The light of a distant sun shone on the broken remnants of an asteroid field. The Other climbed the winding thin staircase and reached the large platform, kneeling before his master sitting on his floating throne. Thanos sat back and waved his hand over the holographic projection of the Earth, causing it to dissipate. The magic he had absorbed from Loki's scepter had been his saving grace. Had he not channeled the magic effectively, he would've been ended.

"The foolish Loki cost us greatly, my master," the Other hissed. "He has been taken to the security of Asgard by Thor. Say the word, and our forces shall descend upon him like-"

"No," Thanos stated. "Do not be so hasty. Loki played his part well."

"His part, master?" the Other asked, not understanding. Thanos laughed.

"The key to a successful plan is to have multiple angles," he said. "Loki was merely one. The cogs are slowly turning in our favor. Asgard is another space on the chessboard, like Earth and Xandar. We lost many Chitauri, but they are mere drones. Playthings that can be replaced. The Avengers proved themselves to be adequate. But they are still very soft. They will need much more molding if there is to be any satisfaction in ending them."

"And what of the monster, master?" the Other asked.

"Now THAT I had not anticipated," Thanos admitted. The Mad Titan laughed slightly. "A pleasant surprise for once. It will be a great challenge to fell the mighty beast."

"But, master," the Other said. "Forgive me, but I do not believe you have the strength to challenge this beast."

"You would be right in thinking so," Thanos said. "I, myself, am no match for a beast such as that. But I will not be dissuaded so easily."

"Enlighten me, master," the Other groveled. "How do you plan to face the monster?"

"There are dark places in this universe where even I must tread lightly," Thanos said. "Monsters hide in the shadows of every world. In the deepness of the sea. The thinness of the cracks in the rock. The shade of the jungle. Monsters are real. But they can be killed. And they can be tamed. But to do either, they must be found."

"You plan to hunt for monsters?" the Other asked.

"Tell me something," Thanos said, turning to his yes man. A grin was stretched upon his face. "Have you ever heard of the legend of the Golden Hydra?"