The Weight of Immortality - CH - 83

The Gryffindor sailed through the star-streaked void, its runes flickering with faint light as it traversed the endless stretches of space. Inside, the atmosphere was calm—Hela was sharpening a newly forged Necrosword while Harry examined a holographic star map that hovered above a polished mahogany table.

It had been weeks since they had destroyed the Black Order's training outpost on Vanaheim. In that time, they had traveled to a dozen star systems, following the faintest whispers and the most fragile leads.

But Thanos remained a ghost.

Hela sheathed her sword and walked over to Harry, glancing at the star map. “We’ve covered half of the quadrant. Not even a trace.”

Harry nodded, his jaw clenched. “He knows how to hide. After we took out his training ground, he probably went further underground.”

“Coward,” Hela scoffed.

“Smart,” Harry corrected. “But we’ll find him.”

Despite the frustration, they knew they couldn’t risk being far from Earth. The moment Thanos decided to strike, they needed to be there. Which is why Harry had left precautions.

He gifted Bruce Banner a Magical Mirror, enchanted for long-distance communication few years ago. It looked simple—silver-framed with runes etched along the edges—but it allowed Harry to see and hear anyone with a linked mirror, no matter the distance.

Bruce had been baffled when Harry first gave it to him.

“So… it’s like a cosmic FaceTime?” Bruce had asked, cautiously holding the mirror.

Harry just smiled. “Sort of. Just say my name when you need to contact me. It’s secure, even against magical interference.”

Bruce had raised an eyebrow. “Can it hack satellites?”

Hela had snorted from the background.

Harry shrugged. “It can hack reality. A satellite isn’t much of a challenge.”

Now, as the Gryffindor drifted past a cluster of dying stars, the mirror on the table glowed faintly, and Bruce’s voice echoed softly.

“Harry? You there?”

Harry waved his hand, and the mirror shimmered, showing Bruce’s face. He was in his lab, looking a bit worn but generally okay.

“Hey, Bruce,” Harry greeted. “Everything good on Earth?”

Bruce scratched his neck. “Yeah, mostly. Uh… there was a bit of a situation with Tony. Apparently, some guy named Aldrich Killian tried to pull a fast one on him. Something about Extremis and some enhanced soldiers.”

Hela glanced at the mirror, uninterested.

Harry raised an eyebrow. “Tony handled it?”

Bruce nodded. “Yeah, blew up a few suits, fought the guy personally. Handled it pretty well, actually. He’s fine. A bit more paranoid than usual, but fine.”

Harry chuckled. “That’s Tony for you. Did anyone get hurt?”

“Some injuries. Tony’s girl, Pepper, got involved, but she’s fine too. Tony’s been rethinking his whole suit strategy. Probably building something bigger and badder as we speak.”

Hela smirked. “Mortals and their toys.”

Harry’s face remained calm. “Tony’s resilient. He doesn’t need me to hold his hand. Besides, my priority is Thanos. Tell Tony to call me if he needs backup, but I’m not going to babysit.”

Bruce nodded. “Got it. Oh, and uh… how’s the space hunt going?”

Harry’s expression hardened. “Nothing yet. We’ve been moving sector by sector, but Thanos is slippery. We’re keeping an eye on both Earth and Asgard. If he moves, we’ll know.”

“Good. Just… be careful. We can handle ourselves here, but if Thanos shows up, we’re going to need you.”

Harry gave a faint smile. “You’ll have me.”

The mirror faded, the call ending.

Hela rolled her eyes. “Sometimes I think you care too much about those mortals.”

Harry glanced at her. “Sometimes I think you care too little.”

She shrugged. “They’re fragile. And far too trusting.”

“That’s why they need protection,” Harry said quietly.

Not just Earth, though. Harry had also given Loki a magical mirror, much to Thor’s surprise.

When Harry first handed it to him, Loki had eyed it suspiciously.

“What’s this? Another trick?”

“No trick,” Harry had said plainly. “Just a way to stay in touch. You might hear things before we do. I trust your instincts. Use it when you need to.”

Loki had hesitated but accepted it, unable to hide his curiosity. “Why me?”

“Because you want to make amends,” Harry replied. “And I believe in second chances.”

The mirror had remained silent so far, but Harry knew Loki was keeping watch over Asgard.

Days turned into weeks, and still, no sign of Thanos. The Gryffindor moved from one system to another, scanning space and stopping occasionally on uncharted planets to gather rumors from the native species.

One night, while Hela was sharpening her blades and Harry was brewing a restorative potion in the alchemy room, the mirror glowed again.

This time, it was Loki.

“Harry,” Loki greeted, leaning back on what looked like a velvet chair. “You’ll find this interesting. One of Thanos’ warbands has been spotted at the edge of Asgard’s influence. They didn’t attack, just… watched.”

Harry’s eyes narrowed. “Reconnaissance. He’s testing the waters.”

Loki gave a faint, thoughtful nod. “Thor’s restless. Odin thinks it’s nothing. But I have a feeling Thanos is preparing.”

“Stay vigilant,” Harry advised. “If you get wind of any movements, let me know.”

Loki smirked. “Oh, I will. The great Mad Titan won’t sneak up on us. Not with me watching.”

Hela scoffed as the mirror dimmed. “My brother’s cockiness is almost admirable.”

Harry gave a dry smile. “It’s better than his previous mood swings.”

The Gryffindor drifted through the void, engines humming softly.

As they navigated between two pulsars, Harry leaned against the helm, his mind racing. They had made a strategic decision to stay closer to Midgard, waiting for Thanos to come to them. It wasn’t the most proactive choice, but given the sheer vastness of the universe, it was the most practical.

“Harry,” Hela said, standing beside him. “If he comes to Earth, we’ll be ready.”

Harry nodded. “I know. But I’m not going to let him make the first move. If we can cut off his forces, slow him down, it’ll buy us time.”

“And if he doesn’t show?”

Harry exhaled. “Then we keep searching. One way or another, we’ll find him. Or he’ll come to us.”


The vast expanse of space stretched endlessly before them, stars glinting like fragments of shattered diamonds on a velvet black canvas. The Gryffindor moved swiftly, gliding through the cosmos with the grace of a predator and the elegance of a royal ship.

In the command chamber, Harry was meticulously analyzing the latest data from their informant—a grizzled old trader they had encountered on the desert planet of Vornak-7. The man had been terrified at first but loosened his tongue after Harry conjured a bag of vibranium coins from thin air.

“Thanos has been looking for something, something powerful. The only hint I’ve heard? It’s somewhere in Nova Empire. That’s all I know,” the trader had said, his voice shaking.

Harry’s eyes narrowed as he recalled the encounter. He knew that Thanos wouldn’t waste time on something insignificant. Whatever he was looking for, it had to be important.

Hela leaned against the command panel, tapping her fingers rhythmically. “So, Nova Empire it is,” she mused. “Thanos wouldn’t bother with them unless there’s something he wants. The Nova Corps wouldn’t give up anything without a fight.”

Harry nodded. “And if he’s looking there, it might be worth checking. I just hope we’re not too late.”

Harry activated the navigation rune, and the star map reoriented itself, displaying the Andromeda Galaxy. At its heart lay Xandar, the capital of the Nova Empire.

“Course set,” said the ship’s AI. “Estimated arrival in twelve hours.”

Hela adjusted her armor, her eyes glinting with determination. “I’d prefer a fight over more chasing shadows.”

Harry smiled faintly. “Same. But if Thanos is after something powerful, we can’t let him have it.”

As the ship surged forward, Harry thought of the Nova Corps—the protectors of Xandar. They had fought valiantly against the Kree and brokered a fragile peace after Ronan the Accuser was defeated. The last thing they needed was Thanos threatening their newfound stability.

Halfway to Xandar, the ship’s alarms blared, and the viewport flashed red.

“Harry,” Vikka spoke calmly, “we are being targeted by an unidentified vessel. Scans indicate a Ravager signature.”

Harry raised an eyebrow. “Ravagers? Here?”

Hela frowned. “Pirates. Perfect.”

Before they could react, a tractor beam latched onto the Gryffindor, pulling them out of hyperdrive and into a forced docking maneuver. The opposing ship—a rugged, rust-colored cruiser covered in graffiti and dents—loomed ahead.

A communication screen popped up, and a blue-skinned man with a mohawk grinned broadly.

“Now, that’s a pretty little ship ya got there!” he crowed. “Ain’t seen one like that in the quadrant before.”

Harry crossed his arms. “And you are?”

The man smirked. “Yondu Udonta, captain of the Ravagers. And you’re trespassing on our patrol zone.”

Hela shot Harry a look. “You want me to tear his ship apart?”

Harry shook his head. “Let’s see what he wants first.”

Yondu’s grin widened. “See, I ain’t lookin’ for a fight. But your ship? It’s got some shiny gadgets. I figure, you let us take a look, and we’ll let you be on your way.”

Harry leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “Not happening. You’re blocking our path to Xandar.”

Yondu leaned back, whistling sharply, and a golden arrow floated at his shoulder, spinning slowly. “See, now that’s a problem. I don’t take kindly to people tellin’ me what to do in my own space.”

Hela stepped forward, eyes blazing. “You’re in our way. Move, or I’ll move you.”

Yondu’s smile faltered slightly. “You sound like you got some fire in ya. I like that. But listen, lady—your fancy ship don’t scare me. The Nova Corps don’t take kindly to unauthorized ships near Xandar. We’re just doing a little… freelance patrol.”

Harry sighed. “Look, Yondu. We’re not here to mess with the Nova Corps or your territory. We’re tracking something dangerous—something that might be headed to Xandar. Let us through, and you might just be saving your own skin.”

“I’ve been thinkin’,” Yondu drawled. “We don’t usually meet folks like you out here. And I like to know who I’m dealin’ with. So how about a little chat? Face to face?”

Hela glanced at Harry, one eyebrow raised. Harry nodded thoughtfully. “Very well. You can come aboard. Bring your crew if you’d like.”

Yondu’s grin widened. “Now that’s what I like to hear. We’ll be right over.”

Moments later, the Gryffindor’s docking bay opened, allowing the Ravager crew to enter. Yondu was at the front, followed by his loyal, ragtag group of pirates—Kraglin, a lean man with a mischievous glint, and several more with rough faces and wary eyes.

As they stepped into the ship, their confident swagger faltered. The interior of the Gryffindor was nothing like they expected.

The docking bay led into a grand hallway with polished marble floors, walls lined with rich tapestries, and floating lanterns that bathed everything in a warm, golden glow. The ceiling stretched high above, curved and adorned with constellations that slowly moved, forming celestial patterns.

Kraglin blinked, his jaw hanging open. “Cap’n… is this really a ship?”

Yondu whistled, genuinely impressed. “Now I ain’t never seen a ship like this. Looks more like a palace.”

Harry approached, his posture relaxed. “Welcome aboard the Gryffindor.”

Yondu raised an eyebrow. “This ain’t no ship I ever heard of. Where’d you get this beauty?”

Harry smiled enigmatically. “I built it myself. Well, partly. Magic did most of the work.”

Kraglin looked at Yondu, eyes wide. “Magic? Ain’t that just fairy tales?”

Hela chuckled darkly. “Fairy tales? You have no idea.”

One of the Ravagers nudged another. “Cap’n, this ship’s gotta be worth a fortune. Maybe more.”

Yondu grinned slyly. “Ain’t that the truth.”

Harry didn’t miss the glances the crew exchanged—calculating, greedy, as if weighing the odds. He knew the look of pirates considering a mutiny.

But before they could plot too far, Harry spoke. “You’re guests here. And it would be rude not to offer hospitality. Follow me.”

Harry led them down a corridor that seemed impossibly long for a ship’s interior. They arrived at massive double doors, which swung open to reveal the Great Hall.

A vast room with high, arched windows showing the stars outside, illuminated by floating chandeliers. Long tables were piled high with roasted meats, exotic fruits, steaming platters, and dozens of barrels of ale and spirits. The scent was intoxicating.

Yondu’s crew nearly drooled at the sight. Kraglin nudged his captain. “Cap’n, that’s the finest spread I ever seen.”

Yondu looked suspiciously at Harry. “Why the feast? You tryin’ to butter us up?”

Hela smirked. “You look like men who appreciate a good meal. Consider it a gesture of goodwill.”

The crew hesitated for only a moment before diving into the food, tearing into roast fowl, gnawing on thick cuts of meat, and washing it down with ale that sparkled like liquid gold.

Kraglin raised his mug, grinning. “This here? Best drink I ever had!”

Another Ravager shouted, mouth full of pastries, “This pie! It’s from Asgard! I had it once when we raided a merchant ship! It costs a fortune!”

Yondu, tearing into a roast leg, glanced at Harry. “You’re full of surprises, ain’t ya?”

Harry took a seat at the head of the table, calmly sipping a glass of fine wine. Hela leaned against the wall, amused.

As the Ravagers grew more relaxed and louder with drink, Yondu leaned closer to Harry. “A ship like this... don’t come cheap. And you just the two of ya aboard?”

Harry gave a nonchalant nod. “Yes. It’s just us.”

Yondu’s eyes glinted. “You know… it ain’t safe, two folks traveling alone in a beauty like this. Plenty of folks would take it off your hands.”

Harry raised an eyebrow. “Including you?”

Yondu smiled apologetically. “Nothin’ personal. But pirates gotta do what pirates gotta do. And this ship? It’s a treasure. My boys are thinkin’ we take it off your hands.”

Kraglin chimed in, slurring slightly from the drink. “No hard feelin’s. Just business.”

With a sharp whistle, Yondu activated his Yaka Arrow, which floated beside him, ready to pierce Harry’s heart.

Before the arrow could move, however, Hela raised two fingers and caught it in midair.

The Ravagers froze, their eyes wide. Yondu whistled again, but the arrow didn’t budge. Hela’s grip was like iron.

She smirked, pulling the arrow closer to examine it. “An enchanted weapon? Cute. But you’re not the only one who can control sharp things.”

Yondu whistled desperately, his face growing red as he tried to summon his arrow back, but it remained in Hela’s grip.

“What the—how are you doin’ that?!” Yondu shouted.

Hela casually dropped the arrow to the ground. “It’s mine now. Sit down.”

Before anyone could react, Harry waved his hand. Instantly, every single Ravager transformed into pigs, squealing and stumbling around the Great Hall, confused and terrified.

Yondu, now a rather colorful pig with a little blue snout, squealed indignantly, trying to use his arrow again, but it remained motionless on the ground.

Hela crossed her arms. “I’m almost impressed they thought they could take the ship. Almost.”

Harry looked at the pig that was Yondu, giving it a slightly disappointed glance. “For a captain, he’s not very bright.”

Hela raised an eyebrow. “How long will they stay like this?”

Harry smirked. “About an hour. But not just pigs. Pigs in heat.”

Hela burst out laughing, the sound rich and unrestrained. “You always know how to deal with annoyances.”

Harry gave a modest shrug. “They wanted to take over our ship. I thought a lesson in humility was needed.”

As the pigs squealed and awkwardly bumped into each other, the Gryffindor opened its cargo bay. With another wave of his hand, Harry levitated the pigs and sent them gently back onto their own ship, sealing the door behind them.

Hela glanced out the viewport. “Do you think they’ll learn anything from this?”

Harry shook his head. “Pirates never learn. But I doubt they’ll try to board us again.”

As the Gryffindor resumed its course to Xandar, Hela leaned back, still grinning. “You really do have a flair for theatrics.”

Harry poured another glass of wine. “It’s not theatrics. It’s just effective problem-solving.”

And so, the ship moved on, leaving behind a Ravager vessel full of very confused and amorous pigs, drifting aimlessly in the stars.

Harry glanced at Hela. “Not every problem needs to be solved with violence.”

Hela snorted. “Your patience is astounding.”

Harry gave a sly smile. “It’s not patience. It’s efficiency.”

The Gryffindor emerged from hyperspace near the glittering orb of Xandar, its planetary shields reflecting sunlight like a massive crystal. The capital planet of the Nova Empire looked peaceful, its sprawling cityscape gleaming with gold and blue architecture.

Vikka spoke softly, “Permission to dock has been requested by Nova Command. Awaiting response.”

Moments later, the communication screen lit up with a Nova Corps officer, helmeted and stern.

“This is Nova Command. State your business and affiliation.”

Harry stepped forward. “We’re travelers. We have urgent information regarding a potential threat to Xandar.”

The officer frowned. “What kind of threat?”

“We don't talk to people with low ranks,” Hela interjected, cutting straight to the point. “And we need to speak to your leaders.”

The officer’s face changed color slightly. “Wait for docking instructions. Do not deviate from your course.”

The screen blinked off, and the ship aligned itself with a docking port.

Hela looked to Harry. “If Thanos really is after something here, we need to find it first.”

Harry nodded. “And we need to warn them. If he brings his forces, Xandar won’t stand a chance—not after the last war.”

Hela glanced back at the shimmering planet. “Let’s hope they listen.”

Harry’s eyes narrowed as the ship gently docked. “If not, we’ll make them listen.”

They stepped out of the ship, greeted by a squad of Nova Corps soldiers, their blasters lowered but their stances tense. Harry and Hela exchanged a glance, their resolve unshaken.

The hunt for Thanos had brought them to Xandar.
Now, it was time to learn what the Mad Titan was searching for.