Lost Our Minds |5| The Ascension

Chapter Twenty Six: Ragnarok - So Is Green A Popular Murder Child Colour?

The three of them found themselves at the top of a Norwegian cliff, feeling the sea breeze rushing through their hair. Loki got to his feet from where he had landed, cursing. He made to argue with Thor, but McKenzie interrupted.

"Look."

The two men followed her gaze to see Odin standing near the edge. He was wearing Midgardian clothes and looking peaceful.

Thor stared. "Father?" He and Loki headed closer, while McKenzie remained a respectful distance, sitting down in the grass to keep watch. If the Allfather was wandering around Norway, there was a fair chance something else might be too.

"Look at this place," Odin said, gesturing to the views. "It's beautiful."

"Father, it's us," Thor told him, unsure of how clearly he was seeing things.

Odin smiled. "My sons. I've been waiting for you." Beside him, Loki raised his eyebrows slightly, unused to Odin as a benevolent father.

"I know," Thor nodded. "We've come to take you home."

"Home, yes. Your mother, she calls me. Do you hear it?" Odin asked.

Behind him, Thor shot Loki a look. "Loki, lift your magic."

Loki lifted his hands in surrender, but Odin just chuckled. "Took me quite a while to break free from your spell. Frigga would have been proud." It was clear Loki was moved. After a moment, Odin put his hand on Thor's shoulder. "Come and sit with me. I don't have much time." The three of them sat on a large rock, Odin between his two sons.

"I know that we failed you, but we can make this right," Thor promised.

Odin shook his head slowly. "I failed you. It is upon us... Ragnarok."

Thor frowned. "No, I've stopped Ragnarok. The Angel and I put an end to Surtur."

"No," Odin told him, sighing heavily. "It has already begun. She's coming." He paused for a moment, like talking pained him. "My life was all that held her back, but my time has come. I cannot keep her away any longer."

"Father, who are you talking about?" Thor asked, both he and Loki clueless.

"The Goddess of Death," Odin replied. "Hela. My first born, your sister."

Thor stared. On Odin's other side, Loki's eyes were wide. "...what?"

"Her violent appetites grew beyond my control," Odin explained. "I couldn't stop her, so I imprisoned her. Locked her away. She draws her strength from Asgard... and once she gets there, her powers will be limitless."

"Whatever she is, we can stop her," Thor tried. "We can face her together."

Odin rested his hand upon Thor's. "No, we won't. I'm on a different path now. This you must face alone." He paused, looking at them both. "I love you, my sons." At that, tears welled in the boys' eyes. Odin turned to look out to sea as the sunlight streamed down upon it. "Look at that. Remember this place. Home." A warm glow washed over the brothers, and they both turned to watch their father dissolve into stardust which floated into the sky above.

A few yards away, McKenzie got to her feet as the sky above her darkened, the winds picking up. In the distance, she noticed a portal starting to open. She sighed, starting to head over to the boys. "Fucking brilliant timing as always."

Standing up from the rock, Loki held his hands out towards Thor, backing away slowly. "Brother..."

Electricity crackled in Thor's hands as he glared at his brother. "This was your doing!"