CHAPTER II: A Whole New Universe
This will be a long chapter, just to curb my habit of being such a tease in laying out several chapters for just one event. I will lay out the foundation for the rest of the story in this one chapter. Enjoy, dear readers.
The sloop that came over, on the way to the kingdom harbor, was rather surprised at the discovery. To the crew, it looked like a group of eight people wearing white clothing, but one of them was large and green, the other colored rather blue, and it looked like they brought an animal with them. They immediately cast lines to bring them onboard.
"Hey guys, why does that ship look like we're in the Middle Ages or something? Did we go way back in time or something?" Steve asked the group
"I don't know, but we better play along. People way back then weren't exactly friendly, if you know what I mean.." Tony replied
"I got you. So, time to make a good first impression. No saying stuff like you're a god or anything, ok guys? Don't wanna make them nervous." Bruce added
"Got it." Thor closed
Everybody agreed to being plain old people, even though they clearly weren't. They were then brought onboard, and the crew were rather curious on their appearances. One of them decided to speak out.
"A strange-looking party of odd fellows. What were they doing out here in the bay at this time of night?" the boatswain inquired
"Ladies and gentlemen, let's not make this night tenser than it already is, shall we? My name is Eric Stormguard. Captain of this vessel. May I please know your names, dear strangers?"
Not expecting a calm introduction, the Avengers decided to do the same just to return the courtesy. Though, they felt like they had to be more formal than usual.
"My name is Anthony Edward Stark, but you can call me Tony."
"I am Bruce Robert Banner, and you can just call me Bruce."
"Name's Scott Edward Harris Lang. Just call me Scott."
"Steven Grant Rogers. Steve is my preferred name."
"Natalia Alianovna Romanova. You can call me Natasha or Nat."
"Thor Odinson, at your service."
"Clinton Francis Barton. Clint will do just fine."
"Nebula. Just Nebula."
"Name's Rocket Raccoon. Nice meetin' ya."
The moment Rocket spoke out, the crew were surprised. One of them were saying that he's a yordle or a vastayan. Amidst the chattering, the captain cut in.
"Such exquisite names. Your yordle or potentially vastayan companion is rather interesting."
"Wait, what? What's a vastayan or a yordle? No idea what that means. So, you're the captain, huh? If you don't mind me askin', where the hell are we? We just had a weird day, and we fell through a portal then crashed into the ocean! Sorry for being rash, but we just really want to know where we are. Never been to this world at all." Rocket asked
"Hmm.. the kind with temper, aren't you, little one? Very well, since you asked, you are in Demacia. You answered my other questions on what just happened. It was you who caused the crash in the water, the lights, and I suspected that you weren't from around these parts. You people are the second strangest thing to occur ever since the rainbows days ago." Eric replied
"Wait, whaddya say? Rainbow? What did it look like?" Rocket got more curious
"The skies above suddenly flashed colors. If I recall, those were blue, red, yellow, orange, purple, and green. Those colors split in all directions. The purple one seemed to be the closest to us."
"Guys, those colors seem awfully familiar... you thinkin' what I'm thinking?" Rocket looked to the group
"Wait, I think I know what you mean.." Nat responded
"If we were able to come here, then your idea of the stones getting here wouldn't be far-fetched. If that's the case, looks like we may have gotten our wish fulfilled." Scott answered
"Pardon me for asking, but you seem to know what caused the rainbows. Care to delight me?"
"Captain, if I'm correct, on what caused the rainbows you said you saw, isn't something to be taken lightly. So, what you say this place's name was? Dema-something-"
"Demacia, my tiny little furball. So, what do you say to this? I shall bring you to the kingdom. Since you have never been around here, it's the best option, don't you agree? You're quite fortunate you didn't crash near Noxus. They wouldn't be very hospitable to you." Eric remarked
But then, he noticed something on their suits. Besides the red and white color theme, he noticed a stylized letter A on all of them, which signified that they must belong to a certain faction or something. He asked for the sake of curiosity, and for good intentions, just in case.
"Now, tell me, dear strangers, what does that symbol mean on your intricate wear? Forgive me for the wariness, but I must know before I let you enter Demacia. If you truly belong to a nonhostile faction, the better I can persuade the port authorities to grant you passage."
"This symbol, captain, represents our dedication to the protection of humanity. We call ourselves the Avengers." Steve spoke up
"Hah! Now that name has a nice ring to it. So, dear Avengers, let's get ready to introduce you to the kingdom. Just be yourselves like you did with me and you'll be alright. But, just one more checkup. Do any of you use magic? Demacia has an opposition to anyone that wields it."
That moment, they knew they had to lie a bit, just to keep things peaceful. Thor being an Asgardian with his thunder and lightning powers wouldn't sit well at first sight in his opinion.
"Um, no, none of us can. All you see here is just science." Thor half-lied through his teeth
"Ah, good. Demacia isn't so kind to magic. They'd send you straight into the dungeons. Less hassles to deal with once we get there." Eric bluntly responded
"Excuse me for asking, but why is that?" Rocket popped up
"Demacia's population views magic as a dangerous and evil tool. Courtesy of several wars involving heavy use of it. Now, I shall answer your other questions later and let's get you dried up. You must be shivering from the cold seawater. And um, I'm still waiting for the full answer on what caused those rainbows. Stones, you say? Well, I'd love to hear the rest." the captain replied
The Avengers were given hospitality onboard the sloop, in the form of blankets and some water. Eric Stormguard soon ordered the crew to head back to Demacia. Meanwhile, the conversations between the Avengers took place in an area where the captain wasn't in earshot, while things were busy for the crew.
"So guys, looks like we really aren't anywhere on Earth. If my suspicions are fully correct, the Stones being here would be both a blessing and a curse. The captain said that the purple rainbow was closest to this place. That's gotta be the Power Stone. There's no telling who or what else's on this planet that could be a problem to us." Rocket said to them
"If we do get the Power Stone, the next problem would be finding the others. He also said the rainbow split in all directions. We might need to search the entire planet." Bruce added
"Worse-case scenario, the people here becoming aware of what the Infinity Stones are. The captain is getting a little bit interested, thanks to Scott here leaking a bit of confidential information." Natasha eyed Scott
"Sorry, my bad. I screwed up on that one." he apologized
"*Sigh* Looks like we got to put in more effort now. There's no telling how these people will really take our presence. Sure, the captain accepted it, but a kingdom is a whole other issue." Nebula spoke up
"Don't worry, guys. For now, let's do our best to fit in. Don't wanna make our first enemies on this world. So Tony, what you got in mind?" Steve said
"Know more about this world, find useful information on the whereabouts of the Stones, then get home. Oh, and um, try not to get caught in politics. I hate that now. Sokovia is one thing I regret." Tony responded
Steve, Clint, Scott, Rhodey, Tony and Natasha were reminded of the Civil War that occurred over the Sokovia Accords, but Rhodey decided to brush that aside to clear their heads for more important matters. Thor and Bruce got an idea on what happened upon their return to Earth after Thanos destroyed the Statesman. They were distraught on why the Avengers broke apart.
"Look guys, we all made big mistakes. Not one of us is exempt from that. But right now, we have got to make it through. So, better prepare for the next step. Gotta get ready for our first impression. Let's make it count." Rhodey said with a change of mood
DEMACIA
City Harbor
Western Part of City
996 A.N. (After Noxus)
Nighttime
When Eric arrived, he was greeted by one of the harbor security officers. The port was connected to the main city via a bridgeway that spanned on each rocky cliff, totalling up to four that supported the path.
"Eric! So glad to see you back so soon at this time of hour. I see you came back from your voyage to Ionia?" the man said
"Yes. Though, I have something else. A matter that is worthy of attention to the kingdom. Cedric, will you help me get clearance?" he requested
"And what would that be? Is it something related to the rainbow event days ago?"
"Yes. It seems to be the case."
"Then say no more. But tell me, who are these strange people with you?"
"They are the matter I am dealing with."
Cedric nodded in understanding. He immediately signed a record and a pass that allowed Eric access through The Last Gate, as a way to repay Eric's favor months prior involving Noxian aggression. But, he gave a last cautionary sentence to him.
"Eric, so many unsettling things have occurred as of late. I only hope that these people you have brought with you won't add up to it. Take care, friend."
They were allowed passage, but regulations decreed that such situations be accompanied with guards for security reasons. The group noticed that the Demacian armor was quite elegant in design, and so was the architecture. Thor mentally agreed that this could be compared to Asgard. Tony, being one suited to an affluent lifestyle, admired the aesthetic. Torches lit the bridge during the nightly hours.
THE GREAT CITY OF DEMACIA
They walked quite the distance up to the gate, having passed through the city. Thor now fully accepted its uncanny resemblance and elegance to Asgardian architecture. Several checkpoints had to be presented with the pass Cedric gave to Eric, eating a few minutes every time. King's Rock was in front of the Noble Residences, housing the Crownguards, Laurents, Buvelles, Vaynes, Spiritmights, and lastly, the Lightshields: Demacia's royal family for the last three generations. The Citadel of Dawn was carved from King's Rock, being embedded in it. He noticed that the security has been rather more numerous than usual.
He decides to ask one of the guards in the area about why their presence was more than usual, and was informed that all the nobles had to gather at the Royal Palace in a meeting. This would either be a pain or an advantage, as the Avengers will be immediately revealed to the top figures of the monarchy in one go.
"Avengers, all the nobles are in the palace. I am suspecting that they are talking about the rainbow. Letting you in is akin to showing a new answer to a debated topic. One that may change its course. Additionally, your identities will be heavily exposed in one go. Are you sure we should proceed or shall we do it another time?"
"If this is really it, this practically saves us time. Lead the way, captain. If the rainbow is their discussion, might as well shorten it to do them a favor." Steve said
"Very well. Once we enter the premises, we must compose ourselves accordingly in order to avoid hassles. Brace yourselves, ladies and gentlemen. The palace awaits us."
THE GRAND PLAZA
The final gate before the Palace was imposing, and could only be entered by authorized personnel such as the nobles and military. However, if given special permissions, they would be allowed but scrutiny was still considerably time-consuming depending on the situation. Eric handed the pass, and the royal guards asked on what the business is. He replied that the accompanying party are offering contributions to the kingdom's affairs, and that they are willing to be escorted.
The Royal Guards granted their request, and a small number escorted them once they went through the gate towering over the Plaza.
CITADEL OF DAWN
Hall of Valor
King Jarvan III was on his throne, discussing with the representatives of each noble house. Garen and Lux Crownguard, Fiora Laurent, Shauna Vayne, Sona Buvelle, and his son Prince Jarvan Lightshield IV. The Spiritmight House, its notable member, Lady Catherine, the prince's now-deceased mother, was represented by a substitute, as the others had their own matters to deal with as of the moment. Other significant members were Quinn, Xin Zhao, Poppy and Shyvana.
"I have heard of reports of the phenomenon that occurred days ago. This 'rainbow' was claimed to have split in different directions. The observers reported that a purple meteor was the closest to us! This might be a Void invasion, or even dark magic! What else could the purple hue signify?" Quinn exclaimed
"Don't be too hasty, Quinn. If it were a Void invasion, they would have started to attack days ago. Dark magic is the more likely culprit in this case." Jarvan IV spoke up
"I agree with His Majesty on this one. Strangely, it's been too calm and quiet after such an event occurred. Besides the countryside spreading the news, nothing else disastrous has occurred so far." Fiora responded
"Though we should not rule out the possibility of subtlety working its way in. Noxus has its ways from time to time." Vayne added
"You think so, Shauna? I for one think that this is too extravagant even for Noxus. I also think that they have no involvement whatsoever with the purple meteor. If the Void is not behind this, then I shall fall on the decision that it may be dark magic." Lux answered
"Recently, the only hassles we've been having is the increasing worry of the populace. The countryside denizens, as Fiora stated, have been voicing out their concerns for the past following days." Garen added
A messenger requested the king's attention, and said that one of the trade captains arrived with a group that claims to have an idea of what the rainbow was. In that case, he allowed it and told the messenger to give them clearance to the throne room. This made them curious on who would have such information about the event.
AVENGERS POV
Eric introduced himself to the king. Everyone in the room paid attention to him. His family name Stormguard belonged to one of the finest sailors in the kingdom's history, and since he was a direct descendant, he was given a chance to further his explanation. He stated that this party with him could help with their discussion concerning the event days prior. King Jarvan asked that they speak their part. Steve decided to step up for the group, and immediately kneeled as a sign of respect.
"Your Majesty, my name is Steve Rogers. We have come to aid you in your current matters concerning the rainbow, as Captain Stormguard here stated." Steve introduced himself to the king
"To return the favor, I am King Jarvan III. Thank you for your cordial introduction, but there is one question I am burning to ask. You claim to have a sizeable knowledge of the rainbow, and that tells me you and your party are somehow related to it. Your appearance only supports my thoughts of you not being a citizen of any nation I know of, and you come out of nowhere without warning. I highly suggest you tell me the truth." King Jarvan III said in a straight tone
Steve looked at his team, and they gave him the cue that it was time to come clean. Hiding their true origin will only serve as a handicap at this point. He nodded in understanding and agreement.
"King Jarvan, our arrival into this world is purely accidental and not of our own choice. The rainbow may be the key to our return home." Steve answered
"Oh? And how would it be so?" the king asked in return
"We have a great suspicion that the rainbow was caused by a powerful set of cosmic artifacts known in our universe as the Infinity Stones." Bruce spoke up
"Infinity Stones? Hah! That's a pretty good name. Pray tell what those stones really are. We all are really curious." Fiora chimed in with her semi-arrogant tone
Tony Stark decided to perform a presentation. He deactivated his Quantum Suit, showing his signature red-colored nanotech armor. He then activated a hologram that showed what the stones were. They were rather impressed by this technology, only Piltover's being able to be comparable. Rocket was able to remember the Collector's speech back in Knowhere, despite his boredom and frustration. He gave his friends the cue to be the speaker.
"Your Highness, allow me to explain it the best way I can. Now, I understand that this universe and our universe may have a different beginning, so allow me to put it in our perspective. Before creation itself, there were six singularities. Then the universe exploded into existence, and the remnants of these systems were forged into concentrated ingots... Infinity Stones. Each stone controlled a fundamental force of the universe. Power, Space, Reality, Soul, Mind and Time." Rocket explained in detail, while Tony helped with the visual presentation and the audio
Every Demacian in the room was shocked that such artifacts are now in Runeterra. The recorded sounds didn't help either. If what they said was the full truth, then seriously-dangerous outcomes are very likely to happen. And deep in their minds, they feared that something as great or maybe even greater than the Rune Wars could happen.
"Have you encountered these in person? How powerful are they?" Garen asked with growing anxiety
"Pal, you wouldn't want to touch either one of them. If you can't handle them, those might kill you. I once saw the Power Stone destroy an entire planet." Rocket answered the Might of Demacia
This caused the throne room's members except the king to look at each other with a dreadful mix of fear and ever-growing worry for their safety
"By the gods... what will we do? The Rune Wars are already such a scar on Runeterra. If a war were to happen over control of these stones, there's no telling of the chaos..." Quinn expressed her dread
"King Jarvan, this possibility only drives us to find them all. Our goal is to retrieve all six stones so that we can return home. All we ask is for your aid, your Highness." Bruce spoke up
"And how do we know that you wouldn't use these artifacts to turn on us?" Vayne was skeptical
"Because we witnessed firsthand on what they could do together. We were on a mission to retrieve them all to undo the massive damage it did to our universe. Now, since they may be here, we must find them before it's too late." Natasha responded to her
In the saturated, suspense-filled setting, every Demacian now truly wondered who these random strangers really were. Sona's etwahl hummed a worrisome tune. They all gave their hard stares that could signal a battle stance. Luxanna, in her scholarly mindset, stepped up and asked them with no fear in her voice.
"Who are you people?" Lux asked them
After a seemingly-lengthy pause, Steve Rogers answered the young mage-in-secret.
"We are the Avengers. Earth's Mightiest Heroes." Steve finished off
I had quite the fun in writing this chapter. Did you enjoy it? If you did, thank you!