Chapter 24: Unleashing Power

Currently the pocket universe novel is winning, so if you want to change it go and vote on Patreon for free.

Anyway I'm happy with the current results.

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The Vanguard hummed with life as it streaked through the vast expanse of space, drawing ever closer to Xandar. Inside the ship, the mood was tense but resolute, as Earth's mightiest heroes prepared for the confrontation that lay ahead. Each member of the team had a role to play, and despite the weight of the mission, there was an air of determination that permeated through the halls.

In the command center, Tony Stark stood at the helm, eyes locked on the data streaming across the screen in front of him. Every minute brought them closer to their destination. His hands moved quickly over the controls, monitoring the ship's status and tracking the cosmic disturbances they were closing in on.

"ETA to Xandar is under 10 minutes," Tony announced, his voice cutting through the quiet hum of the ship. "I want everyone at their stations. We've got no room for error here."

Steve Rogers stood at Tony's side, his shield strapped to his arm. He glanced over at Natasha Romanoff, who was silently checking her gear. "Stay sharp," Steve said. "We don't know what state Xandar is in or if Ethan's already gotten there."

Natasha nodded, her eyes focused. "We've faced impossible odds before. We'll handle this."

In the training area, Clint Barton was fine-tuning his specialized arrows, each one modified for potential threats in space. "I don't care if this guy can make portals or bend space," Clint said, tightening his grip on his bow. "He's still going to catch one of these if he gets too close."

Rhodey, aka War Machine, leaned against the wall, his new armor gleaming under the lights. "Just don't shoot me by mistake, Barton," Rhodey quipped, the visor of his helmet sliding up to reveal a smirk.

"Can't make any promises," Clint replied with a grin, but the humor did little to mask the tension they all felt.

As the heroes prepared, Tony glanced at Peter Parker, who was running final diagnostics on his Iron Spider suit. Peter's eyes were wide, but there was no mistaking the look of focus behind the nervous energy. The suit's new enhancements gleamed with potential, arms ready to pierce through even the toughest materials, web-shooters loaded with upgraded tech, and a cloaking system that made him nearly undetectable.

"You ready, kid?" Tony asked, placing a hand on Peter's shoulder.

Peter swallowed, then nodded. "Yeah. Just… thinking about what we're up against. You know, no big deal."

"You'll be fine," Tony reassured him. "Remember, use your instincts. You're here for a reason."

As they prepared for their descent into Xandar's atmosphere...

....

Training Grounds – The Vanguard

The Vanguard hummed with the subtle energy of its advanced engines, but deep within its bowels lay a vast training ground, reinforced by vibranium-lined walls to handle the most extreme powers. Here, the most powerful beings on Earth, and now the galaxy, prepared themselves for the battle ahead.

In the center of the training grounds, Bruce Banner stood calmly, his eyes closed as he centered his thoughts. Across from him, Ben Grimm, the Thing, stood with his arms crossed, his rocky form imposing as always.

"You sure about this, Banner?" Ben rumbled, his voice tinged with excitement. "You and me, dukin' it out? I ain't holdin' back."

Bruce smirked, his eyes still closed. "I wouldn't want you to."

Everyone gathered around, curious to see what would happen next. Tony stood near the edge of the training grounds, arms crossed. Spider-Man sat perched on a railing, eyes wide with anticipation.

"Okay, this I gotta see," Peter muttered to himself. Thor leaned on Mjolnir, looking on with mild interest, while Steve and Natasha stood nearby, silently observing.

Bruce exhaled slowly, and then his body began to shift. Muscles bulged, his skin rippling as it transformed into the familiar green hue of the Hulk. But this time, it was different. His movements were controlled, his expression calm, even as his form grew larger and more powerful.

When the transformation was complete, Hulk stood tall, his emerald eyes clear and focused.

"Banner and Hulk… we're together now," Hulk said in a deep, steady voice, but the hint of Bruce's intellect was unmistakable.

The room fell silent, the weight of what had just happened settling over the heroes. This wasn't the Hulk they had fought beside for years. This was something new, something more dangerous, and more controlled.

Ben grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Alright, big guy. Let's see what you've got!"

With a roar, The Thing charged forward, his massive stone fists swinging in wide arcs. But Hulk, with Bruce's strategic mind guiding him, didn't charge blindly as he once might have. Instead, he sidestepped, dodging the blow with surprising agility for his size.

"You've got some moves now," Ben grunted, throwing another punch. But Hulk caught the punch with ease, his green hand dwarfing Ben's rocky fist.

"I've learned a few things," Hulk responded calmly.

With a fluid motion, Hulk twisted, using Ben's own momentum to toss him across the room. Ben crashed into the wall, causing the reinforced metal to groan under the impact.

"Nice one!" Ben called, shaking off the hit with a grin. "But I ain't down yet!"

The Thing charged again, this time quicker, more focused. The two titans clashed in the center of the training grounds, fists colliding with earth-shaking force. Every punch from Ben was met with an equally powerful strike from Hulk, the two moving like juggernauts. But while Ben relied on brute strength, Hulk now fought with a balance of power and intelligence, dodging at the last second or redirecting Ben's attacks with precision.

The room was alive with energy, the sounds of their sparring echoing off the walls. Everyone watched in awe as the fight raged on, the raw power of two of Earth's mightiest beings on full display.

With a final clash, Hulk landed a calculated blow to Ben's side, knocking him off balance. As Ben stumbled back, Hulk moved in, grabbing his arm and flipping him to the ground with a force that rattled the entire ship.

For a moment, there was silence. Ben lay on the ground, catching his breath, while Hulk stood over him, his chest heaving but his expression calm.

"Guess I'll call this one your win," Ben grunted, rubbing the back of his head as he sat up. "You've definitely changed, big guy."

Hulk, still towering over him, extended a hand. "We're not done getting stronger," he said, his voice filled with the same resolve as Bruce's.

Ben grinned, taking the hand and letting Hulk pull him to his feet. "Well, I'm always up for round two."

The room erupted in applause, the heroes cheering for their comrades' display of strength and control.

Tony turned to Steve, a smile playing on his lips. "Looks like the big guy's got it all figured out."

Steve nodded, impressed. "It'll make a difference when we face the spot."

And with that, the team knew that when the time came, Hulk would be a force to be reckoned with, one they could count on to fight with both brains and brawn.

....

Meanwhile, in the command center, Doctor Strange appeared beside Tony and Steve. His arrival was silent, his expression grim.

"I've been observing," Strange said, his tone low. "The Spot, or real name Ethan. His tampering with the very fabric of reality has caused rifts in more places than we realized. Even the multiverse is at risk."

Steve turned to Strange. "Can you contain these rifts?"

Strange shook his head. "Not all of them. But I can help prevent further damage. If we don't stop him soon, these rifts will continue to grow, and we'll see entire dimensions collapse."

Steve nodded. "Then we make sure he doesn't get any further. We stop him here."