Chapter 3
Late afternoon, 2 days later.
Thor, Jane, Odin, and Fandral relax in the makeshift living room of the old diner.
Odin accepts a glass of wine and starts to dole out the news, "We are here but for a few brief moments. As to our news… It is grim. Loki's spawn, Fenris, has been spotted by my ravens*…"
"The wolf skinwalker…" Jane murmurs and then covers her mouth for interrupting.
"Yes child, Huginn witnessed your near encounter the other day and cawed above you. And Loki's mind twists more by the day. His capabilities for espionage and cruelty are increasing – thus the need for this visit face to face. We believe Loki will begin to make a series of attacks – on all of the possibilities that could end Fenris at Ragnarok. Fenris knows my fate ends in his jaws – we must bind him if possible. It varies as to which one of my children or grandchildren that ends him in every cycle.** Thor's offspring would be a logical possibility. We must do all we can to protect the Aesir and end this vicious Ragnarok cycle."
Moments later after the others have left the room to retrieve a bite of food, Thor questions Odin, "Father, are you so certain that Ragnarok can only ever be in Asgaard? The end is always destruction of the world – what would become of Earth, of Midgaard?"
"What of your own people?" Odin half snarls protest.
"We are reborn." Thor practically spits as he stands to get into Odin's face.
The argument can now be heard throughout the whole building as Odin volleys, "Why did I need to sacrifice my own eye***, boy? So I can see such things – and have a chance at breaking this cycle for my people! Do you not think that I also have ties to this realm?"
Jane's tense face peeking into the room silences the two warriors. Thor growls and starts to storm out, but he slows to tenderly stroke Jane's cheek as he goes by. Then the front door slams.
She turns to follow him, but Fandral steps up behind her and bids her to come with him. He takes her hand up in his arm and guides her as he walks. He confides, "Jane … Thor is the most difficult of Odin's sons – because he is the most like the Allfather. He's always been eager to rush into battle. Before, it was only ever himself and other warriors that he considered to be at stake. His swaggering immortal confidence practically runs ahead and announces his presence for him. Can you see this is the first battle that concerns him?" Jane glances up worried as Odin continues, "You and his child are not reborn in the cycle and are at stake."
Odin motions for Fandral, "It is time. The attacks will be made on multiple targets. We must be back in Asgaard." As they head out the back door Fandral breathes to Jane, "Go to him… Oh, and please give my regards to Lady Darcy."
She nods and heads toward the front door, spotting her cell phone along the way. On instinct, she picks it up and dials. "Sorry to bother you, Tony. But could you take a few minutes out to do a little fighting practice with Thor?...What?...What do you mean you don't have time right now? …" She hears the hang up click on the other line. "He's always there for you!...Ugh…Jerk!" She tosses the phone down to the couch and heads out the door and up to the roof. As she goes, she touches the bracelet Thor gave her for luck.
"Now what? We just sit and wait? There isn't anything that we can prepare, is there?" Jane asks Thor who is sitting crouched with his elbows resting on his knees on the corner of one of the patio loungers. She plops beside him and wraps her arms around him. There's no answer as he watches his father's departing portal storm.
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Author's notes:
* Odin's ravens in mythology fly over earth daily to bring him news.
** Deviation from mythology, just for fun.
*** The movie alludes to Odin losing his eye in battle. But mythology says the Odin sacrificed his eye to be able to drink from the well of wisdom. Why? What did he want answered?