E POV
They followed Urd to yet another pool of water.
"OK what is it with you and pools?" Eris finally asked.
"The waters help clear things up." Urd said stopping at the edge before turning to them. "We'll continue tomorrow it's late and you'll need to rest."
"What?!" Peter exclaimed. "But they need us! On the surface! They're going to fight Thanos-"
"Don't worry." Urd said. "They won't be attacked until you are back on the surface."
"How do you know?" Eris asked skeptically.
"I have my ways." Urd said cryptically. "Now you all stay here. I'll bring you some food and then you can rest."
"But-" Shuri stepped forward intending to follow her.
Urd held up a hand stopping Shuri. "Stay Princess."
Urd then disappeared with a wave of her hand and in a wave of green light.
"Now what?" Nova asked sitting on a rock.
"I am Groot?" Play a game?
"Like what?" Peter asked surprised.
"You understand him?" Shuri asked.
"Is it hard?"
Groot smiled. "I am Groot."
"I like you too." Peter smiled politely back.
Urd reappeared somehow balancing five platters. On four of them were plates with what looked like pizza. By the plates were golden wine glasses. The fifth was a bowl of water.
"Well for the four Earthlings," Urd said handing out the platters. "Pizza and wine. For the tree, water."
"Thanks." Peter said lifting the glass. "But we can't drink this."
"You can and you will." Urd said firmly. "It's all I have to give. Besides it's not too bad." She stood and looked down at them. "I have some business to take care of. I'll be back for you in the morning. Don't go in the pool."
Eris stood back up. "What about-" she cut off as Urd disappeared. "And your gone." She sighed sitting next to Shuri and Peter.
"So what game did y'all want to play?" Nova asked.
"Oh." Eris grabbed her wine cup. "I saw this on Game of Thrones-"
"What?!" Peter squeaked turning red. "Isn't that stuff like-"
"Relax." Eris said with a fond smile. "It's nothing like that. We go in a circle and try to make guesses on the others life. If we're right, they have to drink and elaborate, if we're wrong we drink."
"I'm up for it." Shuri said grabbing her cup.
"I am Groot." I don't think this counts but I'll join. He said grabbing his bowl.
"Boys?" Shuri promoted.
They shared nervous looks before nodding.
"I'll go first." Shuri said excitedly. She turned to Eris. "You've had a crush on Captain America when you were younger."
Eris shook her head. "It was of Bucky."
Shuri made a disappointed sound but took a sip.
"My turn." Eris said looking at the boys in consideration. "Groot. You're adopted."
Groot smiled sipping out of his bowl. "I am Groot." Rocket and Quill act as father figures. Gamora as mother. Drax as uncle/big brother. Mantis as sister. And Nebula as aunt.
"The Guardians?" Peter asked sitting up straighter.
"I am Groot?" They're here aren't they?
"Yeah."
"We'll be reunited with our families soon." Nova said. "Have faith."
"Peter your turn." Eris said not wanting to discuss beliefs like that. Her dad said not to talk about religion, money or politics unless you had to.
"Alright Shuri," Peter turned to her. "You have had a pet panther at some point."
Shuri chuckled but sipped her wine. "It was a cub. I named T'Challa to tease my brother with. When he neared adolescent I released him in the jungle to grow and mate. He visits on occasion."
Eris chuckled imagining Shuri, a few years younger, struggling to carry a panther that was half her size.
"I am Groot." My turn. He said turning to Eris. "I am Groot." You had a lot of pets.
"Drink." Eris said. "My dad didn't think I was mature enough when I wanted a pet." She explained as Groot drank.
"Alright." Nova said looking around. "Peter. You have an ironic fear... Heights?"
Peter took a sip. "Not heights though."
"Then what?" Shuri promoted.
Peter blushed as he looked down. "Spiders."
They all burst out laughing, even Peter.
"D-Dude." Nova managed. "You're Spider-Man."
"Dude." Peter chuckled back. "I was bitten by a radio active spider. What else was I suppose to name myself?"
They spent the next several rounds like this, learning details about each other.
Groot enjoyed being spoiled by his family, his favorite game sounded suspiciously like Galaga, he loved 70's and 80's music, a total Momma's Boy. But he also hated how much like a kid his family treated him and how protective they were of him.
Peter had a bunch of Captain America mementos even if he liked Iron Man more, he and his friends are Star Wars nerds. He's a Gryffindor according to Potter more. But he also felt intimidated and unworthy to even be included as a junior/secret/ honorary Avenger.
Shuri loves American culture calling it 'strange and exotic', she liked pulling pranks on her brother and Dora Milaje. But she feels isolated from other people her age because of her status, her intelligence and lack if care for tradition. And her second favorite animal is a spider.
Nova was also a self taught mechanic, his favorite color was red, was very close to his family, loved astrology, dub step, and sports. But he didn't think if himself as much of a hero.
Eris favorite animal is a wolf, she is fascinated by mythology-mainly Norse and Roman, one of her favorite songs in Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, also loved musicals and she had a Bucky Bear as a kid.
"Alright Eris." Nova said leaning forward. "You've always wanted to take over Stark Industries and/or Iron Man."
"Drink." Eris said.
"But your-" Eris cut Peter off.
"I'm meant to take over when Pep retires but I've never had a passion for it."
"Then what do you want to do?" Nova asked curiously putting his glass down as he leaned toward her.
"Who's out?" Eris asked looking down at her cup and avoiding the question. "I have about two drinks left."
"Out." Peter said.
"Same." Shuri said.
"I am Groot." Ditto.
"I got a couple more sips." Nova said.
"Last round?" Eris suggested.
"Your turn."
Eris studied him. "You have a Daddy Complex."
Nova smiled ruefully as he sipped. "I thought he was an alcoholic but be was still a good father. Still taught me everything I know. Never laid a hand on me, my mom or sister. He was a good man. But you definitely have a Mommy Issue."
Eris frowned but drank. "She left me on Dad's doorstep. If it wasn't for JARVIS he probably wouldn't have realized I was even there. But no one could or would tell me who she was our if she's even alive. And to this day I don't know why she didn't want me."
Her biggest insecurity. She's read tons of books that talked about a mother's unconditional love. What did she see in her that made her get rid of her? Would other people see the same thing and leave her too? She blinked away tears as she stared down into the empty cup.
"Well I'm out." Eris said putting it down before looking around the group. "Aren't we an interesting group."
"What do you think is going to happen tomorrow?" Shuri asked.
"No idea." Eris said laying down.
"Eris." Nova said softly.
"Yeah?"
"I can't sleep."
"Count the rocks." She suggested hearing the others breathing slowly get heavier.
"Sing a lullaby."
Eris chuckled.
"It doesn't have to be a lullaby." Nova added. "Just... Anything. Even if it's Hamilton."
"I'm not going to sing you Hamilton. I still get too tongue tied trying."
"Please? Surely your Dad sang you something?"
Eris took a deep breathe as she thought. It's been so long but she could remember one on the edge of her memories. She closed her eyes as memories of a tune came to mind. "Cruel and Cold like winds on the sea
Will you ever return to me?
Hear my voice, sing with the tide
My love will never die.
Over waves and deep in the blue
I will give up my heart for you
Ten long years I'll wait to go by
My love will never die
Come my love, be one with the sea
Rule with me for eternity
Drown all dreams so mercilessly
And leave their souls to me
Play the song you sang long ago
And wherever the storm may blow
You will find the key to my heart
We'll never be apart
Wild and strong, you can't be contained
Never bound, nor ever chained
Wounds you caused will never mend
And you will never end
Cruel and cold like winds on the sea
Will you ever return to me?
Hear my voice sing with the tide
Our love will never die."
"Where did you learn that?" Nova asked after a minute.
"I just knew it." Eris said softly. "Good night Nova."
"Sam." Nova said. "My name is Sam."
"Good night Sam." Eris said a smile spreading across her lips.
/
TS POV
Tony looked over as the Milano doors opened letting in a green skinned woman, a raccoon walking on it's hind legs and a very short hair Thor holding what was definitely a new hammer.
"Gamora!" Quill exclaimed rushing to the woman, engulfing her in a hug.
"Quill." She whispered almost reverently as she clutched onto him.
"Ugh." Nebula sneered. "As sappy as ever sister."
The green woman and Quill separated as she turned to Nebula. "How'd you escape?"
"The Chitauri are as stupid as ever." Nebula said as the two women embraced.
"Stark." Thor greeted.
"Point break." Tony said. "Wait no. You got a new hair cut, need something better. How about-"
"Point Break is fine." Thor said clearly not in the mood for his awesome nick naming skills. "Now come. There's much history to discuss."
Thor led them out of the ship where the others were waiting. Tony scanned the group and couldn't help but feel a pang in his heart at the absence of Vision or the fear of Eris exclusion.
But where was Cap?
"Where's Cap?" Tony asked seeing both Bucky and Sam were also here. They never go on a mission without Cap. And why wouldn't Cap be on a mission this big?
"Steve-" Bucky cut off, his voice a strange cracked to it. "Steve is-"
"Come on use your words." Tony encouraged. "What did Cap get cold feet on this certain mission?" He looked over to see both Clint and Scott were here. "Did he decide to try baby sitting the mini Barton's and Ant-Girl?"
"Steve is dead." Natasha said stiffly.
Tony couldn't help but laugh at her delivery. Always dedicated to her character, Steve can't be dead.
"Wow." He said. "Dark even for you Romanoff. Seriously where is Captain Spangles? Cold feet? Baby sitting? Was he injured?"
"Tones-" Rhodey tried.
"So where is-" Tony finally looked over to see his friends seldom face. "No. He can't actually be..."
As much as Tony hated Cap at first, he grew on him. Sure he was arrogant and self righteous and maybe too patriotic, but he was also a friend. He helped Tony become a better team player. Like all the others he helped him become a better father.
"Tony-"
"Was she there?" He cut off.
"What?" Thor asked.
"Eris. Was she there? Did she see him...?"
"No." Thor assured. "Steve had sent her and Tree away shortly before Thanos got to him."
"Who's Eris?" The raccoon asked.
"My daughter." Tony said. "Who is lost somewhere on this alien planet. Along with a Wakandan princess, helmet head, my spider kid and apparently a tree."
"So now what?" Quill asked.
"We go after the children." Gamora said.
"And then what?" Rocket asked.
"Get them as far from Thanos and Hela as possible." Nebula said.
"Better question." Tony said. "How do we find them?"
Tony yelped as he felt some one pull his hair. "Hey!" He turned to see Loki with a pinch full of his hair.
"This should work." Loki murmured before moving his hands in a weird motion.
A green light then erupted from his hands but quickly flickered off. Loki's face scrunched in confusion.
"What does that mean?" Tony asked panic rising in him. "Is she...?,
"She's alive." Strange said. "There wouldn't have been anything if she was dead."
"The ground did swallow up Nova and the young Peter." Mantis pointed out softly. "Maybe it is interfering with your magic."
"Nova?" Gamora asked.
"That bratty Terran?" Rocket asked.
"So he is from Earth?" Quill asked.
"Unimportant." Tony said looking at Loki. "Can you find her?"
"With time." Loki said as Wanda walked closer extending her palm to the small light.
Wanda shook her head as she closed her eyes. "I don't know..."
She suddenly yelped as she and Loki were flung back a few feet.
Clint rushed to her. "You alright?"
"What just happened?" Drax asked.
"I don't know." Wanda said sitting up with Clint's aide. "It's like something was blocking them."
"No."Loki lifted his hand that reigniting the green light. "Shielding. Maybe we can find another way to get to them."
"We need to be focusing on Thanos." Nebula said. "Not a couple of stray children."
"We'll split up." Natasha said. "Most of us go fight Thanos the rest will find the kids and get them off world."
Nebula nodded. "Well I'm going after Thanos."
"I'm needed to find the children." Loki said with a smirk. "So guess I'm out."
"Always the fighter brother." Thor said slapping his back lightly.
"I'll go with horns." Rocket said. "He'll probably need my survival skills. Plus Groot would only trust one of us."
Quill whispered something to him as Bucky, Rhodey and Sam agreed to fight Thanos.
Natasha, Clint, Wanda, Bruce and Scott briefly talked as Tony walked over to them.
"I'll find Eris." Wanda promised.
"Can the big guy come out?" Tony asked Bruce.
"N-No." He said dejectedly. "I-I-I don't know what's wrong with him."
"That's alright." Tony assures before looking back to Quill. "Hey, Flash Gordon!"
Quill looked to them.
"Mind if my friend stays in your ship?" Tony asked clapping a hand on Bruce's shoulder.
"Tony I-"
Tony pulled Bruce to the side. "If things go side ways I need someone I trust to fly Eris and Peter off world. Get them back home. Can you do that?"
Bruce nodded reluctantly.
"Good." He turned to the others. "And y'all?"
"Will fight." Natasha affirmed as the guys nodded. "But what about you?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Are you going after them or fighting Thanos?"
Tony paused. He wanted to be with Eris ans Peter. To hold them and make sure they were safe. But if Thanos and Hela lived they'd never be safe. He had to protect them. Ni matter what.
"I'm going after Thanos."
"Excuse me." They turned to Mantis. "But does your friend always do that?"
They followed her gaze to Dr. Strange who was floating crossed legs as his head moved rapidly with his eyes closed.
Tony slowly moved forward. "Hey."
Strange gasped loudly falling slightly as he looked around.
"Take it easy." Tony said helping him up.
"What did you see?" Loki asked walking forward.
"I just looked into possible futures." Strange panted looking across the group.
Thor stepped forward. "How many did you see?"
"14, 000, 605."
"How many do we win?" Tony asked.
"One." Strange took a deep breathe finally looking at him as he bit his lip. "It's a small price to pay." He looked to the others. "First if we're going to b have any chance of defeating Thanos we have to stick together..."
Tony nodded looking away as he only half paid attention. A small price to pay? That obviously meant some of them were going to die, maybe all of them. But a handful of lives for billions? For their children? Was a small price to pay.
/
E POV
She woke with a start as she had that dream again. When would it stop? She looked around to see the others were asleep. But she was curled up next to Nova. Her cheeks burning, Eris sat up and scooted away.
"Well that was adorable!" Urd exclaimed reappearing out of no where waking everyone else. "But we have to get to work?"
"What are we doing?" Nova asked as they all stood up.
Urd moved her hand over the water of this pool, turning it into an orange like color.
"What did you do?" Nova asked jumping back slightly.
"Sometimes you need to help the water clear things up." Urd said before turning back to them. "You need to go in."
They all exchanged looks. Why would they need to enter the water?
"Eris." She turned back to Urd. "This has the answers to everything. This has the answers to your past, and is the key to your destiny."
"I don't believe in destiny." Eris said pointedly taking a step back.
Urd smiled ruefully. "But you believe in the past. You believe it can guide us. Do you not?"
Eris bit her lip. She was a firm believer in that.
"What happens if we don't go in?" Peter asked.
"You'll be trapped down here." Urd said. "And your loved ones on the surface will die."
Eris took a deep but shaky breath. "So we have no choice but to go in."
"Come on." Nova encouraged. "We'll be fine." He extended a hand. "Trust me."
"Aladdin? Really?"
Nova grinned. "It's a classic. Come on. You won't be alone. I'll be with you the entire time."
Eris took another deep breath before she placed her hand in his. "I better not regret this." Eris turned back to the others. "You guys coming?"
"As if we'd leave you." Shuri said walking forward.
"I am Groot." It'll be fun. He said walking forward.
"I'm not going anywhere." Peter said stepping forward.
"So what?" Eris asked Urd. "Do we just step in?"
"Yes." Urd said. "But Eris..."
Eris looked back to see an almost sad look on Urd's face.
"Keep an open mind."
AN:
First, I want to say that song is Davy Jones from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Why did I choose that one? Later.
Second, I had planned to do some back story on Hela, but I decided to tell you about the small group first and next I'll talk more about Hela and Urd.
Third, I have a quick question for anyone who's reading this. If you had to choose for a member of the Avengers and a member ofthe Guardians to die who would it be and why? I won't post another chapter until I get at least three reviews and answers.
Fourth, why am I asking for you to decide? Because I'm evil ;)
Bye