"The Time Stone has concealed itself behind a barrier, Beyond Time. In a place Ultron Sigma knows nothing of, and cannot reach." 

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Janice POV

In Valkanda itself.... 

I didn't know how long I was unconscious when I collapse from exhaustion, but all I know is that we fell into the portal and wind up in the dessert. I looked around to find that my friends aren't here so I walked across the dessert to find them. As I kept searching, the sun was scorching very hot and I felt my mouth was dry. There wasn't water you can't find in the dessert. I searched for a place to shade when I saw a desert city with two statues, however one resembles a panther while the other is a dragon. I try to reach there unfortunately I collapse from dehydration. I  trembled as I wept and the sand stuck to my tears that I won't be able to see her friends. I didn't move or quiet herself when footsteps started my way. Whoever or whatever it was, I hoped someone found me. 

  The footsteps stop and stay still for a long time before carefully coming forward. "What the?..." It was a females voice as she knelt and turned my body over. I  didn't resist, but looked up at the blurry red blob that hovered over me and she was looking at me. She touched my face and said, "Poor child, wandering the dessert alone..." As I lost conscious, I heard someone talking to a man as I felt two strong arms lifted me and held me close. I felt a wave of security wash over me and leaned into the hold.  

I didn't felt the sun shining on me anymore instead I felt something wet on my head. I slowly opened my eyes to see a shade of palm trees above me and I was lying in a large leaf. I slowly got up to see a wet towel feel from my forehead. I saw the city walls in front of me but yet I wondered who saved me until...

"You are a awake...."a deep voice said from behind.

I turned to see a man in a black cape and a mask, I realize who is and I was surprised that I was saved by the Black Panther, King T'challa. I didn't know it was possible to meet a real life hero, I thought to believe it was a dream but it wasn't since it was hot out here then I remember he's the king. "Oh your majesty..."I bowed my head respectfully. Black Panther said, "Raise your head, child."  I did what he was told as he gave me water to drink. I drink all of it as my mouth was refreshed with a smile on my face. He let out his hand as he helped me stand up. "Are you well, child?" Black Panther said. 

"Yes....um thank you I...er...."I stuttered.

"At ease child, there is no need to fear me."

"Sorry, its just....my first time meeting a king."

"I see. May I ask why were you wandering alone across the dessert?"

I lowered my head and said, "My friends and I fell into portal then I landed out here in the dessert. I got separated from my friends...." as tears forming from my eyes as I continued, "I searched for them and couldn't find them. I thought something might happen to them and I have no idea where they are." I placed my hand on my face where he won't see me cry. He stared at me with a pitiful look as he knelt down to his knee and placed both his hands on my shoulder. "Do not worry, your one. I may not know where they are but I will help you find them." He assured me as he wiped my tears from my eye with his hand. I felt a calmness washed over me that I believed I trust him. He said, standing up, "In the mean time, you must stay in Valkanda where it safe, it is no place for a child to be out here." I don't know if I am safe in there but if it means finding my friends, I hope. Then, I noticed two people coming from behind him. I stared at the armor woman who was with the strong man and thought, 'Strange, Isn't that Ryu that Shane played at the arcade?'

NO POV

An armored woman known only as the monster hunter was escorting a captive, who was the most familiar to the hero teams by far. "King T'challa, the captive." Monster Hunter said to Black Panther as she notice the girl who saved is awake and standing behind him. "that voice.....I remember your the one who brought me here. Thank you"SHe said, bowing her head. The Monster Warrior nodded her head as your welcome.

"Your Majesty, i am..." Ryu began. "I Know who you are, Ryu. What business brings you here to Valkanda?" Black Panther asked. "I was part of a research mission when our plane got caught in a vortex. Pilot lost control. Only one other survived the crash...a scientist." Ryu said. "And where is this...scientist?" Black Panther asked.  "He's here." Ryu said listening to some rustling as a large green man jumped out and roared in rage.

The girl had scared look on her face whom she recognize who he is as he swing his fist at Black Panther who saved the girl and jumped back away from him. "Banner." Black Panther said, holding the shaking girl.

Janice POV

My face suddenly went pale and eyes wide with terror when I saw Hulk becoz every movie I watched, he was the most terrifying monster who almost destroy anything in his sight. Hulk swing his fist at Black Panther however he grabbed me and jumped back just to keep me away from him. "Banner." Black Panther said. Hulk started to make his move before Monster Hunter tried to strike him from behind. Hulk blocked her sword with just one arm, and used his strength to push her back. He then turned his attention to Black Panther and me. I felt my body was shaking and unable to move becoz Hulk's eye was gazing at us. Black Panther notice my scarred face as he placed his one arm in front of me to show he's protecting me. Then, Ryu jumped in front of him and pulled his arms free of his bonds."Hulk! Remember what i taught you, you must control your rage!" Ryu said. I said, "Uh Ryu I don't he can't hear you..."

Hulk wasn't in the mood to listen, but more in the mood to smash, and in his current state, anything that moves. He charged towards Ryu, but the World Warrior used his agility and expertise to counter him."Hulk, don't let your rage control you!" Ryu said. "Let me help you. Hadoken!" Ryu said hitting Hulk with his energy. The jade giant was hit with the ki hard, and collapsed on the ground for a moment, regaining his composure, that was when a Quinjet arrive. All of us stared at the jet as it landed in front of us. Black Panther said, "We have more visitors...."

As the hatch open, I was surprised when I saw Captain America and Chun Li. They  walk towards us as I stood beside Black Panther. "It's good to see you, old friend..." Captain America started."You seek the Stone of Time." Black Panther said.I blinked when I heard that, 'Stone of time? From the infinity stones that Rea talked about, I've heard about but I never knew he had it.' "Straight to the point." Chun-Li said. Captain America said, "We do...."

I notice Chun-li turned her eyes on me which I let my shyness get to me and turn away from her gaze. You see, I'm a shy girl and I always get that a lot. I can only be comfortable when I'm Rea since shes not here. "Then you have had a wasted journey. I will not give up that which protects my kingdom." Black Panther said. Captain America said, "Will not? Do you know what's happening out there? We're at war. Asgard has fallen."

"Without the stones power, Valkanda will fall also fall. I'm sorry, my friend. My duty is to the kingdom, and my people. The time barrier must hold."

"You'd locked your people away behind this barrier forever? This isn't a kingdom---its a prison."

"I don't know who your are, friend, but you will show T'challa respect." the Monster Hunter said. I felt a tensed between them and I wasn't comfortable with argument. That's when thousands of robots came flying over the tree line and heading to the City Walls. I didn't know whats going on when Chun li spoke, "Ultron's Sigma's Drone..." 'Ultron?!

'I've hear about him but I never heard of anyone calling him Ultron Sigma.' I thought to myself

Monster warrior turned to Black Panther, "The barriers breached.." I said to them, "Somehow they must have follow you through?!" as I saw some of them landed."It's safe to say Ultron Sigma wants the Time Stone for himself. Don't let them get it!" Captain america said as they fought through a squad of drones. Black Panther turned to me and said, "Quick you must find a place to hide..." I took his words since I'm defenseless as I hid behind the palm trees. I watched them in action of taking down the drones. While I was watching, I didn't notice 2 drone behind me. I saw a shadow looming over me as I turned around and saw the drone much to my frightened state. They took a step forward as I took a step backwards and it coming forward, not even the heroes didn't notice it. When I took a step backwards until I tripped over and fell to the ground. I lift myself to see the two drones raising their arms as though they were charging their blast. I hesitantly grabbed something beside me, finding something to hit them when my hand touched with a stick as I screamed and swing the stick I just hold while shutting my eye.

Black Panther fought off the drones when he heard a squeak and turned to see that I was on the ground, at the mercy of the drones. "NO?!!" He yelled as he try to reached me until something happen. I was waiting for drones to blast me along with the stick but nothing happened. I opened my eyes when I surprised to see 2 drones trapped in bubble. The robots were unable to move within the bubble I slowly got up and got confused what just happened. I looked down at my hand until I recognize the stick that had circular on top of its head. "That's the Bubble Staff, one of Apu's invention it saved me." I said in relief. Black Panther came to me and said, "Are you alright?"

"Um yes..."

"What is this weapon?"   

"Its a Bubble Staff, it belong to my friend's invention and it has to ability to make bubblesthat can either defeat the target or protect."

Black Panther ponder and turned to the drones who were still attacking the other heroes. He asked me, "Your weapon contain the two drones within the bubble, do you think you can able to contain all of them?" I turned to them and understand what he meant. I said to myself, "I don't if I can....I'm too scared."

"I know you do....but you have to be brave and help me protect my kingdom for the sake of my people." He said. I stared at his eyes with assurance that he wanted to save his kingdom so I took a deep breath and replied, "Ok I'll try...."

"Good, Do not worry I will cover you."

I nodded as we charged to the battle and Black Panther protected me from the drones. As I swing  the staff which released multiple of big bubbles as it entrap every drones, leaving them paralyze and unable to move. They were surprised that I captured them within the bubbles as they finished them along with the bubble that burst.  Captain America threw his shield at a drone (trapped in a bubble) in the air, slicing off its head. However, in doing so released a gas from its disembodied head."The Sigma Virus!" He said. I covered my nose and mouth to avoid breathing in but instead it spread over Valkanda. This is our gift to your people, T'challa. Immortality." Ultron SIgma's voice came from the drones head before Hulk crushed it underfoot.  That's when I felt the shaking beneath our feet as The Monster Hunter then knelt to the ground and felt something."Something is coming. Something ancient...yet changed." she said.

  Far off in the distance, the sands rumbled as a large dragon like creature burst out of the sand like a Whale surfacing before diving down again."The Elder Dragon, Dah'ren Mohran." she said.  Chun li said, "It's infecting with the sigma Virus"  I said worriedly, "And its on a frenzy." When we looked up to see more drones coming to us as I continued, "We gotta do something before it reached the city.""Worry not, Hulk and I will defend the town!" Ryu said as Hulk grabbed him, jumping to the city gates as drones amassed. "Hulk, you know what to do." "SMASH!" Hulk said as he and Ryu attacked the drones attacking them . While they're dealing with the dragon, all of us took  a lot of effort to take down the drones. I kept swinging my staff so that I can trap them and let the heroes finished them off. 

"Look OUT?!"

I turned around to see the drones heading straight at me as I braced myself to shield it until an energy  barrier appeared around me which made the drone destroyed when it made collided with the shield. I didn't know what just happen then I remembered Apu told me there was an active shield and I was thankful it only activates when I'm attacked in close range. As we finished clearing out, We turned to see they were able to weaken the dragon. "Hulk!" Ryu said as Hulk tossed Ryu at Dah'ren Mohran, Ryu kicking it straight in the stomach as hulk charged and knocked it off balance."Shin... Shoryuken!" Ryu said blasting its horn to pieces as hulk jumped to grab a large fragment and dive to the owner of the horn with it. "Hadoken!" Ryu called sucking with Hulk's attack, finishing the monster."Enough control?" Hulk asked as Ryu nod his head yes. I was glad it was over as we walked towards the Valkanda and stood there. 

  "The infection will spread across Valkanda, carried on the wind." Black Panther said. "If I didn't know the man you are Captain, I would almost think you led them here."

Ryu said, "T'challa time has caught up with Vallkanda. The Stone cannot shield you any longer. But armed with its power, we have a chance to fight back and save your people, to save all worlds." Chun li said, " And if we can't save them, then I swear we will..."

Black Panther said, "Avenge them."

She shook her head and corrected him, "Find them justice." Both of them stared at each other in the eye as I spoke up, "Your majesty...." He turned to me as I continued, "I may not know what happen but pls you have to give the stone to them. It might be their chance to save your kingdom. I'm not saying  you will do it for them but.....do it for your people." He looked at me for a minute then at Chun-li and Captain America.  He said, "You speak wisdom, Chun-li. If a king cannot see when he must change, then he is not fit to lead his people." Black Panther said, handing a green stone to Captain America. "Take the Time Stone and go. Valkanda needs its King."Captain America took it as Black Panther turned to me. "Come, you will be safe in the city walls until we find your friends." I nodded at him as I was about to follow him when Chun-li stopped us. "Wait...." She walk towards me and asked, "Is your name Janice by any chance?"

I said surprised, "why yes....but how did you know  my name?"

"Your friend, REa told me about you and she was worried about you."

"You know Rea? Tell me, Is she alright? Where is she?"

"Easy there She's fine, she's back in the avengers tower. If you come with us, I'm sure you'll see her again."

I smiled at her when Black Panther placed his hand on my shoulder. "No, I cannot let you take her. It is dangerous for her to be involve in your war, it will be better if she remained safe in Valkanda." He said. Chun li said to him, "She has to come back with us, I made a promise that I will bring her friend safely." I felt his hand gripping on my shoulder as though he doesn't want me to go with them becoz of my safety. But my best friend is there, waiting for me and she made promise to Chun li that she will bring me to her. I wanted to be safe but I can't leave my my best friend behind. I turned to Black Panther and assured, "Your majesty with all due respect, I know you wanted to keep me safe but I have a friend who is waiting for me and I can't just ignore her. I'll be alright as long as I'm with them." He still worries about my safety so I told him, "I may not be able to repay you but all I ask is that to look after your kingdom. Your people need you, just like my friend need me."Black Panther looked at me and knew that I was worried about my friend. 

He removed his hand from my shoulder and said, "Very well, I'm glad that they have found your friend and I hope you may have a safe journey. Take care of yourself and be brave." As he stood up and head back to his kingdom. His words encourage me to be brave and look after myself even though I'm scared but I have to stay strong for him and my friend. 

  "We should head back to the tower." Ryu said. Chun-li nodded and turned to me, "Come on, you don't wanna keep your friend waiting." I smiled at her as she hold my hand and guide me to the Quinjet. I hold tightly with my Bubble staff so I won't lose it beside you never know I might need it to protect myself. I can't wait to be reunited with Rea again then I wondered. I asked Chun li, "What about my other friends? Are they with her?" 

She answered, "No, Rea is the only one we found and she told me that your friends got separated after falling into the portal. I don't know where they are but I'm sure our team might find them." I looked down on the floor with worry look but she assured me that everything is going to be ok. I just hope they're alright, I pray for my friends that they come back safely.