From the moment he opened his eyes, Steve Rogers has been a stranger in his own country. He lives in a world that he once believed only existed in fiction stories. A world where mankind has walked on the moon, where information can be accessed in small, handheld devices, where diseases that once meant a death sentence are now easily curable. And where everyone all over the world is connected now more than they ever have been.
And yet, the country is more divided than he's ever seen it. People are connected, but now they hardly interact with each other. They communicate by typing on a screen rather than speaking directly to the person next to them. They would prefer to stay inside and play video games rather than go outside and play games in the real world.
But, what is worse. Is that the values he's grown up with. The values that each and every American believed in with all their heart, went to war, and died to protect. Have almost been abandoned by this new world.
Where the ideals of Truth and Justice are labelled as "old-fashioned" and the American Dream is dismissed as a myth. Corruption has spread so far and wide that now people of today's world will label someone in a movie doing the right thing because it is what's right is considered "unrealistic."
What kind of America is that?
It is a world that left him behind. A world that he had no place in.
Still, in the time he has spent in this world. He had the honour of meeting some remarkable people.
A Man who dreams of building a better tomorrow and is working tooth and nail to achieve it.
A King, who stood up against his country's traditions in the name of progress.
A Criminal, falsely accused of a crime, betrayed by the very system he swore to uphold and yet continued to fight for what is right.
A Scientist who believes so much in the redemption and the goodness of mankind that he is willing to risk his life for those that others have given up on.
A Monster, whom the world has hunted like an animal. Taken away his basic human rights. Yet he never lost his heart, nor his humanity and will defend the innocent with all his strength.
A Woman who has faced more danger than most soldiers during the war. And yet, she still sees the wonder and joy of life, giving her all to help those in need.
A God who has more humanity in his heart than most. Willing to come down to Earth and live as a man and be seen as an equal, instead of a deity.
And a Boy. Who lost everything he held dear. Who was thrust into a world that is not his own, in a battle that he had no stake in. And still chose to help.
"No, my work isn't done." Captain America said.
A smirk then appeared on his face. "After all, I still have a promise to keep."
He thought back to that moment with Ben and the promise they made to each other.
"I'm going to keep fighting the good fight. Zemo and his forces are still on the loose."
If Hela was disappointed. She hid it well. For the Goddess of Death responded to the Captain's words with an amused chuckle.
"Loki's pawns. I play along with my father's games because it amuses me." She said as her eyes narrowed. "But I know, once he is done with Thor, he will betray me."
She smirked as she felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her. Yet, Captain America could see a glint of pain in her eyes.
"So bitter. So much hate for Odin."
The Super Soldier couldn't even begin to try to unravel the complex family drama of immortal deities. But one thing did stand out to him.
"Thor is in trouble. I have to help him! You need to send me to him right now." Cap demanded.
"You wish to return to battle, Captain. Then you must offer me something in return." Hela responded, rising from her throne.
As Captain America predicted, she was a giant of a woman. Standing fifteen feet tall. Towering over the Super Soldier.
Despite her stature, Captain America stood his ground. Even though her aura was very intimidating. She radiated death that caused every muscle in his body to want to run for the hills.
But the Sentinel of Liberty would not budge. Not while his friends are in danger.
"What do you want?" Captain America asked.
A terrifying grin appeared on Hela's face. As if those were the exact words she wanted to hear.
"If I send you to confront Loki, and death shall claim you in the battle. Then your mortal spirit belongs to me." Hela's eye narrowed like a predator who's just caught her prey in her talons.
"Forever."
Captain America narrowed his eyes.
This is what it comes down to. Him, a man of God, being forced to make a deal with the Asgardian devil.
Cap never thought that he would ever be in this situation. Now that he is, he thought the choice would be more difficult.
At the end of the Bifrost stood the gates of Asgard. Tall and proud, a symbol to the nine realms of Asgard's might.
For centuries, the walls have been protected by the brave warriors of Asgard. With the Gatekeeper, Heimdall, stands at his post. Keeping an ever-watchful eye over the realms and guarding the gates against all threats.
However, those gates are now manned by the Dark Forces of Loki. Who have taken command of the gates' defences and prepare to use them against the very warriors they were created to protect.
Lady Sif led the charge as the united forces advanced on the gates.
Ogres and Trolls barked orders at each other as they readied ballistae and catapults. On the walls, archers took their positions as they readied their bows.
Behind the walls, Frost Giants stomped through the city, picking up boulders and rubble from buildings and awaiting the command from the wall guards.
The Troll on the lookout tower let out a loud roar, signalling the defenders to open fire. Arrows launched, ballista bolts fired, catapults unleashed, and Giants hurled their boulders over the walls at the advancing heroes.
"Shields!" Lady Sif ordered as she raised her brother's shield.
The Asgardian warriors quickly raised their shields to block the incoming arrows. However, the ballista bolts and boulders presented another challenge.
Heimdall's shield was effective in fending them off. The magic of the shield seems to repel any attack directed against it. But for the other Asgardians, the larger projectiles posed a problem.
Thankfully, Giant-Man and Hulk provided additional support. Their enhanced strength and durability allowed them to swat away or even catch the boulders hurled at them. The size-changing hero used his boulders to provide cover for his allies, while the Gamma Giant tossed his boulders right back at the attackers.
Behind the shields or boulders, the Light Elves aimed their bows and fired at the enemy forces. However, with how the walls have been designed, even with their impressive aim, the Elves had difficulty hitting their mark.
The Asgardians designed their stronghold to withstand any attacking force from across the Nine Realms. However, this proved to be a double-edged sword, as their own defences are now being used against them.
Fortunately, Lady Sif, Brunnhilde, and the Warriors Three knew the defence layout like the back of their hands. They positioned their forces in optimal locations to minimise the impact of the catapults and ballistae as much as possible.
The only thing they couldn't account for was the Frost Giants. Unlike the war machines on top, the Frost Giants can adjust and throw their boulders with ease, allowing them to hurl boulders at increased speed and precision.
Lady Sif tried to advance with her brother's shield, but the enchantment on it could only defend against so much before she was forced back.
The Valkyries attempted to attack from above, but the rate of fire from the walls' defences shot down a number of Shield Maidens before they could get close. Forcing them to fall back.
Even with the added manpower of the Avengers, the heroes' attacks caused minimal damage to the outer wall and gate.
"This is bad." Giant Man stated as he shrank down.
"Agreed." Black Panther said, tossing one of his vibranium daggers at the gate. The glowing dagger detonated against the gate but only left a faint scorch mark on the wooden door.
"We do not have the time for a prolonged siege."
"Then let's bust down that door!" Wasp said as she glowed blue and grew to her giant size. "Come on Hulk!"
"Gladly," The Green Giant grinned as the pair charged the gate.
"Janet, wait!" Giant Man called out, but it was too late.
The pair charged at the gate as the Giant Wasp cocked back her right fist and focused her stinger energy into it.
The Archers on the walls aimed at her and unleashed a volley of arrows.
Just then, Hulk jumped in front of her and clapped his hands together, generating a shockwave that blew the incoming projectiles away from her. He then cocked back his fist and the pair stuck the gates of Asgard with all their might.
However, despite their attack, the door remained intact. Not even a splinter out of place.
Before Wasp could make a witty remark, a shadow cast over her face, and she looked up to see a massive boulder dropping towards her head.
The Size Changer quickly shrank down to her small size and flew away to dodge the boulder while Hulk took the impact head-on. Smashing the boulder like glass.
However, he was struck in the shoulder by two ballista bolts, followed by a number of arrows, piercing his green skin.
The Gamma Brute roared in anger as he tried to jump at the archers, only for a Frost Giant to bat him away from the gates. Sending him rolling across the Bifrost and almost tumbling over the edge, had Giant Man not caught him.
A mighty roar from the walls drew the attention of the Heroes as several Frost Giants and Trolls climbed over the walls and charged towards the allied forces, as the defences atop the walls unleashed another salvo of arrows, ballistas, and boulders at once.
With an attack from above and a ground force coming at them, the Avengers and Asgardians couldn't defend and attack at the same time.
Nevertheless, the heroes readied to face the challenge head-on.
Suddenly, a portal opened above the Bifrost, drawing the attention of heroes and villains alike.
From the portal emerged a teenager wearing a green jacket. Who leaped from the portal and descended towards the battlefield.
He raised his right hand and slammed it down on his left wrist. A bright flash of green light enveloped him, and the teen transformed.
"SHOCKSQUASH!"
The Yeti Alien charged up his powers as yellow electricity sparked across his fur. Shocksquash let out an ape-like roar as he landed on the rainbow bridge, slammed his fists on the surface and unleashed a powerful wave of electrical energy.
Yellow arches of electricity pulsed from his body, flowing across the wave of arrows, bolts, and boulders. Instantly, the projectiles froze in midair as Shocksquash's electricity affected the molecular charge of the atoms, affecting their polarity and allowing the Electrical Alien to telekinetically manipulate them with ease.
The Yeti Alien raised his arms and gathered the projectiles together in one massive cluster of debris. Shocksquash focused as he electrostatically charged the atoms within them.
As the Alien Hero had his hands full, the advancing Frost Giants and Trolls resumed their charge.
Only for Balder and Heimdall to emerge from the portal and land in front of Shocksquash. The former drew his sword and raised it to the sky.
The blade flashed before Balder unleashed a blinding light from his blade. Bathing the area in a brilliant radiance that caused the advancing army and those atop the wall to shield their eyes from the intense light.
With the enemy distracted, Shocksquash threw his arms forward and unleashed a powerful blast of electrically charged debris right into the enemy lines. Projectiles charged with electrical energy collided with the enemy forces, knocking many of them down, with the rest stunned and frozen in place due to their muscles seizing up from the electrical current.
Shocksquash then turned to the Avengers with his signature smirk. "Looks like you guys started the party without me, eh?"
Hawkeye smirked as he shook his head. "What'd I say. Flashy entrance."
"Ben!" Wasp yelled joyfully as she flew over to him and gave him a hug.
He wasn't worried about accidentally shocking her. Wasp has a natural resistance to mild shocks due to her bio-stings. Not that it would've stopped her if she didn't have that ability, as she would've hugged him even if he was Heatblast or Goop.
"You're here! What happened to you? Where've you been?" She asked him.
Shocksquash chuckled as he hugged her back. "It's a long story, Jan. But I'm glad you're ok. All of you."
"Yeah, well. That's what happens when you keep showing up fashionably late." Hawkeye quipped as he gave the Teen a playful nudge. "You're making a habit out of this, kid."
"Hehe, sorry, eh," Shocksquash replied, scratching his head in embarrassment. "I thought we'd all come out at the same time."
"My apologies, friend Ben," Heimdall said, drawing everyone's attention. "In my haste. I failed to cast the spell properly. I could not see them to account for their arrival. But that will no longer be a problem."
To illustrate his point, the Bifrost beneath his feet started to glow. The Rainbow energy spread across the gatekeeper's body, and Heimdall stood tall as his strength returned. His armor looked brand new, and his body looked the picture of health.
The bandages around his eyes suddenly unravelled and fell away, revealing that his eyes had been fully healed.
Heimdall opened his eyes, and they glowed as the All-Seeing Gatekeeper was restored to full health.
Lady Sif walked over to the Keeper of the Bifrost, grinning as she looked up at him.
"It's good to see you are well, brother," Sif said, her voice revealing a hint of emotion she tried to conceal.
Heimdall smiled and placed his hand on her shoulder. "And I never lost sight of you, my sister."
Sif smiled as she and Heimdall locked their arms, and he returned the grin.
Shocksquash smiled, happy that the two siblings could be reunited.
A roar suddenly interrupted the moment as a group of Rock Trolls regained consciousness and immediately rushed to attack the group of Heroes.
Quick as a flash, Balder drew his blade and rushed to engage the enemy. Heimdall and Shocksquash on his tail as the God of Light easily dispatched two Trolls, with Heimdall swinging his axe to take out another three.
Shocksquash charged his fists up with electricity and struck the trolls once as he moved through a squad of five. The Rock Trolls turned to try and attack him as the Alien Teen smirked, raised his right hand and snapped his fingers.
Volts of electricity arched across the Troll's bodies, causing them to freeze in mid-swing before collapsing on the ground.
Hulk grunted and gave the teen a slight grin. "Show off."
The Alien Shapeshifter shrugged. "Hey, I'm the one who's behind. Gotta even the score."
He then noticed the axe in Hulk's hands. "Dude, did you steal the Executioner's axe?"
Hulk held the axe up with a prideful grin. "He didn't need it anymore. Plus, now I got my own magic weapon. And it's bigger than Thor's puny hammer."
"You wield the Bloodaxe?" Balder asked, a concerned look on his face.
"You got a problem with that?" Hulk asked with a raised eyebrow.
The Asgardian Warrior looked at the axe intensely before looking the Jade Giant in the eye. "Be careful wielding a weapon not intended for you. Especially when the Enchantress is involved."
Now, it was Shocksquash's turn to look concerned. He had a point, there's a chance the Sorceress put some kind of booby trap on that axe. After all, Thor's hammer has an enchantment to stop people from picking it up.
However, Hulk brushed off his concern. "Works fine to me."
The Alien Avenger wasn't convinced. But further enquiries will have to wait. As a boulder came flying at them, only for Heimdall to grab his shield from Sif and block the large rock with it.
"We must take the gate!" Balder yelled. Taking cover as the battle resumed.
Black Panther peeked out from behind his cover to examine the layout.
"There are too many along the walls. It would take too much time to climb them."
"What about the gate?" Wasp asked.
"Nay, we'd lose too many before we could reach it," Volstagg stated.
Fandrel chimed in. "Even if we could, we haven't a battering ram to breach it. Though I think Volstagg's large frame could serve as a suitable replacement." He smirked, referring to his fellow warriors tubby form.
Shocksquash grinned as an idea formed in his head. "You want a battering ram? Then how about…"
He tapped the Ultimatrix dial and transformed in a flash of green light.
"CANNONBOLT!"
Jumping out from behind the cover, the Armadillo Alien crouched on all fours as he eyed the main gates.
"Let's roll!" He shouted as he prepared to charge the gate.
"Hold, Young Warrior!" Heimdall yelled, causing Cannonbolt to trip and land on his face.
Slightly embarrassed, the Teen Hero wobbly got to his feet and glanced at the Gatekeeper.
"You are in Asgard now. If we wish to reach Thor in time, nothing can be held back. You must meet every obstacle with all your might." The All-Seer clarified to the Young Hero.
Cannonbolt thought about what Heimdall said. Then it clicked in his head. He was right, this wasn't the time to hold anything in reserve. This called for Hero Time, times Ten.
"Then it's time to go, Ultimate!"
He then tapped the dial, and four spikes popped out from the rim.
A wave of green energy washed over the Alien Teen. Cannonbolt's body grew larger, and his skin turned into a hard, light metallic blue. His shell turned metallic silver and appeared thicker. It features cylindrical studs, two on each back segment and one on each shoulder, wrist, and leg plate.
"ULTIMATE CANNONBOLT!" The Alien cried out.
The Asgardians looked at the new form with surprised expressions.
Without wasting time, the Evolved Alien turned to the Green Brute.
"Hey, Hulk. How's your pitching arm?" He asked with a cocky grin.
It didn't take Hulk long to figure out what the Teen was implying, as a sly grin spread across his face.
"Better than yours." He playfully mocked as he walked over to the Teen.
Ultimate Cannonbolt then turned into his sphere form. As he changed, the studs on his armor morphed and turned into sharp spikes, making him look like a giant Morningstar.
Hulk picked up the Evolved Alien with one hand and proceeded to hurl him directly at the Gates of Asgard.
The Armored Spike Ball tore through the air like a cannonball and struck the gate directly in the centre.
Wood warped and splintered as the Evolved Armored Alien tore through the massive door like it was made of paper.
A shockwave erupted as wooden debris flew through the air, and the front gate blew open. The solid wooden structure shattered into pieces, with the rest of the doors being blown off their hinges.
However, the Alien Avenger didn't slow down as Ultimate Cannonbolt blasted through the door and continued to ram into the surprised Frost Giant on the other side.
The Jotun was sent flying as all the air was knocked out of his lungs, and he was rendered unconscious in an instant.
Immediately, the Avengers sprang into action to follow their teammate. While the Asgardians looked on in a state of shock.
Never would they imagine a Mortal being capable of breaching the Gates of Asgard so easily.
The only ones who didn't seem all that stunned by the Young Heroes display were Heimdall and Balder. The former due to having observed Ben and his exploits on Midgard, while the latter having witnessed the Young Heroes' power first hand when he bravely stood his ground against the Fire Demon Surtur himself.
"The city is breached!" Lady Sif shouted, drawing her sword and holding it aloft. "Warriors of Asgard. Now is the hour. For Odin. For Thor. For Asgard!"
"FOR ASGARD!" the Warriors chorused as they charged through the gates and met the Dark forces on the other side.
As the warriors charged through, Balder reached to his belt and drew a curved horn from it. He placed the horn to his lips and blew.
From the horn, a loud, resonating sound blasted and echoed across the Golden City.
All of Asgard knows the sound of that horn. Hearing it means that the gates have been breached. On any other day, it is a sound of warning and dread.
But, on this day, it is the sound of hope. The Warriors of Asgard have come to reclaim their home. The people will hear that horn and cheer.
The Asgardians arrived just as enemy reinforcements flooded into the streets in an attempt to repel the invaders.
Together with the Avengers, they easily dispatched the enemy forces.
Those who weren't knocked out during the fight retreated further into the city.
"Quickly!" Lady Sif called out. "To the palace!"
"We will likely encounter resistance along the road." Black Panther stated.
"Aye, the city has many choke points to mount a defence." Volstagg agreed.
Hawkeye rolled his eyes. "Oh great. Like we didn't have enough to deal with."
Brunnhilde raised her spear. "We should strike while we still have the advantage."
"Bad idea." Giant Man responded, shaking his head. "Loki has control of the city. We're too big a target. If we get boxed in. We won't have any chance of reaching the palace in time."
Lady Sif raised an eyebrow. "You forget, Giant Man. This city is our home. We know it better than any foolish Ogre or Troll."
"Perhaps. But you have been away from Asgard for quite some time." Black Panther pointed out. "No doubt Loki would have foreseen your familiarity and planned ahead with ambushes. He was raised in this city as well, did he not?"
The Shield Maiden gritted her teeth. The Wakandan had a point.
"I think it's time for a little sneak attack." Ultimate Cannonbolt suggested waddling up to the group.
Hawkeye smirked as he quickly put together what the Teen was thinking. "You thinking what I think you're thinking?"
The evolved alien grinned. "Bingo. We split up. The main force goes into the city, making as much noise as possible and drawing Loki's army away. Meanwhile, a small group sneaks around the side and heads to the palace."
Upon hearing the plan, the Asgardians looked among each other and contemplated the Teen's words.
"A wise strategy, Young Warrior." Heimdall complimented.
"Aw, shucks." Ult Cannonbolt responded, scratching the back of his head. Which almost caused him to fall over.
"Agreed." Balder concurred. "Warriors Three, take our soldiers and the Light Elves and head to the dungeons. Free any of our brethren as you can and head to the armory."
The Warriors Three nodded and started to move out.
As they did, Brunnhilde walked up to Gruenhilda. "Take the Valkyries and aid them, Gruenhilda."
"At once." The Red Haired Maiden acknowledged before leaving with the others.
Lady Sif turned to the Avengers and opened her mouth. Only for Hawkeye to cut in before she could say a word.
"If you think we're going anywhere but the palace. You got another thing coming, Beautiful." Hawkeye remarked jovially.
Ultimate Cannonbolt smirked while Wasp rolled her eyes at the Archer's comment.
Lady Sif looked at him incredulously. "I admire your courage, Mortal. But it would be unwise for mortals to face Loki while he wields the Odin Force."
Despite her warning, the Avengers stood their ground. Neither side backs down from this decision.
"Look, Sif." Hank suddenly spoke up. "Thor is our teammate. And Earth is just as much in the firing line as Asgard. We're in this together."
The rest of the Avengers looked at him with different levels of surprise on their faces. Unknown to the Asgardians, Hank quit the Avengers and hasn't been an active member for months.
Yet, today, he openly acknowledged himself as a part of the team, without any hesitation. The Alien Teen looked at the size-changing hero with a proud expression. While Wasp looked so giddy, it seemed like she was about to do loop-de-loops in the air.
Sif still looked like she wanted to protest. However, Heimdall quickly stepped in.
"I have seen these mortals fight alongside Thor in many a battle, Sif. Though they are mortal, their hearts match those of any Asgardian here today. One of which is even worthy to wield Thor's hammer, Mjolnir." The Gatekeeper said, glancing towards Ultimate Cannonbolt.
Lady Sif's eyes widened at her brother's statement, which the Alien Avenger smirked in a cocky manner.
"Very well. Time is already short. Ensure you do not fall behind." The Shield Maiden stated.
The Avengers all smirked as they struck a pose.
"Was about to say the same to you." Ultimate Cannonbolt replied.
"My lady!" Faraday called out to Sif. She turned to him, and the Light Elf dropped to his knees and bowed his head. "I humbly request that I join you on your quest to free the Prince."
Sif smiled and nodded. "You have spirit, archer. I would gladly accept your aid."
"Seriously?" Hawkeye complained. "We had to plead our case, but she lets you come along just like that?"
Black Panther patted his friend on the shoulder to console him. "Perhaps our Asgardian allies require further evidence to prove our worth. Whereas the reputation of our Light Elf companion precedes him."
"Whatever, man. Let's just go." Hawkeye rolled his eyes, and the team headed out.
As they moved, the Evolved Alien took a few steps before noticing one of them had fallen behind.
Looking back, he saw Heimdall standing at the gates, staring out at the rainbow bridge. Axe and Shield in hand as he looked out into the sea of stars and beyond.
"Hey, Heimdall! Come on, man. We've got a realm to save." The Alien Teen said enthusiastically.
Heimdall chuckled as he looked back at his young friend. "My apologies, Son of Tenny. But this is as far as I will go."
"Huh?" Ultimate Cannonbolt said with a raised eyebrow. "What are you talking about? We gotta save Thor. Why would you…"
"Young Ben." Balder walked up to him with a serious expression on his face. "Heimdall is the keeper of the Bifrost. He has sworn an oath to stand guard at the gates. To never leave his post and keep watch over the Nine Realms." The warrior explained.
Ultimate Cannonbolt was confused. Were they being serious? The monsters were already in Asgard, they needed all hands on deck, and Heimdall was just going to stand at the gates and do nothing.
"Come on, Dude. You can't just…" He started to say, but he was cut off.
"I do not expect thee to understand," Heimdall stated, turning to look the young hero in the eye. "But I gave an oath to the All-Father and I will uphold my word and my honour."
He then turned to look into the distance. "Besides, I can see Loki's forces from the other realms massing towards the Bifrost. I will stand guard and prevent them from entering the city."
"By yourself?" Ultimate Cannonbolt asked, shocked. Loki had armies stationed throughout the various realms. No way could Heimdall take them all on by himself. He couldn't just leave him like that.
Heimdall turned back to the Teen and smiled confidently. "Never fear, Ben. I have stood guard since before even Thor took his first breath. I will not die this day. Fate deems it so."
He wanted to protest. Do something that will convince him to come with them. But Balder patted his armored shoulder and gave him a warm smile.
Without speaking a single word, Ultimate Cannonbolt heard him loud and clear. He needed to trust Heimdall. Let him do his job while they do theirs.
Curling up into his sphere form, the Armored Alien rolled into battle. Ready to face whatever foe comes his way.
Meanwhile, in the palace, Loki sat on his throne. Rage was present on his face as his nails dug into the armrests of his chair.
He heard it. That accursed horn. Only one being in the Nine Realms could have used that Horn.
But it wasn't possible. He had imprisoned him and that wretched gatekeeper in the bowls of Muspelheim, the heart of Surtur's domain. None should have survived that. Even Loki, with the power of the Odin Force flowing through him, risked much, placing them in that eternal fire pit.
How could they possibly have escaped?
Murmurs were heard through the crowd of Asgardian citizens, and his troops looked worried as the horn echoed across the Golden City.
Suddenly, the doors to the chamber burst open, and an Ogre rushed in.
"My Lord Loki." The Ogre said as he bowed before him. "There is trouble."
Suddenly, explosions rang out in the distance as plumes of smoke rose across the city.
Loki gritted his teeth and narrowed his eyes. How dare they attack at such a momentous occasion.
The God of Mischief raised his hand and conjured a round magical window that displayed everything happening in his city.
Loki saw images of the Warriors Three leading a band of Asgardian rebels, Valkyries, and Light Elves against his troops, as they liberated the prisoners he held in the dungeons. Many of his forces were heading there to confront them.
A wave of his hand over the mystical circle revealed a different scene. The King of Lies sneered as he watched Balder, Lady Sif, and Brunnhilde sneaking their way to the palace, accompanied by a group of mortals: Thor's allies, the Avengers.
Frustrated, Loki swatted the mirror away and rose from his throne.
Thor, having seen the images, grinned at his brother's annoyance.
The False King of Asgard composed himself as he looked down at his brother with a wicked grin.
"Your mortals seek to do battle with Asgardians? So be it! Before you meet your end, brother. I will destroy your Avengers right before your eyes!" Loki announced as blue magic flowed around his arm.
Using his magic, Loki conjured a long curved horn made of blue energy.
Thor's eyes widened as Loki pressed the horn to his lips and blasted a loud noise that rang out from the palace and across the Realm Eternal.
The Asgardians and Avengers swiftly made their way through the city.
While they were on a mission and running out of time, some of the heroes couldn't help but look around at the magnificent city. The place felt old, yet every building, every road, and every statue looked brand new.
In the later cases, that seemed to be true. There were numerous statues of Loki scattered throughout the area, and many buildings displayed green tapestries with Loki's face clear as day.
The group walked through a lovely garden area, where a giant statue of Loki stood tall and proud in the centre.
Brunnhilde couldn't help but look disgusted at the sight of it.
Suddenly, Ultimate Cannonbolt came rolling through the area and crashed through the pedestal that the statue was standing on, causing it to crumble and the statue to topple over, shattering into pieces as the giant wrecking ball uncoiled.
He looked back at her with a cheeky grin. "What? The quickest path is a straight line. Right?"
The Alien Avenger then curled back up and continued rolling.
A smile appeared on the Valkyrie's face as she and the others chased after him.
Eventually, the group arrived at a large courtyard. The palace was visible in the distance, but now they had a clear shot at it.
However, that's when they heard the sound of a horn blasting in the distance.
What followed just mere seconds later was a rumbling sound as the ground shook beneath their feet.
The booming sound of massive footsteps was coming towards them. The Heroes all got into fighting stances, their faces filled with worried looks.
"What's that? More giants coming?" Wasp asked, floating closer to Giant Man.
Hulk clenched his fists and shook his head. "Feels bigger."
A cold chill rolled up everyone's spine as mist started flowing through the streets, and a strong icy wind blew howling through the city streets. Like a blizzard suddenly appeared in Asgard.
The Avengers all felt the cold and started shivering. At first, Giant Man and Wasp thought that Ymir and his Casket of Ancient Winters had arrived in Asgard. However, the cold they felt wasn't as bad as the Casketts' power.
As the footsteps grew louder, Ultimate Cannonbolt saw movement in the mist cloud ahead. Slowly, a massive figure emerged from the fog.
The Avengers and Asgardians all froze in shock as the creature came into view. A gigantic Wolf with pure white fur that appeared to be made of ice.
Unlike the Asgardian Wolves they've faced thus far. This Wolf was immense, dwarfing every Frost Giant they'd encountered and even standing above several buildings. It had fierce yellow eyes that glared at the group of heroes as it bared its sharp fangs.
"Told ya!" Hulk gloated, glancing at Wasp out of his peripheral vision.
The Giant Wolf opened its jaws and took a deep breath. Quickly figuring out what was about to happen, the gathered heroes scattered as the Wolf blasted a powerful blast of frozen wind from its jaws. Instantly freezing the ground, they were just standing and spreading across the city, encasing a building in solid ice in mere seconds.
Hulk growled as he gripped the Bloodaxe, and the blade glowed red before he swung the blade and unleashed a fireball from the enchanted weapon.
The flaming sphere struck the Ice Wolf in the face, causing it to flinch and shake its head. But the flames didn't so much as singe its whiskers as it glared at the Jade Giant and growled savagely.
"What the heck is that thing?" Hawkeye asked, fear plastered on his face.
"Loki has gone mad!" Lady Sif responded as she gripped her sword and shield tightly while trying to keep her body from trembling. "He has summoned Hoarfen, the ice wolf!"
The Giant Wolf attempted to step on the heroes with its giant paw, but the Avengers and Asgardians quickly scattered. The paw slammed into the ground, cracking the stone as its claws sank into the earth below.
Hulk immediately jumped onto the giant's foot and attempted to scale the giant creature. But Hoarfen simply lifted its paw and swung it aside, flinging Hulk into a nearby building.
Hoarfen then glanced in Giant Man's direction and lunged at the Size-Changing Hero.
But before its fangs could reach him, Ultimate Cannonbolt slammed into the side of the beast's head, knocking it off balance as its colossal body fell to the floor, causing a mini earthquake that shook the entire realm.
As Hoarfen rose to its feet, Giant-Man rushed forward and grabbed onto the fur around the beast's neck. Hoarfen easily lifted him into the air as he clung to the icy fur.
Suddenly, ice began to spread up Giant Man's arms from the point of contact with the Ice Wolf. The scientist's eyes widened as a numbing pain shot through his limbs. Too late, he lost all sensation in his hands before he could release his grip, and the ice was spreading too quickly up his body.
In a matter of seconds, he was about to become a frozen decoration on this monster's hide.
Just then, yellow beams of energy struck Giant Man's frozen hands, causing the ice to crumble, freeing his hands and causing him to fall to the street below. Landing with a loud crash, his arms were still numb with a layer of ice over them.
Giant Man groaned as his vision went blurry.
When the fog in his mind cleared, he saw Hoarfen glaring down at him as the Ice Wolf raised its paw and prepared to crush the Size Changer under it.
Giant Man closed his eyes and prepared for the crushing blow. Only, it didn't come.
Squinting one eye open, Giant-Man was shocked to see Hulk and Wasp, having grown into her giant form, holding the Giant Wolf's paw together, preventing it from crushing him.
Out of the corner of his eye, Giant Man saw Brunnhilde rushing up a piece of rubble and using it as a ramp as she jumped high into the air, raising her spear overhead. The Valkyrie then stabbed her spear into the top of Hoarfrost's paw.
The Ice Wolf roared in pain as it retracted its paw, giving the trio a brief reprieve.
"Hank. Are you okay?" Wasp asked as she knelt next to him.
Giant Man let out a groan in response, his body still numb from the ice covering his upper torso.
A roar from the giant wolf drew their attention as the beast prepared to attack the group.
Only for a large silver spiked ball to fly into the side of Hoarfen's head, knocking the giant beast to the side. The Armored ball bounced off the Ice Wolf's frozen hide to a nearby building, where it ricocheted off the building, directly back into the Wolf's face, knocking it further back.
Ultimate Cannonbolt repeated this action. Using the increased elasticity of his body to absorb and redirect the impact forces on his shell, allowing him to improve his speed and velocity without losing his momentum. He was actually getting faster the more he bounced off the walls.
Striking the Giant Wolf's body over and over again, with each impact gaining more and more force.
However, Hoarfen seemed to be aware of the Teen's strategy as on his next attack run, Hoarfen ducked under the Evolved Alien and quickly turned around just as he ricocheted off the wall to come back.
The Giant Wolf opened its jaws and caught the Evolved Armored Alien like a tennis ball.
Ultimate Cannonbolt tried to free himself, but his shell rotated against the Ice Wolf's teeth, causing sparks to fly off the enamel. But it was no use. He couldn't get free.
The Alien Avenger could feel the temperature drop rapidly as the Ice Wolf inhaled, preparing to unleash its ice breath.
Acting fast, Ultimate Cannonbolt tapped the Ultimatrix dial, and a green light erupted from his body.
The light was seen briefly before Hoarfens' jaws slammed shut on the Alien Teen. The sudden change of mass caused the wolf's jaws to clamp shut like a bear trap.
At first, things were quiet. Suddenly, Hoarfen snorted in discomfort.
Black smoke emanated from the Ice Wolf's nostrils as the Beast began to sneeze, all while trying to keep its mouth shut.
However, the smoke began escaping from its lips as the Giant Wolf could no longer bear the discomfort.
Opening its jaws, a massive ball of fire burst from the mouth of the creature.
The smoke dissipated, revealing Heatblast, riding on a flaming comet.
Hoarfen coughed and sputtered as the Fire Alien flew down to the still-frozen Giant Man.
Heatblast quickly jumped onto Giant Man's chest and aimed his hands at him. "Don't worry, Hank. I gotcha."
A broad stream of fire flowed from his hands, washing over Giant Man's body. The Fire Alien focused on ensuring the fire spread evenly and didn't concentrate on a single point, so he wouldn't accidentally burn Giant-Man and could keep all the energy on melting the ice.
Giant Man felt warmth spread through his body as the ice evaporated in a cloud of steam.
Once he was freed, Heatblast jumped off the Scientist as Giant-Man sat up. He quickly flexed his arms to check for any signs of damage. Then Wasp immediately wrapped him in a huge embrace. Relieved, he was okay.
Giant Man looked down at the Alien Shapeshifter and gave him a small nod. "Thanks, Ben."
Heatblast smiled back. "Don't mention it. It's what teammates do."
With that, Heatblast turned to the Giant Wolf and narrowed his eyes.
"Ok, you giant slobbering mutt. You wanna be top dog. Try picking on someone your own size!"
With that, he tapped the Ultimatrix dial, and in a massive burst of green light, the Alien Teen transformed into the Titan Alien. "WAY BIG!"
Hoarfen looked at the Titan Alien with a surprised expression. The Alien Avenger stood eye level with the Ice Wolf.
Without wasting a second, Way Big charged Hoarfen and tackled the Giant Wolf with enough force to knock it over, and both slammed into the side of a building.
The stone structure crumbled under the combined weight of the titans.
Hoarfen quickly recovered and fired an ice beam from its jaws at the Giant Alien.
Way Big raised his left arm to shield himself as the ice beam struck the appendage. Ice instantly spread over his forearm, and he gritted his teeth as he felt the cold through his natural armor.
However, he still had his right hand free as he cocked back his fist and delivered a powerful haymaker into the Ice Wolf's jaw. Stunning the beast and stopping the ice barrage. Way Big then jumped into the air, raised his frozen arm above him, and brought it down atop Hoarfens' head with a mighty hammer fist. Shattering the ice on his arm and sending Hoarfen crashing into the ground in a heap.
From below, the Asgardians looked up at the clash of the Titans in awe. They never expected this much power to come from a Mortal. Nor did they ever think that Hoarfen the Ice Wolf would be matched by one.
"Man, remember when Ben used to surprise us like that?" Wasp casually remarked as she watched their dumbfounded expressions.
"What do you mean *used to*?" Giant Man countered as he watched Way Big put Hoarfen in a headlock as he wrestled the Ice Wolf.
"This is our chance," Balder announced, turning away from the Titans and towards the castle. "Ben has given us a chance. We make for the castle."
Wasp's head whipped around as a shocked look appeared on her face. "What? No, we can't leave him. We should help him take that thing down."
In response, Brunnhilde shook her head. "We cannot. Hoarfen is not the only obstacle Loki could send our way."
"With any luck. The Trickster will believe Hoarfen is enough and not bother summoning his deadliest servants." Lady Sif chimed in. Her tone turned grim as a flash of fear appeared in her eyes.
Hawkeye looked at her with a worried expression. He quickly glanced back at Way Big, who was being pounced on by Hoarfen as the Giant Wolf clamped its jaws down on his arm.
"Seriously? What could be worse than that?" The archer asked, distressed.
The Asgardians looked to each other with concerned expressions.
"Pray thee never finds out," Brunnhilde warned in an ominous tone.
That did not ease the Avengers' minds as they moved on towards the Castle.
As they left, Wasp spared one last look at Way Big as he battled Hoarfen in a scene straight out of a Japanese monster movie.
She clenched her fists and turned back to rejoin the group.
Meanwhile, in the throne room. Loki's blood boiled as he watched the scene unfold.
He had hoped that Hoarfen would be enough to crush this pathetic rebellion. Yet, the mighty Ice Wolf is being held off by a single Mortal.
That accursed Changling again. How could a mortal amass such power? Such a thing is unheard of in all the Nine Realms.
The God of Mischief swatted the magic mirror as he looked down at his prisoner.
"It would seem we have something in common, brother," Thor said smugly as he raised his head to look Loki in the eye. "We both have underestimated the mortals."
Loki's eye narrowed as he turned away from Thor, walked a few paces and stopped.
For a moment, the Trickster pondered touring the Thunderer with his magic to improve his mood. But he decided against it. As he turned back to his brother, he smiled.
"Perhaps you are right, brother," Loki admitted in a playful tone. "Perhaps I did underestimate your mortals. I shall not make that mistake again."
With that, Loki conjured his spear in his hand. A long, golden, three-pronged spear that stood just a head taller than him.
Loki raised the spear and tapped the end of the shaft against the smooth floor of the throne room.
A loud clang echoed through the chamber. The God of Mischief grinned devilishly as he looked down at his prisoner.
"A mistake that will soon be rectified," Loki exclaimed as the sound of heavy footsteps approached them.
Thor's eyes widened as he saw what was coming. "What have you done, Loki?" He asked, already knowing and fearing the answer.
Loki smirked. "I am doing what any King would, Thor. Smiting my enemies."
Outside the palace walls, the heroes rush down the streets of the main road.
Thanks to the distraction caused by the Warriors Three, along with Way Big, keeping Hoarfen occupied. The roads are clear of any opposition. Giving them a clear shot to the castle. Things seemed to be going their way.
"Ok, so what exactly is the plan here?" Hawkeye asked as they ran. "Sure, I get the whole part about breaking into the castle and freeing Thor part. But what about after?"
"What, isn't it obvious? We kick Loki's butt." Wasp replied, punctuating her point by punching her fist into her palm.
Hawkeye gave her an incredulous look. "Right. But according to the Renaissance crowd, Loki's jacked up on Odin's power. Which, if I'm not mistaken, makes him stronger than Thor. Unless I'm misremembering, last time we went up against something that was stronger than our big guns, we barely made it out of that."
Wasps cocky smile faded as she recalled what Hawkeye was referring to. She had to admit going up against that kind of power again was a little nerve-wracking.
Black Panther then chimed in, disrupting her train of thought. "According to Lady Sif and Balder, Loki is channelling Odin's power into himself through some form of energy siphoning method. In theory, if we were to disrupt the flow of energy, Loki would be robbed of that power."
"Exactly." Giant Man added, having shrunk down to be part of the conversation. "Panther and I have been theorising. According to Thor, Odin has to sleep every year to recharge his power. The most likely theory is that Loki somehow tapped into the method Odin uses to recharge his power and channel the energy into himself."
Now, Hawkeye started to get it. "So basically, we need to break whatever Loki is using to drain Odin's magic and give it back to him?"
The two brainiacs looked at each other before glancing back at the Archer.
"More or less." Giant Man confirmed.
"Cool," Hawkeye said before looking around the group. "So, anyone here become a wizard in the last hour or so. Cause, I don't know about you, but magic is kinda out of my league."
"According to the author Arthur C. Clarke, any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." Black Panther quoted.
Hawkeye sighed as he notched an arrow to his quiver. "Yeah, and also. The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible."
Black Panther looked at the Archer with a stunned expression. Leading the World's Greatest Marksman to smirk.
"You're not the only one who reads in his spare time, Your Highness." He quipped as they rounded a corner.
Only to smack face-first into Hulk's broad green back. Hawkeye yelped in pain as he clutched his nose before falling to the ground.
"Hey, watch it, ya big lug!" Hawkeye berated before realising who he was talking to, and a worried expression quickly appeared on his face.
Hulk glared down at him and grunted before turning away. Ignoring the Archer nor explaining his actions.
This prompted Wasp to fly up to his shoulder for the inquiry.
"What's the hold-up, Big Guy?" She asked in a chummy fashion.
Hulk raised his meaty paw and pointed to the Asgardians in front of him, who all stood frozen as statues.
"Don't know. Only stopped cause they did." The Jade Giant responded.
Wasp turned her attention to the immortals. With Black Panther, Giant-Man, and Hawkeye walking out from behind the Gamma Brute. The latter rubbed his nose and checked to see if it was bleeding.
Panther took no more than two steps forward before he also froze in a similar manner to the Asgardians. Only his shoulders stiffened, his back hunched, and the claws on his gloves extended.
Had he been an actual cat, the fur on his body would have stood on end.
Confused by the Wakandan King's behaviour, Hawkeye and the others followed his gaze, and that is when they saw it.
Another wolf. Significantly smaller than Hoarfen but still big. Standing roughly the size of a one-story house. With jet black fur and blood-red eyes that practically glowed as the monstrous wolf glared at the group of heroes.
The moment he saw the creature, Hawkeye let out an exasperated sigh. "Seriously, another wolf? Doesn't Asgard have any dragons? Or a Big Foot? Something! Because this is starting to get repetitive here."
"Hold thy tongue, Mortal. Before I carve it from behind your teeth." Hissed Brunnhilde as her hand gripped the hilt of her sword so tightly, her knuckles went white.
Hawkeye looked at her, confused. "What's got your panties in a bunch? At least this dog's smaller than the last one."
"My friend. This is no mere wolf we see before us." Faraday whispered to the Purple Archer, his body trembling in fear as he kept his eyes trained on the monster. "It is the Fenris Wolf."
"The who?" Hawkeye asked, even more confused than before.
Balder turned his head slightly while still keeping the wolf in his line of sight. "Fenris is one of the most dangerous beasts in all the Nine Realms. On the day of his birth, Fenris is prophesied to consume the All-Father, Odin himself, on the day of Ragnarok. He is also Loki's son."
Now, Hawkeye was starting to understand the fear. He's already heard about how much of a powerhouse Odin is from the Asgardians, and now they are face-to-face with the thing that's capable of killing him.
Hawkeye would be shaking in his boots, too. Only for one tiny detail that caught his attention.
"Wait. Son?" The Archer asked as he looked at the Giant Wolf.
"Indeed," Balder confirmed. "And Hoarfen is the child of Fenris."
This raised even more flags in Hawkeye's head. That giant ice wolf is Loki's grandkid? And Loki's son is a giant wolf?
So many thoughts rolled around in the Archer's head. The top one is who did what with what?
He was so entrenched in the intricacies of Thor's family tree that he completely forgot that he was supposed to be scared right now.
"We should turn back." Lady Sif said, taking a tentative step back. "Find another way around the castle. This foe is beyond any of us."
"Nay. Loki is mad enough to release Fenris from his chains. But since we have not been torn to shreds, it means that Loki has ordered Fenris to stand guard." Brunnhilde pointed out.
"The only way to get past is to lure Fenris away," Balder concluded.
A grim air hovered over the group as even the Avengers could piece together what the Warrior was implying.
Anyone who volunteers for this is essentially signing up for a suicide mission.
Balder closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He prepared to step forward and volunteer for this task, only for Hulk to brush past him and stomp towards the Bane of Odin.
"I got this." He grunted, drawing the Bloodaxe and twirling it in his hands.
The Asgardians all looked at the Gamma Giant in shock. First, the Changling battles evenly with Hoarfen. Now, this green creature is willing to face the Mighty Fenris without any hesitation.
Either these Mortals are incredibly brave or incredibly foolish.
Regardless of the case, Brunnhilde still stepped forward to the Jade Giant.
"Nay, Mortal. Fenris is known as the Godkiller. His strength is unmatched in all of Asgard. Only the All-Father himself and Thor have ever successfully injured him." She warned, placing her hand on the Hulk's massive arm.
Hulk paused as he looked back at her. Before grunting and shaking her off. "Then I'm overqualified."
He then looked up at the other heroes, specifically looking at a particular Archer and narrowing his eyes.
"Least this time, I get to choose how I'm gonna fight." He growled before turning away.
Hawkeye felt those words cut him deeper than any sword could. He lowered his head as Hulk stomped away to face his immortal foe.
Before any of the Asgardians could try to talk him out of it, Hulk let out a mighty roar as he charged forward. Raising his axe, ready to strike.
In response, the Fenris Wolf charged at the Green Goliath. His paws thundering down the street and his fangs bared.
As he got close, Hulk leapt into the air, raised his axe over his head, and swung it in a wide arc. The Blade struck the giant wolf's head at full force, generating a shockwave that shook the area.
Hulk pushed down on the axe with his incredible strength. But the blade wouldn't penetrate the Wolf's durable hide.
Fenris then lifted his head and knocked the Hulk into the air before jumping after him. The Giant Wolf's jaws opened wide and clamped down on the Hulk's abdomen like a bear trap.
The Incredible Hulk roared in pain as Fenris landed on the ground and proceeded to slam Hulk into the floor and shake him around like a chew toy.
Eventually, the Black Wolf tossed Hulk into a nearby wall. The Hulk smashed through it, leaving a sizable hole in the stone structure.
Hulk's Bloodaxe clattered to the ground as the Fenris Wolf turned its crimson eyes on the remaining heroes, who were frozen in fear.
That monster took the Hulk, one of their biggest guns and tossed him around like he was nothing.
Several thoughts raced through the panicking heroes' minds. Do they stand and fight? Do they run? Seems either option would still end with them being dog food to the big bad wolf of Asgard.
Right now, they were all too scared to move as Fenris's eyes locked on them. Looking into them made them feel as though they were gazing into Death itself. All they could do was wait for the inevitable.
Fenris growled at them and pounced towards the heroes, his eyes targeting the closest target. Lady Sif.
Just as his jaws were about to snap her in half, the Hulk burst from the rubble and punched the Giant Wolf in the face, Knocking Fenris off his feet and sending the Wolf God flying into a building.
The Giant Wolf was dazed as he tried to stand up, but the Jade Giant jumped onto his back, grabbed both of his ears, and yanked them at full force.
Fenris's eyes widened as the Mighty Wolf howled in annoyance as he reared on his back legs, his head flailing about trying to snap at Hulk, but his jaws couldn't reach him.
In this position, the Feared Fenris Wolf was off balance, and his centre of gravity was shifted.
Hulk then released his grip on one of Fenris's ears, swung around the monster wolf's body, and finally kicked the beast directly in the throat.
The Massive Wolf gasped as his body fell to the ground in a heap, coughing and barking. But the Hulk wasn't finished with him.