CHAPTER VI: Picking Up the Pace

Hiya, peeps! I'm back! College has really been sucking my time up, and I just finished my midterms. Now, I haven't abandoned this story, just so you know. I really want to get to the point where the Infinity Stones will start to make things more hectic, as it would be interesting. So, thank you for waiting the entire month, and I will give you this chapter to move this story forward. Enjoy!

BACK IN PILTOVER...

Ezreal was informed that the meteors that had known locations were actually in close proximity, and would save him a lengthy trip back to the Freljord. The regions of Ixtal and Shurima were to be his next targets, as there were reports of landfall. He picked Ixtal first, as it was just off Piltover's coast, but he'd need a way to bypass Zaun. For that, he decided to take a detour. He went to the harbor and tried to find a ship that kept a low profile to avoid being followed, as he had a feeling that things might get difficult.

DEMACIA

HARBOR
DEMACIA CITY

The Avengers were searching for any information that could lead them to the other Infinity Stones. Travelers and merchants from allying kingdoms that had come to trade with Demacia brought some chunks of information. So far, they got a few chunks, since travel wasn't exactly speedy in global terms. They went into a tavern to further discuss their situation.

5 Hours Later...

"*sigh* So, here's what we got: Fallen stars and meteors. The people here really don't know yet what those are, thankfully. But, from what I'm observing, they're getting a little bit excited. In that case, let's try to pinpoint the locations based on what we have gathered." Natasha said

"Let's see... um, Eric, what were the kinds of people we met again?" Clint asked

"Freljordian, Piltoverian and Ionian. Here's a map for you." Eric said

"Thanks. So, Freljord seems to be north of here. Piltover is east, right below Noxus. Didn't you say that Noxus was hostile to Demacia?" he asked

"That is correct. Ionia is to the far east, and would take months. Sure, the Freljord is north of Demacia, but the weather might be too much. The freezing winds and biting frost will require some warm clothing and most of all, the will to persevere. Not just that, there are hostile tribes over there."

"Mind telling me those? I'm rather curious." Thor asked

"There are three major tribes that constantly fight each other. There is the Winter's Claw tribe, led by a fierce warmother named Sejuani. The Frostguard is led by the ice witch Lissandra. And finally, the Avarosa led by the warmother Ashe. If I were you, I'd rather take chances with the Avarosa. Ashe is rather accepting of diplomacy. Sejuani and Lissandra? Nuh-uh." Eric elaborated

"What is it about the Freljord that caught your interest, Thor?" Scott wondered

"Oh well, it just reminded me of Jotunheim, based on all of Eric's descriptions here. Minus the three tribes thing." he answered

"Based on some people from there we just met at the harbor, they saw a bright falling star. The question is, what stone would that be. Like, what would be the telltale signs? The Power Stone made purple cracks in the ground. I don't know what the others would make. So, where do we head to then?" Bruce stated

"I say we take the closest one before we embark on the others. After all, it'd be a waste if we didn't get to explore that option. Sure, the dangers as Capt. Eric here described would be a discouraging factor, but the distance is a nice tradeoff in my opinion. Who knows? Might be worth it." Tony spoke up

"So, get to the closest, then? Alright, better tell the royal people." Natasha said

On their way back, their thoughts started to think of the bigger picture, as they think that Demacia has some secrets. Based on Eric Stormguard's warning of the kingdom's aversion to magic, they think something is behind the scenes.

"Green guy, um I mean Bruce, whaddya think those people back in that castle are thinking? I don't have a good feeling about this." Rocket asked

"Same, little guy. Like, I don't think they're just gonna let us go about on our business. I don't really trust that woman named Tianna. She looks like the type to have secret motives." Bruce answered

"I'm with you on that one. I heard her back in the citadel saying about us being powerful. That makes me thinking she's trying to take advantage of us being here." Nebula added in

"What did she exactly say? If you can remember." Steve asked

Nebula activated her recorder mechanism, and relayed a playback of what she heard back in the citadel. Her implants gave her enhanced abilities beyond the normal biological capability. She then made the recording play.

"Now, since this stone is the real deal, I wonder if the tales they spouted during dinner are credible enough. If they are, then we have gained powerful companions."

"Wait, you don't suggest using them against Noxus.."

"That would be unwise. Only time they'd fight against Noxus is if they encounter them on their travels. Let's keep it at that. They fought a Titan, they say? Then I would relish the chance to see them in combat. That's all I have for now. We must carry on the information searching for these other stones. If they really use no magic at all, then I don't see a problem there."

"Oh, crap. Guys, sorry if I have to say this, but I think the longer we're staying in here, it's gonna put us right into a political trap. This Noxus, if I remember, is an enemy nation. I have the feeling that they'll use us for their own ends to win against them." Rhodey spoke out

"Wait, we can't just assume that they're all in on it. If we need to be sure, I think we need to ask um.. what was her name.. oh, Vayne! Vayne. That's her. Since she talked with that lady, she'll be our best source for now. So, for now, let's roll with it, and time will reveal who's gonna be on our side." Scott replied

They all agreed on it. For now.

CITADEL OF LIGHT
DEMACIA CITY

Back at the citadel, the Avengers called for Jarvan IV's attention to inform him of their next destination, just in time for lunch. Naturally, Tianna was going to listen. During lunchtime, they discussed on getting to the Freljord, as they decided based on their search for information in the harbor.

"The Freljord? Hmm, I am inclined to agree on it due to the proximity, but the dangers are somewhat perplexing. After all, even Noxus suffered when they had campaigns there. If that is your choice, then I will suggest you head to the town of Fossbarrow, as it is on the edge of the Demacian-Freljord Border." Jarvan IV said

"Fossbarrow? We went there just months ago to save the town from an evil spirit that possessed a child. I will be happy to accompany you there." Lux replied

"And so will I." Garen said

Vayne agreed to go, along with Quinn and Shyvana. The others were to stay for other duties.

The Avengers were hardly surprised by such things, especially when one of them is an Asgardian.

"Thank you, my new friends. Now, if we are to venture to this Freljord, the question is which of the stones we will find. The Power Stone we have retrieved, so that leaves us with five." Thor said

They were to prepare for their journey, and begin to travel the next early morning. Meanwhile, the conversation between the Avengers and the five Demacians that agreed to travel with them started.

LUX & STEVE POV

"So, the Infinity Stones, if I recall your stories, have been the objects of conquest and conflict, am I right?" Lux asked Steve

"Yes, they are. Those stones are the only hope we have of returning home. We'll find them wherever they are on this planet." Steve replied

"Okay, since you shared things about yourself back at dinner, I say it is only fair that I get to. But please, don't tell anybody here." she implored

"Go on. You can trust me. I'll keep that promise."

"Umm, you see.. I am a mage. A light mage to be exact. That helped me expel the evil spirit I mentioned earlier from the child in Fossbarrow. Even Garen doesn't know."

"Wait a minute. This kingdom hates magic but it seems you've been able to avoid persecution and detection, especially your brother. I'll give you that. Plus, I know how hard it is to break tradition. If I recall, this kingdom bans magic because of misuse and abuse, right?" he answered

"Yes, you are. This kingdom was founded by survivors of the Rune Wars, a time where magic almost destroyed Runeterra." she returned

"I get the picture. So, your secret's safe with me. What's your name, again?" he asked

"Luxanna Crownguard. But you can call me Lux."

"Lux. I'll keep that in mind."

TONY & SHYVANA POV

"So, can I ask you something?" Tony asked

"What is it?" Shyvana returned with a question

"Why is your skin blue? And your eyes look reptilian. You look scaly too. If you don't mind me askin, what's the story behind it? Just being curious."

"If I tell you, you will not reveal to the others. Am I clear?" Shyvana eyed him

"Go. Shoot." Tony replied

"I am half-dragon. Now, what's next? Do you have something against it?" she acted defensively

"No. What's so bad about it, anyway? Doesn't the kingdom know?"

"No! If they did, they would throw me out! Dragons aren't exactly seen as friendly in Demacia. They fear dragons."

"Well, not me. So, you can take it easy cuz I'm not telling anybody. Half-dragon? Cool. Does that mean you can turn into a dragon?"

"Yes. Why?"

"I'm looking forward to it. After all, I've faced flying things when New York was under attack."

"New York? Are you talking about your hometown? The one your friends have been mentioning?"

"Yup."

"Your armor interests me by the way. What else can it do besides shrink?"

"A lot. Fly in the air, launch missiles, shoot energy beams, that sort of thing."

"Fly? How?"

"See this? It's an energy source strong enough to light up a city for many years. This also powers up the armor." Tony showed her the Arc Reactor

"The surprises keep coming. Impressive technology, I admit. But I advise you, the Freljord will not be so kind. I hope you are ready for the harsh winters."

"Yup. I'll be."

The next day, they started to head to Fossbarrow. The journey to the Freljord begins.

IONIA

SWIRL ROCKS
ZHYUN

Irelia and Karma travelled for three days to get through the mountainous terrain. They were there, and started to find the green gem aka Time Stone, and it would take some time as the Swirl Rocks had numerous peaks which would take some effort to search.

"Karma, are you sure your green gem is here? It might be anywhere but here."

"I say we take our chances of searching thoroughly, Irelia. There's no telling if we will meet any difficult challenges later on. I still suspect that we are being followed ever since we departed from the city. If the green gem is truly here, then we must get to it first before anyone else does."

"On that, I'll agree. After all, the news of the fallen meteor doesn't exactly go unheard."

Thus they began their search. It would take some time. After half a day, they found some strange unusual sights.

"Hmm, what is happening? I've never seen that before in places like this." Karma wondered

They climbed up the rocks, and could not believe it.

"We have found it! The green gem. It is here!" Irelia exclaimed

They approached the gem, and grabbed it. The Time Stone was still glowing green and causing some rocks to appear and disappear randomly. Karma felt the amount of power the stone radiated. Thus, she let it levitate to avoid further contact. She tried to understand what it could do. Until something happened.

A dagger flew past them, almost grazing Karma's face.

A few assassins appeared. They were of the Shadow Order.

"So, it seems that our efforts have been fruitful. The master will be pleased to have that strange artifact that they now carry."

Karma and Irelia went into a battle stance, readying themselves for further attacks. A flurry of daggers went for them. They avoided it. Then a few assassins went to strike at them. Subconsciously, Karma thought hard on how to avoid it. That triggered a reaction she did not anticipate. The stone then hummed and formed a strange circle.

The assassins looked like they were being pushed back, but she noticed that time itself had went back. This shocked both of them. And their enemies.

The fight was on.

Karma then tried to focus better, as she just discovered that the stone was able to manipulate time but decided to keep it hidden in her pouch. Irelia was swinging her blades and fighting off any who got too close. Realizing that they'll tell the Shadow Order if they ever get away, they decided to defeat them first. Karma tethered the assassins and shielded both herself and Irelia against some projectiles. They flung their spells and blades.

After a few minutes, they defeated their assailants who were bloodied and weakened. Karma and Irelia had to leave, as they suspected that some would also approach the site just like they did. They headed back to town and immediately sailed back to Ionia City.

IXTAL

CARDINAL ARCOLOGY
IXAOCAN CITY

Qiyana Yunala, ruler of the Ixtali Nation, sensed powerful energies radiating within the continent, and aimed to find it. Even the city's mages were beginning to sense the energy. The sightings of a fallen star had been recorded by the city's astronomers, and was one of the theories of the energies they felt.

"I sense the earth calling out to me.. as if it was in pain.. what is this strange feeling?" Qiyana pondered

She wondered if it was the people from Piltover again causing destruction to the rainforests. But, even they could not cause nature to wail this loud, which really perplexed her. She then headed to the astronomers to ask of their recent reports, as an effort to gather as much information as possible before spearheading an assault against the Piltoverians if they were the culprit.

Within the Cardinal Arcology, she went to the magi and asked for their counsel.

They all said that they are yet to completely figure out how and what the sources of the emanations are, be it magical or something else entirely.

"Fine then. I'll see it for myself. All I need to know is where it landed." Qiyana asked

"Based on the observations we recorded, it is most likely within the northern jungles." an astronomer spoke up

"Then to the northern jungles I will go." she said without another word

Qiyana soon then began to prepare to find the fallen star.

KUMUNGU
NORTH JUNGLE

5 1/2 Days later...

Ezreal had arrived on the shores of the lush, vibrant jungle after five and a half days of sailing as he had to get around Zaun. It was time for him to enter the fray. He began to trek into the green wilds, knowing that danger is always present within places like these, nothing too different for the Prodigal Explorer. He decided to avoid Mudtown, a primary source for Piltover's brick industry, as he chose to keep his presence to a minimum. He knows of people like Twisted Fate and Graves, and prefers to avoid them as the might be after the fallen meteor within the jungle.

After all, he had once traveled to Ixtal to find Paretha, an old Shuriman settlement, where he found the Elixir of Uloa. His prior experience with jungles have helped him survive the green. He acknowledged the news concerning the Kumungu, as many miners and explorers from Piltover were lost, and that he suspected something was causing this.

Somewhere deep in the jungle...

"Aargh! My children cry out to me! What is happening?!" Zyra roared out

Nidalee, Rengar and Kha'Zix sensed something was wrong, and were stirred by their unease. They began to move out of instinct.

TARGON

MOUNT TARGON

Nami had ascended some time ago. Searching for Diana, it only became more perplexing after she felt those strange energies days ago. She still carries the pearl she retrieved from the abyss, along with Rasho's Staff. The moonstone would be their only hope agains the creatures of the deep, and she has to find it.

Leona, the Radiant Dawn, wondered what has been causing the heavens to strangely twinkle and flicker. She felt the need to know what was going on, and decided to head out, and ask the Solari to accompany her to search for answers. Ever since the colorful stars fell, they have been questioning where they were and that they may be connected to many recently strange events.

Atreus aka Pantheon, offered to aid Leona in her quest, as he also believed that it was worth investigating. If it was danger, then he'd want to destroy it at its source before it starts to do damage.

Zoe decided to do the same thing the Targonians were about to do. And that is, find out. Only that she'll most likely follow them.

Aurelion Sol had started to act up, making his jailers wonder what else has caused the mighty celestial dragon to become more active.

The Lunari were also having the same mindset, although they'd expect a little fighting if their paths were to cross with the Solari.

EARTH

NEW YORK, U.S.A.
AVENGERS COMPOUND

Pepper Potts headed over to check on Tony and the others, as she had been trying to communicate with them, and that they have been seemingly gone for the past few days. When she went over, the Barn Door Protocol was still in place. She noticed it was too quiet. She was able to deactivate one door, and entered the facility. She noticed that the power was out and started to worry.

She then tried to call whoever was left that could help her. When she investigated more, she saw that the Quantum Tunnel was shot to hell. Some equipment were still giving off sparks. The Time-Space GPS gave a blank reading, and was experiencing interference. She held onto it, hoping that The Avengers including Tony were alright.

I have returned! Once Christmas comes, I shall try to update a bit more frequently. Enjoyed it! Then thank you for doing so!