Young Writers Society

Some people’s twin sister go to boarding school. Some people’s twin sister travel to another world to rule over the spirits of the dead. Welcome to my world. 

My name’s Loki. I’m fourteen years old and I’m the god of mischief. We’d had some peace and quiet for six months while Hel was off playing cards with skeletons or whatever goddesses of death do, but all that was about to change. 

My brother Heimdall and I were feeding Fenrir, my wolfhound puppy, when the door to my room flew open with a bang. I knew it was her even before I looked up. 

She was standing in the doorway wearing exactly the same clothes as when she left- straw hat, black T-shirt with gold skull, black jeans, purple trainers, mischievous smile. Mirza, her talking albino peacock, waved a wing at me. Behind her a skeleton lurked, carrying a suitcase. 

“You were supposed to be here yesterday,” I teased her. “I thought you said you were always on time.” 

Hel gestured for the skeleton to put the case down on her bed. “There was a crisis. I’ll tell you about it later.” 

Heimdall grinned at her. “If Mum sees that thing, you’re dead.” 

“I can handle Mum.” Hel waved her hand and the skeleton dissolved into the ground. “Anything interesting been happening while I’ve been gone, or have you all just been sitting around bored?” 

“You missed Freya and Frey’s birthday,” I said. “They got your presents, though.”

“Did they like them?”

I nodded and was about to say something else when the door creaked open and Thor came into the room.  “Hi, Hel. Has anyone seen my hammer?” 

“I didn’t take it this time,” I promised. “Go and ask Idunn. She should know.” 

Heimdall leaned over and whispered in my ear, “It’s in the Great Hall, don’t tell him,” 

Hel noticed and winked at me. 

Thor looked suspicious. “If I find out it was you, I’ll pour marmite over your breakfast tomorrow.”

"And I'll show the girls that video of you in the great hall singing Let it Go from Frozen." Mirza flapped up onto the wardrobe where Thor couldn't get him. 

He looked speechless. "You - you-" He walked out and slammed the door. 

"Clever boy, Mirza!" Hel grinned at him. "Did you really record that? You'll be putting me and Loki out of a job!" 

Mirza nodded. "It took me a while to work out how to use the camera, but it is there. I did it just before we left." 

I laughed and started to say something, but was cut off by the door opening again. Thor poked his head round. "I just remembered what I came to tell you. Dad gave me a message for you." 

"What did he say?" I asked. 

"His exact words were 'Tell the Wonder Twins to come down to the great hall pronto and leave the blasted zoo.'" Thor smiled triumphantly and went out. 

When Dad summoned us, we were usually in trouble. This didn't look good. I exchanged a glance with Hel. She shrugged. "Come on. Let's go and face the music." 

"I'll stay here," said Heimdall immediately. "I have no desire to be turned into an ant or whatever Dad has in mind for you guys. Nice knowing you." 

Hel stuck her tongue out at him and stalked out. I followed her. 

We were silent during the long walk to the great hall. It had been so long since I'd seen my sister. Was she still the same mischievous, caring girl who had left? Just as I had made up my mind to speak, we arrived at the great hall. 

"This is it," Hel smiled and shoved open the doors. 

The great hall was massive, covered in depictions of old battles and suchlike. At the far end was Hlidskjalf: Odin's throne, currently occupied by Dad himself. 

"That was quick," he said, regarding us with a face like stone. "Come here." 

Exchanging glances, we shuffled along the hall until we were at the foot of the throne. "Whatever it is, I didn't do it," Hel promised, holding up her hands. 

Dad regarded her with his one eye. "I know you didn't do anything. But I am interested in hearing about this crisis Jack mentioned." 

Hel growled. "I told him to let me tell you. Idiot skeleton." 

"What happened?" I have to admit, I panicked. 

Hel wouldn't meet my eyes. "The day I was supposed to leave, two boys broke into Helheim. WE don't know how. I guess they wanted to see a dead person they knew or something. They didn't do any harm. But if two mortals can get in, that means anyone who puts their mind to it can." 

"What happened to them?" Dad asked.

"They escaped before we could catch them." Hel looked up at him with pleading eyes. "It wasn't my fault, Dad. Security is Reyna's department. I was kinda hoping I could hold an investigation from here. Get Loki and Heimdall to help me." 

"I'm not blaming you." Dad sighed. "Go ahead with your investigation. I'll speak to Reyna myself." 

Hel beamed. "Thank you!" She turned and ran for the door. 

"Hel," Dad called after her. 

She turned, puzzled. "Yes?" 

"If you can't solve this case, I will have no choice but to hand the ruling of Helheim over to Jack." 

My twin's face was a mask of horror.

-Before you say anything, I know in the myths Hel is Loki’s daughter. Fenrir is also not a lovable wolfhound. For my version of the story I pretty much changed round most of the relationships. Just to let you know. -