Norway, Location Unknown

We see ice all around in the Frozen tundra of Norway and we see a few people riding on dog sleds going to a specific location towards a mountain as we see the traveler has long coat scarf and wearing his hood over his head and his face is obscured but his goggles cover his eyes but looks to the mountain.

As they have arrived the guides there get the dogs to calm down as they speak in their Norwegian or Sami language as they leave.

As they go over the icy dune they are met with a weird ice bridge leading to a ice cave as one of the guides point out to the traveler. The traveler seems determined to push on as the two guides were frightened by the ice bridge as he steps on the edge and breaks it but the rest of the bridge doesn't break but are quickly caught up to the others as they make their way to an iron gate.

As the Traveler tries to enter his hand immediately becomes frozen as he shouts in pain as he holds onto it before it suddenly vanishes quickly as it came. He looks to one of the guides and nods before he kicks the gate open and the traveler easily enters before the others soon follow.


Inside the Ice Cave

As the guides and traveler enter the cave it was immediately apparent that no one was supposed to be here as the two guides look around and see jagged ice everywhere before seeing a frozen Giant covered in ice with a look of horror on its face as the two guide's behind the group look around and see this was not a cave... but a tomb... all around them Warriors frozen in Ice with a look of Horror on their faces as they had enough ran away leaving the other two ignoring the dead giants they pressed on found a stairway leading up to a pedestal of some sort as the guide noted that above the pedestal was some creepy ice hand put over a casket of some sort and behind it was a scary looking ice face that seemed to be a warning of some sort.

The Guide continues on as the Traveler was held back as he let the man go first. As soon as he reached the top he moved the casket a bit and ice then blue smoke then came out of it and touched his hand and then crawled all over his body and froze him solid. The Traveler didn't speak or showed any emotion or worry instead he pushed him aside and he fell down breaking him into a million pieces as he pushed the Casket with a wave of his wrist and it open with some form of magic as strands of white light leak out and we see a bright light inside and grabs it and it swirls around him as we see his scarf as well as his hood was removed seeing his white hair as he raised up what he was looking for and said.

Traveler?: Finally...


Meanwhile, Elsewhere, In New York Avengers Mansion

In the wake of Kang's attempted invasion and The Masters of Evil and Ultimo attack, the Avengers felt overdue for a break from chasing after villains, finding Infinite Fractals in evil hands and embarking on madcap efforts to save the world. A welcome lull in global events gave the team an opportunity to breathe and relax without having to worry about imminent doom and devastation. Hulk, Janet, Clint, Generator and Rex made to make use of the rooftop pool, enjoying the peace and quiet of a gorgeous sunny day.

However...

Jarvis: Perhaps you misheard me. I said that Stark Tower is under attack right now.

JARVIS reiterated from the micro-speaker wired next to the pool. Janet barely registered his words, casually sipping from her orange soda as she basked in the afternoon sun on a lounge chair.

Janet: Is Iron Man there?

She asked nonchalantly, setting her drink down next to the speaker.

Jarvis: Yes, as are Thor and the Black Panther.

Clint: Who are they fighting?

Clint asked, sounding equally disinterested.

Jarvis: The Radioactive Man.

Janet: (Sighs) Can they fight here by the pool?

Janet wondered with a sigh as she said that Hulk surfaced from his underwater swim, pausing to analyze the surface situation with a frown as he was more interested in a good swim than anything.

Clint: What's the threat level?

Jarvis: Threat Level: Two.

Clint: I'm sure they've got it covered, JARVIS. Tell Stark that Jan, Generator, Rex and I will cover the mansion... in case it's a trick.

Clint said as it was a weak excuse to not do anything for the whole day.

Clint: And, uh, mention that he's out of ice.

Jarvis: At once sir.

With that done the sizzle of meat on a grill wafted across the scene, Janet opening one eye to spy on Rex and Generator manning the barbeque. Rex in a pair of blue and white swim shorts with a loose button-up shirt hanging open, he was as lounge-ready as the others were. She figured he deserved it, after the way he'd practically been fighting nonstop with Kang and the Masters of Evil and Ultimo this week and last.

Rex: You know... with a name like Radioative Man... maybe we should do something to help out?

He suggested, rotating some hot dogs.

Rex: Radiation's no joke, especially the nuclear kind, if I read Chen Lu's bio right from the criminal SHIELD data base from Generator.

Generator floats around and he was wearing a button up shirt mini shirt as well except it's red and with flowers on it looking over Rex equally disinterested and wanting to relax.

Generator: Rex? Relax~ after the time we had this week and the week before, a nice day to ourselves is exactly what we need.

Janet: And you heard JARVIS, Tony, Thor and Panther are already there. You've got nothing to worry about, Rex.

Janet calmly replied, closing her eye as she soaked up the warming light of the sun.

Janet: Now how are those sausages looking?

Rex sheathed the grilling tongs and closed the lid.

Rex: They're cooking. Give it another ten to fifteen minutes.

Rex answered, lingering by his post. Rex was throughly enjoying the downtime, Rex only wish was that this was an actual beach instead of a rooftop pool. But the gorgeous water and equally gorgeous weather silenced all of his complaints.

Not to mention the equally gorgeous person in his presence.

He had barely noticed Clint's ridiculous farmers tan and purple shorts when Janet arrived. Clad in a simple yellow bikini and heart-shaped sunglasses, it took everything in Rex's power not to stop and stare.

Her flawless porcelain flesh, shapely legs, toned arms and fit body on full display. The way her bikini halves clung to the supple curves of her breasts and bottom... it was enough to make him drool at the mere thought.

He risked stealing another glance, his eyes darting across her features and memorizing as many as possible for as long as he dared.

How could one woman be so beautiful?

Before he stopped he noticed Generator next to him and he did a raised mechanical eyebrow and then his screen did an Emoji of Rex and Jan kissing before Rex used his spatula and hit Generator body as he then landed in the water before he turned back to the grill, taking a breath and working desperately to get his blood flowing somewhere else. Rex then tried to think about the situation at Stark Tower.

Rex: Radioactive Man...

Rex said to himself as the villain was as deadly as they came, his very presence caused Geiger counters to spike. Maybe it was a good thing they weren't involved, seeing as Thor and Iron Man were well protected from deadly radioactivity. With a shrug he looked up at the cloudless blue sky and the sun shining down on them.

Rex: Well... It is a great day for a barbecue.

As Generator was soaking wet and looks at Rex with a glare and then Janet and an Idea came to mind as we see a lightbulb emoji as he gets out the pool and flys close to Jan.


Meanwhile back at Stark Tower

Iron Man: WHAT?!

Iron Man exclaimed, moments before Thor burst through the wall and tumbled to a halt, Radioactive Man stalking after him. He had breached the sublevel ARC reactor chamber located beneath the building, where Iron Man and Black Panther were already waiting for him. Diving in to intercept, Iron Man blasted him full in the face with his repulsors.

Iron Man: Remind me to hurt Hawkeye when we're done here!

Jarvis: Duly noted, sir.

Iron Man: You okay, Thor?

Thor: I will be better once we smite this villain.

The Asgardian answered, picking himself up. They turned to witness Radioactive Man drawing ambient energy from his body to charge a pair of blasts from his hands.

They quickly dove for cover as emerald blasts of condensed radiation struck the ground where they once stood.

Attacking from behind, Black Panther quickly drew Chen's attention as he vaulted over the irradiated felon, narrowly dodging successive radioactive blasts that impacted the ground around him as Tony and Thor took flight.

Thor: Who is he?!

The thunder god, Thor demanded. Iron Man quickly scanned their foe, drawing up a comprehensive breakdown.

Iron Man: Radioactive Man... He was a Chinese scientist named Chen Lu. Apparently he dosed himself with insane levels of radiation, trying to get superpowers. He was in the Cube when the Breakout happened, SHIELD took him down last time. But what he's doing out and about, I-

Thor: Yet again, your mortal science creates monsters. Truly, man's technology causes nothing but harm.

He dove in to attack, leaving Iron Man reeling that comment.

Iron Man: Wow... that's kinda harsh.

He said under his breath. With the Asgardian promptly rebuffed by Radioactive Man, Tony dove in and strafed him with repulsor blasts, the clash creating a thick cloud of smoke that hid Chen from view.

Iron Man determined his location the moment a glowing green fist burst from the cloud and smashed into his armor, sending him skittering across the floor.

Iron Man: I'm starting to think Wasp, Generator Rex and Hawkeye are the smart ones!

He groaned as Black Panther picked him up.

Black Panther: I did not realize there was any question.

The Wakandan remarked. Tony shook his head, turning to his ally.

Iron Man: You okay? This guy's putting out a ton of juice.

He queried, referring to the high levels of radioactivity bathing the area.

Black Panther: My suit is designed to withstand radiation.

Iron Man: Of course it is. Whatever was I thinking.

Tony sarcastically replied with a sigh. Their reprieve was cut short as they both moved to avoid a pair of sizzling green bolts. Out of the way, Radioactive Man advanced on the tower's prized ARC reactor as Thor touched down before him.

Thor: I have had enough, villain. I do not know why you have come here and I do not care. For now, you'll feel the power of THOR!

Rearing back he sent Molnir hurtling towards Radioactive Man, his foe quickly countering with a concentrated beam of radioactive energy. Engulfed within the emerald ray, Mjolnir slowed to a halt before it could even touch Chen's outstretched hand, dropping to the floor with a heavy clunk seconds later.

Thor: Odin's beard, how?

Iron Man comes in and tells Thor what was happening.

Iron Man: Yeah, focused radiation can rip the inertia from an object in motion.

Iron Man explained, reciting the definition from memory as he touched down between the two. Snapping up his arm, the rocket pod on his gauntlet opened to unleash a single warhead that split into a series of micro-cluster bombs. Each attached to Radioactive Man's chest before detonating with concussive force.

Iron Man: You should try more physics, less fantasy.

Tony jeered, crossing his arms in triumph. His moment was abruptly cut short when Radioactive Man grabbed him by the head and pitched him across the room.

Black Panther took his chance and moved in to attack, launching forward and landing a lunge kick that caught Chen in the face, sending him stumbling backwards into the Asgardian. Lifting the irradiated felon over his head, Thor promptly tossed him into the swirling vortex of ARC energy, Radioactive Man disappearing with an explosion of light and lightning.

At first the team felt successful, their objective seemingly completed. But they began to worry as the generator raged out of control, overloading as Chen Lu appeared at its centre, drawing in the ambient energy radiation and bending it in a field around him.

Iron Man: Oh no... that's why he came here, for the ARC reactor! He's absorbing the output!

Black Panther: With that much energy, he could well be unstoppable.

T'Challa concurred grimly. And Tony quickly jetting over to the control console, his access the reactor's core systems.

Iron Man: Okay, time to send Doctor Chen Lu here back to China.

Tony said determined, as he was raising the energy levels and forcing a higher power output. The screen glowed red with higher-than-normal readings as overload warnings flashed across the terminal. The reactor spun faster, high powered ARC energy building within the room.

Thor: What is Iron Man doing?

Thor questioned. Assessing the situation, Panther had an answer in moments.

Black Panther: He is creating a localized meltdown. It will sink the reactor and Radioactive Man deep into the Earth.

T'Challa responded as Thor looked on in horror as the reality set in and he swiftly thought for himself about a more environmentally-friendly way of doing things. Spying the coolant vats beside the reactor, an idea formed in his head.

Thor: Nay.

Thor then summoning Mjolnir into his grip.

As T'Challa beat a hasty retreat as Thor took flight.

Iron Man: Thor, wait!

Tony cried, desperate to stop him as Thor unleashed a bolt of lightning from his hammer that struck the coolant vats, unleashing several metric tons of water upon the reactor and Radioactive Man.

Everything was doused in a sudden flood as Thor collected Panther and joined Iron Man in distant safety above the watery mess submerging the room...


Back to Norway

The cold of the northern hemisphere of Norway was further amplified within the cave, devoid of light and warmth of any kind. That did not seem to bother the wolves residing there, all three of them turning and growling at a presence yet unseen. Conjured out of thin air, a portal sparkled to life as Enchantress and her other Skurge the Executioner both stepped through. Like good guard dogs, the wolves began to snarl and bark ferociously at the intruders, ready to attack. Amora appeared unimpressed.

Enchantress: Call off your hounds, elf.

She called to the darkness of the cave.

???: Were you sent to check on me, Enchantress? I'm hurt...

A thin, raspy voice feigned from the shadows.

The two Asgardians turned as the outline of a man strode past them, his features concealed by a lack of light but it was the same traveler from earlier today due to his coat on him.

???: It is as if Loki does not trust me.

Enchantress: Loki's no fool, Malekith, your own people do not trust you... or did not, before their untimely demise. But you would be wise to trust in his power, as well as to fear it. For just as Loki released you from the realm of the dead, he can send you back.

Malekith, the thirteenth son of a thirteenth son, magician of Svartalfheim and legendary leader of the Dark Elves, Malekith the Accursed was a name known throughout the nine realms. Though long since a denizen of Helheim after his undoing during one of the many inter-realm wars, he had been revived with a very specific purpose in mind as Enchantress continued to the bidding of Asgard's trickster god for some time.

Enchantress: Show it to me.

She commanded as Malekith moved behind the safety of his hounds.

Malekith: Of course, my lady.

He obliged, reaching into the thick coat he wore to produce a small box that fit within the palm of his hand.

Malekith: As requested... the Casket of Ancient Winters!

Conjuring a sphere to encircle it, Malekith sent the ancient relic floating across the space between them. A smile crept across Amora's lips as she reached for the gold and ruby-crusted box, only to have it banish from her hand and return to Malekith moments later. The light from the orb illiumanted Malekith's split-faced appearance, half black and half undead blue. His eyes, equally distinct in differing colours, shimmered with some mischievous intent.

Malekith: But what am I thinking? Loki would be disappointed in me if I did not make sure this was the true casket...

He intoned. The emerald eyes of Enchantress widened as she sensed an imminent double-cross.

Enchantress: No! Skurge!

She cried, her executioner charging forward to lay waste to Malekith with his fire axe. The Dark Elf stood calmly, unmoved by the assault, and merely opened the lid of the Casket a fraction of the way. A sheet of icy wind struck the hulking Asgardian as a cold unlike any natural phenomenon filled the air, blasting Skurge with sub-zero temperatures until he was frozen in place, trapped beneath an inch-thick layer of the purest ice.

Malekith: You were right not to trust me, of course!

Malekith cackled over the gale force winds.

Malekith: Now it begins...

Opening the lid wide, a flurry of wintery weather was unleashed from the Casket, filling the cave and spiralling out of the mountain surrounding it. The magical energy of potent winters filled the air and stretched out for miles around, showing no signs of stopping.


Meanwhile, New York, Stark Tower

Back at the submersion of the ARC reactor had well and truly foiled Radioactive Man's attempt to absorb its energy.

But the result had also cracked open the ceiling, revealing a gaping hole in the middle of the street from which curious citizens looked down on the victorious heroes... of which none of them sounded very victorious.

Iron Man: I had it under control, and now there's a million gallons of contaminated water in my basement!

Iron Man complained, kicking the ankle-deep water in frustration.

Thor: And you would've poisoned Midgard itself by sending Radioactive Man into the ground.

Thor retorted. Tony whirled on him in anger.

Iron Man: What do you-

Thor: Your love of science makes you forget the very realm you are trying to protect!

Thor interrupted, cutting him off as he continued to barrel down on Tony.

Thor: You pay more heed to your machines than you do to your heart, Tony Stark.

Now angered, borderline furious, Tony made to respond when Thor suddenly recoiled in pain and clutched his head, struggling to stand.

Iron Man: Uh, Thor? You okay?

Iron Man inquired as T'Challa steadied him.

Thor: N-Nay...

Thor slowly answered, gathering his senses,

Thor: I felt... I felt magic. Ancient magic. Something has happened...

He responded cryptically, his eyes turning skyward as dark clouds suddenly shrouded the sun.


Avengers Mansion

Back at the mansion, the members enjoying the sun and pool were oblivious to the shifting weather front, still enjoying their time off.

Rex: Okay, crew, food's ready!

Rex announced, leaving the grill open. Ever-hungry, Clint picked himself up and strode over, eager for a hotdog.

Clint: Nice going, rookie.

He stated, licking his lips.

Clint: I'd say you've earned yourself a dip in the pool.

Rex: Sir yes sir.

Rex remarked with a mock salute.

Rex: You know, I would've left you to do this if I didn't want you to even out those ridiculous tan lines of yours.

He teased Clint as he stares down and notices his tan before rolling his eyes, Rex stripping off his shirt. He did so nonchalantly and failed to realize Janet turned and snuck a peek from under her sunglasses. She never seen Rex shirtless before. He was muscular I mean his regularly training and sparring with Cap and T'Challa was partly of it but now he was man with a six pack and a paragon to most of the men on the team were.

But battle after battle and countless hours of training seemed to have paid off.

His body had developed more definition, his arms thicker and more toned, defined pecs slowly appearing on his chest in addition to sloping lines along his abdomen. Now he seemed more like an up-and-coming athlete, lean and trim.

Overall he looked... good.

Raising an approving brow of admiration, Janet was impressed with Rex's progress. Then Generator came by and whispered something in Janet's ears as she raised her eyes before smiling at Rex as she seemed to have something devious in mind for Rex.

Janet: Ok sure.

Generator: Thanks.

As Generator floats away Janet then looks at Rex and yells at him before he gets a swim.

Janet: Hey Rex, could you give me a hand before you get wet?

She asked, adjusting her chair to allow her to roll over onto her stomach. She grabbed a bottle from the floor and held it out.

Janet: I don't want my back to burned.

Her elaboration quickly clued in with him and the Rex eyes were widened by what she said and immediately stopped what he was doing.

Rex: Uh, yeah! Sure. Not a problem.

He responded as calmly and evenly as he could. His approach was fraught with mental calculations, not too eagerly, not too slow like he was holding out, he could barely keep himself sane as he carefully took the bottle of sunscreen from Janet as he was thinking internally.

Rex: (Thoughts.) Alright, don't freak out. Just rubbing some suntan lotion on... never mind she's got an immensely hot body that I'm about to put my hands on-.. Rex don't panic. Don't. Panic.

He thought to himself, looking on nervously as Janet's body awaited him. It would take everything in his power to maintain his composure, and Rex soon believed he could do this.

Rex: You got this Rex, Janet's a friend. Friends do things for one another I mean it's like she's undressing herself for-

Then Janet then started to untie the back strap of her bikini top leaving her back bare for him to rub suntan lotion.

Rex: Alright, I'm panicking.

Swallowing nervously, Rex began to squirt some of the lotion onto his hands.

Rex: Now are you sure about this?

Janet: Rex... I trust you completely. It's not like you would hurt me would you?

As she said that in a really, really friendly tone as Generator chuckles quietly under the seat as Rex was confused by her question.

Rex: What? No. Of course not I'm just saying that what if Hank saw us and--

Janet: Hanks not here is he?

Rex: N-No.

Janet: So... what he doesn't know won't hurt him right?

Rex: I guess...

Janet: Good! Now... rub my back please...

As Janet looks at Generator through the chair as he and Janet actually cooked up this idea and both were pranking Rex with a joke as Rex had no idea what was happening as he continued to have his own thoughts.

Rex: (Thoughts) I'm gonna need a really cold shower after this.

He bemoaned in his head, carefully dropping to his knees beside Janet's bare back.

But before he could even lay his hands on her skin, the sky grew very dark.

He and the others looked up, finding their perfect day suddenly lost to dark and gloomy clouds. Clint raised a brow in annoyed confusion, Janet turned around and lifting her head off the chair as a cool wind began to blow.

Janet: Hey... what happened to 'not a cloud in sight'?

She wondered in mild aggravation as Hulk looks up.

Hulk: Hmph. Stupid weather man.

Hulk grumbled, thinking nothing more of it as he submerged to continue his swim. The longer Rex looked, the more he swore he could see something descending from the clouds. He reached out with one hand, letting particulate fall on his lotion-converted palms. They were tiny and white and he scrutinized their shape with a keen eye. Janet noticed them too and stuck out her tongue to catch one. It dissolved in her mouth instantly and she reached a bewildering conclusion that Rex gave voice to.

Rex: Snow?

A sharp gust of wind struck them all, hair billowing from the force as blizzard-like conditions descended upon New York.

In less than an hour the city was suddenly turned into a winterscape, snow and ice clinging to buildings as ferries around Liberty Island became trapped as the harbour froze solid, an event that rarely occurred even in the middle of the average winter. And such things were not exclusive to the city.


The World wide Planet View

Across the world, cities and countries became engulfed in wintry conditions, the worst some had ever seen and the first some had ever seen. Snow and ice coated the Earth, transforming the entire planet into a forzen ball of ice and plunging it into a new ice age.


Avengers Manor, New York

The snow came so quickly, the Avengers on the rooftop were lost to it, Generator, Rex, Clint and Janet bursting from underneath mounds of snow and chilled to the bone.

Janet: C-Cold!

Janet cried, wrapping her arms around herself and shivering.

Janet: S-So c-cold! Am I c-crazy? Or was it just a-a hundred degrees a few m-m-minutes ago?

She queried through chattering teeth.

Clint: I-Look on the bright side.

Generator: What b-bright side? I-It's July, it's s-supposed to be cloudless and s-s-sunny. What possible b-bright side is there to this?

Clint: Alright... I-I got nothing.

Rex knew they were all ill-equipped and improperly dressed to handle such an event. He glanced at Clint's frigid form and then at Janet's know she fared worst with far more skin exposed. The moment he caught sight of the hard nubs behind her loosely-hanging bikini top, he knew he needed to do something in the name of survival and modesty because Janet hadn't retied the back strap yet!

Quickly fishing around the snow, Rex recovered his shirt and shook the snow off, quickly draping it over her shoulders. A relieved Janet pulled it tightly around her.

Janet: Thanks.

She replied despite her shivering. Rex nodded as the trio removed themselves from the snow while Generator floats out the snow as all his circuits are freezing from this Weather that had happened abruptly.

Clint: I hate the cold. W-We need to move the team to the w-west coast.

As Rex went along with it as a joke.

Rex: Huh, I can see the b-b-brand deal now: the West Coast A-Avengers.

Clint looks down in thought and smiles despite the shivering cold.

Clint: See? Even has a nice ring to it.

They looked out over the edge of the rooftop, spying the rest of the city shrouded in snow and ice and were awestruck by how quickly the day had turned on them.

Suddenly the frozen ground began to creak and shatter, torn apart as a glossy hand of ice burst free, soon revealed to be attached to a draconic ice bipedal monster that roared in announcement of its arrival.

Clint: Typical.

Rex: I don't k-know about you t-two, but I-I think we need to get d-dressed. G-Generator, Strength Mode!

Generator: Y-You got it!

The two became one as they immediately get into their bulky mode before doing a hero pose before a brisk of wind goes by and Generator Rex immediately shivers.

Generator : (Shudders) E-Even in t-this cold our suit is having t-trouble with maintaining heat.

Rex: I-I suggest you two get into warmer clothes and help.

Janet: Good thinking!

Janet readily agreed, as Generator Rex jumps off to fight the monster ice dragons. As we look back up top of the mansion the duo turning and spiriting for the warmth and safety of the mansion's interior.

In their haste they had completely forgotten about the Hulk, the green angry giant trapped in the frozen block of ice that had once been a pool.


Stark Tower

Within the safety of Stark Tower, Tony, Thor and T'Challa stood in Tony's satellite room, watching feeds from across the globe detailing the deteriorating weather conditions. Thor paused by a window, watching the accumulating snow and ice build up far faster than any natural winter would allow.

Thor: In all the nine realms, there is only one thing I know of that could cause this... The Casket of Ancient Winters.

Iron Man: Well, thanks for clearing that up.

Thor continues as he ignores Tony.

Thor: The Casket is an ancient Asgardian artifact that contains the infinite cold of Niflheim; the realm of the dishonoured dead. My father, Odin, hid it long ago. But only he knew where.

Black Panther: Earth seems a likely location.

Thor: You speak wisely, T'Challa. Midgard is beneath the notice of most Asgardians. This storm will rage for all eternity unless we can find the Casket and close it.

Iron Man: Okay, so I may not know what the heck 'magic' is, but I have learned to trace its energy signature. Except, for instance, when the entire planet is covered in it. So, this is your thing, how do we find it?

Thor: I... do not know.

The Asgardian confessed, his shoulders sagging.

Thor: Legend tells that only the dead could find it.

Iron Man: Well, that's just great.

Tony grumbled, slumping into his office seat. A chirp from one of his devices heralded the voice of JARVIS filling the room.

Jarvis: Excuse me sirs but there is a problem in the city.

Iron Man: What kinda problem?

As the three Worried about they will hear.


In New York

We see it's denizens Panicking as they ran screaming for their lives as more ice monsters erupted from the ground, pursuing them with malevolent intent. They did not go unchallenged for long, Captain America using his shield as an improvised sled to rocket down a slope of snow and cast into the arm of such a creature clutching a terrified bystander. It shattered on impact, the creature roaring in either annoyance or pain moments before Cap turned and hurled his weapon, crashing through the creature's waist and shattering its body to pieces.

His weapon caught by more arriving monsters, Cap went to work with his hands and feet, utilizing his combat training to shatter the breakable limbs of each beast. Collecting his shield, the wounded yet sill standing creatures were suddenly felled by fireballs from above, Steve looking skyward as Johnny Storm, the Human Torch of the Fantastic Four, spelled out 'you owe me one' with his blazing trail. Smiling, Cap offered a salute of thanks only to be ambushed by more monsters.

???: It's clobberin' time!

Ben Grimm, better known as The Thing, shouted as he crashed into the beasts and shattered them with his unbreakable rock-like body.

The New York native made quick work of each beast, dusting his hands off as Cap nodded in approval.


Greyburn College

Meanwhile, at the college it had come under siege from the creatures, who soon had to contend with Hank Pym who was now Giant-Man as he was coordinating defence efforts.

Giant-Man: Now!

He shouted, Ultron answering his command from the mansion rooftop as he lay waste to the approaching monsters with his laser array as the two formed the first line of defence against the approaching army.

As Hank approached from behind and was immediately attacked by more of those snow ice monsters as they grab his legs.


Avengers Mansion

Meanwhile at the Mansion we see Generator Rex in his Strength mode throwing ice monsters at ice monsters and breaking them on impact but then a few snuck behind Generator Rex and tackled him to the cold ground as they struggled to fight one as the other was about to rip its head off with his teeth. But was saved when a arrow then logged in his neck and melted his head and body as Rex and the monster look to the side and see Hawkeye from a concealed corner of the mansion, as Hawkeye saved him with his arrows, as the head was containing a temperate-adjustable thermite charge, and loosed it upon the monster that could have killed Rex.

Rex then used his free hand and smashed its head apart as it falls back and breaks and runs to Hawkeye.

Rex: Thanks. Though I don't think they liked it.

As the two look up to see more of them coming close from all around Hawkeye went to move to a better position as did Rex. As Hawkeye did move to a different location as he fought a few of these snow ice monsters, a single claw caught his quiver, tearing it from his back and depriving him of his arsenal. Unarmed and lacking the ammunition to fight back, Hawkeye swallowed nervously as a grisly end sought him out. Just then Wasp used her Bio stingers and the ice demon then screeched at them before shattering in a million pieces.

The three group up as they went back to back ready to fight this endless ice demon horde.

Rex: These guys don't know when to quit! But at least they're fragile!

Wasp: Their everywhere! Guys we need to find the others.

As Rex hands Clint his quiver and readjusts it as a big shadow went over them.

Wasp: We need—

Her cry was answered when the Hulk crashed down between them and the monsters.

Hawkeye: Hey, big guy!

Hawkeye greeted with a smile.

Hawkeye: Just in ti-

He was cut off when Hulk whirled around and grabbed hm by the scruff of his costume, hauling the archer right close to his face.

Hulk: You left Hulk in the pool! It FROZE!

The four paused, suddenly remembering that little fact.

Rex: Uh... Generator we should go see how Tony and the others are faring!

Generator: Good idea!

Generator and Rex quickly excused themselves.

Rex: Good luck fighting the Ice monsters! Flight Mode!

Rex shouted and was now taking flight and leaving them alone with Hulk.

Wasp: Wait, wait!

Janet called after him, but the two was out of earshot and she turned back to face a snarling Hulk.

Wasp: Don't leave me alone with him...

Jan whimpered as she put on her best apologetic smile.

Wasp: Heh, sorry, big guy... forgot you were in there.

Suddenly, a monster grabbed Hulk's head and the gamma giant promptly dropped Hawkeye to turn and punch the monster into oblivion, the creature shattering into thousands of tiny pieces.


Over New York

Over the cold blizzard winds as Rex and Generator fly away from the Mansion both were relieved that they got away from the Hulk's wrath.

Rex: Phew! Glad we got outta that one.

Generator: Yeah. I'm glad we have Hulk but... I don't want to be the one to anger him... at ALL.

Rex: Agreed! I hope Tony and the other's know what's going on.

As they make their way to Stark Tower.


Inside Stark Tower

We see Black Panther, T'Challa looking at the screen and asked Jarvis something.

Black Panther: JARVIS, display all weather satellite data from the last hour.

Iron Man: I already looked T'Challa, there's no pattern.

Tony quickly stated yet failed to dissuade the Black Panther from attempting. He moved on and looks to Thor.

Iron Man: And you, Thor, you always complain about technology and science creating monsters, and now some magic box from imagination land has frozen the planet!

Thor: Do you really wish to take this path?! How many times have we faced danger created in a lab?

Iron Man: I don't know, but I remember your little blonde Enchantress taking down the whole team. Twice! And who was the guy with the axe? Another Asgardian? Oh, right, I remember now, he was going to chop off my head!

Thor: Amora and Skurge will be dealt with!

Iron Man: Oh, so you're on a first name basis with them. Nice, you should form your own team: the Crazy Magic People!

Thor whirled on him and for a moment it seemed they were about to come to blows. That fate was avoided when Tony's office door opened and his secretary Pepper Potts stuck her head in.

Pepper: Mister Stark, you have someone here to see you. One of your Avenger friends.

This made them stop as they look at each other before looking at Pepper.

Iron Man: Send them in?

At his word, Pepper stepped back and Generator Rex entered seconds later, in his base mode and rubbing his arms for warmth.

Rex: Hey guys... sorry, I should've called but, in case you didn't notice it but... it's snowing when it's the middle of July.

Iron Man: Yeah, we know.

Tony flatly replied as Generator ejected himself from Rex and Rex's helmet collapsed itself in its armor as to show Rex's anger.

Rex: Then why does it look like an ice age out there?!

Iron Man: Apparently Thor's Dungeons and Dragons game got a little out of hand.

Tony remarked, shooting the Asgardian a sideways glance. Rex tilted his head as he knit his brow in confusion as Generator created an emoji of a Question Mark on his screen.

Rex: Wait, what?

Thor: I fear the Casket of Ancient Winters has been opened, friend Rex.

Rex: A Casket? A Casket did this?

Rex question as Generator floats further into the room, checking out the satellite with T'Challa.

Iron Man: Yeah, more fantasy stuff.

Tony said with a roll of his eyes as Rex looks at him with disbelief as to all the weird things he's seen since being on the team 'magic' while he is skeptical about magic but Thor being right in front of them kinda proves that magic is real to an extent of Mythology.

Rex: Seriously, Tony? You've been working with him for how long and you still think magic is relegated to the fantasy like, movie Trilogy, Lord of the Rings?

Black Panther: Given the weather, perhaps this is more like Game of Thrones.

T'Challa wisecracked. It took Rex a moment to comprehend before he deadpanned that he watched Game of Thrones on TV before shaking his head.

Rex: (Sarcastic) Oh, Ha Ha. The 'Winter is coming' reference.

Thor: Nay, this is no mere winter, my friends. This is Fimbulvetr.

Rex: Ok. Now I feel like that is something I'm not gonna like.

Iron Man: I'm sorry? Thimble-whatnow?

Generator: Fimbulvetr.

Generator then continues to look at the screen as he explains it to Tony.

Generator: It's pronounced, Fimbulvetr or in a more simpler word Fimbulwinter.

Rex: Fimbulwinter? There's two of the same thing? What is it?

Generator: As to what it is. It's three successive winters, or years of winter you want to get literal. But it's snow that comes in from all directions, without any intervening summer. It's then followed by Innumerable wars.

Rex: See something I'm not gonna like.

As Rex told Tony and Generator ignored him and continued.

Generator: Anyway.The event is described primarily in the Poetic Edda. In the poem Vafþrúðnismál, if I'm pronouncing that correctly, Odin poses the question to Vafþrúðnir as to who of mankind will survive the Fimbulvetr. At least that's what Mythology I picked up from the internet and lore from public knowledge and Professor books on Norse Mythology during my knowledge consumption of Mankind.

Thor: The Machine Friend Generator is right. But, I'm Asgardian Born. Not Norse.

As Thor corrected and Generator looks back at Thor with flippers up.

Generator: Sorry, but that's what it says in Norse Myths and from others point of view.

As Tony shakes his head as he still doesn't believe it.

Iron Man: Myths. Just like fantasy.

Tony determined as Rex exasperated in disbelief as he was, running a hand through his hair and shows Tony what was happening outside.

Rex: Have you even looked out the window? There's a planet-wide blizzard and you're still mocking magic! Where do you think this came from?!

Black Panther: Norway to be exact. That is where the Casket it.

T'Challa interjected. Everyone suddenly turned to him, surprised by his sudden answer.

Iron Man: Come again?

Tony wondered in bewilderment. As T'Challa looks back with remote in hand as he tosses it to Tony and he catches it.

Black Panther: You should try more Chaos Theory, less failure.

The Wakandan King explained with a smirk.

Generator: And it certainly fits with old Norse lore. Seeing how many of Asgardian legends come from.

Thor: Verily. Tis fitting that the Casket would be hidden among ancient Midgardians, especially those who looked up to my kind as gods.

Rex: Well, sounds like you guys have got your work cut out for you. We're gonna go back and help out with the ice monsters down below.

Rex stated, slipping his helmet back on as Generator goes back into his chest and Rex turns around walking backwards to the door.

Rex: Bundle up! It's nippy out there. FLIGHT MODE!

With him out in the Hallway he shined a bright blue light leaving the three alone.


Avengers Mansion

Amid the chaos of the battle, Wasp managed to hear her ID card chirp and pulled it from within her glove.

Wasp ID card: Iron Man to all Avengers. We got a bead on what's causing this. Thor, Panther and I are going to deal with it. Generator Rex can fill you in on the details.

Tony's projection explained. The transmission ended as the dull roar of boosters caught their attention as the Quinjet headed in a northern direction.


Somewhere Over the Northern Hemisphere

We see Thor, Iron Man, and Black Panther flying over the Ice but Tony would pick a argument to pass the time to arrive to where their Casket would be.

Iron Man: I'm just saying it's ironic. All the complicating about technology, and now an eternal Asgardian super-winter is threatening to destroy all life on Earth.

Tony remarked to a sour-looking Thor.

Iron Man: You have irony, right? In Asgard?

He teased, feeling quite smug. The Quinjet suddenly lurched as it passed into Norway's hemisphere, the engines seizing up and icing over as the thrusters shorted out.

Black Panther: External temperatures are dropping exponentially. The engines are seizing.

Black Panther reported as they prepare to crash Thor looks back at Tony with a smirk.

Thor: Indeed, we do have irony. Just as you are having some right now.

He shot back as Tony glowered.

Iron Man: I hate magic!

He growled as the Quinjet crashed into the frozen terrain, kicking up a cloud of snow and ice on impact.

As they all are ok they look at each other as Panther has some coordinates to where the Casket is.

Black Panther: I have triangulated where the Casket is but it will be a long Walk.

Iron Man: No worries. Remember how Rex created those Avenge-Cycles from Hawkeyes Sky-cycle well we can use one and-

As Tony stares at the Avenge Cycle with glee only to be replaced by annoyance because the Avenge-Cycles themselves were covered in ice and frozen from cold weather as Thor looks at Tony with Glee as Technology had bite Tony again.

Thor: What say you now, friend Tony?

Iron Man: (Flatly) That we have a long walk ahead of us.


Later...

With no choice but to continue on foot, the three Avengers persisted in their efforts to find the Casket.

Thor remained undisturbed by the temperature variances, his Asgardian physiology proving superior to anything Midgard had to offer. Black Panther had exchanged his pitch black suit for one that was grey in hue, offering additional thermal insulation against the biting cold in contrast to his common suit. Tony had also exchange his gold and crimson Mark VII armor for one from his legion of suits, in this instance a Mark VII-styled blue and silver Arctic Armor, complete with an oversized ARC reactor devoted more to powering thermal coils and survival tech than an actual weapons system.

Tracking the sub-zero air patterns to a distant cave, Iron Man and Black Panther led them onwards as the trio managed to escape the wind in exchange for a different kind of chill. The cave was dark, so devoid of light Thor relied on an electrical charge from Mjolnir to light up their surroundings, sending shivers up and down all of their spines. But the Avengers hardly noticed it, especially when Thor and Iron Man continued to argue.

Thor: All I am saying is that if your jet cannot handle a little cold weather-

Iron Man: It can handle it.

Black Panther: Avengers.

T'Challa interrupting, pausing before a flight of stairs leading up to a single icy pedestal, on which the Casket sat, spewing forth frosty magics that blanketed the world. As their eyes adjusted to the dark of the room, more features came into view. Namely the frozen forms of Enchantress and her Executioner.

Thor: Amora?

Thor gasped. She was trapped within several inches of glossy, clear ice, her expression of shocked horror plainly evident while preserved beneath the ice.

Malekith: Greetings, Thunderer.

A thin voice rasped from above. Thor turned and laid eyes on a throne of eyes, upon which sat an elf in red armor, a black and white starburst on his chest.

Malekith: Fancy meeting you here.

He greeted with a toothy smile.

Thor: Malekith.

Iron Man: Okay, I'll bite: what's a 'Malekith'?

Thor: Malekith the Accursed, the master of the hounds, a Dark Elf from from the realm of Svartalfheim.

Iron Man: Yeah... that didn't really clear it up.

Thor ignored his remark and advanced on the Dark Elf.

Thor: You and your people were destroyed by the Frost Giants, in the twenty-third giants war

Malekith: In which the Jotuns saw fit to conquer my realm. Ymir played his hand well that time.

Thor: How did you come here?

Malekith: I walk in both worlds now, Odinson. The living...

Malekith explained, leaning forward to reveal his split appearance. While one side remained black as night, a healthy skin color for any Dark Elf, the other was pale, sinewy and corpse-like. His eyes matched, the black side bright and golden, while the blue side was pale and glassy, devoid of a pupil.

Malekith: ...and the dead.

Thor: Then I shall send you back to where you belong, elf.

Thor vowed, spinning Mjolnir around on its strap.

Before he could unleash his hammer, the Casket's power turned on him, engulfing Thor in a torrent of wintry power.

Iron Man: Thor!

Tony cried in alarm, watching as Thor was frozen solid as Enchantress and Skurge were. Malekith cackled, clearly pleased with the power at his disposal.

Black Panther: What do you want, Malekith? Why have you unleashed this... Fimbulvetr upon the Earth?

Malekith: I had heard that Thor turned his back on his father, choosing this mortal realm over Asgard. I too wish to make my home here. I will bring my people back to the land of the living in Midgard. In fact, it has already begun...

His cryptic words hung in the air until Iron Man pieced them together.

Iron Man: The ice monsters. The ones in New York!

He frightfully realized as those weren't monsters but Malekith dead dark elves.


Meanwhile...

As far as battling armies go, this one was easy. The creatures broke easy and were supported only by their numbers. The Avengers continued to battle heavily until, that is, the scope of the combat suddenly changed.

We see the Avengers or any other heroes fighting but the beasts began to shudder and break, their city shells cracking to pieces as they disgorged thick clouds of dark vapours. Dark and menacing, they swarmed the skies in droves as each monster fell, taking on vaguely humanoid forms and circled menacingly. Cap, Ant-Man, Hawkeye, Hulk, Generator Rex and Wasp paused in mixed confusion, curiosity and fear as the whispy mists became the monstrous forms of Dark Elf spirits. the dead walking among the living.


Back in the Cave

Malekith: The Casket's power will destroy you pathetic mortals with the power of Fimbulvetr, and I will cut off Midgard from the nine realms. This land will become a new paradise for the Dark Elves... ruled by me!

Malekith proclaimed, teleporting down to face the remaining two Avengers in a column of black smoke.

Behind them, six sets of glowing eyes emerged into the dark, followed closely by snarling growls as Malekith's hounds arrived on the scene. They had mutated from wolves into their true form as hounds from Hel, bending to the will of Dark Elf with elongated claws and fangs.

Malekith: But sadly... you will not be here to see it.

Malekith whispered gleefully, a smile upon his divided visage. Summoning the Casket into his hands, the Elf unleashed its powers upon Iron Man, the magical energy impacting with him brutally so. Malekith anticipated another easy freezing, but was shocked when a crimson thermal shield warded off the cold long enough to keep Iron Man safe from harm.

Iron Man: Chilly. That all you've got?

He remarked. Malekith frowned.

Malekith: My hounds... tear them apart!

He ordered, the three wolfish beasts soon joined by a fourth that pounced on Iron Man from above as the rest made to corner Black Panther. Quickly vaulting off a cave wall, T'Challa narrowly avoided the jaws of one before leaping out of the way of the claws of a second. He found himself between two beasts who charged him momentarily.

Leaping high, the Wakandan avoided getting caught in the middle as the two beasts' skulls met instead, taking themselves out.

Finding himself before Malekith as he smirks at him, T'Challa struck fast with a speedy left hook. But Malekith vanished before it could make contact, the Wakandan searching around for some sign of his quarry.

Iron Man: Panther! Watch out!

Iron Man cried out in alarm, still pinned beneath a beast. T'Challa whirled around to find Malekith reconstituted and waiting for him, his body suddenly mutating into a ghoulish, undead monstrosity that lunged towards him and engulfed Panther whole while muffling his screams.


Avengers Mansion

The Svartalf spirits began pursuing the Avengers, not attacking but tormenting, chasing, dancing around them in a taunting manner. No form of weaponry could find its mark, not Hawkeye's arrows or Generator Rex.

With their dominance proven against the Avengers fighting back to back, they started to swarm.

Hulk went down first, a spirit dissipating into a cloud that gripped the gamma giant and hauled him away, a second zeroing in on Hawkeye and knocking him to the ground. Two more pounced on the downed archer, their touch enough to cause thick ice to spread across his body, trapping him.

Hawkeye: Jan! Hulk! Rex! Gen-! (Groans)

Wasp: Hawkeye!

Janet cried in alarm, zipping around the reaching clawed hands of Dark Elf spirits.

Rex: Hang on, Clint!

Rex urged, as he was in base mode struggling to avoid their hands himself.


unknown Location

As Black Panther was looking around he saw that there was a dark void but then looks down and we see Malekith dead part of his eye and then some form of needles came out and stabbed Panther as it was sucking his life force and behind him we see Malekith face as he smirks at his prey.


Back in Norway, Cave

Trapped within a column of black as onyx smoke, only T'Challa's screams could be heard.

Iron Man: Panther!

Tony cried again, promptly blasting the hound off of him with twin repulsor strikes. Crawling to his feet, he managed to get off a single unibeam blast that shattered Thor's icy prison before he was tackled by another hound. The Asgardian fell to his knees, struggling to recover.

Iron Man: Thor! Thor, get up!

Tony shouted, struggling to ward of the hound's snapping jaws. Thor had not the strength to do so, but he did have some wisdom to impart.

Thor: Metal is bane to the Dark Elves... iron is his weakness...

As he looks over at the pillar of Smoke.


Within Malekith Smoke prison

Within his prison, T'Challa overheard.

Black Panther: I have not... the irons of Cybernaut... but perhaps Vibranium shall suffice..

Panther gasped, drawing a pair of daggers from his belt. They glowed bright as a single indigo swipe caused the smoke to dissipate as Malekith escaped with a cry.

Black Panther: It would seem to work as well.

T'Challa groaned, falling to his knees out of exhaustion. Malekith reconstituted at the foot of the stairs, clutching his wounded chest.

Malekith: You dare? A mortal thinks he can hurt Malekith the Accursed? A mere man?

Iron Man: How about an Iron Man?!

Tony shouted, attacking from behind and tackling Malekith with the full metal impact of his suit. Taking flight and plunging them both into the sub-zero column spewing forth from the Casket, Malekith's body steamed as the metal of the Iron Man armor made contact with his skin.

Malekith: Your armor... has very little iron in it.

He slowly cackled. Reaching behind with ease, Malekith turned and threw Iron Man into a wall, allowing him to remain within the power well conjured by the Casket.

As he did, Thor rose, fully recovered.

Thor: You forget your place, Dark Elf. Let me remind you with whom you are dealing!

He roared, summoning a lightning storm that struck Malekith dead centre. To the shock of all, it did nothing, and Malekith merely cackled from within.

Malekith: Your hammer may wield magic, but I am magic! I am beyond life and death now, and with the power of the Casket... nothing can stop me!


Back in New York

We Hulk made his way back to the team but was touched by the spirit of the Dark elves and froze. Hulk had fallen, frozen solid, as had Hawkeye. Cap and Ant-Man were nowhere to be seen but possibley their fates were the same as Wasp flies over Hawkeye:

Wasp: Come on Thor... Iron Man... anytime now...

Wasp whispered nervously.

She and Generator Rex were all that remained against the Dark Elf spirits. They kept circling, surrounding them, forcing the pair into a corner. Rex vowed to protect Janet, but that was something easier said than done.

He couldn't do much if he was frozen like the others.

Rex: Man I wish we could blow them away!

Then Rex had an idea and yelled out his mode he had in mind.

Rex: SONIC MODE!

With a quick switch he was covered in speakers and aimed it at Dark Elf Spirits as they swirled around them.


Back in Norway

In the cave we see Iron Man unleashed a pair of superheated rays upon the energy well, neither of them proving effective.

Iron Man: This isn't working! How do we stop this guy?!

Thor: I-I do not know!

Thor worriedly responded. Malekith was a powerful sorcerer, a gifted natural when it came to magic. A fact soon proven true when he unleashed his power and caused the power of the Casket to expand and fill the cave. Beset by frigid temperatures and harsh winds that bit through their protective layers, the Avengers were pushed back once more as Malekith reigned supreme.

Iron Man clung to hope as his heat shields were raised, T'Challa faring far worse as he huddled behind a rock, hugging himself for warmth.

Black Panther: I-In Wakanda... science and mysticism work t-together... to accomplish things n-neither could do alone.

He told his teammates, the strength and energy to talk sapped from his bones.

Iron Man began to think, planning out a new phase of attack as he looked to Thor.

Iron Man: Your lightning...

Thor: It is no use. He is too strong now.

Iron Man: But my armor... it weakens him. We can do this.

Thor understood and nodded.

Iron Man: On my mark, hit me with everything you've got.

He commanded, taking flight and plowing straight into Malekith. Capturing the Dark Elf in a debilitating stranglehold, he was primed and ready as Thor unleashed a powerful bolt from his hammer.

Thor: FOR MIDGARD!

He roared, summoning every ounce of his godly power to strike Malekith. True to Iron Man's reason, the weakness exposed by his armor bypassed Malekith's magic, allowing Mjolnir's lightning to strike true and score a deadly blow against him. With a piercing scream that filled the cave, Malekith was reduced to an ashen corpse, quickly blown to dust by the churning polar winds.

Iron Man collapsed, his efforts successful, but the Casket remained open. Thor struggled towards it, pushing on through the blizzard as he took the full might of Fimbulwinter in an effort to finish this fight.

Ice began to form along his skin, the frosty magic chilling him to the bone in no way any realm ever could. He fell to his knees, crawling towards the Casket as the ice threatened to engulf him. If he failed here, Midgard would be forever lost to the fury of Fimbulwinter and all life would die... his fellow Avengers included.

Reaching out with a frost bitten hand, braving the wind and ice in a final, desperate struggle, Thor found the lid and sealed it tight. The Casket closed shut and took Fimbulvetr with it.


New York

Back at the Mansion we see Rex in Sonic Mode use his sonic blast and pushed all the Dark Elf spirits away creating an impromptu fan with which he might blow the spirits away with work.

Generator: Rex, that's a brilliant idea! How did you know that it would work?

Rex: They're like clouds... they have to behave like them too..!

He reasoned, struggling against the cold. He had to keep trying, though, no matter what he would not give up now but a familiar cry of Janet made him turn to face her.

Wasp: Rex!!

Rex turned on his heel at Janet's cry, finding her shrunken form trapped in the grip of a Dark Elf with four more fixated upon her.

Rex: Janet!

He shouted, charging towards them. He jumps in the air and used his sonic wave to blow them away which work as Janet fell and Rex went into Base mode and dived in the snow and held Janet in his hand as she looks at him.

Rex: Are you ok?

Wasp: I'm fine. Thanks for the save.

Then move Dead elf Spirits then surround them as they act like vapor.

Dark Elf Spirit: It's over, Midgardian. Your realm is lost now it belongs to us. To the dead.

At once, hands and limbs descended upon him, snaring him like ropes and trapping him in a cold, vice-like embrace. He could feel the ice forming, cutting through his protective layers and striking him at a cellular level. Frostbite would follow in seconds, he knew it. Yet he still kept protecting Janet as he threw her in the air

Rex: JANET! RUN!

He screamed, desperate to save her even if it was in Vain Wasp wouldn't leave.

Wasp: No! If going down! I'm going down fighting!

Just then the Dark Elves grab her from behind and attempt to freeze her as Rex was about to be frozen trying to save her as he reached out to save her in vain.

Then, all of a sudden, the wind died down.

The Elven spirits looked up in horror as the clouds parted and the sky turned blue, bright sunlight shining down from above. The curse of the Casket had been lifted and in its course all forms of winter were purged from the Earth, restoring the realm to its natural state.

Unable to survive bright light and a warm climate, the Dark Elves gave themselves up with a shriek as their spirits turned to mist and vanished into thin air.

Generator Rex fell to the ground as the ice on him melted away, Janet equally freed as she grew to regualr size.

The snow around them dissipated, revealing lush green grass as the warming sun graced their frosty flesh. The technopath breathed a sigh of relief, looking around to find trees verdant and lush, the day returned to its original pristine state. He leaned back against a tree and sat down and Generator following his example pops out of his chest and takes out sunglasses and slipping them on as they basked in the warmth.

Rex: Much better.

He mused with a contented smile.

Generator: Definitely... better.

Generator said as he was content as well.

Hawkeye came to, as did Hulk, as the two of them now alongside their fellow Avengers in a world far warmer than it had been.

Hawkeye: What... What happened?

Hawkeye wondered groggily.

Wasp: I beat everybody and you guys totally missed it.

Janet teased, equally relaxed next to Rex and Genrator. She offered a happy sigh as she gazed up at the blue, cloudless sky.

Wasp: Welcome back sun.

Rex: I don't know about you all, but I'm suddenly desperate to work on my tan.

Rex mused. At that, Janet suddenly punched him in the shoulder.

Rex: Ow! What?

Wasp: You left me alone with an angry Hulk.

Wasp: You left me alone with an angry Hulk.

Hawkeye: Alone? What am I, chopped liver?

Rex: Uh, right... sorry, Jan.

Rex sheepishly apologized, rubbing the back of his head.

Rex: What can I do to make it up to you?

Rex wondered as Janet pondered for a moment, tapping her chin thoughtfully until a smile crept up her lips.

Wasp: Well, you never did rub my back down, and with this weather I think it's safe to go back to tanning.

She mused though she couldn't see it Rex turned red under his helmet at the prospect of finishing what he almost started.

Rex: Uh... r-right..."

He stammered, leaning back more doubfounded and worried this time.

Rex: (To himself.) Is it too much to ask for another blizzard?


Back in Norway

Thor helped Iron Man and T'Challa to their feet, the Casket secured and Malekith banished back to Niflheim.

Iron Man: I, uh, thank you, Tony Stark. I would not have defeated Malekith without you.

Iron Man: Hey, no problem, my tech... it was nothing against him. I needed-

Thor: Together.

Thor interjected with a smile, clapping him on the shoulder.

Thor: Together we-

He was abruptly cut short when a fire axe slammed into his body, pitching Thor back into the cave wall. The action was so sudden, neither Iron Man nor Black Panther had time to react to the magical bonds that suddenly ensnared them. The axe returned to Skurge's hand as he and Amora strode towards the Avengers.

Iron Man: Whoops... guess we forgot about her.

They remained powerless to act as Amora collected the Casket.

Thor: Amora, explain yourself! What are you doing here? Tell me you are not in league with Malekith.

In response, the Enchantress knelt and merely tapped his cheek soothingly.

Enchantress: It will all be over soon.

She promised sweetly. Rising to her feet, she took her leave as a portal promptly removed herself and Skurge from the scene. The bonds around the Avengers dissipated and Thor surged to his feet. Summoning the power of Mjolnir, he promptly conjured a portal of his own.

Iron Man: What are you doing?

Thor: I am opening a portal to Asgard... the Enchantress must pay for this affront.

The thunder god replied, making to leave. His teammates watched him leave, only to be halted as the portal sizzled uncontrollably, his own power turned against him as a concussive beam pitched Thor to the ground between Tony and T'Challa. The remaining energy dissipated as Thor picked himself up.

Black Panther: Are you alright?

Iron Man: What happened?

Tony inquired. Pausing for the briefest of moments, Thor's magical senses revealed to him the purpose and cause behind the disruption. He had seen it enacted before, read about it, even studied the act and its effects. To know it had befallen him was more than vexing.

Thor: I have been locked out of Asgard by a power far greater than my own.

He responded slowly, still shocked by what had happened. There could only be one reason for this, one reason why the Crown Prince of Asgard was detained in such a way. Magic like this could only be controlled by a handful, and if it had been used against him...

Something foul was afoot beyond the realm of Midgard.

Thor: I... I cannot go home.

Thor whispered in dismay as he wondered who could have locked him out.


Deceased: Guide, (Revived Shortly) Malekith, Dark Elves (Though Already dead)