Sparking Soul: Ch.21

“Are you sure you don't want to come with? I feel like you would have some fun discovering how Nidavellir is.” I asked as Darcy and I made our way across the Rainbow Bridge to Himinborg and she just gave me an amused smile while shaking her head.

“You don't have to include me in everything you do. I'm not that desperate for your attention.” She spoke with a smirk and I chuckled while shrugging.

“Hey, it's not my fault that I want to make sure I don't neglect my fiancée.”

“Eh, you don't have to worry about that. I'm not that clingy. Besides, with Mjolnir at my side, I'll always have a little bit of you with me now.” She said while tapping the hammer clipped to her side and I smiled as I felt its energy resonating with hers.

“How has it been, actually? Do you feel any different?” I know that when I had received Mjolnir, the boost in power to not only myself but also my connection to my domain had been instantaneous as I had felt a lot stronger than I was before I got it.

“Uh, a bit, yeah. I don't feel like I'd be able to knock you out, but I do feel like I'm pretty strong now compared to earlier.”

“Well, that still makes you far stronger than even the Captain America of your Earth so I'd say 'pretty strong' is quite the understatement.”

“Yeah, yeah, Mr. God of Thunder. I'll have to see it for myself.” She said with a smirk and I chuckled before we kept walking, nodding at the Einherjar before smiling amusedly as I saw her slightly awed eyes.

“You would think that spending a few months here would make me get used to them being double your size or being able to throw each other around like ragdolls.”

“Don't let their size fool you. Some of them have less finesse than a drunken goat.” I teased, earning a laugh from her before rolling my eyes as I heard the guards grumbling under their breaths.

“Hey, I said some, not all of you.”

“You can't talk when you used to smash your way through problems without thinking.”

“Hey, that was before my banishment. After meeting you and the others, I admit that I am much more strategic now.”

“Uh-huh, sure.” She said dryly and I rolled my eyes before looking to the front as I heard a voice speak up.

“I see you're off somewhere again. Have you become fond of travelling to the other Realms after your banishment?” Sif asked with a faint smirk, dressed in her armour that was gleaming in the light as I chuckled while Darcy nodded.

“With Mjolnir being Darcy's now, I thought it might be time to acquire a new weapon unique to the new god Thor. That and I may have forgotten of my promise to Brokkr about bringing him some of that Midgardian whiskey he's so fond of.”

“Brokkr?” Darcy asked and I shrugged as Sif answered with a smirk.

“His best friend of the Dwarves. Try not to let them talk you into another round of 'Who Can Lift the Heaviest Forge Hammer' again. Last time, half of the workshop collapsed and you had to spend two decades there to fix it.”

“You do that and I'm dragging you back to Asgard with a chain around your balls. I am not raising triplets on my own.”

“…I can see why you like her.” Sif spoke with a giggle while I just blinked at Darcy's intense gaze before giving a slow nod.

“I will most definitely promise not to that.”

“Good. Are you going with?” Darcy asked as she turned to Sif, who sighed as she shook her head.

“Fortunately, not. I have to train the new generation of Valkyries since the All-Father wants to reinstate the group and I also have to keep an eye on Lorelei the Enchantress again.”

“Is she starting trouble again?” If I remember correctly from Thor's memories, Lorelei was supposed to have been this powerful sorceress that had ensnared the minds of half of the Nine Realms a few thousand years ago before Sif and Loki were sent to stop her.

The former was because Lorelei's magic was fairly weak against those of the same gender and the latter…well, who else would you send to stop someone that ensnare minds if not the Trickster himself?

“No, she's been peaceful in her cell, but the All-Father believes that she might try something within the next couple of weeks.”

“Ah, I see. Well, good luck on that.”

“The same to you on your endeavour and if you wish to learn how to use that hammer at your waist, you know where to find me. After all, I was the one who taught this oaf to stop swinging it around recklessly.” Sif spoke with a nod to me and Darcy just looked amused as I sighed.

“Do you have to go around saying that to everyone?”

“I do. See you when you get back, oh great God of Thunder.” She teased with a grin before walking past, Darcy and I watching her leave before I nearly choked on my spit as my fiancée spoke up.

“I can see why you used to be in a relationship with her.

“R-Really? That's the first thing you have to say?” I asked before shaking my head as she giggled and shrugged.

“Hey, I'm just telling the truth.” She said and I sighed as we finally stopped, staring at the point where Father and Heimdall stood waiting.

“You sure you don't want to come long? I'm fairly certain Brokkr has been working on a new line of enchanted jewelry which I do know you like so you might find something that catches your eye.”

“I would, but I actually want to take Sif up on her offer to train. Gotta make sure I can actually use this hammer without looking like a total idiot.” She answered and I smiled warmly, leaning down to kiss her forehead before chuckling as she pulled me further down and laid a kiss on my lips.

“Then I'll make sure I return victorious.”

“And I'll be waiting your return…along with a few skills, of course.” She teased with a seductive look in her eyes and I just slowly stood up while inhaling deeply as she giggled before walking away.

'…Ah, I truly am one lucky god.'

“Son, while I do understand wanting to watch your beloved leave, I must ask whether you want to go to Nidavellir today or tomorrow.” Father asked and I sighed as I turned and walked towards them.

“I know, Father. So! What am I to do on Nidavellir other than perhaps getting a new weapon?” I asked, smirking as the man sighed while Heimdall raised an eyebrow.

“Firstly, do not drink with Brokkr again. The two of you can get carried away.”

“Sif and Darcy already gave me a warning so you don't have to worry of that happening.” I answered and rolled my eyes at his pleased nod before he continued.

“Secondly, King Eitri has been contact us of a few Rock Troll ships having been spotted near Nidavellir and while we would normally not worry of them, they were found this close on the same year that the Convergence is going to happen.”

'And the same year that the Dark World movie took place.' I thought with a frown, remembering the Dark Elves and the one death that would start the downwards spiral of Thor's life.

Not this time. Not in this lifetime.

“I understand. If I find any near us, I shall ask what they wish to accomplish.” I spoke and his lips tugged upwards as he nodded.

“Finally, do not choose a weapon for its design or for how powerful it is. Choose the one that resonates with you the most.”

“Not as a warrior, but as a king.” I said with a smile, which he returned with a smile and a nod.

“Precisely. I regret that I cannot go with you, but I need to focus on Asgard for now.” He said and Heimdall took that as his cue as he twisted Hofung, activating the Bifrost as it sent a beam out into the cosmos.

Taking a deep breath as I began walking towards the Bifrost, I gave one final look before letting the Bifrost take me away, watching as I was carried lightyears across the universe in a matter of mere seconds.

The next moment, I walked out of the Bifrost's energy with a smile and stared in awe at the magnificent structure that was Nidavellir.

Expecting it to be the size of a large city block from bird's eye view, I was surprised when I stood on a platform that led into a city-sized structure or most likely even bigger.

Turning around and staring at the blazing neutron star that was exuding a mystical cosmic energy, I felt it enveloping my form and smiled as the stones responded by enveloping me in their own energy.

“I thought it to be a lie, but I suppose the truth is right here in front of me. You actually have three of the Infinity Stones.” The familiar voice made my smile widen as I turned back, staring at the dwarf-like being that was nearly triple my size.

“King Eitri. I see the beard is as immaculate as ever.” I began with a teasing smile and the dwarf king gave a bellowing laugh that shook the ground below us as he rubbed his rugged beard.

“It must be considering you've copied it in the years that you've been away from our little realm.”

“It would be an insult not. How have you been?” I asked with a raised hand and he laughed as he shook it, his grip soft yet firm despite his size and I laughed as he grinned before gesturing for me to follow.

“We have been good, though I'm sure your father's informed you of the current dilemma we're sitting with?”

“He did. How long have the Rock Trolls been bothering you?” I asked as we walked through the many forges and workshops, waving at the smiling dwarves who waved back with joyful smiles before getting back to work.

“If I'm recalling correctly, it's been for the past six cycles of our moons.”

'So, that would be a year. Lines up with when Loki was first found by Mother after he vanished in that black hole.' I thought with a frown before shaking my head and focusing as Eitri continued speaking.

“They have not attacked us openly at all for fear of drawing Odin's wrath, but they have been doing their best to provoke us by flying their ships around Nidavellir for nine cycles before flying back to their home planet.”

“They could be looking for an opening to attack, but with my being here, I believe they will find it hard to attack.” I spoke and the dwarf chuckled as he nodded.

“Indeed. Now, what's this I hear of Mjolnir deciding that you are no longer worthy?” He asked and I smiled while shaking my head.

“I do not mind it since it wants to protect my beloved, but with the stones on my person at all times, it appears they have changed how my cosmic energy feels to others.”

“A 'change' is an understatement. I had actually thought you to be the All-Father when you arrived before I realized it was you when I looked deeper.”

“Wait, has it really changed that much?” I asked and blinked as Eitri snorted while we walked towards one of the few forges still around, the dwarf behind it looking up with a happy smile as he dropped his tools.

“Brokkr, did you know that it was Thor that we all felt earlier?”

“Wait, not the All-Father? Just how powerful have you become, brother?”

“As powerful as I could, brother.” I spoke with a smile as I raised my hand and he grinned as he clasped my hand with his own while a shockwave rippled from our handshake.

“Glad to hear it. What brings you to our realm today?”

“Thor is here because Mjolnir has chosen a new wielder.”

“…Want Imir's Axe? I think we still have it here somewhere.” Brokkr asked and I couldn't help my laughter as Eitri sighed.

“Brokkr, the All-Father took it away to seal in his treasury for its absurd power.”

“Ah, right? That was the one that could cut through space, yes?”

“Through reality, yes.” Eitri answered and I hummed before shaking my head as Brokkr snorted.

“Father already trusts me with three objects that can destroy a planet. I don't think he would trust me with that too.”

“Considering you can manipulate space, reality and the concept of power as you wish, the ability to cut through reality is not as impressive as they are.” He answered and I nodded before turning to Brokkr as he spoke up.

“Well, considering you destroy nearly every weapon that is not made out of Uru, we'll need that metal to make up the majority of it.”

'I wonder, could I…?' I thought with a frown as I raised my right hand, both Eitri and Brokkr raising an eyebrow as the Reality Stone glowed before their eyes widened as a stack of golden metal ingots appeared above my hands.

“I would create a new weapon, but I feel like it would not be as good of a weapon as one that you all would make. Would this be enough to make said weapon?” I asked and Brokkr grinned as Eitri just looked at the Uru in anticipation.

“That depends. How powerful do you want it to be?” He asked and I grinned while patting the stones against my armour.

“As strong as these. Actually, while you're at it…let's give myself a big upgrade.”

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The Sanctuary was dark and silent within the vast emptiness around it, the Mad Titan as stoic as usual as he sat upon his throne while his eyes were closed.

His massive form almost blended in with the shadows made by the celestial bodies before a sudden shimmer of energy illuminated the darkness, the Other floating through the Mind Stone shining in his forehead as two others followed after.

The lithe, blue-skinned woman with cybernetic enhancements covering her face and limbs had a cold gaze in her eyes while the slim, green-skinned woman besides her had a sharp and unwavering look in her eyes as she stood confidently besides her sister.

The Mad Titan opened his eyes as he did not move, his eyes glowing with a faint iridescent light that hid the malice in them.

“What is it, Other?” He asked, his voice reverberating throughout the Sanctuary and the Other bowed his head low before speaking.

“My lord, your daughters Nebular and Gamora have returned from their mission.”

“You no longer need to worry of the Empire, Father. We have brought them under heel.” Nebula spoke as she stepped forward, her jaw clenched and voice cold as Gamora followed with her tone more measured.

“There were some losses to our army and the survivors pledged their loyalty, but I doubt they will hold their word for long.”

“They will fall in line once fear takes root. You have done well, daughter.” Nebula clenched her jaw slightly as she heard her father's words, Gamora catching the movement before looking back at her father and bowing.

“Thank you, Father.”

“My Lord, I unfortunately bring grave news.”

“Yes?” Thanos asked and the other looked hesitant before speaking.

“Your children of the Black Order have been annihilated.” A heavy silence fell upon the Sanctuary, Gamora and Nebula not showing their surprise at his wordswhile Thanos hummed while tapping his fingers against the armrest.

“Who did this?”

“Thor of Asgard, my lord. From what I feel, he already wields three Infinity Stones and defeated the Black Order with ease.”

“He must think himself invincible, then.” Nebula spoke with narrowed eyes before turning her glare to Gamora as she spoke up.

“If he does indeed have three stones, he's not just a threat, sister, but a god in more ways than one. Even if he does not know how to wield them, his power is already far beyond anything you and I have faced before.”

“Power unearned always destroys those who wields it.” Thanos spoke impassively, drawing his daughters' attention before their eyes widened as he stood up.

With a flick of his fingers, the ground around his throne rose up and became a stairway that the Titan slowly descended with a piercing stare.

“Thor's greed for the stones will be his downfall, but I agree, daughter. With three stones, he is indeed powerful so we must act before he grows accustomed to his new power. Other?”

“I have longed for this day, my lord.” The Other spoke with a smile of anticipation and the two daughters stared in shock as he ripped the stone from his forehead before holding it up to Thanos.

The Mad Titan nodded as he took the stone, the chestplate of his armour twisting and warping to form six empty slots before he placed the Mind Stone in the middle.

“I could not agree more, Mad Titan.” A voice echoed across the Sanctuary and both Gamora and Nebula instinctively shifted into combat stances only to be stopped by Thanos as he raised a hand with an amused smirk.

Staring directly at the swirling dark void that formed in the shadows in front of him, he watched as a pale-skinned figure in twisted, blackened armour walked out, the Dark Elf having a sinister look in his eyes and an amused smile on his face as he stopped a few meters away from them.

“Malekith the Accursed returns from his exile.” Thanos spoke, his tone almost amused as Malekith nodded while his smile gleamed with malice.

“Exile is a matter of perspective, Titan. Asgard and its All-Father may believe us to still be sealed away until the end of time, but we have endured, waiting for the right moment to strike.” The Other sneered at the casual referral to its master, but stopped as he saw Thanos glancing at him for a brief moment.

“What do you want, Elf?” The Titan Lord asked and Maliketh grimaced slightly before bitter resolve settled on his face.

“I come bearing information. The Reality Stone is no longer bonded to me but to the son of Bor's spawn. I know you wish to have it and I know how you can take it for yourself.”

“Why should we trust you? Do you not wish to use the stone for yourself?” Gamora asked and Maliketh met her gaze with a frown.

“I do, but I'd rather have them be in the hands of the Titan Lord than in the hands of my enemy. As for how we will get them, I know how to sever Thor's connection to the stones and how to force him to reject them.”

“Speak.” Thanos spoke and Malekith smirked before he continued.

“Thor believes himself to be worthy of the power he wields, but if that power makes him unworthy in the eyes of his own weapon, he will question himself. He'll start wondering who exactly he is and where he fits in the grand scheme of everything. All we need is a way to break his spirit and convince him that his newfound power makes him a danger not only to his own people, but to the Nine Realms themselves.”

“And how will you break him?” Thanos asked despite the intrigue on his face and a wicked smile formed on Malekith's face as he spoke.

“For those of us that pursue the stones, there will always be consequences for our loved ones and unfortunately for our target, he has four targets that will bring him nothing but despair.”

“…You see vengeance and I seek the stones. Is that in agreement, Malekith?” Thanos asked as he walked closer, raising a hand to the dark elf who smirked as he nodded and shook the hand.

“It is.”

“Then let us plan on when we'll break the god.”

A/N: The pieces are moving and the story is finally on its way.

Sorry for the late upload. Turns out that working from home doesn't exempt you from workplace meetings.

Anyway, Thor is making a new weapon, but Thanos and the new threat Malekith are plotting something in the background.

Who are they targeting and what will happen? Let's find out in the next one.

As always, read, enjoy, review and until the next one….

Ba-Bye~!!