"It's supposed to be here," Odin said as they arrived at the base of a mountain in the northern lands of Hellada, or Greece as Max called it.
Odin looked around, confused as to why the entrance was not visible. Agamotto had been sure the entrance to the Underworld, the domain of Hades, would be here, one of several gateways scattered across the region of Hellada.
Along with Odin were Azzuri, Fan Fei, Vnn, and Firehair.
"You have gotten us lost, Odin," Fan said, crossing her arms.
"I have not!" Odin protested, gesturing broadly. "This is the place! I can feel the energies here. There is an entrance to another dimension, I am certain of it. I have been to the Olympian realm before."
The ground shook suddenly, and Vnn fell to the ground with a grunt.
"See?" Fan said. "You even managed to bore and tire Vnn."
"He is always like that," Odin shot back.
Vnn, still lying on the ground, made noises like he always did, the sounds translating to, "I will take a nap. This is not going anywhere. Wake me when you find the entrance." He closed his eyes.
"I, for one, agree with him," Fan said, sitting down on a nearby rock.
"Azzuri, tell them!" Odin appealed to the Wakandan king.
"I spoke with Agamotto as well," Azzuri confirmed, examining the mountainside. "This was indeed the place he indicated. The mystical coordinates match. But..." He frowned. "Perhaps the entrance is hidden? Concealed by magic?"
"Hidden!" Odin exclaimed. "Yes! That must be it. Hades would not leave his realm's entrance open for anyone to stumble into."
"Then how do we find it?" Fan asked.
"We search! We investigate! We-"
"We wait for someone who actually knows mystical detection," Azzuri interrupted. "Odin, you are many things, but a sorcerer you are not."
"I know magic!"
"You know Asgardian magic," Azzuri corrected. "This is the magic of Earth. Different rules."
"I know all forms of magic"
Vnn began snoring loudly.
"Oh, wonderful," Fan muttered.
Odin and Azzuri continued arguing, one insisting they should search the perimeter, the other suggesting they leave and come back with Agamotto.
Fan, seeing that Firehair was not participating in the argument, turned to her. The host of the Phoenix was standing apart from the group, staring at nothing in particular with a strange expression on her face.
"Fire?" Fan asked, walking over. "Are you well, friend?"
"I am... I am fine," Firehair said, but her voice lacked conviction.
"You were feeling sick before we left," Fan noted with concern. "I told you to get rest."
Firehair reflected for a moment, then admitted, "I am indeed feeling a bit sick. Tired. Very nauseous, actually." She frowned. "I have not gotten sick ever in my life. This is new."
"What does the Phoenix say?" Fan asked carefully.
Firehair rolled her eyes in frustration. "She has been annoyingly silent. And sometimes very smug. She is not telling me anything, just... radiating satisfaction. It's infuriating."
Fan seemed to think for a moment, her eyes studying Firehair's face and her posture. Then her eyes widened in realization, and she smiled, a knowing, gentle smile.
"You should go back and see Agamotto about this," Fan said carefully.
"Now?" Firehair protested. "No, no. We will see this through first, and-"
"No," Fan interrupted firmly. "Max is with Agamotto, yes? Why don't you go and see Agamotto about what is happening to you?" She paused, then added with a grin, "And then bring Max and Agamotto back here. I am sure Jade will be of some help in locating this entrance."
Firehair looked at Azzuri and Odin, still arguing, and at Vnn, sleeping peacefully despite the shouting.
She sighed. "Fine. I will be back soon."
"I am happy for you," Fan said, her smile widening.
Firehair looked at her, confused. "Happy for what?"
Fan laughed. "And Max too." She gestured for Firehair to leave. "Just go. Trust me."
Firehair stared at her for another moment, clearly not understanding, then turned and flew away in a streak of Phoenix fire, heading back toward Kamar-Taj.
Fan watched her go, her expression warm and happy.
Then she turned back to the arguing prince and king and sighed deeply.
"Alright, that's enough," she said, walking between them and physically separating them with her hands. "Both of you, stop."
She really felt like the big sister, or mother, of these fools she considered family. Sometimes... wait, no. All the time.
=========
Odin, Azzuri, and Fan decided to wait for Firehair to return with Agamotto and Max.
Vnn was still fast asleep, snoring contentedly.
Odin, never one to waste time in silence, was regaling them with the tale of the last time he had encountered the Olympians.
"I was only thirty winters old when I met Zeus," Odin began. "He had just beaten his father, Cronus, and become the King of Olympus, fresh with victory, drunk on new power."
"What were you doing there?" Azzuri asked, genuinely curious.
"I was sent by my father as a guest, bearing gifts, symbols of friendship between Asgard and Olympus," Odin explained. "But Zeus was so full of himself! He even insulted me and Asgard, calling us 'barbarians,' saying our halls were crude compared to Olympian glory." Odin's eye flashed with anger. "It escalated to the point where Zeus and I had a duel."
"Who won?" Azzuri asked, leaning forward.
"I won, of course!" Odin declared proudly. "Zeus is nothing! The Olympians are nothing compared to-"
"He is the King of Olympus, Odin," Fan interrupted carefully.
"Are you saying I am lying?!" Odin bristled. "I beat that stupid-"
Suddenly, there was thunder and lightning, not from the sky, but from everywhere. Golden light erupted around them, and all four found themselves transported elsewhere in an instant.
"By the Norns' tits!" Odin exclaimed, looking around wildly.
"Bast preserve us!" Azzuri said, his hand going instinctively to the spear on his back.
"Well, this is unexpected," Fan said dryly.
They were no longer at the base of the mountain where they had camped.
They were now in one of the most beautiful places any of them had ever seen, a vast plain of perfect green grass dotted with flowers that seemed to glow with inner light. Rivers of crystal clear water wound through the landscape. The sky was impossibly blue, and the air itself seemed to shimmer with divine energy.
In the distance rose a mountaintop, and upon it sat the most beautiful palace any of them had ever witnessed.
Olympus.
The palace was massive, constructed of white marble that gleamed like pearl, with golden accents that caught the eternal sunlight. Columns rose hundreds of feet high, supporting vast structures. Gardens hung in the air, suspended by nothing. Waterfalls flowed down, sometimes up. Around the palace, other structures dotted the mountain, temples, amphitheaters, and gardens that stretched for miles.
Azzuri and Fan were speechless, staring in wonder.
"This is... beautiful," Azzuri breathed, his usual composure shaken by the sheer majesty of what he was witnessing.
"Magnificent," Fan agreed, her eyes wide.
"Meh," Odin said dismissively, though even he looked slightly impressed. "It's nothing compared to Asgard."
Vnn woke up with a start, confused and disoriented. He looked around at the completely different landscape and growled, annoyed and confused.
Then something materialized before them in a flash of golden light, a speedy figure with glowing golden armor that seemed to be made of light itself, matching golden hair that flowed despite the lack of wind, and wings on his sandals. He moved with supernatural grace, his very presence radiating divine energy.
"Welcome to Olympus," he said with a practiced smile, though his eyes were cautious. "I am Hermes, messenger of the gods."
"Never seen you before," Odin said bluntly.
"I am the son of Zeus," Hermes replied, his smile tightening slightly.
"Oh, expected of Zeus," Odin said with a crude laugh. "I am surprised Olympus is not overflowing with his spawn yet!"
Hermes' expression darkened. "I would advise you not to insult the King of Olympus while you stand in his realm, Asgardian."
"Take me to him," Odin commanded, as if speaking to a servant. "Is that not why you are here, boy?"
Hermes glared at him, divine power crackling around him for a moment. Then he mastered himself and gestured. "Follow me."
As they began walking, Azzuri leaned close to Odin and whispered, "Perhaps I should handle the talking from now on?"
"Bah!" Odin scoffed, but did not argue.
They made their way through Olympus proper.
The beauty was overwhelming. Gardens grew impossible flowers. Fountains sang.
Satyrs played music in the squares. Nymphs danced by rivers. Centaurs trained with weapons in open courtyards. Minor gods went about their business, deities of specific rivers, mountains, and concepts. Creatures walked freely: griffins, pegasi, even a sphinx sunning itself on a balcony.
They arrived at the large palace and were led inside, through halls decorated with murals depicting the Titanomachy. Finally, they entered an arena, a large circular space with tiered seating, clearly designed for combat or spectacle.
All four looked at each other, understanding the implication.
"That fucker is still holding a grudge," Odin muttered.
At the far end of the arena, seated on thrones, were the Olympian gods.
Zeus sat in the center, young, with a short beard that was perfectly groomed. He was large, as tall as Odin, with broad shoulders and a physique that radiated power. A wide smile rested on his face, but his eyes were calculating. He wore white and gold robes, and lightning crackled faintly around him.
Next to him sat a woman of stunning beauty and regal bearing, clearly his queen, her expression cold and assessing as she studied the newcomers.
To one side stood a massive figure in blood red armor. He looked eager for violence, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
A grey eyed goddess observed them, her calculating gaze missing nothing.
A golden haired god leaned casually against a pillar, impossibly handsome, clearly amused by the proceedings.
Another god held a goblet of wine, already looking slightly drunk, yet radiating an underlying danger.
Hermes led them forward, then, when they were near, bowed deeply. "Father, as you requested, the mighty Avengers."
"Aha! Zeus!" Odin called out loudly, his voice echoing through the arena. "If you wanted an audience, you could have simply asked!"
Zeus's eye twitched slightly, his smile becoming fixed.
"Welcome, Odin," Zeus said, his voice carrying kingly authority with just a hint of mockery. "Prince of Asgard." He emphasized the word prince.
Then he turned his gaze to the others. "And welcome, King Azzuri, Champion of Bast, ruler of Wakanda." He gave a nod of respect. "Fan Fei, Defeater of Shou Lao the Undying." Another nod of acknowledgment followed.
Then he looked at Vnn, clearly having no idea who or what he was, and said simply, "Welcome."
Vnn growled in response.
Zeus gestured to those seated around him. "Allow me to introduce my family. My wife and queen, Hera." The regal woman inclined her head slightly. "My son Ares, God of War." The armored figure grinned viciously. "My daughter Athena, Goddess of Wisdom." The grey eyed goddess nodded once. "My son Apollo, God of Light and Music." The golden haired god offered a charming smile. "My son Dionysus, God of Wine and Revelry." The wine drinker raised his goblet in salute.
"And you have already met my son Hermes."
"What do you want, Zeus?" Odin asked bluntly, crossing his arms, already tired of the god.
Ares stepped forward, his hand on his sword. "Be respectful to the King of Olympus, Asgardian!"
Odin scoffed.
Zeus raised a hand, stopping Ares from drawing his weapon. "Are you so distrustful, Odin?" He spread his hands in a gesture of peace. "I know how our last meeting ended. I want to put the past behind us. I only invited you here to help you, to feast with you, to entertain you as honored guests."
He leaned forward slightly. "I know you search for Nyx's Tears. You will not have to scour Tartarus for them. I will give them to you freely. I will have my brother bring them here while you feast and enjoy the games we have prepared."
Odin and the others looked at each other, suspicion clear on their faces.
"It seems like a genuine offer," Fan said carefully, though her tone suggested she did not quite believe it.
Zeus's expression shifted into a wicked smirk. "Is it not for the best to put your loss to me behind you?"
Odin laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. "And there it is!" He pointed at Zeus. "I remember beating you so thoroughly that you had to call for your brother, the sea god, just to save face!"
"No such thing happened!" Zeus shot back, standing from his throne. "You lost! Admit it!"
"I won, and you know it!"
"You lost. You were knocked off the arena!"
"That was after you cheated!"
They went back and forth like spoiled children, voices rising as divine and cosmic energy crackled around both of them.
"ENOUGH!" Hera and Fan shouted together.
"Odin!" Fan added.
"Husband!" Hera said at the same time.
The two women locked eyes for a moment, a flicker of mutual understanding passing between them, the exhaustion of dealing with proud, stubborn men.
Hera composed herself and turned to the group. "You did say we are here to put the past behind us," she said pointedly to Zeus, then turned to Odin. "The invitation was genuine. We have seen the Avengers' exploits across the mortal realm. Your defeat of the mad Celestial, your protection of humanity, these are worthy of honor. We wish to treat you as the heroes you are."
She gestured gracefully. "We were about to send Hermes to retrieve the rest of your noble members to join this celebration."
"Thank you, Queen of Olympus," Fan said with a respectful bow. "We would be honored to accept your hospitality."
"This is some kind of trap," Odin muttered, still glaring at Zeus.
Zeus glared back. "Barbarian," he muttered.
Odin glared even harder, muttering an insult that further infuriated Zeus.
Hera looked at Zeus with an expression that clearly said, fix this.
Zeus took a breath, mastering himself. "There is no plot, no scheme, no trap. By the River Styx, I swear it. You are our guests."
Odin studied him, then seemed about to grudgingly accept when—
A flash of blinding light filled the space next to Dionysus.
What could only be described as the most beautiful woman anyone had ever seen appeared. She had red hair that seemed to glow and wore barely any clothing, leaving nothing to the imagination. Her body defied mortal beauty.
All the Avengers gasped as they saw who stood beside her, a man bound in glowing golden ropes.
"Aphrodite!" Hera snapped, standing from her throne. "What is the meaning of this?"
The Goddess of Love turned to Zeus with a radiant smile. "Father! I have found the proper and only worthy husband for me. Is he not magnificent?"
"Max!" all the Avengers cried out as they recognized their leader, half naked and bound. They could not even conceive how this had happened.
"I KNEW IT!" Odin roared, lightning exploding around him.
Fan's hands burst with chi energy, golden flames wreathing her fists.
Azzuri unsheathed his vibranium claws with a metallic snikt, his eyes glowing with the power of Bast.
Vnn roared, "RAAAHHHHHH!" his bestial fury shaking the arena.
"ODIN! FAN! AZZURI! VNN!" Max yelled desperately, struggling against the glowing ropes. "Oh fuck, you have no idea how happy I am to see you!"
Odin turned slowly to look at Zeus, his eyes blazing with power, lightning crackling violently around his entire body as Mjolnir appeared in his hand.
"I knew you were up to something," Odin said, his voice dangerously quiet. "Care to explain this, King of Olympus?" He spoke the title with particular scathing emphasis.
Zeus looked at his daughter, then back to Odin, his eyes glowing.
Thunder rolled across Olympus itself, the realm shaking with the fury of two gods on the verge of clashing.