54 Chapter 52: Vacation is over

Embarrassed to need the help of both Carol/Kara and Natasha to even stand up, Ethen realizes what it means to feel human. Aside from his body's natural Kryptonian density, all his natural abilities are gone for the moment. Unable to control his body fully, Ethen constantly needs help to even stand upright. Unable to face his woman he tells them. ''I am sorry.''

''Don't be...'' Tells him, Natasha. ''... It is nice to be for once of help to the greate Ethen Wayne.''

As they are talking, Stefanie, Tonja, Sharon and a green-skinned muscular woman come in, looking concerned. The first to talk is the green-skinned woman. ''Hello. Nice to meet you I am Jennifer Walters aka She-Hulk. Are you all here to help?''

''No, they are not!...'' States Tonja vehemently shaking her head before looking at Ethen, Wanda, Natasha and Carol/Kara. ''... Ethen is in no shape to fight in this Thanatos.''

Stepping forward, Sharon says. ''Right. Also, this is our Universe. It is us who have to deal with it!''

''Tonja, I...'' Then starts saying, but gets interrupted by Tonja.

''Don't apologize... These Reality Avengers are strong enough to deal with this big Bady...'' Turning to Natasha and Wanda, Tonja tells them. ''... You two take care of him until I get back...'' At last, she turns to the merged woman. ''... It isn't necessary that I am there to built Prime Colony. I have given Brokk and Sindri the blueprints. Your refugees will have a great new home there.''

Smiling, Carol/Kara hugs Tonja. ''Thanks. I and the Skrull appreciate your help.''

After having settled thinks in Tonjas reality, Ethen opens up a Multiverse Gate, letting Wanda, Natasha, and Carol/Kara enter the temple ahead of himself. Able to not at least stand and move independently, he shakes Stefanie's hands, thanking the Sorceress. ''Thank you. Despite feeling weak, I feel much better overall. It is just a pity that I am so weak now.''

Smirking and showing a somehow all-knowing smile, Stefanie tells him. ''Sometimes being broken down allows one to get a new perspective on life...'' Showing Ethen her scared and slightly shaky hands she explains. ''... A few years back I had this accident... It ended my life as a surgeon, but it allowed me to seek enlightenment. In the end, I learned magic and became what I am today.''

Smiling, Ethen tells the Doctor. ''Thank you for your kind words, but I don't think learning magic suits me.''

''But you should. That wound you had was metaphysical in nature. Despite being physical invulnerable, your defenses against the psychic are laughing weak.'' Reminds Stefanie Ethen, of his shameful defeat.

''Thanks, I will keep that in mind. You take care...'' Says Ethen, before he focusses on Tonja. ''... There you are!''

''Here I am!...'' Says Tonja as tears gather in her eyes, making them all watery. Hugging his first woman, Ethen hears her ask him. ''... Why does this feel like saying goodbye forever?''

Seeing tears run down Tonjas cheeks, Ethen wipes them away. ''It will not be forever. You just take care of things here, while I will get my powers back and we will meet back home.''

Smiling a sad smile, Tonja absorbs Ethens body heat and memorizes his musky scent saying.''Okay.''

Leaning in, Ethen kisses this dark-haired, tech-obsessed beauty before him. ''I say it once again. Don't be sad. Whatever happens, happens and we will deal with it then. Deal?''

''Deal and you take care of yourself!'' Hearing Tonjas parting words, Ethen steps through the gate that instantly closes behind him.

Hearing the Multiverse Gate close behind him, Ethen finds Carol/Kara and the dwarfs with already packed bags. Unsure if what to think, he asks them. ''What are you doing?''

''We are building a Colony for some Skrulls...'' States Brokk unhappy.

''... I get it they are hunted to near extinction but give me a break. They could have submitted to Odin and seek shelter by the Asgardians!''

Disapproving of the dwarf's statement, Carol/Kara says. ''The Skrull are a peaceful race and Odin's ream is filled with constant battle.''

''Whatever can we go now? I want to do this as quickly as possible...'' Sindri says before grumbling. ''... I am already missing my cute...''

''Okay off, we go. Monkey open the Gate!...'' Carol/Kara commands Pikapool, who by now has transformed back into his golden monkey form. Turning to Ethen, this strange beauty tells him. ''... I'll be back then we talk.''

That said, she kisses Ethen quick and sweetly before leaving through the now open Multiverse Gate. Seeing her retreating back Ethen tells himself. ''I will find a way to separate you too!''

Turning around, he finds Natasha, Wanda and Wukongpool and an approving smile appear on his face. Seeing that smile, Natasha asks him. ''What do we do now?''

Looking at Wanda, Ethen finds her blushing and instantly knows what she is thinking. Looking at Natasha, Ethen pushes his rising libido aside and says. ''I can't rely on my powers, so I will need to refresh my martial arts and learn magic!''

''That sounds like a good idea!...'' Says Natasha, approving of Ethens level-headedness, despite wanting to have sex herself. Looking at Wanda, she asks. ''... Shall we begin?''

Around 15 Minutes later, Ethen, Wanda, and Natasha meet up in the gym. Having changed into a red t-shirt and blue shorts, Ethen only has to wait for a minute, to finally appreciate the woman in sportswear. Natasha wears a tight-fitting black sports bra and boy shorts not only the revealing her well-trained fit body but also accentuating her curvy figure. Also wearing a sports bra, but combining it with a short red cheerleader skirt, Wanda looks both cute and sexy.

Noticing Ethens bodily reaction to their outfits, Natasha smiles like a lazy cat. ''I think we should begin with martial arts before starting with magic. What do you think Wanda?''

Spellbound by Ethens growing tent, Wanda only mindlessly nods.

A bit distracted by their outfits, Ethen more by reflex than conscious decision blocks Black Widows fist aiming for his head with his left hand, only to find his own hand hit his face.

Happy to see some redness appear on his face, Natasha mocks. ''Don't forget any more super strength!''

''You just wait. I didn't forget all my uncle's teachings...'' That said, Ethen first fakes a kick, that Natasha easily avoids in an attempt to counter-attack. Ignoring her counter he follows his fack kick with an uppercut, aiming at her chest. Unconsciously fearing Ethens strong, Natasha slightly shifts her upper body to avoid the uppercut, only to find herself kicked to the ground from behind.

Triumphed Ethen gives Natasha a hand to get up saying. ''... How do you like me now?''

''Not bad...'' The spy says, instantly pulling his hand before she jumps him. As she is on top of him, she instantly tries to knock him out by hitting his head with her right elbow.

Finding Ethen unexpectedly nimble and able to block her, Natasha says. ''... Really not bad!''

Before long, Ethen is able to throw Natasha of his shoulders by hitting her against a wall, while consciously trying to keep her safe.

Before long, both Natasha and Ethen lie on the floor heavily breathing and sweaty, as their sparring session comes to an end.

As she lies on her back, looking at the man that captured her heart, Natasha asks him. ''Who was your Mentor? Somebody, I know?''

Laughing, Ethen remembers his Uncle saying. ''I hope not, otherwise, all his work would be for nothing...''

As he wants to say more, Wanda suddenly interrupts him, handing Natasha her cellphone before explaining to Ethen. ''It's director Furry! One of Starks toys has gone mad...'' Visibly hiding something and lowering her head before spilling the beans, Wanda ads. ''... and Pietro is working with this thing.''

Raising her head and looking into her eyes, Ethen tells her. ''Well, I guess the vacation is now officially over!''