Demon King of Time in Marvel

Chapter 19: Temporal Plea

The shimmering orange portals snapped open, disrupting the relative calm that had settled over Aethel's docking bay. Figures in dark, utilitarian uniforms emerged, their faces impassive, their movements precise. They carried weapons that hummed with contained energy, a stark contrast to the organic beauty of Aethel's bioluminescent flora. Leading the group was Agent B-11, a tall, imposing figure whose stern expression conveyed a deep commitment to procedure.

"Shuri Udaku," B-11 announced, his voice crisp and authoritative, cutting through the ambient hum of the docking bay. He held up a device that projected a holographic image of Shuri, superimposed over a branching timeline, a thick red line marking a significant divergence. "You are in violation of the Sacred Timeline. Your unauthorized intervention on this planet constitutes a Class-7 Nexus Event. You are hereby under arrest by the Time Variance Authority."

Shuri's eyes widened in disbelief. So this was what Devon was talking about. Time cops. And they considered saving lives a crime?

She'd even gotten the okay from the so-called 'Demon King of Time'—though that title hardly inspired confidence. What had she gotten herself into?

She glanced at Devon, a mixture of apprehension and a silent plea for help in her eyes.

Devon, however, remained remarkably composed, leaning casually against a nearby pillar, his expression almost bored. He straightened up as B-11 finished his announcement, a subtle shift in his posture suggesting a change in the atmosphere.

"With respect, Agent B-11," Devon interjected, his voice smooth and measured, cutting through the sterile pronouncements of the TVA agent. "I assure you, this matter is far more complex than it appears. I have associates who are deeply concerned with the stability of the timeline. Any mismanagement and you might find yourselves on the shorter end of the stick."

B-11's impassive facade flickered for a fraction of a second. He exchanged a quick glance with one of his subordinates, a silent communication passing between them. "And who, precisely, are these 'associates'?" B-11 asked, his tone regaining its professional edge, though a hint of caution had crept in.

Devon offered a small, enigmatic smile. "Some know them as…followers of the Demon King of Time." He paused, allowing the weight of the name to settle. Then, as if an afterthought, he added, "Though I'm currently under contract with a rather…ambitious fellow. Goes by Kang. Perhaps you've heard of him? Spacetime menace? Multiversal conqueror? Ring any bells?"

That made them flinch, the air heavy with tension. The other TVA agents shifted uneasily, their hands instinctively moving closer to their weapons. B-11's expression hardened, a flicker of genuine concern replacing his usual sternness.

"We have no confirmed records of any…'Demon King of Time'," B-11 stated, his voice tight.

"Oh, I wouldn't expect you to," Devon replied with a knowing smile. "He operates on a…different scale. As for Kang…well, let's just say he has a rather…complex relationship with 'Demon King of Time'. I offer you my help in solving this conundrum. Because if we aren't able to reach a good outcome, surviving their wrath would be what we'd be doing." He paused, letting his words sink in. "Are you certain," Devon asked, his voice laced with a hint of warning, "that a reset is the most…prudent course of action? This timeline is very important to 'The Demon King'. Destroying it…if we couldn't give a plausible reason…Let's say his title 'Demon King' isn't for show. So I ask again, Are you truly prepared to accept responsibility for those consequences? Especially if it pisses off an entity that will escalate it further?"

B-11 consulted with other agents via comms. "No direct matches on any known temporal entity fitting that description," one agent reported. "But the mention of Kang and this 'Demon King'. We did have a sudden disappearance of a timeline"

"Ah, yes. Destroyed by the Demon King in a fit of rage. Such a tragedy it was."

"Protocol dictates we proceed with the apprehension," B-11 reiterated, though a slight hesitation betrayed his uncertainty.

"There is no need for that. The lady is ready to comply" Devon echoed, raising an eyebrow. "But perhaps you should consider the risk of not investigating. Perhaps the risk of angering someone far more powerful than yourselves."

Shuri watched, fascinated. Devon was a master of improvisation, conjuring powerful allies from thin air with an almost casual air. The sheer audacity of it was breathtaking. What a 'Demon King,' indeed—and he was standing right in front of her.

"With all due respect Agent B-11," Shuri said, deciding to finally contribute to the conversation. "My intervention here prevented a catastrophic loss of life. I rerouted power to the shield grid, preventing the destruction of the docking bay. Had I not acted, thousands of Aethelians would have perished." She paused, taking a deep breath. "My intent was not to disrupt the timeline, but to save lives. And I believe the results speak for themselves."

B-11 considered her words, his expression unreadable. The internal debate among the other agents continued, their voices a low murmur in the background. Finally, B-11 turned back to Devon, a hint of resignation in his voice.

"Protocol dictates a formal hearing in cases of suspected tampering in Nexus Events," B-11 stated. "Given the…unusual circumstances, and the…potential involvement of external entities, I will grant you that hearing. You and Ms. Udaku will accompany us to TVA headquarters. While the timeline will not be reset for now."

Devon offered a gracious nod. "A wise decision, Agent B-11. I assure you, this will be in everyone's best interest."

The TVA agents formed a perimeter around Devon and Shuri, their weapons still held at the ready. A shimmering orange portal opened in front of them.Stepping through which they were in the halls of TVA.

"Welcome," B-11 said, his voice tight, "to the Time Variance Authority."

Devon placed a reassuring hand on Shuri's shoulder, leaning in and whispering, "Ready for an interdimensional court session, Shuri? I have a feeling it will be a blast."

Shuri muttered,"Fun times he said"

The portal closed behind them, leaving the now-quiet docking bay of Aethel behind.

The transition was disorienting. One moment they were in the vibrant docking bay of Aethel; the next, a sterile, white corridor stretching into an impossible distance. The air hummed with a low frequency, and the light seemed to emanate from everywhere and nowhere at once. Clocks of all shapes and sizes adorned the walls, some ticking forward, some backward, some frozen, displaying every conceivable time format.

"Welcome to the Time Variance Authority," B-11 announced, his voice echoing slightly.

"Headquarters in the Null-Time Zone, outside of time itself."

The corridor opened into a vast, circular chamber, clearly the TVA's central hub. Walls lined with monitors displayed countless branching timelines, thin, glowing lines extending into infinity. Workers in similar uniforms moved with purpose, attending consoles and displays. Some carried stacks of paperwork that seemed to defy physics, bending and folding impossibly. Others operated strange devices emitting bursts of temporal energy. Giant clockwork mechanisms ticked with unsettling precision, overseeing the space.

In the center, a raised platform held a large, ornate desk. Behind it sat Judge Renslayer, her expression stern. The chamber felt less like a courtroom, more like an office building designed by a time-obsessed architect with a vague understanding of human needs.

"Agent B-11," Judge Renslayer stated, her voice amplified, "you have apprehended the variant?"

"Yes, Your Honor," B-11 replied, gesturing to Shuri. "Shuri Udaku, apprehended on Aethel for a Class-7 Nexus Event."

Judge Renslayer's gaze fell on Shuri, cold and assessing. "Ms. Udaku," she said, "you are accused of violating the Sacred Timeline. The Time Keepers have decreed its proper flow, and your actions deviated from their path. Do you understand the charges?"

Shuri swallowed nervously. "Yes, Your Honor."

Devon stepped forward, adjusting his coat. "Your Honor," he began smoothly, "I will be representing Ms. Udaku. Before formal proceedings, a preliminary investigation is in order. Her actions, while causing a temporal divergence, did not cause a temporal collapse. Furthermore, this divergence connects to a far greater threat, one I believe this organization should be investigating."

Judge Renslayer raised an eyebrow. "And the basis for this assertion?"

"Let's just say," Devon replied, his eyes narrowing slightly, "certain…parties are very interested in the fate of lost timelines. They believe the answers—and perhaps the means of restoring them—are hidden within your records"

Unease rippled through the chamber. TVA workers glanced nervously at the Judge.

"These are serious claims, Mr. Devon," Judge Renslayer stated, her voice cutting through the chamber. "Claims that require substantial proof. As I've stated, we operate on evidence, not mere speculation. Mr…..?"

"Devon."

"Mr. Devon. We have proof of Ms. Udaku's interference. What proof of this larger threat?"

"Proof is forthcoming, Your Honor," Devon replied smoothly. "To that end, I request access to the TVA archives. Specifically, records pertaining to erased timelines, high-level temporal anomalies, and files related to the architect of this institution." He paused. "Many timelines have been erased, and I believe the answer to their disappearance lies within these records."

Judge Renslayer considered his words. The mention of erased timelines had given her pause.

"Very well," she said firmly. "A preliminary investigation is granted. Agent B-11, escort them to the Archives. Provide access to requested files. Ensure they are monitored."

B-11 nodded and led Devon and Shuri down another long, sterile corridor. Shuri noticed a small, animated clock perched on a console, winking at her.

"Tick-tock," Miss Minutes chirped, her voice surprisingly high-pitched. "Time is of the essence, y'all!"

"Be careful around the clock," Devon whispered. "That's Miss Minutes. She has connections."

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From "So You've Inadvertently Created a New Timeline: A Survival Guide":

Rule #1: Try not to step on any butterflies.

Rule #2: If you do step on a butterfly, apologize profusely.

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