chapter 297

Chapter 297:

– Layla –

I shot up into the upper atmosphere, the wind blasting against me as I left Earth’s clouds behind and soared straight toward the coordinates Magneto had sent. The higher I got, the more I could see the soft curve of the planet below. But I kept my eyes forward, aimed at that dot in space where he was supposedly hiding.

The dot grew, and then it clicked—that wasn’t just any rock. No, it was a massive asteroid, covered in metallic plating. I slowed a little, taking in the sight. So this is where Magneto had been hiding out all this time. Figures he'd pick a damn asteroid fortress to stay off the radar.

Villains and their secret lairs…

The second I got close, two massive doors creaked and groaned as they opened up, slowly parting just for me.

Guess I was expected.

As soon as I passed through the doors, they closed with a heavy clang behind me, sealing me in. I looked around, tense and ready to throw up a shield or blast my way out. But then, I froze, staring in disbelief at what was in front of me.

Instead of a cold, dark chamber, I was standing on a wide expanse of grassy plains. I mean actual grass, stretching out for miles under a bright sun hanging in a blue sky that should not exist. A cool breeze hit my face, lifting strands of my hair and giving me goosebumps. It felt like the real deal, down to all the details, including smell.

“Duh… fuck?” The words slipped out before I could even think.

My brain struggled to make sense of it. This scenery shouldn’t have been possible, his asteroid wasn’t that big from the outside. I took a few hesitant steps forward, half-expecting the ground to disappear beneath me like some hologram or a cruel trick. But the grass bent under my heels, and it felt real under my fingers when I crouched down to touch it.

“What kind of ridiculous sci-fi shit is this?” I muttered to myself.

Then, off in the distance, I spotted something that made my jaw drop even further—a city. It was huge, sprawling across the plains, with towering structures made of massive slabs of stone stacked into buildings.

“Welcome, Layla, wife of Odin’s spawn, to the original Asgard,” a man’s voice echoed across the plains…

– Akeno –

Akeno stood on the rooftop of Layla’s penthouse. It had been over two years since she’d actually lived here, but she still made the trip regularly to keep in touch with her family. Asia floated nearby, her four pristine, angelic wings spread out, glowing faintly in the evening light. She was trying to comfort Akeno, but Akeno wasn’t in the mood for any sugar coated reassurance.

“Everything’s going to be okay, Akeno,” Asia murmured gently, a hopeful smile on her face.

Akeno clenched her fists, resisting the urge to snap back. How could everything be okay? Both of her lovers, Ororo and Jean, were missing. Gone. Taken by that old bastard Magneto—or whoever was pulling his strings, if Loki’s theory about mind control was on point.

“I hate mind control,” John—aka the Doom Slayer—grumbled from nearby, arms crossed and looking as lethal as ever. “I’m not good at… not killing my enemies.” His voice had this edge, like he’d rather punch something than try to talk it out.

“That’s not true,” Asia countered sweetly, smiling at him with that sunshine radiance she had. “You’re always amazing at protecting me.” She floated closer to him, her wings fluttering, and John shifted awkwardly, the ever-tough bodyguard looking like he didn’t quite know what to do with himself under her gaze.

Over the past two years, John had gone from Asia’s unofficial protector to her actual bodyguard. Akeno watched the exchange with a raised eyebrow, fighting the urge to smirk. She’d bet good money that John was head over heels for her sweet, oblivious sister-cousin. Not that Asia had noticed, of course. No, the poor girl was as clueless as they came. Akeno could hardly believe it. She guessed Asia had a thing for big, brooding types with a penchant for slaughter.

Not that Akeno had time to dwell on that right now. She was too focused on Magneto and his bullshit.

Layla had left about ten minutes ago to deal with some other crisis, but she’d left Natasha in charge. Natasha now strolled up to them, hips swaying with that predatory confidence that always made her look like she was ready to drop into a fight at any second.

“Layla left ten minutes ago,” Natasha said, her voice low but carrying an edge. “If something’s going to happen, it’ll happen soon. It’s been way too quiet.”

Akeno’s blood stirred, her anger flaring up again as she unfurled her ten black wings in a powerful, intimidating display. She didn’t care about the quiet or the risks. She wanted Jean and Ororo back, and she didn’t care what kind of mess she’d have to wade through to make that happen.

“Hmph,” she scoffed, letting her ten wings stretch to their full span. “If it means getting Jean and Ororo back, I’ll take on anything.”

“Your confidence is inspiring, little crow,” Loki drawled. “But it looks like you’re about to put it to the test.”

Akeno barely spared him a glance, her attention already fixed on the sky. The sky above New York was ablaze in an unnatural orange glow, as if the sun had decided to set the city on fire. Her stomach dropped as she spotted the source—massive wings of flame and an all-too-familiar silhouette.

“Jean…” she whispered, the name barely escaping her lips. A bead of sweat slipped down her cheek.

“Yeah… that’s not good,” Loki said bluntly.

Without a second thought, Akeno launched herself into the air, ignoring the shouts and protests from the others below. She didn’t have time to wait. In the skies over the city, she flew straight toward her lover. The closer she got, the hotter it felt, her skin prickling with the sheer intensity radiating from the massive phoenix construct that was surrounding Jean .

She paused, wings hovering as she faced the enormous, blazing construct. "Jean!” she called desperately. “Jean, it’s me! Snap out of it!"

The giant bird’s head turned, and Jean’s voice echoed from within, but it was wrong—, devoid of the warmth Akeno knew so well. “Submit, Akeno Himejima,” the voice droned. “You will surrender yourself as an offering to be used as a hostage against Layla… for our new master.”

Akeno’s stomach twisted. “What master? Jean, who’s controlling you?”

But Jean—or whatever twisted force was pulling her strings—didn’t answer. The phoenix’s massive beak opened, and a wave of cosmic flames surged forward. Akeno’s eyes widened, and she flapped her ten black wings frantically, throwing herself out of the way just in time to avoid the inferno. Her heart pounded as the flames scorched the air beside her, so close she could feel the singe in her feathers.

She darted away, barely evading the fiery onslaught as the phoenix screamed and surged after her. The heat clawed at her, each flap of her wings more desperate than the last as she wove between skyscrapers, the bird’s flames licking at her heels.

“Jean!” she screamed, hoping against hope that some part of her lover was still in there, still fighting. “Come on! You’re stronger than this!” But all she got in response was another wave of cosmic fire, larger and hotter than the last.

– Loki –

Loki sighed, watching Akeno dodge and weave through the sky, her ten black wings beating frantically to keep her just ahead of Jean’s fire. The blazing phoenix let out another screech, hurling streams of cosmic flames that Akeno barely escaped by diving out of the way.

“She should’ve listened to me,” he muttered, shaking his head. “Did I not tell her to wait?”

Beside him, Natasha let out a frustrated huff. Her red hair whipped around as six black wings sprouted from her back, ready to launch herself into the fray.

“Don’t bother,” Loki warned, sounding almost bored. “She’s in trouble, yes, but charging is just going to get her distracted and incinerated faster. At least for now she’s holding off the most troublesome enemy…”

Natasha clenched her fists, unwilling to watch Akeno fend off someone like Jean Grey on her own. “You’re telling me we should just stand here while that giant bird fries her? That’s Layla’s niece!”

“Exactly,” Loki replied smoothly, waving a dismissive hand. “You’d only be in the way against a creature like the phoenix. And one that’s under mind control, no less.” He raised a brow, considering. “I didn’t think such a being could even be controlled… unless…” He glanced down at the glittering Mind Stone resting in his palm, turning it thoughtfully. His eyes narrowed, the gears in his mind already spinning. “Of course,” he murmured, half to himself. “Our enemy must have one of these little gems as well… and it’s the most troublesome one of all.”

Natasha’s gaze darted from Akeno’s harrowing fight back to Loki. “Which one?” She’d heard of these artifacts from Layla and knew some were worse than others. The Soul Stone, for instance—Layla had explained that it demanded the ultimate sacrifice to use, the life and soul of someone you loved.

Loki let out a dry chuckle. “That one’s a pain, yes. But I’m talking about the Reality Stone.” His voice dipped, a rare note of real concern slipping through his usual cool tone. “If someone’s wielding it, and they’re skilled enough to alter reality to the point where they can control the avatar of the Phoenix, we’re dealing with someone dangerously powerful—even without the Stone.”

Asia’s voice broke the tension. “We need to let Layla know,” she said, panic flaring in her wide eyes.

Loki shrugged, almost lazily. “You can try, but if she’s already tangled with our friend holding the Reality Stone, I doubt any message will make it through.” He pointed toward the skyline, lips curling into a sardonic smile. “Besides, I’d say we’ve got our own problems.”

A black jet was speeding toward them, dark against the blazing horizon. It was heading straight for the penthouse, cutting through the air with menacing precision.

Loki wondered if he should have just stayed in prison?

– Layla –

Right after the voice spoke, the world around me twisted, colors smearing together until my stomach lurched, and the plains I’d been standing in were suddenly gone. I suddenly found myself standing in the ancient stone tower I had been gazing at in the distance.

“What the hell?” I muttered, trying to get my bearings, but there was a weight in the air, like something dark and foul was seeping out of the stones themselves.

“Come closer…”

[That wasn’t cliche or creepy at all…]

I made my way through the deserted stone city on foot. The whole place was quiet—too damn quiet. Just the sound of my boots hitting the ground and that voice in my head, whispering, “Come closer.” Almost tauntingly.

The city looked like it had been abandoned for centuries, maybe longer. I couldn’t help but feel something familiar about the place. It reminded me of Asgardian architecture, but way more primitive. Rough-hewn pillars, thick walls, and a simplicity that was almost brutal. But it had style, I’d give it that.

I kept walking, following that pull, that damn voice that tugged me deeper into the heart of the city.

And then I arrived at the source of the voice. It was some smug bastard sitting on top of a stone throne in the middle of the city. He looked like an Asgardian, but not one I knew or recognized. My instincts were also telling me he was no regular Asgardian, he had the power of a God.

Magneto and Charles Xavier were standing and sitting next to the Asgardian’s throne, but neither of them were budging a muscle. Their stillness was almost eerie. It was weird to know that even a telepath like Charles could be mind controlled so easily.

I used my Observe, but for some reason failed to see the guys level.

{The Asgardian God of Fear, Cul Borson - Level 1??}

[What the fuck!? How is he blocking your scan?]

The System’s shock was so loud it nearly gave me a headache.

Before I could fully process it, Cul smirked and tilted his head. “Tsk, tsk,” he chided, his voice dripping with mockery. “Did you think it’d be that easy to measure my strength?”

I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to blast that smug expression off his face. “Who the hell are you?” I demanded, keeping my voice steady, though I couldn’t shake the tension in my gut. Every instinct was screaming that this guy was trouble.

He chuckled again, dark and amused, leaning forward. “Cul Borson,” he said smoothly, as if he was introducing himself to an old friend. “God of Fear. I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure, or have we…?”

Then it hit me—that voice. He was the one who had ambushed me with that disgusting wave of fear when I was tangled up with Grindelwald and Dumbledore. “You’re the prick who tried to turn me into a quivering mess back then when I was dealing with those two pieces of wizarding trash.”

Cul raised a brow, rubbing his beard as though he was trying to remember. Then, with a dismissive wave, he said, “Ah, yes. Those two corrupted souls… They turned out to be almost worthless. Barely worth the effort of lending them a hint of my power in the first place.”

I raised an eyebrow, crossing my arms. “Why would an Asgardian god even bother with mortal souls?”

He chuckled again. “You really don’t understand, do you? Even as a God, even as the son of Bor himself, I am not immune to the passage of time. I am not unaging, though I live long, perhaps longer than any mortal can comprehend. But eventually, even Gods grow weak. Even my foolish brother Odin was nearing death when I last saw him.” He said it with such smug satisfaction, like he was relishing the thought of his brother’s death. “But not I,” he continued, smirking. “Not once I discovered a… delightful little trick. Souls that die in fear, those twisted by terror—I can devour them, feast on them. And in doing so, I extend my own life.” He spread his hands, letting the sinister weight of his words sink in.

I couldn’t help it—I glanced him over, begrudgingly acknowledging that for a guy who was supposedly old as dirt, he looked annoyingly good. But that didn’t change the fact that he was as rotten as they came. I crossed my arms, giving Cul the look of all looks. "Alright, asshole, let’s get on with it," I snapped. "What’s your deal? Why the hell are you messing with mutants, and threatening Earth? What’s your endgame?"

He chuckled. “Oh, do you truly think I would deign to control these mortals for any reason beyond convenience?” he replied, his voice dripping with disdain. “I took control because it was easy, simple as that. I wanted to spread a touch of fear across this world before I reclaimed what was rightfully mine… no matter how much Odin ruined it in my absence.”

“That still doesn't tell me what you’re after.”

Cul's eyes gleamed. “Why, Asgard’s throne, of course,” he said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Look around you.” He gestured with one broad hand to the stone city surrounding us. “This,” he announced, his tone almost reverent, “is a replica of the Asgard that once was. The home I knew under my father Bor’s rule.”

I glanced around. Stone, stone, and more stone—it was bleak, like a fortress, and ancient as hell. But I didn’t miss the fury in Cul’s eyes as he looked at it, and when he spoke again, his voice was tight with rage.

“Then my father made Odin his successor,” he said, scowling. “And what did my dear brother do? He took our sacred halls and smothered them in gold and polish, painted over our heritage with his garish light!” His lip curled in disgust. “It was disgraceful. Odin betrayed the spirit of Asgard, and then, as if that weren’t enough, he went and made a pathetic woman queen upon his death!”

[Odin didn’t exactly make Hela the Queen either…]

I scowled right back at him, feeling my patience snap. So this God was just a bitter old man who couldn’t handle change. Worse, he was a sexist jackass on top of it.

“You think women are weak?” I sneered, feeling the anger buzz under my skin. “You really believe that crap. Well, I might not be able to see your power, but I’d bet you’re not stronger than I am!”

Surprisingly, Cul nodded at me. “You are correct, Layla of the Fallen,” he said, almost respectfully. “...In your Reality, you surpass me. But this…” His voice deepened, laced with menace. “This isn’t your Reality.”

He raised his hand, and I felt my stomach twist. A thick, red essence seeped out of his palm, swirling until it coalesced into a familiar, deadly shape—the Reality Stone.

SHIT! That wasn’t supposed to show up until after the convergence!

And then he lifted his other hand. Resting in his other palm, gleaming with a purple glow, was the Power Stone…? I felt a spike of panic and immediately searched my inventory. The Power Stone was gone! Somehow, that smug bastard had taken it from me.

The Reality Stone could just do that? That was broken as hell! I swallowed hard, not daring to show how rattled I was. Cul, meanwhile, was eyeing the Power Stone in his hand with a frown.

“I was under the impression that you held two stones,” he said, his voice sharp with accusation. “Where is the other?”

I forced myself to keep a straight face, but inside, I was filled with relief. I’d left the Mind Stone with Loki. “Well, sorry to disappoint,” I said, managing a smirk despite the panic simmering under my skin. “Guess you’re not as powerful as you thought, huh?”

“I'm powerful enough to make you know FEAR!” Cul declared as both stones glowed brightly in his hands before a wave of their combined powers washed over me…

– Loki –

Loki was ducking and weaving, dodging those damned metal claws as they swiped at him, each one aimed to take him apart. That’s what had popped out of the black jet—a small team of mutants, all wearing gaudy yellow outfits like they were some circus troupe.

“Duck, Loki!” Natasha’s shout rang out just in time, and Loki flung himself to the ground as a bolt of lightning crackled above his head. He shot a quick glance toward the source and nearly paused—gorgeous, dark-skinned, and glowing with power, the lightning-wielding mutant looked like she could bring down a god. Not that Loki had time to enjoy the view. The clawed mutant—a stocky, hairy nightmare with a permanent scowl—was on him again. No matter how many knives Loki stabbed into him, the damn brute just kept healing up and charging forward like an angry badger.

“Are you going to use the stone or not?” Natasha barked, soaring overhead with six dark, feathered wings beating around her. She was busy with the lightning woman and some other guy who looked like he could shoot laser beams out of his face.

“I’m working on it!” Loki snapped, twisting out of the way just as the mutant slashed another clawed hand at his head. “Tis a little hard to focus on the Mind Stone when this beast keeps trying to turn me into mincemeat!”

And he wasn’t exaggerating. He was already feeling a few cuts piling up, each one stinging worse than the last. Whatever those claws were made of, they could slice through his Asgardian armor like it was paper. Not to mention they looked razor-sharp enough to make excellent daggers… if he could steal them somehow after all this...

Meanwhile, the blonde Angel—Asia, was it?—had dashed into the penthouse to hide behind the wards. Probably a smart move, but she was also the healer so that was a bit annoying. The “green armored man,” as Loki liked to call him, was preoccupied in his own brawl, wrestling with another mutant who seemed to be made entirely out of steel.

“Alright, alright, let’s try this,” Loki muttered to himself, reaching for the Mind Stone tucked safely in his pocket. But the instant he reached for it, the clawed mutant lunged again, making Loki stagger back with a curse.

– Natasha –

Natasha whipped out a flash grenade, tossing it between Cyclops and Storm. The blast was bright as hell, blinding both mutants and giving her a crucial few seconds. She didn’t waste them, instantly conjuring a spear of pure light in her hand. With a sharp, practiced throw, she sent it hurtling straight at Wolverine, piercing his back and severing his spine. The clawed menace hit the ground with a thud.

“Now, Loki! Before he starts healing!” she shouted, watching Loki fumble with the Mind Stone like he was handling a hot potato.

Loki finally got it together, yanking the stone from his pocket and pressing it to Wolverine’s forehead. The stone flared, and the light shimmered as Wolverine’s eyes went unfocused. The feral look in his gaze cleared as the mind control released its hold.

Wolverine blinked, looking as confused as a deer in headlights. “How the hell did I get here? And why can’t I move?” His eyes shifted down to the light spear sticking out of his torso. With a gruff snarl, he gripped it and yanked it out, tossing it aside with a grimace.

Natasha rolled her eyes and barked, “Quick update, bub! Your team’s under mind control. Help us knock some sense back into them, or we’re all screwed.” She glanced over at Loki, who was already eyeing the rest of the mutants like he’d rather be anywhere else.

Wolverine scowled but gave a quick, sharp nod. “Fine. Let’s get these clowns back in line.” He cracked his neck, the healing already kicking in as he got to his feet.

– Carol Danvers –

Carol had secretly tailed Layla all the way up to that metal-covered asteroid in space. She wouldn’t admit it out loud, but she just wanted to make sure Layla got there okay. Once she saw Layla disappear inside, Carol shot back down through the atmosphere, her body slicing through the air as she reentered Earth’s atmosphere toward New York. She’d only been gone maybe ten minutes, but by the time she touched down in the city, it was pure chaos.

Everything had gone to hell in record time.

Carol scanned the skies, spotting Jean—yes, that Jean, the Phoenix Avatar—flying around like a fiery goddess from hell, hurling massive fireballs at… what was her name? Akeno? Yeah, she was pretty sure Layla had mentioned her. Akeno looked a lot like Layla, minus the wings and maybe a bit less firepower, but she seemed to be holding her own as she dodged Jean’s flaming onslaught.

Carol darted in between one of Jean’s fireballs and Akeno, swatting it away like a beach ball. “Hi there! I’m Carol,” she called out with a smirk. “Looks like you could use a hand?”

Akeno scoffed, her gaze sharp. “Where the hell have you been this whole time?”

Carol bit back a snappy retort, deciding it was better not to admit she’d been babysitting from space. Instead, she gave a quick nod and said, “Well, I’m here now, so let’s deal with Big Bird over there.”

Before Akeno could snap back, Carol charged straight toward the blazing phoenix construct surrounding Jean. She could tell right away Jean wasn’t tapping into her full Phoenix powers; if she were, New York would already be a smoldering crater. Carol figured that meant Jean was either fighting the mind control or whoever was pulling the strings didn’t want her going full nuclear. Either way, it was a sliver of hope.

Carol shot blasts of her own, meeting fiery strikes from the Phoenix head-on, the two clashing mid-air with waves of energy bursting out in all directions. The heat was intense, but Carol pushed through, absorbing as much of it as she could.

Finally, she saw her opening. Carol rocketed straight into the Phoenix construct’s open mouth and barreled straight into Jean, grabbing her by the shoulders and dragging her right out of the flaming beak. The second they broke free, Jean’s eyes snapped open, glowing bright, searing orange. Carol barely had time to register the change before a powerful force slammed into her mind, burning and relentless.

“Ah—dammit, Jean, it’s me!” Carol gritted out, struggling against the mental attack.

Right then, she heard Akeno’s voice from above. “Sorry, Jean!” With her ten black wings unfurled, Akeno swooped in, her hand cocked back, and clocked Jean right on the back of the head. Jean’s eyes flickered, her mind assault easing as she slumped in Carol’s grasp, knocked out cold.

Carol let out a sigh, her grip loosening a bit as she steadied them both in the air. “Nice timing,” she muttered, shooting Akeno a grateful look. Carol sweatdropped a bit when Akeno ignored her and grabbed Jean from her arms swooping down towards Loki and Natasha.

– Loki –

With Natasha and the “green armored man,” who she called the Doom Slayer, by his side, Loki finally managed to use the Mind Stone to free Storm, Cyclops, Wolverine, and Colossus from the mind control. Each one blinked in confusion as the haze cleared from their eyes, looking around like they’d just woken up from a bad dream.

Storm sat up, scowling as she looked down at her bright yellow uniform. “Oh, for the love of—seriously?” She tugged at the fabric, clearly disgusted. “I left the X-Men ages ago. Why am I back in this awful costume?”

None of them seemed to remember what had happened, which Loki counted as a small mercy. Less explaining for him. Before he could say anything, Akeno descended from above, her ten black wings folding behind her. “Thanks for the help,” she said, placing the unconscious Jean—the Phoenix Avatar—right in front of him. “You’ve got one more to go.”

Loki glanced down at Jean, frowning. He wasn’t particularly thrilled about poking around in the mind of the most volatile mutant of the lot, but if he didn’t…

“Oh, shit!” Natasha’s shout cut through his thoughts, her gaze fixed on the sky. She jabbed a finger upward, her face twisted in panic. “Loki, you better fix Jean right now, or we’re all gonna die!”

Loki looked up, his heart skipping a beat as he took in the sight above. He’d assumed it was an empty threat—just Magneto being dramatic—but apparently, he was very, very wrong. Dozens of massive meteors, each one surrounded by a faint metallic gleam, were all beginning to break out of orbit and descend toward the Earth.

“Of course,” he muttered. “Because fighting mind-controlled mutants wasn’t enough.”

He crouched down and pressed the Mind Stone to Jean’s forehead, gritting his teeth as he focused. “Jean Grey, if you’re in there, wake the hell up. We could use a little cosmic firepower right about now.”

“Loki, hurry it up!” Natasha shouted, looking between him and the sky. The meteors were growing larger by the second.

“Working on it!” Loki snapped back, pushing every bit of power he had into the Mind Stone. Whatever was controlling her was far more powerful than the others, it did not want to let her go! Thankfully, the force seemed far away and Loki was holding an Infinity Stone. Jean’s eyes managed to snap open before they were all crushed under billions of tons of falling space rocks.

– Layla –

“I know what your greatest FEAR is!”

[No! Watch out, Host!]

…

I woke up to the blaring of my alarm clock, the sound like nails on a chalkboard. “Ugh,” I groaned, slapping it off and rolling over. “I don’t want to go to work today,” I muttered to the empty room. My boss was such an insufferable asshole, but rent didn’t pay itself, so here I was, dragging myself up and out of my warm bed.

I let out a yawn that felt like it stretched halfway across the room, then shuffled to the bathroom, feeling the fog of sleep cling to me. A quick shower helped—at least it woke me up. The hot water washed away the lingering drowsiness, but as soon as I stepped out and dried off, I caught myself in the mirror.

There she was, staring back at me. Just... me. An ordinary woman with plain brown eyes, brown hair that was already frizzing up from the steam, and a face that didn’t exactly stop traffic. Small chest, a bit of chub around the edges—nothing extraordinary. I don’t know why, but every time I looked at myself, I couldn’t shake this weird feeling, like this wasn’t who I was supposed to be. Like I was looking at a stranger instead of… well, me.

But I didn’t have time to sit here and overthink it. I had a shift to get to, and I was already running late. “Let’s go, Layla,” I muttered to myself. “Time for another boring ordinary day…”

XXX

Ah, sorry for the Cliffhanger but this chapter was already extra long…