Thor walked to the throne room area. He saw the rubble on the ground. He looked up only to see the horror of the past his father tried to hide. Thor found his father's spear, Gungnir. He started slamming into the ground. The sound could be reached out to Hela who had found the hiding place of all the Asgardians. She stopped as she was tearing open the mountain. Hela turned back to the palace. Someone was in the throne room. She headed back there.
She came to find Thor. "Sister."
Hela glided across the floor over to him. "You're still alive."
"I love what you've done with the place," Thor teased. "Redecorating, I see."
"It seems our father's solution to every problem was to cover it up," she quipped.
"Or to cast it out," Thor jabbed.
The two continued talking before they started to charge one another. Heimdall was now leading the Asgardian people onto the rainbow bridge. He stopped; something was near. Something dangerous. He was right. Fenris, was at the far end of the bridge. It had been following them from the mountain. "Go back!" Heimdall ordered. They tried to run but Fenris charged. S142 and Bruce flew the vessel over to them and started to open fire on Fenris. The group of people stopped as they noticed Skurge was leading Hela's butchers. The Asgardian people were caught in the middle.
Thor and Hela keep fighting as well. She even ripped one eye out. Everyone was fighting for their lives. Nothing was being solved. Bruce could not help out anymore with this vessel.
"This stupid dog won't die!" S142 stopped shooting at it.
Bruce made his decision. He headed to the bay doors. "Everything's going to be okay," he called to her. "I got this. You want to know who I am?"
"What the hell are you talking about?" S142 did not understand.
"You'll see," Bruce leaped from the ship. He hoped to change to the Hulk. Instead he landed upon the rainbow bridge. Fenris came over to see if he had really died. Instead his body was pumping green that started to cover him. He busted into the Hulk to grab Fenris by the jaw. The two of them start to wrestle before falling off into the waters.
S142 was surprised. He and the Hulk had two different personalities. S142 decided to keep on fighting and landed the vessel through the front line of butchers, knocking down Skurge in the process. She emerged from the ship in the Valkyrie attire with her Dragonfang. She hurled herself into battle against them.
Loki's vessel came upon Asgard. It was on fire and wrecked. His people's hard work on restoring Asgard to its former glory, was worse than the Dark Elves wreckage.
Sigyn, Loki called out to her in his thoughts. I will be coming for you next, be ready.
His voice resonated into her mind. Tears started to trickle down her face. She was breastfeeding their newborn. She smiled at her children. "Your father is back." My husband, we have missed you.
As have I, Loki ached. He wanted to see her now. I must save Asgard.
She chuckled. Of course. A king must look out for its people. We will be waiting. She sent a lovely type of feeling to him. Loki felt he could concur anything.
The Asgardians were packed tightly against one another that a few poor souls fell into the water. Heimdall kept fighting but his energy is wearing thin. He gets knocked down and he could not recover fast enough to block a fatal blow. However, that butcher was blasted away.
"Hey man," Korg greeted. "I'm Korg. This is Miek." Miek waved at him. "We're going to jump on that spaceship and get out of here."
Heimdall did not understand but he looked to where loud noises were coming from. Out of the midst of the oncoming fog was a figure he never believed he would see. Loki, horned, his arms wide spread, entering as if he was a heavenly creature.
"Your savior is here!" He floated down to the bridge. The fog dissipated and saw that it was a gang plank that was connected from another vessel. The rebels came out from behind him.
Hela had her hand on Thor's throat. Thor knew his brother would not stay away. He smiled at the sight of him.
"That little shit," Hela knew she couldn't trust him.
"Did you miss me?" Loki asked out to the people. "Everybody, on that ship. Now!" He commanded. The Asgardian people were thankful he had come back. They started to enter on the ship where Korg was standing. Loki walked through the crowd of people towards the fight.
"Welcome home," Heimdall was happy that Loki was back to help. "I saw you coming."
"Of course you did," Loki scoffed. Heimdall can see everything. Heimdall knew that Loki could never stay away from his home, especially how hard he worked to bring it back to its glory. Heimdall still had some trust issues with Loki but after those few years of disguising himself as Odin, Loki had gained some respect from Heimdall. Loki was now fighting against Hela's butchers. The gladiators joined as well.
Hela was furious. "A valiant effort, but you never stood a chance." Thor can see the Asgardians fleeing safely away while his friends were fighting the butchers. There was still hope. "You see? I am not a queen, or a monster. I'm the Goddess of Death. What were you the God of again?" She dug two blades into Thor.
Thor was remembering the area where his father died. Odin's voice resonated into his mind. "Even when you had two eyes you were only seeing half the picture."
"She's too strong," Thor spoke back to him. "Without my hammer I cannot-"
"Are you Thor, the God of Hammers?" Odin's voice became a bit menacing. "That hammer helped you control your power, focus it. But it was never the source of your strength."
"It's too late," Thor felt guilty. "She's already taken Asgard."
"Asgard is not a place," Odin made him view the green scenery of Norway. "Never has been. This could be Asgard. It is wherever our people stand. And right now, those people need you." Odin started to leave.
"I'm not as strong as you," Thor pleaded.
"No," Odin spoke again. "You're stronger."
Thor was brought back to reality with the pain of the blades going in deeper into his chest.
"Tell me brother, what were you the God of again?" She wanted him to suffer every moment. She did not see the black clouds forming above them. Thor clenched his fist, electricity forming around his knuckles. The two were then engulfed by a lightning strike. This strike made everyone pause to watch it. It blasted Hela into the streets of Asgard. Thor had become a walking storm. He dove into battle fighting off the butchers with ease.
Hela recovered. She started to battle her way in from the city side. Hulk and Fenris was fighting to the edge of Asgard. Hulk pushed Fenris off into the abyss of space. He climbed back up the rocky area. Heimdall rested as he helped the Asgardians onto the vessel. Loki was fighting with all his daggers. Skurge knew it was a lost battle. He stopped fighting to blend in with the crowd to get aboard of the vessel.
It was close to the end. There were less and less people that needed to get on the vessel. The same with the butchers they were fighting. Loki was knocked down to the ground. Thor helped him up.
"You're late," Thor quipped. He knew his brother would come either way. He would never abandon Asgard.
Loki looked him over. "You're missing an eye." Trying to look like Father now, are we?
S142 just finished off fighting a small horde. She spotted something dark and sinister. She whistled to get the rest of their attention. The group looked over to her. "This isn't over." The two followed her line of vision. She regrouped with them. Hela started to make her ways towards them.
"I think we should disband the Revengers," Thor thought out loud.
"Hit her with a lightning blast," Loki suggested.
"I just hit her with the biggest lightning blast in the history of lightning," Thor quarreled. "It did nothing."
"We need to hold her off until everyone's on board," S142 got to the point.
Thor glanced to the people still striving to get on the vessel. "It won't end there. The longer Hela's on Asgard the more powerful she grows. She'll hunt us down. We need to stop her here and now."
"What's our move?" S142 wanted to know their next move.
"I'm not doing 'Get Help,'" Loki teased. S142 looked between them. She didn't want to know.
Thor watched Hela continue approaching them. The golden palace still shinning behind her. The realization of the premonitions came back to him. There was no way of getting out of fate. "Asgard's not a place, it's a people," he began to explain. "This was never about stopping Ragnarök, it was about causing Ragnarök." He turned to Loki. "Go to the vault. Surtur's crown. It's the only way."
Loki was impressed his brother actually was thinking of causing the end of Asgard. "Bold move, brother. Even for me." However, Loki was a bit glad to do it. He left the two of them to battle Hela. He headed for the Commodore. Loki felt a bit giddy. His smirk started to form across his face. The vessel came to life as he switched on toggles and pushed buttons. "This is madness." He accelerated the vessel towards the palace.
They were right, he thought to himself. I will be the one who will cause the end of Asgard. Loki had visited the Norns to see what his fate held. He had mixed emotions at being the catalyst. He enjoyed the thought. It gave him anxiety, especially when he ruled as Odin. That became a fear. He had some nightmares of Asgard in flames. Those nightmares were few compared to ones of Thanos and his goons.
Loki landed the vessel onto the garden. He headed down the shortest path to the vaults. He chuckled to himself as he remembered many times, he had come down these stairs leading into the vault, as a young boy hoping for the throne, a young man pulling pranks on his brother, a king keeping his treasures in check, and now as the one who will start the end of Asgard. He thought it was almost fitting this way.
He rushed passed the treasures that were moved. He did not mind, but the faint blue glow of the Tesseract tempted him. He headed to Surtur's skull. The coldness from the Casket of Winters called to him. He chuckled as he snagged both of them. He grabbed Surtur's skull as he headed towards the Eternal flame.
"Asgard, in all of its glory," Loki started to speak. His voice reverberated in the vault. "I have coveted you for so long, I helped you restore your former glory and now it should only be right that I show you mercy." He placed Surtur in the Eternal Flame. "With the Eternal Flame, you are reborn."
The flames engulfed the head. It started to spark and spread. Loki stepped back. He knew he should leave but the head started to speak to him.
"Ah, the Eternal Flame," Surtur's voice felt relief. "The destruction of Asgard will commence. Who is the one shall I thank for releasing me?"
"Me," he smirked as Surtur started to form his body. "You should thank me."
"And you are?" Surtur glanced over to him.
"Loki," his royal garb appeared around him. "God of Mischief."
"Loki," Surtur repeated. Loki's royal garb disappeared. "I shall give you protection from the flame as I destroy all of Asgard."
"You have my thanks," Loki gave a slight bow before leaving.
Thor had given Hela Asgard. She didn't fall for his tricks. The palace started to heat up before exploding with Surtur emerging from below. His body kept growing as he carried a flaming sword. Hela focused her fight against him now as Surtur's destruction was creating cracks and crevices throughout the land.
Sigyn, Loki called to her. He was worried about her. Sigyn! He wanted to know how she was holding up with their children. He ran back into the vessel and accelerated away from the palace.
Sigyn had felt the rush of heat as Surtur met the Eternal Flame. She placed her two boys in cribs close to the water. Sigyn waded into the water. She felt the mist upon her as her body engulfed in flames. She could hear the calls from her loved ones. Sigyn stood under the waterfall to put out the fire upon her body.
I am alright, Sigyn sent her thoughts back to those that called for her. Ragnarök has started. Surtur's presence has called forth the fire in me. I will be fine.
The vessel that contained the Asgardians started to ascend. Hela was too focused on Surtur to notice that Hela had pierced her Dragonfang through Hela's chest. It pinned her onto the bridge. Hela turned to deliver a fatal blow against her when Thor came to get S142 from Hela's clutches. He shot lightning into the sword. It dislodged the section of bridge Hela was pinned at, making her fall into the water. The two see Surtur towering over the city.
"Tremble before me Asgard," Surtur raised his sword. "For I am your reckoning." He swung his sword, destroying a large area with one blow.
"The people are safe," S142 comforted. "That's all that matters."
"We're fulfilling the prophecy," Thor was melancholic. It was still his home. It still held everything he knew and loved.
"I hate this prophecy," S142 refuted.
"So, do I," Thor agreed. "But we have no choice. Surtur destroys Asgard, he destroys Hela, so that our people can live."
Hulk came up to them. He glanced around to see no more fighting but saw Surtur destroying everything. He jumped over S142 and Thor to go against this newest foe.
"We need to let him finish," Thor caught site of Hulk. "No!" Hulk leaped up to lay punches on Surtur. "Hulk no! Stop it you moron!" Hulk started to annoy Surtur. He hurled him away, letting Hulk crash on the bridge. "Hulk, just for once in your life, don't smash!"
"But, big monster," Hulk glanced back at it. He wanted to keep fighting.
"Hulk! Let's go," S142 called to him.
Hulk glanced one more time before choosing Thor and Angry girl. "Friends." He picked them both up before jumping up to the vessel carrying all of the Asgardian survivors.
Loki maneuvered the Commodore to make a small jump to Alfheim, home of the light elves. It was the closest portal to get him to his home. He headed through a small patch of trees to get to the hidden portal that led to his home.
He hurried through the paths to get to the small meadow. He heard the horses whining and stomping their hooves. He was close. The coos of his children tugged at his heart. He saw the cribs first. Loki's stride hastened. Vali turned his head to view his father. Vali smiled at him. Tears brimmed his eyes. He picked up his firstborn. Vali hugged his father. Loki planted kisses on him.
"My son," his voice cracked. "Vali, you've grown." Loki kept a hold on him as his son played with his hair. He headed to the other crib, where his newest child was sound asleep. Loki smiled at the child. "Who is this?" He asked Vali. "Huh? Big brother, who is your newest sibling?" He peered around to see Sigyn trying to calm herself under the waterfall. Flames of all colors were fighting against the water pouring down her. "Your mother seems to be fighting against herself."
Sigyn felt Loki's presence but she did not want to look at him in fear of losing control. She could feel Surtur gaining more power. His voice echoed in her mind. "I am Asgard's doom!" Surtur thrust the sword through Hela and the heart of Asgard.
Sigyn gasped for air. She opened her eyes as Asgard was blown into pieces. The flames became controllable for her. Sigyn waded out of the water to be close to him. She dried herself with the flames. Loki helped her out of the water. He pressed his lips upon hers. It was a good while before he broke away. He didn't want stop.
"Welcome home," Sigyn gave him a heart-warming smile.
Tears wanted to trickle down. He was home. It was the nicest feeling he had ever felt. He had his son in his arms and his wife caring for their newborn. Loki watched her check on their newest child. She picked up the child. "You haven't asked." She gave Loki the baby as Vali grabbed onto his mother. Loki held his newest child with much care as if the child would break with one touch. Sigyn chuckled. "Vali and I have been waiting, we wanted to you to meet your child before giving a name. You have another son."
"A-another son," Loki chocked up. "Two healthy young boys." He peered down at the tiny being sleeping soundly.
Sigyn made herself swallow as her throat started to become dry. It was an overdue reunion. "Have you thought of a name?"
Loki smiled. "Nari." He kissed the tiny hand that curled around his finger. "My son, Nari." He glanced over to Vali. "You two must take care of one another. You must both protect and defend one another. Don't be like me and your uncle. We are at each other's throats." Sigyn rolled her eyes. "Do you know where I was? I could not be here for you and your mother, but I am here now." The two started to head towards the house. "I was on the outer most parts of the largest realm that encompasses all and I had to talk my way out."
He motioned to Sigyn to head to the bedroom. The two headed in. Loki placed Nari in the golden crib. Vali yawned. Loki grabbed him from Sigyn. He kissed his cheek before tucking him into his crib. It was a beautiful scene. He turned to his wife. Sigyn closed the space between the two. Her lips met his once more. Loki snaked his arms around her, bringing their bodies closer. His hands caressed her back trailing down to lift her up against the wall. His hands were nimble that Sigyn pushed him away.
"You," Sigyn narrowed her eyes at him.
He played innocent. "Hm?" He nuzzled himself into her neck, planting kisses.
"You did not do what I believe you have done?" Sigyn faltered at his touch.
His chuckles tickled. "I am not the mind reader."
"That may not work," Sigyn closed her eyes and bit her lip.
"We won't know unless we try," he gazed at her as she opened her eyes. He planted his lips upon hers before continuing to love his wife. He had placed a couple of healing stones upon her lower body. He knew that she must have some hardships birthing on her own. He also could not resist being with her. He wanted to have more children with her. Loki knew Sigyn wanted that as well. He remembered their conversations of how many children she wanted.
At times, Loki hungered for her but there was times Sigyn could sense the loneliness and the joy breaking through every now and then. His kisses felt as if he could never get enough but the two felt the wetness and saltiness of tears. They didn't want to leave each other. When they were finished Loki had Sigyn in his arms, he did not let her leave his grasp. He kissed her bare shoulders. His legs wrapped around her. He never wanted to let her go. I love you, Sigyn. He kissed her lips. You have blessed me with two beautiful boys, a warm and welcoming home. He cuddled into her. His arms kept her snug against him.
You are the one who made this happen, Sigyn kissed the top of his head while playing with his hair. If it was not for you building all of this, we would not be here. If it was not for your seed-
Loki brought his lips upon hers again. I want to sire more. He bit her lower lip. His body moved upon hers once more. Sigyn did not let him go either. After a while, Loki was wide awake as Sigyn lay soundly next to him. His eyes skimmed over the love bits he left all over her. He wanted to make sure others knew that was his and she was well loved. He scoffed because she probably would not leave this place. He headed off the bed to caress his sons. He kissed the tops of their heads. He left toys and trinkets for them. Loki got dressed before coming back to his wife. He caressed her face before planting a long goodbye kiss to her. He needed to get back before Thor believed he was missing for sure. Loki left a few more items as he took the place in. His heart ached as he left his home to go back.
The vessel did not get too far. It took Loki a few minutes after the space jump. He snuck back on the vessel. The people were hugging one another. Some were sleeping while others were passing out food. Loki headed to where Thor would mostly be at. On his way back, he knew Sigyn delved into his mind like he asked. He wanted her to see everything. It was easier at that time instead of explaining it.
Thor was staring at his own reflection. He had been taken care of by one of the healers. He cleaned himself up as well as his armor. His eye was covered by a black, metal patch. He looked presentable but he was still ragged and tired. It was a long uphill battle and it didn't feel as if he won.
"It suits you," Loki called to him as he was reflected against the mirror.
Thor turned around to see Loki was standing by the door with a smile on his face. "Perhaps you're not so bad after all, brother."
"Maybe not," Loki agreed.
"Thank you, Loki," Thor was sincere. He picked up a soap dish. "And if you were here, I might even give you a hug." He threw the dish at Loki, however he caught it.
"Do we have to hug now?" Loki teased. Thor grabbed into a hug. "Oof!" Thor squeezed the breath out of him. "I didn't think we would actually hug."
Thor let go of him. He patted him on the shoulder. "Why would you stay?" He could smell the lingering scent of floral and fire. Thor was curious.
"I would not leave the people of Asgard," Loki flipped the small dish in the air and caught it. "I am their King." Thor gave him a knowing look. "Oh, now my dear brother wants the crown." Loki mocked. "Thought you disliked sloppy seconds."
"Come now, stop with your mocking," Thor let out a sigh. The two headed out of the room. "You really are staying? Not running off to create mischief elsewhere." He glanced at Loki. There could be million other places his brother could be at, why would he be here?
Loki glanced back at him. "I thought we had a moment, and now you want me to leave."
Thor shook his head as he chuckled. "It's just like old times, brother."
Loki was about to say something but closed his mouth. If it was the old times, he wouldn't have Sigyn or two healthy boys. "Yeah, just like old times." Loki chuckled.
S142 noticed the two. She came over by them. She was going to ignore him but he was different than usual. S142 told them to call her Val instead of THE Valkyior and not Scrapper 142. It felt good for her to hear that nickname again. "Everything is ready. You're still here."
Loki glanced at her as well. "Of course. I was their king."
"Hmph," Val ignored him. She headed off with a quick turn.
Loki nodded to Thor before leaving as well. Thor watched the two as they left. He was happy Loki was here beside him but he felt that Loki should be somewhere else. Thor pushed past that thought and headed to the Captain's chair that was in front of the Asgardian people. They parted to let him through. The people smiled, bowed, and were grateful for Thor. Next to the chair, was the Hulk, Val, Loki and Heimdall. They waited for him to ascend.
"Your throne," Val offered.
Thor paused before accepting his fate. He sat down. It was a heavy burden. He remembered how he was about to accept the throne when all was well, but he knew the full weight of the throne now. He could no longer run from it.
"So, King of Asgard," Heimdall spoke to him. Thor stared at the people who will now see him as king. Thor stared at the lives that he had to keep safe. "Where to?"
"I'm not sure," Thor hesitated. "Any suggestions? Miek, what's your home planet?"
Korg was holding Miek in his arms. "Oh, Miek's dead." He explained. "I accidentally stepped on him on the bridge. I've felt so guilty I've been carrying him around all day." Miek, however was not dead, and was coming back to life as Korg spoke. This made Korg happy and relieved as well that he did not kill his buddy. "Miek, you're alive! He's alive everyone! What was your question?"
Thor decided not to ask again. There was only one choice left. "Earth it is."
Loki was about to say something at the moment but thought best to ask later. All places, Midgard was what he chose. He could have chosen the other seven realms now that Asgard was gone. However, Thor had friends on Midgard. Those friends could help protect them. Odin even liked Midgard. Mostly the area that still worshipped them. It was a nice location, away from most of the crisis that befell Midgard. It would be a nice place to raise a family.
Thor could no longer sit on the throne anymore. He stood next to Loki who was peering out of the large window.
"Do you really think it's a good idea to go back to Earth?" Loki spoke only to him.
"Sure!" Thor beamed. "They love me there."
"Let me rephrase: do you really think it's a good idea to bring me back to Earth?" Loki glanced at him. I will not have Sigyn there to help shield the hatred that I had caused on Earth.
Thor smiled at him and patted Loki's shoulder for comfort. He knew that the resentment was still lingering. "Probably not, but don't worry brother. I've got a feeling that everything's going to work out." Thor was going to tell him he could join him with the Avengers and help out or to just keep to himself in some area and to not cause trouble. Thor really wanted to tell him to find Sigyn, but he could not make himself get to that topic.
However, the happiness and relief the vessel had was stopped in fear of the shadow of the giant vessel looming above them. A war ship of grandeur size had just come out of a hyper jump to approach them.
Loki's heart caught inside his throat. He knew he would cross paths with his past but he hoped it would not be this early.