Assembled: Earth's Last Heroes (A Riordanverse and MCU crossover)

Chapter 19: Magnus

"So, Thanos," started Magnus.

The Avengers and Jason turned to face him, and there was an awkward moment as they stared at each other silently. It was the morning after the fateful dinner, and after a not-so-good night's sleep they were up and ready to go, and Magnus had questions.

Jason broke the silence and stared into the blond demigod's grey eyes, "You're...Magnus, aren't you? Annabeth's cousin?"

"Yeah."

"I miss her," murmured Jason softly. "I haven't seen her since...well, since all this mess with Apollo."

"She misses you too," whispered Magnus. "We recently had a phone call and she told me all about the Triumvirate, and seeing as they obviously have something to do with this whole Thanos mess, I'm in. I may be dead but I definitely don't want to see the universe destroyed."

"Me neither," said Jason, and the other Avengers nodded silently behind him.

"Why don't we go to my room and have a talk?" said Magnus. "Then you can explain what's happened--" There was a collective groan from the Avengers. "Oh, you guys are tired of explaining things. I don't blame you. But we also have a crisis and we need your help."

"Oh, fun," muttered Sam. "More trouble."

"Yeah. The problem is, ever since Valhalla went on lockdown there's been a communications problem. We used to be able to communicate with the living, but now they can't even see us anymore. We haven't been able to communicate with our allies. My friends...Sam, Blitzen, Hearth...we can't talk to then anymore. Also, us einherji used to have enhanced strength and speed and whatever, but now we don't. And as I'm sure you've noticed, you don't have your full power anymore. Bits and pieces maybe, but definitely not your full potential. Maybe you thought it was normal but it's not. We're just...dead."

The Avengers looked at each other, startled. Strange immediately tried to make a portal and only occasional orange sparks came out, but no matter how hard he tried, he still could not make a full portal. It was true then, but they hadn't expected it to be a problem in the land of the dead.

"Wait... but if Valhalla is on lockdown, how are we supposed to get out and get our powers back?" asked Jason.

"I have an idea, but I need your help," replied Magnus.

"Well, if it's going to help us get back to the outside world and fight Thanos, I'm in," said Quill.

"So am I," said Jason.

And all of the other Avengers slowly, but surely nodded solemnly, eager to get out and get revenge on the Mad Titan. Magnus watched them and felt a peculiar humming inside his ears. These guys were already more powerful than any mortal or demigod he had ever encountered, and this was already only when they had very, very limited powers. He shuddered to think of them at their full potential. This Thanos must be Hela powerful to be able to kill Loki and defeat these heroes so effortlessly.

"Well, I once heard from Hunding that there was a myth of a gate in Valhalla created by Odin and the key was hidden somewhere and only Odin knew where it was, but since all of the Norse gods except Thor are dead, no one knows its location anymore. If we can find it, we might be able to solve all our problems and fix the whole dead and alive problem, and maybe also the problems with our powers." explained Magnus.

"But...it's only a myth, isn't it?" asked Peter.

"Yes, but I have learnt in my very short life that myths are real. Think of Norse gods, they were myths, and yet a very real Thor was sitting right next to you guys just now..." replied Magnus.

"Right. Good point. Myths inside myths. Like Mythception. Oh, hey, other Peter, that's THE best movie. Things sure have improved since the 70s, you know."

"Oh, I'd really like to see you try." said Quill under his breath. "The game is afoot."

"Anyways, steering clear of the references," said Magnus, winking at Peter, "The gate is rumoured to only be found in times of great trouble..."

"Well, then now would be a perfect time for it to show up." muttered Bucky. "Besides, what's the deal with all these myths? They basically all have the same meaning behind them. It's incredibly cliche."

"Yeah, I know." said Magnus in a strained voice. "But I think at this point anything is worth a shot while we're stuck here, as I'm sure you would agree."