Jewel Thief ◇ L. Laufeyson

5 ◇ family matter

NORWAY WAS PRETTY peaceful, but the storm clouds brewing the sky behind us gave me a bad feeling in my stomach.

As we neared, Odin ever so slightly turned his head to Loki.

"Took me a while to break from your spell. Frigga would have been proud," Odin said to Loki, as Loki's face fell for a moment. I knew he was close to his mother, and Odin bringing her up was bittersweet.

I stopped short, letting Loki and Thor to next to Odin on a large rock while I stood behind Loki. The allfather didn't have anything to say to me, and I didn't want to intrude.

I kept my hand on Loki's shoulder, so he knew I wouldn't leave. He gently placed his hand atop mine, and something in my chest fluttered.

"Miss Stark," Odin spoke as my eyes widened. I guess he did have something to say.

"My apologies for way I acted during our time together," he continued, "but I do appreciate you keeping me company."

For a moment I struggled for words, and when I opened my mouth I still failed to articulate. "I- I...the pleasure was, uh, all mine, Odin."

He smiled at my flusterment and continued, his tone getting more serious. "I don't have much time left."

Thor shook his head. "I know we failed you. But we can make this right!"

Odin sighed and looked off in the distance. He pursed his lips and replied, "I failed you. It is upon us. Ragnarok."

Ragna what? I thought. I wanted to ask Loki, but decided against it. I'll just pretend I know what they're talking about.

Thor continued, his tone determined. "No, I've stopped Ragnarok. I put an end to Surtur."

Surtur? Who's Surtur? A disease? Another god?

"No. It has already begun. She's coming," Odin grimaced, almost upset with himself. "My life was all that held her back. But my time has come. I cannot keep her away any longer."

Loki and Thor remained silent. Finally I spoke up. "...Odin, who are you talking about?"

"Goddess of Death. Hela. My firstborn. Your sister."

I don't have a sister--

oh. He's talking about Thor and Loki's sibling. My bad.

"Firstborn?" Thor asked incredulously.

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

Thor shook his head, not accepting Odin's facts. "Whatever she is, we...we can stop her together. We can face her together!"

Odin looked down at his lap, not making eye contact with any of us. "No, we won't. I'm on a different path now. This you must face alone. I love you, my sons." He stopped, and pointed out to the sea, not at anything particular, just the beauty of the place. "Look at that......Remember this place. Home."

Odin's form sizzled, his body transforming to glittering gold sparks. The breeze picked up and the sparks cascaded out onto the open sea, as Thor and Loki stood to their feet and softly stepped forward, like they wanted to catch up with the sparks - though the cliff's edge stopped them and they stayed standing on the outcrop.

Thor clenched his jaw at Loki, quiet upset. I stepped forward a bit, worried Thor would throw himself at Loki and beat his brother up.

"Brother..." Loki started, hoping to cool Thor's rising rage.