- What's up, guys? I hope you're all doing well. The Autumn season has officially begun and it won't be long before the leaves start to change colour.
- Marvel's Midnight Suns comes out next month and it looks to be an interesting strategy game. The costume Spider-Man wears has a really cool design. It sort of resembles the Black Suit from the Sony PS4 game that Black Cat leaves for him.
Anyways, enough about that. Enjoy.
...
Peter watched the group of Asgardian sorcerers and witches as they began to carefully harness the power of dark magic. Amongst them were Amora and Lorelei, who did their best to help control the spell with their eyes closed. Their own magical abilities have improved quite a lot to be able to help out with such a dangerous enchantment like this.
They had gathered on a nearby cliff just a few miles outside of the town. Lady Sif and Volstagg were busy discussing battle strategies with the eight soldiers that would accompany them to Alfheim. They've been briefed about their mission and most of them were eager to fight alongside their greatest warriors against such a formidable foe. Brunnhilde and Hela stood just a short distance away from the group. They were showing Jane how to use Mjolnir in a close quarters fight.
"Jane is really giving it her all." Natasha said, who stood beside him. There was a determined expression on the astrophysicist's face as she followed the Queen's movements and practiced her swings.
Peter nodded in agreement. "I'm not surprised. Even before Jane was able to pick up the hammer, she's always wondered about what it's like to be able to wield it."
"Guess now she knows. Maybe you could give her some advice on using Mjolnir as a weapon."
"I'm planning to show Jane how to channel lightning with the hammer later. She asked me to teach her that a couple of days ago anyways."
The ringtone to his phone suddenly played out and he reached to grab it from his pocket. The number that showed up on the screen turned out to be the Scarlet Witch's. Spidey hit the accept button and held the phone to his ear. "Hey, Wanda. What's up? How are the kids?"
"Well, Maria is currently changing our son's diaper." Wanda said with a hint of amusement. The disgusted look on Hill's face as she tried to ignore the stench of William's mess was a hilarious sight. "And our daughter is enjoying the storybook that Darcy is reading to her. Have Lady Sif and the others left for Alfheim?"
Peter looked over to the top of the cliff. It seems like the Asgardian witches and sorcerers were almost finished with their preparations. "Not yet. I think they're still gathering the dark energy needed to transport them there."
"I see. Please wish her and Volstagg good luck for us before they leave. Tell them to return home safely."
"I'll be sure to let them know."
The beautiful Sokovian mother smiled on the other end. "Thank you. I trust Jane is alright. It must feel strange for her to know that she's worthy of wielding Mjolnir...which just so happens to be her boyfriend's old weapon."
He quietly chuckled. "Maybe a little but Jane seems to be excited about it for the most part. She's pretty eager to learn the basics of wielding the hammer in battle."
Amora suddenly raised her hand, waving to Lady Sif to let them know they were ready. The Asgardian warrior nodded before she and her team made their way towards the top of the cliff. Brunnhilde and Hela moved up as well with Jane following right behind them.
"I think they're about to go now. I'll come back to the house after we see them off, okay?"
"Sounds good. I love you, Peter."
"I love you too, Wanda." Peter said, ending the call before he slipped the phone back into his pocket.
Natasha led the way as they moved to join the other Asgardians. "What did she say?"
"Wanda just wanted to know if Lady Sif and Volstagg have left with their team yet. She also asked me to wish them good luck on their mission."
"That's kind of her. What are the kids doing?"
He thought back to what Wanda mentioned a moment ago. "Maybelle and Darcy are reading a storybook together. William is having his diaper changed by Maria...and it sounds like he's made quite the mess again."
The Black Widow gently laughed, feeling some pity for her old friend. She could only imagine how bad the smell was in that room at this very moment. "Yikes, I sure hope Maria's covering up her nose."
"Me too."
They rejoined the others just as Valkyrie and Hela finished giving some stirring words of encouragement to the Asgardian strike team. Jane quickly handed Mjolnir over to Peter before she gave both Volstagg and Sif a firm hug.
"Don't be gone for too long." The astrophysicist said, holding them close. "Thor is going to be pretty disappointed if his two oldest friends aren't here to welcome him home."
Volstagg barked out a loud laugh as he gave her a strong pat on the back. "Don't worry, we wouldn't miss Thor's homecoming for the world! I can't wait to see the look on his face when he finds out about you being able to wield Mjolnir."
Lady Sif chuckled along. "We'll do our best to help the Light Elves destroy Gorr quickly. If Thor does return while we're gone...give him my love and explain what's happened."
"I will. Be safe."
Nodding her head, she turned her attention to the Black Widow and Spider-Man. A rainbow coloured aura of dimensional energy soon began to surround the sorcerers and witches behind her. They were ready to send their fellow warriors to Alfheim.
"Please watch over the town while we're gone. The second we attack Gorr, he will realize who we are and where we're from. I pray this doesn't happen but if we fail to kill the cur...he may invade this place for retaliation."
Natasha placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "If Gorr does show up, we'll do everything we can to protect New Asgard from him."
Peter tightened his grip around the leather handle of Mjolnir. "This is our home as well. We'll fight to keep the people safe. Just remember to take care of yourselves too. Wanda wanted me to remind you all of that...and to wish everyone good luck."
"Her words of support is much appreciated. Give Wanda our thanks for us." Sif said with a warm smile. "Rest assured that we will return as soon as possible."
The raven-haired woman quickly embraced both Spiders before she picked up her weapons. Regrouping with the eight Asgardian soldiers, Sif and Volstagg led them to the edge of the cliff. The dimensional energy that their magic wielders brought forth hovered above the Asgardian strike team and flowed down to envelop them. They soon found themselves floating away from the ground. The power of the Bifrost shot towards the sky and tore open a portal to Alfheim. Volstagg was able to wave to his friends once more before they were pulled into the portal, disappearing in bright flashes of rainbow coloured lights.
...
Later in the day...
"That's good! Keep up the pressure!"
Spidey obliged, thrusting the spear in his hands towards his opponent's torso. Valkyrie parried his weapon to the side before she rushed forward with her sword. The two of them were taking the time to spar with each other to work off their lunch. They were using wooden training weapons to avoid the danger of inflicting serious injuries. Hela and Maria watched their match from the front porch of the latter's house. Fenris sat at her owner's side while little Maybelle was being held in Hill's arms. The baby girl had no idea what was going on but she was just happy to be able to see her father.
Brunnhilde leapt up on her right foot and drove her sword at her lover's head. Peter wisely ducked beneath the blade's intended path. He bashed the wooden handle of his spear against her face. Her vision blinded by the sudden strike; she retreated back a few steps in an attempt to create some distance. Spidey readjusted his grip on the spear before he delivered a swift thrust at her head. The Queen was narrowly able to move her head away from the leather-wrapped spear tip in time, making him hit nothing but empty air.
"Peter's techniques are a lot more refined now." The Goddess of Death noted with a hint of approval in her voice. "I take it you and him have kept up with the lessons she taught you?"
Maria nodded as she wiped some drool off of Maybelle's chin with her bib. "Brunnhilde spent a lot of time showing us how to use a sword and spear during our year long journey through the galaxy. Peter and I didn't want to let her lessons go to waste so we train together on the weekends in the morning."
"That's a wise decision. It's always best to keep your martial skills sharp. Perhaps you and I could have a sparring match afterwards then?"
"Sure...just don't go all out on me, okay? I know I won't stand a chance against you in a serious fight."
An amused chuckle escaped Hela's lips. "Don't worry, I won't use my full strength. This will just be a friendly bout between you and I."
The former SHIELD agent jokingly breathed out a sigh of relief before they turned their attention back to the fight. Peter was now on the defensive as he did his best to block Brunnhilde's quick and powerful strikes. The blows that couldn't be defended against, he just simply dodged out of the way...albeit barely. She attempted to hit his chest next with a diagonal swing of her sword. The young Spider deflected her attack away before he jabbed the spear at her exposed ribs. Valkyrie just took a single step to the side to avoid being struck...before she caught his weapon by the upper shaft without any visible effort.
With a burst of strength, she yanked on the wooden spear. He in turn was pulled off his feet before the Queen leapt up and shoulder-tackled him in midair. Spidey lost his grip on the weapon as he landed hard on the ground.
"Ow..." Peter muttered before he felt something brush against his throat.
Brunnhilde stood over him, holding the tip of her wooden sword at his neck. "Looks like I've won again."
"Heh, I'm not surprised. That was a fun fight though."
She grabbed his hand and helped him to get up from the ground. Hela gave a round of applause for the exciting fight she and Maria just witnessed. The former SHIELD agent helped Maybell clap her hands together, who laughed as she performed the fun gesture.
"It was indeed. You've improved a lot since the last time we sparred with each other."
He waved to his daughter. "Maybe...but I still got a long way to go before I can consider myself to be adept with the spear. Sorry I couldn't give you a better challenge."
Brunnhilde leaned forward, pressing her lips against Peter's for a loving kiss. "Nonsense. I was surprised by how well you executed some of the techniques I taught you. You also no longer hesitate to hit the opponent's vital spots. Trust me when I say you have definitely become more formidable."
"Thank you. Want to take a quick break before our next match?"
"Sounds good to me. I could use a drink anyways. My throat is feeling kind of parched."
They turned around and walked over to the front porch together. The Goddess of Death gave them two tall glasses of water that was filled with some ice. Valkyrie quickly thanked her before she took a long sip from her cup. Peter drank some of the refreshing water too whilst scratching Fenris behind the ears with his other hand. The Asgardian wolf let out a happy bark, wagging her tail at his comforting touch.
"You two fought well." Hela praised. "It was very exciting for us to watch your duel. We couldn't take our eyes away from it."
Spidey put his glass of water down on the small table. "Glad you all enjoyed it. I just hope our fight didn't disturb Maybelle too much."
Maria carefully handed the baby girl over to Peter. "I doubt it. She was giggling at every move you both made. Maybelle probably thought you and Brunnhilde were playing a game together."
"Is she right? Did you enjoy seeing daddy get his butt kicked by the beautiful Queen?"
Maybelle grabbed his nose with a big smile. "Dah!"
Brunnhilde and the others couldn't help but laugh at her adorable response. Peter managed to free his nose from his daughter's fingers before he kissed her on the forehead. The Goddess of Death went to pick up the training weapons from the grass.
"Let's hope Maybelle will be just as entertained by the next fight. Shall we?" Hela asked, holding the sword out for Maria to take.
Hill removed her jacket before she grabbed the weapon by the handle. "Let's do this. I'm probably not going to win but I'll do my best."
Brunnhilde bumped her fist against her friend's shoulder. "That's the spirit. I'm looking forward to seeing how much your skills with the sword have improved."
"Just be careful." Peter advised, giving Maria a kiss for good luck. "This is only a sparring match after all."
"I know. Don't worry, we won't hurt each other too badly."
Hill kissed Peter once more before she moved to meet her opponent on the front lawn. The Goddess of Death got into a fighting stance, holding the spear in front of herself. Maria gripped the handle of her sword with both of her hands and waited for Hela to make the first move. Valkyrie and her King took their seats on the bench before he set Maybelle down on his lap. Keeping his arm around his daughter's waist, Spidey paid close attention to the training bout that was about to start. Hela soon charged forward at Maria, who stood ready to defend herself.
...
In Alfheim...
"Alright, everyone. The Light Elves have managed to locate where Gorr will attack next. Ready your gear and weapons. We'll be moving out with them in ten minutes."
The eight Asgardian soldiers saluted Lady Sif before they moved to follow her orders. Some of the Light Elves that they were reinforcing came to help them with their preparations. Setting down a small whetstone, she began to sharpen the edges of her double-bladed sword. The ideal outcome would be for them to kill Gorr in a single strike before he could inflict any more casualties. Sif wanted her weapon to be razor sharp if the opportunity came for her to deliver that final blow.
Volstagg soon came over with his battle axe in hand. He looked unusually excited for some reason. "Ah, there you are. You'll never guess who's arrived to lend his aid in our battle against the God Butcher."
"Who is it?" She asked, her curiosity piqued.
"A longtime ally of ours. Follow me and I will show you."
Lady Sif sheathed her sword and followed her friend as he led the way into the forest. The two of them walked for a few minutes before they arrived at a clearing. There was a large pair of clawed feet standing there and when Sif looked up to where they led...she was treated to the familiar sight of an old friend's giant face.
"Falligar? Is that you?"
The patron God of the Galactic Frontier glanced down at the two Asgardians and smiled, revealing his sharp fangs. "Lady Sif! Ah, it does my heart good to see you and Volstagg again."
She smiled back at the Falligarian God. "Likewise, my friend. How long has it been since we last met?"
"Eh, about eight hundred years give or take. I too have come to destroy this Gorr the God Butcher. I'd be honored to join forces with you and the Light Elves, if you will have me."
Volstagg raised his axe high in the air. "The honour is ours, Falligar. It will be great to fight alongside you once again."
"I feel the same way." Falligar said with a hearty chuckle. The crystals that covered his giant body shimmered brightly beneath the sun. "Is Thor here as well? I'd imagine a threat like this is something he can't ignore."
Lady Sif shook her head. "I'm afraid not. Thor is currently saving another planet with the Guardians of the Galaxy. I'll tell you more about it after we rejoin the others at our base of operations."
...
- I'm not sure what Falligar the Behemoth's personality is like...considering he's killed before we really got to know him in both the comics and movie. From what little Thor's said about him in the comics though, he seems to have been a fun-loving gentle giant. Falligar apparently wrestled black holes for fun too.
- It'll be a while before the next chapter will be released. Things are about to get even more hectic at work. Take care, friends.