Chapter 137: The Sokovia Accords

Universe Number: [Redacted]

Inside the Avengers Compound conference room, Secretary of State Thaddeus Ross was holding a small briefing for the Avengers.

"The world owes the Avengers an immense debt. You have fought for us, risked your lives to protect us, and many see you as heroes. But there are some who would prefer to use the term 'vigilantes' to describe you," Secretary Ross stated.

"Mr. Secretary, how do you see us, then?" Natasha asked.

"A group of super-powered individuals who reside in the United States, frequently ignore sovereign borders, and impose their own will on others, regardless of location or person—and all without regard for the consequences. How do you think people view such individuals?" Ross countered.

Secretary Ross recounted their heroic deeds: "New York, Washington D.C., Sokovia, Lagos. For the past four years, you have operated without any oversight or constraints. The governments of the world can no longer tolerate this situation, but we have a solution."

His assistant handed him a document, which he placed in front of Natasha. "The Sokovia Accords. This agreement is supported by 117 countries. It mandates that the Avengers will no longer be a private organization. All your actions will be supervised by a United Nations panel, and you will only act when that panel deems it necessary," Ross explained.

"The Avengers were formed to make the world a safer place, and I believe we have succeeded," Steve Rogers said firmly.

"Then tell me, Captain, do you know where Thor and Banner are right now?" Ross asked.

Steve Rogers could not answer and looked toward the Secretary.

"If I misplaced two 30-megaton nuclear warheads, the consequences would be unimaginable. Compromise and assurances—that is how the world functions. Believe me, this is the most moderate path available," Ross said, gesturing to the Accords on the table.

"Will there be contingency plans?" Rhodey asked from the side.

"In three days, the United Nations will convene in Vienna to ratify this agreement," Ross said, watching the silent Avengers.

"If you have something to say, speak up," General Ross added.

"What if we don't like your decision?" Natasha asked.

"Then you retire. Discuss it among yourselves and decide what you are going to do," Ross said before departing.

The remaining Avengers were at a loss. Steve Rogers remained resolute; he would never agree to such an accord. Tony Stark, however, had his entire livelihood based in the United States and worked closely with the government; if he refused to sign, his position would become extremely difficult.

Tony Stark, Colonel Rhodes, and Vision agreed to compromise and sign the Accords, and Natasha eventually aligned with their view. Only Steve Rogers and Sam were firmly opposed, while Wanda expressed no opinion. The group erupted into a heated argument.

Meanwhile, Arthur was enjoying his dinner in the Avengers' cafeteria. The food here was far inferior to what he was accustomed to in his own universe. In Arthur's home, the cafeteria was staffed by chefs trained at Atlantis restaurants who could prepare a vast array of cuisines, whereas the cooks here were clearly hired at random.

Arthur wasn't particularly picky, though; a change of pace was fine. After eating, he went for a stroll in the courtyard outside the compound. He spotted Steve Rogers walking hurriedly toward the parking lot.

"Steve, where are you going?" Arthur asked, walking over.

"Oh, I have some business to attend to in London," Steve Rogers replied, his expression grim.

"Did something happen?" Arthur asked with concern.

"Peggy Carter—you knew her, right? She passed away," Steve said.

"My condolences, Steve." Arthur didn't know how to comfort him. With his close friend gone, Steve must be heartbroken.

"I have to go. See you later." Steve Rogers got into a black Dodge and drove off.

Arthur headed back toward the Avengers building. He was bored, and his body wouldn't recover its full strength for a while unless he could find a place rich in water elementals, which was impossible here. He considered slipping away, but he sensed people watching him; escaping would be difficult.

It wasn't that Arthur was powerless; he could still use magic. Magic didn't require one to possess immense internal energy, only knowledge of incantations and the ability to channel energy from the multiverse. However, his Sling Ring was stored in his armor's compartment, and his armor had been severely damaged during the battle with Dormammu. He hadn't seen his gear since he woke up, likely held in storage by the Avengers. He didn't ask Steve where his belongings were, as he didn't want to raise suspicion. He would retrieve them himself at night.

As he returned to his quarters, he passed Wanda's room. The door was slightly ajar, and heated shouting could be heard from within. Vision and Wanda were arguing. Arthur didn't stop to eavesdrop; both were powerful individuals, and he would easily be discovered, which would be embarrassing. He could guess the cause of their argument—likely the Sokovia Accords.

In Arthur's universe, the Sokovia incident never happened; the war against Ultron took place in Wakanda. Yet, Arthur knew that nations were already deeply dissatisfied with them there as well. He suspected others would propose their own accords, but he didn't care. In the face of absolute power, nothing is ever truly equal. If anyone wanted to control him, they could try—he would see if they were worthy.

Just then, there was a knock at his door. Who could it be?

"Come in! It's unlocked," Arthur said loudly.

A person pushed the door open; it was Natasha.

"Are you okay?" Natasha asked.

"I'm fine, thanks for asking. Please, sit," Arthur replied.

"I came to check on you and wanted to chat," Natasha said.

"Sure, I'd like to talk too. Staying here all day is driving me crazy," Arthur remarked.

"Your story is very bizarre—hard to believe—but for some reason, I believe you," Natasha said.

"There are many miraculous things in the universe, whether people believe in them or not," Arthur said.

"Then why did you fall through a wormhole and end up here?" Natasha asked curiously.

"I was defending Earth against a very powerful entity. I couldn't defeat it, and it shattered space, creating a wormhole that pulled me in," Arthur explained simply.

"Shattered space? Created a wormhole? My god, what kind of power does that take? Does that enemy exist in our world?" Natasha was shocked; she had never imagined Arthur capable of fighting such a foe.

"Of course it exists, and it may have already visited Earth and been driven away," Arthur replied.

"Driven away by whom?" Natasha asked.

"The Avengers aren't the only organization defending Earth. There are many mysterious groups—I'm talking about an order of sorcerers," Arthur explained.

"Sorcerers? Do they really exist on Earth?" Natasha felt like her world had just opened up.

"Of course they do, and you'll meet them in the near future. Doesn't Wanda use magical powers?" Arthur answered.

"Wanda's abilities come from the Mind Stone," Natasha noted.

"I know that. The Mind Stone activated the Chaos Magic within her, allowing her to gain such immense power," Arthur replied.