In the Dark Realm of Vanaheim, the Dark Elves, led by Malekith, had decided against attacking Asgard. They had something far more significant in mind: retrieving the Aether, a powerful substance they believed was hidden on Earth. Their plan was to enter Earth through a weak point in space, which they had located at the convergence of the Nine Realms.
Malekith and his fellow Dark Elves, aboard their massive, black spacecraft, approached the weak point with anticipation. The ship, which was massive and shrouded in darkness, carried many Dark Elves eager to retrieve the Aether.
"Midgard, you know anything about it?" one of the Dark Elves asked.
"Midgard? I've heard it's a place where people are weak and their technology is primitive, far below our level," another responded.
"Sounds like it'll be a breeze. We'll just sweep in, grab the Aether, and be on our way."
The Dark Elves were brimming with confidence. They imagined the primitive inhabitants of Earth recoiling in fear at their advanced technology.
As they prepared to navigate through the space anomaly, a detection issue briefly hindered their progress. But, having planned for this eventuality centuries ago, they quickly adapted using their advanced technology and managed to breach the weak point.
Earth.
In the early morning, above London, a transparent, cross-shaped spacecraft appeared unnoticed.
The ship then swiftly traveled to New York, revealing its presence only to a few observant eyes. As it flew over the city, it became visible, revealing its dark, foreboding exterior.
New Yorkers, stunned by the sight of the enormous spacecraft, immediately recognized it as an alien vessel, recalling the recent invasion by the Chitauri.
Panic spread quickly through the city. People abandoned their work and fled in fear. Malekith and his Dark Elves observed with indifference; as long as the humans didn't interfere, they had no intention of dealing with them.
A few kilometers away, Syd, with his superior vision, spotted the spacecraft immediately.
"Dark Elves. Malekith..." Syd murmured, recognizing the threat.
"This was expected. They're here for the Aether."
As Syd assessed the situation, the S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters noticed the anomaly.
"Sir, we've detected an unidentified spacecraft. It doesn't match any known Earth technology," a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent reported.
Nick Fury, already in a grim mood, grew darker. "Damn it, these aliens are getting bolder by the day!"
He ordered, "Get Captain Rogers and the others. Also, bring the Chitauri commander to me!"
Soon, Tony Stark and Captain America received the alert. Stark, already in New York, reacted swiftly.
With Pepper Potts watching anxiously, Tony Stark, in his red armor, took to the skies to confront the threat. Despite her concern, Pepper did not stop him.
"Jarvis, pull up the satellite feed. I need to see what's happening," Pepper instructed.
As the feed displayed the unfolding battle, the Dark Elves began to disembark from their ship. They began to scour the city, their energy weapons causing destruction and chaos.
"Stop!" Stark demanded from above. "Who are you, and what do you want?"
Malekith, initially surprised by Stark's advanced technology, waved his hand dismissively. The Dark Elves, equipped with energy weapons, fired back. Despite Stark's best efforts, he was struck by the powerful energy blasts and forced to retreat.
Meanwhile, the Chitauri commander, now realizing the situation, explained to Fury, "They are Dark Elves, not Chitauri."
Fury's curiosity was piqued. "And what are they searching for?"
The Chitauri commander's eyes lit up with realization. "It seems the Reality Stone might have been found."
With anticipation, the Chitauri commander thought about informing Thanos of the Reality Stone's possible location.
The Dark Elves continued their rampage, destroying anything that resisted them. Nick Fury, although worried, was somewhat relieved to see Stark holding his own.
Just then, a green figure emerged, alleviating some of Stark's pressure. It was the Hulk.
"Hulk!" Stark exclaimed, relieved to see his ally smashing through the enemy.
Malekith, observing the new arrival, was taken aback. "Midgard has such a creature?"
He hadn't anticipated encountering such a powerful being on what he considered a weak planet. Malekith used this unexpected development to his advantage, preparing to summon more reinforcements.
As the Avengers and other heroes gathered, including Hawkeye and Black Widow, Malekith's reinforcements began to arrive.
Suddenly, the sky erupted with a brilliant, colorful beam of light.
"What is that?" the Avengers exclaimed.
"Rainbow Bridge?" Malekith muttered, his expression darkening.
The arrival of the Rainbow Bridge, a portal connecting realms, brought a new dimension to the battle. As the beam of light bathed the battlefield, both the heroes and the Dark Elves braced for the next phase of the conflict.
End of Chapter