Chapter 24: Out of Trouble

A bright, purple explosion lit up the night sky, casting an eerie glow over the scene.

Not even Thanos could withstand the full force of the Power Stone at close range. By the time he realized something was wrong, it was too late. The combined energy of Thor's lightning and the Power Stone blasted into him, launching him backward with such force that he tore through countless structures, leaving a gaping, dark purple hole in Sanctuary II. Destruction rippled outward, turning large sections of the fortress into ruins.

The Black Order, positioned behind Thanos, was also flung back by the blast. Even though Thanos had absorbed most of the impact, they were not nearly as resilient. All four were severely injured, with Ebony Maw barely surviving thanks to Black Dwarf, who had shielded him at the last second.

Obisdian Cull, Thor thought briefly, a durable tank, but with bad luck to match.

Thor seized the moment, grabbing Nebula by the arm and racing toward the nearest spaceship. The Black Order was in no shape to pursue, but he knew Thanos wouldn't be down for long. Once he recovered, escaping would be nearly impossible.

Just before they boarded, Gamora appeared, and Thor turned, electricity crackling in his palm. While he didn't see her as an enemy, he wouldn't hesitate to fight if she tried to stop him.

But Gamora surprised him. "No, take her," she said, tossing him a small keycard. "This card will let you pass through security unbothered. Just… take care of my sister. Don't let her get captured again."

Thor nodded, catching the card. He understood why she wouldn't join them. While both Nebula and Gamora were adopted daughters of Thanos, Gamora was undeniably his favorite. If he took her, Thanos would hunt him across the galaxy.

The spacehip roared to life, tearing through the night sky. The chaos of the explosion had drawn all attention to Sanctuary II, where fleets circled for rescue and repair efforts. No one noticed a single ship slipping away, and any who did likely thought it was part of the response.

Soon after they'd left, Thanos emerged from the wreckage, his armor battered but his body unharmed.

Gamora knelt before him, lowering her head. "I'm sorry, Father. I couldn't stop him."

Thanos, surprisingly calm, waved her off. "You did well. Charging headlong into an invincible foe would be foolish." Despite his ruthlessness, Thanos was a leader who recognized strength and strategy, even in defeat.

Ebony Maw approached, face tight with frustration. "Master, they only just left. If we pursue now, we could still catch them…"

"No need," Thanos interrupted, shaking his head. "Every jump point has countless options, and they'll be well out of reach by the time we arrive. Besides, it's not time for open war with Asgard. That power I sensed… it was an Infinity Stone, wasn't it?"

His gaze drifted into the dark, infinite stretch of space, thoughtful. "We know the locations of three stones—Time, Space, and Mind. That leaves three unaccounted for. Increase the search efforts."

He turned, eyes cold with purpose. "The universe needs balance, and our mission is far from over. The time to rest will come only after we realize our dream."

His voice hardened. "I am destiny."

Meanwhile, aboard the fighter, Thor guided the ship through a series of jump points, watching as Sanctuary II grew distant in the rear view. After setting coordinates, he looked back at Nebula, who sat silently, still processing everything that had happened.

"Your sister cares for you deeply. Thanos is the one you should hate," Thor said, steering while attempting to reach her. "With everything that's happened, it's important you understand who the real enemy is. Don't let his cruelty turn you into him."

Nebula remained quiet, lost in thought. Today had shaken her to her core, forcing her to confront truths she'd hidden from herself.

Thor turned back to the control panel. "Destination set: Midgard."

"Please confirm," the system prompted.

"Confirm," Thor replied, pressing the button.

"Wait!" Nebula's panicked voice suddenly echoed through the cockpit.