Chapter 84: Greed is a sin

In the quietude of the royal chambers, adorned with tapestries depicting the glories of Asgard's past, Odin sat beside his wife, Frigga. The flickering flames of the hearth cast dancing shadows on the walls, reflecting the weight of their conversation.

Frigga's gaze was soft yet searching, sensing the turmoil that churned within Odin.

"Odin," she began gently, her voice like a soothing balm, "I can see it in your eyes. You are troubled. What weighs so heavily upon you?"

Odin sighed, his expression grave. "It is Thor, my beloved. His defeat at the hands of that mercenary, Lobo, has rattled him. I fear he will be reckless in his quest for vengeance." 

Frigga nodded, understanding the bond between mother and son. "Thor is proud and strong, but he is also impetuous. He will learn from this defeat, as all warriors must. Yet, you speak of greater concerns."

"Yes," Odin replied, his voice a low rumble, as if echoing the very weight of the cosmos.

"The threats to Midgard are multiplying. Lobo is but one pawn in a game that is unfolding before our eyes. Darkseid moves, and I fear his machinations are far-reaching." 

Frigga leaned closer, her brow furrowing. "What of the stones? The Infinity Stones are powerful. If Darkseid seeks them, the balance of power could shift perilously."

Odin's gaze drifted to the fire, where the flames flickered and danced like the spirits of the past. "Yes, the stones. And we cannot forget that Hela, my daughter, remains sealed in her realm. The bonds of her imprisonment weaken day by day, and soon she will be free."

Frigga's heart tightened at the mention of Hela. "You fear her wrath? She will seek vengeance against us all. What will become of Asgard if she is unleashed?"

"It is a risk we must acknowledge," Odin said, his voice heavy with the weight of inevitability. "If she breaks free, chaos will reign. She will not hesitate to claim what she believes is rightfully hers. And I worry for Thor in particular; he is her brother, but he is also a symbol of everything she despises." 

"Then we must prepare," Frigga replied, determination lighting her eyes.

"We cannot allow fear to dictate our actions. We must bolster our defenses and strengthen our alliances. Perhaps even seek the aid of the other realms."

Odin met her gaze, a flicker of hope igniting within him. "You speak wisely, as always. But know this, my dear. My time is nigh. The end of my reign draws near, and I must ensure Asgard is ready for what lies ahead." 

Frigga placed her hand on his, her touch warm and reassuring. "You are not alone in this, Odin. Together, we will fortify Asgard and prepare for the storms that approach. You have led us through countless battles, and we shall stand by your side until the very end." 

Odin's gaze softened as he looked at Frigga, the love and respect between them palpable.

"Your strength is a beacon in these darkening times, my queen. With you, I believe we can face whatever may come." 

As they sat together, united against the encroaching darkness, they both knew that the challenges ahead would test their resolve. But they were Asgardians, forged in the fires of resilience and unity. 

-

[Meanwhile]

Loki, hidden in the shadows of the chamber, listened intently, a sly smile creeping across his lips as he absorbed every word spoken by his parents. The flickering light of the fire illuminated his mischievous features, casting an almost ethereal glow around him.

His heart raced at the mention of Thor's defeat. How delightful, he thought, reveling in the thought of his brother's embarrassment. If Thor is humbled, perhaps he will finally understand his place.

But it was the revelation of Odin's imminent slumber that sparked a sinister excitement within him. 

Odin sleep? Loki pondered, his mind racing. This is my opportunity. The thought was intoxicating. With Odin in a deep, vulnerable slumber, Asgard would be ripe for the taking.

[A/N: I'm referring to a permanent Odin sleep (death/coma). I don't know if it has happened before in some comics]

He would not have to orchestrate a grand plan to banish Thor; he could seize the throne outright. 

Loki's mind whirred with possibilities. He could create a spectacle, something that would distract the court while he moved in the shadows.

He imagined summoning a host of illusions to confuse and mislead the Asgardians.

Perhaps a grand feast, where he would play the role of the charming prince while secretly laying the groundwork for his ascension. 

And what about Thor? A mere pawn in my game, Loki mused. He wouldn't need to exile him to the realm of mortals.

Instead, he could keep him close, watching as his brother floundered in his own arrogance.

Loki could manipulate Thor's every move, leading him to believe he was still the beloved son of Asgard, all while he slipped into the shadows, unseen and unfettered. 

He thought back to Odin's words about Hela and her potential release. *Perfect,* he thought. "Perhaps I could stir some chaos in that direction as well," he muttered under his breath.

"A little incitement here, a little deception there, and I could turn her wrath upon Thor and Odin both." 

The cogs of his plan began to turn, a web of treachery weaving itself in his mind. With a smirk, he thought, Asgard shall fall to me, not in the form of exile, but through cunning and subterfuge.

And when Odin awakens, it will be to find his kingdom under my control, with Thor forever the fool.

Loki retreated into the shadows, a silent spectre, his heart swelling with ambition. He would let the pieces fall into place, bide his time until the moment was right.

And when Odin fell into his deep, eternal slumber, he would make his move, seizing the throne and perhaps even turning Hela's fury into his own weapon against Thor.

As he slipped away, a malevolent chuckle escaped his lips. The game had begun, and this time, he intended to win.

-

-

[Back on Earth]

[Location: New York City]

Ebony Maw and Supergiant arrived in New York City, standing tall amidst the bustling streets, their presence unnoticed by the humans below. They exchanged a glance, knowing that what they sought was close—one of the Infinity Stones.

Supergiant closed her eyes, using her powerful telepathic abilities to scan the city for the stone's energy signature.

Her senses quickly locked onto a beacon of immense power emanating from the New York Sanctum.

"The Time Stone," she whispered, her eyes glowing briefly as she smiled.

Ebony Maw, ever the strategist, decided to take a more diplomatic approach. "No need for violence, Supergiant. Let's not waste time with unnecessary conflict."

With that, they made their way to the entrance of the Sanctum Sanctorum, the mystical home of Doctor Stephen Strange. Upon reaching the large, ancient door, Ebony Maw raised a hand and gently knocked.

The echo of his polite gesture resonated through the mystical halls.

Inside, Strange sensed their arrival before they even made it to the door. He appeared in a flash of magic, his usual calm demeanour giving way to cautious curiosity.

He opened the door just enough to peer out, immediately recognising the two formidable figures.

Ebony, with a small, courteous bow, spoke in his usual soft, persuasive tone. "Doctor Strange, what an honour. I believe we may have something to discuss. You see, I am here for the Time Stone. If you would be so kind as to hand it over, we can avoid any... unpleasantness."

Strange crossed his arms, his face hardening. "The Time Stone is not something I can just give away, and I certainly won't hand it over to the likes of you."

Ebony's smile didn't falter. "Oh, Doctor, I do hope you'll reconsider. After all, I'm not in the habit of asking twice."

=========================================================