WELL HELLOOOO! I AM BACK! YES YES, NEW CHAPTER! THANK YOU GRINCH AND GUEST FOR YOUR REVIEWS. I KNOW I'VE SAID IT A LOT BUT IT'S TRUE. YOU GUYS REALLY KEEP ME GOING. ANYWAY, HERE IS THE LATEST UPDATE! I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT! I ENJOYED WRITING THIS ONE!

Hermes was falling. Not really something to panic about...if it weren't for the fact that it was ten thousand feet from the air! Wind roughly blew against his face as he rapidly lost altitude. His mid-length hair waved backward. As he continued to fall, he began to make out a white plane. Confused, Hermes squinted his eyes before realizing that it was snow. Just now, he realized that the air around him was freezing. His quick breaths became visible as smoke came out from his mouth.

I need to think fast, he thought. He had tried teleporting to the ground but for some reason, he couldn't use his powers. It's as if he had lost his domain as a god. The idea of trying to flap his arms to fly crossed his mind but he quickly disregarded it. Even I'm not that stupid, he mused. There seemed to be no way out of it except to tuck his legs and arms to his chest and hope that the snow cushioned his fall.

When he was around a hundred feet close to the ground, a hand grasped the back of his armor, pulling him close. Hermes felt strong arms wrap around him, securing him.

"A' got ya, lad."

Wait. He recognized the voice before craning his neck to see who it was. Thor? What the Hades was he doing here?. Hermes had no time to ask questions when they crashed into the snow, the cold and fluffy texture making contact with his skin. Thor grunted as they crashed and rolled, sending piles of snow everywhere. Hermes felt Thor's grip loosen on him before he separated from the god, landing on a pile of snow. He didn't get up immediately, allowing himself to take a few deep breaths. Hela had thrown him in that creepy portal thingy and suddenly he was falling. Was Thor thrown in too?

Groaning, Hermes sat up as he dusted the snow from his hair and shoulders. Scanning for the god in question, he stood and began to look around. This place did not look like Greece at all. They were in a field, covered in snow. Tall pine trees surrounded the borders, towering over them.

After some moments of searching, Hermes finally noticed a large figure covered in snow. His stomach dropped as he rushed over.

"Thor!" he exclaimed as he kneeled beside the god. Thor had taken the impact of the fall for the both of them. A small ounce of guilt settled on Hermes as he stared at the god. Suddenly, Thor's eyes snapped open before the god of thunder gasped. Hermes unconsciously flinched back a few paces as Thor sat up.

"What happened?" Thor asked as he rubbed his aching muscles.

"We were falling...and you took the brunt," Hermes answered. "Thanks."

Thor casually waved him off as he began to stand before scanning the area. "Fuck." he cursed.

"What is it?" Hermes asked, reaching to grab his sword that he picked up a while ago when he found it covered in snow.

"More like where," Thor grumbled, still leaving Hermes confused. "We're no longer in Greece, lad."

Hermes furrowed his brows as he glanced around. "You're probably right. I would teleport us out of here if I could."

"What do you mean?" Thor asked, confused.

Hermes sighed as he looked at his palms, glaring at them. "I can't...feel my powers anymore."

Thor raised a brow before picking up Mjolnir and lifting it to the sky. Hermes expected lightning to strike the weapon but nothing came. Thor tried again but received the same result.

"That witch!" Thor suddenly growled, surprising Hermes.

"Would you like to explain?" Hermes asked, leaning forward.

Thor grumbled before dropping his hammer carelessly on the ground causing it to crater into the snow. "It's likely that Hela had cast a spell on us."

"So our powers are gone?" Hermes asked, a bit scared.

Thor nodded solemnly. "Aye. Unless we find us a seer."

"A seer?" the young god asked.

"Aye. Someone who can lift the spell." Thor answered, beginning to walk towards the northern border of the plane.

Hermes reluctantly followed, a bit slower as his feet sunk into the snow while he walked. He wasn't really dressed for a place like this. His strapped sandals revealed some of his bare feet causing them to go numb. His armor was sleeveless, not to mention the still gaping hole that was left showing his bare chest. He began to shiver and his teeth started to clatter.

Thor stopped, taking notice of Hermes' condition. "Yah won't last a day like that," he said before stripping off his fur coat, revealing his tattooed arms, and handing it to Hermes. The young god gratefully accepted the gesture, smiling weakly as he did.

"Thank you."

Thor waved him off again. "Daene mention it. A' know where we are. Where in the northern part of the Nordic Countries. If we walk far enough, we'll be able to get yah some new clothes."

Hermes nodded as he wrapped the fur coat that was several sizes too big for him around his shoulders.

They trekked through the snow for what seemed like hours. The sun was beginning to set, leaving the sky to a shade of orange and yellow. They found a small clearing, a large tree over it that would provide good shelter.

"This should do for the night," Thor announced before crashing against the tree and sitting.

Hermes followed suit, sitting a good distance away from Thor. "We're going to need a fire if we don't want to freeze to death."

Thor nodded as he stood and started to gather sticks and dry grass.

"How do you plan to create a spark?" Hermes asked with a lifted eyebrow.

Thor didn't answer at first, piling the wood on one another until there was a small clump of them. He then gathered the dried grass before walking over to Hermes. "Your sword," he said, holding out his hand.

Hermes, still confused, obliged and pulled the blade from his waist. Thor took the weapon, the sword looking like a long dagger in his hands. He reached into one of the pockets in his trousers, pulling out a grey-looking, rock-like object. Placing the dried grass on a large stone, Thor struck his device on Hermes sword, and out came sparks. As the sparks settled into the dried grass, it began to smoke. Thor picked it up before blowing into it then placing it on the wood. Sooner than later, they had a decent-sized fire to keep them warm for the night.

"Smart." Hermes half-heartedly praised.

Thor grunted before sitting close to the flame and placing his hands over them. They sat in semi-awkward silence, but both of them were thankful for the flame.

"I'm sorry," Hermes muttered after a while, not being able to take the silence any longer.

Thor looked up from the fire and lifted an eyebrow at him.

Hermes sighed before standing and moving to sit next to him. "I'm sorry for being very hostile with you."

The thunder god looked shocked, least to say, as he stared at the young god beside him. After some silence, he spoke, "Why were yah in the first place? So hostile?"

Hermes shifted, grabbing a stick to poke into the fire. "It's just...you remind me of someone."

"And who might that be?"

"My brother."

Thor hummed in understanding. "Wouldn't that be a good thing?"

Hermes chuckled "Most of the time but no. He was a traitor, my brother. His name was Hercules. Had the same build as you too. Cocky as Hades. He shattered my wrist in battle when he betrayed us."

Thor stroked his beard, listening to Hermes before speaking. "A' have a brother that's just like yah. He was smaller than me by lots. Wasn't much of a fighter but more of a trickster."

Hermes nodded. "What was his name?"

Thor let out a deep laugh. "He's not dead. No. His name is Loki. We argued a lot but we put aside our differences when the war came."

"Where is he now, if he's not dead?"

Thor's shoulders slumped before he stared back at the flame. "A' don't know. As A' said, many of the Aesir have been scattered. After Hela...After Hela killed ma father, my other brother, Baldur, led the forces of Valhalla for one last stand. They were defeated and Hela entered Asgard."

Hermes nodded solemnly. He couldn't help but think of how lucky he was. They were able to defeat Kronos and save their lands. He couldn't say the same for Thor. "We'll get your home back."

Thor nodded, "By the way, when we get to the village, we do not mention that we are gods. Hela has ears everywhere. If word gets out that we are here with no powers, we're as good as dead."

"Won't they know what you look like?"

"No," Thor said

"Why?"

"A' don't look like this when mortals see me. Ma' hair becomes blonde and ma' tattoos don't show."

Hermes formed an "O" with his mouth in understanding.

"We'll have to fix yur hair." Thor also commented.

"What's wrong with my hair?" Hermes asked, lifting a hand to his brown locks.

Thor tossed a stick to the fire before speaking. "Well if yah don't want to be mistaken as a girl or a slave, we'll have to cut the sides and braid the top."

"My hair's not that long." Hermes protested.

"It's long enough." Thor finished before rising from his place and leaning against the tree. "Get some rest lad. It's a three-hour walk before we reach the village."

Hermes nodded but stayed by the fire, the soft snores from Thor echoing the night.

Ω

"Shit" was all Achilles muttered as he and the rest stared at the wreckage of Artemis' chariot.

Artemis sighed before strapping her bow on her back before walking in the opposite direction. The rest followed, reluctantly leaving the broken vehicle. Apollo had his arm placed gently on Rory's back, supporting her. The bump on her stomach was progressively growing bigger which wasn't really convenient.

Katlyn and Achilles walked behind them, whispering in conversation.

"What happens now?" Achilles asked.

Katlyn shrugged and sighed. "I don't know." The words felt foreign to her mouth. She wasn't used to not knowing things. It annoyed her.

Achilles noticed the dejected look on her face before placing a hand on her shoulder to stop her from walking. "Hermes isn't dead. I would know."

Katlyn nodded numbly before staring at the ground. "I know...I'm just worried. Normally I would sense his presence and I still do….It's just weaker. Like he's far away."

Achilles nodded, having felt the same feeling. Wherever Hela sent Hermes and Thor, it sure was far. He knew they weren't in Greece anymore. If they were, he would know. Hermes' life force was still alive but it was too far to see or reach.

After a few hours of walking, they finally stopped before getting a fire started. Artemis sat by a tree, her bow in her hands as she closed her eyes. The wind blew against her face, caressing her pale skin and blowing on her auburn hair.

Soon, they all settled in together around the fire, Rory resting in front of Apollo, using her boyfriend as a means to lean on.

"Does anyone else feel...Off." Artemis suddenly asked.

Achilles perked up, before nodding his head. "Like your powers are weaker or they're not there at all?"

"Exactly that," Artemis confirmed.

The war god unsheathed his dagger, twirling it through his fingers absentmindedly. "It's Hela's doing, that's for sure. I felt the same thing when I first encountered the Druagar."

"But how would she be able to do that? It's not like she had any time to cast any spells at us." Apollo piped up.

Suddenly, Katlyn's eyes widened. "I think I know. The green beam she shot at us. That's why your chariot crashed, Artemis. It must have taken away our godly abilities."

The other four sat in silence, taking in the information. "So we're mortal now?" Rory asked, almost afraid.

Achilles stood before walking closer to the fire to see better. "Well, only one way to find out," he said before bringing his dagger and sliding it across his palm. To his and the others' relief, Ichor seeped out from the cut before slowly dripping into the fire, the flame hissing as the godly substance touched it.

"So we're still immortal but we don't have powers," Katlyn said, interested.

Artemis narrowed her eyes in deep thought before drawing an arrow and firing it. The arrow found its mark on the center of a tree that stood at least fifty paces back. "Good to see I still have my archery skills."

"I think we're all missing the main point here guys." Apollo suddenly said.

Everyone's eyes turned to him, curious to what he had to say. The sun god sighed before speaking, "Olympus is gone. Hela took over it. For all, we know father and the rest could be de-"

"Don't finish that sentence." Achilles said warningly.

Apollo sighed. "We have to be realistic."

"They're alive, at least for now."

Artemis placed her bow on the ground beside her before leaning more comfortably against the tree. "If we don't do something soon, we'll be too late."

Katlyn shook her head. "We can't do it alone. Think about it. We're five powerless gods and one of us is pregnant. Hela has an army. A big one. Where exactly are we going to get one to match hers?"

Everyone fell silent, a dejected feeling sinking down in their chests. Katlyn was right. Achilles suddenly furrowed his brows. "There is somewhere we can go."

The rest perked up.

"I doubt Hela has taken over Atlantis and The Underworld," he stated.

Katlyn's eyes brightened. "We can gather their armies, march to Olympus, and take it back."

"You're forgetting one thing," Apollo said. "The sea is at least a week from here on foot. We can't teleport anywhere or ask for any help so we have to go on foot."

Rory slowly sat up, using her arms to push her upwards from Apollo's chest. "The closest Underworld entrance is three days from here. Just over the mountains."

"How far along are you?" Artemis asked.

Before Rory could answer, Apollo spoke. "Gods can give birth at any time. We're different from mortals. It would be risky for Rory to travel on foot even if it's three days away."

"I know. In case you forgot, I'm also the goddess of childbirth you dolt."

"Oh. Right"

"I think it's best if we split up? We'd be faster that way." Katlyn suggested.

Achilles nodded. "I'll go with Apollo and Rory to the Underworld and you and Artemis can go to Atlantis."

"You guys ok with that?" Katlyn asked, turning to the other three. Artemis and Apollo nodded but Rory was already fast asleep.

"Ok. It's settled. We part ways tomorrow and meet at the field on the north gate." Achilles said. "Now you should all get some rest. I'll take first watch."

The others nodded, none of them objecting as the fatigue filled their bodies. Apollo leaned on the tree next to Artemis, Rory in front of him, still leaning on his chest. Katlyn made her way next to the fire, curling up into a ball.

Achilles sighed before walking over to the side and drawing his long sword. He had no intention of sleeping that night. The thoughts of what Hela would do to his father and the rest of his family were beginning to get the better of him. He felt powerless. If his father couldn't defeat her, who could?

Ω

"You know, I'll be honest. I thought you Olympians were much better fighters." Hela said as she sat on Zeus' throne, picking her nails. The throne room, once a beautiful and majestic sight, was no longer. The floor was littered with blood, debris, and ash. The walls cracked and broken. Even the high pillars that stood tall seemed to be ready to give in any second. The mighty thrones, defiled with vandalism and disrespect. The once glorious Olympians who sat on said thrones now knelt before them in chains.

"Let me out of these chains and I'll show you a real fight," Zeus growled, trying to break free from the cold blue chains wrapped around his wrists and ankles.

Hela raised a brow, her lips forming a smirk. "I wouldn't bother. Those chains were made in Nidavellir by the best smiths. Not even Odin could break out of those."

Zeus growled, thunder booming above.

"Feisty one isn't he?" Hela mocked, earning laughs from the monsters around her. "Don't worry. I won't kill you...yet."

Athena, who sported a large gash between her arm and shoulder, snarled at the death goddess. "You'll never take over Greece. Our children are alive and when they come back with an army, you'll be begging for mercy."

Hela laughed loudly. "Oh, the children who ran away? Or the one who I threw into the portal? Which ones? I can't quite remember their names."

"Do you treat everything like a joke?" Hades asked, surprisingly looking like he didn't mind being in chains. Hela took notice of this. She stepped down from her throne, drew her sword, and slowly walked towards Hades.

"I don't scare you, fellow death god?" Hela asked, running the flat of her blade along Hades' cheek.

Hades chuckled, surprising many of Hela's allies. "I've seen worse." he taunted.

A flash of anger appeared in Hela's eyes but it was gone before anyone could notice. She turned around before suddenly turning back and swinging her sword stopping just as the blade pressed against Hades' neck. Half of her face morphed into a hideous one, rotten skin decorating it and empty sockets staring into the Underworld god's eyes.

Hades didn't even flinch. His expression remained unimpressed. "My mother's wrath is much worse than that." he finally said, causing Zeus to snort.

Hela wrinkled her nose, her poison green eyes flashing with anger. She slammed her sword at the floor in front of Hades, the blade digging straight into the marble as if it were merely dirt.

The death goddess walked off, back to Zeus' throne, and sat, her leg crossing over the other. "You have balls, I'll give you that."

Before another word could be said, the throne room doors barged open, and in walked Laufey, King of the Ice Giants.

"My lady, we caught this one, trying to sneak in," he announced before shoving a beaten-looking god to the floor.

"MAGNUS!" Hephaestus shouted, his eyes widened in alarm as he struggled against his chains. A draugur beside him shoved the butt of his spear into the Forge god's temple, shutting him up.

"Ah, what do we have here?" Hela asked, her calm demeanor back.

Magnus slowly got up, wounds littered across his body.

Hela approached him, eyeing him. She sized up the god. "What exactly were you trying to do? You're too big to be stealthy," she said, clearly as an insult.

Magnus glared at Hela, his orange eyes burning into hers. "You think you can just waltz up here and take our home from us?"

Hela spread her arms, gesturing to the whole room. "I already did."

Magnus snorted. "For now. But I know my friends. Achilles and the others will come back and when they do, they'll flush you out like the turds you are."

Hela narrowed her eyes at him before shaking her head slowly. "I have no use for you. Svartáljǫfurr!" she called.

An elf, the same size as Magnus, who sat on Achilles throne, stood. He wore gold armor and his horns were decorated. On his right hand rested a long spear with two blades, dried blood painted on it.

Hela turned back to Magnus before kicking his knees, forcing the large god to kneel. "Have you met my royal executioner? His name is a bit of a mouthful so let's just call him Svar. He's the king of the dark elves. Doesn't like to talk very much. But you know what he likes to do?" she asked rhetorically as she gestured to the large elf who stared at Magnus with nothing but hate.

"He likes to kill." She whispered but still loud enough for the Olympians to hear.

Hephaestus headbutted the draugur next to him but Laufey grabbed him by the arms and held his neck, forcing him to watch.

"NO! PLEASE! TAKE ME INSTEAD!" Hephaestus begged, his eyes pleading.

Hela stared at him, unimpressed. "Sorry ugly. Mercy isn't my thing."

"HELA, IF YOU GO THROUGH WITH THIS I SWEAR I WILL RIP YOU APART!" Zeus bellowed, looking threatening, even in chains.

Hela ignored him and gestured to the draugur near the door. Sooner than later, two elves brought in a large marble stone, large enough for them to grab Magnus by the shoulders and force him down on it, his chest resting on the stone.

Svartáljǫfurr made his way towards them, dragging his weapon on the floor, its blade scratching the marble.

"Oh, one more thing. Did you know that if you are killed by a foreign god's weapon, you will fade?" Hela asked, cruelty shining in her eyes. Hephaestus screamed and begged until he could only sob.

"Magnus."

His son turned to him, eyes shining with tears. "It's ok dad," he assured, smiling tightly.

"No," Hephaestus said weakly.

"HELA!" Zeus shouted but was ignored again. Lancelot, who had remained silent this whole time was now thrashing in his chains, screaming and cursing as he was held down by draugar.

Magnus smiled one last time at his father, his eyes containing something that was not fitting for the situation. Something that seemed impossible. His eyes contained hope.

And before any more interruptions, Svartáljǫfurr brought his blade down.