The Weight of Immortality - CH - 62

After ensuring Thor and Jane were settled and safe, Hela turned to Harry, her expression resolute.

"Thor can manage here with Jane's help," she said. "There's no immediate threat to him, and our constant presence might attract unwanted attention."

Harry nodded, understanding the unspoken plan forming in her mind. "You're going to check on the Hela of this dimension, aren't you?"

"Yes," Hela confirmed. "I need to know her status and intentions. If she's imprisoned in Hel, as we suspect, it could be an opportunity or a threat."

"Be careful," Harry cautioned. "Interacting with another version of yourself could have unpredictable consequences."

"I will," she assured him. "I'll return as soon as I have answers."

With a wave of her hand, Hela conjured a portal shimmering with dark energy. She took a deep breath and stepped through, the portal closing behind her with a soft whoosh.

Emerging on the other side, Hela found herself in the desolate realm of Hel—a vast, cold expanse shrouded in mist and shadows. The air was thick with the weight of countless souls, and the oppressive silence was broken only by distant, mournful wails.

Hela traversed the desolate expanse of the Hel dimension, her senses attuned to any sign of her alternate self. Despite her extensive search, the realm remained eerily devoid of her counterpart's presence. Undeterred, she pressed on, her instincts guiding her deeper into the shadowed recesses of the underworld.

As she ventured further, an inexplicable pull drew her toward a secluded cave, its entrance shrouded in darkness. The air within was thick with ancient magic, a palpable energy that resonated with her own. Hela, familiar with the intricacies of the Hel dimension from her millennia of existence, recognized the significance of such a place.

Entering the cave, her gaze fell upon a black box, its surface etched with runes of a forgotten language. A surge of recognition coursed through her—it was the Necrosword, a weapon of immense power that had once been hers. The sword, also known as All-Black, was the first symbiote created by Knull, the primordial god of darkness. Forged from living darkness, it had the ability to corrupt its wielder, amplifying their darkest desires.

Determined to reclaim what was once hers, Hela reached out, her fingers brushing against the cool surface of the box. As she made contact, the ancient magic responded, the box dissolving into tendrils of dark energy that entwined around her form. The power of the Necrosword seeped into her being, merging with her essence.

A surge of strength and darkness filled her, the weapon's consciousness intertwining with her own. Hela stood taller, the shadows of the cave seeming to bow to her presence. With the Necrosword once again a part of her, she felt a renewed sense of purpose and power, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Upon returning to Midgard, Hela found Harry awaiting her arrival. His eyes immediately noticed the subtle yet profound change in her aura.

"You've acquired the Necrosword," Harry observed, his tone a mix of awe and concern.

Hela nodded, her expression resolute. "Yes, I have reclaimed it. Its power is now mine to command."

Harry was well aware of the Necrosword's dark history. It was a weapon capable of slaying gods, but it also had a notorious reputation for corrupting its wielders, linking their life-force to the blade and slowly killing them.

"You know the risks," Harry said, his brow furrowing with concern. "The Necrosword has a will of its own; it corrupts those who wield it."

Hela met his gaze steadily. "I am not so easily swayed, Harry. I have lived for millennia, faced countless adversaries, and endured unimaginable trials. My will is stronger than any dark influence this weapon might possess."

Harry considered her words, acknowledging the truth in them. Hela's vast experience and formidable mental fortitude set her apart from previous wielders of the Necrosword.

"Very well," he conceded. "But we must remain vigilant. The power you now possess is immense, and while it enhances our defenses, it also makes us a target."

Hela's lips curved into a confident smile. "Let them come. With the Necrosword, I am more than prepared to face any threat that dares challenge us."

Harry couldn't help but share in her confidence. Despite the potential dangers, Hela's mastery over the Necrosword could indeed prove invaluable, especially given their current circumstances.

"Just promise me one thing," Harry said, his tone softening. "If you ever feel its influence trying to overtake you, you'll tell me."

Hela's expression softened, and she placed a hand on his cheek. "I promise, Harry. We face everything together."

With that assurance, they turned their attention to the challenges ahead, united in purpose and strengthened by the formidable power now at their disposal.

Heimdall, ever vigilant from his post in Asgard, had been observing Hela's activities with growing concern. The unusual reaction of Mjolnir to her presence had initially piqued his interest, but witnessing her journey to Hel and the reclamation of the Necrosword filled him with dread. The Necrosword, a weapon of immense power and dark influence, posed a significant threat to the balance of the realms.

Recognizing the urgency, Heimdall swiftly departed his observatory, making his way to the royal palace of Asgard. Upon arrival, he found Loki seated upon the throne, ruling in Odin's stead during the All-Father's Odinsleep. Heimdall knew that appealing to Loki's sense of responsibility would be futile; the trickster god was often driven by his own agendas.

Instead, Heimdall sought out Queen Frigga, Odin's wife and a figure of wisdom and compassion. He found her in her private chambers, surrounded by the calming presence of her personal gardens.

"My Queen," Heimdall began, bowing respectfully. "I bring grave news that requires your immediate attention."

Frigga looked up from her contemplations, concern etching her features. "Speak, Heimdall. What troubles you?"

"My Queen," Heimdall began, "Hela lives. She did not perish at the hands of the Valkyries as we believed. Instead, she faked her death and has been residing on Midgard."

Frigga's eyes widened in shock. "Are you certain of this?"

"Yes," Heimdall affirmed. "I have observed her presence alongside Thor on Midgard. Moreover, she journeyed to Hel and reclaimed the Necrosword."

Frigga's face paled at the revelation. "The Necrosword... Such power in her hands could spell disaster. Do you know her intentions?"

"I have only recently become aware of her activities," Heimdall admitted. "While she has not exhibited overt aggression, Hela's history suggests she may harbor sinister plans."

Frigga took a moment to process the information, her mind racing through the potential implications. "We must proceed with caution. Inform no one else of this discovery for now, especially not Loki. I will consult the ancient texts and seek guidance on how to address this matter."

"As you wish, my Queen," Heimdall replied, bowing before he departed to resume his watch.

Left alone, Frigga pondered the resurgence of her daughter and the potential threat she posed. The reemergence of Hela, now armed with the Necrosword, could disrupt the delicate balance of the realms. She resolved to act swiftly and decisively to protect Asgard and its people from the looming danger.

In the meantime, Heimdall remained at his post, his senses heightened, ready to detect any further movements from Hela that might indicate her next move.

Queen Frigga, deeply troubled by Heimdall's revelation of Hela's survival and her acquisition of the Necrosword, immersed herself in Asgard's vast library. This repository, meticulously curated by Odin, encompassed the collective knowledge of countless realms. Frigga's objective was clear: uncover a method to counteract the formidable power of the Necrosword and prevent Hela from exacting potential vengeance upon Asgard.

Days turned into nights as Frigga pored over ancient tomes and scrolls, yet references to the Necrosword were scarce. The weapon's origins traced back to Knull, the primordial god of darkness, who forged it from his own shadow and the remains of a slain Celestial. However, specific strategies to neutralize or defeat a bearer of the Necrosword remained elusive.

Recognizing the imminent threat Hela posed, Frigga shifted her focus to restoring Thor's powers. She knew that without his divine abilities, Asgard would be vulnerable. The challenge lay in the fact that Thor's powers were intrinsically linked to his worthiness and Mjolnir, both of which had been compromised.

In her research, Frigga recalled the enchantment Odin had placed upon Mjolnir: "Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor." This enchantment had previously allowed others, deemed worthy, to wield Thor's power. Frigga contemplated whether a similar enchantment could be employed to restore Thor's abilities, even in the absence of Mjolnir.

She also considered the possibility of seeking out other mystical artifacts or forging a new weapon that could channel Thor's inherent power. The dwarves of Nidavellir, renowned for their craftsmanship, had previously forged formidable weapons for Asgard's champions. Perhaps they could create a new conduit for Thor's strength.

Time was of the essence. Frigga resolved to consult with the wisest sages and ally with the most skilled artisans to devise a solution. The safety of Asgard depended on Thor's restoration, and she would leave no stone unturned in her quest to empower her son against the looming threat of Hela and the Necrosword.

In the meantime, she instructed Heimdall to maintain his vigilant watch over Hela's movements on Midgard, hoping to anticipate any aggressive actions. Frigga's determination was unwavering; she would protect her realm and her family at all costs.

The all-seeing guardian had been monitoring Hela's activities on Midgard, and Frigga hoped he could provide further insight.

"Heimdall," Frigga began, her voice tinged with concern, "have you observed any recent developments regarding Hela?"

Heimdall turned to face the queen, his expression thoughtful. "Indeed, my Queen. Hela's demeanor has undergone a remarkable transformation. She no longer pursues a path of violence. Instead, she leads a peaceful life on Midgard."

Frigga's eyes widened in surprise. "Peaceful? In what manner?"

"She has taken a mortal husband who operates a local establishment—a restaurant," Heimdall explained. "Moreover, she has assumed the role of a legal advocate, practicing as an attorney. Her existence appears tranquil and integrated into Midgardian society."

Frigga was astonished. "This is unlike the Hela I once knew—fierce, solitary, and consumed by ambition. To see her embrace companionship and service to others is... unexpected."

"People can change over time," Heimdall observed. "It has been millennia since you last encountered her. Perhaps the ages have tempered her spirit."

Frigga nodded slowly, contemplating the possibility. "Perhaps. If she has indeed found peace, it would be unjust to disrupt her newfound life. Yet, I feel compelled to see her—to understand this transformation and, if possible, to mend the rift between us."

"Approaching her with openness may lead to reconciliation," Heimdall suggested. "But caution is prudent. Old wounds may still linger."

"I will proceed carefully," Frigga assured him. "Thank you, Heimdall, for your vigilance and counsel."

With a renewed sense of purpose, Frigga departed from the observatory, her mind set on reuniting with her daughter. The prospect of reconciliation filled her with both hope and trepidation, but she was determined to face whatever lay ahead.

As she prepared for her journey to Midgard, Frigga reflected on the passage of time and the changes it wrought in all beings, mortal and divine alike. She hoped that this meeting would not only heal old wounds but also forge a new bond between mother and daughter, one built on understanding, forgiveness, and the shared desire for peace.

Loki, ever vigilant and perceptive, had been observing his mother, Queen Frigga, and Heimdall, noting their clandestine meetings and hushed conversations. His curiosity piqued, he discreetly monitored their activities, particularly Frigga's frequent visits to the royal library.

Employing his mastery of illusion and subterfuge, Loki discovered that Frigga was delving into ancient texts concerning the restoration of divine powers. It became evident that she sought a means to return Thor to Asgard and reinstate his abilities.

This revelation unsettled Loki. With Thor exiled to Midgard and stripped of his powers, Loki had ascended to the throne of Asgard, a position he had long coveted. The prospect of Thor's return threatened to upend his carefully orchestrated plans and jeopardize his newfound authority.

Determined to maintain his dominion, Loki contemplated various strategies to thwart Frigga's efforts. He considered diverting her attention by fabricating crises in distant realms or subtly sabotaging her research. Confronting her directly was another option, though it risked exposing his own machinations.

As he deliberated, Loki's mind raced through the potential consequences of Thor's resurgence. Not only would it challenge his sovereignty, but it could also unravel the delicate web of alliances and deceptions he had spun. The stability of his rule hung in the balance, and decisive action was imperative.

Loki, determined to eliminate the threat posed by his brother Thor, who was exiled and stripped of his powers on Midgard, devised a plan to ensure Thor's permanent removal. Assuming the throne of Asgard during Odin's Odinsleep, Loki commanded the Destroyer—a formidable, enchanted automaton designed to guard Odin's Vault—to travel to Earth and eliminate Thor.