#I am not saying you cannot like the helheim quest

[stupidrant]

Im gonna be a little controversial and say another pointless Ragnarok quest outside of the Tyr one is Atreus’s Helheim quest im sorry yall 😭😭 It doesnt serve story outside of freeing garm. If I really think about it, Helheim feels like a last minute decision to “make up” for the deleted Sinmara quest (which wouldnt have done well anyways because of Atreus’ progression). I think people dont see it as such because people love to shit on Ironwood and Angrboda (serves as actual story) so much that they feel like they have to put them against Thrud and Helheim when its just a filler quest. And even though I cant completely blame Thrud for her “treacherous ex wife” comment because she’s been brainwashed, Im more annoyed Atreus didnt defend Freya in some way. Not even a “relax” ???? Ik that he didnt want to start any problems but dang

[lothirielswanmarvel]

Beware the tricks and tragedy in the Collector’s Cosmic Romance Saga! A twisted tale awaits those brave enough to read it. Dare to dive into the story of Evangeline Green, who finds herself thwarted by galactic forces and steamy love affairs. Keep your wits about you on this journey full of gods, men, and monsters.

~H E L H E I M, 2 0 1 7~

She felt his presence the minute he crossed into the realm.

Everything else was dead and lifeless. The whisper of breath carried across bones and ash and forgotten things. It disturbed the neverending silence that stretched out across the realm like a numbing drug.

Hela, the Goddess of Death, peered at him. She knew no one would come to visit her—not after Surtur destroyed Asgard. Not like anyone did before, except for Frigga in dreams.

Hela’s cloak dragged behind her as she walked. Already it was decaying, the shining emerald satin succumbing to a moldy black. It teared easily, and already housed many gaping holes, like open mouths moaning.

Helheim was dark and full of shadows. There was no sun in the sky, no source of light. Just a permanent dimness. Hela squinted at the one shadow that moved.

“Did the pathetic princes of Asgard put you up to this?” She sneered at the recent memories of them. Thor was just as he was when he was born: too enthusiastic, and too whiny. He ended up like Odin in the end: banishing her, just because his lover told him death was too harsh. The men in Hela’s family were cowards.

“Are you here to gloat? To mock? Or, perhaps, maybe you’ve come to finish the job—”

As Hela stalked forward towards the tall stranger, she stiffened. She was the Goddess of Death, and with that title came the ability to sense things. She could feel how many times someone had been close to death...or how much life they had taken in return. The second was undeniably strong.

The figure started to turn.

“My job,” His voice was deep and grim with determination. “has nothing to do with you.”

She knew his name before she saw his face. Because she had met all the countless spirits and corpses and broken left in his wake.

Thanos.

“Hmm,” A hand rose beneath Hela’s chin as she studied the titan. “If you’re not here because of me, then why are you trespassing in my realm?”

“You mean your prison?” Thanos said.

If looks could kill, Hela’s glare could. And, on the weak, it usually did.

Thanos did not flinch or show the slightest hint of discomfort.

“I’ve heard of you. The Goddess of Death,” The titan glanced down at the boots of his armor. The glimmering gold contrasted with the darkness of the realm. It reminded Hela of Asgard. It reminded her of home, of hope, of victory.

“I heard about your centuries of conquest, before the Allfather cast you out,” Thanos admitted. “I have to admit, I was...impressed by your work.”

Hela smirked. Bones and plate armor crunched underneath her as she neared the only other living person for miles.

“Your determination is astounding. My favorite daughter, Gamora...when I first met her, her green complexion reminded me of you.”

“If you think flattery will stop me from killing you, it won't.” Hela remarked.

“You haven't killed me yet,” He pointed out.

“I'm bored,” She sniffed, folding her arms. “I asked you a question, and you ignored it. Why are you here?”

Thanos glanced around the wasteland. It wasn't like there was a coffee shop nearby to sit and chat; the rocks all seemed to form into long, jagged spikes, and the ground was littered with dried blood and the fallen.

He found the flattest rock nearby and sat at the base. His right hand rested atop his left as he sat.

Hela’s eyebrow rose at his makeshift seat. With a slender, bone-white hand, she gestured lazily at the ground. The bones shifted and made a haunting knocking noise as they came together. Hela smiled as she sat upon her new throne, just sitting slightly higher than Thanos’ perch.

Thanos said, “I am here because I am looking for the infinity stones.”

He uncovered his left hand, where one violet stone glittered on a golden gauntlet.

Hela hid her surprise at the most powerful relic in the universe. She leaned back in her makeshift chair, “There aren't any here. And if there were, you wouldn't get them.”

Thanos cocked his head, as if questioning the statement.

Hela huffed, “If I had an infinity stone, do you think I would be sitting here…? In this prison?”

Thanos bowed his head. “Fair enough.”

“So why search for the most powerful weapons in the universe?” Hela could not tear her eyes away from the violet stone. It was the only source of light in this underworld, and it belonged to the intruder. The enemy.

“Because everything else in this universe is finite. People take more than they give...I saw my world crumble to dust and ruin because people took too much. I have a solution.”

Hela’s head slowly tilted to the side, “And your solution is...you want to take people.”

Thanos nodded once.

“You speak of genocide.” It was a topic full of tension, yet Hela had no issue saying the word out loud.

“At random. Fair, yet merciless.” Thanos explained.

“Hmm,” Hela steepled her fingers and studied the titan as she thought.

He wanted to play god. Just like Ego—Hela remembered that annoying life form, and was pleased when she learned of his death. Both were mad, but they had the power to fulfill their intentions. Asgard was gone. Her power was gone.

Hela shifted in her seat. She could tolerate the being sitting in front of her. If she waited long enough, stayed close to his side...those stones could be hers. The titan stank of death—perhaps joining him on his little quest could be entertaining. But those details were meaningless. Hela could have what was finally hers. And...she could satisfy the vengeance she now craved on the so-called “king” of Asgard.

“You hold a valid point,” Hela remarked, sitting up in her chair. “You speak the truth. I’d like to lend my assistance to your cause.”

The titan actually looked excited. “You would?”

“Of course,” She smirked when the next words rolled off her tongue, “perhaps we can come to an arrangement.”

Thanos left his rocky perch behind, and kneeled before the Goddess of Death. “Hela, Goddess of Death, rightful queen of fallen Asgard and...the most beautiful woman I have ever laid my eyes upon, I would be honored if you were by my side as we purified the universe together.”

Her eyes widened, but she forced herself to nod and look formal. Thanos’ admiration of her went a lot deeper than she realized. It worked in her favor.

She stood and dusted off the chalky residue of bone from her decomposing armor. “It would be my pleasure. I simply cannot wait.”

Thanos rose, almost cheeky in his reaction. “Of course. My ships are yours, my lady.”

He gestured towards the sky. The dull, gray sky suddenly lit up with thousands upon thousands of tiny diamonds, like stars in the night sky. Thanos’ army. It was the most beautiful thing Hela had ever seen.

The largest structure hovered over them, darkening the shadows further. A long pole of blue light reached down from the ship. Hela’s eyes seared from the new light source.

Gravity was forgotten. Hela was flying. She was soaring over her prison, she was free. The nine realms were at her fingertips, and possibly more. Oh, if only Odin could see her now…

The blinding light faded away. The dark confines of the ship surrounded them now; Hela didn't mind the darkness too much. The smell was certainly better.

A thin, balding creature stood before them and bowed low. “Dark lord. Lady Hela, Goddess of Death. I am Ebony Maw.”

Thanos leaned towards her, murmuring out of the corner of his mouth, “He's my executioner.”

Hela’s eyes lit up. “You have an executioner?”

“Of course: executioners—”

“Execute your vision,” The two finished. Hela found herself smiling.

“I actually have four executioners: I call them the Black Order,” Thanos told her with pride.

“Four? That's a little much.”

Thanos did a double-take. “...You know what, you’re right. I could kill off a few—”

Maw’s beady eyes widened. His pale complexion discolored to a milky white.

“No, I don't think those extremes will be necessary.” Hela replied. “You do have quite an army, after all.”

“We have an army.”

Ebony Maw looked back and forth between the two mass murderers of the galaxy with an expression of distaste. The contort of Maw’s face faded when Thanos’ attention returned to him, “Have you located the nearest infinity stone?”

“Yes, sire. We have discovered the space stone on a large ship. It originates from Sakaar...but we have leads informing us that Asgardian refugees are also on board.”

Hela stilled. She remembered that flying piece of trash, hovering in the sky. That had to be it.

Thanos glanced down at her. “We will pursue the ship, and you can extract revenge on those cumbersome fools for casting you out—”

“No.”

Maw flinched at the sudden outburst. Thanos simply blinked with shock.

Hela regained her composure quickly. “My brother is on that ship...I want to destroy him.”

Her smirk returned. “I want to destroy him...when I have destroyed everything else. When all of the infinity stones are found, when the nine realms are mine. I will make that hammer-obsessed idiot wait, and then…”

Her hands crumpled into fists. “I will destroy Thor Odinson, and everyone else who would stand in my way.”

Thanos reached for one of her tight fists, and planted a soft kiss on her knuckles. “Revenge is almost as sweet as you, my lady.”

[darlingpetao3]

For Asgard (Chapter 6/?)

You have been driving for hours now, not even remotely sure of the destination. Was there even one? you wondered. It certainly wasn't night anymore, what with the thin line of light peeking out from beyond the horizon.

“I have no idea where we're going by the way,” you tell Loki.

“I did a little research at the library the day you brought me with you,” he says. “Specifically on this region of Midgard, I believe there to be a portal near a mountain range a few hours east of here. A portal which would lead me home.”

You don't like the thought of him leaving you. Not one bit. You also don't like the fact that you're driving him there. That you're the one taking him home. Why would he want to go home anyway? After what had transpired? You try to play off your disappointment.

“I've never done anything like this before.” You glance at him. “Have you ever done anything like this before?”

Loki chuckles. “Many times. With my brother and his friends.”

“So, like quests?”

“Yes. Quests and peacekeeping excursions to other realms. Well, we tried to keep the peace.”

“Thor?”

Loki nods.

“If I didn't know any better, it almost sounds like you and your brother are quite the troublemakers.”

“That may be true. However, I tend to be the one actively looking for 'trouble'.”

“That is very honest of you, Loki,” you say with a laugh.

“A quality I only exercise around you, my darling.”

You still can't help but blush furiously when he says things like this. The drive continues with a strangely comfortable silence a while longer, until your yawns become more and more frequent and unbearable.

“Loki, I'm sorry, but I don't think I can drive any longer. I need to sleep.”

“Do not worry, (Y/N). Sleep would do us both some good.”

You pull over into a rest stop on the side of the road, still not knowing your exact whereabouts. You lock the vehicle's doors and almost instantly fall into a deep slumber...

The sun shines far too bright for your liking, waking you up. Loki is still asleep in the passenger seat, head resting against the window. He looks serene while he sleeps.

You feel a pang of hunger which then prompts you to root around your car for quick snacks that you leave around in case of a situation like this. Well, not like this. You don't often find yourself on the run from Frost Giants and try to return a Norse god back to his homeland.

Aw yeah, jackpot! you think, discovering several granola bars in the centre console. The crinkling of the snack wrapper causes your companion to awake. You can't help but admire his sweet, freshly awoken face.

“Hungry?” you ask.

“Very.” His voice is coated with raspiness. You hand him a granola bar and he totally devours it. “Quite delicious, this is.”

“Here, have another.”

After your feeble breakfast, Loki reveals to your surprise that you have managed to get you two exactly where he had hoped.

“See the mountain just there?” he points. The one he points to is littered with trees and not terribly steep, thank goodness. You had been expecting rocky and most certainly steep mountains in this adventure, but you are put somewhat at ease now. “Somewhere around that area is the portal. We will have to keep an eye out.” You nod.

“Ready for a hike?”

Well, that was terribly gruelling exercise.

You endured the hike through the trees on a steady incline for hours. One of the many thoughts you had while walking was At least I'll develop some killer calves. It was already starting to grow dark so you both decide to set up camp while there's still some light. After everything had been set up (fire included), darkness finally sets and you huddle close to Loki near the fire.

“Tell me something about yourself that I don't know,” you say, wanting to know everything about the man sitting beside you. He ponders briefly, but then a cheeky smile spreads across his face.

“When you brought me to work? I hid all the stepping stools from you.” You give him a playful smack on the arm.

“You did what?” your voice going up a higher pitch.

“I very much enjoyed seeing you attempt to reach aloft. I could not tear my eyes away if I tried.”

Thank goodness it's dark out because you're pretty sure all of your body just turned red. “I can't believe you right now.”

“Now you must tell me something about yourself,” Loki insists.

“When I found you, in the field, the first thing I noticed were your eyes. To be honest, I don't think I breathed for a bit there.”

His gaze is a soft one. “I have heard,” he says, “That the eyes are the window to the soul.”

“Yes, I've heard that, too.” The pair of you stare at each other and time gives the impression that it has stopped. It has stopped only for you both.

You move closer to Loki and lean against him. He puts his arm around you. The night sky is positively sparkling. Loki sees you watching the stars and picks up a stick from the ground. He starts drawing circles in the dirt in front of you.

“What are you doing?”

“Showing you the worlds.”

Now he's dividing them into sections. “See your world here, is one of nine realms of the cosmos. Each of which is linked by the World Tree, Yggdrasil.”

You are entirely entranced by his words, his voice, his knowledge.

“Tell me more.”

“Well, there is Midgard, also known to you as Earth. There's Alfheim, Vanaheim, Svartalfheim, Muspelheim,” Loki points them out as he recalls the different realms. “Nilfheim, Helheim, Jotunheim, and finally Asgard. And that is where I am from.”

“I love the way you explain things.” He smiles a little at that and takes a deep breath.

“Would you like to know something else about me? Something no one else knows?” Loki asks. You would give anything to know more about him. Excited at the thought, you nod your head in a gently urging manner.

“I have never fallen... in love with anyone before... but I do believe I am falling now. For you, my dear. Falling fast.”

These are the words that blow you away. You are truly floored by his confession, hoping this whole time of knowing him it was the truth. You don't think your heart can contain this sheer amount of happiness.

“I have gauged my actions and my feelings. And when I am with you, I feel no destruction, no hate. It is you that anchors me. You are a gleaming treasure to me.”

“Loki, can I tell you a secret?”

“Darling, you can tell me anything.”

“I'm falling for you, too. Falling hard.”

He leans down a bit towards you, faces close. This is it, you think. He's going to kiss me. Your eyes flutter closed and you wait for him to close the gap between you two.

But it doesn't happen.

Confused, you open your eyes to find Loki's directed downwards at his hands. You are shocked to see, for the first time, his true bluish skin colour spread from his hand up past the sleeves of his shirt. But nonetheless, you take his hand in yours (they are a tad cold) and look at him with wonder, though his eyes refuse to meet yours.

“Blue always was my favourite colour...” you say dreamily. Your words were the key to his breakthrough from the trance he had put himself in. Loki grabs your face with his chilly hands and kisses you with such fervour, such intensity it leaves the flames from the fire in the dust compared to the ones inside you. It's almost a wonder how you don't disintegrate then and there from his kiss.

When he pulls back, you're pretty certain he felt it all, just as you did. The smile on his face could only be described as bashful. Who would have thought a powerful god such as Loki would ever be described as bashful. Everything around you has gone quiet except for the crackling fire.

“My darling, you take my breath away. You cannot know how much these last few days have meant to me,” he confesses. “Your kindness and bravery seem to know no bounds and the same can undoubtedly be said about your beauty and intelligence. Frankly, I find you to be far too good for this world.”

Wait.

“Loki, are you saying what I think you're saying?” He looks you dead in the eyes.

“Come with me.”

“Wha- with you? To Asgard?”

“Yes. We have guards, we have soldiers. You would be kept safe in the palace, away from any harm. With me.”

You think about his proposition. Could you leave home? Earth? How would you fit in there in Asgard? But all you really had here was your job and other than that there's nothing really worth sticking around for.

“Okay,” you decide.

“You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that.”

Out of nowhere, a rumbling erupts from the clouds above. Streaks of lightning flash violently.

“No,” says Loki. “No, it cannot be. Not now. ”

“What? What is it?”

“My brother has arrived.”

Part 7