In the two weeks following the warriors' arrival, New York began to heal. The initial shock of seeing armored figures from another dimension working alongside the city's heroes had given way to something approaching normalcy – at least by New York standards. Social media had dubbed them the "Medieval Avengers," a name that made Darius scowl and Garen politely protest, though neither could deny its catchiness.
The daily routine had settled into a rhythm. Mornings began with training sessions that now regularly included whoever was in the Tower – Steve most often, Tony when he wasn't consumed by his latest project, and occasionally Natasha and Clint after their return from S.H.I.E.L.D. The two assassins had been initially skeptical of the dimensional visitors, but professional respect grew quickly. Natasha particularly enjoyed sparring with Garen, whose tactical mind matched her own, while Clint and Darius discovered a shared appreciation for direct approaches to problem-solving.
Bruce remained largely absorbed in his research of the Chitauri technology, though he emerged occasionally to observe the warriors' training with scientific curiosity. "The energy signatures your weapons emit," he'd mentioned to Garen one morning, "they're unlike anything I've seen. If we could understand how they work, it might help us better prepare for future threats."
Thor's continued absence was felt, though Tony regularly reminded everyone that "dealing with your homicidal adopted brother's trial probably takes time, even in space Viking land." The warriors had many questions about Asgard, particularly after learning it bore some similarities to their own world's celestial realm.
The cleanup efforts had evolved into something more complex than simply moving debris. Three times they'd intercepted attempts to salvage Chitauri technology, including one memorable incident where Spider-Man had webbed up a group trying to load a damaged alien chariot into a moving truck.
"You know," the web-slinger had quipped while hanging upside down over the would-be thieves, "I'm pretty sure that's not covered by your rental insurance."
That particular afternoon had led to an interesting discussion about responsibility and power, with Peter – still in his mask but speaking more openly – explaining to Garen and Darius why he felt compelled to protect his city despite his youth.
Today marked a shift in focus. Tony had called everyone to the Tower's main conference room, holographic displays showing various hotspots around the city where alien technology had been reported. But there was something else in his manner – a tension that suggested more than just another cleanup operation was on his mind.
"We've got a situation," Tony began, gesturing at the displays. "And not just the usual 'someone found a Chitauri blaster in their basement' kind. Rhodey's been tracking some concerning patterns in missing military tech."
"Colonel Rhodes?" Steve looked up with interest. "I thought he was handling Air Force cleanup coordination."
"He was, until he noticed something interesting about some missing experimental flight tech." Tony expanded one of the holograms, showing detailed schematics. "Someone's been collecting very specific pieces of military hardware. The kind that could interface with salvaged alien tech to create something... problematic."
"How problematic?" Bruce asked, studying the diagrams.
"Let me put it this way – Rhodey's putting his War Machine duties ahead of his Air Force ones for this. He's en route now." Tony manipulated the hologram, highlighting certain components. "They're building something big. Something that could change the skyline of New York permanently."
"And this technology," Darius studied the schematics with professional interest, "it's meant for aerial assault?"
"Originally? No. But combined with Chitauri anti-grav tech..." Tony let the implication hang.
"There's more," Tony continued. "Our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man has been tracking similar leads from the street level. Apparently, some of the same players have been spotted in his territory. I'm thinking it's time we brought the kid in more officially – at least for this operation."
Garen and Darius exchanged glances. They'd come to respect the young hero's abilities, even if his methods sometimes confused them. But this felt like a turning point – not just for Spider-Man, but for their own involvement in this world's conflicts.
"Colonel Rhodes is already airborne," Tony manipulated another hologram, showing War Machine's approaching signature. "He's been tracking these guys through military channels. Apparently, they've been very interested in some mothballed flight tech prototypes. The kind that could be weaponized with the right modifications."
"How long until Rhodey gets here?" Steve asked, studying the tactical display.
"Twenty minutes, unless-" Tony was cut off as the lights flickered. "Unless they decide to move up their timetable."
Natasha pulled up additional surveillance footage. "These aren't just random opportunists. Look at their movement patterns." She gestured to several different clips showing figures moving through shadows with military precision. "They're organized, well-trained, and they're gathering components systematically."
"Based on what they've stolen so far," Tony expanded another hologram, this one showing a complex web of connected items, "they're collecting everything needed to create a hybrid system combining Chitauri anti-gravity tech with military prototype designs. But scaled up significantly."
"They're building something bigger than personal flight units," Steve concluded, studying the diagram.
"Much bigger," Tony confirmed. "We're talking about potential for a heavy-lift aerial platform. Something that could, theoretically, lift entire buildings."
"Or drop them," Clint added grimly.
Garen stepped closer to the hologram, his tactical mind processing the implications. "In Demacia, we faced siege engines that could level cities. But they were slow, visible from leagues away. This..." he gestured to the schematics, "this could strike without warning."
"Exactly," Tony nodded. "And here's where it gets worse. Spider-Man's latest report suggests they're planning to test their prototype soon. Something about overheard chatter regarding a 'demonstration' that will 'change the real estate market forever.'"
The lights flickered again, more pronounced this time. Through the tower's windows, they could see sections of the city going dark in a systematic pattern.
"Sir," JARVIS's voice carried an unusual note of urgency, "I'm detecting multiple power fluctuations in the surrounding grid. Pattern suggests systematic testing of load capacity."
"They're mapping the power infrastructure," Tony realized. "Finding weak points."
"Or creating them," Bruce added.
"War Machine to Avengers," Rhodes' voice came through clear and precise. "I've got eyes on something big moving up the East River. Tell me you're seeing this."
Everyone moved to the windows. Rising above the buildings, its mass temporarily blocking out the sunset, came something that made even Darius whistle in grudging appreciation.
"Now that," he said, "is a siege engine."
The device was enormous – a patchwork of Chitauri technology and human engineering. Multiple anti-gravity units supported a central platform large enough to carry a small army. Extended from its sides were mechanical arms that crackled with energy, clearly designed to attach to and manipulate massive objects. Or, as they'd feared, tear them apart.
"Tony," Steve called as they watched the approaching threat, "please tell me the tower's defenses are-"
"Working on it, Cap!" Tony sounded strained. "They did something to the power grid that's affecting the auxiliary systems. Bruce and I are trying to reroute, but we need time!"
"Time," Garen shifted into a ready stance, watching the aerial forces approach, "is something I fear we have precious little of."
Armed figures began rising from multiple points around the tower, using modified military flight tech that had been enhanced with Chitauri components. They moved with the precision of experienced soldiers, establishing a perimeter around their massive platform.
"I count twelve tangos on modified flight units," Rhodes reported, War Machine's distinctive silhouette approaching rapidly. "Plus whatever crew they've got on that main platform. Tony, this has A.I.M. written all over it – these modifications match some of their theoretical designs."
"Yeah, I was afraid of that," Tony's armor assembled around him. "Everybody ready for some very aggressive negotiations?"
Before anyone could respond, a familiar figure swung into view, red and blue stark against the evening sky.
"Hey guys!" Spider-Man called out, webbing between buildings. "Sorry I'm late – traffic was terrible! Also, did anyone order a giant floating fortress? Because I'm pretty sure that's not covered by the building's zoning permits!"
The battle erupted in multiple directions at once. War Machine engaged the aerial units with military precision, his superior firepower and combat experience quickly proving that modified prototypes were no match for the real thing. Iron Man focused on the platform's outer defenses, probing for weaknesses while avoiding its massive mechanical arms.
"Their flight systems are unstable," Rhodes called out after downing his third opponent. "These modifications weren't meant to handle sustained combat. One good hit to their power distribution and they'll drop!"
Spider-Man swung through the chaos, webbing up engines and control systems with remarkable accuracy. "You know, for scary professional thieves, they really should have considered the possibility of someone attacking from above!"
"Incoming!" Clint's warning came just as the massive platform's arms crackled to life, reaching toward the tower's upper levels.
"They're going to try to pull it apart," Bruce's voice joined the comm channel. "The Chitauri tech lets them manipulate structural integrity somehow. If they get a solid grip-"
"They won't," Darius growled, and there was something in his voice that made everyone pause. He turned to Garen. "Your power – it protects against magic, yes?"
"Divine protection against all supernatural forces," Garen nodded, then his eyes widened as he understood. "Including their alien technologies?"
"Worth testing," Darius grinned ferally. "Spider-Man! Think you can give us a lift?"
"I mean, I bench press cars for cardio, so probably? But why- oh. Oh! That's either going to be really cool or really embarrassing!"
The young hero's strength proved more than adequate. With precise web-throws, he launched both warriors toward the platform's central mass. Garen's sword blazed with divine light as they arced through the air, the magic that normally protected against sorcery now confronting alien technology. Where the blade's glow met the Chitauri energy fields, the air itself seemed to shudder.
"Their primary power coupling is exposed on the ventral side," Rhodes called out as he strafed the platform with suppressing fire. "Hit that, and this whole thing comes down!"
Darius didn't need to be told twice. His axe found the first joint with devastating precision, enhanced Noxian steel meeting alien metal with a sound that rang across the darkened city. The platform's shields flickered, its energy field disrupted by Garen's divine magic.
"Okay, that was definitely cool!" Spider-Man whooped, swinging wide to draw fire from the remaining attackers. "Also, remind me never to get on either of their bad sides!"
Below, Steve coordinated with Natasha and Clint to handle the ground forces attempting to maintain control of their power grid disruption. On the platform, Garen and Darius fought back-to-back, their medieval combat experience proving surprisingly effective against modern soldiers who'd never trained to fight armored warriors at close range.
"Their engineering is impressive," Garen admitted, his blade severing power conduits, "but they don't build things to last like we do in Demacia."
"Noxian siege engines would have redundancies," Darius agreed, shouldering aside a soldier who got too close. "This is powerful but... fragile."
The platform lurched as one of its main anti-gravity units failed, Chitauri technology screeching in protest. The remaining airborne attackers began to scatter, realizing their plan was falling apart.
"It's going to fall!" Spider-Man warned, already shooting webs to try to stabilize the tilting structure. "And I don't think my webs can hold something this big!"
"On it!" Rhodes dove beneath the platform, War Machine's repulsors firing at maximum power. "Tony, I could use some help here!"
"Little busy!" Tony called back, dealing with the last of the flight-capable enemies. "Cap, we need those defenses now!"
"Working on it!" Bruce's voice carried the strain of intense concentration. "Just need to... got it! Garen, we need your sword's energy! The tower's defenses should be able to interact with it!"
Garen stepped to the platform's edge, sword glowing brighter. Divine light erupted from the blade just as the tower's defensive field sprang to life, creating a cushion of pure force. Between War Machine's repulsors, Spider-Man's webs, and the combined energy fields, they managed to bring the massive structure down in a controlled crash in the middle of a cleared street.
As dust settled and emergency lights began to flicker back on, Rhodes landed beside the wreckage, his faceplate retracting. "Well," he said, looking between Garen and Darius, "when Tony said we had visitors from another dimension, I thought he was joking. Consider me corrected."
"Colonel," Steve approached with the others, "good timing."
"Wish I'd gotten here sooner," Rhodes replied, studying the fallen platform. "A.I.M.'s getting bolder. This kind of tech integration shouldn't have been possible yet."
"Unless they had help," Natasha added, securing the last of the attackers. "The real question is: from who?"
"Questions for later," Steve decided. He turned to Spider-Man, who was still perched above them. "That intelligence you gathered made a big difference. We could use someone with your skills more regularly."
Spider-Man's mask somehow managed to convey surprise. "Are... are you saying what I think you're saying?"
"We'll talk details later," Steve smiled. "For now, help us secure the site?"
As they worked to clean up the aftermath, Garen and Darius found themselves exchanging looks of grudging respect. This world's warriors might do things differently, but they'd proven themselves capable allies.
"You know," Spider-Man said as they worked, "this is usually the part where something else goes wrong. Like the device turns out to be a decoy, or someone escapes, or-"
"Kid," Rhodes interrupted, "in my experience? Don't tempt fate."