The Sanctuary II flew across the sky. It was picking its target. Ebony Maw piloted the large ship, seeking out the White City.
"Sire! We are nearing."
"Good, Maw."
Thanos awaited to claim his prize. For years he sought out the Stones, and now was the perfect opportunity.
The Sanctuary II hovered directly above Minas Tirith
"On your word, sire."
Boromir and his brother Faramir stood watch upon Minas Tirith that night.
"Brother," said Faramir, "do you feel that?"
"Feel what?"
"I can't quite explain it. It's as if a darkness has passed the realm. Is-"
Just then, the Sanctuary II shot several missles down on the White City, destroying the fifth wall and the edge of the sixth. Most there were killed.
Denethor sprang forth from the Steward's throne and ran to the edge of the top wall. When the Steward of Gondor saw the vessel flying above him, he was afraid. For none like this were seen within Arda.
A blue light beamed down from the Sanctuary II, and Thanos stood there, in armor and with a newly-crafted Infinity Gauntlet.
"Where is it?"
Denethor shook and stammered.
"The Stone of Power! Where is it?"
Denethor still did not answer.
"So be it." The Mad Titan prepared to give the attack signal, but the horn of Gondor blew behind him.
Thanos turned and saw Boromir and Faramir standing there.
Boromir drew his sword, and Faramir his bow.
"I bid you turn back to the cave from which you crept, or no mercy will be shown."
Boromir gave Thanos a look, full of anger and persistence.
"You are brave, Man. But that will not save you."
"For Gondor," whispered Faramir as he shot his arrow.
Thanos caught it with his Gauntlet hand, and gave a sympathetic look.
Boromir charged forward and swung his sword at Thanos, but the blows were blocked by the Gauntlet.
Denethor in the commotion had ran into the Hall, and from it he grabbed an Orb.
"Soldier!" he shouted.
One of the Men nearby ran to him.
"Take this and your horse! Ride now, and keep it safe!"
Denethor thrust the Orb into the soldier's hand
Thanos dodged every wild swing, and he was far more superior than Boromir in combat.
Faramir also drew his blade and attacked, but Thanos was too strong for them.
He caught Faramir's blade with his bare hands and he broke it. Faramir looked at his enemy in surprise.
Boromir leapt and struck Thanos in the face with his shield, staggering him.
Before another blow could land, Thanos grabbed Boromir by the throat and tossed him off the edge.
"Brother!" shouted Faramir in anguish.
"I see he was dear to you," noted Thanos. "But soon half of all life will feel the same, but they will thank me when I am done."
"None will thank you, wretch!"
Faramir struck forward, but the Mad Titan punched him down.
"Find the Stone!"
Another blue beam shot down, and Ebony Maw, Cull Obsidian, Proxima Midnight and Corvus Glaive stood before the White Tree.
"We will not fail you father," said Proxima as they kneeled to him.
So began the battle for Minas Tirith. The Gondorian soldiers were not a match for the children of Thanos, and half of them were slaughtered. Faramir had died fighting Corvus Glaive.
"It is sad. Such violence and slaughter, just to keep the resources intact."
"Sire!" shouted Ebony Maw, pointing outward at the soldier on his horse, riding to protect the Stone.
Cull threw his large hammer, and he struck the Man off his horse.
Thanos made his way to him, and he picked him up by the throat.
"You... are no god... you won't be..." choked the Man, before his neck broke.
Thanos tossed aside the soldier and picked up the Orb he had dropped. He crushed it. The purple light shone in his hand.
As the Sanctuary II left, Denethor mourned his sons. He wept for the legacy of Men, and wondered what was to become of them. In that moment, a broken and beaten Man had seen his brother dead in the streets of his home, and a flame grew within him. A flame for vengeance. The Man picked up his shield and took a nearby horse, and Boromir son of Denethor rode out for Rivendell.