Chapter 7: Astrid and Odin

The next morning, there was almost no debate. The Warriors Three would go back to report everything to Odin. Thor, of course, would stay back because he loved Jane that much and the time wasn't right to bring his daughter to the land of his birth. Lady Sif would stay back to help train Astrid with her powers and in some sort of weapon. So, after a good breakfast at the Diner (because Jane knew that was the only place with enough food to feed four pure-blooded Asgardians and one half-Asgardian), they went to the Bifrost site in New Mexico. After a few tearful goodbyes, the Warriors Three seemingly vanished in a flurry of rainbow light.

"Dad?"

"Yes, my little one?"

"Ummm… was the rainbow light… was that the Bifrost thing they were talking about?"

"Yes. It is the Rainbow Bridge, Bifrost. It links all of the Nine Realms together."

"Nine Realms?"

"Come back to the transport. I will explain it to you."

The four that remained on Midgard (Lady Sif, Astrid, Jane, and Thor) went back into Jane's van. Thor pulled out the little doodle he had made in Jane's notebook, and sat on the lower bunk. He patted the bed, and Astrid took the cue. She sat next to her dad, with pen in hand, listening in rapt fascination as he told the stories of the Nine Realms. She would ask questions, and he would happily answer. Jane chuckled a bit-with her incredible imagination, only the heavens would know what she thought each of the realms looked like.

Finally, he finished, and then, Astrid decided she wanted some fresh air. So, she went outside, promising not to venture too far, and inhaled deeply. She went to the rock she had destroyed in her blind emotional outburst, and reassembled it to how she saw fit. She then sat down on a small section of the rock.

"Alright… I wonder if he'll talk again… It'd be nice to have a talking Bakugan…"

She sat the Bakugan beside her.

"I wonder what it's like to be in your position. Seeing the world as a grand creature trapped in a small form, only able to return to your true form when a human-or, well, in my case, half-Asgardian, half-human-calls you out in battle… I really do wonder…"

Nothing from the Bakugan. She sighed, and continued.

"Half-Asgardian and half-human… Man, I feel conflicted. Part of me comes from a guy who's practically a thunder god, and the other part of me is just a normal girl. I wonder what that means for the future…"

"Your future is uncertain, it would seem, and your conflict is understandable. You fear that your mixed blood would be enough to ignite a war."

She looked down at the Bakugan.

"Yea, that's exactly it. You're really smart, you know?"

"Thank you for your kind words."

"Not a problem. My mom always said to give credit where it's due."

"Fear not, young lady. I highly doubt that mixed blood is enough to spark a whole war. There might be some heated arguments, but I doubt it is enough to trigger mass bloodshed. If the love between them is accepted by both sides, I am certain that their child would be accepted as well, no?"

"You're right. I guess that my mind's on the fritz because of everything that's been happening lately… learning that my mixed blood has caused me to get powers… it's a little unnerving…"

"But you have those who will support you and aid you as you learn what you are capable of and how to tame these abilities."

"That's true…"

"May I ask an important question, young lady?"

Astrid raised an eyebrow.

"Sure, what is it?"

"I have been searching for much time, and I would like to ask… would you be willing to be my partner in battle?"

Astrid smiled.

"I'd be more than happy to, but please, tell me your name first."

"I am Ventus Odin, but you may call me Odin."

"Well, nice to meet you, Odin! My name is Astrid! Let's work together and be friends forever from now on! Sound good?"

"Indeed. I shall look forward to working with you, Astrid."

Astrid smiled at Odin. She wondered just what he really looked like, but since Jane had insisted on taking a few days off of school to tame her newfound powers, she wouldn't get to Brawl for a bit.

"Astrid, come at once! It is time for yet another round of sparring!"

She chuckled. It really was funny to one minute to hear an Asgardian talk in comparison to a normal person talk. Astrid knew that she would probably have to learn to speak in the more archaic way, but she had no doubt that she'd get it. Nonetheless, she sighed.

"Odin, be quiet, okay? I can't have my Dad freaking out about you."

"Understood."

She stashed Odin in her coat pocket, and walked over to her father. Standing beside him was Lady Sif, holding two sparring swords (her father would never let real metal be used at this early stage in the learning process), one of which, she tossed to Astrid.

"Huh? What's going on-"

Astrid was cut off by Lady Sif charging at her. Astrid only had so much time to respond, but managed to deflect Lady Sif's attack. The two spent the rest of the afternoon sparring, which taught Astrid many things, including the obvious swordsmanship (which she showed great promise in), but also control, stamina, defense, and mental training. Thor could not be more proud, but Jane… well, she was closing her eyes, whimpering, and clinging onto Thor.

"Remain calm, Jane. My friend will not cause harm to Astrid."

"It's not that… It's just…. too hard to watch…"

"I understand that watching your child suddenly manifest powers and then be trained to use them is an experience unlike any other. Perhaps I should take you back to your metal transport that also serve as your chambers? That might soothe you."

"Maybe… God… Kids, they grow up so fast…"

"That is certainly true. Time can certainly move quicker than one expects…"