AN: This chapter has been edited and changed so many times that it's become a project in itself. Along with the idea behind this story. So I'm beginning to realize that it's high-time I get off my lazy butt and actually post chapters. Since this is an AU from the Avenger's movie as well, obviously things will be different. I'll probably be messing around with the timeline which I'm sure people will get annoyed with, but at this point, I no longer give a crap. This story has been on my flash-drive for so long that it's about time that I update it and finish posting. And maybe if I'm lucky people will enjoy it. Either way, please let me know what you thought of the first chapter!

One

At one time, the universe was just an empty canvas. A black expanse stretching beyond the imagination. It seemed as though life was impossible. But suddenly, a flash of light exploded from nowhere, filling the void from every edge. Within that light came time and space, soon followed by a life that would one day fill the empty void. Five different colored stones had been created from the explosion that stretched across the cosmos. The power emanating from the stones left a wave of energy that only seemed to fuel said life. They were later called the Infinity Stones, for their power stretched beyond infinity.

These stones, which were feared and worshiped by many beings throughout the universe, had created an entire planet filled with beings that were fabricated from the very stones themselves. The planet itself was a beautiful, lush planet known as Narla. A race of indigenous beings had also been created by the stones; they were the only beings capable of holding the stones without being torn apart from within. The power that came with the stones had also been cast upon the beings who controlled them. The energy beings had also been worshiped by those who discovered them, often revering to them for their power and the generosity that was often shown by the Narlanians.

Yet, there were those who feared them and the stones. The Narlanians had grown wary of the stones. Though the stones themselves had given them their abilities to create their planet and mold it into their standards, that did not make them feel any easier using them. They realized that such power in the wrong hands could spell disastrous for the universe, and so they cast the stones throughout the universe, scattering them in the process. They hoped that through doing this, it would appease those who feared them.

By the time the stones were cast out, it was too late. Other races had grown resentful of the Narlanians. The races they once ruled over peacefully had become jealous over their power and planet. They'd begun to seek that power for themselves over the passing centuries. As the people the Narlanians once ruled over began to turn on them, their once beautiful planet was soon torn apart.

War soon broke out across the galaxy. Aliens who grew more advanced in space travel and technology sought out the Infinity Stones and destroyed anyone who stood in their way, including the Narlanians themselves. They would often revert to torture whenever a Narlanian was captured alive. Such cruelty had led to the Narlanian's ultimate destruction and disappearance. What little source the Narlanians had of food and water had been destroyed during the war through greed and power. The planet itself soon perished once it was discovered by outsiders.

Those who survived the destruction of Narla fled to the outer reaches of space, finding pocket dimensions they could hide in. Unlike the aliens who hunted them down mercilessly, the Narlanians could hide themselves for years inside the pocket dimension without fear of starving or dying off. The Light of the stones provided what substance was needed to survive in a world without nutrients.

Once the Narlanians had established themselves in their new home, they grew fearful and resentful towards the people that turned on them. The hate that festered for millenniums continued to grow, until eventually, they were forced to seek alternatives to their way of life.

While most of their people were happy and content with the way they lived, there were those who grew wary. Some Narlanians held a hunger for discovery and truth. Those who were not blinded by hate sought new ways of surviving. They knew that the pocket dimension could not hide them forever, and it wasn't long before others realized they were right.

A debate had begun among the elders who had formed a council to protect themselves against outside threats. It was their belief that the elders retained knowledge of the outside world. Those who were born of the Light knew what the world was like beyond the pocket dimension. They would be hunted down and treated like wild animals. They would be studied and placed in cages for those above them to observe. Most of them wanted nothing to do with it.

Yet, the Light was fading. The Light itself was the very essence that provided life and helped sustain their numbers. Once it faded entirely, they would no longer have the capability to reproduce or carry on living in the pocket dimension. The elders were the first to notice the side-effect from living in the pocket dimension. Because they had no contact with the Infinity Stones for millenniums, the Light was slowly dying off. They had already begun aging at a rapid pace. Soon, others would also begin to feel the side-effects as well, and that stirred fear among them.

The debate that was brought up often revolved around the Light. Some wanted to see if there was a world beyond the pocket dimension they could call home. Others argued that it was futile to hope they would be accepted. The council had begun holding meetings in a hope to resolve the feud that had spread throughout the pocket dimension. If they continued fighting like this, their peaceful ways would be ruined.

"What do we know of this… Terra, other then through the stories we have heard from outsiders?"

"Only that it is the one place our people may be accepted… there are others who wield abilities such as ours, and while there is still tension between them and those without abilities, they are accepted. Perhaps they would be willing to accept us as well."

"We do not know how the people of Earth will receive us if we make our presence known. We only know of what the stories have told us, and that is all they are – stories."

"Are we certain that it is safe to leave our world? It has been eons since we last parted ways with the Pocket Dimension. There is no telling how the world will react to our presence."

"Our world is not safe from invaders, and you know this! Even if it was safe from those invaders, the Light will not last. It is fading even as we speak. Our powers grow weaker with each passing decade."

"Do you truly believe that Earth will be ready to accept us?"

"There is only one way of finding out."

Those gathered around the main council chamber shifted uneasily at the mention of finding out. No one wanted to admit that sending one of their own was one of their greatest fears. They had already suffered a great deal of loss over recent centuries. It had been centuries since a young being was created from the Light. Desperate measures had been taken by the council. They knew they would not last long without the Light that had been their source of power. Only those of the Royal family were capable of completely restoring the Light itself, and their only chances at surviving were hanging on the whims that the unborn offspring would survive.

Sending one of their own would mean that they could finally decide whether or not it was safe to expand their territories. The Light would finally be restored once they were able to find the very Stones that had created them. Giving the Stones up had been their greatest mistake, and one they would not make again.

They found a planet that could host their people… that was if they were willing to accept them. Terra was a relatively new planet compared to others throughout the known universe. The creatures that called Terra home were known as humans. They were impulsive creatures, filled with curiosity and the urge to explore the unknown.

When they discovered that the humans had created an organization known as the Federation, they were curious. A civilization like that would more than likely accept their people if they had made such advancements. But there was only one way to find out if their theory was true.

Investigating the planet came with a heavy price. One that would cost their own stay in the pocket dimension and the safety of their world. However, they could not deny the endless possibilities that loomed before them. By sending one of their own to the outside world, it would provide them with an idea of what their people would expect when they left the pocket dimension. Doing so would mean going through extensive training and ensuring that the unborn offspring was prepared for the task looming ahead.

"No."

A female Celestial stood out amongst the council, eyes narrowing slightly at the thought of sending one of their own to Earth. It was risky. Far too risky for her own liking. A male Celestial shifted closer to her, so much so that their bodies melded as one. There were few Celestial beings who were so close as a pair. Their bond meant that the Light spread between them, growing and expanding until it nearly blinded those who looked at them. The mark of the Royal family was made clear in the moment their bodies shifted into one, resembling a powerful essence that left the others in the council uneasy.

"It is the only way. We do not know how the people of Earth will react upon discovering that we live among them. The child will not know what they are. As the child grows and develops, so will their abilities that are retained with the Light."

Every Narlanian was born with said power. As they were energy beings, it meant they were capable of so much more than most celestial beings. Their abilities varied depending on the situation they were in, and their living conditions. Once the child grew stronger and developed enough of a sense, they would try and reach out to them. But the female had none of it, instead narrowing her eyes as she glared at them.

"You will only condemn them to their doom. We cannot foresee what will become of the child…"

The female was trembling as grief weighed heavily on her shoulders. Their people had a difficult choice to make. Because it was rare for them to reproduce without the Light, the elders believed this was the best choice they could make for their future population. If she was capable of reproducing, the child was their best possible future. It pained her to part ways with an unborn child, especially since it had been difficult enough to reproduce as it was.

She and her bond mate had spent years trying to figure out how they could reproduce. Her bond mate, who was part of the main council, had been determined to provide her with a life they could both admire. Now, that was all being torn away from them, and Meave couldn't fight back the anguish that threatened to overwhelm her. She knew how important it was to provide a safe, stable future for their people.

Even at the cost of losing her only child, it would mean losing everything. Meave was well aware of how difficult it was for her people to reproduce. The only reason she and her mate had been successful was because of their sheer determination. It took years for them to figure out and understand the meaning behind raising a child. Even then she was uncertain whether or not they were ready for that step.

"We do not have a choice in the matter, Meave. The child is our only hope."

Meave winced at the thought of having to send the first child that wasn't born of the Light to an unknown destination. But they were right. Sending her unborn child off would mean the safety of their people, and she couldn't ignore that. If what the elders said was true, then the Light would finally be restored. That was something she couldn't ignore, despite the anguish that threatened to overwhelm her.

"Very well," she finally relented with a heavy sigh.

"The child will be born among Terran parents. It will have no recollection of who they are or what they are. Once they are of age, we will decide whether or not it is safe to come out of hiding."

Not one of their people argued over the fact that the child would be raised on Earth without any knowledge of what it was. They would find a way to watch over the child. Once it grew of age and began to develop the abilities they had harnessed throughout the centuries, they would finally confront the fear they had been dreading since the beginning of time.

Meave let out another heavy sigh as the council parted ways once the decision was made. There was no point in arguing with them when they were right. She of every being knew how important it was for the Light to live on. Even if it was in the form of their own.

"I do not like the idea of not knowing what will be the fate of our child," she admitted when her mate joined her side once more.

"I understand that," he replied knowingly. "But it is for the good of our people… whether we like the idea or not."

"I know," she sighed, letting her head rest on his shoulder as thoughts weighed heavily on her. "I am anxious and concerned about what will become of our child… and what will become of our future."

Her mate only gave her a reassuring squeeze, knowing this was anything but easy for Meave. But it had to be done regardless of how they felt.

She was not happy with the idea of knowing that the child would be born without the knowledge of what it was. Yet, she knew that he was right. Whether she accepted their choices or not, she knew that sending the child away was the best possible future for them. Even if it went against everything she believed in.

.

.

The following months had progressed far too quickly for her liking. Meave and her mate had worked throughout most of the time that passed since that meeting in preparation for sending the child away. It took a great deal of energy to send the child to another dimension, one that was far bigger than their own. To make matters worse, placing the child in a predicament where they were conceived by human parents was almost punishable by death. She and her mate had spent days discussing what to do if they were caught. There were many Narlanians who opposed the idea of exposing themselves to the outside world.

After everything that happened to their planet and the Narlanian's themselves, Meave did not blame them for feeling so resentful towards outsiders. Though she was resentful for entirely different reasons, she understood what it was like to lose everything. Her mate was the last in the royal bloodline. Eon would have been King of the Narlanians had their planet not been destroyed. Now his role was nothing more than a mockery to those who opposed him. Yet that didn't stop his determination to save his people and restore the balance amongst the universe. Too much had been lost since their planet was destroyed. Once their offspring was sent to Earth, their lives would change for the better.

She wanted to cling on to the one hope that had kept her going since a decision was made by the council. Neither of them had asked for this life. Eon had been hoping to see his daughter grow into a fine young princess. Eventually she would have taken his place on the thrown, overlooking their people's needs.

"She should have been born among her people," Meave let out a heavy sigh as her forehead locked with her mate's forehead.

"I understand your concern, my love," he agreed with her fullheartedly. "She would have made a fine queen if she was given the chance."

They already knew the offspring was a female. So strong was their bond that Meave had almost immediately known what gender her child would be. Eon had been elated when he found out she was expecting his child. She had been hoping to keep it a surprise until she found the right time. But when the council began discussing what to do with the Light, she knew they could not wait. Eon's role with the council was far more extensive than her own place; she had only earned her title as queen through becoming his mate. He was royal by blood, therefore passing his genes to their child. She had already picked out a name and everything for their unborn offspring, hoping it would bring them a sense of renewed hope.

Now they lived in uncertain times. The unborn child was now in danger of execution from her own people. She and Eon had been forced to go into hiding due to the risk of being caught by opposing parties. Leaving their world behind was difficult enough, but to leave the world knowing that they would also lose everything left her feeling more anguish than she was prepared for.

Eon wanted to reassure his mate that everything would be okay. Not just for themselves but for their daughter. Yet he knew better than to give her a false sense of security. They knew the risk involved in breaking the most ancient tradition. Allowing the offspring to be raised by humans was one of the worst decisions any Narlanian could make. He was ready to say something else when an explosion suddenly shook them to the core. Meave's eyes widened with fear as realization struck her.

A raiding party of Narlanians had likely discovered their hiding place. Younger Narlanians were more likely to strike back without warning due to their fear-driven hate towards change. Though Eon was bound to them by royalty, that did not stop them from following the law to whatever extent was necessary. This incident was no different as another explosion shook the compound, causing the unborn child to kick violently. Meave's face twisted with pain as Eon suddenly took hold of her, giving her a light squeeze when he understood the situation they were in. The invaders would not stop until he and his family were killed. He was not about to allow that to happen. Not with so much at stake.

"We do not have time," he whispered as he held her close. The light surrounding them only seemed to expand. Meave gazed into his loving eyes, knowing full-well he would sacrifice his own life for her sake as well as their unborn daughter. "She will be in good hands once she is sent to Terra. I believe we have chosen wisely."

Meave squeezed her eyes shut, allowing herself a brief moment alone with her mate for one last time. She knew what had to be done. As much as it pained her to lose everything, they had to make a necessary sacrifice. Eon was ready to risk his life to save his own people, who were so eager to destroy a precious unborn life.

They had indeed chosen a human family that would one day discover the joy of raising their daughter. It took weeks of convincing on his part to let Meave give up the only offspring she would ever carry. The choice to give up their unborn child had taken a heavy toll on her. She knew how important this task was. Their daughter would ultimately decide whether or not it was safe for them to travel to Earth. She was the last strand of hope they had in restoring the Light and bringing peace to their world.

"Astra will not remember us, but she will know us in her dreams," she whispered back.

Eon stiffened in surprise when she revealed their daughter's name for the first time. She had been hoping that he would be there to help with the choosing of their daughter's name. But she knew there wasn't enough time. At least this way he would be there when she said her name out loud, knowing that the unborn child wouldn't understand. It pained her to know that their unborn child wouldn't know who her real parents were. Astra would grow up on a planet where she was accepted and treated as an equal, and maybe it was better that way. Meave kept telling herself this, hoping that in the end, she was right.

"It is a fitting name," he nodded in agreement. Her eyes glowed with renewed warmth as they held one another lose. Another explosion shook the compound, this time causing the walls surrounding them to shudder and tremble from the impact. Eon knew what had to be done before it was too late. Meave knew it as well, and the devastation written across her face told him that. "Live well, my love. I will hold them off for as long as I can until Astra is sent to Earth."

She gave a stiff nod before releasing her grip. It took every ounce of energy to focus on sending Astra to the one planet she would survive. She could feel Eon's energy slipping as the raiding party finally arrived. She struggled to maintain control of her emotions even as the raiding party lunged at her mate. A golden light had begun to wrap around her, the telltale signs of Astra's spirit merging with the humans they had chosen. Eon's spirit was also beginning to drain as the raiding party took his full attention. Their contact collapsed for a brief moment when she felt his pain as her own. Meave's eyes widened with horror when she realized what he was doing.

"Please don't," she begged him when he threw up an energy shield around them. The flickering had only gotten worse, and she knew he was using what energy he had left to protect her and their unborn child. The raiding party was formidable, consisting of younger Narlanians who had lost control of their emotions. Meave was well aware of how dangerous an emotional outburst was; their abilities were based off of how strongly they felt, after all. That was what made their powers so much stronger than everyone around them - she and Eon had each other to lean on to, and in turn it gave them a better sense of control over their emotions. "You are going to kill yourself."

"If it means protecting you and our daughter, then so be it," he replied in a voice full of determination. "I love you, Imzadi."

He added the last part in their own language, the words sending warmth through her. Imzadi held a deeper meaning to the Narlanians than any other being. It literally translated to 'their other half', a term that was rarely used by other races. He truly was her other half, and that would never change.

A fresh wave of pain swept through Meave as she watched his body flicker out of existence just when the intruders stormed in. An emptiness replaced what was once their unborn child. For a moment, Meave wasn't sure what to make of the anguish that tore at her.

She knew what a life bond could do to one if their mate suffered at the hands of an enemy. Her heart sank even further than she thought possible when she realized too late what was happening. Eon was dying. He couldn't hold them back forever, and she needed to carry on with the mission.

Finally, she glared at the intruders and raised her hand. She was not about to let the invaders harm her daughter as well. To lose her mate was one thing, but to lose their only child was that much worse. The soft glowing light from earlier suddenly turned into a blinding light of rage. Just as the intruders were about to attack, she fired a blast of energy that sent them scattering across the pocket dimension.

Meave let out a cry of pain as she collapsed to the floor, tears burning the edge of her vision. She had just lost her life-bond mate, and her unborn child. All in one day. And nothing could have prepared her for the anguish that would follow.