John once met a woman.
At the time, he had no idea who Tony Stark was or that he was living in a world filled with heroes and gods. He simply enjoyed a conversation with a woman who, like him, understood power and what it meant to be feared. That woman was Hela.
She had been banished to the realm of Death by her own father. She was also Thor's sister.
After realizing he was in the Marvel universe, John remembered her well. Strictly speaking, Hela was his friend—just as Thor was. But he knew that, one day, a struggle for the throne would erupt between those two.
When John asked his question, Thor's thoughts immediately turned to Loki.
"Only someone who can protect Asgard and guard the Nine Realms is qualified to ascend the throne," Thor answered.
"An interesting answer," John smiled. "But what does it mean to guard the Nine Realms?"
"To protect the Nine Realms from war and the invasion of evil," Thor replied without hesitation.
John, however, pressed further. "But evil exists within the Nine Realms too. If a war breaks out among the realms themselves, who do you call evil?"
Thor paused, considering. "Invaders," he finally said.
"You're very pure, Thor," John said, shaking his head. "Most would choose conquest."
"Loki?" Thor rarely praised his brother. "He has schemes, but I don't think he could ever be a conqueror."
"No, not him." John looked up. "But I know you won't let things go, Thor." He was referring to the Dark Elf threat.
"Asgard's defense system is damaged," Thor said, his voice grave. "If we keep fighting here, the losses will be too great."
The Aether was in Asgard, and the Dark Elves would not miss their chance. Odin had sealed the Rainbow Bridge to keep them out, but perhaps their ships were already above Asgard, hidden even from Heimdall's sight. Facing such elusive enemies, Thor wanted to shift the battlefield.
"John, maybe you could move the Aether," Thor suggested, lowering his voice. "Only you could do it."
"I'm sorry, Thor," John said, lips pressed in a thin line. "Your father doesn't want me anywhere near it."
The Aether was sealed in a special Asgardian container, locked away with the Tesseract in the treasury. Heimdall was watching John closely. If he even appeared near the vault, Odin would treat him as a threat. In Odin's eyes, John was a man plotting to steal the Infinity Stones. He wouldn't risk it.
Thor didn't care about the Aether or the stones—he just wanted to keep Asgard from becoming a river of blood. Odin was preparing for war, ready to face the Dark Elves head-on. Their ideas were different, but Thor's was the better one: shift the battlefield, save lives. That was the difference between Odin and Thor.
John couldn't help, which troubled Thor. With his plan ruined, Thor went out for a walk, hoping to discuss the crisis with his friends. John watched him go, flipping through a book. Odin might have barred him from the Space Stone, but he hadn't restricted John's access to Asgard's library. It was a fair exchange—John had saved Frigga, and in return, he could take Asgard's knowledge with him.
—
Vanaheim.
Malekith awoke from his healing slumber to nothing but setbacks. His attack on Asgard had failed, and Thor had left him disfigured with a single blow. With the Aether lost, his power had waned. His loyal Cursed Warrior roused him from sleep.
The newly awakened Malekith descended from his warship, the Cursed Warrior at his side, and his soldiers ready for battle. But in front of them, a line of skeletal horses waited, each ridden by a ghostly figure.
Malekith eyed these newcomers. Their aura was elven, but not like his own people. They were phantoms from another world, riding skeletal warhorses, conquering world after world, and calling them new homes for elves.
Malekith was not afraid, but he was wary. Among them, a knight in a terrifying mask stepped forward and called out.
"Let's talk terms, King of the Dark Elves."
The leader, a Red Knight, spoke. "I am the King of the Wild Hunt. We cross worlds in search of new realms and need a place to settle. What you seek, I can help you obtain. In this universe, there must be a kingdom for us."
Malekith eyed the other Wild Hunt riders warily. "Why should I trust you?"
"Because we are equally proud," the Red Knight replied, spurring his horse forward. "The White Frost follows the steps of the elves, just as you and I do."
The Wild Hunt sought new worlds to conquer. The Convergence had not only fused the Nine Realms but also brought beings from beyond this universe. The Wild Hunt, with their ability to travel between worlds, were exactly the allies Malekith needed. Only they could hope to breach Asgard's defenses and seize the Aether.
After a moment's thought, Malekith said, "No one makes me look up to them."
The Red Knight dismounted, meeting Malekith eye to eye. In that moment, an alliance was formed. The Dark Elves needed the Wild Hunt to reach the Aether, and the Wild Hunt needed the Dark Elves because they were kin.
While Asgard prepared for war, the Wild Hunt—masters of crossing worlds—galloped toward Asgard, the thunder of hooves echoing through the realms.
…
Thor knew the battlefield had to be moved. The best way was to strike at the Dark Elves' lair, but the Rainbow Bridge was sealed, and even Thor couldn't fly to Vanaheim with his hammer. It was a problem.
He discussed it with his friends—the Warriors Three and Sif.
"The Rainbow Bridge is closed, and the Tesseract is locked away," Sif said, frustration in her voice.
Thor replied, "There's still a path in Asgard that only one person knows."
Sif's expression turned strange, and the Warriors Three groaned in unison. "No..."
For Asgard's sake, Thor could only do one thing. No one knew Asgard's secrets better than the God of Mischief. He needed Loki to guide him.
…
Prison.
Loki watched his brother approach, dressed in casual armor, and smiled with interest.
"Thor, what a rare guest."
Thor looked at his brother, conflicted. "I'm here to offer you a chance at redemption, Loki."
Loki smiled slyly. "You must be desperate to come to me."
And he was right.
Thor stared at Loki, unsure if this was the right decision—releasing the trickster.
"Where is your wizard friend?" Loki paced his cell, hands behind his back. "He could help you more than I can."
His expression darkened. "I should have won, Thor."
The Battle of New York—everything had been perfect. But the Wizard King had ruined it all.
"Mother was almost killed by the Dark Elves, Loki," Thor said, his voice heavy. "I know you want revenge as much as I do."
"Revenge?" Loki stopped pacing and smiled.
[Chapter Complete]
***
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