The Realm Hero Chronicles: Round 2

Chapter 15: On Foreign Ground

When Laval opened his eyes (he didn't realize he'd been holding his breath either, so he released it), he was apprehensive. What had happened?

"I don't know, Laval," Cragger answered Laval's thoughts.

"I thought we would've been erased from existence," Wilbur staggered to his feet and sheathed his weapon, wincing slightly at a minor cut running horizontal across his forearm. "At least that's what happened in the comics." Lewis gave a partly frightened and partly relieved look. One that the Realm Council as a whole knew and recognized.

"Yeah," Eris chimed in, "But where'd everybody go?"

The Realm Council looked around. The DC and Marvel members were gone, not a trace. The Forever Rock was quiet and still, the only sound being the wind and the water flowing down the creek.

"Don't know," Robin answered, "Thanos snapped his fingers and then... nothing."

"Maybe we weren't affected by it," Emily tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Force fields?"

"None, at least from me," Violet shook her head.

"Maybe our bracelets have some type of protection that protects us from anything like the gauntlet," Naida was now thoughtful.

"Maybe," Laval nodded, "Let's meet up at Lion City. I'm sure that the DC and Marvel brawlers will be back soon to finish the treaty."

"And we'll be ready for them," Cragger laughed.

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Assembled in the Throne Room of Lion City, the Realm Council shifted nervously. Laval anxiously glanced at the gate, half-expecting the brawl to come crashing back through again as he paced the floor. The vibrant conversation from earlier attempts at small talk had long since died out, leaving behind an air of tension.

The other Realm Heroes were not the only ones to notice Laval's anxious pacing. Lagravis entered a few minutes later. "Laval? What are you and the Realm Heroes doing here? Are the peace talks over?" When Laval didn't respond, Lagravis took a step forward. "Laval? Is everything okay?"

Laval straightened, clearly caught off guard. "I'm fine."

"LIAR!" The Realm Council shrieked in unison.

"Seriously, pal," Cragger snickered. "You did not just try that on your dad."

A smirk returned to Laval's face. "I just did." To his father, he added, "I'm fine. Just a rough time at the peace talks."

"That bad?" Lagravis asked, almost incredulous. He was so certain that if anyone could bridge the gap between DC and Marvel, it would be his son and the Realm Heroes.

"You have no idea," Laval answered, eyes firmly on the floor.

"Was there a fight?" Lagravis sighed.

"A brawl is probably the term I'd use," Laval finally lifted his golden eyes, "It was ugly."

At that moment, Longtooth scurried in. "Sir! Two unknown helicopters headed this way!"

"Helicopters?" Cragger asked.

"It must be the treaty signers!" Laval grinned, the spark returning to his eyes. "That was fast!"

"Let's go!" Lloyd whooped.

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