I'ts been a while since the last time I wrote FF so I hope I'm not too rusty, and I really hope you like it. Since English is not my native language any grammar corrections or feedback is welcome.
Reviews are not only welcome but they are encouraged! Enjoy!
Rule Them All
Chapter 1: Warfare
If there is something valued in Asgard, it is bravery, loyalty and honor. All of them represented by the well trained soldiers of the realm, especially when required to bring peace to their people. If one is able to shine through battle, not only the royalty, but the entire population look up at him, every kid wants to grow up to be like that soldier, every maiden wishes to have such a husband by their side, every man desires the wealth and recognition only an excellent fighter can have.
For Thor it was never really that hard, it was probably for his generation very hard to put up with him and his harsh manners, his way to always outshine every single one of them in every task assigned. Even though he meant no harm but only to make his father proud, the rest of the boys in the group couldn't help to feel segregated. There was, of course the three boys who were always around Thor, the big one, Volstagg, who looked ridiculously big amongst the rest of the group and was always in the best of moods. Hogun, a smaller but very agile boy, quiet and even mysterious. And Fandral, a handsome young man with a thirst to participate in a battle that would make him a true hero.
Loki never felt like he belonged, but he made the best to please his father, even if he knew Thor would come out first in all the physical tasks, Loki would outsmart him in every cleverness test. It was only Frigga who would notice how much her boy was trying to feel up to the level of the rest of the boys, she was always there for him whenever he needed. It was also her who taught him how to behave in every situation, he was born to be a King, she would say, and Loki didn't know exactly how, but he knew she was right. One day he would.
In that very same building, but in a different group, was the last member of the gang, overcoming every obstacle, coming out first, most of the time with quite a large advantage, every single time she was tested. The number one in all the Shield Maiden School, Lady Sif. After their practices, she would join Thor and The Warriors Three for refreshments and other activities. In the beginning Sif was considered nothing more than a brat, after Loki cut her golden hair for a prank, she cried for days, mourning her beautiful long locks, no matter what was done, she wouldn't be calm. Unfortunately, that event would never be repaired, Loki tried to get her magic golden hair from the elves, but after she wore it, the hair turned black as the night. Sif got used to it, but it was never the same, since that day, she treated Loki with coldness and kept her distance.
One day, after their rigorous training, Thor, Volstagg, Hogun, Fandral and Sif were in the Palace gardens, by the fountain enjoying the soft breeze, talking about how great their results were, while Loki was under the shadow of an enormous tree, where liked to read, looking at them over the pages of his book. He heard a soft voice coming from behind.
"How was the sword test today?" asked Frigga, sitting next to her son.
"Average, as expected" he replied, his eyes going back to the yellow parchment pages in front of him.
Frigga looked at the fountain and saw Thor splashing around getting everyone wet and chuckled shaking her head "Not everyone is born to hold out a spear and go into battle; there are other virtues as valuable as battle skills". Loki pretended to keep reading and calmly replied "Not one that father cares about, though" his mother stroke his hair gently and smiled "Don't aim to please the world, for it is impossible to have everyone happy, but it is quite easy to displease and anger them, Loki. Do as your heart tells you. You and your brother are different from each other, but you're both our sons and we love you as such. Do not worry over assumptions my boy, your father loves you all the same whether you can fight with a thousand weapons or just keep practicing your magic".
She then kissed his temple and walk inside the Palace again, Loki stood there, looking at nowhere over his book, taking in his mother's wise words. He knew she meant him well, but she didn't see it wasn't all that much easy, always measured against his brother by all the people, not only Odin, young boys his age looked at him with fear because of the magic he could work, not because he was a great warrior as everyone expected him to. It was okay, anyway, better fear than pity, better fear than stupid jokes like only Thor would dare to throw at times. By the fountain, he saw Thor fall on his behind, both feet in the air as Lady Sif burst out laughing, she was probably the only person who could do that to him, and get away with it, and he remembered the very first time both, Sif and Thor, engaged in children's quarrel.
It was probably one of the most amusing moments he could remember, despite the fact that she barely talked to him after he was unable to restore her blonde hair, Loki did enjoy looking at his brother being defeated by none other than a girl. She was smart and agile, using all her assets against Thor whenever it was needed. Thor himself enjoyed of her companionship and did admire her for being the only warrior in the realm able and brave enough to face him and come out victorious.
Funny way kids have to show their feelings. Of course at that moment, neither of both brothers knew she didn't do it for recognition, but to earn a place in Thor's heart.
Years later, Just as they all finished their preparation, Muspelheim, home of the fire Giants would start a war trying to gain control of Asgard and therefore, the nine realms. The young warriors were starving for some real action after years of preparing themselves for it. Their shiny armors were ready and the swords were sharp. It was the first time any of them left Asgard, they knew the enemy was powerful and wouldn't think it twice before slaying them into Valhalla, of course they were nervous, but the thrill of a real bloody battle was more.
The army was led by Odin himself, fully armored spoke encouragement words to his brave soldiers heading to the battlefield. In a matter of minutes, they were marching with a Fire Giant army a few meters ahead from them, and the battle begun. Muspelheim was more than hot, it was nothing like they imagined other soldiers, friends and foes yelling at each other, either for help or steaming out before landing a devastating hit onto another fighter. Sometimes the helmet blocked the view. Thor was suffocating inside his, and after long minutes fighting his way through the battle, he took it off seeking freedom to continue his fight, big mistake it was, for it revealed his face to the Giants, they knew pretty well who he was and everyone close to him aimed to kill him. All his friends and brother were close, despite the issues they had in their relationship, Loki tricked the Giants producing clones of a confused Thor so they wouldn't know who was the original one, Volstagg and Fandral took care of the biggest of three Giants seeking the original son of Odin, while the Allfather fought the second one. Thor was confused but not intimidated by the enemy, and he lunged against the third Giant, he hit him as hard as he could with his shield, making the creature step back, but not fall, the enemy punched Thor right in the jaw, making him fall to the ground, Odin saw his son fall and with rage finally got rid of the giant he was fighting, and before he could help his son, he saw another figure coming from behind the Giant, stabbing him in the back of the neck, killing him instantly.
Thor saw the enormous body coming over him, and raised his sword, yelling as loud as he could, stabbing him right through the heart. Fandral and Volstagg in that moment turned to his friend and saw him perform such heroic action, taking down a Fire Giant by himself.
The tall, slender figure stepped back and said nothing, once Thor was on his feet and being celebrated by everyone, she came closer and took her helmet off, releasing her long, silky, black hair, revealing tired but bright smile, relieved her beloved was safe and unharmed.
A radiant young Thor approached his father and claimed "Did you see that, father? He thought he had me, but I was faster, stronger, and smarter! Just like you taught me" Odin nodded and smiled, proud of him for his bravery "Every victory is a satisfaction my son, but you can't let that cloud your judgment in the future, remember: There is no such thing as a small enemy" Thor heard his father's words and joined his friends to start their march back home.
Apparently, only Odin saw the truth but decided to say nothing to not overshadow his son's victory, but he would never forget the heroic and courageous actions of the young lady standing before him.