March-05-14011-Asgard, March-05-13011-Vanaheim, March-05-2013-Midgard

Location Midgard:

Adrian is fast asleep with his head resting on my shoulder and he's still holding onto my hand in his sleep. It's the most comforting thing I've ever felt and exactly what I need after this horrible week. I can feel their eyes on me and I know it's improper to hold Adrian's hand even if I don't know why. That said I am not going to let go of his hand or push him off me. I'll fight anyone who tries to separate us after today. I just need- I need some time to adjust. Bianca has assured us that we are going someplace safe. That Father truly can't come just yet. She told us why and I have heard the story repeated numerous times from the human adults strapped in to the seats around us. They're all outraged by my Uncle's actions.

I get it though, I do. It's his land. It's his property he can do what he likes with it. Who cares if our Madre- Gods who does my Uncle think he is? A King surely. I know my father is one. I have visited his vast castle several times during my nightly training lessons. I now know how to find my way through his realm and through many of his properties here on Midgard and in our home realm of Vanaheim. My uncle must be of equal status for he has forbidden Father from coming to our aid. Mama is unconscious and reliant on what little Vanir technology Midgard has because my Uncle refuses to allow my Father passage. Who can compete with a King but a King? Wait- What does that make Adrian? For his parents to be able to gather enough support to fight his laws in his own city?

I feel the primitive aircraft move us as we unanimously shift to the right, forward, up, back and down and then to the left. The movement is followed by the sound of an explosion. Thankfully Midgard is no longer so primitive as to not have proper safety mechanisms for such travel. Our last visit to Midgardian America was the result of a time turner mishap. A party of us arrived here during what they now call their second world war. We had to travel by the wizard's primitive fireplace floo's everywhere as mama saw sea and air travel much too unsafe for us even without the war that was being fought. The hovercraft the Midgardians call a Heli carrier is much safer in comparison. Still I fear she would have forbidden our travel by it.

The Hovercraft is taking us to meet friends of Hadrian's parents. Bianca was told they fought off an invasion from another planet. We have since learned it was from another realm from far beyond even Muspelheim. Didn't Mother always say Midgard was the safest place one could be? It doesn't seem that way. First mama falls victim to Zeus's anger and now we learn they were recently attacked by a realm further out than those of the fire demons? I wish we had stayed in Vanaheim. I wish Madre were awake. I wish- I wish for naught. We are here. Mama is in a magical coma. Father has been forbidden from coming to our aid. If it was not for Adrian none of us would be alive. He is still exhausted from what little he used of his Godly power. It should have been impossible for him to have done anything before coming into Godhood. He broke the known laws of our universe to protect us all.

Where are we to go to school now that we can't floo back and forth from Beauxbatons? Salem would be our best option on this continent though Ilvermorny is closest. Can we make it back to Vanaheim's version of this country? If not were stuck with Ilvermorny. Oh, Gods they separate their students! Do soulmates get separated as well? I won't stand to be separated from him. I know he feels the same. He showed as much when he made use of his Godly powers so young. If it wasn't for Adrian's shield mama would be dead. We all would. The hovercraft shifts again and I feel my eyelids get heavy. I can hear my Fathers realm and his voice pull me away and slowly I succumb to sleep.

I look around surprised to find myself in the throne room rather than my bedroom, my suite or in one of the many lands of my father's realm. The decor is mostly done in gold and black however there are hints of green and red around the room. On the throne sits my Father, his shoulder length curly black hair and dark eyes similar to mine. Like Bianca and myself his skin is porcelain whereas mama's is a glowing tan. He wears a gold Himation over a dark Tunic decorated in gold. Part of his hair is raised showing his anger at the situation but I instinctually know that anger is not directed at me and that I am safe.

"Hello Father."

"Nikolaos, I am so sorry. I have tried everything. All I have managed to do is allow your soulmate safe passage to and from camp half-blood."

Ah yes, the strange camp Bianca mentioned we must attend to maintain our training regime. "Why is the camp called camp half-blood?" I ask confused. Father smiles despite the situation at hand and I know I have pleased him with my question. That smile slips back into an uncharacteristic frown causing me to worry in silence. In Vanaheim half-blood has several meanings. The most prominent of which is used as a derogatory term for soulmates who cheat on one another and produce an illegitimate heir.

"My siblings have a long-standing tradition Nikolaos. It is not a tradition I follow and hopefully it won't be one you follow either. Like your mother we are Gods." I smile in my excitement at learning more of my family but quickly hide it away and nod my head in understanding. "As Gods we live longer lives than any other being in the known realms. Sometimes my siblings- My siblings have cheated on their soulmates."

"I- I do not understand." I state appalled and hoping desperately I am misunderstanding his words.

"Right. Um. As you know my Father Kronos began a sordid tradition. Do you remember what that tradition was?"

"Cannibalism." I state appalled and still hoping I am misunderstanding something.

"Yes. That is- that's the right answer to my question. My brother Zeus began the sordid practice of betraying one's soulmate by bedding another. In the beginning he would disguise himself as their soulmate and having what is now known as an affair until the individual if a woman became pregnant or until the individual discovered his true identity at which point he killed them."

"Oh- Oh my Gods." I state before leaning over and reaching. After I am done and I have spelled myself clean. I turn back to my father with tears in my eyes. "Why are you telling me this? Am I-"

"No, you are not a product of such an action I would never- I love your mother dearly. She is my everything. I could never betray her like that. I will never betray her like that."

I nod my head and lean back in thought willing my tears away and feeling those that escaped dry on my face. "Then this camp- It is truly what the name suggests then. A home for children born from such criminal actions."

"Yes. I am sorry it is the only Olympian training facility in the city my brother will allow you entrance into. If you can convince the warriors known as the Avengers into training you that would be preferable. In either case we will find an alternative eventually."

"I'll see what I can do." I promise him.

"Good. That's good. Nikolaos, I am truly sorry for not being able to be there for you outside of your dreams."

"It is not your fault. I know you would be here with us if you could but Zeus will not allow it."

"We're running out of time. I am working with your grandmothers Rhea and Demeter as well as Hadrian's parents on arranging your schooling. How do you feel about Salem? It seems most of camp half-blood's magic blessed children attend Ilvermorny."

"I would much prefer Salem over Ilvermorny. I do not wish to be separated from Adrian for an extended time period. Especially right now." I state frankly.

"That is understandable, especially given what has just happened. You are waking up. Please stay safe my son. I love and care for you dearly."

"Nikolaos, Hadrian wake up." Bianca calls.

I yawn as I sit up only to freeze as the past day's events wash back over me. I squeeze Adrian's hand and he squeezes mine back. I let go of his hand long enough to unbuckle my seat unsure how their technology will react to my magic. Even before knowing the name of my father's home realm or the one from which he rules I knew that my powers are a combination of them and my magic reflects as much. It is unlikely Midgardian technology can withstand my magic. Once we're both standing Adrian retakes my hand back into his causing me to smile. It seems, like me, he no longer cares to avoid a scandal in light of recent events.

"Alright, come on. The Avengers and Agent Phil Coulson are waiting on us on the tower." Special agent Melinda May instructs as the door to the hovercraft opens showing the warriors I assume are the Avengers. They appear to have just gotten back from a fight. They were likely defending this city that is targeted so frequently while we were in the air.

I nod my head in response to show I understand and silently stride by Adrian's side out of the hovercraft. The warriors known as the Avengers are all standing on the tower platform. The team of brightly colored warriors instinctually take a moment to assess us. As we are foreign to them and wish them peace we await our turn to do the same. They seem to only make a minor note of our intertwined hands before moving on. Which confuses both of us endlessly. Adrian and I spare Bianca a confused look to which she replies with a raised eyebrow equally surprised and confused. Back home such a display out of wedlock would have made countrywide if not international news. From what I can gather of the group in front of me without Hadrian's parents the Avengers team seems to consist of three humans, two gods and a mutated human.

Of the three awaiting humans one is in a Midgardian suit and tie his hair cut horrifically close to his head. He hides many practical Midgardian weapons on his person. One is dressed in a skintight black one piece with shoulder length red hair. She is clearly a skilled warrior judging by the vast array of weapons hidden on her person. The last human is partially deaf and wears a skintight black and purple clothing with a bow and arrows attached to his back. He somehow ranks as an equal in battle between the other two humans. From just looking at the two Gods I can tell both are dangerously ill though only one seems to be doing anything about it. He is relying on a glowing technological device to sustain his life, likely until something better can replace it. Lastly a mutated human equal in strength to an average God or Vanir shifts self-consciously. I don't blame him for his embarrassment and unease. He has somehow managed to lose his shirt entirely and rip his pants in battle. Whatever battle they just fought he likely acted as a diversion to the enemy or at least fought in the front lines.

"So… I suppose introductions are in order." The God dressed in red blue and white states. I frown as he does not sound ill nor like someone who has given up on life. 'Is it possible he is unaware- Surely someone would have told him.' "Are you aware you are ill?" I ask before realizing what I just said and aloud no less.

I look to Adrian whose eyes have widened in shock and worry at my unusual outburst as Bianca hisses "Nikolaos!" in a scolding manor. Her accent shows her obvious anger and worry at my unusual outbreak. I close my eyes feeling my face heat up and reopen them in shame as Bianca covers for me. "Please forgive my brother. We have had a very trying week and he is obviously still deeply unsettled and half asleep. I am certain that you are aware of your current...condition." she states giving the man in the blue, white and red uniform a once over before pulling us back a little.

"What are they talking about?" the man in purple and black asks at a loss.

"Is something wrong with the captain?" the redheaded woman asks.

"They're just kids I'm sure-" one of the agents interjects

"No, Thor said mentioned something similar when he first joined the team remember. What was it he said about Capsicle?" the man with a glowing chest asks the group after coming up blank.

"I don't know about Thor but last time he and Loki were here, Loki mentioned something about us creating a support group for Steve's depression so he can begin to get help with his illness." The man without a shirt states causing everyone to look at him. He shrinks under their gaze. "Steve had the flu and was upset about not getting to go on missions. Then those attacks in Germany happened- I'm sorry I should have said something."

"Alright, well after we get these kids settled in Cap's with me and Bruce down in the lab."

"I'd feel better if we called Thor and Loki first seeing as they already seem to know what disease I apparently have."

"Good Idea. Loki's being trained in healing magic, right? So, we'll call up Reindeer games and Point Break and ask them if they can fix you up."

I trade Adrian a look of utter confusion not knowing if his parents are Loki and Thor or if these people just like giving strange nicknames.

"You mentioned something about introductions?" Bianca asks as always more diplomatic than us.

"Right!" The God with the glowing chest states with a clap of his hands "I'm Tony Stark also known as Iron Man. This is Captain America also known as Steve Rogers but some people call him Capsicle."

"Tony you're the only one who calls me that."

"Ignore him. That's Agent in the suit and tie. Everyone else calls him Phil Coulson. He's good friends with Capsicle and Point Break."

"He's referring to me and Thor." The captain of the team states.

"Obviously. Legolas over there is Hawkeye goes by Clint Barton on his days off. The lady in black is the Black Widow. No one knows her real name not even her but she mostly goes by Natalie Romanova around us to avoid confusion. She and Clint are soulmates. Moving on, this is Bruce Banner he can turn into the Strongest Avenger. Everyone calls his alter ego the Hulk. Both are my best friends and let's face it favorite teammates but unless we're about to go a few rounds with a baddie or want to tear up a city block we try to keep big green happy."

"Don't provoke him but do no fear him either." Bianca informs us in our native Vanir Italian.

"What language was that?" Agent Coulson asks intrigued.

"Italian." Bianca immediately responds.

"That was not Italian." Ms. Romanov objects with a frown.

"Not Midgardian Italian, Vanir Italian." Adrian states allowing his ascent to shine though before returning to his Midgardian accent. "Our local dialect to be precise."

"Vanir as in the people from the realm of Vanaheim?" Agent Coulson asks.

"Yes. Bianca and I were born here in Midgard but we were all raised in Vanaheim up until now." I respond.

"Huh. Hey, is it true that everyone in Vanaheim has magic?" Mr. Stark asks.

"Yes. Vanaheim is the home of the children of magic. Only those blessed by Magic herself can enter."

"Cool! Feel free to magic it up inside the tower." Mr. Stark instructs leading us inside. "Don't worry about my Tec, we've been testing it around Loki since he and Thor joined the team."

"What if our magic is not compatible with your technology." Bianca ask worriedly.

Mr. Stark waves a hand as we pass through the siting room and the team splits up to go into different directions. "If your magic brakes anything I'll just upgrade it until it works around you kids."

I feel Adrian's confusion and hope begin to take place of the fear that has been radiating through both sides of our link and I cling to it with my own hope and unease at our new situation.