Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The atmosphere inside the Ori warship was heavy with tension, the air itself seemed to vibrate with the hum of vast, unseen energies. 

SG-1 had fought countless battles before, but nothing could prepare them for the clash of titans unfolding before their eyes. Morgan Le Fay, an ascended being of incredible power, had arrived just in time, her presence an unexpected but desperately needed boon.

Daniel Jackson, his glasses slightly askew, watched the scene with an almost reverent awe. "I can't believe she's here." He muttered, his voice barely audible over the low rumble of the ship's engines. He’d been ascended and then kicked back down again, but he hadn’t really expected any help from any of the Ancients, not after they’d denied it so vehemently. 

Cameron Mitchell gripped his P90 tightly, eyes scanning their surroundings for any threats, even though he knew that in that particular battle, their weapons were useless. "Just focus, Jackson. We're not out of this yet."

But there were always Ori soldiers to take care of. 

////

In the center of the chamber, Morgan and Adria faced each other. 

Adria, the embodiment of the Ori's will, radiated power. Her brown eyes flickered with fire– rage. Her aura exuded the same power and will that had taken the Ori to their heights of power and spread Origin around an entire galaxy.

Opposite her, Morgan, a lone Ascended Ancient, stood with tired determination. Her aura exuded nothing, for the Ancients did not show their power outwardly like the Ori did, but also because she was not allowed to use her entire power. 

"Adria," Morgan stared at the younger woman. She kept her voice steady, almost gentle, "You don't have to continue on this path. There is another way." Her voice hardened after that, “If you proceed, then I will have to fight you. And you do not want that.”

The edges of Adria’s lips turned down, anger sparking in her heart as this Ancient stood against her, against everything that she was after. "Your words are as empty as your threat, Ancient. The Ori have promised me everything– They have promised me the one on the other side of the mark on my body, and I will not be denied."

The air between them crackled, energy rippling as their auras clashed, like two storms converging. The pressure built as neither being wavered in their will nor their power. 

A few moments later, both beings backed down when it was apparent that they couldn’t win this way. Adria assumed her human form, as Morgan did the same opposite her. 

Adria struck first, sending a bolt of white-hot energy towards Morgan. The Ancient deftly countered, discarding and redirecting the blow with a gold-light shield.

Morgan knew that this fight wasn’t going to end in the way that she wanted, and she also knew that the other Ancients wouldn’t help her. This was going to be her fight– So, Morgan retaliated. Her hands moved automatically, pulling energy from her surroundings and from herself, as she released a torrent of energy towards the younger girl, 

Adria scoffed in her mind. She knew which attack the Ancient was going to use before she’d even summoned the energy for it. She erected a shield of her own, easily weathering the energy and using it to recharge herself. “Give up, Ancient. The power of a trillion souls flows through me. And you have… what?” She half-glared at SG-1, “Four?”

But Adria also knew that Morgan was on a higher level of Ascension than her. Adria had just ascended a few days ago, and was on the beginning of the journey while Morgan was far ahead. Which also meant that Morgan would know better ways to deal with someone like them, even if she didn’t have the power to do so. For Adria, power was all she had. 

Morgan grit her teeth at the jest, but knew that every Ascended Ancient was watching from one of the higher or lower planes. So, she hadn’t dared to draw power from any sentient being that was believing in her. She threw a bolt of lightning at Adria, hoping to distract her from the successive attack.

They fought for what seemed like an eternity, but also a single moment. Every attack was met with a counter, every move anticipated by the other. The strain began to show on both combatants, beads of sweat forming on Adria’s brow, while Morgan’s usually ethereal glow dimmed slightly. 

But Morgan had not come unprepared. She had spent millennia studying the Ori, their ways, their weaknesses. And she knew that Adria, for all her power, was still tethered to the mortal plane. 

Any Ascended being who had just started their journey like Adria had, would have that tether. 

Faking an attack on her energy reserves, Morgan gathered every last bit of her strength, reaching deep into the fabric of reality itself, then tore a rift. She had no illusions about what it would cost her, but the stakes were too high to hesitate. 

Adria hadn’t seen this move coming, not until it was too late and she was already at the edge of the rift. The air around her began to warp, a dark void opening behind her, its pull relentless and unforgiving. 

Morgan’s voice, soft yet filled with sorrow, echoed through the chamber. "Forgive me, child."

Adria wasn’t able to escape from the rift– it was pulling at her very soul. She finally lost her grip on her hold, as her body was yanked into the void mercilessly, her entire world going black. 

The rift closed automatically behind Adria, but Morgan could see the darkness of the void coming for her as well. Imperceptible to anyone but Ascended beings. 

Morgan turned to Dr. Jackson, unable to keep her form or her energy after what she’d done. “It is done. She is beyond this universe–” Morgan coughed, light and energy bleeding from her eyes and ears as she tried to keep her form together. But she knew it wasn’t possible. 

Daniel Jackson stepped forward, his concerned brown eyes looking her over. “What about you, Morgan?"

Morgan gave a soft, sad smile to the man that she’d once called a friend. "My time here is over. Goodbye, Daniel."

A moment later, Morgan’s energy and aura tore itself apart into white energy, as Morgan screamed loudly. 

Morgan’s essence was shredded and thrown into the very ether that she invoked.

////

The sky above Los Angeles crackled with energy as an ethereal rift tore through the fabric of reality. The city’s inhabitants were oblivious to the cosmic event unfolding above them, their lives continuing in blissful ignorance. Within this rift, a figure tumbled through the chaos, her form shimmering with an otherworldly light. 

Adria, the powerful leader of the Ori, had been cast into the void by the combined efforts of Morgan le Fey and SG-1. As the rift began to close, Adria's consciousness flickered, struggling to comprehend her new surroundings.

With a final flash, Adria was expelled from the rift, landing heavily in an alleyway. Disoriented, she pushed herself up, her senses reeling from the dimensional transition. The air was different here, charged with an unfamiliar energy. She looked around, her mind racing to process where – and when – she had landed.

Confusion. Anger. Pain. 

These were the most prominent emotions Adria felt as she slowly regained consciousness. Blinking her eyes open she looked around herself as she stood up on shaky legs. 

The last thing she could remember before waking up here was fighting with that ascended Alteran woman, Morgan le Fey. During the fight, she managed to gain a slight upper hand and overpowered Morgan. 

Once Morgan was, apparently weakened, Adria went in for the kill unaware of Morgan’s true intentions. Adria was so overconfident that she pounced on the perceived moment, realizing too late that it was a trap. 

The accursed Ancient had then used Adria's overconfidence against her and ripped a hole in space-time and launched Adria into it. This resulted in Adria being banished from her universe and sent into this one.

Now she found herself here in this unfamiliar place. The place she found herself in seemed to be an alley with strange metal contraptions off to one side. Getting to her feet she frowned at the strangeness of the world around her.

Hearing the sound of feet crunching on the floor of the alley behind Adria spun around, her left hand glowing with energy. Adria stopped herself just before launching her attack as she took in the figure standing before her.

A few minutes earlier

A few blocks away from where the rift would open up in the sky. Skye, a sixteen-year-old runaway, grumbled to herself as she walked down the sidewalk. ‘Just what is SHIELD!?’ she shouted in her mind. 

A few months ago she had finally had enough of the orphanage she stayed in and all their ridiculous rules. Since then she has been crashing at the small apartment of one of the friends she had made after joining the hacker group the Rising Tide. 

Skye was extremely grateful to Miles Lydon, the one who brought her into the group. With his help, she was able to buy herself a van which had become her new home. Now she didn’t have to feel guilty of Miles’s generosity. 

He was also teaching her more about hacking after taking her under his wing as a protege. With those skills he taught her and a laptop she won recently in a bet Skye was finally able to hack into St. Agnes orphanage to learn more about her mysterious past.

It was just her luck that those answers were locked away behind some serious firewalls of some massive yet unknown government organization. 

Skye stopped suddenly just before entering the alley where she had parked her van. Hearing a loud explosion of some kind she quickly snapped her gaze to the sky above. 

With a gasp, she looked at the strange tear or portal extremely high up. While staring at the portal thing she squinted her eyes as something fell out of it. Tracking whatever fell out of the portal she watched as it struck the ground at the end of the alley.

Slowly walking closer to it Skye was very nervous and ready to bolt at the first sign of trouble.  

A few feet from the mystery object she stopped dead in her tracks. A woman with a shimmering haze radiating from her body slowly stood up. The woman must have heard her approach as she quickly turned around while a glowing red orb filled the woman’s left hand. 

When their eyes met each other's, however, something inexplicable happened. Skye was shocked and filled with surprise, feeling the warmth radiating across her body that originated from her soulmate mark. 

‘No way’ Skye thought as she realized just what was happening. After so many years she had about given up on finding her soulmate and yet here said soulmate stood. 

Skye was in awe of how beautiful her apparent soulmate was. She had black hair and looked only a few years older than her. Dressed in flowing red robes the young woman had an almost ethereal beauty to her.

While Skye was staring at her with an awed expression on her face Adria looked over Skye. Skye had brown shoulder-length hair tied in a ponytail. She was wearing a dark gray shirt, ripped blue jeans and white sneakers. 

When their eyes met a weird feeling passed over Adria making her shiver and a warmth began radiating from her lower back. After a few moments as the feeling passed a tense silence filled the atmosphere. Skye took a hesitant step forward hoping she wasn’t overreacting or overthinking what was happening.

Seeing the way that Skye seemed to be studying her, Adria's eyes narrowed and were filled with fascination. She could feel an immense power within Skye just waiting to be unleashed. “Interesting . You seem to hold great power.” 

Skye gasped in shock and hope soared in her heart hearing those words. “Me? I think you are mistaken. I'm no one special.” 

Adria widened her eyes hearing the words she just heard. She could feel the words tattooed on her lower back heat up more than it already had. It was the one that confused her and other Ori, none they knew back in her home universe had anything like it on their bodies. 

Looking at the hope and happiness that bloomed in the eyes of the girl in front of her, Adria quickly realized it must be something important to have caused such a reaction in an unknown stranger she just met. 

Hesitantly walking toward Adria, Skye gathered her courage knowing if she let this go she would blame herself for the rest of her life. “I'm Skye and I think you are my soulmate.” Skye said with a hopeful tone in her voice. 

Adria smiled, intrigued by Skye’s words while various thoughts swirled around in her head. “It would appear so Skye.” Unbeknownst to Skye, Adria was already formulating a plan on how she could use this development to her advantage. 

This girl, this soulmate of hers, was the key to learning more about where she was. She had her suspicions that the portal Morgan had thrown her into led to another galaxy or dimension. By using Skye, she would be able to learn more about this new world.

Adria was also curious about the hidden power and potential she could sense inside of Skye who seemed to be completely unaware of it. 

Adria extended her hand, and after a moment’s hesitation, Skye took it. A surge of energy passed between them, sealing their fates.

It seemed that Skye was no ordinary human, she held untapped potential locked away inside her very DNA. “I am Adria, darling.” She told Skye letting go of her hand, the surge of energy flowing between them dissipating at the loss of physical contact. 

‘Most interesting.’ Adria thought to herself. 

Skye’s eyes darted to the mysterious woman, her curiosity overcoming her initial fear. “Where did you come from? You don’t look like you belong here.”

Adria paused, considering how much to reveal. “I come from a place far beyond your understanding, a place where I held great power.” Skye widened her eyes at that declaration not knowing how to respond to that. 

Skye's interest was piqued though. “Really? What kind of power?” After the horrible life she had led so far and how powerless she was to stop it, finding this strange woman claiming to be someone with immense power was suspicious yet astonishing. 

Skye decided to give her the benefit of the doubt. After all, with all the news and speculation surrounding mutants, Adria's claims weren't too outlandish. 

“The kind that can reshape worlds, command legions, and bend reality to one’s will,” Adria said, her eyes glowing faintly with the promise of immense strength. 

Skye’s breath caught seeing how Adria’s eyes glowed for a second. “And you think I have that kind of power inside me?”

Adria nodded. “I can feel it within you, a raw, untapped potential. With my guidance, you can become something extraordinary.” A feeling of determination flowed through Skye making Adria smirk, pleased at the shift in Skye.

“How?” Skye asked, her voice a mixture of excitement and apprehension. 

“By trusting me,” Adria replied, placing a hand on Skye’s shoulder. “Together, we will unlock your abilities. But first, we must leave this place. It is not safe to discuss such matters here.”

Skye nodded, sensing the urgency in Adria’s voice. “Where should we go?” She asked knowing they could be drawing unwanted attention soon if they stayed any longer in the alley. 

Adria smiled enigmatically. “Somewhere we can be alone, we have much to discuss Skye. Do you know a place?”

Skye thought for a moment, then nodded. “Yes, there is a hotel nearby we can use.” She told Adria leading her out of the alley, heading for an upscale hotel that she knew was nearby.

“Lead the way,” Adria instructed. As they made their way through the dimly lit streets, Skye couldn’t help but ask more questions. “How did you end up here?”

Adria sighed softly. “I was betrayed by those who feared my power, cast into a dimensional rift. But I believe it was fate that brought me here, to you.” She replied, getting the feeling that being mostly honest would go a long way in Skye’s trust. 

Skye looked up at her, her eyes wide. “Do you think we were meant to find each other?” Skye asked, a warmth blossoming in her chest at the words. She was still uncertain about all this and really hoped it wasn't just a cruel dream or nightmare. 

Adria’s gaze softened. “Yes, Skye. I believe our meeting was destined. We are bound by more than mere chance.”

The conviction in Adria’s voice filled Skye with reassurance and a sense of purpose she had never felt before. As they approached the hotel, Skye felt a strange mixture of anticipation and dread. She felt as though her life was about to change forever.

Inside the hotel, it took little time for them to get a room. Ensuring privacy and a place to relax and unwind away from prying eyes.

Adria and Skye sat in the room, the city lights of Los Angeles glowing below them. The room was filled with a tense silence as Adria looked out of the window, contemplating her next move. Skye, perched on the edge of the bed, watched her soulmate with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation.

"Adria," Skye began hesitantly, "you said you held great power in your world. What did you do with it?"

Adria turned to face Skye, a calculating glint in her eyes. "I ruled, Skye. I commanded legions and shaped the destiny of entire civilizations. My goal was to bring order to chaos, to establish a new era under my dominion."

Skye's eyes widened. "You ruled? Like a queen?"

Adria smiled, a mixture of pride and amusement. "More like a goddess. The power I wielded was absolute. And I intend to reclaim that power here, in this world."

Skye swallowed hard, trying to process the enormity of Adria's ambitions. "But how? This world is so different. People have their own leaders, their own systems." She said as unease filled her. 

"Systems can be flawed and weak." Adria replied, her voice tinged with disdain. "Imagine a world where we are at the top, where our will is law. We could reshape society, eliminate corruption, and bring about true order."

Skye looked down, her mind racing. "But... doesn't that mean hurting people? Forcing them to follow us?" She asked, images springing up in her mind of how the foster parents of the various foster families she was sent to over the years used their perceived ‘power and dominance’ to hurt and abuse her. 

The years of torment and abuse had caused her to grow a resentment toward authority figures, especially those who used their positions and power to exploit other people.

And yet it seemed that she was destined to become someone of great importance and power. Especially given that her soulmate seemed to have had a similar role in this other world or dimension that Adria spoke of. 

Adria stepped closer, placing a hand on Skye's shoulder. "Sometimes, to create something beautiful, you must break what already exists. People fear change, Skye. They resist it. But we can guide them, mold them into something better."

Skye felt a shiver run down her spine at Adria's touch. "I don't know if I can do that. I've always been just... me." She said but could also feel how Adria's words resonated deep within her. 

Adria's grip tightened slightly. "You have power. And with my help, you can unleash it. Think about it, Skye. You can be someone important, someone feared and respected."

Skye looked up, meeting Adria's intense gaze, amazed but also baffled. It was almost as if Adria had read her mind and knew just what to say to her. "But how?" She whispered in a small voice as she mulled over Adria's words, missing the gleam in her soulmate's eyes. Adria had indeed used one of her new powers, telepathy to peer inside Skye's mind to see what she was thinking. 

Adria's smile was both reassuring and predatory. "We start with you helping me learn more about this world, the history behind soulmates and learn more about each other."

Skye nodded slowly, a sense of purpose beginning to take root within her. "Okay. I'm in."

////

The following day, Adria slowly woke up. She looked around in surprise and suspicion wondering where she was. Just then the events of yesterday came flooding back into her mind

She frowned as she realized Skye wasn't in the bed with her anymore. Quickly getting up and throwing on her red robes she left the bedroom. 

She found Skye sitting on the small couch in the room's living area. “Good morning Skye. I hope you slept well.”

Skye lifted her and looked over at Adria. “Good morning Adria. Yeah, I slept well, thank you.” She said before turning back around to look outside at the sunrise. 

Sitting down next to Skye she felt the turmoil within her. Adria let Skye take the time she needed for the moment knowing how the younger girl's life had been turned upside down in the last 24 hours. 

It didn't take long before Skye turned towards her with a frown on her face. “What is it, Skye?” Adria asked. 

Taking a deep breath Skye gathered her courage. “What was your world like? Also, who are the Ori?” She asked Adria who looked intrigued by what Skye said. 

It seems that the memories she sent to Skye’s mind last night had been received. “My world is a very diverse one. There were quite a few space-faring civilizations. The Ori was one of the two oldest ones that I am aware of. When we became aware of the Milky Way galaxy it was rife with war.”

Skye listened intently as Adria began telling her more about her home universe. 

Adria first told her about the two races of her home planet, the Alterans and the Ori. How the Alterans created a great many ships to leave their planet to prevent overpopulation. 

Skye was amazed as Adria described the massive spaceships the Alterans built. Fast forward a few thousand years the Ori received visitors using Alteran technology from the Milky Way galaxy. 

Adria then went on to tell Skye about scouts that they sent to the Milky Way to learn more about it. Skye was shocked to learn of the Goa'uld, a race of a small serpent-like creature who needed a host to survive. 

When she learned more about the alternate Earth and the Alliances they had with rogue Goa'uld forces and Asgard, she was even more shocked and amazed. 

It took Adria almost an entire hour as she told Skye about her home universe. Silence filled the room for a few minutes as Skye processed everything she learned. “Wow, that was quite a lot to take in.” She told Adria who gave her a smirk. 

“And you Skye? Can you tell me about your family?” Adria asked, wanting to learn more about Skye. 

The question seemed to cause Skye to freeze for a few moments and an angry scowl appeared on her face. “There is nothing to tell. I’m an orphan, I don’t know who my parents or family are. And every time there is even a hint of a foster family wanting to adopt me I get shipped back to the orphanage!” 

Adria was surprised by the outburst from Skye. She could feel the raw emotions of self-loathing, bitterness and loneliness rolling off of Skye in waves.

‘Well, well. Ain't this interesting.’ Adria thought as she wrapped an arm around Skye’s shoulder. “It will be alright Skye. You may have been alone for a long time now but I promise you. I will never leave you.” She whispered into Skye’s ear.

Skye felt extremely grateful for the support from Adria, she knew from heavy research into the matter that one’s soulmate was the sole person you could rely on who would always be there for you. 

“Thank you Adria I needed that.” Adria merely smiled at Skye while she internally smirked. It seemed she found the perfect way to begin influencing Skye and some of Skye’s powers had been unlocked. “It’s alright Skye. Also, it’s time to begin your training.”

Skye was shocked once more and grew excited as Adria told her that she felt that Skye had unlocked one of her powers and that she was an empath. Adria also promised Skye to begin training her in self-defense and everything she knew. 

Chapter Text

A few days later, Adria and Skye were busy shopping for new clothes for themselves. Initially, Skye was hesitant to even consider doing something like going shopping. After a few hours though Adria managed to persuade her and she gave in.

So here they were, busy walking through a mall while window browsing among the various stores to see if something caught their eye. 

Already, Skye was growing bolder with her hacks, mostly in part to the encouragement and nudging she got from Adria. Her main targets were unsavory characters who used their wealth for selfish gain and to take advantage of the less fortunate. 

It is thanks to those hacks that the two of them were now able to stay longer in the hotel Skye suggested and purchase all the clothes they were shopping for. 

Spotting a clothing store Skye turned her head to look at Adria. “Come on Adria, I promise this will be the last store then we can go grab something to eat.” 

Adria shot her an amused look before nodding her head. “That will be appreciated, Skye. There should be an adequate establishment to eat in this mall as you call it.” Skye groaned a little at the superior attitude her soulmate had. Even though she was growing used to it.

Upon entering the store she walked through the different isles, stopping to look at the various items of clothing. She grabbed a few flannel jackets and shirts before looking around to try and spot Adria. 

While Skye was busy looking for some new clothes Adria used the time to observe the humans around her. 

One of the reasons that she even bothered to accompany Skye was to see how the people of this planet lived and went about their day. 

Already she had observed how everything on Earth revolved around currency and wealth. What she found interesting on the way to the mall where she saw the publics opinion on mutants that got shown on a few billboards.

It made her realize that this world was quite different from the Earth in her home universe. ‘I will have to ask Skye about the groups of mutants that were mentioned. It could be beneficial to get in touch with this ‘Brotherhood’ in particular.’

As she mused on mutants and how they would play into her plans for this world she stopped by a rack of clothing that caught her eye. After talking a bit with Skye she knew that she would stand out if she kept wearing the robes she arrived with. 

With this in mind Adria lifted a dark leather jacket from the rack, she also chose a few dark colored jeans as Skye called it and a few different colored shoes from a nearby rack.  

Just then she heard a laugh from behind her and turned around seeing Skye looking amusedly at her. As she looked at her Skye grew embarrassed at being caught and blushed. Adria found it cute how Skye blushed and grinned shyly at her after being caught. 

“Found everything you need?” 

Adria nodded her head and walked over to Skye. “I have yes. Are you ready to leave?” Adria asked while giving Skye a sly smile and wink.

Warmth flooding through her, Skye led them to the counter to pay for their clothing. Once that was done Adria followed Skye as they headed for the exit. 

An hour later they found them back in the hotel but in a better room. Skye agreed that the upgraded room was much better than last night’s.  

As they sat on the balcony of their suite, the city sprawled out below them. Adria decided it was time to gauge how Skye would react as she revealed a bit of her past and how she came to be here.

"Skye, do you wish to learn why I was banished from my universe?" Adria asked, her voice thoughtful.

Skye shook her head. "Yes, I want to learn more of where you come from."

"There were those that feared my power and my vision.” Adria's eyes gleamed with a mix of anger and determination.“I sought to bring order to chaos, to create a world where strength and intelligence ruled supreme."

Skye listened intently, though her brows creased in worry. The way Adria spoke, it made her think of some of the propaganda she learned of from history. Particularly the Nazi’s of world war 2. “How exactly did you want to achieve that? It makes you sound like a… space nazi or something." Skye trailed off as her mind began creating different reasons why Adria would say something like that. 

She just hoped that she was wrong in her assumption, as she didn’t know what she would do if Adria was actually like those awful people.

Adria's expression hardened. "Skye. I assure you that I’m nothing like that. All I wanted was to create a better way of living. Free of corruption and social divides. A society where the strong could thrive without being held back by those that feared them. Survival of the fittest, in a world where only the best rise to the top."

Skye's eyes widened, a mixture of awe and understanding in her gaze. "And you think I can help you with that?" Skye asked as what Adria alluded to sounded a lot like what was happening to mutants around the world. If she could potentially help create a better society where mutants thrived while not having to hide who or what they were…

Adria reached out and took Skye’s hand, stopping her musings, the touch firm and reassuring. "I believe you can. You contain untapped potential, Skye, powers capable of affecting entire worlds. You only need to embrace and accept it."

Skye swallowed hard, uncertain but determination growing. "I want to help but I don’t know if I can. I’ve always been the outcast, the one no one wanted or cared for."

Adria narrowed her eyes as Skye spoke. Her next words were cold and held a dark promise. "You my dear, are many things, worthless is not one of those. The inhabitants of this world must truly have unfathomable idiocracy to believe something so absurd.

As you have informed me, soulmates are bound by fate. Therefore, you are destined for greatness. I will do what I must to help you achieve your destiny. I shall neither abandon nor leave you Skye." 

When she looked at Adria she could see the snaking dark green tendrils of possession wrapping around her chest, reaching for her and holding taut. The sharp, flicking red tendrils of anger lashing out, but never at Skye, kept carefully behind Adria’s back, as if Adria was afraid to let her even see it.

Her powers helped her see the truth in Adria’s words and stopped her from doing something rash. Her soulmate is the one person who would always be by her side, accept her with all her faults and the one fate destined her to be with. Someone would stay. Just as Adria did when Skye first brought up how she could sense the emotions of other people and Adria began teaching how to control her new power.

Skye could also feel the hatred and loathing Adria had towards the people from her home universe. She shivered, not having felt such raw and negative emotions before, looking at the black(hatred/cold) and dark gray(loathing/indifference) tendrils floating around Adria. 

She would protect Adria. That was a promise. Skye knew that there was a reason that fate or whatever made them soulmates and she would stick by Adria’s side no matter what. 

“Besides, you have already shown how skilled you are, Skye. Which with my help will only grow. Adria whispered into her ear as she leaned over wrapping Skye in her arms.

Flashback

Skye and Adria were seated in front of a series of computer screens in their apartment. Skye's fingers flew over the keyboard, her eyes focused on the lines of code and data streaming across the monitors.

"Are you sure this is going to work?" Skye asked, glancing at Adria.

Adria stood behind her, her eyes fixed on the screen. "Trust me, Skye. I've seen your work. You have an incredible talent for this. With my right guidance and knowledge, you will be able to achieve anything."

Skye took a deep breath and continued typing. She had infiltrated the company's mainframe, bypassing firewalls and security protocols with ease. "I'm in," she said after a few minutes, a sense of accomplishment in her voice.

"Good," Adria praised, placing a hand on Skye's shoulder. "Now, find the accounts. We need to siphon off enough funds to sustain us for a while." A warmth bloomed in Skye’s chest at the praise. She had never before had someone who encouraged her and complimented her skills. the way Adria did.

Skye hesitated a moment later, a sense of unease filling her. "But won't they notice? I mean, it's a lot of money." She asked, looking at Adria over her shoulder. 

Adria's expression hardened. "That's why you need to be careful. Divert small amounts from multiple accounts, and make them look like normal transactions. These people are corrupt, Skye. They're stealing from their own employees. We're simply taking what they don't deserve."

Skye nodded, looking at the purple(mysterious), white(truth) and red(passion) tendrils flowing Adria to herself. It helped her strengthen her resolve. "Okay. I can do that." A wave of determination, both her own and Adria’s, flooded her at the reassurance she received from her soulmate. 

As she worked, Adria leaned in closer, her voice a soft whisper in Skye's ear. "Imagine what we can do with this money. We can buy influence, gather resources, and start building our power base. This is just the beginning."

A thrill of excitement ran through her, mixed with a tinge of anticipation. "I never thought I'd be doing something like this." This was her third major hack since joining the Rising Tide just a few weeks ago before meeting Adria.

Adria smiled, full of praise and pride for Skye. "You're doing this for us, Skye. For our future. Remember that."

With renewed determination, Skye finished the transfer. "It's done. The money is in our account."

"Well done, Skye.” Adria's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “You've taken your first step towards greatness." Skye felt Adria wrap her arms around her middle as Adria laid her head on her shoulder. 

Skye leaned back into the warm embrace, relieved at the easy acceptance and encouragement. maybe using her skills for personal gain wasn’t so bad. After all, with all the neglect and abuse she has suffered over the years from awful foster parents and the stupid orphanage, wasn't it time for things to turn her way?

The future looked promising, for once. She finally found her soulmate, no longer had to go hungry for days, and could do what she wanted without having to worry about being punished for it.

Skye could still feel the pleasant shiver that ran through her body from Adria’s praise. It felt good to have someone finally to acknowledge her and what she could do. 

Looking at Adria sitting beside her, Skye leaned her head on Adria’s shoulder. Together they watched as the sun set casting the sky in beautiful colors. “I can’t wait to see what the future holds.” Skye said and felt an arm wrapping around her middle holding her close. 

“Whatever comes or happens we will face it together.” Skye hummed at Adria’s words. Enjoying the moment as they gazed at the sunset. 

As the sun set they went inside to a movie or two while just relaxing in each other’s presence, until eventually, Skye fell asleep .

////

Adria woke… refreshed. Her ability to relax surprised her. She did have plans for this galaxy, after all. A path to conquer it. And yet, it didn’t press on her mind, consuming every waking moment. No one knew to be wary of her here. No one knew to fear her. Not yet. 

For the first time she’d slept without a lingering fear of being attacked in… who knows how long. She slowly extricated herself from a sleeping Skye. Her soulmate. And, as she gazed down at her, running a gentle hand across her hair, she felt their bond cement into place, filling the empty space inside her she never realized was empty, until suddenly their bond filled it. Warm and ever present in her chest.

Her powers flared to life, as she created a few dreams and sent them into Skye’s mind. It took mere minutes before she was done. Some simple, pleasant even. Others, filled with ambition, tempting glimpses into a future with Adria at the helm, a galaxy under their control, one in which Skye was powerful. Was a Queen. 

Her lips curled in a small smirk. A final kiss on the forehead and it was done. She would make Skye her Queen. Together they would rule. For now, she would let the girl sleep further.

Adria spent the morning familiarizing herself with the United States, using her ethereal form. It was already around noon and she had left very early in the morning.

Flying through the sky above New York she felt something unique that piqued her interest. Honing in on where the feeling came from she found herself hovering over an ambulance rushing through traffic. 

“Well well, what do we have here?” She mused to herself, following the ambulance as it drove around the city. The woman driving the ambulance was giving off energy that Adria felt was different to Skye’s. 

The woman who she learned was named Cassandra Web had powers hidden inside her begging to be unleashed. The powers felt psychic in nature, it intrigued her.

Watching them for a few more minutes Adria knew she had to keep a closer eye on this woman and New York as well. Smirking, she flew up into the air and took off back to Los Angeles. 

On her way back Adria had a few ideas come to mind and after some thought decided it would be best to inform Skye and get her help in finding out more information about this ‘Cassandra Web’ and everything about her.

What would have taken an airplane hours took Adria only a few minutes to fly from New York to Los Angeles. 

Drifting through the walls of their hotel room she saw Skye sitting on the couch with her laptop and a cup of coffee. 

Shifting to her physical form Adria watched in amusement as Skye startled in shock at Adria’s sudden appearance. “What the fuck!? Adria!” Skye yelled.“Don’t do that!” She pressed a hand to her chest, trying to calm her rapidly beating heart.

Silence reigned for a few seconds as Skye calmed down. Adria tried to bite back a smirk, hands clasped behind her back, making no move to help her soulmate. Why would she, when Skye’s surprise was so delectable? She looked at Adria with a pout once she got her wits about her and saw the amusement on Adria’s face. “That’s not very funny.” Skye grumbled under her breath.

“Now where were you? I woke up and you were gone,” She asked, and Adria’s amusement faded. Skye let herself be dragged down back onto the couch and looked expectantly at her. 

“Well, I was flying around the country a bit to see if I could find anything interesting. Which as it turns out I did. There is a woman in New York, a paramedic? I think you call them that. Like you, she has a power hidden inside her.” Adria told her and Skye perked up. Someone else like her?

Picking up her laptop from where she threw it onto the table in front of the couch Skye turned to Adria. “Alright, that sounds intriguing. Did you catch the woman’s name? It’ll help a lot in trying to find out more about her.” 

As Adria gave Skye the name Cassandra Web it took only a few minutes of hacking for Skye to find the woman Adria described. “Ok, wow. Apparently, Cassandra Web is also an orphan like me. She was left as a baby at an airport in Peru and has lived a rather normal life with nothing extraordinary. I can create a program to monitor her movements.” 

At that last sentence, Skye looked up at Adria wanting her input. A slight blush appeared on her face and warmth surged inside Skye at the encouraging smile Adria gave her. “That is a good idea, Skye. I want you to also find an apartment for us to live in, in New York City.”

Skye beamed at Adria but paused when Adria mentioned looking for a place to live in New York City. “Why there? You know how I feel about New York,” Skye said, frowning, unable to keep a tinge of frustration from seeping into her voice. 

The hotel room they were currently living in was a massive improvement from the bare bones room Skye had while was forced to live at the St. Agnes orphanage, which, coincidentally, was located in New York. 

Adria looked at Skye for a moment before taking the laptop and placing it on the table. Turning back to Skye she pulled her into her arms. Rubbing her hand on Skye’s back in a calming circle Adria looked Skye in the eye. “I know how you feel about the city Skye. This is why I want us to talk about this. You are important to me and I don’t want to see you upset.”

Skye softened slightly but was still steadfastly against sitting foot inside that city. Maybe in the future she would visit again, for now though there was no way that was happening. 

She didn’t say anything for a moment, thinking. “How about I stay here and provide overwatch for you. I'm better at hacking my way into any systems that we will need.”

A look of contemplation crossed Adria's face and Skye waited for her to speak. “That shall be sufficient. That reminds me, I will begin teaching you how to defend yourself and sharing my knowledge with you.”

“Wait, really?” She pulled back just enough to look up at Adria. “You’re serious?”

“Of course.”

“Yes!” Skye squeezed her tight.

When Adria didn’t offer anything more, Skye huffed, deciding to change the conversation. She picked up her laptop from where it sat on the coffee table. “So, after our talk yesterday I gave it some more thought. I reached out to a company that does dna testing for familial matches. I paid them a little bit extra to be discreet about it, they sent me the results this morning. I was waiting for you to get back before reading the results.” 

Adria was surprised as Skye told her that but felt extremely pleased that Skye would wait for her before finding out if the result would reveal who her parents were. “Alright Skye, let’s see what it says.” 

Skye took a deep breath and clicked on the email attachment. As the document opened her nerves slowly ramped up.

‘What if they don’t want me?’ ‘Will they want to see me?’ ‘Have they been searching for me?’  

Skye looked down at the result. And froze. A soft gasp escaped her otherwise still lips. There, shown in black in white, was the name of someone that anyone with access to social media would recognize. 

With the world they lived in filled with mutant groups such as the X-Men and The Brotherhood a few names were often thrown around and linked to those groups. 

Now Skye stared at irrefutable evidence that she herself was linked to one of those and was even the daughter of said name. 

This, this changed everything Skye thought she knew about herself and what she imagined her parents to be.

Chapter Text

The day started just the same as any other. 

In the middle of the day Tony Stark, CEO of Stark Industries and the leading weapons manufacturer in the US, was busy working on the schematics for a secret project.

Just then a familiar chime went off. Jarvis knew never to bother him while he was busy working in his workshop on projects so it must be something important. “Good morning sir. Sorry to disturb you but I’ve found something… urgent that warrants your attention.”

A frown appeared on Tony’s face as Jarvis spoke, sounding hesitant yet almost hopeful? “Sure buddy what did ya find?” Tony asked his AI and a holographic screen came to life in front of him. 

Tony gasped as he quickly scanned through the contents on the screen. “Jarvis. Is-is this real? D-did you find her?” Tony asked softly while a hesitant hope filled him. 

Jarvis took a second to respond.Tony’s fists clenched.. “Yes Sir. I did. Or rather I should say she found you.” Eyes widening in shock, Tony immediately read through the familial DNA test submitted by one Vala Jackson once more. 

There was no photo attached to the file but he could clearly see the DNA profile he and his wife secretly put out in the chance their missing daughter of 16 years could find her way back to them. 

Tony was shaking in joy and relief as the news Jarvis gave him finally registered and flooded through him. “Jarvis call Pepper. Then find me my daughter. It’s time she came home.” 

A minute later  a black and green portal opened up between his workshop and his car collection in the garage. 

His wife Pepper Potts stepped out of the portal with a hopeful look on her face. “Tony? Is it real? Have we found our baby girl?” Pepper asked him and he pulled her into a hug. 

“Yes we did, Pepper.”

The two stayed that way hugging each other for a few minutes. Pepper leaned back and looked Tony in the eyes. “Where is she? Where is our daughter?” Seeing the look on his lovely wife’s face Tony called out, “Jarvis?” 

The AI responded immediately. “I’ve tracked where the request was sent from and managed to find a location. Miss Daisy is currently living in a hotel in Los Angeles.” 

The two parents shared a hopeful smile. “You stay here Tony. Have Jarvis help you get her room ready. I will go get our daughter, less chance of the media finding out about this.” 

Tony wanted to protest Pepper’s words but knew she had a point. If he showed up at some random hotel in Los Angeles the tabloids would come up with all kinds of crazy ideas and speculations. “Alright I’ll stay. Just bring our baby girl back.” 

“I will. Call ahead and have the jet ready by the time I get there,” Pepper promised and gave Tony a kiss. Quickly turning around Pepper walked towards the Audi R8 that was parked next to the Rolls Royce. Within moments she was climbing into the car and starting it up. 

Driving out of the garage and onto the street towards the airport and Stark Industries private plane Pepper, or rather Hela thought on the events that transpired ever since she escaped her prison all those years ago. 

Flashback 

Hela, the Asgardian goddess of death, was sitting on the throne in Helheim extremely bored. 

Suddenly she felt an immense heat fill the room she was in as something extremely powerful appeared before her. 

Hela would recognize the being before her anywhere. The Phoenix, an extremely powerful cosmic being of unlimited power. “Hello Phoenix to what do I owe your presence?” Hela asked in a somewhat respectable tone. Powerful as she was, Hela knew she was no match for the cosmic bird before her. 

“Hello Hela. I’ve come to free you of this dreadful place.” 

Hela was rooted in place in shock. Not believing she heard correctly. “How? My uncle Odin will never allow me to leave this place he imprisoned me in.” Hela growled out but slowly became hopeful of leaving this sad existence she was forced into.

“Don’t worry about Odin. He knows better than to challenge me,” Phoenix responded, amused. A bright red and orange swirling portal opened next to them and Phoenix beckoned Hela to step through it. 

Once through the portal Hela took in the first breath of fresh air in nearly 2 millennia. Gazing at the forest around she wondered what realm she was in. Seconds later the Phoenix once more joined her. “Welcome to Midgard Hela. You won’t have to worry about Asgard or Odin coming after you, I made sure of that.”

That was how she found herself here on Midgard or rather Earth in the year 1600. She spent a few hundred years exploring Earth and found a few hidden wonders. It was finding one of said wonders where she found love and acceptance. 

The Inhumans were intriguing people and after discovering them Hela chose to become their protector. With her vast knowledge she helped them develop technology to defend and hide themselves with. 

Fast forward a few hundred years and here she is wife to Tony Stark, one of the most wealthy and influential people on Earth. Of course, Tony knows who she really is and the existence of Inhumans. Tony is one himself, after all.

////

Stepping out from the bedroom having just finished getting dressed after a nice relaxing shower Skye paused as she heard someone suddenly knocking on her hotel room’s door. Frowning, she slowly walked towards the door. 

She knew it wouldn’t be Adria, her soulmate would just have appeared from thin air. Also given that her soulmate was currently back in New York shadowing Cassandra Web. Skye was cautious as she paused before the door and warily looked through the eyehole. 

Looking through it she couldn’t help but gasp, as on the other side was a person who was very well known to anyone with functioning braincell and access to social media. 

‘ No Way! ’ The thought shot through her head as she tried to wrap her mind around the fact that the Pepper Potts, personal assistant to Tony FREAKING Stark, was waiting patiently on the other side of the door. With trembling hands she slowly opened the door and looked at the famous Pepper Potts. 

Skye saw a warm smile appear on Pepper’s face and the woman stepped closer. “Oh Daisy, how I’ve longed for this day.” That single statement made Skye freeze up in shock and could process exactly what that meant she suddenly found herself engulfed in a tight hug.

“M-mom?” Skye whispered while tears began dropping from her eyes, her brain working overtime as she finally processed what Pepper had said while being hugged by said woman. Feeling Pepper-her mom! Press a kiss into her hair she slowly and hesitantly wrapped her own arms around her mom. 

“Yes sweetheart. I’m here and I will never let you go again. May I come inside? We have lots to talk about my darling daughter.”

Nodding her head rapidly Skye released her arms and stepped back. Walking back into the hotel room she heard the door close behind her and quickly made her way to the small living area. 

Dropping down onto the couch Skye fidgeted nervously while her mom sat down on the chair across from the couch. Looking at her mom she could see a few different colored tendrils flowing around her. There was a soft bright red(love), bright orange(joy) and a vibrant yellow(hope). 

Thanks to her powers Skye felt reassured and gave her mom a small smile. “Oh Daisy, you have no idea how long we have been searching for you. Let me start at the beginning.” Seeing the colors around her mom change made Skye worried. The different colors lost their vibrance, becoming almost subdued and sorrowful?

Hearing that Skye expected her mother to begin on the day she was born except she was mistaken. What Pepper revealed was much more bizarre and shocking. As well Hela dropped the illusion of her Pepper Potts persona.

Gone were the blue eyes and the honey blonde hair Pepper Potts was famous for. Now Skye looked at her mother’s true appearance of long black hair and light gray eyes. She couldn’t believe how ruthless yet elegant her mom now looked. 

Hela began her story, her words a mixture of sorrow and rage. Skye listened intently, realizing what she would learn was going to very important and finally shine a light on her own hidden past that was kept from her by the decisions of others. 

Flashback

Odin sat heavily upon the golden throne in the heart of Asgard’s great hall, the air tense with foreboding. Before him stood Loki’s children—powerful beings, born of chaos and magic. Hela, the Goddess of Death, stood with regal defiance, her cold gaze fixed on Odin. Jörmungandr, having the appearance of young teen boy was pressed flush into his older sister’s side protectively. Sleipnir, also looking like a young teenage boy stood still but alert. Fenrir, being the second oldest looked to be in his early twenties with muscles rippling with restrained fury. At the back, Loki stood in shackles, his face twisted with anguish as he watched his children face the judgment of the All-Father.

Odin's eyes passed over them, the weight of his decision palpable. These were his brother’s children making them family and yet their power was a threat he could no longer ignore. The prophecies had spoken—these beings would bring doom upon Asgard. Fear gripped Odin's heart at the threat both to Asgard but to his own power as well, so he knew what must be done.

“I take no pleasure in this,” Odin began, his voice heavy with supposed sorrow. “But your powers... your very existence threatens the balance of the realms. I cannot allow it to continue.”

Hela’s eyes flared with cold fire. “You meant to use me to conquer,” she hissed, stepping forward. “You made me your weapon, your executioner. Now you fear the power you helped create.”

Odin’s grip on Gungnir tightened as he looked into the eyes of his brother’s eldest child. “I did what I thought was right for Asgard. But your hunger for power has grown beyond control, Hela. You seek not to rule, but to destroy.”

“I seek to protect what is mine and Asgard’s!” Hela snapped, her voice sharp as a blade. 

Odin's expression hardened. “You have no place here, not anymore.”

Hela’s defiance only deepened as she felt her power surge, shadows gathering around her. “I will return, Odin. You are a fool to think Death can be imprisoned forever.”

Odin raised his hand, his eyes filled with worry and fear at her words. “You will rule Nilfheim, Hela,” he decreed, “but it will be your prison, cut off from Asgard and the living realms.”

With a flash of power, a dark swirling portal opened beneath Hela’s feet. Shadows coiled around her as she was pulled into the void, her glare never leaving Odin's face. “I will return,” her voice echoed through the hall before the portal snapped shut.

Loki’s fists clenched in his chains, his eyes burning with helpless rage. “Brother, no!” he shouted, his voice raw with emotion. “You can’t do this!”

But Odin did not look at him. His gaze now turned to Jörmungandr, one meant to be the massive World Serpent. The child’s eyes gleamed with tears. “Why are you doing this uncle!?” Jörmungandr cried through his tears 

Odin remained impassive at the words shouted at him by his nephew. “I will not allow you or your siblings to bring ruin to Asgard or the nine realm.” he said, his voice firm. “Therefore I banish you to the seas of Midgard, where you will remain until the end comes.”

Jörmungandr gave a low, anguised cry as without another word, Odin gestured, and a swirling vortex of energy opened beneath Jörmungandr. His young form was pulled into the seas of Earth, where it would remain, waiting for Ragnarok.

Next, Odin’s gaze fell upon Fenrir, the supposed great wolf whose eyes glowed with fury. Fenrir snarled, his lips curling back to reveal razor-sharp teeth. “You would chain me like a beast?” He growled, remaining where he stood as he didn’t want any harm to come to himself nor his father or remaining sibling.

Odin’s voice softened slightly, so as to appear as though his heart was heavy with regret. “Your power is too great, Fenrir. You are a force of destruction, and I cannot allow you to roam free. I will place you in a magical sleep, where you will harm no one—until the day you awaken.”

Fenrir lunged forward, but before he could strike, Odin raised his spear, and magical chains appeared out of thin air, wrapping tightly around his body. Fenrir let out a furious roar, thrashing against the chains, but they held fast, glowing with an ancient enchantment. Slowly, his movements began to slow, his eyes growing heavy as the sleep spell took hold.

As Fenrir's growls turned into deep, steady breaths, Odin watched in silence. “One day,” Fenrir whispered, his voice barely audible, “I will awaken... and I will bring ruin.”

Odin’s eyes flickered with alarm as Fenrir fell into a deep, dreamless sleep, his form now bound and unmoving.

Lastly, Odin turned to Sleipnir, that stood silently beside him. “Sleipnir,” Odin said, his voice soft but commanding. “You will serve me. Your destiny is not one of destruction, but of service. You will carry me into battle.”

Sleipnir froze with horror as Odin uttered those words before looking helplessly at his bound father behind him. 

As the hall grew quiet, Odin finally turned to Loki. His brother stood trembling, his eyes red with unshed tears and filled with anger and rage. “You would take my children from me?” Loki’s voice was broken, filled with raw pain. “You will regret what you have done this day. Mark my words, brother.” Loki spat as he looked at his brother.

Odin's became unnerved at the threat his brother made, yet he resolved himself that he did what needed to be done. He would do whatever it took to stave off Ragnarok and the threat to his position and power as king of Asgard. “Loki, I do this for the good of all the realms,” he said quietly. “Your children are too dangerous to remain free. Their destinies are intertwined with chaos, and the balance must be maintained.”

“I will never forgive you,” Loki spat, his voice trembling with fury and grief. “You have cursed me to live in a gilded prison, while my children—my blood—are scattered across the cosmos.”

Odin's gaze faltered for the first time. “I know,” he whispered. “But this is the price that must be paid.”

With that, Odin stood and left, leaving Loki standing alone in the vast hall, his heart broken, his spirit crushed. Bound by magic, he could only watch as his children were banished, one by one, their fates sealed by the hand of their grandfather.

As the great doors of the hall closed behind Odin, the silence that followed was unbearable. Loki stood motionless, the weight of his grief pressing down on him. His children were gone, scattered across the realms, and he was left to endure his own torment, unable to see them again.

And in the shadows of Asgard, the whispers of Ragnarok began to stir.

Skye listened intently as her mother spoke of her past and the rest of their family. With each new thing that she heard Skye became more and more angry and anguished knowing what has become of their family. 

Trying to calm herself Skye took a few deep breaths which seemed to be working, if only slightly. Her mother noticed the darkening expression and quickly changed topics. Skye was thankful for it but in her mind she relentlessly went over what she has learned thus far. 

“What did you do once you got to earth, mom?” Skye asked, eager to know more about her mother and to take her mind off of anger and rage towards her so called ‘granduncle’.  

Seeing how curious and excited look on her daughter’s face Hela began recounting her adventures here on Midgard or Earth. 

Flashback

For years, Hela roamed the Earth, wandering through vast, untamed lands. The 1700s were an era of change for humanity, though to her, they seemed no different than the time of ancient kings. Empires rose and fell, battles were fought over resources and power, but nothing impressed her.

She traveled from one end of the world to the other, her cloak billowing as she journeyed through snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and bustling villages. Her identity remained hidden—mortals were easy to deceive, and none suspected that a goddess of death walked among them. She learned their customs, absorbed their languages, and studied their history. But all the while, there was a hollowness inside her, a part of her that longed for more than just survival.

One fateful day, while wandering the mountains of China, she stumbled upon a village nestled in a secluded valley. She sensed a unique energy emanating from this place, an energy that pulled her closer. As she approached, she heard whispers of a community unlike any other—Afterlife.

Intrigued, Hela sought out this hidden sanctuary. Her journey was not easy; the terrain was rugged and treacherous, but her determination never wavered. After days of searching, she finally arrived at the gates of Afterlife, where a barrier of energy shielded the village from outsiders.

Stepping through the gates, she was immediately met with curious, cautious glances from the Inhumans who inhabited this mystical place. They were unlike any mortals she had encountered, their powers flowing through them like a river. Yet, among them, one figure stood out—a woman with flowing black hair and piercing eyes that seemed to see through her very soul.

Hela felt an undeniable pull toward this woman, Jiaying, the leader of Afterlife. Jiaying moved gracefully among her people, her presence both commanding and nurturing. Hela watched her from afar at first, captivated by her strength and warmth.

One evening, Hela approached Jiaying, her heart pounding with anticipation.

“You’re the leader here,” Hela stated, her voice steady yet filled with intrigue.

Jiaying looked up from her work, her brow furrowing. “And you are?”

Hela smirked, confidence radiating from her. “Someone like you. Someone with power.”

Jiaying studied her, an unreadable expression on her face. “Power can be both a gift and a curse,” she replied, her tone even.

“True, but it’s also necessary for survival,” Hela countered.

As their conversation flowed, they began to learn more about each other. Jiaying shared stories of the Inhumans, of their struggles and triumphs, while Hela spoke of her past—of her reign and her betrayal.

“Your past doesn’t define you, Hela,” Jiaying said one night as they strolled along the riverbank, their fingers brushing together. “You can choose to be more than what you once were.”

Hela felt a flicker of hope igniting within her. In Jiaying, she had found not only an equal but someone who embraced her complexities, who didn’t flinch at the darkness that accompanied her power. Their bond grew deeper, forged in late-night conversations and shared laughter.

One fateful night, as they stood by a moonlit stream, Hela leaned in, her breath catching as their lips met. The kiss ignited something deep within her, a warmth she had long thought extinguished.

As they pulled away, their hands brushed together, and Hela felt an electric surge of energy pulse between them. Suddenly, Norse runes blazed to life on their palms, glowing with a fierce intensity as if the universe itself had marked them.

Jiaying gasped, staring down at their joined hands. “What… what is this?”

Hela’s heart raced as she examined the runes—the symbols of fate and destiny, binding them together. “It seems we are more than just kindred spirits,” she whispered, awe filling her voice. “We are soulmates.”

Jiaying's eyes widened, and she squeezed Hela’s hand tightly. “I can feel it. This connection… it’s unlike anything I’ve ever known.”

Hela’s smile was radiant. “We will forge our own destiny, together.”

With newfound resolve, they spent the next few days exploring their bond, sharing their dreams, fears, and aspirations. They learned that their union was not just a simple love; it was a merging of destinies, a weaving of souls that would alter the course of their lives forever.

As time passed, the idyllic life Hela had carved out with Jiaying began to feel like a dream she was terrified of losing. But with every moment of joy, a shadow loomed. The outside world was changing, and it wouldn’t be long before the Inhuman sanctuary was discovered. Hela couldn’t afford to stay hidden forever—not while Odin still ruled Asgard and the threat of being hunted loomed over her.

One morning, Hela stood at the edge of the village, her heart heavy with the weight of her impending departure. Jiaying joined her, her expression a mixture of understanding and concern.

“You’re leaving,” Jiaying said, though it wasn’t a question.

“I have to,” Hela replied, her voice thick with emotion. “The world is growing smaller, and I need to find my place in it before it’s too late. But I’ll never be far. I’ll come back to you. I promise.”

Jiaying’s hand reached out, gripping Hela’s. “Be careful out there, Hela. The world is not kind to those like us.”

Hela smiled sadly, leaning in to kiss Jiaying softly. “I’ve faced worse. This world will bend to me, just as all the others have.”

With those final words, Hela left Afterlife, stepping into a new identity—one that would allow her to navigate the modern world unnoticed. She became Pepper Potts, a sharp-witted, no-nonsense woman who worked her way into the heart of Stark Industries.

Tony Stark had just taken over the company after his father’s death. He was young, brash, and brilliant—but reckless. With their meeting they discovered something profound. Tony was the missing third of the soulmate bond that Hela and Jiaying shared. 

It was thanks to this discovery that amidst the chaos of Tony’s life he found support and acceptance by those fate chose to be his. As a result to this Hela told Tony about her past, the Inhumans and their other soulmate Jiaying. 

Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself. “Tony I have to tell you something important. I’m not just Pepper Potts. I have a past—one that’s complicated.”

Tony’s brow furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“I’m not from this world,” she confessed, the words tumbling out like a waterfall. “My real name is Hela. I’m the Asgardian goddess of Death. I was imprisoned for centuries, and when I escaped, I found love with our other soulmate.”

Tony blinked, processing her words. “Wait, what? Goddess of Death? You can’t be serious.”

“I am,” she insisted, her voice steady. “But it doesn’t change that we are soulmates.”

He was silent for a moment, a mix of shock and fascination playing across his face. “So, you’re telling me that you’re not just a badass assistant, but you’re also a goddess? And you have met our third as well?”

“Yes,” Hela affirmed, her heart racing. “Her name is Jiaying. I met her a few hundred years ago when I first came here.”

A grin spread across Tony’s face, easing the tension. “Well, I’ve always said I like a woman with power.” He leaned closer, his playful demeanor returning. “So, what’s our third like?”

Hela couldn’t help but laugh, the tension dissipating. “You’d like her. She’s every bit as stubborn as you.”

Their laughter filled the night air, weaving an unexpected bond between them. As they stood side by side, the truth hung between them, binding their fates together in an unbreakable way.

Days turned into weeks, and their relationship flourished, each moment drawing them closer.

Taking a break from speaking Hela watched as Skye fetched them something to drink and eat. “Thank you Skye.” She told her daughter before taking a sip before eating the sandwiches that Skye brought over. 

A few minutes later Hela resumed telling Skye of her past, specifically the day her daughter was born and events that followed afterwards. “You were born in the Hunan province in China, July 2nd 1988. Your father had to go back to the states to deal with a proplem regarding the Stark Industries arc reactor and Jiaying prompted me to go with him. Which I reluctantly did.” 

Skye became quiet at this part of the story and yet it was the missing pieces of her life that she had always searched for. Standing up Skye stepped over to her mom and gave her a hug knowing they both needed the comfort. Skye then directed her mom to sit back down on the couch.

Once situated on the couch Skye curled into her mom’s side and after a few moments to settle her emotions Hela continued. “We were only gone for a few hours and yet when we got back the entire village was destroyed. You and your mother were nowhere to be found. Luckily I had placed a tracking spell on Jiaying and tracked her to somewhere in Europe. What I found when I reached the place Jiaying was taken to caused me to snap. It was the first time I had taken a life since meeting your father.”

Flashback

Just as the vile men and women with Reinhardt got ready to cut her open the entire base shook. Screams of fear and pain filled the air. “You fools, you have invited death to claim you all.” Jiaying said, relief flooding her body knowing it would be over soon and she was safe.

Reinhardt shakily picked himself up from the floor. “What do you mean!? Who or what is coming!?” He hissed at her. The screams grew closer and after a few moments, he could hear weapons firing outside the operating room.

A second later silence filled the air, suffocating in its intensity. Just then the doors were blasted open, ripped from the hinges, the doors shot across the room andembedded in the opposite wall.

Striding into the room was an imposing woman. She wore a form fitting black bodysuit with dark green intricate designs. The suit had a high collar with a cape fixed to it. Her hands were covered in gloves with sharp talons for each finger. She wore black boots with green highlights. On her head was a helmet with multiple long curved horns hanging out around her head.

The woman looked both extremely deadly yet regal at the same time creating a truly imposing figure. Her dark green eyes looked around the room taking in Reinhardt and men and women around dressed in medical scrubs.

When her gaze fell on Jiaying a murderous glint entered her eyes promising death. “Release her at once if you value your lives,” Hela barked at them.

Reinhardt, the arrogant man that he was, gave her a condescending look. “I don’t think so. There is so much to learn from this marvelous specimen. After all, discovery requires experimentation,” he sneered at her.

Hela’s expression stilled.. The words the foolish and arrogant idiot just uttered sealed his and his companions' fate. “Is that so? Let me show you all what death looks like,” she hissed, summoning multiple swords that appeared in the air behind her. Two swords also appeared in her hands which she gripped tightly. 

Before Reinhardt could utter another word the swords shot forward, impaling themselves in the bodies of the humans who would dare to harm her wife. 

The last thing that he saw before giving his last breath was the seething eyes of the being in front of him. 

Moving quickly Hela appeared at Jiaying’s side; she quickly cut through the bindings tying her wife to the metal operating slab. “It’s alright darling I’m here, you're safe.”

Tears flowed Skye’s eyes as she listened to what her mom was telling her. When Hela got to the part where she found Jiaying and what was about to be done to her, Skye had to take a few deep breaths and closed her eyes. 

She struggled to for a minute to get her empathic powers back under control but struggled a bit at the raw emotions she felt coming from her mom. Feeling a hand on her face she looked up. “It’s alright Daisy, it happened long ago. Besides, they got the punishment they deserved.” 

Seeing the smirk on her mother’s face helped calm the emotional turmoil Skye felt. She was glad the assholes who dared to harm her mom paid for what they had done and wanted to do. 

Finally the pieces that were missing her whole life began sliding into place and fury began welling up inside of her. SHIELD and Hydra. Two organizations that were responsible for tearing her family apart. 

And yet some of the anger she now felt towards SHIELD faded remembering how her father’s godmother and her grandfather were founding members of the organization. “I want to meet dad and mom Jiaying. There is also someone I want you guys to meet,” Skye said and a pleased smile crossed Hela’s face.

Hela was curious to meet her daughter’s soulmate as she could feel lingering traces of an immensely powerful being on Skye’s body. Even if Skye was unaware of those traces. She could also feel that Skye was beginning to awaken her Asgardian heritage. 

What neither Hela nor Skye noticed or realized was that the two of them were being observed by two different individuals. 

Heimdal, standing inside the Bifrost had a sad almost regretful look on his face as he watched the reunion between mother and daughter. ‘ Forgive me princess, for not acting when I should have and being blinded by loyalty to the false king. ’ Heimdal whispered in his thoughts, he resolved himself to begin making amends for the terrible actions taken against innocents because of what May come to happen in the future.

The other person witnessing the reunion was Frigga, wife of Odin and sister in law to Loki. she always felt guilty for what had befallen Loki and his family due to their appearances and abilities. Seeing the love and care Hela had for her daughter brought a sad smile Frigga’s lips. ‘ Odin you arrogant fool. You may have just caused that what you sought to prevent. ’ 

Coming to a decision she walked out of her personal quarters with a specific destination in mind. It was time to begin making amends for the slights against a family torn asunder because false accusations. 

Chapter Text

Adria descended the subway station steps, her eyes trailing Cassandra Web, the paramedic Skye had been tracking for days. 

When Skye first began looking into the woman nothing seemed out of the ordinary which led to some frustration for them. Then a few days ago Skye was alerted to a rapport of an accident that Cassandra was involved with.

After reading through the accident report Skye knew something had changed in the few days they had been monitoring the paramedic.

Anyone who was trapped underwater for 3 minutes without air, apparently died and then subsequently came back to life was definitely intriguing and important. 

Now here Adria was following Cassandra to see if she could learn anything more about the woman from afar. 

Cassandra boarded one of the trains, heading deeper into the city. Adria followed, slipping into a seat a few rows behind her. She scanned the other passengers, her gaze flitting briefly across their faces until Cassandra’s eyes caught hers. For a second, Cassandra’s face paled, her eyes widening in what looked like recognition.

Adria’s heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to remain calm, turning her gaze to her phone. “Interesting.” She thought, her curiosity piqued. Cassandra wasn’t just any paramedic; something about her was different. Maybe her powers were beginning to manifest.

Adria opened a messaging app, quickly typing a message to Skye. Skye, Cassandra’s powers are starting to show. I’ll keep you updated. She pressed send and leaned back, trying to appear casual, though her senses were on high alert.

Pressing send on the message she waited for Skye to reply saw Adria leaned her head back and relaxed into the seat. It seems that Cassandra was more intriguing than she first thought. ‘This will be fun.’ Adria mused aloud in her head. 

The next few minutes passed quickly, the train filling with passengers. Three girls, about Skye’s age, boarded, followed by a businessman in a sharp suit and an elderly woman who looked like she belonged in a knitting circle.

A minute before the doors would close and the train would depart from the station Adria become alert and tense when Cassandra suddenly sprang up from her seat and darted towards the three girls further back in the train car. 

‘Oh what’s this?’ Adria thought, wanting to see why Cassandra was suddenly so spooked she used some of her powers to make the three girls follow the paramedic by influencing their minds. ‘Could Cassandra be a clairvoyant of some kind?’ She asked herself mentally not wanting to attract attention to herself. 

Following after the panicking Cassandra and the girls with her Adria moved close to the station’s entrance to get a proper view of what was happening. As she did a heavy dose of anger and rage caused her to look up and become surprised at what she saw. 

She wasn’t the only one staring up at a person dressed in a spider-themed costume crawling on the ceiling towards them. “That is the reason we need to run.” Hearing Cassandra speak those words Adria directed her gaze to the woman. 

Not wanting whoever the spider person was to follow Adria caused the person’s body to freeze up and fall to the ground paralyzed. Pleased with herself she walked up the steps back outside

As soon as she reached the street, Adria was surprised to find Cassandra waiting for her. “Are you guys okay?” she asked, a smirk tugging at her lips. “Come on, I’ve got a place where you can all lay low. You don’t want to stick around here with a murderous spider guy on the loose.”

The three girls looked ready to bolt but seeing the reassuring look from Cassandra they hesitantly nodded their heads and began following her. It made her thankful that Skye managed to purchase an apartment in the city yesterday.

They walked for a few minutes before reaching the building where Skye and Adria’s new apartment was located. On the way there the girls introduced themselves as Julia Cornwell, Anya Corazón and Mattie Franklin. 

Julia has light blond styled in soft waves and striking light blue eyes. She was wearing a white long-sleeved button-up shirt with chest pockets, a light gray medium-length skirt, black shin-length socks and black shoes. 

Anya has long wavy black hair and brown eyes. She had on a long-sleeved brown jacket with a white strip down the arms over a yellow crop top, dark gray pants and black shoes. 

Mattie had short black hair tied in curly patterns on her head and deep brown eyes. She is wearing a light blue jacket over a white crop top, dark green cargo pants and white sneakers. She had earphones around her neck and was carrying her skateboard tightly under her left arm.

Between Adria and Cassandra, they managed to calm the girls down. It was tough to explain why someone was after them but thankfully Adria answered with a half-truth. Everyone knew mutants existed and therefore people with powers weren’t that uncommon in recent years.

She told them how she and her girlfriend were monitoring suspicious rumors of a guy with spider-like powers going around terrorizing people in the subways. 

What surprised Adria was how easily Cassandra accepted the simple yet believable answer and Adria nodded her head at the thank you look the paramedic gave her. 

Reaching the building, Adria led the way up to the second floor, unlocking the door and stepping inside. The apartment was modest but comfortable—two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a cozy living room, and a kitchen stocked with essentials.

Adria wasted no time. She grabbed some food and drinks, bringing them out to the coffee table where the girls sat, looking both exhausted and grateful. “Here you go,” she said, settling into a chair. “You girls must be hungry.”

The tension in the room eased slightly as they ate, though the weight of the day still hung in the air. Mattie was the first to speak. “Thanks, Adria. You too, Cassandra. I don’t even know if we’d still be alive if it weren’t for you two.”

Adria smiled, but her mind was elsewhere. The pieces were falling into place, and she could already see the potential these girls had. “Don’t worry,” she said softly. “You’re safe now.”

***

Later that night, after making sure the girls were asleep, Adria climbed into bed and dialed Skye’s number. “Hey, sweetheart. What’s up?”

Skye’s voice was bright with excitement. “You’ll never guess what happened. My parents—they’ve been tracking me this whole time. As soon as my DNA hit the system, it alerted them.”

Adria sat up, surprise coursing through her. “Well that is very intriguing. I take it you've met them then?”

Skye laughed, the sound light and full of hope. She wasn't even surprised that Adria figured it out so quickly. “Yeah, it is. And guess what? My mother’s here with me right now, listening to our conversation.”

Adria raised a eyebrow at that tidbit of interesting news. Skye’s mother. After everything, Skye had finally found her. “Hmmm, interesting. I would love to meet them darling.” Adria said and smirked as she could almost see the way Skye would blush in embarrassment at the pet name she just used on Skye. 

Before anything else could be said by either of them, a swirling portal of black and green energy appeared in her room. Now fully alert Adria shot of the bed while gathering her power. Her eyes began glowing a bright fierce red while wisps of orange/red energy began flicking off of her body. 

Daisy stepped through, grinning. “Tada!” Before a sheepish look crossed her face. “Sorry about that, I thought we could surprise.” Adria merely giggled in amusement at how cute her soulmate was when embarrassed. “It's quite alright darling, I take it this is your mom?” 

Daisy looked to where Adria was motioning with her hand and happily grinned. Hela stepped through the portal, regal and powerful. “Yes Adria, this is my mother Hela or Pepper Potts, as she’s known on Earth.”

‘ Well wasn't that curious ’ Adria mused to herself as Daisy said that. The air shifted as Pepper smiled, but it wasn’t a warm smile. It was sharp, knowing. “As Daisy said you can call me Hela,” the woman said smoothly, her gaze piercing. “Asgardian goddess of death.”

Adria felt a chill run down her spine, but she remained composed. “It’s an honor to meet you.” She said with a smirk on her face, this world just keeps getting more and more interesting. 

While Skye made tea in the kitchen, Hela and Adria sat opposite each other in the living room. There was an unspoken tension between them, a silent understanding of the power they both wielded.

Adria explained what had happened with Cassandra and the spider-person, and Hela listened carefully, her face unreadable. “That is most curious. What is your plan regarding these women my dear?” Hela questioned with a thoughtful look on her face. 

Adria glanced at Skye, Daisy now that she knew her real name, who had just returned with the drinks. “Well, seeing as Cassandra seems to posses precogntive abilities I was planning on ‘influencing’ them to join me and Skye.” Adria explained and noticed the brief frown on Daisy’s face.

Daisy frowned but didn’t argue. Her mother’s presence was a silent reminder of the difficult choices they had to make. “I’m not comfortable with it,” Daisy admitted, “but Cassandra’s abilities… we may need her in the future. With everything going on, we need all the help we can get.”

Adria wrapped an arm around Daisy, sensing her inner turmoil. “I’ll be careful,” she whispered, trying to soothe her. “But we need to be strong right now. For each other.”

Hela watched them closely, a small, approving smile playing on her lips. “You’re learning, Daisy. The world won’t wait for you to make easy choices.”

For the next half hour the three talked more on how to proceed with Adria’s plan, where Daisy and Adria would live going forward and meeting with Daisy’s father Tony Stark who was very eager to meet them.

Hela explained a little to Daisy on who and what Jiaying was and where she currently lived. They all decided that Adria would begin her plan in bringing the 4 four guests into the fold while Daisy and Hela would journey to Malibu where Tony was waiting for their return. 

Giving each other a hug Adria whispered into Daisy’s ear. “Don’t worry Daisy. I will try and be as quick as I can then I will join you guys. Go, meet your father, I know how long you’ve waited for this.” Steeling herself Daisy kissed Adria and hoped her soulmate could feel her gratitude and support through the kiss. 

Hela watched with a smirk on her face and as the two parted from one another and became amused when Daisy blushed in embarrassment. “No need to be so shy Daisy. Come let’s go home.” Daisy took her mother’s hand and walked through the portal Hela created while sharing one last look with Adria.

As soon as the portal closed Adria swung around with a pleased look on her face. She strolled through the apartment to where Cassandra and the other three girls were sleeping.

Silently opening the door, Adria went inside and looked at the peaceful looks on the slumberings forms across the room.. “This is going to be such fun.” Adria whispered softly not wanting to wake anyone.

Getting to work Adria turned towards Cassandra first and approached the older woman. Looking briefly at the peaceful face before her she entered the woman's mind. 

Seconds after entering Cassandra's mind Adria quickly realized something, she now knew exactly what the woman's power was. A powerful form of precognition that seemed to give Cassandra the ability to peer into the future. 

Thankfully the woman was just beginning to tap into her powers otherwise this would have been so much harder. 

The inside of Cassandra’s mind looked like the inside of a hospital which was oddly fitting for the paramedic. 

Walking through a hallway of the ‘hospital’ Adria entered a room that had a slightly glowing door. Stepping inside she saw it appeared to be some sort of file room. Along the walls of the room were metal file cabinets. 

Opening the first one she saw each drawer had paper files inside it. Picking one Adria lifted it up from the drawer she opened the file. Her vision was filled with different scenes. “Oh this will make things so much easier.” She said with a smirk on her face. 

She then began manipulating Cassandra's memories, Adria erased and altered the woman’s memories. She even created new memories as well. 

One was where Cassandra met Daisy at a early age when she was sent to the hospital because of a particularly horrible foster family. Seeing how scared young Daisy was back then Cass took it upon herself to regularly check on Daisy who still went by Skye at the time. 

Another one was where Adria and Cassandra were close friends. They met when Adria lived in Cassandra's building for a while before moving out when she got a better paying job and moved to a new building to be closer to her new work. 

It took mere minutes before she was done and exited Cass’s mind. The woman now fully subservient towards herself and Skye. 

Turning around she looked at Anya, Mattie and Julia who were sleeping next to each other on the sole double bed in the room. 

She then repeated the process which was much easier on the three girls. The end result was that Cassandra, Anya, Mattie and Julia were now fully under her control and completely loyal to herself and Daisy. 

Chapter Text

Stepping through the portal Daisy looked around the large living room area she was now in. The wall facing the ocean consisted only of large glass panels showing the night sky. 

It felt surreal to Daisy that she was standing in the home of THE Tony Stark who as it turns out was also her dad! For someone who grew up as a orphan it was like a dream come true. 

Walking next to her daughter Hela guided them to the large living area which had a big fire place built into the wall between the large windows facing the sea. A few feet infront of the fireplace was a L-shaped couch with oval metal and glass table. 

Standing by the windows was Tony Stark himself who was busy gazing out to the ocean. Hearing them approach he turned around with a small smile on his face. “Hello Daisy, I’m so glad we finally found you.” 

Hearing the happiness and longing in his voice, Daisy bolted from beside her mom towards her dad giving him a tight hug. As tears of happiness streamed from her eyes Daisy felt arms wrap around her from the front and behind. 

Tony then guided them to the couch where he sat down with Daisy pressed to his side. Hela sat down on the other side next to Daisy. The two parents just sat there giving their daughter time to let everything out. 

They knew it would take time for Daisy to adjust to all shock and surprises she went through recently and would be there to help her every step of the way. 

After a few minutes Daisy’s tears began subsiding and she lifted her head to look at her dad. “I’m so happy and relieved to finally be home. I’ve always longed to meet you guys.” Daisy said.

Tony was relieved to hear that, his biggest worry was that Daisy would hate both him and Hela for not being there for her for so many years. “I’m glad to hear that Daisy. Know that we have never stopped searching for you.” 

Daisy smiled as she heard that and felt a big weight be lifted of from her shoulders. It relieved her to once again to hear one of her parents tell her that. 

Standing up once again Tony led Daisy over to the stairs which led to the bedrooms upstairs. “While your mom was busy finding you, I spent the whole of yesterday getting your room ready for you. I hope you’ll like it.”

It seemed that the surprises would not cease for Daisy as she walked behind her dad. He stopped before the third door in the hallway on the left and opened it. 

Stepping aside Tony gestured for her to go in first which she happily did. 

As she walked into the room Daisy was amazed at the large room that was all hers. Along one wall was a large sleek desk with a laptop on it. Mounted on the wall above the desk was a large tv screen with two floor to ceiling bookcases to the sides of the desk. 

Across from the desk and tv was queen sized bed with light gray sheets. There were a few pillows on the bed with dark blue coverings. Another door along the third wall led into a large walk in closet.

“Well what do you think kiddo?” Tony asked his daughter, Daisy turned around with a teary look in her eyes and hugged both her parents tightly. “I love it! Thanks… Mom… Dad.” Daisy told them but whispered the last two words. Regardless, they heard what she said and tightened their arms around her. 

The hug lasted lasted for a minute or so while Daisy just reveled in the feel of being her parents embrace after searching for them for years. 

A soft chime sounded followed by a voice that seemed to be coming from nowhere. “Sorry to disturb your time with young Daisy sir. But there is a woman that appeared out of thin air in the living room.” Daisy startled slightly at the disembodied voice and look around to find the source. 

Tony chuckled at the look of confusion on her face and told her that the voice belonged to Jarvis, his personal AI who watched over the entire house and its surroundings. “What!? That is so awesome! Hello Jarvis I’m Daisy but I think you already know that. I may know who is in the living room, come on dad I want to introduce you to my soulmate.” Daisy explained eagerly while leading her parents downstairs with a almost manic energy about her.

The amused voice of Jarvis came from the hidden speakers as the family went to meet with Daisy’s soulmate. “Pleasure to meet you as well miss Daisy. I’m very glad sir has found you after so many years.” Hearing the words from Jarvis Daisy had a wide smile which appear on her face which only grew as they reached the lower floor. 

Nearly sprinting Daisy approached Adria who was looking around the living room with a intrigued look on her face. “Hey Adria I take it things went well with Cass and the others?” Daisy asked as she greeted her soulmate and kissed her. 

Breaking apart Adria gave Daisy an amused look and nodded. She then turned to look at Daisy’s parents who approached more slowly than their daughter. Tony smiled happily seeing the interaction between Daisy and Adria. 

“Hello Mr. Stark, I am Adria and your daughter’s soulmate.” Adria introduced herself to Tony and gave Hela a smirk in greeting. 

“Please call me Tony, you are Daisy’s soulmate after all, that makes you family. I see you have already met my own soulmate and lovely wife?” 

Slightly surprised at the laid back attitude that Tony had, Adria none the less nodded her head. She then took a seat on the large L-shaped couch and pulled Daisy onto her lap. Daisy blushed a bit at the action but made no attempt to move. Instead she only made herself more comfy while leaning back and Adria circled her arms around Daisy. 

***

While Daisy was getting to know her parents together with her soulmate Adria, on Asgard plans were about to begin that would shake countless worlds.

In his personal quarters Loki known as the god of mischief and lies was solemn as he thought on the past and the fate befallen his children. It’d been a millenia since he last saw most of them. 

His one son and daughter were here on Asgard, though he couldn’t even talk or interact with them! Sleipnir was trapped in his horse form while Fenris forced into a perpetual sleep till his dear brother Odin decided otherwise. 

His musings were interrupted by a soft knock on his door and frowned knowing he had given instructions ted to be left alone. “Loki?” The voice belonging to the wife of his bastard of a brother sounded out from the other side of the door. 

The mere sound of her voice was enough to cause Loki to scowl and be filled with anger. Stalking towards the door he wrenched it open and stared at Frigga in disdain. “What do you want, Frigga? I gave explicit instructions to guards to be left alone, especially from you.” 

The words, while hurtful, were a consequence of her own failure to act when her brother in law had truly needed her help the most. Frigga was saddened that Loki regarded her so disdainfully but with a heavy heart filled with guilt she knew it was of her own doing. 

Hopefully with what she wanted to talk with him about she could begin making amends for the events that should never have gone as far as they had. “Please Loki, it’s important. It involves your daughter Hela.” 

Loki narrowed his eyes at Frigga when she uttered the name of his eldest daughter. Sensing that something had to have happened he moved aside with great reluctance and allowed her to enter his quarters. 

Shutting the door behind him Loki made sure to activate a privacy ward that not even Odin or Heimdall would be able to see or get past. “Alright let’s hear it and make it quick. What has happened to my daughter?” He asked with a tone laced with hostility.

If anything had happened to his daughter while she was banished Loki knew he would unleash chaos and destruction on the whole of Asgard. Consequences be damned. 

“Well I have good news for you then. Hela for a few years now has been living on Midgard. Odin didn’t want you to know but events over the last few months has forced my hand. The Phoenix force has helped your daughter escape her imprisonment. She is currently living on Midgard.” Frigga told Loki who froze with shock. Elation, relief and happiness surged within him as he listened to Frigga. 

Leveling a glare at Frigga, Loki demanded to know more of what else has been kept from him and his daughter’s life on Earth.

As he listened Loki’s expression flickered with a mixture of disbelief and hope. “She’s on earth?” he echoed, his voice tinged with both curiosity and hesitation. Frigga nodded, stepping further into the room. She gestured for Loki to sit, but he remained standing, pacing like a restless predator. Undeterred, she continued to explain.

“Yes, your daughter is on earth free from Odin’s reach. She has two soulmates: Tony Stark, a man of great intellect on Midgard, and Jiaying, a remarkable woman who leads a group of Inhumans. Together, they’ve built a life, a family, and found strength in one another.”

Loki stopped abruptly, his emerald eyes narrowing with suspicion. “Two soulmates?” he asked, his tone laced with incredulity. “And Odin allowed this? Hela with two lovers, one of whom is an Inhuman as well—on Midgard of all places?”

Frigga sighed, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. “Odin did not allow it, Loki. The Phoenix made it’s threat explicitly clear, under no circumstance may he even think of sitting foot on Earth. Nor may he send someone in his stead. Even now the current avatar of the Phoenix force watches over and guards Hela and her family from the shadows.”

“Then Hela is safe and can live a normal life, which is all I’ve wanted for all my children,” Loki said softly, his voice tinged with relief as a weight fell from his shoulders. “Tell me more, Frigga. Tell me about her life on Midgard.” Loki then demanded.

Frigga stepped closer, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of pride and sadness. “For centuries, Hela was alone, burdened by the scars of her imprisonment. But then she encountered Jiaying, a woman whose strength and compassion helped her heal. Jiaying it seems took the surviving Inhumans after the Kree’s experiments were stopped and created a hidden sanctuary for them. The two became inseparable, partners in every sense of the word.”

Loki raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “And Tony Stark?”

Frigga smiled softly. “Tony possesses an intellect rarely seen among a race so young. He is brilliant, sarcastic, and unrelentingly stubborn. He challenges her in ways she never expected. What began as an unlikely partnership grew into something far deeper. Together, the three of them forged a bond that defies convention but is no less real. They have a daughter, Loki. Her name is Daisy, and she is extraordinary.”

“Hela has a daughter,” Loki murmured, the words heavy with meaning. “I never imagined Hela would… could…”

“She is much like her mother,” Frigga continued, her voice warm. “Strong, determined, and fiercely loyal. But she also carries the best traits of Tony and Jiaying. She has a brilliant mind, a compassionate heart, and powers that make her a force to be reckoned with. Hela has found something precious in her exile, Loki. Something Odin would have never allowed either of you to have: a true family.”

Loki resumed his pacing, though his movements were less agitated now, replaced with contemplation. “And Hela?” he asked, his voice softening further. “Is she happy?”

Frigga hesitated, knowing how much her answer would mean to Loki. “She is rebuilding her life. She has found strength in her family, but there is still pain. The years of isolation left scars, as they did with you. She carries those wounds, but she is no longer alone.”

Loki’s jaw tightened, the mention of his own suffering reigniting old wounds. “Odin took everything from me, Frigga,” he hissed, his voice trembling with restrained anger. “My place, my dignity, my family. But Hela… she was my pride, my blood. And now, she has a family of her own. Odin won’t take that from her. Or from me.”

Frigga stepped closer, placing a hand on his arm. “Then help her, Loki. I’ll do what I can to help as well.”

For a moment, Loki said nothing, his gaze fixed on some distant point beyond the room. Then, with a slow nod, his lips curled into a smirk. Frigga chuckled softly, though her eyes shone with hope. “Promise me, Loki. Promise me you’ll try to mend what has been broken.”

Loki looked at her, a glimmer of vulnerability shining through his usual bravado. “For Hela, for Jiaying, and Daisy,” he said quietly. “I promise.”