Chapter 137

The grandeur of the throne room struck the quartet as they entered. High arches of golden stone supported the vast, domed ceiling. Marvelous frescoes depicting the exploits of the Aesir gods in all their glory adorned the walls. The heart of the room, however, was the throne itself. It was a sight to behold: a massive seat of intricately worked gold, set upon a dais and encrusted with a myriad of precious gems that caught the ambient light, transforming it into a symphony of colours.

Upon this throne sat Loki, once the God of Mischief, now the King of Asgard. His once wild, carefree eyes were tempered by a newfound sense of responsibility. His figure, draped in the elegant royal regalia, radiated an aura of authority and command that was strikingly different from his earlier, more playful demeanour.

Loki was engrossed in a tablet, a holographic interface flickering in front of him. His green eyes danced over the information displayed, a hint of a frown on his face. He was giving orders, coordinating the transportation of resources to a remote planet, his voice clear and unwavering.

Lydia watched Loki in silent approval. The god she remembered as a mischievous trickster had evolved into a wise and capable king. Of course, the mischief still lingered, a spark in his eyes, a quirk to his smile. But it was tempered now, guided towards the benefit of Asgard and its people. This change had not come easy, and Lydia had played her part in persuading, cajoling, and yes, sometimes intimidating Loki into stepping up as a worthy ruler.

After a moment, Loki's gaze lifted from the tablet and fell upon Lydia and her party. His eyes widened in surprise for a moment, quickly replaced by a warm smile. He placed the tablet aside and descended from his throne, moving towards them with grace.

"Empress Lydia," he greeted, his voice rich and pleasant. His gaze held a newfound respect for the Genoshian Empress, a testament to the long journey they had shared. "What brings you to our golden halls?"

The spacious throne room seemed to close in slightly as Loki listened to Lydia's explanation. He studied her face with a steady, scrutinizing gaze, nodding slowly as she spoke of the distant planet Reed Richards had encountered. However, the moment she mentioned Gorr, Loki's eyebrows drew together in an expression of thoughtful curiosity.

"Gorr..." he echoed, rolling the unfamiliar name on his tongue. He paused, looking at Lydia thoughtfully, his mind tracing the records of Asgard, but coming up empty. "I'm afraid that's a name unknown to me," he admitted, sounding genuinely perplexed. "What manner of being is he, to wield such power?"

Before Lydia could reply, Loki held up his hand, silencing his own question. He nodded resolutely. "No matter. If this Gorr poses a threat to the cosmos, then we must stand against him. Tell me, how can Asgard aid you in this endeavor?"

Lydia, not a moment of hesitation on her face, stated, "I'll need Thor to accompany us on this task."

A flicker of amusement danced in Loki's eyes at her straightforward request. The sibling rivalry that once existed between him and Thor was now a thing of the past. He knew, as well as any, Thor's thirst for battle and his unyielding sense of justice.

"Very well," he agreed, waving his hand in an almost dismissive gesture. "I'll summon Thor for you. He'd never forgive me if I left him out of such an adventure."

His gaze sharpened again as Lydia asked her final question. "Omnipotence City?" Loki echoed. "I am familiar with the place, yes. It's known as the seat of gods. But, why do you seek it?"

His curiosity was clear, but Lydia simply smiled enigmatically, a glint of cosmic energy sparkling in her eyes. It seemed that this quest was unfolding to be more complex than Loki had initially anticipated.

With a steady gaze, Lydia delved into her purpose, her tone resolute and steady. "Loki, for all the grandeur that the divine hold, they often seem to forget their roles. They are not rulers, but guardians, protectors," she explained, her words echoing in the room. "They have a duty towards the mortals that revere them."

She paused, a cosmic glint flickering in her eyes as she continued, "I need to remind them of their purpose. To set them straight. I believe I can do so in Omnipotence City."

Loki listened, his expression unreadable. He contemplated Lydia's words, finding a sense of truth in them that resonated with his own experiences as king. After a moment, he nodded, acquiescing to Lydia's request.

"Omnipotence City lies at the very center of the cosmos, where all dimensions intersect. I will share its coordinates with you," he offered. His eyes lingered on Lydia, appreciating her dedication to the mortal realm. It was not a sentiment often shared by the divine.

Before he could say more, a guard clad in golden Asgardian armor entered the room, whispering a message into Loki's ear. Loki's countenance shifted from thoughtful to mildly irritated. He heaved a sigh and turned back to Lydia, an apologetic expression on his face.

"I'm afraid Thor is... resisting my summons," he admitted, rubbing his temples in exasperation. "He's never been one to respect formalities."

A single brow arched upward on Lydia's forehead, her face a masterful painting of surprise and intrigue. She tilted her head to the side, her lips parting slightly as she questioned Loki's declaration.

"He refused?" she asked, her words carrying a tinge of bemusement. "Pray, tell me why."

Loki shifted uncomfortably, his hands fiddling with the golden tablet. He met Lydia's gaze, his own eyes flickering with uncertainty. "Something about a mortal woman he's enamored with. Jennifer... Jessica... Jen..." he trailed off, his brows furrowed in confusion.

Lydia's face softened at Loki's struggle to recall the name. Her cosmic eyes twinkled, the cogs in her mind working overtime. She saw the pieces and connected them together, forming the name that seemed to have eluded Loki.

"Jane Foster?" she suggested, her voice filled with certainty. Loki's eyes lit up, a sense of relief washing over his face.

"That's it! Jane Foster!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "Such a simple name. I really should remember it."

Lydia offered Loki a gentle smile, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. "Don't worry about it, Loki," she said, her tone warm and comforting. "And don't worry about the summons. I know where to find Thor."

With that, Lydia gathered her cosmic power, wrapping it around herself, James, Wanda, and Hela. In an instant, they disappeared from Asgard, leaving Loki alone in the throne room. Their destination: Earth. Their mission: to bring Thor into the fold.

Cosmic energy coursed around Lydia, James, Wanda, and Hela, its vibrant luminescence disrupting the ordinary surroundings of an all-too-familiar hospital room. A sterile scent wafted through the air, mixing with the potent smell of cleaning chemicals. The room's sterile atmosphere was broken by the two figures standing in the middle, both of them locked in a heated argument.

Jane Foster, petite yet formidable in her own right, was breathing heavily, her thin frame belied by her fiery spirit. Her skin was ashen, an obvious testament to the battle she was fighting within. Clad in a soft hospital gown, she stood before Thor, defiance flashing in her eyes.

"And why should I go with you, Thor? To have Asgardian magic cure me? To live a life that isn't mine?" Jane fired back, her voice weaker than she would have liked, but fierce nonetheless. The room fell into silence, save for the soft hum of the medical equipment around them.

Thor, the God of Thunder, towered over Jane, a deep frown on his normally jovial face. His large hands clenched and unclenched, his frustration seeping into the room. "Jane, this isn't about living a life that isn't yours. This is about living, period. Your life is in danger, why can't you see that?" He asked, his voice booming in the room, a stark contrast to Jane's fragile tone.

Before Jane could retort, a crackling sound filled the room, followed by a slight shimmering in the air. The arguing duo turned around, their faces turning into masks of surprise as they noticed Lydia, James, Hela, and Wanda appearing out of thin air.

Jane's eyes widened in shock, her heart pounding in her chest as she took in the sight of the newcomers, while Thor took an instinctive step forward, his protective instincts kicking in as he moved to shield Jane from the intruders. Their arrival marked the end of their argument, at least for now.

Thor's initial surprise morphed into recognition and then relief. His tense shoulders relaxed as he addressed the most powerful being in the universe. "Lady Lydia," Thor greeted her with a respectful nod. His gaze wandered over James and Hela, lingering momentarily on Wanda as he recognized her from their previous encounters.

Jane, on the other hand, stood dumbstruck as she took in the imposing figures that had abruptly entered her room. She was no stranger to the extraordinary, having witnessed firsthand the battles between extraterrestrial beings and even dating a god. Yet, the presence of these figures in her hospital room was a shock. She swallowed hard, eyes flicking from one figure to the other, finally resting on Lydia.

News snippets and footage played in her mind—Lydia defying Thanos in a cosmic duel, the awe-inspiring spectacle of her power during the Battle of New York, and her intervention in the Terrigen Cloud incident, which had significantly affected the course of mutant-kind. Lydia was an emblem of power and authority, her figure dominating every scene she graced. Jane blinked, still processing the reality of Lydia standing before her.

Lydia, in her regal attire, was the epitome of serene power. Her eyes glowed faintly, a reminder of the cosmic power she wielded. A soft smile played on her lips as she acknowledged Thor's greeting. "Thor," she responded, her voice steady and commanding.

Turning her gaze to Jane, Lydia's smile softened further. Her eyes, glowing with cosmic energy, met Jane's. The room fell silent, the hum of the medical equipment the only sound breaking the quiet as everyone waited for Lydia to speak.

In the silent room, filled with the gentle hum of medical machines and punctuated by the quiet breaths of its occupants, Lydia looked at Jane, her gaze soft and understanding. "You must be Jane Foster," she stated with a quiet strength, her words filling the room with an ethereal quality. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

Jane, for her part, continued to look flabbergasted, her mouth slightly agape as she attempted to formulate words. A thin bead of perspiration trickled down her temple, betraying her nervousness. Her mind raced to process the surreal reality of the moment.

"I've heard quite a bit about your accomplishments," Lydia continued, her voice punctuating the silence, her words directed at Jane but also subtly addressing Thor. "Your contributions to science have been... monumental."

Before Jane could conjure a response, Lydia turned her attention back to Thor, her demeanor shifting subtly from gentle empathy to stern resolve. "Thor," she stated, her voice echoing softly in the room. "I require your assistance. A confrontation of great importance awaits us."

The room fell silent again. Thor seemed to grapple with his emotions for a moment, his gaze shifting from Lydia to Jane, a silent struggle visible in his eyes. After what seemed an eternity, he finally managed to voice his response.

"No," he said, his voice steady yet laced with uncharacteristic defiance. "I cannot. Jane needs me here."

Surprise flickered in Lydia's eyes, but she masked it quickly. It was not the response she expected, but she found herself admiring his courage nonetheless. Turning her gaze back to Jane, Lydia studied the woman silently. Jane's hand tightened around Thor's, their joined hands becoming a symbol of their unyielding determination and love.

Lydia's eyes gleamed in the soft glow of the room, cosmic energy sparking within her gaze. An all-seeing gaze that stripped away the surface and delved into the deep layers of reality, revealing things that mortal eyes could never perceive.

"Stage 4 breast cancer," Lydia stated matter-of-factly, her words filling the room with an uneasy silence. She turned her gaze back to Jane, her eyes devoid of pity but instead filled with an understanding that felt unnervingly intimate.

Jane was taken aback, her surprise evident in her widened eyes. She hadn't expected Lydia to glean that information just by looking at her. But then again, she was standing in front of one of the most powerful beings in the universe, she reminded herself.

"I assume the treatments here have been... ineffective?" Lydia's words hung heavy in the air, her tone dipping in an almost solemn quietude. Jane responded with a small, somber nod, her grip on Thor's hand tightening slightly.

There was a beat of silence before Lydia tilted her head slightly to one side, her gaze penetrating Jane's determined facade. "Why are you refusing aid from Thor?" She questioned, her voice holding no judgment, only a simple curiosity. There was more to Jane Foster than met the eye, Lydia could see that. And she was intent on understanding why this strong, courageous woman was refusing an opportunity for survival.

Jane drew a slow breath, gathering her thoughts. She looked at Lydia, her gaze firm, her voice steady. She was a scientist, a woman of intellect and reason, and she had always been a fighter. Her battle with cancer was no different.

"I appreciate the concern, Empress," Jane began, her words ringing with sincerity. "But this is my battle. My disease. And I believe that it should be fought on my terms."

Her gaze flickered to Thor, his eyes filled with a mix of worry and admiration. He understood her reasoning, as much as it pained him. "Thor, he means well," Jane continued, her voice a tender whisper. "But if I were to accept his help, to get cured by magic or godly intervention, wouldn't that be cheating? This is a human disease, a human problem, and it should be resolved with human solutions."

Jane's gaze returned to Lydia, her jaw set, a determined fire kindling in her eyes. "So, as much as I appreciate the concern, I'm going to fight this my way. With dignity and grit. Because that's what humans do."

Her words hung in the air, a quiet assertion of her strength and resolve. The room was silent, the only sounds were the beeping of the heart monitor and the soft hum of the hospital equipment, adding an eeriness to the intense atmosphere.

Lydia studied Jane, her eyes reflecting respect for the woman before her. She understood Jane's desire to tackle her disease on her own terms, her wish to remain human in a world that was increasingly dominated by gods and superhumans. Her courage was admirable, and Lydia found herself respecting Jane's decision, even if it made her task a little more complicated.

Lydia nodded, acknowledging Jane's resilience. "I admire your courage, Jane. Truly," she began, a hint of a smile playing on her lips, "Your fight, your spirit, it's commendable. But, allow me to present a different perspective."

She paused, shifting her gaze to the cityscape outside the window. "The Genoshian Empire, my empire, is a testament to the power of evolution. Of change. As you rightly noted, I was once human. A woman of science, like yourself. I was also confronted with impossible odds, the kind that made the human in me want to stand her ground, to fight with what little she had."

Lydia turned back to Jane, her gaze intense yet understanding. "But then, I realized, being human isn't about stubbornly clinging to the old ways. It's not about refusing help when it's offered. Being human is about adaptation. About survival. It's about the audacity to grasp at the impossible, to embrace the change, to grow beyond what we once were."

As her words filled the room, Lydia glanced at Thor, his eyes mirroring his worry for Jane. "Thor's help, it's not about stripping you of your humanity. It's about giving you a fighting chance, a chance to adapt and overcome."

She shifted her gaze back to Jane, her voice softer, almost comforting. "You're right, cancer is a human problem. But who's to say the solution can't be...more? Jane, your spirit, your determination, that is what makes you human. Not the disease that's ravaging your body. Don't let your battle become your end."

Lydia let the silence linger, her words hanging in the air like a poignant plea. It was not an attempt to belittle Jane's courage but a bid to help her see the bigger picture.

Lydia tilted her head, acknowledging her oversight. "…actually…I stand corrected. Cancer is not just a human problem," she admitted, her voice steady, "It's a universal plight, a dangerous mutation that afflicts beings throughout the cosmos."

She looked towards the window, a distant look in her eyes. "Even in my Empire, we've not been spared. We've seen cancer rip through bodies, transforming cells into killers. But we have technology, advanced medical advancements capable of controlling, even eliminating, such maladies."

Her gaze returned to Jane, a softness in her cosmic-imbued eyes. "We can help you, Jane," she said simply. There was no arrogance, no force in her voice, just a simple offer, "If you're open to it."

Silence reigned momentarily before Lydia continued, "I understand this is not an easy decision. And it's one you should not be forced to make alone. I am extending the offer to your family, your friends. They would all be welcomed into our Empire, and we would do our utmost to ensure their well-being."

She paused, a thoughtful look crossing her features. "And Jane, your intellect, your scientific acumen, it doesn't go unnoticed. I think you'd thrive in our science division. You'd be working with some of the brightest minds in the universe, including Reed Richards. We could learn a lot from each other. What do you think?"

The quiet that followed her question was filled with potential, a pivotal moment hanging in the balance. Lydia waited patiently, respecting Jane's need for contemplation.

Jane took a deep breath, swallowing the lump in her throat before she spoke. "The Genoshian Empire... it's advanced scientifically, isn't it?" she asked, her voice wavering with the weight of her decision.

Lydia smiled, her glowing eyes twinkling. "You could say that. We have seen and learned much throughout the cosmos. Things that would fascinate even the most learned minds of Earth."

"And... could I... ever return to Earth?" Jane's voice was almost a whisper, her eyes desperately seeking an answer in Lydia's serene countenance.

A laugh bubbled from Lydia, a sound both warm and comforting. "Oh, Jane," she chuckled, "you would not be a prisoner. Of course, you can visit Earth. We're not an isolationist Empire. We understand the importance of roots, of home, and of the ties that bind."

Lydia sobered a little as she continued, "However, there are protocols in place for such travels. They are not to restrict you, but to ensure your safety and the safety of others. As much as we want to trust everyone, there are those with nefarious intentions."

"The universe is full of beings with a multitude of desires. Some might seek to kidnap, or to steal technology, or simply to cause havoc. As such, we take precautions to minimize such risks. But rest assured, these procedures are not designed to impede but to protect."

Lydia paused, letting her words sink in. She watched as Jane mulled over the reality presented to her, her eyes reflecting the rapid thoughts racing through her mind.

Jane's gaze moved from Lydia to Thor, their eyes locking in a moment of silent understanding. Thor's eyes were warm, holding a world of concern and desire for her well-being. He didn't seem to care if she accepted Lydia's offer or his own; his only wish was for her to get the help she needed.

In the silence, Jane posed another question, "And my... my work, my research, could it continue within the Empire?"

Lydia, understanding the importance of Jane's work to her identity, replied earnestly, "Indeed, it could. In fact, your knowledge and expertise would be highly valued within our scientific community. Our researchers, led by Reed Richards, are among the brightest minds in the universe. They, and indeed all of us, would be honored to work alongside you."

There was another pause, the air heavy with anticipation. Jane glanced at Thor once more, seeking the reassurance in his eyes before finally breaking the silence.

"Alright," she said, her voice shaky but resolute, "Alright... I'll do it. I'll become a citizen of the Genoshian Empire."

And with those words, a new chapter was set to begin in Jane Foster's life, one filled with hope, and the potential for healing in the heart of the cosmos.

A wave of relief washed over Thor's face as Jane agreed to join the Genoshian Empire. A smile spread across Lydia's face as she reached out to warmly welcome Jane. "Welcome, Jane Foster, to the Genoshian Empire. We're honored to have you."

Without warning, Lydia's eyes started to glow, the ethereal light casting a bluish hue across her face. Thor, Jane, and everyone in the room watched in awe as Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, materialized into the room with a surprised yelp.

Caught off guard, Sue stumbled, landing on the floor with an unceremonious thud. She looked around, a mix of confusion and irritation on her face. Seeing Lydia, she quickly rose to her feet, brushing herself off.

Lydia chuckled lightly, an apologetic smile on her face. "My apologies for the abrupt transportation, Sue. There was no time for pleasantries," she admitted. Then, turning to Jane, she gestured at Sue, "Jane, this is Susan Storm-Richards, also known as the Invisible Woman. She's a vital member of our scientific community."

She then turned back to Sue, "Sue, this is Dr. Jane Foster, one of Earth's brilliant astrophysicists. Jane will be joining us at the Research Ring World. Could you oversee her transfer?"

Caught off guard, Sue looked at Jane, then back at Lydia, but quickly composed herself, extending a hand towards Jane with a warm, welcoming smile. "Of course, Lydia. It will be a pleasure. Welcome, Dr. Foster."

"Before you go," Lydia's voice cut through the air, drawing Sue's attention back to her. Her eyes were stern and serious, her tone reflective of the matter at hand. "Jane is suffering from stage four breast cancer. When you arrive, please see to it that she is given the necessary treatment immediately. Our medical team has dealt with such cases before. Administer the usual medication."

Sue's eyes flickered with concern as she turned towards Jane. There was a hint of sadness in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced with determination. "Of course, Lydia," she responded, nodding in understanding. She took a step closer to Jane, her presence radiating a sense of calm assurance.

Jane, for her part, was taking it all in stride. The gravity of the situation had certainly not been lost on her, but she remained composed, ready to face whatever came her way.

Turning her attention to Thor, Lydia's eyes softened slightly. "Now," she began, her tone shifting from firm and authoritative to gently encouraging. "Are you ready?"

Thor, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, straightened himself. His gaze lingered on Jane for a moment before he turned to Lydia, a sense of resolution reflected in his eyes. He met Lydia's gaze and responded, his voice steady despite the turmoil of emotions within him. "Yes, Lydia. I am ready."