436

The Demise of the Shiar Empire

A colossal spaceship descended from the skies, casting a shadow over sun and sky alike. Despite its imposing presence, close inspection revealed extensive battle damage—a vessel that had barely escaped war.

Instead of landing directly, the massive ship hovered at low altitude, deploying a smaller craft that approached and docked at the altar.

Dozens disembarked from the smaller vessel—mostly Shiar, though a few representatives of other races, like the green-skinned Zehouberry, were among them.

Many wore sidearms, soldiers by their attire, some weary and gentle, others dust-covered or wounded.

Leading them were a middle-aged man and woman in robes and crowns, their nobility unmistakable—the Emperor and Queen of the Shiar Empire.

"The Soul Gem represents our empire's last hope. If the legends hold true, our empire may yet survive..." The Emperor murmured as he approached the altar.

His Queen, supporting him, hesitated. "Can obtaining the Soul Stone defeat Thanos?"

The Emperor cut her off, resolute. "It must. The Infinity Stones are the universe's wellspring of power. They are our destiny!"

Silent, the Queen followed her husband to the altar, the others in solemn step, under the desolate gaze of Vormir.

Once a rising star among the technological empires, the Shiar Empire, younger and promising compared to the Kree and Skrull, suffered an early, crippling blow.

Under Thanos's leadership, a faction of interstellar pirates grew into a formidable military force, sweeping across the Shiar galaxy, reducing the empire to ashes among the major powers.

With no cards left to play, Emperor Shiar pinned his hope on a vague, ancient rumor—the Soul Gem buried on the forsaken Vormir star.

Thus, he led his empire's exiles to this remote edge of the universe, seeking a blessing from fate.

"The Emperor and Queen of the Shiar Empire," Forseti materialized before them.

"Who are you?" Emperor Shiar tensed, eyes wary, his guards ready and alert.

Forseti, cursed by the Soul Stone, remained cloaked in shadows, an ethereal figure resembling a tattered black robe, reminiscent of the ghostly Red Skull from legends. It was no wonder the soldiers reacted with caution.

"I am the guardian of this place," Forseti spoke slowly. "I understand you seek the Soul Gem."

Emperor Shiar spoke solemnly. "Must we defeat you to claim it?"

"No," Forseti shook his head. "In fact, I would prefer you took the Soul Stone, though it is near impossible."

"Why?" Emperor Shiar frowned.

Forseti explained calmly, "The Soul Gem has rules. Only by sacrificing the soul of a loved one will it come to you, obeying your will."

"Preposterous!" Emperor Shiar scoffed.

Forseti continued, unfazed. "I have no reason to deceive you. If you are unwilling to try, you may leave Vormir."

"Seize him!" Emperor Shiar ordered, soldiers advancing to capture Forseti.

Their efforts were futile; even firing lasers, they could not harm Forseti.

With a wave of Forseti's hand, flames erupted from his palm, melting the soldiers' weapons into molten metal that dripped to the ground.

"What!" Emperor Shiar and the others gasped in shock.

Forseti addressed them calmly. "If you believe defeating me will secure the Soul Stone, you may depart."

In his decades on Vormir, Forseti had encountered visitors thrice. Two had attacked him, a predictable response when someone demanded a loved one's sacrifice for personal gain.

Thanos had been oddly different—upon learning the truth from the Red Skull, he had sacrificed his beloved daughter without hesitation.

Indeed, Thanos was a unique character.

Facing Forseti's formidable power, Emperor Shiar finally processed the implications. His expression darkened. "Is it true? Must one sacrifice a loved one to claim the Soul Gem?"

"Yes," Forseti nodded. "Among the six Infinity Gems, the Soul Gem is revered. It has a will of its own."

"You must satisfy the Soul Gem to possess it," he continued, walking to the altar's edge—a precipitous cliff.

Emperor Shiar fell silent.

After a few moments, he turned to his wife, voice trembling. "Forgive me, my love, but this is for our empire..."

"No, please!" The Queen recoiled in horror.

"For the Shiar Empire, for defeating Thanos!" Emperor Shiar seized her arm, repeating fervently, "Forgive me, my love, forgive what I must do!"

With a cry, Queen Shiar plummeted from the height, her scream cutting short as her body struck the ground below, blood pooling beneath the altar.

Emperor Shiar gazed down, trembling, breath heavy, struggling to regain composure.

After a long moment, he composed himself, wiped sweat from his brow, and turned to Forseti. "Now, may I have the Soul Gem?"

Forseti remained silent.

In truth, at the moment of Queen Shiar's death, the Soul Stone had rendered its judgment.

Its message was succinct: "There was no love."

"Where is my Soul Gem?" Emperor Shiar demanded, waving his hand.

Forseti shook his head. "Unfortunately, as per the Soul Stone's judgment, you did not love your wife. Thus, the sacrifice was invalid."

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