Chapter 10 - Chapter 9

As Hela's anger boiled within her, she knew she had to act swiftly and decisively. She decided to gather her most loyal soldiers and send them to Midgard to retrieve Astrid. With Astrid by her side, she believed they could form a formidable alliance to challenge Odin's rule.

Hela approached her trusted lieutenant, Helmdol, and commanded, "Gather our strongest warriors. We will need a force that can conquer Midgard and bring Astrid back to Asgard. We cannot afford any delays or failures."

Helmdol, loyal to Hela's cause, nodded solemnly. "As you wish, my queen. I will assemble our finest warriors and prepare for the journey to Midgard."

Hela's mind raced with thoughts of revenge and power. She saw this as an opportunity not only to retrieve her sister but also to forge a new future for Asgard—one where she would reign supreme. With Astrid's assistance, she could reshape the realms to her liking and rid Asgard of what she perceived as weakness and complacency.

As preparations began for the expedition to Midgard, Hela couldn't help but wonder about the potential consequences of her actions. She knew there would be opposition, both from within Asgard and the mortals of Midgard. But her thirst for power and her determination to prove herself as a rightful leader overshadowed any doubts that crept into her mind.

Little did Hela know that her actions would set in motion a series of events that would forever change the fate of Asgard. The clash of gods and mortals, the struggle for power and redemption, and the bonds of family would all intertwine in a battle that would test the very fabric of the Nine Realms.

And so, with her soldiers at the ready and her ambitions burning bright, Hela prepared to set her plan in motion.

As Hela contemplated her strategy, she knew that overcoming the watchful eyes of Helmdale and Odin would be no easy task. She needed a plan that would catch them off guard and allow her soldiers to slip through undetected.

Hela sought the advice of her most cunning person, Loki. Known for his deceptive nature and skill in manipulation, Loki could provide the key to bypassing the gatekeeper's vigilance. She summoned him to her side, revealing her intentions and seeking his assistance.

"Loki," Hela began, her voice laced with determination, "I need your expertise in trickery. I must find a way to outsmart Helmdale and Odin, to ensure my soldiers can pass through the Bifrost gate without raising suspicion."

Loki smirked, relishing the opportunity to engage in his favorite pastime—outwitting those who considered themselves superior. "Ah, sister," he replied with a sly grin, "you've come to the right person. Together, we shall devise a plan that even the all-seeing eyes of Helmdale cannot foresee."

They spent hours strategizing, contemplating every possible scenario and meticulously crafting a plan that would exploit the weaknesses of Asgard's guardians. Loki's cunning mind and Hela's strategic prowess complemented each other perfectly, their combined brilliance giving birth to a scheme that held the promise of success.

Their plan involved a diversionary tactic—a grand spectacle that would draw the attention of both Helmdale and Odin, diverting their gaze away from the Bifrost gate. Hela would orchestrate an elaborate event within the heart of Asgard, a gathering of gods and mortals alike, distracting them with the allure of celebration and revelry.

While the attention of Asgard's elite would be fixated on the festivities, Hela's soldiers, clad in disguises and equipped with stealth, would move swiftly through the shadows. Their mission would be to slip past Helmdale undetected, using hidden paths and secret tunnels that only a select few were privy to.

To further ensure their success, Hela and Loki planned to tamper with the surveillance systems and illusionary spells that safeguarded the Bifrost gate. With Loki's mastery over illusions and Hela's dark magic, they would create false readings and distort the perception of Helmdale and Odin, making it appear as though the gate remained sealed.

As the day of the grand event approached, Hela couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. The success of their plan relied on every detail falling into place. She knew that one wrong move, one unforeseen circumstance, could jeopardize everything she had worked for.

But Hela was determined. She had come too far to falter now. With her unwavering resolve and the combined brilliance of Loki and herself, she believed she could outsmart the gatekeeper and Odin, ensuring the safe passage of her soldiers to Midgard.

The stage was set, the plan was in motion, and Hela's ambitions burned brighter than ever.

Hela couldn't help but sense a hidden agenda behind Loki's assistance. She knew her brother's skill in manipulation and understood that he always had a personal motive driving his actions. There was something more that Loki desired, beyond the façade of loyalty.

when they found themselves alone, Hela decided to confront Loki about his true intentions. With a cautious tone, she asked, "Loki, I sense there is more to your involvement in this scheme. What is it that you truly seek in return for your assistance?"

Loki's face contorted into an expression of feigned surprise. "Dear sister, you wound me with your suspicions," he replied, his voice dripping with false sincerity. "All I desire is a prominent position in the new kingdom we aim to establish. A position befitting my skills and talents."

Hela regarded Loki carefully, searching for any signs of deceit. Though her instincts warned her of his manipulations, she decided to entertain his lie for the moment. "Very well, Loki. If it is a high position you seek, then it shall be granted. But remember, loyalty is paramount. Betray me, and you shall face the consequences."

Loki feigned gratitude, his eyes shimmering with hidden intentions. "I am forever grateful for your trust, dear sister. Rest assured, my loyalty shall be unwavering."

As Hela listened to Loki's smooth words, she knew that caution would be her greatest ally. She couldn't afford to blindly trust him, for she was well aware of his capacity for betrayal. Behind her composed demeanor, she began devising a contingency plan, preparing herself for the day when Loki's true motives would come to light.

Hela continued to play her part, ensuring that the plan progressed smoothly. While Loki appeared to work alongside her, Hela took every opportunity to gather information, keeping a watchful eye on his every move. She knew that the moment would come when she would need to turn Loki's deceit against him, using it as leverage to secure her own power and protect her vision for Asgard.

As this unfolded, the intricate dance between siblings intensified. Hela skillfully maneuvered through the web of lies, her mind ever vigilant for the moment when Loki's true intentions would be revealed. She understood that the path to victory required her to be one step ahead, anticipating his every move and turning his deceit to her advantage.

With her soldiers prepared, the diversionary plan in place, and Loki's hidden motives veiled under the guise of loyalty, Hela stood poised for the grand showdown. The stage was set for a dramatic clash of ambitions, where power, loyalty, and the fate of Asgard would hang in the balance. As the chapter neared its climax, Hela's determination burned brighter than ever, ready to seize control and forge her own destiny amidst the tangled web of lies and deceit.