Chapter 109
Arc 8: Avengers
Ch 1: Prologue - The Mad Titan
The lecture hall quickly filled, and the quiet was replaced with the low murmur of students settling into their seats. Thanos sat alone, his massive purple form hunched over a desk far too small for his frame. He towered over the other students, his thick fingers fumbling with a stylus designed for much smaller hands. The professor began his lecture, droning on about the history of Titan.
A subject he knew all too well.
As an Eternal, Thanos had lived through most of it, watching generations come and go while he remained unchanging.
A chill ran down his back, and he sensed a presence beside him. Turning, he found a hauntingly beautiful woman perched on the empty seat next to him. Her skin was pale as moonlight, her eyes completely black, devoid of iris or pupil. She wore a flowing black gown that rippled like liquid night.
"They'll never accept you," she whispered. "You know that, don't you? You're too different."
Thanos grunted, his gaze sweeping across the room. The other students gave him a wide berth, their eyes darting away whenever he looked in their direction. "I know," he said, his voice low enough that only she could hear.
The woman's lips curled into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "But you'll keep trying, won't you? The two of you are so alike in that way."
Before he could respond or ask who she was referring to, a group of students approached his desk. He recognized them from previous classes; they were among the few who didn't seem intimidated by his appearance.
"Hey, Thanos," a young man said, flashing a charming smile. "We're planning a cave diving expedition this weekend. Want to join us?"
He blinked in surprise, his gaze flicking to the pale woman beside him. But she had vanished as if she had never been there. Turning back to the group with a rare smile, he nodded. "I'd like that."
The weekend arrived, and Thanos found himself standing at the mouth of a cave system with his new friends. The air was thick with excitement as they checked their equipment and prepared to descend into the depths.
"I've heard there are some incredible crystal formations down there," the girl said brightly.
Another adjusted his helmet. "And ancient carvings, too. This could be a major archaeological find."
As they ventured deeper into the cave, he felt a sense of belonging he hadn't experienced in centuries. The others treated him as an equal, asking for his opinion and laughing at his dry jokes. For once, his size and strength were assets rather than reasons for fear. They had been exploring for hours when they reached an underground chamber. Stalactites hung from the ceiling like giant teeth, and strange luminescent fungi glowed across the rocky floor.
Suddenly, the ground beneath their feet began to tremble. Rocks cascaded from the ceiling, and the air filled with choking dust.
"Cave-in!" the boy in the lead shouted. "Everyone, back to the entrance!"
They turned to flee, but the passage they had come through was already blocked by fallen debris. Thanos watched in horror as a massive boulder plummeted towards the girl. Lunging forward, he used his immense strength to catch the rock before it could crush her.
"Go!" he roared. "I'll hold it back!"
His friends scrambled past him, searching for another way out. He gritted his teeth, wanting to ensure their safety, but believing that if he released the boulder, it might cause a larger cave-in. He held what felt like the entire mountain until he heard a sickening crunch and a series of terrified screams.
Thanos hurled the boulder aside and rushed towards the sound. What he saw made his blood run cold.
Massive lizard-like creatures, easily twice his size, had emerged from hidden tunnels. And there, lying bloody at their feet, were the bodies of his friends.
Rage, unlike anything he had ever known, surged through him. With a roar, Thanos charged at the nearest creature. His fists connected with a sickening crunch, caving in the lizard's skull. The other beasts turned on him, hissing and snapping. But he tore through the lizards. Bones shattered under his blows, scales and flesh rending beneath his grip. When it was over, Thanos stood alone in the chamber, surrounded by the broken bodies of the lizards, his purple skin slick with the blood of the creatures.
He stumbled towards his friends, falling to his knees beside their lifeless forms. For the first time in centuries, tears streamed down his face. He had failed to protect them, just as he had failed to truly become one of them.
As he knelt there, surrounded by death, a familiar presence returned. The pale woman stood before him, her black eyes taking in the carnage around them.
"You see now, don't you?" she said softly. "This is the truth of existence. Death comes for all, in the end."
He said nothing, his gaze dropping back to his fallen friends. In all his centuries of guarding the people of this world, he had never felt the sting of loss so keenly.
The woman knelt beside him, her cold hand resting on his shoulder. "But you," she whispered, "you have the strength to change things. To bring balance."
Thanos closed his eyes, feeling the weight of her words settle over him like a shroud. When he opened them again, she was gone, leaving him alone with the dead and the echoes of her promise.
With a heavy heart, he began the grim task of digging his way out of the cave. Each handful of rock and dirt felt like a betrayal, leaving his friends behind in their stone tomb. But he pressed on. Hours passed, maybe days. Time lost all meaning in the darkness. Finally, he broke through to the surface.
— Rogue Redemption —
Thanos sat alone on Titan, his massive form perched atop a crumbling structure that had once been a grand palace. The desolate landscape stretched before him. Devastation had befallen his home world. Skeletal remains of towering buildings jutted from the barren earth like broken teeth, while dust storms raged across the empty plains. He gazed out at the ruins, his mind replaying the events that had led to this moment. He had tried everything to save his people, to prevent the catastrophe that now surrounded him. But in the end, it hadn't been enough.
Arishem's directive had been clear.
Allow the population to grow.
Do not interfere.
The Celestial's inscrutable plans demanded it, regardless of the consequences. Thanos had watched as his world spiraled towards destruction, unable to comprehend the reasoning behind such a mandate. The planet's resources had dwindled rapidly, unable to sustain the ever-increasing population. What began as scarcity soon erupted into full-scale conflict. Titanians turned on one another, fighting viciously for what little remained. He had witnessed families torn apart, friends becoming bitter enemies, all in the desperate struggle to survive.
As if the wars weren't enough, nature itself seemed to turn against them. Earthquakes shook the foundations of their cities, while storms of unprecedented fury lashed the land. The planet, pushed beyond its limits, began to tear itself apart.
He had pleaded with his fellow Eternals, begging them to see reason. But they remained steadfast in their loyalty to Arishem, blind to the suffering around them. In his desperation, Thanos had taken matters into his own hands, spending years studying everything he could to stave off disaster, all manner of science and magics.
His first attempts at population control had been subtle. He'd introduced policies to limit births, rationed resources, and tried to educate his people about the dangers of unchecked growth. But it was too little, too late. The damage had already been done. As the situation worsened, his methods became more drastic. He'd "convinced" politicians to implement forced sterilizations, cull the sick and elderly, and even orchestrated "accidents" to thin the population. Each decision weighed heavily on him, but he convinced himself it was for the greater good.
When the other Eternals discovered his actions, they confronted him. The battle that ensued was brutal. Thanos, who had always been the strongest, struck them down one by one. He could still hear their screams, see the shock and betrayal in their eyes as they fell.
Only Eros had escaped, fleeing the planet. He couldn't blame his brother. Part of him envied Eros's ability to turn his back on their dying world.
Now, he sat amid the ruins of everything he'd fought to protect. The grand cities of Titan lay silent, their inhabitants nothing more than dust on the wind. The once-lush forests and fields had withered away, leaving only barren rock and lifeless soil.
Closing his eyes, Thanos felt the weight of his failure pressing down upon him. He had defied Arishem, killed his own kind, and committed unspeakable acts.
For what? In the end, he couldn't save a single soul.
The wind howled around him, carrying the ghosts of a billion voices. Each gust felt like an accusation, a reminder of his inadequacy. He had earned the title "The Mad Titan," but what did it matter now? He was the only Titan. The sole survivor of a dead world.
As he sat there, lost in his thoughts, a familiar chill crept up his spine. Opening his eyes, he found her standing before him, her presence as haunting as ever.
Her form rippled in the fading light, pale with her black eyes fixed upon him. She wore a cloak that seemed to absorb what little light remained.
"You've returned," he said, his voice hoarse from disuse.
She glided closer, her feet never quite touching the ground. "I never left," she replied, her voice a whisper on the wind. "I've been here all along, watching as you fought the inevitable."
He felt a surge of anger. "Was this your plan all along? To watch us destroy ourselves?"
Her lips curled into a smile that held no warmth. "Plans? No. I simply am."
He stood, towering over her ethereal form. "Then why show yourself now? Have you come to mock me in my failure?"
"Failure?" she echoed, tilting her head. "Is that what you see around you?"
Thanos gestured at the desolation surrounding them. "What else would you call this? An entire civilization, gone. A planet left barren and lifeless."
She moved past him, her gaze sweeping across the ruined landscape. "I see balance," she said softly. "The natural order restored."
"Balance?" He scoffed. "There's nothing balanced about extinction."
She turned back to him, her black eyes boring into his. "Isn't there? Life, unchecked, consumes until there is nothing left. It's a plague that spreads across worlds, stars, and galaxies. But death... death brings equilibrium."
A chill ran through him at her words. They echoed thoughts he'd had during his darkest moments, ideas he'd pushed away as too extreme.
"What you've done here is not a failure. It's a beginning."
"A beginning of what?"
She reached out, her cold fingers brushing against his cheek. "Of understanding. Of purpose."
Thanos closed his eyes, leaning into her touch. For the first time since the fall of Titan, he felt a sense of peace wash over him.
"The universe is vast. And everywhere, life spreads unchecked, consuming all in its path. But you, Thanos... you have the will to do what must be done."
"And what must be done?"
"Bring balance to the universe. Cull the herd. Become the hand of death itself."
He felt something stir within him, a sense of purpose he'd thought lost forever. "How?" he asked. "I'm just one being. How can I bring balance to an entire universe?"
Her form began to fade, her voice growing distant. "You'll find a way, my love."
As she disappeared, Thanos stood alone once more on the dead world of Titan. The universe was vast, yes, but so was his determination. He had failed to save his world, but perhaps he could save countless others from the same fate.
— Rogue Redemption —
Standing atop a hill overlooking the conquered planet, his massive form silhouetted against the setting sun. The air was thick with smoke and the distant cries of the survivors, but Thanos paid them no heed. His gaze was fixed on the horizon, where the first signs of new growth were already visible.
It had taken years of careful planning and brutal conquest, but he had finally done it. His army of Chitauri had swept across the planet like a plague, unstoppable and merciless. City after city fell before them, and in each one, he had enacted his grand design.
Half the population, chosen at random, had been culled. The streets ran red with blood, and the air was filled with the wails of the bereaved. But Thanos remained unmoved. He knew that this was necessary, that the suffering of the half would ensure the prosperity of those who remained.
As he watched, he saw the first signs of recovery. In the cities where his work was done, the survivors were already beginning to rebuild. Food was more plentiful, resources more abundant. The planet, once on the brink of collapse from overpopulation, was finding a new equilibrium.
He allowed himself a small smile. This was proof that his theory was correct. By reducing the population by half, he had given this world a chance at survival. The remaining inhabitants would thrive, free from the constant struggle for resources that had plagued them before. Turning away from the view, he strode back to his ship. His work here was done. He had no interest in ruling this world or any other. His goal was not conquest for its own sake, but balance. Now that balance had been achieved, it was time to move on.
As he boarded his vessel, he could hear the people he left behind. They called him "The Mad Titan," a name that had followed him across the stars. But he cared not for their opinion or anyone else's. He knew the truth that others refused to see.
He wasn't mad. The universe was mad.
A system spiraling out of control, consuming itself in its relentless expansion. He was the only one with the will to do what was necessary, to bring balance to the cosmic scales.
As his ship lifted off, leaving the planet behind, Thanos retreated to his private chambers. He sat heavily in his throne-like chair, his mind already turning to the next world that needed his intervention.
A familiar chill crept up his back, and he knew she was there before he even opened his eyes. The pale woman stood before him, her black eyes reflecting the stars visible through the ship's viewport.
"You've done well. This world will remember you, even if they don't understand the gift you've given them."
He nodded, his expression grim. "Understanding is not necessary. Only results matter."
The woman glided closer. "And what results do you seek, Thanos? How far will you go to achieve your vision of balance?"
"As far as necessary. One world is not enough. The entire universe cries out for correction, for balance. And I will answer that call, no matter the cost."
She smiled, and though the expression held no warmth, it sent a thrill through him nonetheless. "You've grown since our first meeting. You've embraced your purpose."
"Yes," he agreed. "You showed me the truth when all I could see was failure. You gave me purpose when I was lost."
She reached out, her cold fingers tracing the lines of his face. "You stand against the tide of life itself. To be the counterweight that brings equilibrium to existence."
Thanos leaned into her touch, closing his eyes. For a moment, he allowed himself to feel the weight of his burden, the enormity of the task he had set for himself.
"I have a question. One I should have asked long ago."
The woman tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her black eyes. "Ask, then."
"What is your name? You've been with me for so long, guiding me through my darkest moments. Yet I've never known what to call you."
When she answered, her voice seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere. "Names are for the living. For beings bound by flesh and time. I am beyond such things."
He frowned, dissatisfied with the answer. "Even so, I would have something to call you. Some way to address the being who has shaped my destiny."
The woman's lips curled into a smile that was both beautiful and terrifying. "Very well, Thanos. If you must have a name, you may call me Lady Death. For that is what I am. The end of all things, the balance to life's excess."
"Lady Death," he repeated, tasting the name on his tongue. It felt right, a fitting title for the entity.
Her form began to fade, her voice growing distant. "Remember, Thanos. The universe is vast, and the task before you is greater still. But you have the will to see it through. You are my champion, my love, the bringer of balance."
As she disappeared, he was left alone in his chamber, the weight of his purpose settling over him like a mantle. He turned his gaze to the stars visible through the viewport, each point of light representing countless worlds in need of his intervention. The journey ahead would be long and fraught with challenges. But with Lady Death's blessing and the strength of his conviction, he would bring balance to the universe.
World after world, year after year, Thanos brought balance to the planets he encountered. His mission was relentless, driven by an unwavering conviction that his actions were necessary for the greater good of the universe. But the path he walked was far from smooth or simple.
As his infamy grew, so did his following. Beings from across the galaxy, drawn to his power and purpose, pledged themselves to his cause. They became his children, not by blood but by choice, each one molded in his image and dedicated to his grand design. From their ranks emerged the Black Order, his most elite warriors and trusted lieutenants.
Ebony Maw, with his inspiring speeches and telekinetic abilities, became his herald. Proxima Midnight, fierce and loyal, wielded her spear with deadly precision. Corvus Glaive, cunning and ruthless, proved to be a master tactician. And Cull Obsidian, a mountain of muscle, served as the Mad Titan's living battering ram.
Together, they swept across the stars, leaving half-empty worlds in their wake. But their journey was not without obstacles. On some planets, they encountered fierce resistance. Civilizations that had prepared for their coming, or simply refused to bow to his will, fought back with everything they had. These battles were costly, both in lives and resources, forcing Thanos to adapt his strategies and push his followers to their limits.
One such world was Xandar, home of the Nova Corps. The Xandarians, having heard whispers of his approach, had fortified their defenses and called upon their allies. The resulting conflict lasted for weeks. In the end, he was driven back, but at a great cost. Half of his Chitauri army lay dead, and even members of his Black Order bore scars from the encounter.
As his crusade expanded, Thanos found himself clashing with galactic empires that spanned hundreds of worlds. The Shi'ar, with their advanced technology and fierce Imperium, proved to be a formidable foe. Their empress led her forces personally against the Mad Titan, resulting in a series of battles that raged across multiple star systems.
The Kree Empire, militaristic and xenophobic, met his forces with equal brutality. Their genetically engineered warriors and vast fleets pushed back against the Titan's advance, turning what should have been a swift culling into a protracted war of attrition.
These conflicts took their toll on him. Though he was ageless, with the timeless longevity of his Eternal nature, Thanos began to realize the true scope of his self-appointed task. The universe was vast beyond measure, teeming with life that constantly expanded and multiplied. For every world he "balanced," a dozen more grew to take its place. Like his Lady Death, he found himself confined to this duty. As long as there was life in the universe, his work would never truly be done. The weight of this realization bore down on him, threatening to crush even his indomitable will.
But then whispers reached his ears of an object of immense power.
An Infinity Stone.
This artifact, said to have been forged at the dawn of creation itself, held within it the potential for limitless power. If he could acquire the stone, he might be able to complete his quest in an instant, bringing balance to the entire universe.
However, the stone he sought lay beyond his reach, secured in Odin's vault on Asgard. The realm eternal, home of gods and legends, was not a prize to be taken lightly. He knew that a direct assault would be costly, perhaps even impossible. But the allure of the stone was too great to ignore.
And so, against the advice of his children and the Black Order, Thanos took his army to Asgard. The battle that ensued was unlike anything the Nine Realms had ever seen. Chitauri warships darkened Asgard's skies, while Leviathans crashed through its golden spires. The Black Order led the charge, their powers and skills tested against the might of Asgard's finest warriors.
But Asgard was prepared. Odin himself took to the field, Gungnir in hand, his one eye blazing with the fury of a thousand suns. Thor, the God of Thunder, called down lightning that shattered entire battalions of Chitauri. The Warriors Three and Lady Sif cut swaths through the invading forces, while Heimdall's all-seeing gaze allowed the Asgardians to anticipate and counter every strategy the Mad Titan employed.
For days, the battle raged ceaselessly. Asgard's defenses held firm, bolstered by Odin's magic and the bravery of its people. Thanos found himself matched at every turn, his forces decimated by the combined might of the Asgardian army.
On the dawn of the fourth day, he was forced to admit defeat. His army lay in ruins, the Black Order battered. Even the Mad Titan himself bore wounds from his clash with Odin. With no choice left, he called for a retreat, fleeing Asgard with only a fraction of the forces he had brought.
It was the greatest loss he had ever faced. The defeat shook him to his core, forcing him to question his methods and even his purpose for the first time in centuries. As his crippled vessel limped through space, he retreated to his private chambers, his mind a maelstrom of doubt and frustration. Seated upon his throne, head bowed in contemplation, Thanos struggled to find a path forward. His quest, which had seemed so clear and righteous, now felt like an impossible burden. How could he hope to bring balance to the universe if he couldn't even conquer a single realm?
It was in this moment of despair that he felt the familiar chill creep up his back. Lady Death materialized before him; her presence was a comfort he gravely needed. She had never directly interfered in his quest before, content to watch from afar as he carried out his mission.
But this time was different. She leaned in close, her cold lips brushing against his ear as she whispered three words.
"Find the Loremaster."
Before he could question her or ask for clarification, Lady Death vanished, leaving him alone once more with his thoughts and the echoes of her cryptic message.
The defeat at Asgard still weighed heavily upon him, but Lady Death's words had kindled a new spark of purpose within his chest.
Find the Loremaster.
"Ebony Maw," he called, his voice carrying through the ship's command center.
The gaunt figure of his most loyal servant materialized at his side, bowing low. "Yes, my lord?"
"Set a course for Chitauri space," the Mad Titan ordered. "We seek the Loremaster."
Ebony Maw's eyes widened slightly, the only indication of his surprise. "The Loremaster, my lord? I thought that was merely a legend..."
"All legends have their roots in truth, Maw. And if there's even a chance this one can aid our cause, we must pursue it."
As the ship changed course, Thanos retreated to his private chambers. He pored over ancient texts and star charts, searching for any mention of the enigmatic Loremaster. Hours stretched into days as the ship traversed the cosmos, until finally, they reached the outer edges of Chitauri territory.
The planet that greeted them was a desolate wasteland, its surface scarred by ancient battles and cosmic storms. He led a small contingent to the surface, including his daughters Nebula and Gamora. They trudged across the barren landscape until, at last, they came upon a structure that defied the laws of physics. It appeared to be a library of sorts. Books and scrolls floated through the air, rearranging themselves.
As they approached the entrance, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was humanoid in shape, but its form seemed to flicker and change, as if it existed in multiple realities at once.
"Welcome, Thanos of Titan," the being said, its voice resonating on multiple frequencies as if many voices spoke at once. "I am the Loremaster. I have been expecting you."
He stepped forward, his massive form dwarfing the being before him. "You know why I've come?"
The Loremaster nodded, its features shifting between different races as if unsure what planet it originated. "You seek knowledge. Power. A way to achieve your grand design."
"Can you provide what I seek?" Thanos asked, his voice tinged with a desperation he rarely allowed himself to show.
The Loremaster gestured towards the entrance of the impossible library. "Knowledge is power, Thanos. And within these walls lies the accumulated wisdom of countless civilizations. But be warned. The truths you seek may not be the ones you wish to hear."
He squared his shoulders, his resolve hardening. "I am prepared for any truth, no matter how difficult."
The Loremaster's form solidified slightly, taking on a more defined shape. "Very well. Enter, and we shall begin."
As Thanos stepped into the library, he felt a shift in reality. The walls seemed to breathe, and the very air hummed with latent energy. Books flew from shelves, their pages fluttering open to reveal secrets long forgotten by the universe.
"You seek a way to bring balance," the Loremaster said, gliding through the air alongside him. "But have you considered the cost of such an endeavor?"
His eyes hardened. "I have sacrificed everything for this cause. There is no cost too great."
The Loremaster waved a hand, and an illusion materialized before them. It showed countless worlds, each one teeming with life. "The universe is vast, Thanos. Far vaster than even you can comprehend. To bring balance to all of creation would require power beyond imagining."
"The Infinity Stone."
"Stones. The six singularities were forged into concentrated ingots at the dawn of the universe. With them, one could reshape reality itself."
Images of the stones flashed before his eyes. Space, Reality, Power, Mind, Time, and Soul. Each one pulsed with energy that made his very being ache with desire.
A question burned in his mind, one he couldn't ignore. "How do you know all of this?"
"Ah, Thanos. You are perceptive indeed." With a wave of its hand, a scepter materialized before them. At its heart, a brilliant blue gem pulsed with otherworldly energy.
"This," the Loremaster said, "is how I know. Within this scepter lies the Mind Stone, one of the six you seek."
His breath caught in his throat. Here, within arm's reach, was the very power he had been searching for. But suspicion clawed at him. "Why are you telling me this?" he demanded. "You must know I need the Mind Stone for my quest. Why reveal its location?"
The Loremaster's eyes locked onto his with an intensity that made even the Mad Titan take a step back. "Because, Thanos of Titan, I need you. Or more precisely, I need your body."
Before he could react, the Loremaster lunged forward. The library around them warped and twisted, isolating Thanos from his allies. The structure wasn't real, it was only an illusion, an extension of the Loremaster's will.
Thanos roared in defiance, his fists swinging through the air as he tried to connect with his ethereal opponent. But the Loremaster was everywhere and nowhere, its laughter echoing through the impossible space.
"You are strong, Thanos," the Loremaster's voice boomed. "But I have existed for eons. I have seen the birth and death of galaxies. Your strength is nothing compared to the power of the Mind Stone!"
Beams of energy lashed out, slamming into him with the force of colliding stars. The Titan stumbled, his skin actually burning from the assault. He gritted his teeth, pushing through the pain as he tried to formulate a counter-attack. But the Loremaster was relentless. It battered him from all sides, each strike infused with the power of the Mind Stone. He found his thoughts becoming clouded, his iron will beginning to bend under the Stone's influence.
Just as he felt his consciousness slipping away, a familiar voice gave him strength.
"Father!"
Nebula and Gamora burst into the fray, their weapons drawn. They had sensed the danger and come to their father's aid, despite the complicated relationships they shared with him.
The Loremaster, caught off guard by the sudden intervention, solidified once more. It turned its attention to the newcomers, giving Thanos a moment to catch his breath.
"You dare interfere?" the Loremaster hissed, tendrils of energy lashing out towards Nebula and Gamora.
But his daughters were not easily cowed. They dodged and weaved through the energy attacks. Nebula's cybernetic enhancements allowed her to predict the Loremaster's attacks, while Gamora's natural agility kept her one step ahead of danger. Together, they pressed forward, forcing the Loremaster onto the defensive.
Seeing an opportunity, Thanos summoned the last reserves of his strength. With a roar, he charged forward, his massive fists connecting with the Loremaster's now-solid form. The impact sent shockwaves through the air, and for a moment, the Loremaster's concentration faltered. In that split second, Nebula and Gamora struck.
Nebula's electrified batons crackled as they slammed into the Loremaster's side, while Gamora's sword found its mark, piercing through the being's chest. The Loremaster let out an unearthly scream as its form beginning to disintegrate.
"No!" it wailed. "You cannot... I am eternal... I am..."
But its protests were cut short as Thanos wrapped his massive hand around the scepter. With a single, powerful motion, he wrenched it free from the Loremaster's grasp.
The moment the scepter left its hands, the Loremaster's form collapsed in on itself. The library around them disappeared, reality reasserting itself as the Mind Stone's influence waned.
"I am… inevitable." he said, mocking the Loremaster's last words. Before commanding his children, "We're leaving." Nebula and Gamora didn't need to be told twice. They followed their father as he charged through the disintegrating structure, narrowly escaping as the impossible library folded in on itself and vanished from existence.
Back aboard his ship, Thanos stood before his assembled forces, the scepter held high. The Mind Stone's power promised the fulfillment of his grand design. But as the days passed, he began to notice something troubling. The mortals around him began to change. At first, it was subtle. Increased irritability, minor disagreements escalating into heated arguments. He watched as his once-loyal followers began to bicker and fight amongst themselves. They still followed his orders, but their unity, the sense of shared purpose that had driven his crusade, was fracturing. He observed as the corruption spread, affecting even the strongest-willed of his followers. Only those with enhanced abilities or a direct connection to him seemed able to resist the Stone's influence, and even they showed signs of strain with prolonged exposure.
Proxima Midnight and Corvus Glaive, once inseparable, now snarled at each other when around the scepter for too long. Ebony Maw was the most resistant. Yet Thanos himself remained unaffected. The Mind Stone's whispers, which drove others to madness, washed over him like water over stone. He alone seemed immune to its corrupting influence, a fact that both pleased and troubled him.
As he sat upon his throne, the scepter in his hand, the Mad Titan contemplated this new development. The Mind Stone was a powerful tool, one that could bring him closer to his goal of universal balance. But its effects on those around him posed a significant challenge. He would need to adapt his strategy to find a way to harness the Stone's power without compromising the loyalty and effectiveness of his followers.
He retreated to the depths of his massive warship, seeking solitude in a chamber he had specially designed for communion with the Mind Stone. The room was unique within the vessel, devoid of technology or adornments. Only a simple stone pedestal stood at its center, upon which rested the scepter containing the Infinity Stone. He closed his eyes, allowing his consciousness to merge with the artifact. Time lost all meaning as he delved deeper into the Stone's vast repository of knowledge.
Through the Mind Stone, he began to unravel the secrets of the Infinity Stones. He saw visions of their immense power, each Stone a singularity capable of reshaping reality in its own unique way.
The Space Stone, he discovered, was hidden on Earth, disguised as an artifact called the Tesseract. The Time Stone was in the possession of sorcerers on that same planet, while the Power Stone lay dormant, hidden on a long-forgotten world called Morag. But two Stones remained frustratingly elusive. The Reality Stone and the Soul Stone seemed to exist beyond the reach of even the Mind Stone's vast knowledge. Their locations were shrouded in mystery, protected by forces he did not yet understand. Undeterred, he focused his efforts on the Stones he could locate. He spent countless hours studying their properties, learning how to harness their power.
As Thanos immersed himself in this cosmic knowledge, he dispatched his daughters on missions across the galaxy. Nebula and Gamora, both formidable warriors in their own right, became his eyes and ears in the universe beyond. Gamora, in particular, flourished in this role. Her natural combat abilities, honed by years of his brutal training, made her a force to be reckoned with. The incident with the Loremaster had proven her worth beyond doubt, and she quickly earned the reputation of being the deadliest woman in the galaxy. Nebula, driven by a desperate need to prove herself equal to her sister, threw herself into increasingly dangerous missions. Her cybernetic enhancements allowed her to survive situations that would have killed most beings, but each close call left her more machine than flesh.
Between missions, the sisters would return to his ship, bringing reports of potential allies, whispers of hidden artifacts, and intelligence on the movements of those who might oppose their father's grand design.
He absorbed all of this information, weaving it into the vast tapestry of knowledge he was constructing through his communion with the Mind Stone. Slowly but surely, a plan began to take shape in his mind. A way to gather the Stones, to finally bring balance to the universe.
But even as his understanding of the Infinity Stones grew, so too did the strain on his followers. The corrupting influence of the Mind Stone continued to spread throughout his ship, despite his best efforts to contain it. The Black Order, his elite warriors, found it increasingly difficult to work together without falling into bitter arguments and physical confrontations. Thanos observed all of this with a mixture of frustration and cold calculation. He knew that he would need to address this issue before he could move forward with his plans. But for now, he continued his solitary communion with the Stone, driven by the belief that the knowledge he gained would ultimately outweigh the cost.
Days blended into weeks, weeks into months. He lost track of time as he delved deeper into the Mind Stone's secrets. He began to see patterns in the cosmic fabric of the universe, threads of destiny that he could potentially manipulate to his advantage.
It was during one of these deep meditative states that Thanos felt a disturbance. A presence at the edge of his consciousness, pulling him back to the physical world. With great effort, he withdrew his mind from the Stone's influence, his eyes slowly opening.
The chamber door slid open, revealing the hunched figure of The Other. His most loyal servant and representative bowed low, his voice a reverent whisper as he addressed his master.
"My lord, I apologize for the interruption, but there is a matter that requires your immediate attention."
Thanos rose from his meditative pose, his massive form casting a shadow over The Other.
"Speak."
The Other straightened slightly, though he kept his eyes lowered. "There is a petitioner seeking an audience with you, my lord. One who claims to have information vital to your quest."
His eyes narrowed. It was rare for anyone to seek him out directly, rarer still for The Other to deem such a request worthy of interrupting his communion with the Mind Stone.
"Who is this petitioner?" Thanos asked, curious despite his irritation at being disturbed.
The Other's voice dropped even lower, as if he feared being overheard. "He calls himself Loki, my lord. Loki of Asgard."
He felt a surge of interest at the name. Asgard, the realm that had dealt him his greatest defeat. The guardian of Earth, where the Space Stone and Time Stones lay. And now, an Asgardian had come to him willingly?
"Bring him to me," Thanos ordered, his mind already racing with possibilities. "I will hear what this Loki has to say."
As The Other bowed and retreated to fetch the petitioner, the Mad Titan moved to his throne room. He settled onto the massive stone seat, the scepter containing the Mind Stone held loosely in one hand.
The doors to the throne room opened, and a tall, slender figure strode in. Loki of Asgard moved with the confidence of royalty. But Thanos could see the desperation in the Asgardian's eyes, the barely concealed fear beneath his proud exterior.
Loki came to a stop before the throne, offering a bow that was just a fraction too shallow to be truly respectful. "Thanos, the Mad Titan," he said, his voice smooth and cultured. "I come bearing an offer I believe you'll find most intriguing."
"Speak, Asgardian. What could you possibly offer that would be of value to me?"
Loki's emerald eyes blazed with a mixture of ambition and desperation as he addressed the imposing figure before him. "I was there when your forces were repelled from Asgard," he declared, his voice carrying a hint of pride. "I know you seek to conquer the Realm Eternal, but the key lies in the other Realms. Help me conquer Earth. I'll keep the primitive world, and it paves your path to Asgard."
Thanos remained impassive, his massive form unmoving on the stone throne. Without a word, he raised the scepter containing the Mind Stone, its blue glow intensifying as he probed Loki's thoughts.
After what felt like an eternity, the Mad Titan lowered the scepter. His deep voice carried through the chamber as he spoke, "Odin is not your real father. You seek retribution."
Loki's composure faltered for a moment, surprise and pain flashing across his features before he schooled his expression back into a mask of calm determination. He hadn't expected the Titan to uncover that particular truth so easily.
"I will grant you my Chitauri army and this scepter of great power." He gestured to the weapon in his hand, its blue gem pulsing with energy. "You will retrieve for me an item from Earth known as the Tesseract. In return, you will receive dominion over that world."
Loki's eyes widened at the mention of the Tesseract. It had once been the jewel of Odin's treasure room.
Before Loki could respond, Thanos spoke again, "My agents work in two-person teams, and I have just the partner for you." A cruel smile played across the Titan's face. "She, too, has a vendetta against the Allfather."
As if on cue, another figure entered the throne room. This one was a statuesque woman in full battle armor. She moved like a seasoned warrior, her eyes locked on Loki with curiosity hidden under disdain.
Loki's brow furrowed in confusion. "A Valkyrie?" he asked. The armor was reminiscent of Asgard's elite female warriors, albeit more risqué. But that was impossible. The Valkyries had been wiped out millennia ago before his birth.
"Loki Odinson, meet Angela."
Angela's hand tightened on the hilt of her sword. "I'm here for vengeance against the one who cast me and my entire realm out," she snarled. "Odin will pay for what he's done." Loki had no idea what she was talking about.
Thanos's deep voice cut through Loki's thoughts. "You both seek retribution against Odin," he stated. "Together, you will retrieve the Tesseract from Earth. With its power and the might of the Chitauri army at your command, you will bring that realm to its knees. And from there, Asgard itself will be within our grasp."
Earth was under Asgard's protection, yes, but the Bifrost had been destroyed, leaving the planet woefully unprepared for an invasion of this scale. With the Tesseract, Loki knew he could open a portal large enough to bring an entire army through. He turned to Angela, studying her carefully. "Tell me. What skills do you bring to this venture besides your obvious prowess with a blade?"
Angela's eyes narrowed, clearly not trusting Loki's sudden friendliness. "I am a hunter without equal," she stated flatly. "Trained by the angels of Heven. There is no prey I cannot track, no target I cannot eliminate."
Loki's eyebrows rose at the mention of Heven. He had heard whispers of the Tenth Realm, long thought lost. If Angela had truly been raised there, she would indeed be a formidable ally.
"Well then," Loki said with a genuine smile spreading across his face. "It seems we have much to discuss. Shall we begin planning our conquest?"
But Loki wasn't the only one smiling. Thanos had found a solution. By granting the Mind Stone to Loki, it would reduce the influence on his loyal forces. If Loki succeeded, he'd have three Infinity Stones in his grasp. If not, it might incite civil war among the Asgardians. And if the wannabe prince lost the scepter, it wouldn't be truly lost. It'd be safely tucked away on Earth, under Odin's protection, where he could retrieve it at will.