Chapter Thirty Eight
"This is crazy," Astrid whispered as we were led deeper into the city. More people were starting to give us weird looks, like we were the aliens here. "How does Fandral the Dashing already know about you?"
"I don't know," I replied with a shrug. "Honestly, I'm still trying to comprehend why the hell we're here in the first place."
I was thankful to have gotten used to the loud boisterous Vikings of Berk. As we soon found out, Fandral had led us to a bar. Snowfire was, once again, forced to wait outside. Having her in such a large place would only draw too much attention.
Astrid's eyes widened even more, if that was possible, when she saw the rest of the Warrior's Three and Lady Sif. I only leaned against a wall as I watched the four of them. Lady Sif was beautiful in person, and the Warrior's Three looked as if they would hold up to their reputation.
"You look lost," Lady Sif said as she looked at Astrid pointedly.
"She's just at a loss for words," I spoke up for the first time, earning a look of surprise from Lady Sif.
"You are the warrior that Thor has spoken of."
"Wait, how exactly does Thor know me?" I asked, my eyes widening at the mention of said Avenger/Asgardian prince.
"A Midgardian spoke to him not long ago," Lady Sif replied with a firm nod. "He was quite interested in finding out just where you came from, and why you were so important to the Midgardians."
I almost blushed at what she said, earning a look of annoyance from Astrid. This was definitely not how I planned my summer to go. I had been hoping to spend more time with Hiccup, and possibly delve into some of the blueprints that we had started working on for the island. Of course, this had to happen. Letting out a sigh, I leaned against the nearest wall as Astrid and Lady Sif talked some more.
Somehow, I wasn't surprised that they would get along so well. They were both well-trained warriors as far as I was concerned. Though Astrid's temper probably outmatched Lady Sif's any day. Seeing the two of them talk though, it made me realize just how out of place I really was.
"Did you happen to see a really obnoxious teen and two lookalikes wandering around the city?" Astrid asked warily, catching my attention. Lady Sif rose an eyebrow in confusion as Astrid went into further detail with Snotlout and the twins. I crossed my arms as I wondered what they could be getting themselves into.
"I am afraid those names do not sound familiar," she eventually said when Astrid could think of no better way to describe them. "Though, with the Convergence occurring, they could be anywhere."
"Wait, did you say Convergence?" I repeated after letting that news sink in.
"Aye. That is likely how you ended up here on Asgard," Lady Sif replied. "The Convergence is an event that occurs every millennium. Few have had the chance to witness such a phenomenon."
I nodded at that, realizing that this Convergence and the portal malfunctioning were likely connected. It suddenly made sense, in a way. Astrid still looked confused as hell, so hopefully I could explain it to her later when we were alone.
Than we started talking. A lot.
We talked about life on Midgard, between my world and Astrid's. Berk and twenty-first century Earth were very different places. But the people were very similar. And that was what fascinated me the most. I could run into some random stranger on the street who would remind me of Snotlout. Or someone in school who reminded me of Astrid, or the twins.
Volstagg and Hogan were more interested in Berk than my world. I guess that wasn't too surprising, given the fact that they would know more about Vikings than people from my world. What captured their attention the most were the dragons. I think Volstagg actually looked more eager to learn about dragons than Berkian myth and legends.
Eventually, we got to the part where Hiccup had made peace with the dragons. Everyone was stunned to hear that a hiccup had made peace. I scowled at the look on their faces, knowing full well just how capable Hiccup was of holding his own.
But to my surprise, they were just like normal people, laughing at a joke Astrid or I would make. It felt weird to be sitting in the same room with a bunch of people who were considered gods in the eyes of Vikings. They were more human than they realized.
I hadn't realized how late it was getting until someone entered the bar, exclaiming there were monsters waiting outside. Then I held back a fit of laughter after noticing that the bottom of his outfit had a gaping hole, courtesy of Snowfire, most likely.
"Are those dragons actually here?" Volstagg asked in disbelief.
"Yeah," Astrid replied confidently. "You're welcome to meet them, if you'd like."
I only rolled my eyes at that, knowing full well that an encounter with Snowfire wouldn't end well. Especially if they approached her like she was a threat. Without another word, I rushed out of the bar to find both dragons waiting for us outside. Snowfire didn't look happy as she pressed her forehead gently against mine.
'You have been in there for too long, hatchling,' she growled softly.
"Sorry, Snow," I whispered, wincing at the fact that the Warrior's Three and Lady Sif were there to see what we were doing. Stormfly let out a squawk of happiness when she spotted Astrid. She rushed over to her Rider's side, nudging her playfully. "We really have overstayed our welcome. Is there a way for us to get back to Midgard?" I asked, turning to face the great Warriors.
"She is a magnificent beast," Volstagg remarked, earning a glare from said warrior. He flinched at her piercing gaze, but seemed to relax a little when he realized she wasn't going to attack.
'I am more than just a mere beast,' she retorted. 'And you will do wise to remember that.'
"She is quite beautiful; a fitting dragon for a warrior such as yourself," Lady Sif remarked this time, and once again, I felt myself blushing at such high praise. Then I realized that she was referring to Astrid and Stormfly, who seemed quite pleased with her praise.
"Ignore her, you're still beautiful in my eyes," I whispered, and Snowfire hummed in amusement at that.
'I know that I am,' she replied smugly.
"Is there any way for us to get back to Midgard?" Astrid asked, earning looks of surprise from all four of them.
"The Bifrost is the safest way back to Midgard," Hogan explained. "Though, to get there, you would need a horse." Astrid and I shared knowing looks at that.
"I don't think that'll be a problem," I replied with a shrug.
…
A few minutes later, after debating with the Warrior's Three and Lady Sif, we decided to fly on the backs of our dragons to reach the Bifrost. Not only was it faster, we felt it was safer than riding horses. At least I could always tell what Snowfire was thinking. Horses were completely different, in a sense where they would often do whatever they felt like. Mom used to take me riding when I was very little, but she stopped after learning that I had a fear of heights.
Down below, I could see the Warrior's Three and Lady Sif struggling to keep up with our dragons on horseback. Snowfire was remarkably faster than Stormfly. But the Deadly Nadder was able to keep up with Snowfire after finding the right pace.
"You know, I never realized just how small everyone looks down below," I commented as we soared towards a golden dome.
'They are quite small, aren't they?' Snowfire replied, looking amused at my random remark. 'Just wait until we start flying higher.'
"I'd rather not fly any higher than this," I murmured, suddenly wary of the fact that were already so high up.
'You will have to learn, sooner or later, little one,' she reminded me. 'Dragons were meant to soar high in the sky, above the clouds.'
"I know, it's just that… I've got this slight fear of heights to get over," I said halfheartedly.
Snowfire only made a sound that could be a dragon's version of laughter. I rolled my eyes after realizing she was actually laughing at me. At least she had a good sense of humor. But seriously, being really high up made me feel uneasy. I'd gotten used to flights with Snowfire simply because it had become necessary.
To my relief, it didn't take us long at all to reach the golden dome that lay before the Bifrost. This was where Heimdal kept watch over Asgard. I may not be on par with my Viking mythology (which was odd, considering how often I spent time with Hiccup and his friends), but I did know about Heimdal and all of the more important gods.
Both of our dragons landed in front of the golden dome just as the Warrior's Three and Lady Sif arrived. The poor horses were frightened by Snowfire and Stormfly's appearance, but they were brave enough to stay with their riders. Their eyes showed every sign of exhaustion and fear from struggling to keep up with the dragons.
"You be good to the horses, you hear me?" Astrid asked after hopping out of Stormfly's saddle and patting her on the shoulder. Stormfly only squawked in response and studied the horses curiously. They were creatures that Berkians never saw, and Astrid looked fascinated with their appearance.
"So, is Thor here?" I asked politely as we were led to the golden dome. I'd never gotten the chance to meet the god of thunder. So it would be pretty cool to scratch that off my bucket list of people to meet.
"He left just an hour ago," Lady Sif replied in a tone that said she wasn't thrilled with that idea. "He should be back, by now."
"Wait, we're actually going to meet Thor?" Astrid asked, her eyes widening in amazement at meeting said god.
Lady Sif didn't respond. We were led without further questions into the dome, where a tall, African American looking man stood firm in front of us. I looked around the room in awe as I tried taking everything in at once.
There were few words to describe this place. It felt like it was a piece of history that should always be remembered and honored, in some way. It felt like I could hear a thousand voices speaking through at one time, telling their stories. The visions that Heimdal must have seen, and the wars that he must have witnessed… it was almost mind boggling.
"Lady Hendrickson, Lady Hofferson, welcome to Asgard," the Gatekeeper greeted us both as Astrid gaped in awe at his appearance.
"How did you—"
"I know all, and see all," Heimdal replied, cutting Astrid's question off.
Astrid and I shared uneasy looks, having already guessed that nothing good would come out of Heimdal already knowing we were there. Whatever his reasoning for knowing why we were here, I just hoped he could provide a way back home. I mean, this was cool and all, but I already missed Hiccup, and my mom.
"This is getting really weird," Astrid whispered, and I nodded in agreement. "You wouldn't happen to have seen a bunch of goofballs wreaking havoc across the city, would you?" she suddenly asked, and Heimdal gave us a look of confusion at her question.
"I am afraid I have not," he replied in a tone that said it was best to not ask more questions.
Without another word, he suddenly sheathed his sword into what looked like a golden lock, opening the Bifrost.
The golden gates suddenly opened, unleashing a blinding light that forced us both to look away. I was almost tempted to see what the heck was going on, but dared not open my eyes. Times like these made me really wish I'd kept sunglasses with me.
Slowly, the light started to fade away, and we both were able to get a look at who came through the portal. Two very familiar looking figures stood in the building. The woman clinging to Thor's side gaped at the building in awe, until her eyes fell upon us.
"Who are you?" she asked in confusion.
"Welcome to Asgard."
AN: Yeah, not one of my best endings for a chapter, but I had to end it there ;) Next chapter probably won't be posted for some time, due to vacations and all that. But I do plan on working on the chapter before I leave, so it can be posted as soon as I get back.
dracologistmaster - No, it certainly isn't. And thanks for reviewing!
Sil - Yep, things have certainly gotten a lot more exciting for poor Alex XD She just can't seem to get a break in life.
Wild Cat 214 - ROTFL I know, right? Kind of creepy when you think about it XD Yeah, both her and Astrid stuck on Asgard... I think it's time for some bonding ;) And maybe some rivalry :P