Loki's Dangerous Task

For the next few years, Olivia spent countless hours and days pouring over the Book of the Damned.

Studying its cryptic symbols and runes, she tried every ancient spell and ritual that she could find, but none seemed able to unlock its true power.

With each failure, Olivia grew more and more frustrated, until one day, she finally arrived at a breakthrough.

Using a combination of magic and science, Olivia managed to understand the Book of the Damned on a level that no other wizard ever had before.

It was a moment of incredible elation for Olivia.

She was filled with a sense of awe and wonder as the book burst open and the ominous energy emitted from it flew around her lab. The power slowly begins to go Olivia as she gasps from the sudden intrusion.

She feels the power surge throughout her body, amplifying her power as she stretches out her arms allowing the power to fill her.

After a few moments, the book shuts with a loud slam as Olivia is left breathless.

With the power of the Book of the Dammed at her fingertips, Olivia was on the brink of becoming the most powerful dark wizard that the world has ever known.

She could bend reality to her will, create anything she could imagine, and even summon the most ancient and powerful entities to do her bidding.

But as with any great power, Olivia knew that there was a price to pay.

She realizes that using the book is a double-edged sword, and that if she wasn't careful, its power can consume her and turn her into a monster.

She knew that she had to be extremely careful and thoughtful in her use of the book's power.

But even with the risks involved, Olivia was determined to uncover the secrets of the book and take control of its power.

Olivia spent another year training, getting used to her newfound powers from the book as she practiced spells, techniques, and maneuvers from the book.

As the year passed, her power continued to grow and grow as she got used to the power from the book as she felt more confident in her abilities.

One day, she decided that she was ready to finally fulfil the promise she had made years ago to Wanda.

She was ready to give her the battle of a lifetime…

As she opened the door to leave there were Asgardian soldiers at her doorstep standing in front of her.

They were all geared up in their armor and had their weapons and swords shown, yet they had no intention of fighting her. After a moment of silence, one of the soldiers speaks up.

"Are you Olivia Blackwood?"

Olivia nods.

"Yes, I am. Who is asking?"

"We have been summoned here on behalf of King Loki. He has a special task for you."

Olivia's eyes grow wide as her heart skips a beat.

Did she hear that right?

Loki?

But not just Loki…. King Loki…

Olivia blinks several times and shakes her head in denial.

This can't be real… She must be dreaming.

"Is this a prank?" Olivia hisses.

"Because if it is I swear-"

"We assure you this is not foul play. We were sent here by King Loki to retrieve you and bring you to him with urgency."

"Why do you call him King Loki? Is he no longer a prince?"

"After the death of King Odin, Thor was expected to be the predecessor to the throne but was too overwhelmed by the death of his father that he refused the position for the throne. Loki accepted it and is now king."

Olivia blinks unable to understand and process what is being said.

Loki?... A King!?...

She shakes her head again as she feels her heartbeat in her chest as she thinks about the day that they crossed paths with each other.

It was oh so brief but yet enough to completely swindle her.

Now she has the chance and opportunity to meet him again. Not only that, but also show off her skills and performance that she has harnessed over the years.

She was planning to meet Wanda today but that can wait.

She wants…no…

She needs to see Loki.

Olivia nods before speaking.

"Then we shouldn't keep your highness waiting."

The soldiers nod as they lead Olivia out of her home and towards the palace of Asgard. The soldiers walk with her past the gates and stop at the foot of the hallway that leads to the throne room where Loki awaits her arrival.

"The king is waiting for you." A soldier says as he steps aside and lets Olivia pass into the hallway.

As Olivia walks down to the hallway getting closer to the throne room her breath starts to get heavier and heavier as her heart feels like it's going to burst out of her chest.

She has been longing for this day and now it has finally come.

As she enters the throne room, she takes in the enormous space that is the room with statues that surround each corner of the room.

Everything is plastered in shiny gold and the flame from the lamps grew as her attention then turns fully to what was in the center of the room.

Stairs that lead up to a huge throne…

There sat the very person that inspired it all for her.

All the journeys and quests she went on to get powerful and become the best all paved the way to this very moment.

Sitting on the throne was none other than Loki, who has a mischievous grin on his face as his legs are spread out across the throne, while one leg is thrown over the arm rest of the throne.

He looked divine…godly even as he is wearing beautiful Asgardian gear with his horned helmet on his head and his scepter in one hand and a knife in the other.

Loki then leans forward before speaking.

"I am Loki of Asgard. Kneel before me, Olivia. I said, KNEEL!" He commands as he stamps his scepter on the ground.

Olivia gasps and slowly gets on her knees, looking up at Loki.

"Olivia, you may speak freely now." He says as his demeanor changes rapidly to friendliness, though there is still some slight edge in his voice.

He is holding his scepter in one hand, and a knife in the other which he slowly circles.

Olivia takes a deep breath and gulps before speaking.

"It truly is a pleasure to finally meet you Loki."

Olivia smiles proudly.

"I have always looked up to you. You have inspired me to take up and learn powerful dark ancient magic."

Loki's mischievous grin grows wider.

"So I've heard… You have made quite a name for yourself here in Asgard. A mere mortal obtaining such powerful magic is unheard of here. And I must say I am quite impressed."

Olivia's skin flushes as she blushes from Loki's praise and compliment.

"You have proved yourself to be quite the worthy candidate for this… I have a task for you, should you be willing. If you prove successful it could very well result in a pact...a pact of the black blood..."

Loki pauses for dramatic effect.

"...An alliance of sorcery."

Olivia's eyes widen at the sudden opportunity.

"It would be my honor to complete such task."

Loki smiles.

"Good. You remember the prophecy of Ragnarök? The prophecy that claims I will die when the world ends?"

Olivia looks down, sadden and nods.

"Yes Sir."

"I need you to help me change that."

Loki's eyes burn bright with conviction.

"I will NOT die."

Olivia looks up and tilts her head in confusion.

"But how? Changing fate grand as this is nearly impossible."

"Nearly is the most important word here. You see…"

He stands up from the throne as he walks down the steps, getting closer to Olivia. He whispers, leaning closer to her.

"We are gods. And gods can do the impossible. I will be the trickster that changes fate itself."

Her skin flushes at the sudden intrusion of her personal space.

"How do we change such a fate trickster god?"

"I need you to travel to the realm of death. A realm known as Helheim. You will find an artifact, called the Horn of Gullinkambi. The Horn is guarded by the God of Death and Death itself. Return to me with the Horn and we will see our fortunes change forever."

Olivia gulps at such a big and dangerous request but reassures herself with a nod.

"Consider it handled Loki."

"It better be. This task is not without risk. The very gods of death may be your enemies. It will likely require trickery, and possibly even..."

He leans in, whispering the last part.

"...betrayal. Are you sure you wish to do this? You can, of course, refuse."

Olivia thinks it over for a minute debating the dangers and risk that comes with the mission but ultimately decides to go through with it.

"I can get it done."

"Very good. Now, I need you to swear an oath to me."

He holds up the knife and scepter, now holding both in a single hand.

"Swear to me that you will complete this task and bring back the Horn of Gullinkambi to me."

Olivia holds up her left hand while placing her right hand over her heart.

"I swear to you I will complete your task and bring back the horn."

"Excellent."

His smile turns into a malicious grin, and he slices his hand with the knife, as black blood drips down and onto the floor.

"Swear by a black oath that you will complete this task. Swear it with your black blood."

Olivia quickly pulls out a knife and cuts her hand open letting the black blood drip out of her, covering Loki's blood.

"I swear I will complete the task and retrieve the horn."

"I will hold you to it. You have made the bargain of the black blood. If you cross me...or if this is a lie... the price will be beyond mortal comprehension. Do you understand?"

"I understand."

"Very well."

Loki stands up.

"One final thing. You are to speak of this to no one. This must remain our secret."

His grin widens as his eyes slightly darken.

"Is that clear?"

Olivia bites her lip as she nods.

"Crystal clear."

"Good."

He holds up his hand.

"You may go. Take this gift. It may help you on your quest."

As he says the last part, Loki's grin grows broader and more devious. He hands her a small, silver necklace with a strange symbol on it.

Olivia takes the gift and examines it before putting it on around her neck.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" He asks smugly.

"You will find it to be quite powerful."

He smiles again, this time in genuine amusement.

"You have chosen to take up an impossible task. A task that may cost you everything. But, if all goes to plan, you will return to me with a powerful relic whose very existence could change the course of our destiny. Do you still wish to undertake this task..?"

Olivia looks down and touches the necklace holding it before looking back up at Loki and answering.

"I still want to go through with it."

"Very good. Now, go. Find that Horn."

His voice is stern, and there is a cold fury in his eyes that is terrifying to behold. He then turns his back to her as he turns his head.

"Bring me the Horn of Gullinkambi. Return it to me, undamaged, by any means necessary. Do you understand?"

Olivia nods.

"I understand." She says as she turns away and begins to leave.

Loki watches as she leaves, before sitting back on his throne with a smile

"Good. Good."

He watches her go before laughing wickedly.

"She will either find me that Horn...or perish in Helheim. Either way, it will be most entertaining..."