Chapter 114

A harsh gust of wind swept across the landscape as the imposing figure emerged from the swirling portal, a dark omen made manifest. The sheer power that emanated from the figure caused Loki to take a subconscious step back, his emerald eyes narrowing with suspicion.

As Lydia revealed the identity of the newcomer, Loki's gaze flickered between her and the figure, a flicker of surprise flashing in his eyes. He had always prided himself on his extensive knowledge of Asgard's history, and yet he had never come across mention of a sister. His own heritage had been carefully veiled from him, a secret uncovered only by his insatiable curiosity. The realization that there were even deeper secrets hidden within their family struck him, the truth bitter on his tongue.

"Another secret," Loki muttered under his breath, his eyes dark with thought. "Why am I not surprised?"

Meanwhile, Thor strode up to join them, his confusion evident in his furrowed brows. As Lydia's words reached him, he paused mid-step, his wide eyes darting from his half-brother to Lydia, and then towards the woman at the center of it all.

"Hela," he tasted the unfamiliar name, a name he had never heard before this moment. His sister. The thought echoed within his mind, mingling with the grief he still felt at their father's passing. He felt a pang of betrayal, a bitterness that threatened to overshadow his pain.

The surprise at this revelation was reflected in Thor's gaze, disbelief etching furrows onto his brow. His fingers curled around the hilt of Mjolnir, the weight of the hammer familiar and grounding amidst the swirling chaos of his thoughts. It was a physical reminder of his purpose, his duty as a son of Odin and as the protector of Asgard. Even if the opponent now was family.

Lydia watched the emotions flicker across Thor and Loki's faces. She understood their shock, their confusion. It was a harsh truth to swallow, but they had no time to digest it. Standing tall, she addressed them, her voice cutting through the chilling wind, "We don't have time for questions. We have to fight." Her gaze didn't falter as she locked eyes with Hela, her resolve as unwavering as her posture. She was ready for the battle to come.

As Hela's cold laughter echoed through the landscape, the barren trees rustled as though shivering in fear. Her voice, hard as the winter's frost and full of contempt, was a harsh contrast to the soft whisper of the wind. "So, Odin finally kicked the bucket, huh? Good riddance." Her lips curved into a smirk, the gleam in her eyes as cold as the heart of a black hole.

Her gaze fell on Thor, a wry amusement shimmering in the depths of her eyes. "You have his look," she mused, a cruel smile gracing her features. The comparison felt like a jarring note, an unwelcome parallel drawn between father and son in the face of their family's darkest secret.

Loki, the god of mischief, renowned for his silver tongue, suggested a diplomatic solution, attempting to smooth over the tension. "Perhaps we can negotiate, find a peaceful resolution..." His voice trailed off as Hela turned her eyes on him, her smile turning razor sharp.

"And you have his silver tongue," she observed, her voice lilting with derision. The insult was subtle, a jab at Loki's diplomatic approach and an insinuation of his inadequacy, all at once. Loki stiffened, a flicker of irritation passing through his verdant eyes.

Hela's gaze then moved towards Lydia, and the amusement disappeared from her face. Hela's eyes narrowed, sensing the enormous cosmic energy simmering within Lydia. For the first time since her arrival, a flicker of curiosity sparked in Hela's frosty gaze.

"And you," she said, her voice echoing through the empty landscape. "Who are you?" She tilted her head to one side, studying Lydia with a newfound interest, her curiosity piqued by the woman standing before her.

Lydia stood in silence, her expression impassive under Hela's probing gaze. The weight of their impending battle hung heavy in the air, their destinies intertwined in the chaos of family secrets and cosmic power. The echo of Hela's question lingered, as the world held its breath, awaiting the answer.

The familiar hum of Mjolnir vibrated in Thor's hands, resonating with the quiet wrath brewing within him. He took a deep breath, and with a swift, deft movement, hurled the hammer at Hela. The motion was instinctive, as if his muscles were bound to the arc of Mjolnir. The air whistled in the wake of the hammer's flight, but it came to a shuddering halt against Hela's outstretched hand.

Thor's heart pounded against his chest in disbelief. His hand quivered in mid-air, stretched out, summoning the hammer back. Mjolnir trembled in response, the gentle hum turning into a rebellious roar as it engaged in a fierce game of tug-o-war. But ultimately, it was Hela who prevailed, holding on to Mjolnir with an unyielding grasp.

Thor gasped, his voice barely a whisper against the howling wind, "That's not possible."

Hela's smirk transformed into a triumphant grin, a wild look gleaming in her eyes. "Darling, you have no idea what's possible," she gloated. The words had barely left her lips when she shattered Mjolnir. The world seemed to shudder at the loss, an echo of the Asgardian god's incredulity. A shockwave of energy erupted from the fragmented hammer, rippling through Thor and Loki who braced themselves against the explosive force.

Beside them, Lydia remained unfazed. She threw a shield around herself, the barrier effortlessly nullifying the violent shockwave. She watched as Thor crumbled in despair, his once vibrant eyes now clouded with shock and disbelief.

Thor's gaze slowly lifted from the fragments of his hammer, returning to Hela. His breath hitched as he watched Hela running her hands over her head, eliciting a haunting, formidable headdress to form. The transformation was chilling - a clear sign of her unchallenged power, and a stark reminder of the grave threat that stood before them.

Loki's eyes darted between the shards of Mjolnir and Hela. His panic rising as a volatile crescendo, his mind racing to grapple with the impossible feat Hela had just demonstrated. In his terror, he turned to the only escape he knew, "Bring us back!" he pleaded, calling on the Bifrost.

"No!" Thor's protest reverberated through the air, but it was too late. The Bifrost, the shimmering bridge of light, descended, wrapping around them, preparing to transport them away. But in that critical moment, Lydia acted. A soft glow emanated from her hand, a powerful force that surged forth, interfering with the Bifrost's energy.

Her action rippled through the Bifrost, causing the brilliant light to flicker momentarily. As though Lydia had grasped the reins of a cosmic horse, she diverted their course with a mere flick of her wrist. They were no longer bound for Asgard but to a desolate planet, a forgotten speck within the vast expanse of the Genoshian Empire. A barren world, yet its atmosphere held promise, a latent potential for life.

They materialized onto the desolate land, the harsh winds buffeting against them. Loki and Thor turned to Lydia, their eyes wide with shock and confusion. For the first time, they had witnessed someone altering the course of the Bifrost - an ability considered exclusive to Heimdall or an Asgardian king. This revelation served as a stark reminder of the raw power that Lydia held, shattering their preconceptions and leaving them in wonder of the Empress of the Genoshian Empire.

The once serene, regal attire Lydia wore was no longer visible. Instead, a grand suit of armor adorned her, reflecting the harsh sunlight of the desolate planet, forging a dazzling spectacle. A masterpiece wrought in the fires of New Nidavellir's forges, it was a marvel of engineering, a perfect blend of the cosmic and the material.

The armor was an intricate weave of Uru, the divine metal of the gods, laced with Vibranium and Adamantium, the rarest and hardest metals known across galaxies. It shimmered with an ethereal glow as it pulsed with latent cosmic energy. Runes, ancient and complex, danced across the suit, mystic etchings that pulsed softly, a testament to the blend of cosmic and magical power within Lydia.

In her hands appeared a shield, circular and perfectly symmetrical, the same gleaming material as her armor. And from the ether, she summoned her sword, a blade of otherworldly sharpness, both mirror images of her armor, laden with enchantments and runic magic.

Hela watched, her initial amusement evaporating as she witnessed the power Lydia commanded. Lydia locked her eyes on Hela, her gaze unwavering. "I am not one to indulge in wanton violence, Hela," Lydia's voice echoed in the vast, deserted landscape, a tone of firmness etched in her words. "However, if a demonstration is what you require to see reason, then so be it."

Her words hung in the air, a subtle threat, a promise of a battle of epic proportions. And yet, hidden within her declaration, was a silent plea, a hope that Hela might yet be reasoned with. The Empress stood ready, her weapons at hand, her cosmic energy simmering just beneath the surface, prepared to engage in a battle she hoped could be avoided.

The sight of the celestial empress ready for battle, her armor shining, didn't escape Hela's attention. A chill of delight fluttered in her as she surveyed the formidable foe before her, the chill momentarily masking the raw power she could sense emanating from Lydia. She was an interesting opponent, vastly different from the ones Hela had encountered before.

"Reason, Empress?" Hela chuckled, her voice a cruel harmony in the eerie silence of the barren world. She stretched her hand out, an array of blades materializing out of thin air, swirling around her like a deadly tempest. "That's a quaint concept, isn't it? But you see, I didn't come here to 'reason.' I came here to claim what's mine."

In her eyes, a spark of fanatic fervor ignited, her gaze locked onto Lydia's. The green depths of her eyes reflected not just her ruthless ambition but also a glimmer of curious intrigue. She had never heard of this so-called 'Genoshian Empire', but if it was ruled by someone with such power, it had certainly piqued her interest.

"However," Hela continued, her voice taking on a sly undertone as she looked Lydia up and down. "Your power is fascinating, Empress. I can sense the cosmos dancing in your veins. You are unlike any adversary I've faced before. This shall indeed be an interesting altercation."

With that, Hela lunged forward, her blades a deadly flurry around her, ready to clash against Lydia's sword and shield. The barren planet seemed to hold its breath, the air growing heavy with anticipation. The first skirmish between these two cosmic forces was about to begin.

Lydia effortlessly parried Hela's swift, lethal blows, each contact of their weapons ringing through the deserted landscape. Their power surged and recoiled with each clash, an echo of thunder rumbling across the empty plains. Lydia's eyes were filled with a kind of icy focus, as sharp and piercing as the sword she held.

"Your ambition is clear, Hela," Lydia retorted, her voice cutting through the chaos of their combat. "But you've been banished for a reason. Asgard may have been your birthright, but you lost any claim to it when you chose the path of destruction."

Lydia's every word dripped with a sense of authority and resolve, her conviction creating an atmosphere as formidable as her physical strength. This was a leader who held the weight of a galaxy on her shoulders, and bore it with a grace and determination that was awe-inspiring.

Even as they fought, Lydia held herself with a kind of regality that was impossible to ignore. Her movements were fluid, and her control over her abilities was clear. There was a sense of balance to her, a calm amidst the storm of their battle. She was a guiding star, a beacon amidst the darkness.

On the sidelines, Thor and Loki watched in a stunned silence, their own brotherly disputes paling in comparison to the cosmic battle playing out before them. They were thunder and mischief, gods in their own right, but in the face of such power, they felt remarkably mortal.

Thor watched with wide eyes, his usual bravado tempered by the sheer magnitude of what he was witnessing. His fingers twitched, instinctively reaching for the Mjolnir that was no longer there. A feeling of helplessness clawed at him, stark against the usual certainty he felt in battle. He could see the gap, the chasm between his own power and theirs. And it scared him.

Loki, on the other hand, watched the battle with an uncharacteristic quiet. His usual smug demeanor was replaced by a thoughtful frown. There was a sharp edge of respect in his gaze, a rarity from the God of Mischief. He was always one for theatrics, but even he could appreciate the cosmic spectacle unfolding before him. And, perhaps more significantly, he could see the potential for alliances, for games to be played on an entirely different board.

Their sister, the Goddess of Death, locked in battle with the Empress of the Genoshian Empire. A tableau of cosmic powers that sent both fear and awe spiraling within them. It was a moment that would be etched in their memories, a stark reminder of the vast universe they were but a part of.

Their weapons clashed again and again, the mighty forces at play causing the very earth beneath them to quake and rumble. For all her bluster and arrogance, Hela was clearly taken aback by Lydia's power. The slight widening of her eyes, the tightening of her grip on her own weapon, all subtle signs of a realization dawning upon her - this was not an adversary she could simply brush aside.

For Lydia, this fight was a dance of power and strategy. A ballet of force and finesse, where each attack and parry was a move in an intricate chess game. Each burst of magic, each swing of her sword, it was all calculated, all measured. She was fighting not to kill, but to understand her opponent. To gauge her strength, to anticipate her movements, to know her weaknesses. Every spark of magic she wielded, every attack she deflected was a step towards that understanding.

Lydia was a force of nature, a beacon of energy in the desolate landscape. Her armor gleamed in the harsh light of the twin suns, a tangible manifestation of her immense power. But it was her eyes that truly spoke volumes. Eyes that held the wisdom of countless worlds, the resolve of an unbreakable will, the strength of a leader who had faced the universe and emerged victorious. Eyes that held an echo of cosmic energy, a spark of creation that underscored the depth of her power.

Their fight was a clash of titanic proportions, a dance of godlike beings, each seeking to impose their will on the other. Yet amidst the chaos and destruction, there was a sense of order, a sense of balance. It was a testament to the control and discipline of both combatants, a sign of their inherent understanding of their powers.

Thor and Loki watched the fight from a distance, awed and humbled by the spectacle before them. They were witnesses to a clash of cosmic forces, a battle that transcended realms and shook the foundations of their understanding. It was a moment that made them question their own strength, their own roles in the grand scheme of the universe.

As the battle raged on, Lydia's voice cut through the chaos, calm yet firm, "You might be the goddess of death, Hela. But remember, even death has its limits."

Hela's laughter echoed in response, a harsh, mirthless sound, "We'll see about that, Empress." She launched herself towards Lydia, her spectral weapons trailing behind her like a deadly shadow.

As the dust settled and the echoes of their clash reverberated across the desolate planet, one thing was clear - this was only the beginning.

There was an undeniable rhythm to their movements now, a back and forth dance of strikes and parries. Hela's spectral weapons would shimmer into existence, hurtling through the air towards Lydia, only to be met by a flash of gleaming steel or a burst of magical energy.

Lydia was a whirlwind of motion, every inch the seasoned warrior. Her blade, light and nimble in her hands, moved in a blur of strikes and counterstrikes, her shield deflecting the hailstorm of spectral blades with ease. Her movements were economical, efficient, each step, each swing, every shift of her weight, a testament to her skills honed over years of combat.

And then, the tide of the battle shifted. With a mighty battle cry, Lydia slammed her shield into Hela's defenses, knocking her off balance. Without wasting a moment, she stepped in, landing a devastating kick to Hela's midriff. The force of the blow was like a thunderclap, causing a shockwave that ripped through the ground and sent debris hurtling into the air.

Hela was sent sprawling, tumbling end over end in the dust. She struggled to her feet, coughing out dust and grit, her eyes flashing with anger and a hint of surprise. For a moment, there was silence, the dust cloud slowly clearing to reveal Lydia, standing tall and unyielding.

"That was disappointing," Lydia called out, her voice echoing in the quiet. "Is that the extent of your power, Hela?" Her words were not taunts, but genuine questions, laced with an undertone of frustration. She had expected more from the self-proclaimed Queen of Asgard.

Hela, recovering from the unexpected blow, glared at Lydia. She was unused to such open defiance, and the surprise on her face gave way to a cold, calculating anger. The battle was far from over.

The anticipation hung in the air, a palpable tension that promised more destruction, more chaos. Lydia waited, her grip tightening on her weapon, her eyes never leaving Hela. Whatever was to come next, she was ready.