#What have they done to the Mighty Thor ?!

[vertigoartgore]

1980s house ads for the legendary run of Walt Simonson on Thor, more specifically 1983's Thor #337 (where the alien Beta Ray Bill made a rather memorable first appearance) and 1985's Thor #363 (where Thor is turned into a frog by his brother/archnemesis Loki).

[shinjisdone]

𝑇𝜎 𝑆𝜎𝑓𝜏𝜀𝜋 𝛼 𝑊𝛼𝑟𝑟𝜄𝜎𝑟’𝑠 𝐻𝜀𝛼𝑟𝜏 (Vinland Saga; Thorfinn - 𝑺𝒍𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝑨𝒓𝒄, 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕 4)

In which you have joined Askeladd’s band…and grow closer to the Son of Thors - though as your future seemed promising, his thirst for revenge devastated all that you had left.

[Headcanons of how it would be like to meet Thorfinn again after he shattered your heart (based on season 2; both platonic and romantic)

Sᴇᴀsᴏɴ ₁ ﹙Wᴀʀ Aʀᴄ﹚ is here

Part 1: - (Thorfinn as a slave and his struggles) Part 2: - (Thorfinn trying to accept your existence as a slave)

Part 3: - (Thorfinn finds a reason to live, you finally see him)

Tag list:

@luopenis , @jinsecho , @mitsureigen , @theknightssecrets , @lana-del-stan , @theghostofanficpresent , @night-shadowblood-writes2

[Mentions of murder, death, war, slave trade, harrasment against women and whatever awful things happened in the viking era. Slavery will be a main subject throughout the entire arc. Mostly gender-neutral examples but female-leaning ones are there, too.]

[TW: This part will specifically mention: depressed tension, attempted murder, suicidal thoughts, lots of talking, lotsa dialoge, short but detailed description of strangulation, finding reasons to still keep living including being begged to]

Mighty River, Release My Soul...

Your arms were as warm as they were on that winter day.

You scolded him back then too, though he reckoned it was far more vicious than your prattling now.

The way you looked at him, were so focused on tending him even if it was for a mere moment, was like breathing in fresh, icey cold air that he has been deprived from for weeks. It coursed through him and stung each limb. It only found an end after Pater cleared his throat.

Immediately you let go of Thorfinn, spinning to the man with a confused noise and a gasp. He smiled. "Thorfinn is fine now, you don't need to worry. These two boys just need to take the rest of the day off. Now that you are willing to talk...I believe we'd best have a conversation. Not with Master Ketil, do not worry."

Still, that flustered panic did not leave your face as you meekly nodded and followed him. Pater waved Thorfinn and Einar one last goodbye before motioning you to follow with an easy gait. You looked back to Thorfinn before tailing after Pater.

Einar let go of his baited breath. "How..strange. They...you really know them, don't-" The brunette chocked on his breath as Thorfinn was disappearing into the dense forest. Work had to be done, injured or not. Perplexed and with a huff of irritation, he ran after him.

First he doesn't know how to show gratitude and say 'thank you' and now he is shrugging off - someone who was scared to death for him!

What the hell is this guy's problem?!

The way to the forest was easier than the last few weeks. The both of them were able to cut down quite a lot of trees, clearing the path, but the stumps remained, leaving the woods like a rugged wasteland of dead trees.

Einar didn't even noticed his stomps and the way his bruisened feet dug into the soil. Narrowed blue eyes watched Thorfinn swing down the axe again, again, again. Cut, cut and cut.

His movements were fluid as he observed him, as he wasn't threatened this day at all. As if he wasn't a second from throwing his life away at all.

But he dodged. He sprung out of the way and didn't seem to be aware to have tried to kill Snake. He seemed so...light and out of it. Like a drunken bird.

"Hey, Thorfinn." The blonde barely showed any sign of listening to him, continuing to cut. "Have you ever been to war?"

Thorfinn chopped once, "I have."

Einar's gaze darkened. He answered him clearly and with focus.

"Have you ever killed people?"

Again, he cut. The tree fell down swiftly. "I have."

"How many? A few? Five, ten?"

"Why do you want to know? Don't you hate war?"

His blue eyes snapped up as the blonde halted. If he stalled or wanted to hear his answer, he didn't know. He just knew that each and every day of being with him confused him more, made a tiny flame in him flick, made the gall in his throat come up.

"I'm asking because...if you went to war and killed, then how-"

Einar took a deep breath and swallowed the gall that threatened to spit out, "-How can that person be worried about you? Why do they want you to live if you killed?"

The axe hovered above his head before he slowly lowered it down - and having it fall with a thud to the ground. His dull eyes oversaw the mess he left. "I don't know...", "Why not? They seem to know you. Are they like you?"

"No." Thorfinn quickly and sharply answered. Though his next words fell flat and soft again, "They aren't a dog like me."

Not when you looked at him like that. Not when you were so heavily relieved by seeing him breathing and battered, like his father was back then.

...I Need To See The World...

Waged war since he was a child.

Ever since he was a wee lad, he said, but he couldn't remember the exact age. He is only about eighteen, so how long ago was it that he can't even remember? Could he even recall it?

It sounded...ridicilous as Einar walked back to the little barn they called their home - or beds, he wasn't sure - back hunched and steps sulken, though his face was as dark as thunder.

He pillaged and killed and stole of people's hard work. Their land, wheat and loved ones. And he can't even remember who, when and why?

Let that fool cut away at the last standing trees as roughed up as he is. Einar is allowed to rest and he'd rather drown in his thoughts alone, bundled up in hay than look at Thorfinn for another minute.

Falling asleep alone feels somewhat sad...but at least he'd fall asleep without any screaming waking him into the early night.

It was the sound of spilled water that made him shoot up his gaze up at the person holding a bucket and rags with them. You shuffled awkwardly to the side, standing right in front of the barn.

Einar was quick to wipe the glare off his face. "Oh...good evening."

"...G-Good evening." You struggled to reply, he thought.

Einar couldn't help but make a long and wide face, pursing his lips as his blue eyes took in your uncertain form. You finally met his eyes with your own. "Are you waiting for Thorfinn?" Your brows rose as you nodded. He must've figured it out quick - or you are just that predictable.

"Pater allowed me to go see him quick. For his ear. Just to make sure the wound didn't fester through the day." "He's still back in the forest chopping. If you wait too long, you might get in trouble."

Shuffling a bit, you hesitated. "I'll wait a bit more. He's stubborn."

The brunette's shoulder sank. With a sigh, he swiftly sat down on the boulder next to the barn's entrance and crossed his arms. "I'll wait too, then."

He sat there on the right, while you stood on the left side. You stared at him briefly, confusion written on your face. The sky turned even darker, with the stars shining through their hiding spots. The moon was nowhere to be seen but the lights from the master's estate still offered some solace. It was illuminated enough for both people to see each other and perhaps recognize an possible incomer.

The silence did not feel heavy yet pressuring. As if any moment, something was waiting to happen.

You glanced at the man and took a deep breath. "...Are you hurt somewhere, too?"

"Uh, what?" Einar jumped and whipped his head to you. "You were there too, right? With the guests. They must've hurt you, too." "Oh! Well - I'm fine enough. Just a few bruises," He rolled his shoudler while chuckling dryly, "The real unlucky bastard is Thorfinn."

You hummed and rose the bucket in your hand. "Pater didn't give me any balms or medicines but the water should cool the bruises." "Ah, uh," Einar waved with his arms, laughing as he shook his head, "No, no, I'm okay. Honestly I...got really off scott-free. Really, the one who has it the worst is...Thorfinn."

You pulled a face - Einar could not decipher what it meant - and went back on being on the look out. "I'd figure. He likes getting in trouble."

The man glanced in your direction, taking in your unreadable, narrowed expression briefly, before staring back down the hill as well, though halfheartedly. "You know him?" He dared to glance to you again, "That he's like that?"

The grip on the bucket tightened and your eyes darted around the cool meadow below. For a moment, you shifted aimlessly but decided to give in. "Yes. He...is an old friend."

There was no need to pretend. To act coy and unknowing when you so foolishly started to speak and cradled him in your arms. Not when you were waiting here like an idiot for him to return and see him again just this once for tonight.

As if he was deserving of it. Thorfinn did not return when you ran after him, did not stay as you lead him to Leif's boat and now you are waiting for him again - and the only certainty you had was that he had the order to do so as a slave.

You yourself needed to oblige.

Lying here will bring you nothing but punishments and you had to be on your best behaviour, even if it meant not being with Thorfinn for however long you were allowed to. But for now, you could use Pater as an excuse and do all that you could - even if this whole place, Thorfinn himself and your own actions didn't make any sense to you.

You are a slave here now on this farm. Why should you even try?

Back with Askeladd you could fight back. But here, your hands are only untied by Ketil's orders.

"There he is." Einar lowly let out and made you snap your head up to see the short blonde march towards you with a hunched back and one arm holding the other bandaged one. His own lidded gaze was focused on the ground before they widened upon your sight.

"Your friend has been waiting." Einar got up with a start, his voice stern and certain, "I'll be just outside. Let's head to bed soon after." Thorfinn barely had the chance to utter a protest as the brunette simply turned around the corner of the barn, staying a few steps away from it. Though his eyes quickly went back to you, wide and unsure, before he walked into the barn and sat down on the hay. You kneeled down next to him, dunking the cloth into the water.

Wordlessly, you got up and went around to his side, pulling his greasy strands away to observe his ear. Thorfinn felt the gentle, almost ghostly tips of your fingers graze his shell as he unblinkingly hung his head, sitting cross-legged. His hands were clutched and the fingers would tense around one another, slightly, as if shivering from the cold.

There was nothing to see. No festering, no tissue. A clean cut that won't affect his hearing at all. You knew, but wanted to see him anyway. Perhaps it was the paranoia, perhaps you didn't trust Pater's word, felt like you couldn't, or you truly just wanted to see him again. This ghost of a man from the past.

You didn't know. But you knew you were a fool for feeling drawn to him after all this time, for wanting to see if he is really alright.

Gaze remained on the wound for a while before you let his hair slip off your hold and kneeled down next to him again. Watching him, Thorfinn didn't meet your eyes, not even when you brought the wet, cold cloth up to pat his face.

His jawline felt thinner. The short stubbles tickled your skin and bent back against the cloth. You couldn't remember him with any stubbles, let alone a sliver of what seems to be a beard ever appear on his grimsome mug. Blonde hair heavy and stringy tickling his shoulders - he used to hate having long hair. It bothered him so that he'd cut it whenever it got too long for his tastes, leaving him with this disheveled, wild look. But here, he was downcast, downtrodden, like nothing he has ever been before or wanted to be. Yet his eyes stayed the same. The sorrow you saw reflected in the deep brown, the same you saw that winter day.

Still, Thorfinn didn't want to look at you.

...To The Unknown, I'll Go Against My Sorrow...

"What are you doing?" Was all he muttered instead, staring holes into the ground. The cloth hung in the hair before you dapped it in water again. "I don't know. I think I wanted to see if you're still...here."

Pressing the water out, you took his limb hands and gently glided the cloth over his course skin. "You shouldn't. You'll get in trouble and..." For a moment, Thorfinn glanced to the side, "...I'll drag you down with me."

You couldnt help the frown as you focused back on his hands and picking out the splinters of wood. Thorfinn dragged you down with him ever since you met him. Drowning together seemed like fate, a curse that befell upon you the moment you so foolishly returned his dagger.

Is it punishment for not being like Askeladd and letting him die? For not being like Canute and letting him be? Are people like you just meant to suffer in this world, all caused by your own actions?

It felt like it. Yet here you were with him again. Was a reunion another form of punishment, prolonging your suffering just a bit more before you die?

Was sitting here and tending to him suffering as well?

"I can't be dragged lower than this. There's nothing else." Finally, Thorfinn looked at you and the action was as painful as he thought it'd be. Your hair was longer, face bearing more and you've grown, too. Lidded eyes were focused on his calloused hand, the shadows of the night consuming you, not even the stars were bright enough. Hesitation would flicker within every minute, every moment, if it's really you - yet then his eyes would unwittingly search for the familiar injuries you had in the past, that one uniquness you wore, a certain pattern of speech and it would ease all doubts he had, eliminate them with the memory from just today. When you embraced him. When you told him he should be back in Iceland.

Thorfinn turned his hand around, grabbing one of yours, while the other one swiped the cloth in your hand off, as if it meant nothing in this, as if his injuries meant nothing at all, and held both of your hands in a tight, suffocating grip. With every passing second, they trembled more.

"You shouldn't be here. You should be somewhere far away, somewhere that isn't here. I'm doing this to you." He glared at your hands with an anguished frown, gripping them as if they could be swept away any second while yours were lying limbly in his. "I thought if I could be here...it'll be fine. But I'm still finding ways of doing this to you. Even after all I did...I'm still managing to hurt someone, and that's you."

Suddenly, he whipped his wide-eyed stare to you, taking in your own frustrated and chagrin-filled face. Your dry, pressed lips, the frown etched onto your visage, your bulging eyes. Thorfinn felt like he needed to continue before you began tearing up. "I'm...still me. But I will be here tomorrow. And the day after that." The blonde hesitated - before deciding to not promise it. He can't tell how much faith you can still put in him and neither can he.

Your watery gaze narrows before looking back over your shoulder. The house's lights are out and you'll need some to find your way back.

Slowly, weakly almost, you got on your feet. Hands still clung to Thorfinn's as they slowly slipped out of his grip. With one last look you offered to him, you hoarsely whispered, "You'll be here."

The man could only nod with wide eyes as you finally let go and went back. The darkness of the night swallowed you whole, only the sound of splashing water letting him know you're still nearby before only the sound of critters were left.

As Einar turned towards the entrance of the barn, he saw Thorfinn lying on his side. He watched him, the blonde almost motionless but the rise of his chest was a relief. He wondered how on earth Thorfinn could've fallen asleep so quickly but he didn't care enough to ponder for a minute more. This...guy. He was another beast, wasn't he?

He killed and pillaged and caused people like him and Arnheid and Pater to end up in places like this. Though Master Ketil was a kind trader, he was an exception to the rule. Anywhere else, and he might have it worse. And you seemed to be just like this guy.

One by one, the brunette took a step closer. How many has he killed? And have you taken lives as well? Can any of you remember?

The hay glided off his legs like snow. Have you caused fires, burned down fields and houses, flung spears and arrows into people?

He stood in front of him. The hay was warm around his knees. This murderer is now cutting down trees to make a field, to plant, to grow, to thrive. To feed people. To still their hunger, use the wood for houses and tools and use the wheat to bargain and trade.

His thick, scarred hands fit around his neck. The anger burning inside him and filling the hole in his chest made it easy to clam them around tightly. Einar could feel his pulse, steady and clear against his skin. Further back was part of his spine, feeling every movement of each inhale. Yet it feels so surprisingly soft when he puts pressure. Soft as his fingers curl around the back of his neck, squeezing the spine in, feeling his pulse quicken and his breath labored. The peaceful snores turned into winces, into pleas for the pain to stop.

Just a bit more. More. The blonde gasps, wiggling around in the hay as his whimpers turned into groans of pain. Somehow he could still breath.

"...Shit."

The throat was warm but Einar could feel his palms getting sweaty. In an blink of an eye, he surprised himself of how quickly he let go. His squatted legs trembled and stumbled back. Thorfinn didn't stop screaming.

Shit. He can't do it. Einar can't kill someone!

It's scary. The feel of someone's neck around your hands is terrifying and daunting, like a weight itself is put on his chest even though he is pretending to be the predator. To be stronger. To be the winner. He can't do it. He doesn't want to do it. He doesn't want to hate. He doesn't want anyone to die.

Suddenly his hands whipped out into the air, wailing around for help. Thorfinn gasped for air, only to screech out more. Even when Einar tried to kill him, he's still throwing a tantrum.

Quivering with hitched gasps, coughing and panting. It's the same every night.

A man like him. It's all nightmares, every night, and he knows it but now - now he wants to live to keep dreaming and live to keep seeing you and live to keep chopping down trees. Yet still, he feels so out of place here.

A desperate inhale and he reckoned he wanted to call for someone. His sweaty hand stiffened. In an blink of an eye he could feel it coil to a fist, pressure forcing his fingers down and he snapped his gaze wide open. Einar's hand clung around his.

"...You..." Thorfinn could finally feel the coolness of the air, the way the hay prickled his back as he desperately sucked in deep breaths like a man starved of food.

A good minute passed, at least to Einar, and Thorfinn shuffled around to sit up. He wiped the sweat off his face before glancing towards the brunette's back. Finally he calmed down, and noticed how dry his mouth was while swallowing. "...Why..." The blonde licked his lips, "...Why do you wake me...everytime I have a nightmare?" He took another breath and could clearly hear the crickets, hiding among the high grass, now. "...I...killed people, too." Propping his knee up, he leaned his elbow on it and his face against his hand - scarred and big enough to cover half his downtrodden visage. "I helped pillage and kill in each village I passed by. People like you. For years. I am...I am as despicable as the warriors that killed your family. And I'll just drag you down, too. So why-!"

Suddenly, Einar shot up, like a predator seeing his chance. Swiftly he snapped to him, a steel-tight grip on his tunic and a glare as dark as thunder as tears welled up in his eyes. "So, you wanna die, huh?!" He gave him a good shake and Thorfinn let it happen, "You wanna die here in the woods you chop down?! You and your - listen," His tone turned dark and Thorfinn's eyes widened, "I don't know exactly what happened to you. And I don't wanna know! I can't even imagine it!" Another rock, "But even if we are far down in our lowest point, there are - there are still some things we can be glad about to experience! Even if we just eat, work, sleep and shit all day, it's worth something! Never had anything good happen to me, my ass! When you get cleaned up all nice, even when its with a stinky, worn out rag, it's still something good! By someone...someone that cares about you! And all of that...all of that is only possible because someone let you live!"

Through gritted teeth, he swallowed his snot and fought against his tears. Images and voices of his mother and sister flashed by and Einar bit his lip to focus on the pain. He shook Thorfinn again.

"So be grateful for that at least! Do you hear me?!" He couldn't help but let a shaky sigh escape him. He didn't even have the strength to throw the blonde to the ground - he'd let that happen, too. So his grip grew softer and in defeat, Einar slumped down on his side of the barn. "Besides," He muttered, "It's not like you were the one who killed my family."

His brown eyes observed his hunched back, the way his body curled into a ball. Quiet and steady were his breaths as Thorfinn looked back to his hand. His scarred, calloused hand Einar took to get him back to the waking world, to the cold and dark night, the crisp air as crickets played their songs. It was better. Calmer than any other place he had ever been to.

"...Thank you, Einar." His voice was a mere attempt to utter his gratitude but it made Einar's heart beat faster. "Thank you for always waking me when I have a nightmare."

"...Yeah. Can't get a good night's sleep with you brailing around. Just go to sleep, Thorfinn."

"I will. I'll get up with you tomorrow."

Mighty River, Release My Soul, Out To The Open Gold...

He did wake up first.

Washed his face, stretched, got his axe. Waited for Einar to finish his chatting with Arnheid as you came around the corner.

It seemed like Pater was not angry last night nor did you get in trouble. Thorfinn couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.

Einar noticed you as well and tried to give his best welcoming smile. "...Good morning!" The brunette noticed the crack in his voice but tried to brush off his embarassment with a wider grin. You blinked and gave a somber reply. "Oh...good morning." Your eyes immediately went to the shorter blonde, seeing him ready with the axe over his shoulder. His locks hid the shine in his gaze. He, too, greeted you. "Good morning."

The sound of your name on his tongue felt foreign. Like a hometown meal he hadn't had in ages, or learning a melody from his long-gone childhood. He saw your eyes widen as you struggled to instantly give a response. "G-Good morning, Thorfinn..."

His back was straighter, you weren't sure if he even noticed that himself, and his steps were heavy. The deep rise and fall of his chest was...relieving in a way, but before you could glance at him again, Einar sucked in a baited breath and stepped forward. "Well, we'd best get going, haha!" His laughter was too forced and so was his goofy grin, "Trees don't chop themselves! Uh, have a good, productive day, you two! See you later!" He marched away with a comedic wave towards Arnheid, and with Thorfinn in tow.

The woman chuckled before looking at you. "We're lucky to have such sweet and funny guys as our neighbors, don't we?"

The sun slowly went her way down across the sky but Thorfinn was more eager than ever to drop his axe, rope and knife to walk towards the edge of the decreasing forest. Einar rose a brow but brushed his confusion off, believing the blonde wanted to greet the master. "You're up and about, you lads, aren't you? Very good work ethics, I must say."

"Thank you, Master Ketil." Einar noted Thorfinn's quick and serious reply but kept his mouth shut. As fair as Ketil was, here on his high horse, it wasn't like Thorfinn to be so eager for conversations with him. "I do plan to turn this place into a field in about three years," Thorfinn added with an determined tone, his words cut and clear. Ketil, too, rose a brow. "Oh? Have you planned for that exact time?" The shorter man shook his head. "No. But I will get it done by then."

Look at that guy. Talking all high and mighty, confident like a carpenter as if Einar isn't doing half the work, too!

"And when it is done, Master...I'd like to ask you for a favor." The elder straightened his back and took a sharp inhale. Thorfinn making any suggestions piqued his interest - yet rather in puzzlement. "What did you have in mind, boy?"

Now, he, too, straightened his back, widened his eyes as if trying to pierce through Ketil's soul, wanting dearly for him to understand the utter necessity that bore in his words, that tore apart his heart. He had to say it and the man had to understand. Please.

"If you would so kindly allow, I'd like to work as much as I need to till this soil and grow its crops here. But instead of buying myself, I'd like to sell you the produce in order to buy their freedom back."

"What?!"

Both Einar and Ketil jumped at the boldness of his words. Thorfinn didn't blink an eye as he kept his expectant stare on the master. "Thorfinn...do you know what you're saying? Three years, at the least, all for this...one, one person? You don't mean the shy, new one?"

"I do." Thorfinn did not falter, "I want to work to buy their freedom back. To get somewhere else, far away from here. I want them to be free."

I Can't Stay Here Forever In This Hollow...

----

okay, so, this took too long-

ngl, I didn't get his speech at first - but pondering it about it more, Einar had already gone through a tragedy as a child with his father fighting off warriors/vikings to defend their village and not being sold off as slaves. After the huge amount of damage vikings have done (I imagine), there was prbly a lot of things to recover and rebuild again where all he, as a child, could do was work to rebuild, eat what they had, sleep as much as he could, and shit all day until their village recovered and they could enjoy their peace again - aka Einar being rather hopeful and ready to do that all over again as a slave and buy his freedom back.

first of all, I noticed way too late that Einar is, in fact, not a brunette;;;;his hair is rather dark reddish...oops. i'll pay more attention to that in the next

also, i read a few posts of manga-onlys/those who read the manga first that they didn't like Einar's confrontation with Thorfinn in the barn after their drama with Snake. That he's too violent, put in a bad light and I do get that - considering how incredibly kind and open-minded the guy actually is and even called Thorfinn his friend in that very chapter (in the anime it happened way later).

this is...complete bias on my part but I don't mind the scene in the anime. its scary, almost unnecessarily so in some regards considering how long the strangle goes on, like wtf - but I do like that it allowed Einar to be angry and grief in a rather negative way and realise in the midst of the action that what he is doing is wrong and that he physically does not have the guts nor want to kill someone. Imo not even giving into the thought of hurting Finny (like in the manga) shows more maturity but I don't mind both scenes. Plus, I like his speech of finding even the smallest things worthwhile and letting go of his anger in the moment to wake up Finn, cause he knows its wrong - that he isnt doing anything helpful or good, despite not liking Finn during that time at all.

[unusualtfs]

Marvelous Corruption: Captain America

heads up, this story contains lib to con tf as its main focus, so you might want to skip this one if that's not your thing. as a disclaimer, this story is in no way intended as a glorification or endorsement of conservatism or the republican party! that being said, i hope you enjoy the ride...

Crazed cultists weren’t the types of enemies the Avengers typically fought, Steve Rogers mused as he battled his way through waves of hooded henchmen, but he supposed there was a first time for everything. Apparently this particular cult was worryingly close to summoning an actual demon, so it fell on Captain America to put an end to their plans. Not just Captain America, too — Iron Man, the Hulk, and Thor himself were there as well, racing to the center of the complex to stop the ritual before it was too late.

Sometimes Steve missed the relative simplicity of his original time. Sure, the 21st century had smartphones and polio vaccines, but it also had alien invasions and, apparently, demon summonings. But he didn’t let those thoughts distract him as he threw his shield out in front of him, clearing the path forward.

Eventually, the four superheroes reached the central chamber, where numerous cultists chanted in front of a glowing red pentagram.

“Hey Cap, look at that — a star inside a circle. I think these guys are trying to steal your style,” Tony quipped before leaping into battle, the rest of them following suit.

Steve had thought the battle was going well, but just before he slammed his shield into the last cultist standing, the circle on the floor flared with blinding light, forcing the Avengers to avert their eyes. When they were able to look again, they were faced with the sight of a muscular man with ruby-red skin and hair vaguely shaped like devil horns. Steve’s first thought was that the hair was a little on the nose. His second was that they had failed to stop the ritual.

“Mephisto,” Thor growled. Evidently, the Norse god recognized this demon. Still, he made no move against him, instead idly swinging his hammer in his hand — perhaps he was waiting to see what Mephisto would do.

“Indeed, it is I,” Mephisto said with a flourish. “And you foolish Avengers have fallen right into my trap!”

Steve tensed, ready to leap back into action, but the demon just continued standing there.

“Uh, is anyone else not seeing the trap?” Iron Man said. “Because gonna be honest, I’m not feeling too trapped right now.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Steve saw Thor slightly shaking his head. The four heroes stood there, wary of what the demon was planning, but it wasn’t long before the Hulk apparently had enough. With a mighty roar, he charged at Mephisto, aiming a green fist directly at his red face.

Moments before impact, Mephisto did something, and Hulk’s clenched fist stopped inches away from its target, surrounded by a faint crimson aura. Steve moved to assist his teammate, but found to his chagrin that he too was frozen in place — as were Iron Man and Thor. He struggled and strained, but it was no use. Despite the super strength granted to him by the serum, he was powerless against the demon’s occult magic.

“My, such anger! Such violence!” Mephisto taunted. “For all that you claim to fight for good, there is evil in your hearts, Avengers. Such beautiful darkness…”

Fear slowly crept into the back of Steve’s mind. Whatever this guy’s deal was, he might be too much for the four of them to handle, he realized.

Mephisto continued his monologue. “Why not embrace the dark? If you let the corruption take hold, you’ll be rewarded with pleasures unimaginable. In fact…” An eerie smile spread across the demon’s face. “…By the time I’m done with you, you’ll be positively eager to cast aside all that useless morality.”

Steve couldn’t abide by this. “You’re wrong!” he growled, struggling to overcome the immobilizing enchantment. “We’ll never give in to you!”

Mephisto turned to look directly at him, and Steve felt those demonic eyes boring into him. “Ah, Steve Rogers. Captain America himself. You’ll enjoy this process the most, in the end.” Steve felt a renewed sense of foreboding as Mephisto’s sickly smile grew wider. “After all, the brighter the light… the darker the shadow. As you’re about to find out.”

Quickly, the demon muttered an incantation as he aimed a burst of crackling red energy directly at Steve. He only got a brief glimpse of the horrified faces of his friends before his surroundings shifted impossibly around him. Although he remained stuck in place, he felt himself falling faster and faster, until eventually the world around him stabilized. Suddenly released from the spell, he stumbled forward and warily examined his new surroundings.

It looked like he was in an office, and a fancy one at that. In the center was an ornate mahogany desk neatly outfitted with stationary and all manner of documents, accompanied by an expensive-looking leather chair behind it. It was flanked on both sides by large bookshelves filled with books and binders of varying thickness. The office was decorated in a way that clearly indicated the owner’s immense wealth, from the exquisite rug on the floor to the opulent paintings placed tastefully on the walls. Currently, the far side of the room was covered by velvet curtains, which Steve opened to reveal a large floor-to-ceiling window. Through it, the Capitol Building could be seen, and much further in the distance, the Washington Monument.

“I’m in Washington?” Steve muttered. “Why would he bring me here?”

It didn’t matter, he decided. He’d simply exit the office and navigate to one of the Avengers’ safehouses. Hopefully his teammates could handle themselves without him. But that plan quickly ran into a fatal error: the door was locked. It refused to budge no matter how hard Steve jiggled the doorknob, much to his consternation. What kind of door couldn’t be unlocked from the inside?

Well, it was no matter. He’d tried doing things the easy way, so it was time for the slightly less easy way. Holding his shield in front of him, he braced himself, sent a mental apology to whoever owned this office, and then charged full steam ahead at the locked door. He expected it to fly right off its hinges, no match for his super soldier strength. Instead, it stayed stubbornly put, sending waves of pain through his arm as his shield crashed futilely into it.

Befuddled, Steve looked down and clenched his fists. How had that not worked? How had he met his match in a simple door? But that was when he noticed something odd. His gloves had disappeared, fully exposing his hands. And his hands…

Steve gasped. Before his very eyes, his hands seemed to be aging, piling on years of wear and tear every second. As if he was watching a timelapse, he could only stand there in horror as a patchwork of veins and arteries became visible over newly wrinkled skin. Before he knew it, his hands had become gnarled and leathery. These weren’t the hands of a superhero in the prime of his life. These were the hands of an old man.

Shocked, he stumbled over to the window, dreading what he’d see reflected back at him. He tore off his helmet and threw it aside, not noticing that it faded into nonexistence before ever touching the ground. Sure enough, the face he was greeted with was vastly different from the one he’d woken up with. Oh, his facial features were all the same, but they were now accompanied by a wide array of forehead creases, crow’s feet, frown lines, and more. Every type of wrinkle one could imagine was now present on Steve’s face. Making matters worse, as he gazed into the window, he could see his hairline rapidly thinning and receding like an ebbing tide. Concurrently, his blond hair was being shot through with gray; soon enough, it had become entirely silver.

That was enough for Steve to start panicking. What had that demon, Mephisto, done to him? Had he extracted the super soldier serum from his body, made it so that the years spent under the ice were finally catching up to him? Would he soon be nothing but a frail old man? He felt his legs beginning to quake from the stress, so he quickly collapsed into the nearest thing he could find: that leather office chair.

As if a switch had flipped within him, Steve felt himself calming the moment he came into contact with the chair. It was a heavenly feeling, the way the soft leather hugged his ass, allowing him to sink into it the perfect amount for maximum comfort. That comfort paved the way for his next changes as an insulating layer of fat rippled into being all across his body. It started with where he was sprawled in the chair, with his back sagging under its own weight and his ass becoming as soft and cushioned as the chair itself. From there, it spread to his arms and legs, which threatened to burst out of his superhero gear due to their newfound width. His hands grew meaty with fat, larger now than they’d ever been. His torso was blessed with the presence of his newfound flabby moobs and perfectly round musclegut. Finally, the fat reached his face, framing his square jaw with stately jowls. He should have been freaking out, but strangely, he found he didn’t mind the changes. Enjoyed them, actually. His muscular figure hadn’t disappeared — he could still feel its power underneath the added weight — it had just been enhanced. He may be turning into an old man, but with his physique, no one would ever think of him as frail, he thought with no small satisfaction.

Strangely, the sense of comfort was beginning to extend beyond the chair to encompass the entire room. The office felt strangely familiar to Steve, and he wondered if he’d been in here before. It certainly felt like somewhere he’d spent a lot of time in — as if it was his base of operations, his seat of power, almost. Was that weird to think? No, he didn’t think so. The more he considered it, the more he could distinctly remember fielding calls and hunching over legal text in here.

Lost in his reminiscence, he didn’t register anything abnormal when the color began to fade from his uniform, becoming monochrome — pure white above his waist, pure black below. His clothes were changing in other ways, too. His pants weren’t designed to hug his no-longer-muscular form anymore; instead, they became black slacks that hid how his fat legs jiggled whenever he moved. They were soon joined by spotless leather dress shoes and a belt with a simple, but elegant, buckle. Meanwhile, his upper half was soon covered by a perfectly ironed white dress shirt, and that was soon covered by a woolen black suit jacket. A tie in matching black whipped into existence, wrapping itself around his collar to form a perfect Windsor knot. Finally, his shirt tucked itself into his pants, beautifully framing his round belly in the most flattering way possible. Steve couldn’t help but love the sensation of his belt buckle digging into his belly. It made him feel masculine. Powerful.

Speaking of power, something shifted within him as the strength granted to him by the serum was redirected toward a different purpose. His physical capabilities were diminished to the level of an ordinary man of his musculature — which was still far greater than average, but nothing more. But he was still just as powerful as ever. It was just that now, he used his power in subtler ways. Beating up bad guys morphed in his mind into humiliating his opponents every six years. Motivating his teammates with inspiring speeches shifted into winning the support of skeptical voters with empty promises and divisive rhetoric. People looking at him in admiration transformed into people gazing upon him in fear and envy — a change that made him swell with pride. Somehow, these new memories were so much more pleasurable than his old ones, so he embraced the new ones.

Steve didn’t even stop to question where these memories had come from, as the more he thought about it, the more he realized he already knew the answers. After all, he couldn’t have served in the Senate for this long without becoming a master of the game. Coming up on the end of his seventh full term, he had seen it all, and he had thrived in this world of smoke-filled rooms and underhanded deals that weaker men recoiled from. He had rapidly climbed the ranks, going from backbencher status to national prominence in no time at all, aided by his ruthlessness and total lack of morals. His appearance was swiftly updated to match his newfound personality, as his face became capable of exactly two expressions only: a mean, unpleasant scowl, and an arrogant smirk. Meanwhile, a golden Rolex appeared on his wrist, and he fondled it lovingly — it was just one of the many “gifts” he’d been given over the years in exchange for his full-throated support for one bill or another. 

But as much as his cutthroat personality had helped him gain power, it was ultimately his ideology that endeared him to his colleagues. After all, without their support, Steve could never have become the Republican leader in the Senate. Selfish, conservative ideals rushed into Steve’s head like a tidal wave, drowning out any previous convictions he’d held beforehand. With them came even more memories, which felt more real — and more pleasurable — than ever.

He remembered voting against expanding healthcare, because he’d used the payout from the insurance lobby to buy a second summer home in the Hamptons. He remembered voting to fund increased coal mining and fracking operations, because it would be so much better for his stock portfolio that way. He remembered railing against the immigrants and the queers on the Senate floor, frothing with rage, because they weren’t real Americans, not like him.

He remembered all this, because he was no longer Steve Rogers… He was…

Wait, no!

For a brief second, his old identity reasserted itself. He wasn’t some curmudgeonly, conservative politician; he was Captain America, dammit! Desperately, he held on tight to the very pillars that formed the core of his identity as Steve Rogers: his childhood growing up in Brooklyn, his time spent fighting HYDRA in World War II, his commitment to looking out for the little guy, his loyalty to the American ideals of liberty and justice. But all of those rang increasingly hollow to the man he was becoming.

Why would he have fond memories of Brooklyn? He was a real American, born and raised in a small Missouri town — he felt nothing but contempt for that woke shithole, he thought as his hairline receded an inch farther.

How could he have fought in World War II? That was decades too late for him, and in any case HYDRA was small potatoes next to the real threat — communism. As he mentally reaffirmed his commitment to his rancid ideologies, the wrinkles on his face deepened by another year.

Why would he look out for the little guy? Unlike the so-called “little guy,” he had worked hard to reach his station in life, and he saw no problem with doing whatever it took to maintain his place at the top of the pyramid. Freed from the burden of caring for others, his greed and ego reached new heights, causing another pound of fat to be piled onto his portly frame.

And as for liberty and justice? He scoffed and cast them aside, feeling a wave of euphoria wash over him as he did so. That wasn’t the America he believed in. No, his America was one that revolved around himself, one that allowed him to line his pockets and ascend the ranks of power while closing the door on anyone who wanted to reach those same heights. Reacting to this redefined America, the shield that had served him so well in his life as Captain America floated into the air and flung itself at him. By the time it reached him, though, it was no longer a shield, but a small metal American flag pin attached to his lapel.

But still, throughout all this, a small piece of Steve remained within the new, old man, fighting desperately to hold on against the barrage of corrupt conservatism. Despite everything, he refused to give in to the alluring pleasure that tormented him. But then a familiar voice made itself known in his head.

“See Steve Rogers, didn’t I say you’d enjoy this? Like I said, the brightest lights produce the darkest shadows,” Mephisto said. “And your shadow is dark, indeed. Don’t you think it’s time to embrace it? Embrace him?” His voice lowered to a seductive purr. “You don’t have to fight it. Tell me you want it, and it will be yours.”

Steve tried to shut the demon out of his head, but his words echoed in his mind. Combining with his memories of life as an unscrupulous politician and his immaculate clothes and his fancy office and his burly old man physique, it all coalesced into a cascade of pleasurable pressure. He tried to resist. He tried to want to resist. But…

His wealth. His power. His personality. His body. The temptation was too much for Steve to bear. “Yes!” he shouted desperately. “Yes, I want this!”

And that was all Mephisto needed to hear.

Finally, his identity as Steve Rogers detached itself fully, unable to hold on in the wake of the corruption he was experiencing and embodying. He gleefully cast his old self aside. He wasn’t Steve Rogers, not anymore. No, the old man thought triumphantly as he allowed his new personality and memories to settle into their rightful places, he was someone far superior. He was Senator Roger Stephenson.

Roger breathed deeply, satisfied, as he grounded himself in his new life. Not that he had ever experienced another one, he thought as he mentally went over his biography.

Roger had been born in 1943 — ironically on the very day his former self would have received the serum if he hadn’t been deleted from reality — and many said his outdated policies hadn’t changed much since then. Consequently, he was celebrated as a hero by the American conservative movement, and equally reviled by those on the left. His approval ratings were among the lowest in the country due to his blatant corruption, and yet it was thanks to that corruption that he always won reelection comfortably. He was well-known as a slimy, cantankerous old bastard — that combined with his aggressive jingoism had earned him the moniker of “America’s Ass” — and he was proud of it. 

On a whim, he turned in his chair and gazed out upon the cityscape outside, feeling a surge of intoxicating power wash over him. Sure, the President got all the press and the credit. But up here on Capitol Hill, Roger was the one in charge. He decided which bills passed and which ones failed before ever reaching the floor. His endorsement was widely coveted, and with his mountains of cash he could swing elections however he wanted. He had all of Congress, all of the country, wrapped around his fat, wrinkled finger.

Speaking of which, he took a glance at his schedule for the day. This afternoon alone, his office would be visited by a couple of junior lawmakers, a team of auto industry lobbyists, and even a foreign dignitary or two. All of them were coming to grovel at his feet for his support, and he would give it to them… so long as it enabled him to garner more wealth, more influence, more power. To do so was his god-given right as an American.

Roger smirked. God bless America, indeed.

[fateoffireandwater]

Top ten MCU girlbosses

before I start writing I want to say that when I think girl boss I don’t think rude bitch or queen of literally everything. It is just someone who stands up for herself I also don’t know how to explain it lmao.

10. Monica

Honestly she just slays that’s all I can say.

9. The mighty Thor

In the Thor movies she starts an amazing scientist with bravery and confidence. Then she becomes a hero and dies defeating Gorr.

8. MJ

I like this character because her personality is different from the average girlfriend of a superhero and she always does what she believes is right and will never shy away from the truth.

7. Darcy

She just whatever she wants and is such a character. She is a girlboss don’t really have a reason why.

6. Rio

I love how she does whatever she wants and has a fun humorous attitude and while everyone is terrified she’s having a great time.

5. Agatha

Just like rio she does whatever she wants and has a great personality.

4. Scarlet witch

literally the most powerful avenger and would do anything to protect her family literally. After she realises the horrible things she’s done she doesn’t hesitate to do what she thinks she needs to do to fix it. She went from a scared character who needed to be constantly saved by Hawkeye, Petrio and other characters to the strongest avenger.

3. Nebula

She starts of as an avenger who wants to get revenge on her sister to a tough, smart, independent, protective and strong character who secretly cares about all her friends.

2. Mantis

After being told what to do and having no freedom for her whole life she finally leaves and uses her incredible kindness, empathy and powers to live her own life. I love how the movie makers didn’t mark her the average female character who either is absolutely perfect at everything and is a bitch and never does anything important or is useless and always needs saving. Instead she has her flaws and strengths.

Karen

Oh my god Karen has to be one of my favourite characters. The reason she was in daredevil in the first place is because she had murdered someone but she doesn’t remember doing it. Because she has no money she works with Matt and Foggy as a lawyer WITH NO EXPERIENCE OR KNOWLEDGE ON BEING A LAWYER. She tries to solves mystery that daredevil is trying to figure. She and her friend Ben are working together to bring these people up. Then she finds kingpins mum which no one knew existed except for a couple people including kingpin, his friend (forgot his name) and the workers at the nursing home the mum was at. Kingpins bestie friendo finds out that Karen knows this and kidnaps her. Then she KILLS HIM which is crazy because he isn’t a weak character or anything. I mean he was kinda stupid guy for leaving the gun on the middle of the table anyway. She gets kidnapped again in season 2 at the end and she tries to escape with some guy and he nearly dies but daredevil comes and saves everyone and she helps everyone get out. After that she writes the most inspiring article (because she gets given a new job WITH NO EXPERIENCE OR KNOWLEDGE OF THIS JOB AGAIN in Ben’s office once he dies.) At the end of season 2 daredevil reveals to her who he is. This is some key moments that show how much of a character she is. I won’t include everything awesome she did because this will be way to long. Anyways throughout season 1 and 2 of daredevil she shows her persistence and hope by always pushing through struggles and reassuring and helping others . Even while she was recovering from murdering someone twice and later losing two good friends all of these on separate occasions she was doing her job, being a good person and helping Foggy and daredevil. She also doesn’t put up with people doing horrible things whatever it is and will to ever she thinks is the right thing no matter the consequences. Dame I should stop writing now lmao.

Like for part 2 if you want.

[ewingstan]

Been curiosity-reading comics lately and rather enjoyed Immortal Hulk. I noticed it was Ewing and looked up what he's done, but that's a rather long list of other things he's written-figured it'd be best to ask tumblr user ewingstan for any particular recommendations to look at from here.

Oh dang! Glad you're enjoying yourself. I'll say up front that Ewing likes to use a lot of the same characters across series, and that they tend to have larger arcs between series, so reading all his stuff in order is pretty rewarding. I also provided a few reading lists below the cut. That said, If I were to recommend some highlights:

Iron Man: Fatal Frontier— Co-written with the incredible Kieron Gillen, this is one of Ewing's first series working in Marvel. A mini-series with a great premise (Iron Man acting as basically a sheriff on a Moon colony) and a great take on Stark, emphasizing a pig-headedness that makes him very entertaining to watch. It's also Ewing's first use of Doom as a character, who'll become one of his favorites to use—and damn if he doesn't write a good Doom.

Loki: Agent of Asguard— One of my first experiences with comics, and one that set the benchmark for what you could do with an extended universe. What starts as an interesting setup for a mythical spy storyline spirals into a larger tale of deciding what kind of character you want to be. Technically a follow-up to Gillen's runs on Journey into Mystery and Young Avengers, but these aren't at all necessary—Ewing sets up the context quickly.

Contest of Champions (2015)— An especially zany one, this series lets Ewing indulge in his favorite passtime: bringing back a bunch of unconnected obscure characters and banging them against each other like never before. An excellent showcase of Ewing's abilities to quickly spin a compelling character out of very little.

Avengers: No Surrender and Avengers: No Road Home—These two series have a soft spot for me. Co-written by Ewing, Mark Waid, and Jim Zub, they're both some of the best examples of classic "there's a big weird threat, lets assemble some heroes" storylines to date. They also serve as a culmination of sorts for Ewing's various scattered Avengers series, though they can each be taken on their own. (Those scattered Avengers series are typically quite good, though they tend to be mired in event cross-overs. Usually you'll need to quickly look up the basic premises of the event an issue is tying into to avoid confusion, though larger engagement with the events are unneeded. These two series thankfully avoid that trend).

Guardians of the Galaxy (2020): This is Ewing firing on all cylinders. It arguably requires a bit more comics background to get the full effect, but it employs some of his most interesting ideas and most compelling action. This ended too damn soon.

Now for the reading lists:

Ewing loves working on team books that are 80% made up of heroes the average person has never heard of. Some of his favorites to work with are Blue Marvel, Spectrum, Sunspot, and various iterations of White Tiger. The most direct reading order for what I consider his most classic, pulpy superhero work is going in order from Mighty Avengers (2014), Captain America and the Mighty Avengers (2014), New Avengers (2015), U.S.Avengers (2017), Avengers: No Surrender (Avengers #675-690), Avengers: No Road Home, Empyre, and Avengers Inc.

However, you can alternatively take the Mighty series to be the start of his exploration of Marvel's larger cosmic makeup. For this somewhat separate, trippier storyline, the reading order is Loki: Agent of Asguard, Mighty Avengers (2014), Captain America and the Mighty Avengers (2014), Ultimates, Ultimates ^2, Contest of Champions, Avengers: No Surrender, Avengers: No Road Home, Immortal Hulk, Marvel Comics #1000, Defenders (2021), and Defenders: Beyond. From what I understand, Venom (2021), The Immortal Thor, Venom War and All-New Venom (2024) also follow from this storyline, though I haven't gotten to these yet. Do make sure to check out the tie-in Absolute Carnage: Immortal Hulk, the one saving grace of the whole Danny Cates Venom series.

Finally, you can construct a list focusing on his take on Marvel's interplanetary politics: Royals, Rocket, Empyre, Guardians of the Galaxy, S.W.O.R.D, X-Men: Red, and The Resurrection of Magneto.

Here's a more detailed breakdown with notes on where you can continue specific storylines. Note again that many of these will have tie-ins, just look up the basic premise of whatever event they're connected to and you'll be fine.

Mighty Avengers is directly continued through Captain America and the Mighty Avengers.

After that, Ewing starts working on two different ensemble books: Ultimates (2015) and New Avengers (2015), each using some characters from the Mighty Avengers books. Each of these are followed up in later series, creating two separate storylines. The New Avengers is arguably a more direct continuation of the larger Ewing Avengers storyline.

If you liked Spectrum and The Blue Marvel, and like your sci-fi with a dash of mytho-poetics, start with Ultimates and continue with Ultimates ^2 (2016). The team also makes an appearance at the tail-end of Contest of Champions. Much of the focus on the big cosmic beings it explores gets revisited in Marvel Comics #1000, Defenders, and Defenders: Beyond.

If you liked Power-Man and White Tiger, and want something pulpy and frenetic, start with New Avengers. Optionally, read the 3-issue Ultron Forever miniseries first. Then move on to U.S.Avengers.

After finishing U.S.Avengers, continue onto No Surrender (aka Avengers 675-690.) This is the last hurrah of the team started in New Avengers, and ties back in several characters from the Mighty Avengers runs. If you want more Roberto Da Costa afterwards, check out X-Men: Red.

No Road Home follows up on No Surrender, and follows up a bit more directly with some of the plot threads from the Ultimates series. Optionally read Rocket beforehand. Afterwards, you can continue the storyline it set up in Guardians of the Galaxy.

The event series Empyre, co-written with Dan Slott, follows up on character arcs from the Mighty Avengers with She-Hulk, The Ultimates with Captain Marvel and Black Panther, and from New Avengers with Wiccan and Hulkling. It also sets up storylines in GotG.

Avengers Inc. is not especially related to other works here, though it uses several characters that he's frequently used across his Avengers titles. Optionally read Ant-Man (2022) and Wasp (2023) beforehand.

[sicklyseraphnsuch]

(prev)

When Hiccup returns to the hut, he finds their guest awake, and sitting up. That's good. That's an improvement. Before Hiccup could take a better look at the guy, Gothi parks herself in front of him.

"He's delicate," she scribbles on the ground. "The seas left its mark. Don't excite him too much." She punctuates those last two words with a tap of her walking stick.

Hiccup lifts both hands up. "Alright, okay! I'll be careful! You make it sound like I'm gonna give him a heart attack!"

"Are you?" A low voice croaks out.

Hiccup turns to face their guest. And yeah, okay. He gets where Gothi's coming from. The guy looks like he's two steps from entering Hel or Valhalla, probably Hel from the looks of him. He's thinner than Hiccup, but then again, Hiccup has filled out a little. He's got honest-to-Thor biceps now. But this guy - Hiccup has seen chickens with more meat on their wings than this guy has in his arms. And he's deathly pale, which makes sense given the circumstances. Seriously, Hiccup could trace the guy's veins - blue, nearly black, against his skin. Hiccup never had the good fortune of seeing a dead body - not the way Ruffnut and Tuffnut keep saying they have. But Hiccup hopes this guy will be the closest he'll ever get.

And yet... The weirdest part about this guy has to be his face. Hiccup can't figure it out but there's just something really weird about his face. It wasn't the eyes or the hair, both colored a common as dirt brown. So what...

"If you keep making a face like that, you'll really give me a heart attack," the guy murmurs, cutting through Hiccup's thoughts.

"I think you can manage one without any help..." Hiccup replies.

The guy snorts. "I'm feeling better if you can believe it." He nods at Gothi. "Can she talk? All she's done this whole time is stare at me. I swear I never saw her blink."

"Yeah... She does that. But um... good, I mean, about your uh health. Glad to hear it." Hiccup rubs the back of his neck. He's supposed to ask the guy more about himself, but outside of a straight up interrogation, he's never been good at the 'let's get to know each other' kinda stuff. They shoulda sent Gobber to do this, now there's someone that can get folks to tell stories. But Dad says it's all part of his Chief training, whatever that means.

"Thanks for pulling me out of the ice," the guy says. "This was mighty kind of you, and really, if there's any sort of payment I can offer, just let me know? Unless, I mean, my Mom spoke to you already?"

"Your... Mom...." Hiccup echoes. He can feel his face freezing up. His Mom? But there was never - They couldn't even find a shipwreck.

"Yeah, you know. A woman that looks kinda like me, almost like we're related or something." The guy goes on.

Hiccup's throat dries up and he clenches his jaw. This guy washed ashore with nothing but the strange clothes on his back. They figured him for dead before he started coughing like he was trying to throw up his lungs. It was... Yeah, Hiccup doesn't like remembering it too much. If this guy was that bad, then anyone else would be...

"And she keeps calling herself too old or that I'll give her gray hairs, but really she doesn't look a day over a hundred." The guy chuckles, or tries to, mostly he makes this wet, wheezing noise.

Hiccup opens his mouth, shuts it, then opens it again. "We... There was no one else in the water..."

He braces himself for the guy to start wailing, to froth up a rage - some kind of strong response. But the guy just tilts his head. And oh. Hiccup gets it now - the thing that's been bothering him about this guy's face. He's always kinda smiling. As if a grin is permanently pasted on his face, even when his hands are balled into fists, even when his shoulders are drawn in tight, even when there's literally nothing about him that matches a smile.

"Well... That's good, right? I was the only one in the water then. But so... Does my Mom know I'm here? Does my sister?"

Okay. Well. Now Hiccup's just confused. "No... How would we reach out to your family? Do they live nearby?"

"Uh... Yeah? I mean, maybe? Do you guys live anywhere near Hawthorne?"

"I... have never heard of that place."

"What? No. That can't be right. Hawthorne's barely the size of a village, sure, but it's the only settlement for miles!"

Hiccup slowly shakes his head. "No... I don't remember hearing of someplace like that."

At last, the guy's grin falls away as he scowls at the blankets. He chews on his lip, clearly thinking hard.

Hiccup tries to remember if he's ever heard of a Hawthorne. But he comes up blank. "I can -"

"Where is-"

They share a look. Now it's Hiccup's turn to crack a grin. "You first."

The guy blinks. "Oh, uh... I was um... Where am I now? Where is this?"

"Berk."

When the guy just gives him a blank stare, Hiccup folds his brow. Berk's been making a name for itself since they started the whole dragon co-existence thing. Surely, this guy would have heard all the rumors about them. Thor knows, they've been suffering the consequences from all that attention.

But this guy - there's not a shred of recognition in his expression. He could be faking it. Or 'the seas left its mark', as Gothi put it. Hiccup really wants to give him the benefit of doubt here.

"Berk, one of the isles in the Barbaric Archipelago? Home to the Hairy Hooligan tribe? No? None of that sounds familiar?"

The guy wordlessly shakes his head, fear starting to twist his face. Okay. That's not ideal.

"Is that... Is that anywhere near the New World?" The guy asks, his knuckles going white as he squeezes the blankets with both hands.

Gothi makes an irritated tap of her walking stick. Hiccup ignores her.

Did this guy just say the 'New World'? But that's just an old mariner's tale. And even if it was true, it's definitely nowhere near Berk.

The look on Hiccup's face must give him away because the guy locks up, eyes going wide, limbs closing tight and stiff.

"H... How... But I was just there! The pond was right by my village! How did this happen?!"

And that, Hiccup thinks, is the real question. Either this guy is a really good actor or he really has no memory. When he starts breathing faster, clutching his chest like it hurts, Hiccup makes a decision.

Dodging Gothi's stick, which tries to keep him away, Hiccup crouches next to the bed, putting himself at eye level with their guest. "Hey, we can figure this out, okay? You'll be back with your Mom in no time. Just... Just hang in there... Uhm..."

The guy looks at him, and there's that smile again - completely out of place given that he's literally one heartbeat away from a breakdown. "Ca-Call me Jack. And you?"

"Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third. But everyone calls me Hiccup."

[acatinstarktower]

The Avengers: Earth's mightiest heroes

S1:Ep2 Thor The Mighty

My thoughts and opinions getting into the show!

Whoever this lady is im in love with her ngl. Medical professionals 👏 get 👏 shit 👏 done 👏 unlike cops

I also like the small detail of the neck brace she put on that officer, like that is actually a thing you would do for someone who has been thrown around like a toy and therefore may have spine/back injuries from that. The other paramedic is honestly a real one tho cause that scene is not safe to enter and if Thor didn't show up there would be 2 more casualties from that event.

Those shoulders 🥰 but that's such a ridiculous fight ngl. He's a god why is he getting pushed around by this group so much. Like okay he's being a good guy and trying not to kill them, but also dude why are you so slow to react to things and letting them get so many hits on you.

Jane is so far my 2nd favorite character in this show. I'm also very impressed by how many little moments the show has developing the side characters as opposed to just focusing on the main ones. Adds a lot more depth to the world/people.

The frost giant fight is also absolutely ridiculous however. Almost all of it was, Thor gets hit/crushed under something! But then he gets back up again! And hit again! And up again in a more powerful way! Why does Thor wait so long to do the big lightning attack. People are dying. This is (hopefully an intentional one?) contrast to Tony in Ep 1 using his biggest attack immediately on the the threat killing people so to subdue it as quickly as possible. Thor is very much a tank in that no damage seems to stick on him but my god does he move slow.

I mean Loki's kinda right tho Odin is a bitch. (And why'd they make my girl have her bare thighs out, it's snowing outside and they just got attacked by frost giants isn't she cold??)

Ayyyyy I like Thor standing up for himself and others against Odin. Those Loki flashbacks were very interesting as well, presumably lying to the giants about Odin being an immediate threat but it does say smth about their politics/climate that it was reasonable the giants believed him. I'm enjoying how this show portrays backstory and gives hints to deeper conflicts very much.

The enchantress' facial expression twisting (in guilt? 👀) when Loki compliments her on how well she can trick Thor intrigues the fuck out of me. What's their backstory?

And Odin and Loki better get the fuck away from my girl Jane I swear to god.

So I like the setup in this episode of Loki as a new threat, I like the little hints to deeper feelings in the side characters, and Thor being pulled between Earth and Asgard. Fight scenes were ehhhhh but I think that will be a recurring opinion of mine.

[quirkwizard]

What would a Quirk based on Thor be like? One idea have is that they have localized Tempestakinesis and have some resistance to their own Quirk. Another one is that they have Bio-Electrogenesis

So I've already done the whole storm thing with "Stormfront" and "Hydrometer". Though that doesn't matter too much since the obvious choice would be to translate Thor's hammer.

I see it working as a Transformation type Quirk allows the user to cover their hands in metal and form a small hammer via clasping their hands together. This hammer generates electromagnetic energy when the user moves it, causing it to spark with electricity. The user can then utilize this electricity by moving the hammer, such as hitting something and unleashing the stored energy or thrusting it to fire out a blast of lightning. The user's hands act as magnets for the hammer, allowing them to attract and repel the hammer from their grip and vice versa. This gives the user a good tool for combat, able to blast and smash their foes with their mighty hammer. They can blast enemies with electricity, fling the hammer to get around, unleash powerful combos via moving the hammer, augment their close quarters abilities with electricity, or simply beat someone with the hammer. Though the application of the Quirk requires the hammer to use the Quirk, so losing or damaging it can hamper the Quirk. The user needs to move to charge this hammer, requiring some build-up for some of the user to apply it. If not, the hammer is effectively dead, and the user can generate or control its power. A possible name for the Quirk could be "Thunderstruck".

[noe-pri08]

Loki x Y/n

Summary: You are the new recruit living in the tower and you have your first interaction with Loki, what he doesn’t know is that you have a… special personality

Your powers are that you can control the elements and you can control and read minds

I'm sorry If there are any mistakes, English isn't my first language

 You were in the library reading a book that Thor recommended me about The Avengers when Loki enters

Loki seems slightly surprised to see you there “The elemental, you’re reading?”

“No, I just like hold books. You’re Loki right?” you say sarcastically, making a grin

He nods “Indeed I am. I’m the God of Mischief, and you are the elemental?

“Yeah but I prefer Y/n”

He chuckles “My apologies Y/n. But it is a mighty name isn’t it? Elemental” He says the word as if it were some riddle “Well, Y/n why not follow me and we can talk in somewhere more private?” Loki has a sly smile on his face

“Okay” you follow him, being a bit suspicious because of his background and what not. He seems a bit much enthusiast about being in private. Some minutes later you get to a quiet room. He smiles and closes the door behind the both of you

“So…elemental. What can you do” he says while looking you up and down

“I control the elements and minds, but I also can read them” you are alert for whatever might happen

“Read mind you say?” He looks at you chuckles “Well that should come in handy for spying and stuff” he smiles

“Yeah, that’s why I’m here”

“And do you control all the elements too?” he asks with curiosity

“Yeah. Fire, water, wind and earth” you answer

He smiles at you and nods “Maybe you could demonstrate them?”

You agree and make fire come out of your hand while you summon a burst of wind

He chuckles and smiles “That should be enough proof” he looks at you a bit more and then speaks softly “I like your powers elemental, they could be very useful. I wonder what I could do with you as an advantage”

“What do you mean?” you say suspicious and prepared to fight in case you need to causing to smirk

“You think I’m going to attack you? Me? I would never do such a thing. What I am going to do is offer you a deal…”

“Well you see Loki, you attacked New York and I’m sorry but I’m not that kind of things you know” you smile at him with irony

He looks at you annoyed “Not that again! Let’s forget that” he waves dismissively “You can help me with my future plans. Together we could accomplish things you wouldn’t expect. The gods themselves would bow before us!” Loki seems to get more and more excited while talking about this

You look surprised “But I don’t want that , I just want help the innocent people, I wanna defend them. Besides, I’ve heard your plans are lead the Earth and I’m not interested” you say, refusing to help him

He laughs a bit “So what? I could make things better for Earth if I led it. If I controlled it…I could achieve better things then this so called Avengers group ever could”

“But, like I said, I don’t want to”

Loki starts to get annoyed “Look, let me explain to you what you do don understand elemental. I am the master of mind manipulation, I could make you do things you would never dream of doing. I have this gift. I could change the world…And I could start by making you into being on my side and achieving my plans” Loki smirks “You may not want to join me. But as I will show you…You don’t have a choice” he thinks he’s the best, but I’m here to demonstrate him that his wrong

“I do have a choice, you know why? Because I can also manipulate minds, including yours”

He chuckles “You think I would be affected by your powers?” Loki smirks even more “Elemental… I am a God. I would laugh at your pitiful attempts”

“You sure? Let’s try” I control his mind, making him feel hurt

He starts to feel pain and his eyes widen “What have you done elemental?!” he stumbles back holding his head in

“You think I can’t control you, that I’m not strong enough, so I’m showing you otherwise. I think you underestimated me and my powers” you say looking at him angry due to he didn’t think you were capable of have power over him

He kneels down on the floor holding his head in pain “Aghh…you are not going to give me much choice with this are you elemental?” Loki looks at you

“Say I can control you, say that you’ll stop your stupid plans, and then I’ll stop” you say, looking down on him

“Okay, okay. You have a small edge over me elemental. But what if I told you that I can give you something that you’ve never felt before?” he says struggling to talk

“What?” you ask, still angry and faking interest about what he says

He stands up straight and smirks “If you work with me elemental, you’ll learn things. Knowledge that normal humans, and even other gods wouldn’t dare know. What do you say elemental?” Loki is still in pain but it’s going away. He looks at you with a serious face

“I don’t think I need to learn anything more” you say bored

He chuckles “But knowledge is the most powerful weapon that one can wield. I have the knowledge… and I can unlock your potential that you’ve never realised you had” Loki’s face turns from serious to a more calm tone. And I’m offering all of this to you elemental” he is still recovering from your mind manipulation and you think it has affected him more than you expected, because everything he says is more and more stupid

“I won’t collaborate in such plans as yours” you firmly and tired of his perseveration

He laughs slightly “Why don’t you trust me elemental? Don’t I seem like a nice and caring person?” Loki smiles “I am offering you the chance to unlock the most powerful version of yourself. Just take my hand elemental…just accept my deal”

You chuckle “First, did you really have to ask that? Let’s see, you attacked an entire town just because you wanted to, now you’re saying stupid things about Gods bowing before us and you’re the God of Mischief, that’s why I don’t trust you” you smile sarcastically at him “second, no you don’t exactly look like a nice and caring person, but I’ll accept” you are curious so you take his hand

He smiles triumphantly “You’ll see, I am the God of Mischief after all…I’ll treat you like royalty. You’ll enjoy the knowledge that I give you”

“I am warning you, as soon as you say something I don’t wanna do I’ll go, understood?”

He nods and smiles “Understood. I’ll be fair with you elemental”

“You’ll have to do something more, I can’t accept just your word, you’re the God of Mischief after all” you say, not trusting him

He smirks and leans in “Look elemental, if I wanted to make you do something you don’t want to, I would’ve done so already. But I respect your choices for now”

“Okay, I guess that will have to be enough” you nod

Loki’s smirk grows wider and wider “That’s right elemental. Now come with me and I shall show you things you’ve never seen before” Loki smiles and starts walking to the door and you follow him. Loki is leading both of you across the base until he stops infront of the door and the opens it. When he opens you see something that surprises you. Loki smiles and beckons you to come inside with him “Just come in elemental, there is something I wanna show you”

You enter the room, looking amazed at everything. There are lots of computers and scientific equipment. He has made a fully advanced lab. There are even weapons that are all laid out. He turns to you and smiles

“What do you think elemental?” he asks

“What are the weapons for” you say

He chuckles “Well we never know when a problem happens right elemental? So it’s best to be prepared. What if another Loki came to this universe? Wouldn’t we have to be prepared for that” Loki chuckles as he speaks, but he is being serious though

“We have to be prepared for you, I don’t wanna even think about two of you” you say absent as you keep looking around

He laughs “You see my point right elemental. I am a God after all so we better prepare for that” Loki smiles. He then gestures for you to come with him to another part of the lab “Come elemental, I have a present for you”

We walk over to some sort of weapon “Now elemental, you do not only have the ability to control the elements right? You can also read minds…what if…” he turns to you and smirks “I took away that ability?” Loki chuckles “What if I showed you how to not only boost your powers… but to make your mind control a lot stronger, what do you think elemental” he starts to grin widely

“Are you insane? You’re not gonna take my powers away. And even if you try to, you know what I’m capable of to defend myself” you threaten him

Loki seems slightly irritated at your remark “So hostile aren’t you elemental? “ he smiles “And how do you know that that I don’t  have the power to take it?” he starts walking towards you slightly

“I don’t know, and I don’t trust you either” it makes him laugh

“I don’t think that you have any choice elemental…if you do not do what I ask you to I’ll simple take it from you” he smirks and walks over to you. You can feel the presence of his mind control powers growing

You smile widely “You sure about that?” you askand start manipulating him again, but this time stronger

He falls to the ground in pain “Agh!! What… are you… doing elemental? Stop!!” Loki seems in a lot more pain this time

“This is nothing compared to what I could do to you if you try to take my powers, and don’t think I don’t have the ability to” you say to him, your jaw clenching

He touches his head in pain “S-s-stop it!!” Loki struggles to try and speak as you still had control of his mind. He seems to be in a huge amount of pain, this was a lot more intense than before

I stop it “Do you get my point Loki?”

He starts feeling a bit better, but seems very irritated at you. Then he gets up and dusts himself off and smile “How about we get to your present?”

I nod, waiting for him to tell something, hoping it’s not something stupid

“Okay elemental, now that you know I have some special technology here. Loki smirks and walks over to…a strange looking collar

“What is that?”  you say suspiciously

He giggles a bit “This, elemental, that will revolutionize your powers. This collar will boost your mind control abilities with a boost of your elemental powers” Loki smiles “I just need you to wear this collar and your powers will grow”

“Well, we have a problem now” I make a grin “Cause I’m not gonna put that on” I smile at him

He sighs and smiles “I’ll make sure you put it on elemental. Don’t you want your powers to increase in strength? I know you do”

“No, I don’t. I’m okay with my powers being like this” I smile at him

He smiles and comes closer to you “Elemental, you have to trust me. I am giving you the chance of a lifetime. To boost your powers and even to help you control your powers fully. I’ll help you achieve things that you never thought were possible”

“That’s another problem, I don’t trust you, besides if it isn’t dangerous put it on you neck”

He grins “Me? Why should I? I’m a God, my powers are as strong as they can get. It is safe, just put in on and I’ll give the key” he seems very eager to have you put the collar on

“No, I’m sorry but I’ll go. Thanks for showing me…this” you say and then start walking to the door, wanting to get the hell out of there

He reaches out and puts his hand on your shoulder gently “Elemental, I can’t let you go, you could tell someone or the avengers could see it. I cannot risk it” his grip turns tighter holding you in place. You can feel the presence of his powers over your shoulder

“I won’t tell, let me go” your eyes turn purple because of your powers

He senses your powers as they flare up “I’m sorry elemental, I’ve tried to be fair with you… but I can’t let you go. You will be wearing that collar and you will serve me” he seems to be getting mad

“I said no” you control Loki, making it impossible for him to move

He tries to move but he can’t. He looks surprised and horrified. He seems to be trying to get your mind control off. A few moments later you stop it

He is very angry “What are you doing elemental??!! Don’t you dare do that again. Loki grabs your arm tightly and looks at you serious. I need that collar on you elemental, I need it “ his grip in your arm get tighter

“Well, I would prefer that it was your hand what is on my neck” you seductively, kind of controlling him

He blushes slightly “Oh…well if you insist elemental” he smiles slightly and puts his hand gently on your neck. Then leans in closer and whispers in your ear “You know Elemental…you have a lot more power than you think” he leans closer to you

“I know” you whisper in his ear and with your powers you push him, making his back crash on a wall

“What are you doing elemental” His mood changes “Oh, what would you do if I did something much more intimate with you?” Loki smirks as he speaks seductively

“You really think that you’re…seductive voice was gonna work on me?

He smiles “Maybe, but I bet there are other ways to seduce you. I know that your body…is as beautiful as the gods” he says while looking at you up and down “What if I tried getting a bit more…intimate with you in other ways elemental? Would that get you to comply with me?”

“No, for that I would go with your brother, lo looks nicer than you” you say teasing him

He smirks “Oh, I’m hurt. I see, you are sucker for the nicer gods” you nod “Well elemental you aren’t going to escape my grasp. I need you, I need your powers to achieve my future plans” Loki stares at you. He gets closer to you again and leans next to your ear “I know a lot of ways to seduce you elemental and I know for certain that there is a way to do it”

“ You don’t know everything Loki, and I can assure you that I won’t let you use my powers to achieve your little stupid plans” you say to him

He chuckles and leans in “Oh but I know there is a way…I just have to find it. All you need is…a little temptation to bring out your true nature” Loki smirks and leans back, he looks at you with a smile

“Really?” you say innocent “and what is that?”

He walks closer and whispers “Oh elemental…all I need to do is find your weakness, your true desires. Then I’ll have under my control” Loki seems to be having fun talking to you in like this and you’re starting to like it too

“Well, I assure you, that you won’t find them” you raise a mental shield

His smirk grows wider, making you a bit nervous, but you hide it “If I find your weakness you will be mine, and I will find it elemental. You are a unique one elemental, even I can’t understand you completely, you are a mysterious one. When I find your weakness this little shield will be nothing”

“You’re not the God of Magic, your powers were taught to you, I was born with them, they’re more powerful”

“I know elemental, I know your magic is more…natural but you do not realize how powerful I am. I may not be the God of Magic but I am a god of the same tier” he leans in again and whispers to you “You know, I’ve been wanting to tell you this, but you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen”

“I know, and you know what Loki?” you say charmingly and put your hands on his chest “I am also very clever and there is no way I would fall in your little games”

He smiles and looks at you “You’re much more intelligent than I thought, and I know that you won’t fall in my games, but do you wanna know why I keep trying to seduce you? Do you wanna know why I find you so tempting?”

You chuckle and smile at him softly “Why?”

“You may be beautiful and very clever, but I like something else too more than your beauty and intelligence” he whispers seductively in your ear “wanna know what are they?”

“Yes, that would only boost my ego” you say smiling

“Let me tell you…your hair, your eyes, your lips. They all fascinate me. I go mad over you. This outfit you’re wearing? I fucking love it, so tight so it embraces your curves, you breasts and your hips so amazingly, you’re absolutely beautiful elemental” Loki stares at your outfit a bit too long

“Everything you said? I already knew it, I’ve heard so many times, I have so many men on their knees for me. But I admit that it sounds so much better from your lips” you touch his lip with the of your fingers, making him feel nervous

He leans even more “You have men on their knees for you?” he chuckles “And how do you make them kneel before you?”

“I do nothing, they just kneel, I don’t even need to use my powers”

“I must confess elemental…I think I’m on my knees now” Loki is looking at you with an attractive smile. He gets closer to you and whispers “What would you have me do y/n?

I smile at him “First I would have to see you on your knees to believe it”

He chuckles and then gets down on his knees while his gaze is focused on you “Is this okay y/n?”

“More than okay Loki” you say and put your hands in his hair

He looks up to you “Is this what you wanted elemental? To have me kneeled for you? What do I get out of this darling?”

You are enjoying this a lot “You get this view of me, isn’t it enough for you?” you said innocent and take his chin making him look at you

“Oh believe me, I love this view, you can watch me being in my knees all day, but you know…I want something in return my dear” he says while he stares at you like a puppy

I smile at him “And what that would be Loki?”

He looks you up and down “you know…a little treat”

I giggle “You have to say what you want, ask for it” you caress his face

“I want a kiss y/n. Is that much to ask for? Will you give me a kiss?” he bites his lip as he stares at you, waiting for an answer

“Umm, you’ll have to earn it Loki” I say teasing him

He chuckles “You confidence is so attractive” he gets up moves closer to you “you know what? I accept your challenge. What do I have to do to earn that kiss?” His eyes are fixed on you

I laugh a bit “I’m not gonna tell you, that wouldn’t be fair don’t you think?”

“Oh such a cruel game you’re playing. What am I gonna do to get that kiss?” you smile at him “I know you’d like to play the dominant, but don’t forget who the real god is y/n, the chase is on, I’ll play if you will”

“I’ll play, and I may not be a goddess but you were the one who kneeled” I chuckle

“You have a very high self worth, but I can change that. Do you know what I could do to make you feel more…submissive?” your bodies are touching and his arms wrapped around you

“I’m telling you right now, the idea of being the submissive one is not very attractive to me you know” I put my hands on his chest

He smirks “But do you know how it feels? It is very appealing my dear” he rubs your arm “I can teach, I can teach you the beauty of it”

“Well, I guess I’ll never know what it feels will I?” I smile widely

“I guess not” Loki continues rubbing your arm, but it turns into a grip “I could teach you so much, so many things elemental” Loki smirks

“I don’t have to learn anything from you Loki” you take his hands off you

“Oh, are you gonna finally submitted to me darling” he says while tucking a strand of hair behind your ear

“Me?” I chuckle “Never”

Loki whispers “If only you would let me” he seems to not wanna give up, he’s still trying to seduce you

“Not gonna work” you say in a singsong voice, smiling

“Elemental, it isn’t the seduction what it’s difficult, it’s you. You’re making it difficult. You are just making me want you even more”

“Good, it’s my specialty” you smile

“You’re like a game to me. And I love games. And I will win this game, you’ll see” he puts his hands on your hips

You lean till your noses are almost touching “You seem so sure about it” then you step back, making him flustered “but that won’t happen”

“Please darling, don’t leave, don’t leave me like this. My desire for you is much bigger now. Please allow me to get to know you better”

You put your arms around his neck “I don’t think that’s a good idea, you know why? Because it will give you advantage, and we don’t that do we?” you touch his nose

“You’re such a mean one. But I like it, I like it a lot” Loki grabs you from behind “You can’t go anywhere elemental, you aren’t going to leave me like this” Loki’s grip tightens a bit

“Oh, but I absolutely will” you get off his grip, now I’m gonna work, I have things to do” you say walking to the door

“Ok, you win. But I won’t give up, I will have you and you will be mine”

“Yeah sure, by the way, I always win” you say and you go, leaving him looking at the window, feeling frustrated

“You can’t escape me y/n, I’ll see you again” he says looking at the window, and he seems to be planning something…

[mads-weasley]

3. Bound to Madness

Hvitserk Ragnarsson x Eira Torsteinsdottir (OFC)

Series Masterlist

Main Masterlist

Summary: After his interaction with Eira during the ceremony, Hvitserk begins questioning his role in Ivar's regime and she fears retribution for her honesty at the docks (5x14).

Word Count: 1.2k

Hvitserk sat at the bustling feast after the ceremony with his head down as he ate silently. Since his interaction with the woman on the dock, he couldn’t get her words off of his mind. He’d watched her disappear into the night, the soft crunch of her boots in the snow the only sound that followed her retreating form. 

“Prove it.”

Her challenge echoed in his mind. Prove it. Prove that he wasn’t like Ivar. Prove that he wasn’t just another shadow in his brother’s wake. But how? How could he when his entire existence seemed tangled in the fate that was already carved for him? What was left for him if not this?

But what if she was right? What if he was just another one of Ivar’s dogs? 

The hall quieted as Ivar held up his horn, the white and red paint still covering his face, the sharp crown sitting atop his head. “Here is the blood of the witch that murdered our mother!” Ivar cried, followed by loud cheers from the feast’s attendants. 

He remembered the woman’s words: “Why are you doing this to your home? Your people?”

An innocent woman was murdered in cold blood to fuel Ivar’s delusion…and he just stood and watched.

“You know very well that wasn’t Lagertha,” Hvitserk said matter-of-factly, sucking his fingers as he continued eating.

Ivar sat up on his throne. “You will drink to Lagertha’s death.”

Prove it.

“She’s not dead,” he nodded. “And you are not a god.”

Murmurs broke out among the crowd, and before Ivar could respond, Freydis came to his defense. “Of course, he is a god.”

“How dare you say that I am not a god, huh?” Ivar fumed, pointing at his brother with a scowl. 

Having had enough, Hvitserk rose from the table and stared down Ivar for a few moments as he left the hall, shoving his way through his brother’s loyal supporters. A booming crack of thunder echoed in the sky just as he exited.

“Can’t you hear Thor beating his mighty hammer, welcoming me into the Hall of the Aesir?”

Hvitserk’s feet led him back to the docks, to the place he couldn’t get out of his mind. He stared at the still-smoking pyre, at the burnt corpse of the poor woman who was sacrificed still hanging there, a physical reminder of his brother’s madness. Of the madness he’d become so wrapped up in.  

How did he get here? How did he become part of Ivar’s tyranny? 

There was so much he didn’t understand anymore. His loyalty to his brother, the gods, the past…everything seemed to crumble around him. 

It all stemmed from his decision to jump from Ubbe’s ship all that time ago in England. Since that moment, he’d been floating along, unsure of his destiny, his fate. Unsure of where he stood with the gods. 

Among his many questions, one stood out: who was she? Who was the woman who so bravely spoke her mind to Ivar the Boneless’ brother, the very man who could kill her on the spot? And then again, she hadn’t known Hvitserk wouldn’t kill her either. 

Whoever she was, he wanted to prove her wrong. 

Prove it.

Two Hours Earlier:

People were returning to their homes by the time Eira arrived at her own, her teeth chattering violently as she closed and locked her door. She quickly grabbed the furs that lay in a heap on the floor where they’d fallen and threw them over her shaking body. It was then that her actions truly dawned on her. She sunk to the floor, dropping her head in her hands.

What had she done?

Eira sat slumped against the cold wooden wall of her home. The fire in her hearth was little more than a few glowing embers now, but she didn’t move to rekindle it. What was the point? They would come for her, and it wouldn’t matter if her home was warm or cold, if her body was wrapped in furs or stripped bare.

She sighed shakily as she accepted her fate. There would be no mercy for what she’d done. If there was one thing she had learned in her time under Ivar’s reign, it was that he did not forgive. Not defiance, not disobedience, and she had spat in the face of his rule.

The hours seemed to stretch by endlessly, and the longer the silence lasted, the more her nerves frayed. Her body remained tense, coiled like a spring, waiting for the inevitable pounding on her door, the rough hands tearing her away, the flash of a blade. 

But the knock never came.

With a deep breath, Eira rose from the floor, her legs stiff and unsteady beneath her. If they were going to take her, let them find her on her feet, not cowering in the dark. She crossed the room and stepped outside, letting the frosty night air bite her skin. Pulling her furs tighter around her, she stared up at the sky.

The moon still hung heavy and full above the fjord, its pale light washing over the still and frozen world. Eira tilted her head back and gazed at it. If her end came tonight, she would meet it beneath the stars. She thought of Liv and the townspeople she treated. They would find care from Kattegat’s other healers, she convinced herself. She whispered a quiet prayer to the gods. A prayer for strength, for peace, for an end to her endless torment of guilt.

The minutes dragged on, but the streets remained eerily quiet. Eira heard the faint revelry from the longhouse, the shouts and laughter of men who celebrated with full bellies and empty consciences. And still, no one came.

Eira lowered her gaze from the heavens and let it wander, eventually falling on the docks in the distance, the dock she’d confronted Hvitserk on. Confusion spread in her mind when she spotted a figure standing there.

It was him.

He stood motionless, his broad shoulders hunched slightly beneath his furs as if the weight of the world rested on them. His gaze was fixed on the blackened remains of the pyre, and his hands hung limply at his sides. Eira watched him from her hidden perch, unsure of why he was there. A hundred possibilities raced through her mind. Perhaps he had come to the docks to plan her execution or to send word to Ivar. Maybe he would turn on his heel at any moment and march toward her house, leading her to her doom. She swallowed hard, her fingers gripping the fur wrapped around her shoulders. 

But he didn’t move. He simply stood there, staring at the pyre as though it held the answers to questions he couldn’t speak aloud.

She wondered if he felt anything at all for the lives that had been lost, for the destruction his family had brought to Kattegat. If guilt weighed on him, he hid it well behind that blank expression. Eira didn’t understand how someone could stand there so still, so detached, amidst the suffering that had engulfed their home. Did he even see it, or had he grown numb to it all?

She inhaled deeply and turned away, retreating back into the shadows of her house. For now, she would let the gods decide what came next. If it was her death, so be it.

A/N: message or comment if you want to be added to the tag list! <3

[runawrites-blog]

Alone (Loki x Reader)

Summary: After Loki's death at the hands of Thanos, you do your best to fight on and be strong but in the end, it doesn't matter. Without him, you realise how truly alone you are and wonder if loving him has made you weak. Word Count: 2,205 Warnings: Canonical Character Death (Loki), Mild Violence, Swearing, Passive Suicidal Thoughts/ Accepting Death (Reader), No Y/N A/N: The beginning is from the fanfiction "Lies", so don't wonder why it's the same. In this, however, the reader doesn't have clairvoyance powers but rather some that are similar to Wanda's. Crossposted on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/22619269

---

“You will never be a god.“

Those were the last words you would ever hear of Loki, the man you loved more than anything and who had promised you to always be by your side.

The horrific crack that could be heard as his neck snapped in two made you fall to your knees. You tried your hardest not to break down as you watched your lover’s dead body fall limp onto the floor.

“No resurrections this time.”

You crawled over to Loki, not even caring whether Thanos was already gone or he would kill you, too. The only thing you had left was Loki. Thanos had destroyed your home, murdered everyone you held dear, and now he had taken the only person who you had left. Crying your heart out seemed like the reasonable thing to do as you let yourself fall halfway onto Loki’s chest.

Your body was wracked with sobs as you felt for a heartbeat at his wrist, his chest, or anywhere that you hadn’t checked before. Yet, you did detect no heartbeat. Loki was dead and you would never see him again.

Never again would you hear his voice. Never again would he tease you, trick you, or prank you. Never again would you feel his warmth or see his smile. Never again would he hold you. And funny enough the first thought that popped into your head was to talk to Loki about this and find comfort in him, but that could never happen again.

Another sob wracked your body as you came to terms with the fact that he was in fact dead. You didn’t know what to do or how to move on from this. In the background, you could hear Thor calling out to you but you didn’t listen.

When you didn’t listen, Thor tried to drag you away, his own eyes filled with tears. You didn’t listen; you just clung to Loki’s body harder. Thor eventually sat down next to you, apparently giving up on trying to move you, tears now running down his face.

You didn’t look at him, didn’t talk to him. All you did was cling to Loki and cry as you felt the warmth leaving his body.

Nothing mattered anymore. Loki was dead.

Slowly, Thor’s voice drang through your thoughts of despair. “We need to leave! Are you listening to me? Do you hear me?”

You turned to him, tears streaking your cheeks. “He took everything from me.”

“We need to get to Midgard. We need to stop him.”

“Why? He took everything from me. What do I have left to fight for?”

“Don’t say that.”

“But he did! He killed my family, destroyed my home planet and now he’s killed Loki, the only one who stuck around through all my despair, the only one that still loved me, the only one I had left!” You screeched, more tears falling from your cheeks.

“You have me.” Thor said in earnest. “I am just as devasted as you are but you are my friend and I will be there until the very end. We can still defeat him.”

“How?”

“We will find a way.”

---

Stopping Thanos proved to be harder than expected. When he eventually arrived in Wakanda, large armies in his tail and destruction in his path, you felt yourself freeze all over. There he stood, mighty and powerful, the gauntlet on his hand -- the hand that took Loki from you, the one that choked the life out of him.

Your fear was quickly replaced with anger as you saw him stand there all high and mighty, after all he had done not only to you but the universe. Images of the telegram that informed you of your planet’s destruction, of your family’s death filled your mind, images of the way he had taunted you over your lost home when he finally met you again, images of Loki’s dead body lying on the ground.

Tendrils of your powers sparked at the tips of your fingers, blue magic engulfing your hands. Thanos stood before you, intend on taking more from you, intend on taking more from the universe than he already had. White-hot rage filled you. You were more than ready to fight him, even if it meant your own demise. You wouldn’t let him get away with taking Loki from you, too.

Loki was gone now, too. You had nothing more to lose. You would have your revenge.

As Thanos’ army charged you were glad that your teammates were at your side. Just the sight of all of Wakanda, along with other heroes fighting side by side, leaving differences and fights aside, gave you a sense of community that strengthened you.

You and your teammates fought for hours, being injured and injuring the opponents. The fight seemed pointless in the end as more and more of Thanos’ men kept appearing. At one point you ended up pinned to a three by Proxima Midnight, her ridiculing words about your weakness of loving Loki paining you more than anything. But you managed to blast her away, a hue of blue slamming her away from you against a nearby tree.

You were glad to be rid of her and her ridicule but when you turned you came face to face with Thanos. Before you could even react, he had you by the neck, pressing you to a tree.

“Tell me where the Mind Stone is.” He demanded. “Where are your people hiding it?”

Of course, you denied, struggling in his grip, and to your horror, your powers proved useless to him with the stones he already possessed. “I will never tell you!”

“Then I shall dispose of you, as well.”

You swallowed against your fear. Never would you tell him where the stone was, never would you betray the universe like that. Even if he killed you, at least he would be none the wiser to the location of the stone. A little voice in your head was telling you that at least in death you could be with Loki again.

“You took everything from me.” You spat at him, grabbing his fingers that were wrapped around your throat but not squeezing hard enough to restrict oxygen. “I will never turn over the stone to you.”

“Everything?” He then began to laugh, tauntingly as if he could ever understand the pain you were in. “Does Loki hold such a dear place in your heart?”

“You destroyed my planet, murdered my people and my family. Then you took the only one I had left.” You hissed, your voice like venom. “But he was right; he was so right about you. You will never be a god. Your tyrannical ways will never work.”

“Why is that?” He squeezed a bit tighter. “Tell me if you are oh so wise.”

“As long as there is injustice there will always be resistance.” You said in earnest though you were in tears. “As long as there is tyranny there will always be revolution. You will never find peace, you will never find glory or power and you will never be a god.”

“You are pathetic.” He shook his head. “The universe is on the brink of chaos and you mourn one being?”

“You would never understand, no matter how hard you try.”

“And why is that?”

“Because you don’t know what it is to love. You have never in your life felt selfless love for someone, the kind of love that makes you strong and weak at the same time, the kind of love that makes you fight, the kind of love that makes you choose their happiness over yours.”

“How touching. Is that what you felt for Loki? You are weak because you allowed yourself to love someone this much. Your love will be your undoing!”

“Then so be it.” You closed your eyes, tears falling down your cheeks. “I may have lost love. But the greatest tragedy of all is never to feel the warmth of love.”

“Pathetic.”

You pressed your eyes shut but to your surprise, he dropped you and you fell to your knees. When you looked up he was gone. Tears were still rolling down your cheeks but as quickly as you could, you got to your feet and made your way to the rest of your team, your abilities lifting you in the air and carrying you. When you found Steve, you plopped down next to him.

“He knows the Mind Stone is here.” You stammered out. “He found me in the forest, and threatened me to tell him but I wouldn’t.”

“And he let you go?”

“Perhaps he knows its location by now. Maybe I was of no use.”

“Are you crying?”

“He kept taunting me.” You sobbed out. “I am so weak for having loved Loki so much that his death is my undoing.”

“No.” Steve said sternly. “You are terribly strong for fighting on even in the face of such horrible heartbreak. Loki would be proud of you.”

“You barely knew him.” You wiped your eyes.

“I knew him enough to know.”

Bucky cleared his throat. “Even though I agree with Steve, we need to concentrate now. Where is Thanos?”

You looked at Bucky, tears in your eyes. “He tried to get the location of Vision’s stone from me but- but I wouldn’t tell him. I think he knows anyway. He stopped talking to me and simply disappeared. Maybe someone told him.”

“Let’s not assume the worst.”

“It’s pretty obvious where the stone may be.” You looked at Steve.

---

Vision was destroyed, Wanda was crying next to his body, Thor didn't go for the head, the stone was in Thanos’ hands and the mad titan was gone. You looked around your teammates as everyone was clueless on what to do.

“I was alone with him.” You confessed. “I could have killed him but I was too weak. Ever since Loki’s death, I feel so-- so empty, and maybe I let my emotions get the best of me. I should have been stronger, like Wanda.”

“No one blames you.” The woman said softly. “We all failed. This is not on you. I’m sorry about Loki, I really am. You were so genuinely happy with him.”

You looked at her, nodding slowly. “I am also sorry about Vision, Wanda. I know how much he meant to you. If he were still with us he would be proud of you.”

“As would Loki be if he knew how hard you fought without him.”

“Still, we lost.” You tried your hardest not to break down crying again. All that kept you together was that your friends were still there.

“If anyone is to blame, it’s me.” Thor said softly.

“It was a mistake. You had no idea that a fucking axe to the chest wouldn’t kill him. Anyone else would have been dead.” You said and shook your head. “No one is to blame but Thanos. He is a tyrant and a murderer. He took so many innocent lives, not only on my home planet but also in the whole galaxy. I just pray that the others can defeat him.”

But as you waited, all of you knew that something wasn’t right. You heard nothing from either of the others that were still out there with Thanos. Something was not right and you knew it.

Your fears were proven right when suddenly you heard people start to exclaim nearby. When you turned they were turning to dust. You heard Wanda scream in fear next to you as you watched her slowly turn to dust. Unsure of what to do, you looked at Steve for help but he was busy trying to hold Sam and Bucky together as they as well turned to nothing but dust.

Then with horror, you realised that you felt strange and when you looked down you saw your hand slowly turning grey. You tried to move your finger but they immediately turned to dust. Tears welled up in your eyes as you looked around, trying to find some help or at least solace in your friends. But all of them had someone else they were trying to help. Not even Thor was looking at you; he just seemed shocked by how many people were turning to dust. Without Loki, you were truly alone.

Slowly, however, your fear turned to hope. As you fell to your knees, your arms turning to dust and your legs disappearing, you had hope. Images of your past with Loki flashed before your eyes, memories of his laugh, his smile, the sparkle in his eyes when he had talked to you, the way he had held you or how safe you had felt. And you dared to hope that he would see you again.

Maybe in your final moments, you could allow yourself to be weak enough to hope that you would see him again. And maybe, just maybe there was a chance.

With that perspective, you felt calm. You accepted your fate. You were at peace.

Because finally, you were again hopeful.

[queen-of-the-avengers]

Facade

Pairing: Thor x Female!Reader

Word Count: ~900

Warnings: fluff

Summary: You're the onsite doctor for the Avengers. You don't mind helping others but Thor is one of the ones you would be okay with not fixing up... sometimes.

Squares Filled: "i may not like you, but i'm not heartless" (2023) for @thorbingo

Author’s Note: any and all comments are appreciated <3

x

This is the fifth time Peter has been inside your lab asking you to fix him. He’s a good kid but if he keeps this up, he’s not going to want to be Spiderman anymore.

“Peter, you’re going to break your arm if you keep swinging around recklessly. I told you to stay out of construction zones.”

“Yeah, I know,” he chuckles.

You finish sewing the small cut he has on his arm. He has fast-healing powers but he still comes to you whenever he is injured.

“Okay, you’re all good to go. Do you want a lollipop?”

“Do you have one?” he asks seriously.

“No, get out of here,” you laugh. “No heavy lifting for a few days. You don’t want your stitches to break.”

“You got it, Doc. Thanks.”

He leaves your office and you start to clean up for the next patient. Currently, you’re the onsite doctor for the Avengers. Some of them have healing powers but you get to fix up people like Natasha, Bruce, Clint, Tony, and anyone else who is in need of medical attention. Before joining the team, you were a trauma surgeon and a nurse before that. You’re the one who is best qualified to be the doctor on the team.

When Loki attacked New York in 2012, your hospital was one of the ones that got hit. You tried your best to keep up with everyone and transfer them to somewhere else. Tony got injured after putting the nuke in the portal, and you were the one to fix him up. Ever since that, you’ve been exclusively with the team.

The job can be demanding but you love helping people. Your charming personality makes it easy to get along with everyone but there is one person who you can’t stand: Thor. He thinks he’s high and mighty and can do whatever he wants without consequence. You’re not going to fall for him and his big muscles and charming personality. You’ve dated someone like Thor before. Never again.

You put the medical supplies that you’ve used on Peter into the hazardous waste bucket and grab new tools you know you’re going to need. Half of the team is out on a mission and will likely be looking for you once they come back so you have to get your lab ready.

The team comes back with Thor weighing heavily on both Steve and Tony. He is badly injured on his stomach, and you clear your medical bed so he can lie on it.

“What happened to him?”

“Got caught in the crossfire. Can you fix him?”

“Is that a question you just asked me? Go away. I got this.”

Thor passed out from the pain so he’s out when you start to clean him up. You grab a new needle and some stitches to sew his skin back together. You hope he’s going to be out for the whole time but your prayers aren’t answered. Thor gasps awake and tries to move but you push him back down on the table.

“Don’t move when I have a needle near your skin.”

“What happened?”

“You got hurt. I don’t know. I wasn’t there.”

You slip the needle through both sides of his wound and tie the stitch together. You look up at his abs which are glistening with sweat. You can’t help but stare at how good he looks.

“I thought you hated me. Why are you fixing me?”

“I may not like you, but I’m not heartless. I’ll still do my best to fix you up like I would with anyone.”

You place your hand on his abs to get a better angle as you use your other hand to sew his skin together.

“Oh, I see what’s happening. You just wanted an excuse to touch me,” he smirks.

“Don’t flatter yourself. I need you to be still.”

You work as quickly as you can so he can get the hell out of your lab. When you’re done sewing, you take some gauze and place it over his wound to keep it clean. You use skin tape to keep the gauze in place.

“Okay, don’t move too much or your stitches will open.”

You go to move but he grabs your hand to stop you.

“I might need help to my room.”

“You can walk,” you roll your eyes. “You are the most dramatic man I’ve ever met, and I’ve met Loki.”

“No, no, no, I can’t walk. Please.”

“You’re a big baby,” you sigh. “Come on.”

You help him off the table and let him use your body as a support system. You escort him to his room and almost shove him onto his bed. Almost.

“Can I have some water?” he croaks.

“Sure.”

You get him a glass of water.

“Can you get me an extra blanket?”

“Fine.”

You toss another blanket on him.

“Can you tuck me in?”

“Okay, I am not your mom. Tuck yourself in.” You walk to his door but you don’t leave it. “You know, I could have let you fend for yourself. I didn’t have to help you.”

“You don’t have it in you,” he smirks.

“You have what you need. Don’t bother me.”

“Thank you, Doctor.”

You roll your eyes to act like you’re annoyed but you have a smile on your face. Okay, maybe you don’t hate him as much as you say you do.

x

Follow my library blog @aqueenslibrary​​​​​​ where I reblog all my stories, so you can put notifications on there without the extra stuff :)

[anti-the-glitch-bitch]

Without you, I feel broke/Like I'm half of a whole

Hello everyone! This is my first whumptober and I'm very excited. I'm publishing this ahead of time, so I have no clue how many prompts I'll actually do. So, if you see this fic last then I'm sorry. As this is for whumptober it will have things than might not be for everyone including: Major character death, vague descriptions of injuries, blood, trauma.

Please proceed with caution.

Pain everywhere. White hot pain coursing through his body. He can’t…

Loki looks up from his wounds, meeting Thor’s eyes across the battlefield. Thor gives out a mighty yell as he lifts Mjolnir to the sky. Bright lightning strikes their enemies in his ferocity, dropping them dead where they stand. Loki struggles to stay standing. To keep going when all he feels is pain. 

Blood is rushing from his wound like the fountain they have in the palace garden. Loki would normally try to staunch the flow with magic or even cloth, but the hole is too large and he is too weak. He fears the weapon that struck him must have hit something vital for him to be bleeding this much so quickly. Another wave of pain rushes over him and his knees give out. His eyes are still locked onto his brother when he feels another weapon pierce his shoulder.

Is this it? Is this how everything ends?

Time seems to slow for Loki as he watches his brother desperately make his way over. The god can no longer hear the sounds of battle around them and wonders if he’s gone deaf or if Thor’s fury has put a stop to it. It doesn’t matter either way as he tries to reach out to Thor. His arm extended as his body fell to the side against his will. 

He can see Thor screaming his name. Can see the sorrow on his face.

Loki blinks and when he opens his eyes, Thor is kneeling in front of him, frantic and crying as he picks Loki up. He cries out in agony at being moved, but he doesn’t have the strength to fight his brother.

Bright light encompasses them both, forcing Loki to shut his eyes. 

He seems to have missed something when his eyes open again because no longer is he surrounded by open sky and blood-soaked ground. Instead, he sees familiar pristine white walls with gold trim. 

He’s home.

Loki coughs and he can feel himself choking on blood. He can hear people barking orders around him but when he tries to look around, all he sees is  Thor.

Thor. His brother. The one person who has believed in him no matter what. The one who has loved him when all others turned away.

Loki doesn’t understand why Thor has had such faith in him when all he’s done is hurt the man. He regrets so much and now he’ll never have the chance to make it up to him. He’ll never be able to show how much he loves his brother. 

Because he’s dying…

Loki is dying and not even the healers can save him.

He can tell by the way Thor is looking at him. The anguish written across his face needs no words. He can tell by the lies coming from his brother's mouth when he says Loki will be okay. Loki wants, no, needs to tell Thor he’s sorry. It’ll never be enough, but he needs Thor to know that it isn’t his fault.

The healers have done something and now there is no white hot pain coursing through his body. He’s no longer drowning in his own blood. Loki can breathe if only to gasp out a few words at a time.

He can feel Thor desperately clinging to his hand and it gives him a little strength for what’s coming.

“Thor.” Loki chokes on the word.

Thor leans closer, tears freely flowing down his face. “Brother, you must preserve your strength. Mother and Father are on their way.” He tries to sound confident, but Loki can see through that lie as well.

Loki squeezes Thor’s hand weakly, “Sorry…Not…your fault.” It feels like years to get just that small sentence out.

“Shhh Loki. You can speak when you are well. All will be okay.” Thor’s attempts to soothe Loki only make him cry.

He can feel death’s cold touch slowly encompassing him and he knows time is running out. He must say what he needs to before he leaves. He needs to make sure Thor knows how much he loves his older brother.

Loki swallows as well as he can trying to get rid of the taste of his own blood. He’s been on death’s door many times and always found a way to escape her clutches. For the first time in his long life, he will not be able to escape her cold embrace. He will not be able to use magic or abilities to trick his way out. 

“You’re a good…brother.” It comes out in a whisper. No louder than a summer breeze.”I wish….I had…been the same.”

Thor is fighting back a sob as he smiles.”What are you talking about? You’re the best brother I could have asked for. Who else would I be able to trick a bilgesnipe into running into the palace with? I am lucky to have you as my kin.”

A commotion at the entrance of the healing ward stops Loki from blurting out those three words. He tries to turn but his body doesn’t respond to his wishes.

He can hear the familiar cries of his mother screaming his name. Surprisingly, he hears Odin cry out his name too and it sounds…regretful and filled with as much sorrow as Thor’s. 

Loki never expected to hear Odin sound like that towards him. It’s usually anger or disappointment. Never sorrow.

Thor moves off to the side, letting Loki’s hand go, to make way for the King and Queen of Asgard. Frigga immediately puts her hands on Loki’s wounds to try and heal them. He can feel the warmth of her magic trying to push back the cold of death, but not even she is capable of stealing what is rightfully Deaths’.

Loki listens to his mother scream at the healers to do something. A woman usually so calm, brought to this because of him. It causes a fresh wave of tears to come to his eyes. He needs for her to be his calm in this storm.

“Mother?” That one word puts him in a coughing fit. He doesn’t expect her to hear it but she leaves his wounds and rushes to where he can see her.

She looks as though she has aged by a decade. Her usually put-together appearance is harried and disheveled. “Oh, my dear boy. What have they done to you?” Frigga places a small kiss on Loki’s cheek and then rests her forehead against his.

She’s so warm compared to the cold he feels.

 He misses the nights when he would lounge in the library, listening to his mother tell tales of the other realms. Some more fantastical than reality would have it. He misses those long days of his youth when she taught him his magic. He even misses those nights when he would have nightmares and she would come in with a mug of warm milk, snuggling him until he fell asleep again. 

He’ll never get the chance to tell her that he never wanted the throne. That the attack on Midgard was never really his fault…

That she’ll always be his mother.

“I love-” He tries to get the last word out but his throat is closing up. Words are getting harder and harder to say.

His mother pets his hair and caresses his cheek softly. She chokes back a sob, “Shhh darling. I know. I’ve always known. I have loved you since the moment I saw that little blue babe and I will love you until the stars have shined for the last time. You have made me proud, my little mischief.” 

Unable to restrain her tears any longer she takes a step back and grabs hold of Thor who clings to her.

Odin steps up to Loki's side and grips his hand with a gentle strength Loki hasn't felt since he was a small child. He searches Odin's face for something. He isn't exactly sure what he expects from the elder, but it’s not compassion. Guilt sits squarely on Odin's face and that confuses Loki. 

He isn't sure what to say to the man who stole him and raised him all these years. He's still filled with anger at the King who swore that the Frost Giants were monsters and yet raised one of them as his own. He doesn't have to say anything because Odin speaks first. 

“Loki. Son. I…” Odin seems unsure what to say to Loki. “You have always been my son. I should have told you earlier who you really are, but I was afraid. I was afraid of what you would do. Of what the people would do. I wanted you to live with your head held high. Proud of who you are. I regret what has happened between us, that you felt the need to prove yourself in such a way. Even if you had decided to embrace your true heritage, I would have loved you. You may not be an Aesir, but you have the heart of one.”

That's all Loki ever wanted. His father's approval. For him to see Loki as he truly is, magic and all. Who would have thought that all it took was him dying? If he had any strength left, he would curse the Norns. 

He gathered as much strength as he could. “Father…” That single word came out as light as a wisp. More air than noise. 

Odin seems to hear the word and emotions flit across his face faster than Loki can read them. He leans closer, his ear almost touching Loki's mouth. 

With everything Loki has left, he speaks, “I tried… for you…Good enough... Love everyone.” 

It's all he has left to give. He's out of time. Out of tricks. Out of everything. 

Loki hopes it's enough. 

Odin leans back and it shocks Loki that tears are streaming down his face. A large warm hand rests against Loki's own icey skin and it feels nice. 

It reminds him of the days when Odin would take Loki and Thor hunting for days on end. Or the days when he would give Loki advice on different aspects of life. It reminded him of the days before he was overshadowed by Thor in every way. 

Odin's gruff voice caresses Loki's ears as the cold overtakes him and Death leads him away. 

“You have always been good enough my son. I'm sorry I've been too stubborn to show you otherwise.” Odin rubs his thumb across Loki's cheek, choking on his words. 

Thor and Frigga join on either side of Odin. Frigga, sobs as she runs her hand through Loki's raven hair while Thor grabs Loki's hand and squeezes. 

So much love on each of their faces that Loki can't believe how he could have ever thought otherwise. It hurts that he's only now realizing how much he means to each of them. That his death will hurt them more than he'd ever thought. 

There's also a weight that's been lifted off his shoulders. To know that he is good enough. That they each see him. 

The darkness encroaches on his sight and he fights to stay with them because he doesn't want to leave. Doesn't want to leave them behind. Except he can't. 

He can feel the love as his mother kisses his forehead one last time. Can feel the warmth from his father's hand as the cold takes what little he has left. Can feel the strength of his brother gripping his hand as all of his leaves his body. 

He can hear them cry out for him as he takes his last breath and his eyes close for the final time. 

~~~

The funeral attendance surpasses even Thor’s expectations. It seems as if all of Asgard stood on the docks to watch and mourn the passing of the prince. 

Loki, draped in his finest warrior outfit with his colors covering the ship in the finest silk, looks at peace. Far more at peace than he has been in the last 15 or so years. 

A chant starts slowly at first as the sun rises above them. Thor looks to his mother and father, who stand beside him clinging to each other for comfort, and chants with the crowd. When the chanting reaches the apex, his mother says a spell that shoves the ship into the water. 

It moves gracefully in the water as a breeze guides it to the edge of Asgard. Watching it get further away breaks his heart. This will not be the last he sees of his brother. He swears it. 

As the ship sails over the edge and into the stars, the spell put upon it activates and it burns fiery hot. The ashes float away to mix in with the stars of the universe. 

His brother deserves a warrior's funeral. 

His brother would also call him sentimental. 

“I shall see you again in Valhalla, brother.” 

[starythewriter]

KINKMAS 15 thor x you thor falls for a goddess.

TW:MINORS DNI

A/N: YALL BEFORE YOU READ, I AM HOLDING A VOTE ON 6 NEW CHARACTERS THAT I SHOULD WRITE FOR IF YOU WANNA VOTE, INBOX ME WITH THE CHARACTER OR PERSON YOU WANT ME TO WRITE FOR, IT CAN BE ANYONE, BRYCE PARKER, JACOB DAY, OR ROMAN REIGNS. ANYBODY!

you got up, feeling amazing, but somewhat nervous as you had a date with the god of thunder and storms. you had some nice pink classy heels. preparing for this date was nerve wrecking usually you didn't care or give much importance however, this was the god of thunder, he was handsome and so hot.

THOR's pov: I got ready to see the beautiful Y/N, I was excited but a little nervous the goddess was hot and known for seduction, tricks and leaving men in love with her for years.

your POV: you were anxious "I need to make a good impression" your friend alex came bursting in. "I already know how you are. everything will be ok…" you gave a nervous chuckle "how do you know?" "because, you've literally done this hundreds of times you do not need to worry what's so special about him anyways?"

"because alex… hes the god of thunder, and war. he's mighty hes not just a normal everyday person" you said as you put on some eyelinear. you stared at alex through the mirror. she smiled "really? you will be fine." if anything goes wrong I will be there" you were ready, you went to asgard, seeing thor.

"hey Y/N. how are you?" "im good how are you?" "im great here lets order some drinks" alex stayed back watching, she saw an amazing garden and went to check it out. you saw as thor snapped his fingers ordering a sex on the beach his buttoned up shirt tighted around his large biceps and his veiny wrists. you smiled ordering a martini. "you rule all of asgard?" "yes of course darling…" he gave you a bright smile that made your heart light up. he set his drink down explaining how much he loved his place. as he set his drink down you noticed his biceps, your eyes fluttered as he stared into your soul.

"I know you are well versed in glamour and seduction…" he said with curiosity. his eyes were searching deeply for a response. "yes I am, I dont rule much but Ive been known to seduce any man ive come into contact with. sometimes it depends, some men easily get sucked in, but some need some risk, like showing off my potions of posion."

"I see… I can see the intrigue… I wouldnt say thats totally fair tho as you are a ruler of all men in a way." he said finishing up his drink, giving you a glint within his eyes, you finished up your drink.

you both ordered a 2nd round. you were beyond attracted to thor… his blond hair, his perfect biceps the way that he dressed all of it. "tell me how has the progress with asgard been ever since its destruction" you saw a lump build in his throat. "pretty good…" he said stumbling on his words. "its been rough with architecture but the progress has been fast" he said a little shocked at the question. you saw alex, she had found some pumpkins and she kept looking at how beautiful things were. but they were also far apart, this place was far beyond what you imagined.

alex walked in, you didnt notice "hey, hey thor I am alex nice to meet you" alex said having a smile on her face being as welcoming as possible. "nice to meet you alex tell me a bit about yourself" "I am a archer, best one of my town along with a spice of witchyness."

"ha nice, heres a ticket to an archer event being hosted in asgard the both of you are invited" "oh thank you thor." "Y/N ill be over here with an old friend wave if you need me" "alright love ya" "love ya Y/N" thor asked "so.. are you gonna take me up on that offer" he said with a stern smirk, you noticed his jaw, it was perfect and beyond smooth" you licked your tongue thinking about how handsome he was. "I dont think so I would love to get a tour of your place."

"someones egar to see my palace huh?" he said with a grin "lets go" you said slapping his bicep, you got an eletric touch from skin to skin contact is felt amazing. you also noticied him shiver. you arrived to the palace it was big, just like him… you got your mind out of the gutter as he showed you all of the rooms. bathrooms everything was carefully placed.'their was no speck of dust. everything was protected, you noticed a large bubble around the palace. protecting it from any danger. to be fair this was your first date in awhile, not your first date ever but, the first one in a long time.

"wow this place is pretty thor.." "just like you my darling" he said with a grin. fuck you said to yourself you he was so hot, you noticed the way he was standing and how he would stare at you. he scratched his back nervously. he showed you his room, you found a gold necklace "whos is this?" "its a magic necklace… used for the seductress I have others one for poseidon, one for eros." "wow its so pretty" he got face to face. you saw his hot nose, his soft and sharp jawline, you squirmed, feeling a shock of bliss. you gave him a kiss. the first one in months. he shivered it was almost as the both of you had a shockwave of bliss sent through one anothers bodies.

"you are beyond beautiful." said thor. your stomach has butterflies as he kissed your stomach, you took his shirt off and then his pants "careful darling" "love you in the color blue looking so sexy…"

"you know your biceps are amazing" you both had smirks but you were flushed beyond your comprehension. you were entranced by him. but thor was so handsome. you rubbed your hand across his biceps, he groaned as almost if he had gotten a massage. "what about you… I wanna see that beauty underneath the blue" your cheeks flushed.

"just relax handsome" he had a strong gaze you kissed his abs. slowly taking off your dress. you took off his boxers. you kissed him "are you comfortable darling" "yes thor, I just need you to fuck me up" you wished you didnt say that but your doubt quickly went away and you gripped onto his arms, you switched your position you were no longer ontop of him you were now laying on the bed. he kissed you as he slowly entered.

the feeling was crazy like never before, somehow you knew you were at the right place and at the right time you had never felt this. tingling sensation in your cunt but also all over his body. he let out moans groans "fuck darling… you… send… tingling through my entire body." his words flew out with a arrow of bliss you hand was gonna slip off the bed but thor didn't let that happening keeping you in a comfy position.

"fuck" you moaned, "someone's needy" you moaned as he went faster. "dont hold back thor" he went faster. now your legs were a puddle of wetness while thor was turning into a fireball.

"I guess a god like you has good taste" "of course I do especially with a respectful person like you Y/N" as he said that he kissed your cunt slowly licking it as if you were ice cream. you moaned titling your head back. almost as if his tongue gave you an orgasm. he went back to fucking you deeply. you both did not stop moaning as every movement was like an orgasm.

"fuck darling… I see why your the rightful ruler of men" that alone sent you off you both moaned loudly as you reached your peak. a burst of energy was sent out not only from you but from him as a storm and rain set in stronger then any other you've seen.

"I love you" you both hugged eachother tightly. planning to set off together into asgard as it rained. still feeling a tingling senstation of bliss.

THE END!

[the-broken-truth]

Hello friend! How are you? Are you making Yandere letters?! How awesome!! I want to request a Yandere letter too but from our Mighty Bear AU, for now I would like a Kratos Yandere letter to Björn that he receives when he’s in Asgard with his adoptive family. Björn decides to read what’s in the letter but when he finishes he’s like “HAHAHAHAHA F*CK U!” and he burns the letter with an annoyed smile in his face.

Broken Truth (Reading a Nordic Scroll before looking up at the ask, then back at the scroll): Björn getting a letter from Kratos while he is in Asgard? How would it even get there? Revna could take it to him - considering Kratos doesn't know who Revna really is. (Waves tail) Let the words weave together!

Björn was seated on a sofa in front of a fireplace, feeling the warmth radiating from the pit that filled the room with light and comfort. His clawed hands were holding a tome, and his golden eyes scanned through the written words on the pages. Lord Heimdall had given him the task of learning everything he could about the Asgardians and their way of life. Having made a name for himself in Asgard, Heimdall wanted the Bear Cub to be well-versed in the Asgardian hierarchy. Surprisingly, Björn knew his place as someone below Heimdall, even though Thor had taken him as his kin after losing his own sons Magni and Modi and his brother Baldur. Heimdall wanted Björn to be all he could be in Asgard, and he knew that knowledge was power, which is why he gave him books to read.

Björn looked up from his book as his mother Sif and twin sister Revna entered the living room. Sif kissed Björn on the forehead before allowing him to continue studying. Revna, known as the Wise Raven of Asgard, sat next to him. Despite her vast knowledge, Björn respected her just as much as she respected him. She handed him a folded letter from her satchel without a word. Björn looked confused at first, but as soon as he began reading, he understood why Revna looked uninterested. The letter contained news that left him stunned.

Boy,

I hope this letter finds its way into your claws, I was certain to give it to the girl known as Revna since she seems to know where you are all the time. I would have given the letter to Atreus to hand to you but I understand from what he has shared with me during his time in Asgard, that you avoid him as if he is the personification of death itself; I shall assume that you have not forgiven him nor I for what we have done in that past but you must understand that your anger, your rage, towards your brother and I are completely misplaced. We were only trying to make you see the error of your ways by making bonds and blood ties with the Sons and Brother of Thor; why would you make them your 'brothers' when already had a blood brother in Atreus - the one whom you shared a womb within the belly of your one and only more - Faye.

When you were born moments after Atreus, you mirrored Faye to perfection even though you were her son; now that I think of it, that girl to whom I had delivered this letter to you also looks like Faye, almost a spitting image. It is quite chilling considering that she has no links to her or even you, correct? I digress, I am getting distracted from the reason I am contacting you: You are to come home at once the next time Atreus returns here. This game you are playing has gone on long enough and we are sick of it, Björn - you are one of us, not them. You have the blood of a Greek God and a Jotunn and, I am sure that you know, the Jotunn are enemies to the Asgardians; especially Thor, who hunted down all of them but only missed your mother since she was able to defeat him in battle. How can you really call yourself Faye's son when you are calling her mortal enemy 'Father'? Get this through your head, Boy; you are not an Asgardian and you never will be. The only reason you are there is because they believe the Blood Contact you did with their lost spawn means that a piece of them still exists within you but we both know that is mere fantasy.

Stop this game and return home. You are not meant to be a warrior and you shall never be what you desire. Accept what you are and allow us to defend you as Faye would have wanted.

Until Then, ~ Your Father, Kratos

Björn looked at the letter for a while before looking at Revna with an expression that matched her own; they held their eyes together for a good minute as if they were having a silent conversation before they started bursting out with laughter as if they were jackals.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I needed a good laugh." Björn said as he balled the letter up between his clawed hand and threw it into the flames, watching the burn away the Ghost of Sparta's Words, "Your delusion is that I would actually believe your words, Ghost. FUck you and your words." He said before picking up his tome once again and continued reading with the smile remaining on his face.

[guardian-rocket]

@byondtheveil

Rei knew Rocket had been in town. They had planned on meeting up tomorrow cause he was doing stuff with the avengers today... She didn't care which one it was, whoever abandoned Rocket was going to get a beating... even if it was Thor she'd just have to find a way to hit harder... or maybe she'd rebuild her flame thrower...

It didn't take long for Rei to pull up to the address Rocket sent her. Sure she had to borrow her neighbour's car since her truck was being worked on, but she didn't mind. Usually, she'd just walk but she wasn't sure how sloshed Rocket might be, "Hey there did someone order a tiny redhead ready to kick ass??"

Rocket had slugged his drink as he waited, mulling over his conversation that lead to the argument with Sam. He was always the first to admit he didn't care about the grand scheme of altruism, but Sam had pointed it out and somehow it hurt is pride, pride he didn't even know he had. He was frazzled on trying to figure out if he really DID or DIDN'T care. In trying to defend himself and the work he's done, the fact he had a hand in saving the universe a handful of times already and put his life on the line without a second thought.

What started as a toast to the mission they shared mutually turned into some weird interrogation. Either he had to admit he did care or admit he was a self centered prick who only cared about his own inner circle of friends.

Flashback:

"No, it's not your shooting skills I'm questioning. It's your motives. You fight, sure. But it seems like you're only in it if it benefits you or your little circle. You don't really care about the bigger picture, the masses out there who suffer while we're sitting here, sipping drinks."

"So, what? You're saying I'm no hero because I don't go around saving every flarkin' person in the galaxy? I look out for my team, Sam. They're my family. You gonna fault me for that?"

"It's not about faulting you for caring about your team Rocket. It's about what it means to be a hero. It's about doing the right thing, not just for your own, but for everyone. Even if it costs you. That's what being a hero is."

"I never said I was a hero."

"Then why are you upset?"

"Because you ain't got a right to say that. Listen to you, all high and mighty. You think I don't know about sacrifice? About loss? I've given more than you'll ever know, fought battles you wouldn't last a minute in. Just because I don't broadcast it, just because I'm not out there playing the hero for everyone to see, doesn't mean I don't care."

"Maybe you're right, Rocket. Maybe being a hero can mean different things. But at the end of the day, it's about making the universe a better place, not just for us, not just for our families, but for everyone. Can you honestly say you're doing that?"

There was a long pause, Rocket was fuming, "Oh, cut the sanctimonious crap, Sam. You think you're any better? Flying around, saving the day, but only when the cameras are rolling. You're a hero when it suits you, when it makes you look good. What about the dirty, gritty sacrifices no one wants to make, huh?" "No right? When you sit here, dismissing the value of lives because they're not part of your circle? That's where you're wrong. I thought there was more to you, Rocket. I thought underneath all that fur and attitude, there was an Avenger. Looks like I was wrong."

Rocket then growled, more animal-like than man, his hackles going up, and immediately he realized Sam looked uncomfortable, like seeing Rocket like that startled him, and Rocket noticed he didn't care. He was use to that sort of reaction but there was something in his eyes, in Sam's eyes that bothered him. It was like Sam didn't like him at all.

"That's it. I've had enough of this." Sam grumbled as he stood up, his chair scraping loudly against the wooden floor, echoing through the tension-filled bar. "I thought we could find some common ground, but I don't see what Cap sees in you."

"You're leaving? Just like that? After starting this whole mess? The frick is wrong with you?" Rocket's voice cracked a little, and if Sam felt bad at all, for anything there was no sign of it.

"Looks like it. You're resourceful, Rocket. I'm sure you'll figure something out."

Rocket ordered his drink shortly after, letting himself calm down before he called Rei for a ride, letting her know he was free early and giving her a short and very vague explanation of what happened without divulging the topic or what was said. As far as Rei knew he just got in a dumb argument with his ride.

/end flashback.

Rocket went outside as soon as he estimated she'd be close by and sure enough, Rei arrived to his rescue. Wasn't that ironic?

Even with him, angry, sad, and dealing with his own emotions, Rei still seemed to be able to fish a smile out of him.

"Ah... lucky for him he already left," Rocket teased as he let himself into the vehicle. Rei could probably smell the taste of liquor on Rocket, who was by no means totally drunk, but drinking a human sized glass of hard liquor did make him a little tipsy.