Disclaimer: I have no creative rights over the characters and places you can identify in this story and have no way profited from this work.
18/12/2022
Compliments of the season to all readers.
This chapter marks end of this crossover. It's taken longer than I expected to write due to a few outside events. So, thanks to all readers and reviewers for sticking it out.
I'll only say two things about Wakanda Forever. A) See Aragorn and Shuri's conversation in Chapter 11. B) I still have no idea if the fish Bard gave SL were Namor's.
Forgotten Honor: Agree with your choice of track.
CLBONE13: It would have been heavily remiss of me not to refer to the meme at least once.
Ian N: Frankly, I didn't think Eternals added anything to the MCU and would never use it with any Arda-related crossover.
Lord Mortensen: I guess Cap isn't around to say "Language!"
Dante 101: Probably some of the ways I nerfed Thor and Hulk in AoTR. But like with everything, perfect is the enemy of good.
Mr Popo: Thanks, and I'm glad you've enjoyed them.
Steve993: In fairness to the MCU, my works have ridden heavily on their coattails. You've got nothing to apologise for. Best wishes on your next endeavour.
Aragorn II Elessar: Completely agree about large chunks of the entertainment industry. Most people want heroes who struggle and end up displaying what's best about humanity. It's why SL and JRRT's works are timeless, and why most modern offerings will be forgotten. And I'm not sure we should be writing Cap's obituary just yet…
Chapter 26 – The End of All Things
Rogers was now beyond the circles of Eä. The beam of light was gone. But his eyes remained closed, oblivious that he was ascending through a dimension that no other human had ever been to. The dimension resembled a gentle mist rolling over a panoply of stars, galaxies, and nebulas. There was only one thing in the dimension unobscured by the mist. Captain America's summoner willed the Avenger's body to halt in front of his face.
Rogers's eyes opened. Any thoughts about life and death were instantly overwhelmed by the sight of the most colossal and extraordinary entity he had ever encountered. It was a golden, muscular humanoid with a pair of glowing eyes resembling two white flares. Rogers was miniscule in size even compared to its face. No, three faces (he couldn't tell if it had a fourth or not). The one he was floating before was peering out of a purple hood. The other two were at right angles to the first, one fully shrouded while the other was only partially so.
Captain America could never recall feeling so outrightly intimidated by an individual before now. By the same token, the entity's gaze felt dispassionate but not hostile. He wondered if it was one of those 'Celestials' he first learnt about on Vormir.
"Who are you?" Rogers finally asked.
"I AM THE LIVING TRIBUNAL, SERVANT OF THE ONE ABOVE ALL."
Rogers briefly shuddered. The Tribunal's voice seemingly resonated throughout his every molecule. Rogers then noticed he still had his shield. There was no doubting that he was physically present in this dimension. Yet Rogers felt the life drain from himself on Muspelheim. Was he now little more than an animated corpse? He could only assume one thing given the Tribunal's name.
"I'm here to be judged?" Rogers asked.
The Tribunal's voice softened. "He offers you a choice, Steven Rogers," he spoke for the Ilúvatar. "You may go beyond the veil – or return to the Earthly Plane for a final task."
"He only has to ask," Rogers immediately chose the latter.
The Tribunal had expected as much. Ultron once derided Captain America as "God's righteous man". Unlike the automaton, the Tribunal could peer deeply into someone's heart. Steven Grant Rogers was a man of humble faith. It was a major reason the Ilúvatar was giving him a chance to serve in an important role. Still, the Tribunal had been instructed to first let Rogers know the consequences of his choice.
"If you go back, you shall not be reunited with those you care about until the end of time."
Rogers blinked at this. It was how long Peggy said she was prepared to wait for him. How would she feel if he chose to indefinitely defer their reunion? Perhaps the Tribunal allow him to explain his reasons to her or at least pass on a message? Rogers took a few moments to ponder Peggy's promise more closely. He smiled in realisation. Peggy had not spoken metaphorically about waiting until the end of time. She must have somehow been forewarned about his audience with the Tribunal. More importantly, Peggy knew what he would choose and had given it her blessing.
"They'll understand," Rogers selflessly predicted.
"Prepare to return to the Earthly Plane," the Tribunal concluded the discussion. "There you shall be both seen and hidden," he enigmatically added.
Rogers gasped as the Tribunal bathed him in a dazzling array of light.
The Snap's victims included half the Fire Demons on Muspelheim. The revived demons had not been mentally enslaved by Morgoth. They were nonetheless fiercely territorial beings who usually attacked intruders on sight. However, Thor's presence deterred them from interfering with Allied recovery operations after the battle.
The battlefield covered a vast area. It was nonetheless strewn with hundreds of thousands of corpses. The Masters of the Mystic Arts played an important role in terms of disposal. Strange personally teleported Thanos's body into the star that Muspelheim orbited. Wong and the other sorcerers first cast spells over the Allied dead that prevented the spread of disease. The remains were then teleported to the various Allied factions, allowing them to be laid to rest at home rather than off-world. Victory celebrations were initially deferred due to one funeral on Earth in particular.
Captain America's death stunned the world even more than when he was assumed lost in 1945. Particularly given the news that mysterious forces had teleported his body beyond anyone's reach. Some made mythical comparisons with King Arthur, that Captain America had been taken to an unknown realm to heal and would return when the world most needed him. All the world had for now was an empty coffin to bury.
Millions lined the streets of Washington DC and billions more watched the broadcast as Rogers's funeral cortege made its way to Washington National Cathedral for the service. The congregation included the Avengers, Guardians, Free Peoples, and high-profile dignitaries from around the world. While he had been officially pardoned, Barnes felt his crimes as the Winter Soldier would still complicate him being an active participant. That left Stark to deliver the eulogy. It was a rare speech from the billionaire that was completely free of sarcasm.
"He once called me Earth's best defender," Stark said at one point. "But Cap was humanity's greatest champion."
After the service, the cortege made its way to Arlington National Cemetery. Rogers would have preferred a simple grave like the thousands of WW2 casualties buried there. But Captain America was the latest national hero who now belonged to the ages. It led to his coffin being buried in a separate plot upon which a memorial was soon constructed. Resembling President Kennedy's, the memorial consisted of an eternal flame and a plaque. Captain America's epitaph was taken from his speech in the days following the Snap.
"Good will triumph – as long as we hold true to each other."
Thor had always felt that victory would lead to a reckoning for one group of friends. As he raised with Ulmo, the Valinor exiles would inevitably be called to account for defying the Valar. A moth delivered a summons to Gandalf the day after Rogers's funeral. It said the exiles were requested to appear before the Ring of Doom. Many were willing to offer the exiles asylum. All seven exiles politely refused, keeping their promise not to break any more of the Valar's commands.
All the Valar took their seats in the Ring of Doom. That included Ulmo who had departed Arda for the first time since the Snap. Eönwë was charged with watching over the exiles outside the Ring. He told them the Valar would hold private hearings before making an announcement to all Valinor.
"Hearings?" Bilbo was confused by the plural.
"You shall appear before them in separate groups," Eönwë revealed much to the exiles' surprise.
Gandalf and Radagast were the first group called followed by the Bagginses. The three Eldar were the last, largely because of what Aragorn had surrendered to one of them.
Galadriel reverently placed the Silmaril at Varda's feet before stepping back alongside Elrond and Tauriel. Varda gracefully levitated the jewel into her hand. Manwë had received a message earlier from the Ilúvatar – He wanted Varda to hallow the jewel again. She had also been assigned to be someone's handler. Varda ceased pondering as one of her most fervent admirers spoke.
"Most Holy Valar," Galadriel spoke for Tauriel and Elrond also. "None of us regret standing alongside our friends during the Infinity War. But it was always our intention to return here and face judgement for our disobedience."
Manwë was presiding over the proceedings. This was not like a criminal trial on Earth. There was no need for evidence or examination of witnesses. For the Valar could sense the exiles' thoughts better than Galadriel could sense those of a mortal. They all knew she had spoken truthfully. It did not win the exiles any points though.
"Which is no less than any honourable being would do," Manwë replied for all the Valar, his tone unusually stern. "None may depart these lands without our leave. We even expressly forbade you from joining the war. It's true your motives were selfless. But your departure was not just an act of disobedience. You kept your plan secret from us. Unlike the Enemy, we believe a lie of omission is still a lie. There is simply no place in these lands for any who speak or act falsely."
Even Galadriel's eyes were downcast. It appeared their exile from Valinor was to be made permanent. The Ilúvatar's earlier message was not just about the Silmaril though.
"Fortunately, there is a higher wisdom than all of us," Manwë again spoke with his usual compassion. "The Ilúvatar told us not to stop you leaving a year ago. I now understand your participation in the war was His will all along. Just like when the Avengers first came to Middle-earth. And like them, you were willing to sacrifice everything even to help just one person."
Galadriel cast her mind back to when Rogers looked into her mirror in Caras Galadhon. She implied to him that the Avengers' coming was the will of greater powers. Did that conversation set in motion her own involvement in the Infinity War years later?
"You are hereby pardoned," Manwë relayed the Ilúvatar's judgement. "All of you can reside in these lands again."
The Eldar kept their emotions in check despite the relief and joy they felt.
"To which we give humble thanks," Galadriel responded.
"What of Gandalf and the others?" Elrond had not forgotten the non-elves.
"Pardoned also," Manwë said they had been shown the same mercy. "Though we agreed to let Bilbo return to Earth for a while."
The three elves were puzzled to hear this. Manwë had not disclosed the reason behind Bilbo's request. On that basis, the youngest elf present felt it best not ask to 'why'.
"Will he be gone long, milord?" Tauriel enquired instead.
"Perhaps as long as someone else," Mandos entered the discussion.
The elves turned around and were stunned to see who stood before them. A cherished friend had been transported to the Ring of Doom without them noticing.
"Thranduil!" Tauriel gasped in disbelief.
The Ilúvatar's pardon of the exiles included the late Elf-king. Thranduil's spirit had been recovering in the Halls of Mandos from the trauma of being killed by Morgoth. Just a few days ago, the Living Tribunal was commanded to heal and reincarnate Thranduil before returning him to Valinor. Mandos raised no objections at the time. If only because he prophesied the Tribunal's interventions (both for Thranduil and Rogers) more than a year ago.
Thranduil was both noble and hale in appearance with no sign of his fatal injury. He had struck up a friendship of sorts while convalescing in the Halls of Mandos.
"I bring word from your father, Elrond," Thranduil carried a message from Eärendil. "He expects to be reincarnated soon and looks forward to spending his retirement with you."
Elrond's elation at news was tempered by confusion. "Retirement?" he struggled to see how Eärendil could. "What of the Evening Star?"
Galadriel sensed Thranduil's thoughts. They contained a surprise even more pleasant than seeing atoms for the first time.
"All shall see it and rejoice," Galadriel smiled with delight.
There was a flurry activity at the New Avengers Facility akin to when it was first operational. Revived personnel were warmly greeted back by their colleagues who survived the Snap. Klein was among them; taking Hill, Selvig, and Cho on a tour of Silvan colony that had been established during the trio's absence. All agreed the abandoned buildings and elven furnishings provided a peaceful outdoor setting for facility personnel to use. A more sombre silence currently reigned over the facility's cemetery.
Star-Lord attended Rogers's funeral along with the other Guardians. Prior to departing Earth, there was another deceased individual he needed to pay his respects to. Quill crouched down in front of Gamora's grave. He placed his hand on her headstone.
"I love you," Quill belatedly told her.
Black Widow was waiting for him just a few yards away. Having been Captain America's right-hand Avenger for several years, all supported her succeeding him as the group's leader. She accompanied her Guardians' counterpart as he walked back to the Benatar.
"Thanks for taking care of her," Quill said of Gamora.
"Galadriel said she deserved a proper burial," Romanoff gave due credit. "And you Guardians are always welcome here."
"I'm still guessing not too soon," Quill dryly speculated. "You had to put up with Rocket and Groot for more than a year."
Romanoff knowingly smirked. "But we still worked well together," she argued. "If you ever need our help on anything, you know where to find us."
"Likewise," Quill agreed about mutual aid. "That's what allies are for."
"We're more than allies, Peter," Romanoff said the war had bound the Avengers and Guardians beyond the treaty. "We're partners."
The respective leaders of both groups sealed the relationship by shaking hands. Quill was soon aboard the Benatar. He slid into the pilot's chair for the first time since the Siege of Novi Grad. He looked around the cockpit. The Guardians were in their usual seating arrangements, although Nebula now occupied her late sister's chair. Any chance for reflection was lost as the ship's engines began firing up. Star-Lord's co-pilot still seemed to think he was the Benatar's captain.
"You've already plotted a course?" Quill noticed on his display,
"I've got us a week-long, all-expenses paid vacation lined up," Rocket was going to collect a promised reward. "Next stop – Erebor!"
"I am Groot?" Groot requested.
"Yeah, we can see Treebeard," Rocket assured him.
Barnes and Wilson stood alongside Romanoff as they watched the Guardians depart. The trio began strolling back to the main building after the Benatar hurtled from view. Barnes had moved from Wakanda to permanently reside at facility. Rogers's death had compelled his best friend to officially join the Avengers.
"So, now what?" Barnes wondered as the group entered a new era.
Romanoff looked towards the main building. Fury was waiting outside for the trio. He had taken over as Allied Director of Intelligence following Romanoff's ascension as Avengers leader. Fury was momentarily distracted as Goose strolled past him, giving the Flerken a wary look.
"Unfortunately, trouble always comes sooner than you'd like," Romanoff drew on what her mentor once told her.
"You saying we've got a mission?" Wilson intuited.
"You're both going to Mandripoor," Romanoff confirmed. "We've reports of new crime lord called the 'Power Broker'..."
Middle-earth had suffered thrice now from off-world invaders. Ultron, Malekith, and Thanos had devastated lands and killed thousands between them. All the Free Peoples agreed their defences against off-world invaders needed to be improved. That included being able to instantly communicate with each other in the event of an attack. Romanoff's response to their request was a combination of Earth magic and science.
Wong had been teleporting Banner across the strongholds of the Free Peoples. Once he arrived, the Avenger installed a digital transceiver that allowed the stronghold to communicate with the others. The final location in the network was not a stronghold but the workplace of two close friends.
It was afternoon in Tuckborough. Merry and Pippin watched as Banner affixed a small antenna atop the office of Brandybuck and Took. Banner finished by running a final diagnostic with his pad.
"All good, guys," he said the Shire was integrated into the network. "You can now talk to everyone else in Middle-earth."
"How is it powered, Bruce?" Merry knew the transceiver needed electricity.
"It's got a vibranium battery," Banner had some Wakandan help. "Shuri said it'll run for decades."
"Will we be able to contact Earth?" Pippin hoped.
"The antenna's too small, Pippin," Banner first gave the bad news. "But Thor said New Asgard can act as a relay station. It'll boost the signal if you need to talk to us or the Guardians."
The Took smirked at the thought of contacting the Guardians.
"What?" Merry noticed his cousin's reaction.
"Perhaps we should dare Rocket to steal Farmer Maggot's crops?" Pippin wryly proposed.
The trio knowingly chuckled. They had all been invited to an important gathering that was just a few hours away.
"Are you going to the reception Aragorn's holding tonight?" Pippin asked Banner.
"Banner promised Hulk." Hulk confirmed before Banner revealed, "Wong said he'd teleport us to Minas Tirith.
"Which gives us plenty of time for afternoon tea," Merry decided to have some private refreshments first.
"Um, Bruce," Pippin directed his attention.
Afternoon tea was briefly delayed. Merry and Pippin had not been Banner's only audience while he worked. A large group of hobbit children stood just yards away, excitedly taking in the sight of their favourite Avenger. Banner and his alter ego knew what they were really hoping for. Hulk gave a loud but non-threatening roar that echoed throughout Tuckborough. The children erupted into cheers and laughter.
Hulk was not the only Avenger presently in the Shire. Captain Marvel was patiently waiting outside the front gate of Bag End. She had just come from Sanctuary where she destroyed the remainder of Thanos's military machine. That still left plenty of threats across both the Milky Way and Andromeda Galaxy. Becoming an Avenger had also taught Danvers that even the most powerful individuals benefitted from teamwork.
Bag End's famous green door swung open as the Gamgee family poured outside. The family's tallest member was among them. Elanor's siblings still did not quite understand why she now resembled one of the Big Folk. They were nonetheless excited to learn that their sister was the first hobbit to officially join the Avengers. Sam and Rose found it much harder letting go of the little girl they knew. Elanor hugged her tearful mother before speaking with her father.
"Are you sure you can't stay a bit longer, Elanor?" Sam almost pleaded.
Joining the Avengers was partly an act of penance on Elanor's part. Even if Thanos had manipulated her, she could not overlook the destruction wrought by Ela Reaper.
"I'll return soon, father," Elanor first promised. "But the war has left many worlds defenceless. I can help Carol protect them."
Sam conceded with a deep sigh. It reflected how he had never lied to his daughter.
"You're right," he admitted. "I just wish you hadn't grown up so quickly."
His firstborn crouched down and lovingly embraced him. Sam was comforted upon learning his Elanorellë still existed.
"I'll always love you, Sam-dad," Elanor paraphrased him in farewell. "Remember that. No matter how bad things get."
Danvers saw this and smiled bittersweet. At least one father loved his daughter for the person she was. Elanor let go of Sam and joined her new teammate, closing the gate behind her like she had always been taught. Elanor and Captain Marvel initially clashed at the Battle of Muspelheim. The pair later combined to destroy one of the Balrogs. In both instances, the young hobbit showed a fearless and determined streak that reminded Danvers of herself. It was a major reason she readily agreed to Romanoff's request to act as Elanor's mentor. There was at least one thing that every Avenger possessed in common.
"You thought of an alias yet?" Danvers checked.
"I thought…Sentry," Elanor replied.
"I like it," Danvers approved.
"Your orders, Captain Marvel?" Elanor used hers in a show of fidelity.
"Higher, faster, further, baby," Danvers loved having a wingman again.
Sam and his family watched as the pair soared skywards and beyond the bounds of Arda.
The debate surrounding the future of Novi Grad's castle had been interrupted by the Infinity War. Victory had quickly led to Sokovians reaching a consensus. The centuries-old fortification had become the official residence of their greatest hero. The Scarlet Witch was currently in her personal quarters. They were even more spacious than the apartment she had as Sokovia's head of state. Wanda walked outside onto her balcony as she contemplated her recent homecoming.
Wanda's "sentence" as President had been legally underpinned by the Sokovia Accords. The dissolution of the Accords meant that sentence was also null and void. Not that Wanda had any interest in remaining in the role. Galadriel's mentorship was a major reason why. Wanda would never hesitate to defend her homeland. But she felt her true calling was that of a healer and counsellor. Her most recent display of chaos magic reflected this.
Novi Grad had been scarred by a huge chasm ever since Ultron raised part of it into the sky. Wanda first used her reality warping powers to both fill and resurface the chasm. She then covered every square inch of the landfill with parks and gardens. Many were already describing it as the most beautiful urban park in the world. Wanda could see the park perfectly from the balcony. She stretched out with her telepathy and sensed thousands of visitors, all utterly enchanted by her creation. None of them knew that the botanical wonder was something of a pale imitation. For the Scarlet Witch had based her park on the Gardens of Lorien taken from the memories of a close friend.
"Afternoon tea, Wanda!" Bilbo called her inside.
The Hobbit had entered her quarters with a trolley of tea, coffee, and biscuits. Wanda had a small domestic staff and security detail. But Bilbo enjoyed serving her refreshments himself. If nothing else, it was a reminder of when they had tea at Bag End. He gave Wanda her café latte as she joined him. Bilbo lived in his own quarters. He had embarked on a fresh project since taking up residence at the castle.
"How's your book going?" Wanda enquired about it.
Bilbo had started writing about his adventures during the Infinity War. "I'm up to when the Benatar arrived in Novi Grad," he gave a progress report.
"Have you heard from the Guardians lately?" Wanda knew he was staying in touch with them.
"I got email from Rocket this morning," Bilbo revealed while pouring himself a cup of tea. "They'll be swinging by next week. He wants to tell me about their holiday in Erebor."
"He probably wants to show you all the gold he was paid," Wanda knowingly put.
"Probably." Bilbo chuckled before reflecting, "He might even offer me some to come with them."
"Why don't you?" Wanda knew he loved being a Guardian.
"I told Rocket and Groot I'd stay with them until Quill and the others returned," Bilbo had made a series of undertakings. "Besides, I gave the Valar my word I'd stay on Earth."
Wanda would never read Bilbo's mind to bypass any confidences he made. That included his trial at the Ring of Doom. Even if she wanted to, the Valar hid Bilbo's memories of it behind a psychic cloud that not even the Scarlet Witch could penetrate.
"You sure this is what you want?" Wanda asked him about staying with her.
Bilbo gave a sombre nose twitch. Until the Siege of Novi Grad, he had never felt so powerless as when he tried convincing Smaug not to attack Lake-town.
"I… couldn't stop Morgoth taking you captive," Bilbo was still pained by the memory. "Nor what he put you through." He paused before answering Wanda's question. "Even if you're stronger than ever, you've been through a terrible ordeal. I want to be here while you recover from it."
Wanda was beyond touched. "You don't owe me anything, Bilbo," she still told him.
"You've always looked after me," Bilbo kindly disagreed. "Now it's my turn to look after you."
Their heartfelt moment proved unexpectedly brief. A portal suddenly opened in the room. Strange stepped out of it and joined the pair.
"Perfect timing," he helped himself to a biscuit.
"You could at least knock," Bilbo grumbled about the interruption.
"You should've put a mark on door," Strange ribbed about the Company.
"How're you, Stephen?" Wanda spared Bilbo further teasing.
"Good thanks," Strange first said about his personal wellbeing. "Though the order's still recovering from the loss of the Time Stone. It was our best weapon against Dormammu."
"I thought you made a bargain with him?" Bilbo recalled.
"The Omniter showed he's still trying to get around it," Strange pointed out. "Without the Time Stone to worry about, he might be tempted to break it."
The Scarlet Witch had been wanting to talk with her fellow magic-user. She did not want to unnecessarily add to Strange's workload though.
"I guess you're too busy to ask for a favour?" Wanda assumed.
"Name it," Strange assured otherwise.
Visiting Vision's grave allowed Wanda to properly mourn for him as part of the healing process. She could now refer to him without grief overwhelming her.
"I still don't know what chaos magic is," Wanda paraphrased the android. "Not really."
"You're worried because Morgoth had a hand in yours?" Strange intuited.
"I need to understand it, Stephen," Wanda confirmed before making her request. "I was hoping you could help me."
"Well, I don't know much about chaos magic either," Strange first admitted. "The House of Wisdom doesn't have all that much on it." The ex-neurosurgeon then gave his prognosis. "Look, it'll take a lot of time and study. But working together, we'll find the answers."
"Then you're welcome to have another biscuit," Wanda thanked him for agreeing.
The loss of the Eye of Agamotto meant Strange could no longer travel forward through time. On that basis, Bilbo deduced the sorcerer could not have foreseen Wanda's request.
"Um, why are you here, Stephen?" Bilbo asked about the original reason for his visit.
"Oh, right!" Strange had almost forgotten. "I got message from Gandalf." He dryly advised the Hobbit, "You might want to revise that poem of yours."
"What're you talking about?" Bilbo did not follow.
Strange arched an eyebrow. "You'll never guess what's happened with the Star of Eärendil…"
The Reunited Kingdom was hosting its first state visit since the war. It had been facilitated by Thor who used the Bifrost to teleport Black Panther and three of his court to Minas Tirith. Shuri, Okoye, and M'Baku were currently in the Court of the Fountain. Arwen, Faramir, Eowyn, Steven, and Theodwyn were keeping the trio company. They were gathered by the White Tree, waiting for Aragorn and T'Challa to return from the sixth level. Technology in Minas Tirith was centuries behind even the smallest Wakandan settlement. The city's ancient symbol nonetheless awed the visitors like so many before them.
"Now I know why it means so much to you," Okoye said of the White Tree.
"The one we gave the Avengers didn't impress you as much?" Eowyn knew their guests had seen it.
"It's nothing compared to this," Shuri was also more impressed by the original.
"The one in New York has its own beauty," Arwen gently disagreed with her. "Just like the sapling we gave you."
All but Faramir and his family knew what the queen was really referring to. Still oblivious, the Steward sought clarity about a different matter. It involved the Gondorians and Rohirrim who had been refugees in post-Snap Wakanda.
"Are you certain about us keeping your arms and armour?" Faramir asked the head of Wakanda's armed forces.
"You protected our people with them," Okoye replied without hesitation. "Nor have you asked for more. You've shown you can be trusted with them."
"I suppose the day may come when we need to fight side-by-side again," Faramir reflected.
Two Allied factions continued to have an aversion to high-tech weaponry.
"At least the Dunlendings will be real warriors," M'Baku gave a good-natured jibe.
Several chuckled in understanding. It occurred as Steven's curiosity overcame his initial shyness. He had never seen a knobkerrie before, walking up to M'Baku's to take a closer look. It was easy to overlook that the fearsome 'Great Gorilla' was a doting father himself.
"Would you like to hold it?" M'Baku offered to which Steven nodded.
The knobkerrie was deceptively heavy. All smiled as M'Baku crouched to help the young boy. Shuri was suddenly distracted by the latest traffic into the Merethrond. A large group of servants were carrying several barrels of ale into the great feasting hall. The ale was for the reception that Aragorn was hosting that evening. Wakanda's crown princess had missed making fun of the main guest of honour.
"Is my brother required to take part in a drinking game?" Shuri mischievously enquired of the hosts.
"No," Eowyn smiled at an older brother being made fun of. "But tonight's feast will be a double celebration."
This was news to the Wakandans.
"What else are you celebrating?" Okoye spoke for the whole delegation.
Wanda had contacted the New Avengers Facility immediately after Strange's visit. The Free Peoples' new communications network soon received its first transmission from Earth.
"Natasha sent us a message shortly before you arrived," Faramir revealed.
"The Evening Star returns this night," Arwen began sharing the details.
Aragorn and T'Challa returned to the Court of the Fountain first. The two kings conversed while walking towards those gathered by the White Tree. They had just come back from the Hallows. Black Panther had wanted to pay his respects to the married couple who had died defending his kingdom.
"Are Boromir and Sif the first to be interred together?" T'Challa asked.
"Yes," Aragorn had carried out their wish. "We still grieve their deaths. But Muspelheim showed we should not despair for them."
T'Challa briefly halted his fellow monarch. Aragorn's gift to him had been growing in vibranium-rich soil for more than year now. The tonic Radagast produced from it was due to Galadriel foreseeing a miracle. The miracle was currently one of Wakanda's most closely guarded secrets. Apart from Sam, only two other non-Wakandans knew about it.
"I know Shuri told you and Arwen about the white tree," T'Challa spoke quietly.
"She believes it can eventually be used to replace the Heart-Shaped Herb," Aragorn understood why they were discussing it privately.
"In about six months," T'Challa gave an estimate before coming to the point. "It wouldn't have been possible without you, my friend. I feel you are equally entitled to partake of the tree's properties."
"Your people call vibranium Isipho," Aragorn greatly respected Wakandan culture and beliefs. "Bast specifically bestowed that gift upon Wakanda. That includes the mantle of Black Panther." He concluded by declining T'Challa's offer. "I'm content just to be his friend."
T'Challa silently considered his response. Many leaders on Earth would have grasped the chance to become superhuman. But Aragorn was a rare man and even rarer king. He drew strength from humility. T'Challa's offer had not been any sort of test. Aragorn's response nonetheless removed any doubt T'Challa had about something else.
"I would very much like to open a Wakandan Outreach Centre here in Minas Tirith," T'Challa proposed.
"We'd be honoured to host it," Aragorn agreed it would strengthen the bond between their kingdoms.
They resumed walking just as a portal opened near the White Tree. Hulk, Merry, and Pippin had arrived for the reception.
"Are the others still joining us?" T'Challa was prompted to ask.
"Yes." Aragorn confirmed before wryly adding, "Once Thor's finished showing off New Asgard."
The communications network installed by Banner was designed to help the Free Peoples against interplanetary threats. The Great Music spoke to Ulmo of a more potent deterrent. A deterrent that would also help reclaim a devastated shoreline. It culminated in the Lord of the Waters making a secret pact with the God of Thunder.
Asgardians had been without a permanent home ever since Ragnarok. Odin had implied they could build a new life in Norway. Thor felt his final choice of location would have still received his late father's approval. The Avenger asked Aragorn's permission to establish a settlement upon the ruins of Annuminas. Aragorn readily granted his friend's petition. The Annihilator had destroyed nearly all trace of the ancient city as well as killing the Dunedain trying to rebuild it. Thor's proposal represented a fitting act of retribution for the attack. All Malekith had ultimately accomplished was to pave the way for New Asgard.
New Asgard was similar in appearance to the original including the royal palace. However, the city covered an area only the half the size of Minas Tirith. Largely because the number of Asgardians was still small even after the addition of the revived. But it was also a heavily symbolic choice by its ruler. Inspired by Gandalf, Thor wanted to help the Free Peoples not intimidate them with displays of power. A visiting delegation were nonetheless awed by Middle-earth's newest kingdom.
Several representatives of the Free Peoples were gathered upon the highest balcony of Thor's palace. Eomer and Lothiriel were beaming as Brunnhilde helped Elfwine mount Grane. Korg and Miek were casually conversing with Elladan, Elrohir, Radanir, Thorin, Ori, Bard, Andras, Hyaquet, and Beorn. Thor was looking out from the balcony flanked by Legolas and Gimli. The trio were taking in the magnificent view of Lake Evendim. Although Gimli became distracted by a structure at the end of a glass-like pier.
"What's that strange sphere for, Odinson?" the dwarf asked.
"A new observatory for the Bifrost," Thor explained. "Saves me from having to summon it all the time."
"I'll have to go take a look at it," Gimli made a note to visit the observatory.
Thorin had given his trusted vassal a new assignment upon returning to Middle-earth.
"I almost envy your appointment as ambassador here, Gimli," Legolas remarked to Erebor's.
"I don't see why, my pointed-eared friend," Gimli jested at the King of the Woodland Realm. "You can always appoint yourself."
"Speaking of kings," Thor lightly segued. "Eitri plans to visit here shortly. It's very rare for him to leave his forge."
"He must really trust Bofur and the lads to look after it," Gimli proudly concluded.
"Does that include Nidavellir's stocks of ale?" Legolas took the opportunity to square jests.
"I should probably ask Eitri to bring some," Gimli reflected about the recent visit of some other friends. "Between them, Bombur and the Guardians drank half of Erebor's."
"That reminds me," Thor said of gifts. "Did you end up giving Stark one your goats?"
"You should've seen Tony's face," Gimli chortled in recollection. "Although Pepper much happier about it. She named it 'Jeb'."
"Jeb?" Legolas did not understand its significance.
"It's the name of a fabled Earth goat who didn't like others taking his stuff," Gimli relayed Pepper's explanation. "She said he reminded her of Tony."
The trio chuckled at Stark's expense. A brief pause fell upon their conversation prior to it taking a serious turn. The Free Peoples understood Thor had used the Odinforce to create New Asgard. Its magnificence led to a troubling thought for one of his closest friends.
"I hope all this wasn't too taxing for you, mellon," Legolas gestured at the city.
Thor inwardly smiled. The eyepatch he received from Ulmo was not a mere cosmetic. It allowed him to tap into some of Ulmo's energies contained within Lake Evendim. Those energies allowed him to construct New Asgard without expending as much of the Odinforce as would have normally been required. Thor only regretted he could not tell the Free Peoples that Ulmo was still assisting them in his own way.
"I won't be needing the Odinsleep for many years yet, my friends," Thor predicted before wrapping up the conversation. "Come, Aragorn's waiting for us."
He was going to use the Bifrost to teleport them all to Minas Tirith for the reception. Gimli and Legolas turned and joined the others. Thor was momentarily delayed as the sun appeared from behind a cloud, its rays shining brightly down on New Asgard and its inhabitants. The God of Thunder took it as a sign from Valhalla.
"You were right, brother," Thor gladly reflected.
Pepper and Stark were hosting an afternoon barbeque for a large group of friends. As expected, Rhodes, Happy, Parker, and May were there. Stark also sent a pair of private jets to bring the Langs (including Hope) and the Bartons after they accepted the invite as well. Those gathered at the Stark Eco-Compound would be eating around a long picnic table with an excellent view of the lake. Cassie and the Barton children were currently just a few yards away from the table. Waiting to eat, the four chose to pass the time by feeding hay to Gerald and Jeb. Though the new armlet Cassie was wearing also caught Lila's attention. The piece of silver jewellery was an intricately crafted pattern of leaves and vines.
"It's so pretty," Lila expressed her admiration.
"Dad got it from the elves," Cassie said it was a belated birthday present. "It glows in moonlight."
Their fathers were setting the table with Laura and Hope. Laura had not met Ant-Man or Wasp before today. Though as a former SHIELD Agent, she well knew about the latter's heritage.
"How're your parents, Hope?" Laura casually enquired.
"Mom's fine," Hope similarly replied. "Though Dad's still freaking out about the Quantum Tunnel."
"Why's that?" Barton reacted given Allied efforts. "We found the tunnel, we protected it."
"You also let a Stark work on it," Hope knowingly pointed out.
"I liked his face when I told him a talking raccoon did as well," Lang chortled about Hank.
"You still gonna work for X-CON?" Barton segued the conversation.
"When I'm not Avenging," Lang ranked his professional obligations.
"Luis and the others don't mind?" Hope knew they were also close friends of his.
"They understand," Lang said of trio. "They actually asked me if I could talk to Wanda."
"About what?' Barton struggled to see a reason.
"Meeting Bilbo," Lang had described the Hobbit to them. "They think flying a spaceship and stealing from a dragon makes him the coolest burglar ever."
Stark, Happy, and Rhodes were gathered around the barbeque. It was the scene of a major break in tradition. While Stark was hosting the barbeque, Rhodes had insisted on doing the cooking. Stark watched as his friend adeptly flipped over the beef patties upon the grill. The meat released a gratifying sizzle. Stark enjoyed few things more than a good cheeseburger. Though Rhodes' cooking prowess also brought out his competitive streak.
"You're sure you don't want me doing it?" Stark expressed it.
"My burgers were legend at Edwards," Rhodes declined from his time in the USAF. "Besides, you owe me."
"For what?" Stark sceptically reacted.
"For thinking 'black Iron Man' was funny," Rhodes regretted telling him.
"You started it with 'Tony Stank'," Stark one-upped him.
Any further exchange of barbs was interrupted.
"Sorry, can one of you please help me get the salads out?" May requested after walking up to them.
"Sure," Happy immediately left with her.
May had not come outside alone. Pepper was holding Morgan as she stayed around the barbeque. An earlier announcement had come as a disappointment to one of their guests.
"You might want to talk to Peter," Pepper advised her husband.
Parker was staring out at the lake from the shoreline. He could not stop mulling about the Avengers. A media release announced that Spider-Man was now officially part of the group. Respecting Parker's wishes, they would not publicly reveal his identity until he chose otherwise ("I've got my eye on J. Jonah Jameson," Fury privately assured Parker). But it was not the risk of exposure that was bothering the teenager. Parker's solitude ended as his idol walked up alongside him.
"You ok, kid?" Stark came straight to the point.
The media release also contained important news about one of the original Avengers. It crushed Spider-Man's hopes of future adventures with Iron Man.
"You're sure about retiring, Mister Stark?" Parker did not hide his disappointment.
"Well, I'm not really retiring," Stark was initially glib. "I'm more an active reserve."
"Tony," Parker wanted him to be serious.
Unlike 12 months ago, Stark had not quit the Avengers in anger. Stark Industries would continue to provide financial and technical support for the group. Though Iron Man would no longer be donning his armour unless the Avengers faced a truly dire threat. Largely because he wanted to return to his previous life with Pepper and Morgan. But also because of a late friend's legacy.
"I thought we needed a suit of armour around the world," Stark began answering Parker's question. "But Cap was right. Earth's best defence is inspiring others to follow us. I can rest now because the world has someone better – it has Spider-Man."
"How am I better?!" Parker blurted in disbelief.
"I started out as Iron Man with all the money and tech I could want," Stark compared their backgrounds. "You had a tracksuit and whatever you could scrounge from your school's lab. And unlike me, you never needed to put your name in lights."
"I just look out for the little guy," Parker still felt he paled in comparison.
"Gandalf said it's what keeps the darkness at bay," Stark drew upon the wizard and Howard. "And I'm sorry for taking this long to say how proud I am of you."
Parker paused to consider this. He finally understood why Stark had been so hard on him at times. It was because he believed Spider-Man had the potential to be an even greater hero than himself. And like Bilbo, it meant he was an exceptional young man in Stark's eyes as well.
"Thanks," Parker's disappointment began melting away.
"I'll say one thing," Stark reverted to his usual irreverence. "Happy and your aunt seem to be really getting along."
"Well, she always did like The Bodyguard," Parker wryly reacted.
"Good reference, kid!" Stark laughed with his protégé.
It was a brilliant starry night over New Bag End. Frodo was seated between the two Istari on a bench in the front yard. Like most of Valinor's inhabitants, they were currently waiting for the Evening Star to make its return appearance. Frodo and Gandalf were smoking their pipes to pass the time. The former briefly diverted his gaze downward. The Valar had permitted Radagast to bring a second friend from Earth to reside in Valinor. Just a few yards away, Lubanzi lay peacefully on the grass with Clive curled up against his face.
"I would've never believed a rabbit and rhino could be friends," Frodo observed.
"We've made stranger friendships, Frodo," Radagast pointed out.
Frodo knew who he meant. "The Avengers changed us," he reflected as one of the Free Peoples.
"Just like we've changed them," Radagast replied it was not a one-way relationship. "It's why Steve saw Middle-earth as home too."
The White Wizard had only been listening. It allowed him to first spot what they had been waiting for. The Evening Star suddenly appeared to the east.
"Hope returns," Gandalf described it.
Thousands of Eldar had been waiting in the Gardens of Lorien. They broke into song at the return of their beloved star. Their joyful but gentle chorus echoed throughout the surrounds, Lubanzi and Clive not the slightest bit unsettled by it. A smiling Frodo had been told it foreshadowed an even greater elven celebration.
"Galadriel said they're planning quite the party for when Eärendil arrives," Frodo shared.
"It might even surpass the one the Shire held for your uncle," Gandalf's eyes twinkled.
The pair knowingly chuckled about Bilbo's one-hundred eleventh birthday. Frodo suddenly had a troubling thought.
"Could someone else attack the Vingilot?" Frodo voiced it.
"Not unless they can overcome the power of the Living Tribunal," Gandalf very much doubted it. "Anyone here or on Arda can see the star. But no one in space will ever be able to find or detect the ship." He then added as an afterthought, "Except Varda of course."
Despite what he told Frodo, there was one cosmological change that Radagast found himself wrestling with.
"I'm still not entirely sure about this, Gandalf," Radagast confessed. "It's very easy for Men to grow weary."
"Not this one, old friend," Gandalf confidently predicted. "Steve's with us until the end of the line."
Thanos had brutally murdered Eärendil at the start of the Infinity War. Part of Eärendil would always be traumatised even after he was physically reincarnated. Only by remaining in Valinor would the legendary mariner find rest. But the Evening Star had been a source of hope to the Free Peoples for millennia. Eärendil had also been responsible for watching the Door of Night, the portal into the Void. Fortunately, another great hero had volunteered to take on the role.
Captain America was at the helm of the Vingilot. Rogers reflected that title now included captaining a spaceship. Then again, he never imagined a three-faced giant making him ageless either. The Living Tribunal had also enhanced him well beyond the limits of Erskine's formula. It allowed the Silmaril to be inlaid where the star on Rogers's uniform had been. Wearing the Evening Star on his chest further enabled Rogers to transcend something that countless mortals had long sought.
The Gift of Men reflected the incompatibility of human nature with physical immortality. Radagast worried even one as virtuous as Captain America would inevitably tire of such an existence. But wearing a spark of the divine meant Rogers would always find every moment of his new life both fresh and exciting. Nor would he be entirely alone throughout it either. For the Ilúvatar had appointed a handler for him. It was the Vala who shared an ineffable bond with the stars.
Is all well, Steve? Varda telepathically checked on him.
"Yes, ma'am," Rogers happily assured while casting out on his latest adventure. "I can do this all day."
Cap taking on Eärendil's role was inspired by the Earth-616 storyline where the Living Tribunal gave the Silver Surfer a taste of godhood. Cap's modesty prevents me from transforming him into anything more than a demi-god. And I felt the final indignity for Morgoth would be a human standing guard over him.
I know there has been some recent speculation about Sentry joining the MCU. But I don't think it too presumptuous on my part to give Elanor the alias in the MTCU.
Ulmo had a hand in the founding of Gondolin in The Silmarillion. The destruction of Annuminas was also something of a loose end from RoTA. New Asgard presented an opportunity for me to combine the two. Ulmo might be prohibited from directly protecting the Free Peoples. But I think he would see Thor as a good proxy.
"Jeb" is a reference to Home on the Range. Clive first appeared in TWTWTS.
This chapter had a clear nod to Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Admittedly I'm biased, but I'm certain MTCU Wanda would never fall into madness thanks to her character arc. Just as I suspect that Stark and Romanoff's survival would've prevented Parker from being exposed. And like Aragorn in canon, I imagine MTCU T'Challa reigning long and well. These spoilers are no coincidence given this chapter's title. For this crossover's ending also marks the conclusion of the MTCU.
I had only the first two stories in mind when I began writing almost 10 years ago. It evolved into a journey that went further than I ever envisaged. But to paraphrase Stark, part of the journey is knowing when you've reached the end. I'd prefer to leave the MTCU on a high note than let it go stale like all fictional series inevitably do.
Naturally I'd like to thank all readers and reviewers. But there are some I must specifically mention. Aragorn II Elessar, Steve993, and OmegaShark18 have been reviewing my crossovers since the beginning. Their reviews are as much part of the MTCU as my writing. I'd also like to acknowledge two long-time correspondents, DanSolo0119 and Marcus S Lazarus. At the very least, I still intend to be lurking around FanFiction, trying to be less tardy when answering personal messages.
All anthologies tend to have a unifying theme. I guess the MTCU's is that we can either use our talents to dominate others or to help them. The latter doesn't just make the world a better place. The odds are you'll also have a happier life.
