Marvel Multiverse: Unexpected gift from Alioth

Mark reclined in his trusty armchair, one leg casually crossed over the other.

A plume of smoke drifted from his cigarette, filling the room with a subtle haze.

His eyes were fixed on the TV screen, where the antics of Deadpool and Wolverine unfolded in their latest movie.

Background sounds of explosions and inappropriate banter from the film filled the room, blending with the occasional drag from Mark's cigarette.

A half-empty mug of coffee with a generous splash of milk sat on the side table beside him, its warmth contrasting with the cool air.

The light from the screen illuminated his face, casting sharp shadows and highlighting the faint smirk that occasionally appeared.

As X-23 appeared on screen, now grown-up and striking, Mark murmured, "Damn, X-23's all grown up and looking impressive."

A moment later, as Cassandra Nova appeared on screen, Mark shook his head slightly. "And Cassandra Nova- another bald, overpowered character. Just perfect. So many OP baldies. There's the wheeled baldy, robed baldy, purple baldy, peeper baldy, and the strongest? Caped baldy."

On screen, Cassandra Nova raised her hand, creating a sparkling, Doctor Strange portal. With a playful smirk, she teased, "I'd say you've got about four seconds before you're Alioth's food."

Deadpool glanced at Wolverine and grinned. "Race ya."

As soon as the words left his mouth, the scene shifted into slow motion, capturing the frantic sprint of both Deadpool and Wolverine as they bolted toward the portal.

The screen then cut to a menacing view of Alioth. The massive, purple, smoky form churned with occasional flashes of lightning within its cloud-like body.

Its gaping mouth and eyes, like molten lava or erupting volcanoes, roared as it advanced rapidly towards Cassandra Nova's base.

As the tension built, a swirling purple smoke portal appeared right under Mark's seat.

In the same slow-motion effect, Mark fell through the portal and landed beside Cassandra Nova, watching in disbelief as Deadpool and Wolverine successfully crossed the portal before Alioth engulfed them.

Mark's eyes widened in horror as he found himself beside the megalomaniacal bald psychopath.

Mark smiled awkwardly at Cassandra Nova, who was frowning down at him, clearly puzzled and wondering who's variant she was looking down at right now.

Before either could speak, a tentacle-like cloud swooped down from outside and engulfed Mark.

Cassandra, momentarily surprised, shrugged her shoulders and walked back deeper into the room.

**

New York, 2012.

In front of Grand Central Terminal, the area lay in ruins from the ongoing invasion.

Cars were upturned, burning vehicles scattered across the ground, and smoke filled the air.

Chitauri corpses littered the street, while some buildings were pockmarked with holes from the battle.

Thor, Black Widow, and Hawkeye were assessing the chaotic scene. Captain America stood among them, strategizing and keeping an eye on the surrounding destruction.

Banner arrived, riding a motorcycle through the wreckage, his eyes scanning the battlefield as he approached the group.

"Stark, we got him," Captain America announced over the comms.

"Banner?" Iron Man inquired.

"Just like you said," Captain America confirmed.

"Then tell him to suit up. I'm bringing the party to you," Tony Stark responded.

In another part of the city, Iron Man soared through the smoky air, a massive Leviathan close behind him.

The creature collided with a building, tearing through its side and sending debris cascading onto the street below. Iron Man sped on, heading toward the group, as Bruce Banner transformed into the Hulk.

With a thunderous roar, the Hulk punched the Leviathan, halting its head while its tail swung upward, causing the creature to plow through the ground.

Its massive form skidded and tilted, nearly toppling before Iron Man fired a miniature missile at a vulnerable spot.

The missile struck with a massive explosion, sending debris into the air. Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Captain America dove for cover, shielding themselves from the blast and falling debris.

The Leviathan crashed into the underpass with a deafening impact, shaking the ground and sending even more debris flying.

The Chitauri minions clung on the sides of nearby buildings roared in anger simultaneously, their guttural cries echoing through the city.

The Avengers, now regrouped, formed a tacit circle, their eyes locked on the enraged minions as they prepared for the next phase of the battle.

Suddenly, a plume of dark purple smoke materialized in the air, suspended above the battlefield.

"Ahhh! Fuck, fuck, fuck!" Mark screamed in panic as he fell through the smoke.

He frantically tapped his face, arms, and body as if trying to extinguish a fire.

Just before he hit the ground, a purple cloud cushioned his fall, though he remained oblivious to this, continuing his frantic movements.

The Avengers, startled by his unexpected appearance, turned their attention to the distressed individual, their weapons aimed at him warily.

The Hulk, with a thunderous roar, startled Mark. The roar echoed through the air, making him feel as if his insides were being rattled.

Finally realizing he wasn't hurt, looked around in confusion and horror at the chaotic scene.

His initial panic shifted to fear as he faced the massive green giant.

Being this close to Hulk was overwhelming. Mark had always thought the Hulk was cool in the movies, but now that he was face-to-face with the enormous creature, the sense of oppression was heavy and suffocating.

The sheer presence of Hulk was intimidating and really scary, and Mark felt the weight of his immense power pressing down on him without it even touching him.

Without warning or control from Mark, the purple smoke enveloped his body like a suit, starting from his head and cascading down to cover his entire form.

Occasional flashes of lightning crackled through the smoke as it coalesced around him.

The Avengers, still on high alert, were taken aback by the sudden and spectral change.

Mark's appearance transformed from that of a frightened bystander to something far more ominous.

The smoke obscured his features, but where his eyes should have been, there were now burning red glows.

This new, eerie look did nothing to alleviate their suspicion; if anything, it heightened their wariness.