Reversing the Snap

Blue pillars of light lit up one after another on the Quantum Tunnel platform at the Avengers Compound.

Thor stepped out of a pillar of light, cradling the container holding the Reality Stone, his axe still in hand and snow clinging to his armor. He looked exhausted, but his gaze was resolute.

Rocket Raccoon followed close behind, carrying a metal sphere—the Orb containing the Power Stone. Groot came after him, his branch arms swaying gently.

Chu Hang was the last to return. Everyone turned toward him as he stepped out of the light.

His gloved hand held the Soul Stone, orange light spilling between his fingers.

Steve approached and studied Chu Hang's face. Questions lingered in his eyes, but he said nothing. He was checking whether Chu Hang had been hurt, whether he had paid any price.

Chu Hang shook his head to show he was fine.

Natasha breathed a sigh of relief, and Clint lowered his bow. The two had been waiting at the edge of the platform, ready to rush into the Quantum Tunnel to help at any moment.

Tony emerged from the lab and took off his goggles. He glanced over the returning team and counted the stones.

"Got them all?"

"We got them all," Steve said.

Tony nodded and turned back toward the lab.

"Then let's get started."

Everyone followed him. Everything in the lab was already prepared.

A massive metal gauntlet lay in the center of the workbench, shaped for a right hand, with energy-conduction channels set into every knuckle.

Tony and Banner had designed it together, using nanomaterials combined with Asgard's balder alloy, specifically to withstand the surge of energy from the Infinity Stones.

Chu Hang placed the Soul Stone on the workbench. Thor set down the Reality Stone's container, and Rocket handed over