nova Prime considered this.

“That would probably be the best option, I would rather not endanger Xandar and her people.” She then motioned to Dey and he left the room presumably to retrieve the Orb.

“I am Groot.”

“Groot’s right, we should accompany the stone and help protect it on Terra,” said Rocket.

“Rocket you just want to go to Nidavellir.” Peter sighed.

“That is true.”

“You also just want to leave this meeting, not that I’m complaining.”

“That is also true.”

“Well brave rabbit you are welcome to accompany me on my quest to Nidavellir. Your friends can join as well if they desire.” Thor said.

“Rabbit?” muttered Rocket offended. Dey walked back into the room carrying the small orb containing the stone he then gingerly handed it to Thor who put it in a small bag on his hip.

“So are we going to Nidave-what now then?” asked Peter annoyed.

“We should join Thor, the orb should have the best protection possible,” Gamora said.

“Come on then.” Rocket said heading to the door. “We can use the Benatar.”

“Is this your ship?” asked Thor following, Groot trailed behind pulling out his Game and continuing on Defender.

“Yeah, It’s my ship,” smirked Rocket.

“Except it’s my ship,” muttered Peter, standing up with the rest of them and bidding Nova Prime goodbye.

“Peter, this is good, if we can destroy the stones then it should stop my father from genocide.” Gamora sighed next to him.

“I know, but should we really trust this guy?”

“I think so if he tries to kill us then well, he’s outnumbered.” Gamora took his hand and smiled at him. “Once Thanos is gone everything will be okay.” but Peter noted the almost questioning tone in her voice like she wasn’t sure herself.

Thor POV

Thor looked out the window of the Guardian’s ship, rolling the orb in between his hand. He was thinking, about Thanos, and the Avengers and Loki, when he felt the presence next to him, turning he saw Drax, staring at his face.

“God man, where is your eye?”

“Drax, be polite,” called Gamora from the chair at the table behind them, not looking up from a tablet she was tapping things into.

“It is fine, I do not mind,” said Thor rubbing the eyepatch. “My sister cut it out”

“Does she not like you?” asked Mantis appearing behind Drax eyes wide.

“You could say that. She hated my father more though.” Thor rubbed his eyepatch again.

“You plan to fight Thanos with one eye?” asked Quill.

“I don’t have any other eyes so yes, I do.”

“I am Groot.”

“Yes that is true Groot, I do have a spare eye somewhere.” Rocket said beginning to rummage in a box. Several seconds later he pulled out an eyeball with a golden iris. “Here.”

“You just have a spare eyeball laying around?” asked Thor surprised.

“I won it from a guy I was betting with in Contraxia.”

“He gave you his eye?”

“No he gave me some credits, I snuck into his room and stole his eye.”

“Of course you did.” sighed Gamora. Thor just shrugged and took off his eyepatch, Groot leaned forward in excitement. Holding open his eye he popped the eyeball in. Rocket smirked, Thor didn’t bother to ask why though he was too busy tapping his head and adjusting the eye.

“Thank you sweet Rabbit,” he said, Rocket scowled at the name. Thor looked back out the window. “Something’s wrong.” He moved forward looking right out of the glass.

“Are we here?” asked Mantis curiously.

Yes, but it’s too dark and the rings are frozen. Nidavellir isn’t even burning.” While the Guardians ship landed everyone started preparing for a fight, just in case. Thor leading the door began to open and they stepped out. No, The mine was dark and deserted, Thor headed to where he remembered Eitri’s workshop to be.

“We have to get out of here,” said Gamora horrified.

“What?” asked Quill.

“That Gauntlet,” she said pointing to the golden gauntlet standing on a desk. “It is exactly like Thanos’s.” All of a sudden there was a roar as a large person came in and flung the Guardian’s to the sides and Thor slammed into a wall, the figure charged him.

“Eitri! Stop,” he yelled.

“T-Thor?” Eitri asked still defensive but anger replaced with confusion. “Where were you,” he was angry again. “Asgard was supposed to protect us!”
“Asgard was destroyed.” At that Eitri looked shocked, hands lowering slightly from the defensive posture. “Eitri,” Thor gestured to the gauntlet. “What did you do?”

Eitri turned away and sat down with a crash that resonated through the room. The Guardians had stood up and were tentatively approaching them.

“He came, I thought, if I made it, he might not kill my people. There were 300 dwarves here. He took my work and killed them all, spare me.” Eitri rubbed his face looking depressed.

“Eitri, I am so sorry for your loss, but I need you now. Your creations, they are the most powerful in the universe. Thanos plans to kill trillions, and although it seems like it's too late, that all hope is lost, together, you and me, together we can stop Thanos.” Eitri stared at him.

“I would Thor, but I can’t, he stopped the forge, the rings won’t move, without Nidavellir burning no weapons will be made here.”

“Leave that to me.” Thor smiled sadly, “Guardians I will need you to get back into your ship soon.” Eitri sighed standing up he headed over and some arms moved an engraved brick down to them.

“A mold, for a kings weapon, the mightiest in Asgard, in theory, it can summon the Bifrost.”

“Does it have a name?” asked Thor gazing at the brick.

“Stormbreaker.”

“Bit dramatic.” Thor heard Rocket mutter behind him.

-

Thor stood on one of the rings holding a rope tied to the Guardian’s ship. Rocket and Quill were inside piloting but the others waited with Eitri.

“You ready?” came Quill’s voice over the earpiece they had given him to connect to their ship and Eitri back in the forge.

“Yes, full speed Quill,” Thor replied grounding his feet, the ship began to move and it tugged the rope, the building pressure had caused Thor to begin to move on the ring. Jamming his feet onto a ledge on the side Thor yelled into the comm, “Faster.” The speed on the ship pulling on the rope had begun to press his feet into the metal denting it.

“Quill he said faster, that means full speed.” Rocket said over the comm. The ring underneath him shifted slightly as the Guardians ship began to reach full speed. There was a shudder under his feet as the ship reached full speed and the ring began to slowly turn, then move, they had done it.

“Yes!” yelled Thor overjoyed. There was a bright light as Nidavellir came back to life. He pointed smiling to Rocket who Thor could see gazing longingly at the dying star through the glass. A bright stream of light shot towards the forge then stopped.

“Damn it, the mechanism is crippled. The iris is closed so I cannot forge.” Thor considered this.

“How long do you need it open for?” he asked.

“A couple of minutes, maybe more.”

“ I got this,” he said jumping from ring to ring and then down onto the Iris.

“You can’t it will kill you!” Eitri said horrified.

“Thanos will if I don’t so, be prepared.” Thor then pressed his hands to the handles on either side of the iris and pushed. The burning pain was instantaneous. He could feel his flesh blistering as pain racked his body.

“It’s working, hold on Thor.” came Eitri over the comm’s but it was too much, the energy seemed to be getting sapped out of him and getting replaced with pain. He stumbled and fell, with the last of the bright light towards the forge.

Peter Quill POV

They had just landed back in the forge and exited the Benatar when Thor’s burnt body came crashing down. Eitri had just smashed open the mold leaving a burning red axe blade in its place.

“The handle. We need the handle.” he was yelling, Mantis had crouched near Thor and had her hand on his forehead.

“He is dying!” she said scared.

“He needs the axe, where the hel is the handle,” Eitri shouted. Peter began to look with the others too. Turning back to Groot who had been sitting down playing Defender’s he saw that he was walking towards the glowing metal and his arm was growing out. Peter moved towards him as there was a sizzle and Groot grimaced as his roots came into contact with the metal and wrapped around it.

“Groot has it you guys.” Peter yelled over his shoulder as Groot lifted the axe into the air and chopped off his arm letting the axe fall to the floor with a bang. The metal went dark and Mantis gasped backing away from Thor as sparks began to light up him and the axe. Few at first then the axe flew to Thor’s hand and Thor staggered to one knee, lighting sparked from him and into the axe. Peter’s eyes widened, Thor stood up and raised the axe into the air, Lightning sparked through him and around him lighting up the room and glowing in his eyes. Peter saw that Rocket and Groot were both gaping at Thor and realized he was as well, quickly he closed his mouth, glancing at Gamora to see her reaction, which luckily was just wide eyes. Thor smiled as Eitri tossed him a belt sash thing to let the axe hang on his back. The lightning gave a final spark and died down as he hung the axe on his back. Thor turned to them eye’s still glowing bright blue.