In this moment of reunion and anticipation, Captain Steve Rogers, leader of the Avengers, uttered a quiet curse. He'd turned to Rhodey and Sam with a frown, but when he faced Vision, his expression transformed into a genuine smile.
"Long time no see, Captain." Vision's voice was warm as his arms wrapped tightly around Steve's shoulders.
The super soldier, also known as Captain America, gently patted his returned teammate on the back, conveying the joy of reunion after long absence. "Welcome back, Vision."
Vision's form swayed slightly, as if touched by indescribable emotion. After a moment, he laughed, because Pietro had thrown his arms around him. "Vision, do you know how long we've been searching for you?" Pietro raised his voice with anticipation. "Too long! You have no idea how much we missed you."
Scott turned to Hope with curiosity. "So Vision's been with the Space Vikings this whole time?"
Hope shook her head and smiled. "No, silly."
Natasha held Mara Jade in her arms, and the child stared at the Avengers with amazement. She whispered, "Still, even though our wait was long, this should be cause for celebration."
"Yes, another Avenger found and brought back to us," T'Challa agreed.
Sam, in a lighter tone, pointed out, "For the first few months, you weren't even here."
Vision looked at Mara who smiled at him, his eyes full of warmth. A small green alien waddled up to his legs, gazing at him curiously. "I never realized we'd actually adopted aliens."
"Mara is mine," Natasha said immediately. She hugged Mara protectively and stroked her head gently.
This scene resembled a warm portrait, full of love and hope. A tender moment, especially rare for those who knew Black Widow's background.
Hope slowly approached Vision. She bent down and gently picked up the other child so Vision could see him better.
"And this is Grogu." As Grogu reached out to touch Vision, Hope explained further.
"Grogu's been with us since we left Tatooine. The Jedi are more familiar with his kind, so they decided letting him stay here temporarily," Peter suddenly said while hanging upside down from webbing.
Vision simply hummed, taking Grogu from Hope and cradling him carefully. He lowered his head, regarding the small alien infant tenderly, and whispered softly, "Hello, little one. I'm Vision. Pleased to meet you."
Grogu simply cooed, tilted his head, and reached out to touch Vision's face.
"See, he's already attached to you," Scott announced excitedly.
"How can you tell?" Vision asked with confusion.
Scott smiled. "You forget I have a daughter. I'm quite experienced in these matters."
Vision smiled after hearing this. "I really did miss considerable events, didn't I?"
"Oh yeah. There's plenty you don't know," Rhodey agreed with a smile. "You've been quite the busy man."
"I have a girlfriend now," Pietro announced proudly.
Sam rolled his eyes after hearing that. "Yeah, me too."
"Uh, guys? Did you miss something? Aren't we a couple too?" Scott asked confusedly, holding Hope's hand.
"You don't count, you're already together," Natasha waved dismissively. "We still have several ongoing projects, but those are future concerns. Right now, we need catching up, and so do you."
"Of course," they answered in unison.
Just as they were about to discuss further, the room's door opened and Anakin with several other Jedi Knights filed in. "This is quite the family reunion, isn't it?" Anakin said with a smile.
"Did you just walk in here uninvited?" Peter asked doubtfully.
"Anakin, Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, Barriss." Vision nodded to every Jedi present, except one he didn't recognize.
A beautiful blue-skinned Twi'lek woman.
"Are you a Master?" Vision asked her.
She responded to the title with an amused smile. "No need for formality. I'm Aayla Secura. Pleased meeting another Avenger. They've been searching for you, you know."
Kenobi turned to Pietro, his eyes revealing deep concern. "As I recall, the only one remaining is your sister, correct, Pietro?"
Pietro adopted a more determined expression and nodded to the Jedi Master.
"What's happened, Aayla?" Steve asked, studying each Jedi.
"The Council wishes speaking with all of you," Barriss said, her voice steady and clear.
The Avengers exchanged glances, clearly confused.
"What do they want from us?" Scott couldn't help asking.
Ahsoka gestured toward Vision. "Apparently he's caught their attention. The Council sensed his presence the moment we returned to Coruscant."
"It was rather obvious," Obi-Wan stated plainly. "We received communication from Master Yoda shortly after exiting hyperspace."
"He possesses remarkably keen Force sensitivity," Aayla observed without hesitation. "I can only compare him to Anakin."
Vision gently handed Grogu to the surprised Sam. "I know you can sense me. In fact, I have important matters to discuss with your Council. There's no better platform for communication than the Council itself."
Skywalker quipped with his usual humor, "How could we refuse a request like that?"
Steve asked, "Are they waiting for us?"
Barriss answered for him. "Master Luminara informed them earlier. They may have just convened."
"Then let's not keep them waiting," Rhodey said decisively. "This concerns all of us."
The group moved quickly, heading toward the Jedi Council chambers. Their steps were firm and purposeful, knowing this meeting would bring important decisions and discussions. Under a sea of stars, a contingent of Jedi Knights and Avengers departed their quarters and proceeded toward the Jedi Temple.