A/N: This chapter is an attempt to try and develop a stronger relationship between Thor and his new companions. Be sure to let me know what you think, constructive criticism is always welcome.
War was coming and everyone knew it, everyone that was accept apparently President Raiko. He was still in the midst of trying to negotiate with the representatives from the Earth Empire. This was the third straight day, and Korra was starting to get anxious, she was always one for action rather than words. But she had promised Tenzin they would not act until all other options had been exhausted.
These peace talks were a farce and only served to delay the inevitable, but they persisted and the waiting was starting to drive Korra and her companions crazy. While no one was eager to fight, they knew that military action was likely how the conflict would terminate, and Korra could see why Raiko was so reluctant go down that path. The United forces were spread thin still recovering from the equalists and Unalag's attack, as well as trying to help maintain the Earth Kingdom, while Kuvira's army was only growing.
Thor was in a particularly frustrating situation, he held no sway in this realm and was dismissed by Raiko. He was ready to strike down this "Great Oppressor's" forces, but this was not his Midgard and could not force his will upon these people, he would grant his aide to the cause but he could not solve this problem for them. It was a precarious spot for the thunder god, he could easily strike down this Kuvira's entire army, but the people of this realm needed to believe in their protector not him. So for now he stood in the hall outside the meeting room with Korra, Asami, and Mako waiting to see how today's meeting would end. They did not have to wait long, the large doors swung open as the Tenzin and Raiko excited looking defeated.
"Well…?" Korra asked her mentor already knowing the answer.
"The same as yesterday, and the day before, the Earth Empire refuses to make any concessions and Kuvira will not step down, but we'll see how tomorrow goes" it was abundantly clear by the tone of Tenzin's voice that he was well aware of the futility of this effort., but Raiko insisted on trying to find a peaceful solution.
"Tenzin this is insane! You know as well as I do how this is goes to end!" Korra's frustration overriding the calm demeanor she had been trying to maintain. "We have to do something, Kuvira is only going to get stronger while we sit here and mince words with her puppets" she spoke the last part intentionally loud enough for the Earth Empire representatives to hear her.
"I know it's frustrating but this what Raiko thinks is best and he leads the New Republic, and we have to honor what he decides to do… no matter how much we may disagree with it" Tenzin's voice served to calm to aggravated Avatar "Give us a few more days, we need to end this whole situation as peacefully as possible, if we go to war… I don't think we can win, our resources and military are still too drained" the graveness in his voice seemed to lower Korra's ire.
"I know your right, it's just I feel so useless standing around when I should be out there trying to fix this" the defeat was apparent in her voice.
"Try to not worry about it for now Korra… what will come, will come in time for now try to focus on taking it easy and getting back to normal, I know it's frustrating but that's all we can do for the time being" Tenzin said placing his hands on her shoulder offering her some small comfort "Take the night to relax, I have a feeling you won't being to take time to stop and smell the roses very soon… a storm is coming enjoy the quite while you can" he said simply before turning and making his way back to Air Temple Island and his waiting family.
"UGH, how can I relax when there's a madwoman ready to try and take over the world?!" Korra shouted to herself her frustration getting the better of her.
"I find mead helps" Thor said approaching her with her friends in tow.
"So I take it things didn't go well?" Mako asked flatly earning his an annoyed glare from Korra.
"Look I know your frustrated Korra, but Tenzin was right you need to relax, you're not doing yourself any favor stressing out like this" Asami tried to sooth the agitated woman before her. "Come on let's go out tonight, just like the old times and forget everything for the night" her eyes were hopeful that they would be able to be suspend the stress of this looming conflict even if just for one night. Before Korra could dampen her moods the thunderous bellow that was Thor's voice rang out in the halls.
"Yes, we shall make merry tonight my friends, we shall drink and feast until the light of morning" His jovial tone managed to garner a smile grin from Korra.
"Yeah, okay I could use a night off" she relented earning her a hardy slap on the back from Thor and looks of relief from Mako and Asami, "But nothing fancy" she said flatly earning a few chuckles from her companions.
There first stop of the evening was a rather low key affair, at least until their waitress came over to take their orders and starting gushing over the fact the Avatar and the Owner of Sato Industries were in their little restaurant. Her reaction; while flattering, only served to draw the attention unwanted attention to the group. Not too long after the owner approached and insisted their meal would be on the house, but Asami flatly refused, which was quite fortunate for the owner though none of those assembled knew it yet.
"Well at least allow me to provide you with a bottle of wine, it's not as good as what I'm sure your used to, but it's the very least I can do for the Avatar and the woman to help rebuild our city" the owner offered kindly, and Asami relented and the owner quickly shuffled off to fetch the drink.
"Twas a generous offer, why decline?" Thor inquired to Asami, he himself was never one to pass up free food and drink.
"I've have more than enough money to buy this entire block ten times over, I wouldn't feel right accepting such generosity when I have more wealth than I could ever hope to spend" she answered honestly, almost sounding embarrassed by the fact she had so much.
"A noble reason, I hope you do not come to regret it… My appetite my not be as legendary as my friend Volstagg, but it is impressive in its own right" Thor laughed half joking with her.
"Please, don't worry about it get as much as you like, we are trying to relax don't hold back" she returned in her own joking tone.
"Well I'm glad to hear that, because I'm starved" Korra interjected off to Asami's right eliciting laughs from Thor and Asami as well as small chuckle from Mako.
After few moments of talking among themselves, the owner returned with their complimentary wine followed quickly by their waitress to take their order. The three locals placed their orders relatively quickly, but Thor was unfamiliar with the option presents so he decided to ask for an opinion.
"I'm afraid I am quite unfamiliar with your local food, what do you suggest?" he direct to their waitress.
"Well it's all great but…" she started but he did not allow her to finish.
"Wonderful I will take two" he said cheerily
"…Two of what?" the waitress asked befuddled.
"Everything if you would kindly, and bring me another drink I quite like this wine" he said holding his mug that had somehow been drained of its contents while no one was aware.
The sight before the Avatar and her friends was quite a unique one, as Thor tore through another plate of dumplings stopping only periodically to take a long swig from his mug before shouting out for "Another!" Mako seemed to be the most disturbed by the god's seemingly endless appetite.
"This is insane, where is it all going?" he asked the whole scene boggling his mind, Thor had already eaten more than the rest of restaurant put together and showed no signs of slowing down. Thor simply smiled back at him not offering an explanation.
"Normally I would find this a little gross, but this is just plain impressive" Korra joked the mirth showing in her voice. This in turn garnered a smile from Asami, who was just glad her friends were enjoying themselves and for once not worrying about politics, work, or the fate of the world.
"Come friends make merry! Your glasses have empty for far too long!" Thor bellowed filling their glasses with the ale that had replaced the wine after the bottle had run dry. "Come raise your glasses and drink with me" his voice boomed and he drained his mug once again, followed by his companions making fair attempts, accept for Asami who knew it would likely make her sick. Korra managed to drain her glass, but Mako chocked half way through his.
"I don't think you're supposed to drink like this" Mako gasped as he reach for some water, choking once more when Thor clapped him on the back.
"A fair effort" he said smiling at the younger man. Before getting ready to get offer Korra a congratulations for outpacing her friends, but before he could say a single word she slammed her glass down.
"ANOTHER!" she shouted a goofy grin plastered on her face, clearly the alcohol had started to affect her.
"That's the spirit!" Thor happily poured his companion another drink.
The whole meal held an utter lack or refinement, and that was just the way Korra wanted it. Good food, good friends, and good times the weight of the world was lifted of her shoulders even if only for the night. She was extremely grateful to her friends for this, but she felt it was largely due their new friends and companion. She loved Asami and Mako dearly, but Thor seemed to have and air about him that relaxed the environment and really bring out merriment and mirth in others. From what he had told them of Asgard, this was quite common among the gods of his home.
After a short period of time Thor had finished clearing the innumerous platters and bowls before him, somehow managing to maintain his dignity and a relatively clean face.
"I must say, the food of your realm is a taste I have never experienced before, and I can say with all honesty that it is among the best in the nine realms" Thor spoke heartily to the waitress, who only understood part of what he was saying but was grateful all the same.
"Well… I'm glad to hear that, will there be anything else tonight?" she inquired almost hesitantly after seeing how much food and drink the man at the table before could consume. Luckily for her Asami was the one to answer and not the thunder god.
"Just some tea thank you" the relief in the woman's face was apparent as she turned to fetch the after meal beverage. "Well… that was quite the event, I have never see anyone eat that much" she said eyeing Thor with curiosity who simply smiled back at her.
"Well good lady Asami, you have not seen anything until you have seen Volstagg at one of our feasts. I recall on one occasion he consumed four oxen, no less than ten boars and more barrels of mead then I can count" he spoke fondly of the friends as he reached into his jacket and produced a small leather pouch "You have been most generous to me these past few days, I will not allow my appetite to burden you as well" he finished before dropping the pouch on the table causing a handful of small gold ingots to spill out on the table.
"Where did you get that gold?" the suspicion in Mako's voice was quite evident. According to Korra and Asami he had shown up with nothing but the clothes on his back, so the fact he was now throwing gold around sent a red flag up in Mako's mind.
"No need to worry, I have not raided you cities treasuries. Mjolnir grants me the ability to transmute the elements. It is not a skill I oft have use for, but I could not in good conscience allow myself to be any more of a burden on good people of this realm who have already been so kind to me" at the mention of true alchemy Asami's eyes lit up like they had when she had seen Mjolnir for the first time.
"Okay, now you have let me study it" she was barely able to contain the excitement in her voice.
"You are more than welcome too if you so wish, but I'm afraid it will do you little good. My father placed enchantments on Mjolnir that even I do not fully comprehend yet, your science would likely yield few results" his words were quick to temper Asami's excitement, but she was unwilling to let this new information quell her thirst for knowledge.
"Does the same thing go for your armor?" she inquired hoping she hadn't been wasting her time.
"Not at all, while my armor is mystic in nature it is nowhere near the caliber my hammer, there is no reason a clever mortal should not be able to replicate it" he said winking at her over yet another mug of ale.
"I think we're overlooking the astonishing fact that Thor hear just said he can turn mud into gold" Mako spoke still sounded skeptical.
"Aye, as I said it is not an ability I make much use of. I have little need for it in Asgard, and it can create problems among mortals." His response made it clear he did not like using this particular ability unless necessary. So they left the subject of transmutation alone.
"So if you hammer can do something so impressive, why do you not have it with you right now? It seems like it could cause a lot of trouble if it falls into the wrong hands" Korra's observation raised a valid point, but Thor just seemed to laugh off the possibility.
"You've no need to be concerned, Mjolnir can only be wielded by those who are worthy" he did not elaborate on the topic, but since he was not concerned on the subject they decided it was not worth worrying about.
From there the conversation moved to the four exchanging tales and exploits of their lives. Before long their tea had arrived, and they continued there exchange, which had more or less devolved into the two girls taking turns making playful jibes at Mako. When Thor inquired about this odd turn Mako said it was a "Long Story", but Thor did not let the subject go and it was not long before the girls started in on him as well. His face turned beet red before relenting his, Korra's, and Asami's "sorted" past in the broadest strokes possible.
"Well as much as I would like to continue to embarrass Mako, we should probably be heading out, I've got a treat for you guys" Asami said with grin.
"What is that exactly?" Korra's curiosity had been piqued, Asami had not told any of them about her plans for the night, and she seemed exceptionally excited about whatever she had planned next.
"You'll see" she said almost coyly, her smile never leaving her face.
"And here we are" Asami said parking her car infront of the pro-bending arena. "It's the first night of the Pro-bending tournament, and I figured you guys would like to watch. I know it's been a long time since either of you has been able to see a match live. Plus why have a private box if I'm not going to use it?" she said looking back at Mako and Korra who were smiling at the fond memories this arena held for them.
"I'm terribly sorry, but what is Pro-bending?" Thor asked.
"Combat sport, trust me you'll enjoy it" Korra answered as she hoped out the satomobile and headed towards the arena with an anxious twitch in her step.
"Okay, okay calm down Korra we have plenty of time before the matches start" Asami laughed, she hadn't seen Korra this excited in quite some time.
As they entered Asmai's luxury box the air around the arena was palpable. The many voices that surrounded the melded together into an excited hum. Korra eagerly ran to the front of the box, as her friends casually took their seats, while Thor helped himself to one of the beverages supplied for the guests before making his way to stand next to the jubilant Korra.
"So tell of the rules that govern this sport?" he inquired opening his drink while gazing at the open arena, his question garnered an excited look from Korra, who instantly launched into an explanation with a fervor and passion that reminded Thor much of Loki when they were younger and his brother had just learned some new spell.
But before she could get to the finer points of the sport the voice of the announcer rang out signaling the beginning of the first rounds of the annual tournament. The teams are introduced; both relatively new and teams neither Korra nor Mako had heard of, but the hype of the crowd promised an entertaining match. The bell sounded and fight had begun.
The first match was not quite as impressive as Korra had hoped, the pace was decent and the technical skills were good but it lacked any ferocity. The next two teams were even more disappointing, it was all points and technique they had yet to see anyone get knocked into the drink. With a huff she sat down starting to feel slightly let down.
"What happened to this sport? I want to see some action, this is going so slooow" she groaned as Mako nodded in agreement and Asami gave her an apologetic look.
"Sorry guys, I was hoping that the tournament would be a little faster paced, but it looks like I was wrong. Things just haven't been the same since you guys left"
"It's not your fault Asami, I guess these guys just don't have the drive that they used too" Korra's tone was dejected, she didn't want to sound ungrateful, but the sport had lost a lot of its punch over the years. As she was about to suggest the take an early leave in favor of something more exciting the next round started. 'Well, we might as well finish this match' she thought almost grudgingly. But what transpired next was a welcome change from the previous bouts.
When the bell sounded for this round both teams went on an all out offensive. Flashes of flame and earth disks pounding like thunder managed to stir up the relatively subdued audience.
"YES! Now that is what I'm talking about" Korra practically leapt from her seat as the onslaught between the two forces continued neither one willing to give an inch. She now stood leaning over the edge of the box shouting and cheering. Her enthusiasm was contagious as now Thor shouting out the odd "HIT HIM" or "FINISH THEM OFF" brandishing his drink as though his efforts would make a difference. Even Mako let out whoop of excitement when an exceptionally good blow was dealt. The two teams were deadlocked until one of the earth benders; from a team called the Armadillo Lions, dealt a savage blow to the midriff of the opposing team's waterbender and sent her flying out of the rink. The Armadillo Lions capitalized on this imbalance and soundly beat there foes back until finally the remaining opposition was knocked into the drink ending the match. The whole thing transpired in less than two minutes, but its intensity more than made up for it.
"Now that is the sport we know and love" Korra shouted triumphantly.
"Aye, it was most entertaining…but what is it they are doing now?" Thor's inquiry was met by confused looks before Asami spoke.
"Oh no… I was hoping they wouldn't be doing this tonight" she looked like she was going to be sick.
"Do what Asami?" before Mako question could be answered the announcer's voice rang out once more.
"Good evening good Citizens of Republic City, we are proud to present to you tonight's halftime entertainment!" as the voice echoed through the stadium the cheers of the audience grew louder. "Who among you is brave enough to face our challenge, who among you is strong enough to pin our savage beast, is there anyone out there who can mighty enough to beat our undefeated champion" as he spoke an exceptional large Platypus Bear was lead into the center of the ring by four large men practically having to drag the reluctant creature in.
"Platypus bear wrestling, it's a cruel and unethical attempt to increase attendance to matches" Asami's voice was as cold as steel "After you left Korra, the sport lost a lot of its appeal. After seeing the Avatar fight people were a lot harder to impress, on top of that Varrick's movers served as a much cheaper form of entertain, so now every once in a while they drag some poor creature in and bait anyone in the audience foolish enough to try and pin it with the promise of a substantial payout", they are lucky no one has been killed yet" though her voice the even her disgust was more than evident.
"I will deal with this nuisance" the others turned to see Thor finish his drink and step up on the edge of the balcony. "I despise men like those before me" his normal jovial tone replaced by a very serious one. With that he leapt from their box seats to the arena in one great bound.
The crowd cheered as the golden haired man step forward to man in the center of the arena now holding a microphone.
"Well it looks like we have you first victim…I mean volunteer folks, and it looks like he's an Airbender. So you think you have what it takes to best our beast? Just remember no bending, and you can't sue us if you get hurt. Do you still want to proceed?" Thor nodded, this man oozed sleaze and dishonor, and wore a crooked and confident smirk on his sweaty fat face. "Good, now all you have to do is pin our savage bear and the prize of ten thousand yuans is all yours" he half laughed at the foolishness of the man before him. Before there match could start Thor spoke whispered low so only the man before him could hear.
"Know this purveyor of filth, once this match is over, you and I will have words, and I guarantee things will change for you" his voice was as cold a Jotunhiem and held an edge like obsidian, and this coward that stood in front of him felt a fear like no other.