Chapter 1

"And now who shall rule?" By Jorge Martinez

The moon Titan was the home of many Eternals. Some were natives of Titan. They were the last descendants of Mentor their leader. Some came from Earth to make a new home on Titan.

Many of the Eternals living on Titan died in a savage attack including their leader Mentor. Eros, one of the two remaining sons of Mentor tracked the warship responsible for the massacre. His friends and former teammates from the Avengers assisted him. Eros suspected Thanos of the carnage but it was actually Nebula the suppossed granddaughter of Thanos.

Nebula was a pawn in a game between Immortus and Thanos. The Eternal Sersi will bear a child fathered by the Black Knight. This child will grow up and eventually turn evil. He will join Thanos and Death in their quest of chaos. According to Immortus the child's deeds will surpass even Thanos'.

While Eros was gone he left his earth cousin Thena in his place as ruler. Her father was Zuras, leader of the Earth Eternals and brother to Mentor. Two cousins appointed as rulers of a race but which shall ultimately rule the Eternals. Thouands of years earlier Mentor and Zuras bickered over who will rule the Earth Eternals. Mentor then known as Alars left Earth and settled on Titan fathering his own race of Eternals. The son Alars and daughter of Zuras seem to be on the same collision their fathers had.

TITAN: The year 2000

Thena addresses the remaining Eternals. She is surrounded by her fellow Earth Eternals Ikaris, Sprite, Vulcan, and Makarri. The survivors have gathered to hear her encouraging words because most of their husbands and sons have died.

THENA: Eternals, we have learned that some Eternals managed to escape. They left on a ship unknown by Sanctuary II. Why did they leave their fellow Eternals to fight alone I do not know? As Thena continues a ship of Eternal design lands. It is the Argos. The ship Eros, also known as Starfox, took on his quest for revenge.

IKARIS: Thena look the Argos.

The ship containing the Avengers hovers over the crowd. Inside are the Hercules, his adoptive Eternal daughter Dania, Photon, the Black Knight, Sersi, Starfox, Gilgamesh and their ally Firelord.

HERCULES: Eros, it seems your cousin Thena doth call a gathering in your absence.

STARFOX: Yes, I figured she would.

PHOTON: Eros, you don't think?

SERSI: No, Photon. Eros knows what goes on here.

HERCULES: Aye, Thena believes herself to be the better ruler.

STARFOX: She might be right.

FIRELORD: Eros, if you shall need my assistance.

STARFOX: I am going to need your assistance for the next century my fiery ally. But I don't think that will it be necessary today.

GILGAMESH:(to self) Thena is much like her father. Again a separation shall occur after we have finally been united. Will they accept me after my shame? Allying myself with Immortus the one responsible for killing my own people.

The Argos lands and all exit. Firelord has Nebula in chains.

STARFOX: We have Nebula the one responsible for the death of the Eternals. My brother Thanos killed a hundred before. His record remains intact.

THENA: It was Nebula behind it all. Not Thanos?

STARFOX: Actually cousin he did have a hand in it. But so did Immortus and others. It is a long story that is not over yet.

MAKARRI: Well, we sure are glad you all made it back!

HERCULES: With a group such as this was there ever any doubt?

They all remain quiet then they notice.

THENA: Dania!? Where were you?

DANIA: I started thinking about Hercules and then...then..I was just with him. He was fighting on another moon.

VULCAN: Will wonders never cease? The girl teleported from Titan to far away moon to aid Hercules!

THENA: Eros, we must talk.

STARFOX: Yes, we must.

The crowd goes quiet and notice the tension between the two cousins.

THENA: Let us go to a chamber.

STARFOX: No, we shall talk here. In front of everyone.

THENA: If you wish. There are some Eternals missing. A small ship seemed to have escaped. You said most of the men died battling the Sanctuary II.

A young man cries out.

ODISSE: I am not a child. My father and brother were killed in battle while my mother held me back. I should have died also!

THENA: And what would that have accomplished, youth?

STARFOX: She speaks the truth Odisse. Your mother has lost her husband and oldest son. You have survived for a reason.

ODISSE: I am not a survivor. I did not even fight!

STARFOX: Well, the people here might need you to fight much sooner than you expect boy!

ODISSE: Boy?

THENA: Eros, tell me what you know of these Eternals that departed instead of fight. Did you know of this?

STARFOX: I...

GILGAMESH:(to self) This is most interesting.

HERCULES:(to self) They fled while their people were being killed? This is not a race of coward something must be amiss.

BLACK KNIGHT:(to self) Thena sure knows how to carry herself. Eros is in for trouble.

ODISSE: I know what happened! He made them do it!

THENA: He? Who Eros?

ODISSE: No, that stranger! He wasn't an Eternal. From Earth I think. He poisoned the minds of our brothers and sisters.

THENA: What? Who is this man?

STARFOX: His name is Warlock. Adam Warlock.

FIRELORD: What do you mean Eros?

STARFOX: Warlock was staying here as my guest. Father enjoyed his company. They had long conversations that entertained Mentor. He preached and advised the people. Soon they saw his wisdom equal to Mentor's. A tragic mistake. Warlock gained a strong following. Father even began to question his motives. Warlock warned of an apocalypse coming soon. When Sanctuary II appeared my guess is that he took the ship with some of his supporters.

BLACK KNIGHT: Wait! This is beginning to make sense. Virtually, no women or children were killed.

Starfox remembers the little girl he saw playing before she died.

STARFOX: Yes, almost.

BLACK KNIGHT: Thanos had a bigger hand in this then we believed. Ofcourse, no women were killed! He wanted to insure that his predecessor would be born! It was a game of chess between Immortus and Thanos the whole time and Thanos has won for now.

THENA: Predecessor? What does he speak of?

STARFOX: Immortus, master of time foresaw that Thanos would be replaced by someone even worse. That the balance of order and chaos might be shifted forever. Eventually leading to end the of all. This predecessor was to be born of Eternal heritage. Immortus bribed Nebula to kill the Eternals or as much as she could so the child would never be born and we can avoid this dark future. But it seems Thanos knew of this and I helped him inadvertently as did Warlock.

IKARIS: So this child yet lives?

SERSI: Yes, within me.

MAKARRI: Sersi?

IKARIS: By Zuras the future of our people has never been in question as much as it has now!

SERSI: Dane, the Black Knight is the father of my child. I recently learned I was with child. I refuse to accept my offspring is as malicious as Immortus claims and will see no harm done to him!

BLACK KNIGHT: Nor will I.

STARFOX: For now everything is calm. But the future uncertain. I fear Sersi's and Dane's child will always be in grave danger!

HERCULES: Nay! Not while the Avengers are around.

STARFOX: Or the Eternals my friend.

Eros puts an arm around the Black Knight.

THENA: Eros, I must speak with you about another matter. Ikaris spoke true. Our people have never been tested so and the worse maybe yet to come. We neither have my father Zuras, greatest ruler of the earth Eternals or Mentor your father also the greatly respected ruler of Titan.

STARFOX: No, we have only you and me.

THENA: Cousin, you are not your father. These people need someone they can trust. I am afraid I fear your ability to lead.

STARFOX: Thena I just lead this team of Avengers to find the murderer of our people.

THENA: It is not the same thing. I suggest we let the people decide.

STARFOX: Agreed.

PHOTON:(to self) Starfox, don't let her treat you this way. A leader is born in fire. Show her what you got!

Starfox addresses the crowd.

STARFOX: People, as Thena stated I am not my father. But I was raised with the same love all of you were.

HERCULES:(to self) Eros fails to notice this is mixed group of his Titanian Eternals and earth's Eternals. The one's from Earth trust Thena more so methinks.

STARFOX: Those who want me to lead them as my father before me, speak.

A small group shout- "WE LOVE YOU EROS". Starfox is distraught that the he is wanted only by the minority.

STARFOX:(to self) Father, why is this happening to me? I questioned my own ability to lead the Eternals but I will not even get the chance.

The youth Odisse shouts out.

ODISSE: Eros, you have always been a womanizer. A fool who desires pleasure. Yes, the people love you but you are no ruler! You brought Warlock among us. If we had those Eternals we might have won this battle! Umyra the mother of they boy commands him to be silent. UMYRA: Son! How dare you speak to Eros son of Mentor like that!

SERSI:(to self) Poor Eros. He has suffered much these days.

Eros sadly looks up to address them again.

STARFOX: My people I haven't failed you yet. Nor am I given the chance. But as my father left Earth to avoid conflict with Zuras. I shall leave Titan to avoid conflict with Zuras' daughter Thena. I may not be fit to be your ruler now but I hope one day I shall. As the son of Mentor my duties are clear. I shall find Warlock and our fellow Eternals and try to return them to us. I shall assist my comrades the Avengers in protecting Sersi and her child from danger, and lastly, even if it kills me I shall put an end to Thanos one way or another. For he is the cancer that is at the root of our troubles. He is my counterpart that eclipses me but with the help of the Avengers and Firelord we might be able to stop him. I will leave soon.

The crowd weeps over Eros' words.

THENA: Your are truly noble Eros.

Sersi turns to the crowd.

SERSI: I am an Avenger and a Eternal. But as usual I bring danger to those around me. I shall leave with Eros and the Avengers.

IKARIS: But Sersi we are your friends. We have always been your brethren. We shall protect you!

SERSI: No, Ikaris. I have always been indifferent. My place is among the Avengers now.

MAKARRI: No Sersi! You are an Eternal and we love you. Your child should be raised here on Titan! Among the Eternals and Avengers.

The man the Avengers call Gilgamesh also believes it is his turn to address the crowd. Still in his black robe he wore as Paragon but without the mask.

GILGAMESH: My fellow Eternals..

THENA: Is it? Can it be?

VULCAN: The Forgotten One!

IKARIS: We didn't recognize you.

GILGAMESH: No one ever does. I must confess. I am filled with shame and deserve whatever punishment you put on Nebula as well.

SPRITE: Hey, big guy what you mean?

GILGAMESH: I was an ally of Immortus. I knew that these Eternals were to be killed. I did nothing to stop because it was unavoidable. It was written so. But my further shame was to help the man responsible for the deaths in other ways.

STARFOX: Yet, the Forgotten One renounced Immoruts and aided us. I haven't forgiven him yet. But I will give him the chance to redeem himself.

The crowd whispers. They are in shock and know not what to do.

ODISSE: That is a choice for our new ruler. We shall agree upon her decision.

THENA: I do not know how to react. I do not seek your punishment. Your acts were for the greater good but....but the wound is too fresh for me to forgive you so soon after helping the enemy. Forgotten One, I hereby banish you from Titan!

STARFOX: May I suggest the Forgotten One aid me in my self appointed duties as penance.

THENA: It sounds fair. Good luck Forgotten One may you learn to forgive yourself one day as well. But you may never set foot in our new home again.

GILGAMESH: Thank you Thena.

The meeting is adjourned by Thena. They all depart. Eros begins to collect his belongings. Dania says good-bye to her friends before she leaves with her new father Hercules. The woman known as Sersi also bids her farewells to her long time friends Ikaris, Thena, Sprite, Makarri, and Vulcan. They fear for her future. By the ship sit the trio of the Black Knight, Hercules, and Photon.

PHOTON: Well I guess this is it.

BLACK KNIGHT: Time to go home. How reassuring. Home sweet home and a life full of danger.

HERCULES: Worry not Dane a life will always have danger.

BLACK KNIGHT: Yeah but my life is too short unlike yours. I would like to smell the roses before I go out with a bang.

PHOTON: Smell the roses? I've been thinking about that lately. I want to help you Dane. As I want to help Eros but...

BLACK KNIGHT: Monica please! I've just learned the next 20 years are going to be a long battle. I mean besides you I'm the only mortal among us! I wouldn't wish this on anybody! Your dad just died your mom needs you. Plus, I have Herc, Firelord, Eros, Gilgamesh and Sersi. Twenty years of war is just one bad day for them.

HERCULES: What you say is true, Dane. We have all lived long lives but I shall spend the next two thousand years protecting your child if need be from Immortus or Thanos.

PHOTON: Dane, I took time off from the Avengers to be with my dad and mom. That was my time to enjoy life. But your right my mom needs me and I am still young. I want to help. I thought looking for Sanctuary II might take years and I was prepared for a longer journey but it was over soon.

Eros walks to them. He has heard Monica talk for some time now.

STARFOX: Monica, spend as much time as you can with your mother. I have lost both parents and I cherish their memory and miss them daily despite spending centuries with them.

PHOTON: I will think it over.

The others arrive. Sersi and the young Dania, Gilgamesh and Firelord.

FIRELORD: Are we all prepared?

SERSI: Yes, but I just finished traveling the cosmos. Can we spend some time on Earth before we search for Warlock and the Eternals.

STARFOX: I don't see why not. You are with child and deserve a celebration. Our days of fighting will soon come.

PHOTON: Good, didn't want to fly home all by myself.

HERCULES: And I can introduce Dania to her new family, the Olympians. I think Zeus shall like thee.

BLACK KNIGHT:(to self) After we find the missing Eternals we will go after Thanos probably. I don't plan on fighting the rest of my life. The sooner we confront Thanos the better. My poor son if he is even born shall suffer more than any other Black Knight before him.

EARTH

The group of former Avengers all disperse once they arrive on Earth. Sersi and Dane go to their apartment in Manhattan. Photon travels back to her mother in New Orleans. Eros, Gilgamesh, and Firelord decide to stay in Rome for the night. Hercules plans to introduce his adoptive daughter Dania to his relatives but first he introduces her to the current Avengers.

AVENGERS HEADQUARTERS

The Avengers mansion was destroyed years ago while on the Hydrobase. This new facility was built on their old premises in Manhattan.

Hercules and Dania enters the mansion before Jarvis comes to the door.

JARVIS: Master Hercules! You have returned sooner than I expected! Is everyone else all right? Who is this young girl?

HERCULES: Everyone lived Jarvis. But it was a most difficult time for us all. This is Dania she is my daughter.

JARVIS: Daughter? Well, hello there Dania. I am pleased to meet you. Oh...she has your grip I see.

DANIA: Oh, sorry.

HERCULES: Ha, yes she is a Eternal from Titan.

JARVIS: An Eternal but?

HERCULES: Her true parents died in the massacre. She herself was on the brink of death when I didst find her. I prayed to lord Zeus to grant me my immortality again to pass on to her so she wouldn't perish. My good father returned my immortality and let me pass on a portion to her. She is a part of me now.

A voice rings out.

SHE HULK: Did you say daughter?

Hercules runs to the jade amazon and picks her up by her waist.

HERCULES: Ah, the warrior that holds my heart. She-Hulk meet Dania my adoptive daughter. A survivor of Titan.

SHE HULK: Yes, I've met her before. I went to Titan after the attack remember.

HERCULES: Oh, yes I forgot. Forgive me. Jarvis, are the other Avengers present?

JARVIS: Only Master Captain America and Master Pym.

HERCULES: Take Dania to them so they can meet her while I talk to the beautiful She Hulk.

JARVIS: Certainly.

SHE HULK: Uh oh, what do you have in mind?

HERCULES: (grinning) To the bedroom first.

NEW ORLEANS

The woman known as Photon takes a flight around the city while her mother still sleeps.

PHOTON:(to self) Mother is still asleep at this time. I guess without dad or me around she really doesn't need to cater to us like she used to. Bless her heart. I love this city let me see if everything is quiet in New Orleans.

Monica sees a disturbance at a local house. Three cop cars parked out front. She flies in invisible to the human eye and passes through the walls of the house. Inside there is a black man kneeling holding a knife to a girls throat. All three police men have drawn their weapons.

COP1#: Stop moving or we'll shoot.

SUSPECT: No mon. I shall not. Leave me be.

PHOTON:(to self) That man has a knife to the girls throat! He's deranged. The cops might shoot her as well. That young blond officer seems nervous. I have to do something.

Monica makes herself apparent in her energy form. She generates a great amount of heat in case the police are startled by her and shoot.

COP#2: What the?!

The young rookie indeed fires three bullets. They go through Monica and melt before they come out the other end.

SUSPECT: De black shining goddess. You have saved me. Oh goddess!

He lets the little girl go. Monica turns human to reach out to her. The police take him into custody.

PHOTON: Are you ok?

GIRL: Yes. Are you really a goddess?

PHOTON: No dear. I'm an Avenger.

COP#1: Thanks Avenger. It's Captain Marvel right?

PHOTON: Used to be. It's just Photon now.

COP#1: Just Photon? Huh, you get demoted?

PHOTON: Something like that.

COP#1: Captain Photon has a nice ring to it, ya know?

PHOTON: Only if I was a comic book character.

COP#1: Allrighty, well I can take the girl. Thanks again.

PHOTON:(to self) I hope mom is awake.

RAMBEAU RESIDENCE

In less than a blink Photon arrives at home sweet home.

MRS. RAMBEAU: Hello girl, I just made you breakfast.

PHOTON: Mom! How did you know I was back?

MRS. RAMBEAU: Turned on the t.v. and there was a crazy man held by the police screaming something about a black shining goddess. I said who else can that be especially in these woods.

PHOTON: Aw, mom.

After breakfast and a wonderful story about space, gods and demons the two women drink coffee.

MRS. RAMBEAU: Monica, I swear that was better than Star Wars. A bit depressing though. Are you going to help your friends find these missing people and protect that baby.

PHOTON: The baby isn't even born yet. Sersi has nine months to go. I don't know if I am going to help them. I mean this trip was shorter than I thought. I kind of want to go but the stakes are high. I want to be with you.

MRS. RAMBEAU: Be with or take care of me?

PHOTON: Be with you mom!

MRS. RAMBEAU: Uh uh girl. You did more whan enough when you quit the Avengers to start that business with your pops! Now that your father is in heaven you need not worry about me. You spent enough time with us. I mean it's fine if you don't want to spend time with your friends but don't spend it on me! Go see the world.

PHOTON: I already have. I can fly at light speed. I have gone shopping and sight seeing in more cities than you can count!

MRS. RAMBEAU: By yourself? You need a man. Your not getting any younger and neither am I. When do I get grand kids?

PHOTON: Mom, not now. But your right seeing the world alone was lonely.

MRS. RAMBEAU: How about that Falcon guy? Is he single? Or better yet the Black Panther!

PHOTON: Mom, he's a king.

MRS. RAMBEAU: So? Your a goddess! I mean I don't know much about you super people but I do know your an all star in the minor leagues. I mean your dad once told me you could probably blow up the world if you wanted to.

PHOTON: I don't about that. But I can come close. Looks like dad picked up the science book to check on his little girl.

MRS. RAMBEAU: Your a big fish in a small pond. You already saw the world, go see the universe! Travel with your friends. That Hercules was a handsome man as was Eric?

PHOTON: Eros. Hercules is a real god and too much for this black shining goddess. Eros is charming. Very charming in fact. But he is an Eternal. Pretty much a god also. He's immortal.

MRS. RAMBEAU: Well aren't you?

PHOTON: Ofcourse not. I mean...well... I am light...I can control my own ...who knows I might be. I have to talk to Dane or Dr. Pym.

MRS. RAMBEAU: Dane. I like him the best.

PHOTON: I do too but he's like a brother. Eros on the other hand is like a god of love.

They giggle.

MRS. RAMBEAU: All I'm saying is go fight do what you do. You were in law enforcement. Go save the universe and use that light speed to come back every few months! Just don't get married or have any babies on Mars or anything! You gotta come home when your ready to settle down. And your friends may all be immortal but there's a good possibility you are too! So don't feel left out! Honey, you ARE a goddess.

PHOTON: Mom, your making a lot of sense. I guess you and dad did your homework. I love you mom.

AVENGERS HEADQUARTERS

Jarvis, Captain America, Dr. Pym, and the newly arrived Wasp play with Dania in the living room.

WASP: You are too cute! What other energy manipulation tricks can you do?

CAPTAIN AMERICA: Hank, this girl can probably take all of us if she wanted.

DR. PYM: Uh huh, she is an Eternal and an Olympian on top of that. We wouldn't have a prayer without Thor, as usual.

DANIA: Where is Hercules? He's been gone a long time!

WASP: Well, uh, dear he is talking to She Hulk about business.

A loud noise gets their attention.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: We are under attack! Jarvis, put Dania is sub basement! Wasp go get Herc and She Hulk.

WASP: Actually, Herc is outside and it appears She Hulk is the one attacking.

JARVIS: Oh my.

Herc sits in the garden fountain soaked. He is wearing one of his trademark skirts and nothing else. She Hulk is running at him in a long tee shirt and nothing else.

SHE HULK: You son of a b!tch! I can't believe you!

HERCULES: Jennifer, alas!

BOOM. She hits him again.

JARVIS: Captain. What should I do.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: Take her downstairs anyway she shouldn't see this.

The Wasp flies by Jennifer. She sits on her shoulder.

WASP: Jenn, no sudden movements ok. I don't want to be flattened.

SHE HULK: Then get off me!!!

WASP: What did the Lion of Olympus do this time?

HERCULES: Well, verily I was but telling Jennifer that I was leaving to live on Titan.

SHE HULK: Why didn't you tell me that before you showed up and took me to the bedroom! Jerk!

HERCULES: Well, what would have been the use in that?

SHE HULK: Grrrr!

CAPTAIN AMERICA: Someone hold her! Hank call Thor...and Wonder Man...see if Namor is around!

END OF CHAPTER I