AN: I'm not sure why but I don't like the way this chapter came out. I couldn't figure it out so let me know what you think. -Galaleo

Unknown, Unknown

Harry groaned as he grabbed his head sitting up. "Hello again Harry Potter." Harry's movement stopped as he heard the voice. Slowly his eyes opened and he saw he was sitting in a familiar white train station. Sitting on the bench in front of him was a thing, sometimes a man, sometimes a woman, sometimes not human enough to recognize, but Harry always knew who this was.

"Death, is it finally my time?" Harry asked as he stood. His tone was joking, but the slight tilt at the edge of his mouth betrayed his true thoughts. He started to brush himself off when he noticed he was wearing a white toga. Shaking his head he looked up to see 'Death' smiling.

"You always ask that. You aren't as eager this time it seems." Death said as it too stood and started moving. Harry turned and kept pace with it. "No it seems that you have come into contact with something primordial, powerful, infinite…" the being drifted off, "Either way the reason you are here is because I would like to give you a mission." Harry kept pace waiting but when it didn't seem like it would continue Harry finally spoke up.

"That mission would be?" Harry asked as he looked around the station. It spread in both directions far outside his viewing range. No trains or people, just tracks, benches, and nothingness.

"Hmm," the being paused its movements and sat down on nothing causing a black stool to appear. "You know of me, but what do you know about me?"

"Not much really. There are the myths and stories of course, but not much beyond hearsay. Why?" Harry asked as he sat down on a conjured chair.

"Death is the end and Death is the beginning. I told you when we first met that those trinkets allow you certain powers using my domain, they let you master your own death, and they allow you to walk the realms I walk. What I didn't tell you is that they are items manifested by the universe you were born into. See the current reality you exist in was formed as a multiverse. An infinite number of universes spawned within this one multiverse and each of those universes create a set of items that define that universe. Your universe was defined by three aspects; the body," it said pulling a facsimile of the Elder Wand, "the mind," it twisted its fingers creating a copy of the resurrection stone, "and the soul." It finished as the cloak of true invisibility appeared in its hands. "You see when your universe was created, it was created by the death of the previous universe. That universe was unique in that it was the original, the true beginning of its story. When it was destroyed it realized three artifacts that encompassed the true power of that universe. In no version of that multiverse will there ever by a power outside the scope of those artifacts"

"What power is that?" Harry asked, leaning forward.

"I thought you would figure that out on your own Harry. It's magic. The magic of your old world is very unique throughout time and space, because of its ability to do anything." Death said with a look at Harry.

"But I have magic here?" Harry said with some confusion as he stared at the ground. Death said nothing as Harry let his mind wander, before suddenly looking back up at Death, "The energies contained within." Harry said with a hard look.

Death had a large smile on its ever changing face, "Quantum energy, life energy, and chaos energy. Exactly! Your magic users, with enough study and power, could change the very laws of the universe. The man closest to figuring this out stopped when he made a stone that created gold from nothing."

"The philosopher's stone." Harry said as he began linking the ideas back and forth, "It was proof. Proof that magic could do anything, even permanently change the nature of an object." Harry stood and started pacing, "With enough power we could have expanded the earth to any size we wanted, traveled across the stars, and even…" Harry stopped as he looked at Death.

"That's right, even bring back the dead. Now I won't advocate telling anyone this as I'm not really interested in fighting for each soul that comes within my domain, but it is possible. Maybe not absolute, but possible." Death said as it smiled and left Harry to think.

"There are probably limitations?" Harry asked.

"Of course. The amount of power required to summon a soul recently departed and the amount for a soul long dead are so far apart that the percentages in written form would boggle the average mind." Death said easily, "Your world was singularly unique in the abilities granted to you. Those energies are the essence of most multiverses created. You see, quantum energy is a by-product of the main energies that allow a universe to exist; Life, Death, and Chaos. Life and Death are proof that the universe exists. Chaos is the growth factor, from chaos order is created, life is the essence of each star and planet, and death, well death is the entropy, the movement of space, and the essence of time. For without death, life is stagnant."

Harry bent over his knees and held his head. "Why are you telling me this?" Harry pleaded as his head hurt from thinking about such vague concepts in such grand scales.

"Oh right. Sorry, I got a little side tracked. You recently picked up a nice artifact that is very similar to the ones you already own. See the universe you now occupy had its power split into 6 parts. Each part represents an aspect of that universe. They are called the Infinity Stones; Space, Time, Soul, Mind, Power, and the one you recently picked up, Reality." Death said as it created six glowing stones floating around his hand before allowing the red one to flow upward like liquid.

"So you want me to collect them?" Harry asked, thinking back to how this conversation started.

"Not necessarily. You see there is this fool," Death said with some heat, "going around wiping out civilizations in my name. He'll give some nonsense about balance, he's lying. He's trying to woo a lesser version of death who takes on a female form." Waving its hand to banish the thought, "Anyways. He plans to use these stones to facilitate the power he needs to wipe out half of all life with a snap of his fingers." Death finished with a snap of its own.

Harry didn't say anything for a moment before asking, "A lesser version of Death?"

"Ah, right well you see there are lesser deities, conceptual beings, or cosmic entities that all involve death or powers of the afterlife. They work for me. I am DEATH the end and beginning of everything. I was there when light was created in the first universe, I am there when the last light goes out. I will be there when the cycle restarts and when it ends. These lesser versions of me are basically helpers to deal with the aspects of death that mortals interact with." Death explained.

"So basically they are the managers and you're the owner?" Harry asked, trying to make sense of how the universe functioned.

"Ha that's pretty accurate actually." Death said with a laugh. The noise was as beautiful as it was horror filled. "Back to the topic at hand. I need you to stop this fool 'Thanos' and either scatter, hide, or master the Infinity stones."

"Why not destroy them?" Harry asked. His head was starting to really hurt from the amount and level of information banging around in his mind. "Also why me?"

"Let's start with your second question. You, Harry James Potter, are an anomaly. You see, I've watched many versions of you throughout existence. In every world where riddles are lost you would pass on the cloak before you died, meaning you would never be the true master of death. All of them except you. You are singular because of one very important facet of your life, you didn't have a soul shard when you died. See most versions of yourself that reached that same point still had the soul shard when you battled riddle at Hogwarts. You did not, he stole it back when he possessed you in the department of mysteries." Death said as he gave Harry an expectant look.

"So if I wasn't a horcrux, that would mean he had enough soul to create another one. That means when I died, I really died but because I was the 'Master of Death' I was able to come back." Harry finished in a whisper as he clenched his fists.

"Precisely. You are the only Harry Potter I've ever met to truly master death." Harry didn't say anything and neither did Death. "Now on to your first question. You can't destroy the Infinity stones. Sure the housing can be destroyed, but they will just reappear elsewhere in the universe. Now let's get you settled up so I can send you back."

"Settled up?" Harry asked with a frown.

"Oh don't worry, you're doing me a favor." Death explained as it stood up. "First things first, the reality stone will be instrumental in your current quest. When the time is right you'll know. Secondly, the stone, or Aether, will be very useful to you. It won't give you a huge power boost, but now you will truly have no limits to what you could do. Unfortunately due to the nature of the stones and your own origin, you can't use the full power of the stones." Moving forward a train ghosted out of nowhere and Death stepped up on the carriage, "It's good to see you Harry. Thanks for the help and remember, death is just the next great adventure." Death laughed as the train pulled away leaving Harry staring until suddenly he was jerked awake staring at the worried looks from Frigga, Thor, and Jane.

"Finally you are awake my friend. I worried when we couldn't rouse you." Thor said as he pulled Harry up to his feet. Harry staggered a bit but stood firm seconds later.

"How long was I out?" Harry asked as he looked around the partially destroyed room. The balcony railing was damaged, the table in the middle of the room was broken, and the drapes on the walls were torn and burnt.

"Barely a few moments." Frigga said as she stepped forward and looked him over. "Thank you for coming to our rescue." Harry waved it off as he approached Jane and started scanning her with his magic. He waved his hand through the air and her skin visibly flushed and she stood a little straighter.

"What did you do?" Jane asked as she inspected herself feeling loads better.

"I understand the effect the Aether has on the body and just used my magic to remove it. How do you feel now?" Harry asked as he tiredly sat in a nearby chair. Jane was looking at herself and smiling.

"I feel much better now." She turned and thanked Harry before Thor was next to her hugging her. Harry gave Frigga a smirk. Frigga smiled and cleared her throat when Thor nor Jane seemed ready to stop embracing. Thor backed off with a blush.

"Sorry mother. I was overwhelmed with joy that she was now better." Thor said as he rubbed the back of his head like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Harry was about to speak up when Odin came charging in with guards at his back. He scanned the room and wilted in relief when Thor and Frigga were found unharmed.

"My queen." Odin whispered as he rushed her and grabbed her in a hug. He quickly let go before he turned to Thor, "You are well my son?" Thor nodded as he held Jane's hand. Squinting his eyes at Jane he moved forward and grabbed her arm scanning it but found nothing of the Aether. "Where is the Aether?"

"It was removed by one of the invaders. Before he could take it though he was sent flying from the room by Harry. The Aether now resides in him." Thor said with a frown as he pulled Jane behind himself.

Harry was only half listening at this point because he started to feel the Reality stone flowing through his body before it settled in the middle of his chest letting out wisps of power. He was in the middle of inspecting it when his arm was grabbed. Opening his eyes he saw Odin grabbing his arm and scanning it. Snatching it away he stood. "You don't need to worry about the Aether any longer, Odin. I shall be holding on to it."

"I would be a fool to leave such a powerful artifact in the hands of some mortal who could lose it. Hand it over or your life. It does not matter to me." Odin stated flippantly as he stared at Harry.

"Father!""Odin!" Thor and Frigga exclaimed when they heard Odin threaten Harry. Jane was standing there with wide eyes as she watched them stare each other down.

"You forget to whom you speak mortal." Harry spat with contempt dripping off his words. "I am the owner of the Aether and no one can take it from me now."

Odin paused for only a moment as he stared at Harry, his eyes narrowing in anger. "I will not let a Midgardian hold on to the power of the Aether. You cannot protect it, thus I can't trust it to you." Odin finished as he summoned his spear. Thor tried to step forward but was pushed back with Jane and Frigga. Thor saw Harry give him an apologetic look before he was suddenly a blur of motion, taking Odin out of the room through the still open balcony. They all ran forward to see Harry and Odin slamming into a nearby courtyard.

Harry stood from the crater he created with Odin's body and backed up. "If you think I will be such an easy target Odin, be prepared." Odin exploded out of the debris looking fresh as he did earlier.

"A child wants to battle with me, the king of Asgard? Foolish." Odin said as he spun Gungnir. Quick as a flash he was shooting forward with a stab at Harry. Harry used his palm to push the spear just below the point and moved into Odin's space. He started with a quick knee to his stomach that was blocked by the returning shaft of the spear. He threw an elbow towards Odin's head which was also blocked with an arm, before spinning and landing a solid roundhouse to Odin's gut. Odin was launched across the courtyard, breaking the stone ornaments and ripping out bushes and trees.

Harry felt wonderful as he battled Odin. The energies and sorceries he used were taking no time at all to flood his body with power. He felt he could wrestle with Thor at the moment. So he did one better and jumped forward and grappled with Odin. His form wasn't great but as he fought red energy seeped from his body making him stronger and stronger. Eventually Odin was forced to his knees as Harry applied more and more pressure to Odin's hands.

"I don't want to fight you. You brought this on yourself." Harry said as he was about to knock Odin's knees out from under him. He had to quickly let go and dodge though when Gungnir came flying at his back. Looking at Odin he found him covered in a yellow glow as he stood holding Gungnir.

"I have tired of your presence. You come to my lands, threaten me, tell me how my laws should work, and expect me to let you walk away with a power you don't understand. No. I refuse. So prepare yourself boy." Odin said with heat as he suddenly disappeared. Harry wasn't able to react before Gungnir was stabbed through his stomach. Groaning he felt Odin pull it out and smack him away before he casually approached Harry's prone form. Harry felt annoyed. Gungnir was said to travel faster than light itself. Well Death did tell him he could do anything so.

Harry suddenly jumped up before he was bathed in flames. Odin stepped back from the heat as everything around them either melted or turned to ash from the extreme heat. The fire clad form of Harry landed and took a step forward before he too dissipated. Odin was quick to respond as he too started to fight at speeds. Most outside observers saw only clashes of flame and metal. Others couldn't even see that. Harry was battling Odin with his fists, striking Gungnir over and over. Within seconds the legendary spear was heating, soon enough Odin was feeling his palms blister from the extreme heat. During the final clash Harry didn't strike the spear, he grabbed it. Using his strength and flames he bent it in half after ripping it from Odin's hands. Dropping it he stomped the ground summoning a large earthen pillar behind Odin that launched him forward. Harry moved in and gathered his strength and flames onto his fist before he slugged Odin in the stomach launching him high into the air. Harry started whipping his hands back and forth as he launched earth spikes, wind blades, flame spears, and curses up at the falling Asgardian.

When he felt it was enough he stepped back and Odin came crashing to the ground, bleeding, missing an arm, and his armor torn to shreds or melted. Frowning at the crippled old man laying on the ground in front of him he looked up and saw the denizens of Asgard staring in horror at their king being beaten to death. Thor landed across from him and had a troubled expression on his face. Part of him was proud of the strength of his friend and his ability to stand up to his father, on the other hand he was upset that his Father was in such a state. Thor saw Harry step towards his father and quickly spoke up.

"Spare him. Please." Thor pleaded with a sad expression on his face.

"What are you talking about? I'm not going to kill your father Thor. He may be an ass but he is your father." Harry gave Thor an incredulous look before he waved his hand making a vial of clear liquid appear. He knelt down and summoned the detached arm from nearby before pushing it back into place. He then used a dropper to put a few drops into his mouth before he stood back and waited. Thor rushed forwards and knelt next to his father. His face morphed from upset to bewildered as Odin started healing before his very eyes. His arm even reattached itself during the process.

"You healed him?" Thor asked as he looked up at his teammate.

"Well sure. I may not like Odin and he was the one attempting to take away something that is mine, but he is the king of your people and most importantly your father and Frigga's husband." Harry said as he stepped back as Odin woke up groaning. His solitary eye opened as his gaze darted around until it landed on Harry standing behind his son.

"Father, you are alright!" Thor said with some emotion as he gripped Odin's hand. Odin's eyes didn't leave Harry though. Harry noticed and tensed himself for a fight before suddenly Odin looked much older than he did moments ago. He laid his head back down and closed his eye. "Father?"

"I am just tired, my son." Odin said with a sigh.

"So we good?" Harry asked as he saw Frigga and Jane come bustling out of the palace.

"You are strong enough to protect the Aether. Be warned however that those who know of the stones will attempt to steal it from you." Odin cautioned as Frigga finally got to him. "My queen." He said with a small smile as he looked at Frigga before he closed his eye and passed out. Frigga ran a hand along his face before she looked at Harry.

"Thank you." Frigga said.

"Don't worry about it. Like I told Thor, I was never going to kill him anyways." Harry said with a shrug. He then turned to Thor. "Unfortunately we can't sit around at this point. We still need to know what attacked Asgard and why they were after the Aether in the first place."

"Dark Elves. I recognized the man you kicked from the history books as a dark elf." Thor said as he watched several people help Frigga and Odin back into the castle. Several guards were giving him furtive looks as he stood next to Thor.

"Where can we find them? Do they have a home world?" Harry asked.

"Their world was destroyed almost five thousand years ago." Thor said as he frowned in thought.

"Then where would they go?" Harry asked. Both him and Thor were slightly lost on what to do until another voice spoke up.

"Did you say five thousand years?" Thor and Harry turned to Jane with Thor nodding. "I think I can find someone who might know." Jane said with a grin.