Summary: The war between Jotunheim and Asgard draws to a close, but thanks to a horrible twist of Fate (or perhaps not), the nameless runt of Laufey-King is not discovered by Odin and so begins a remarkable journey of life that should not have been. Jotun!Loki AU. Set pre-/during-/after Thor/Avengers Assemble. MCU-verse only.
Warnings: ANGST! Loki-whump! Language, adult situations, violence, child abuse, dub-con, sexual assault (also of a minor), substance abuse, one abortion scene (sort of), slavery, sex trade (maybe), some mild original character/Loki M/M pairings.
Comments: This is not a slash fic. Sorry. It's Loki-centric, although I definitely show the rest of the Avengers and etc. Please review! Constructive criticism welcome.
Disclaimer: I do not own Avengers. Marvel owns it. I do not get paid for this piece of work. Sadly, but understandably. LOL.
Another super long chapter, guys~! Yay! Sorry for the wait though! I had to get a decaying wisdom tooth removed. In China. Well, it was a fairly awesome hospital (if crazy busy with people) and I felt over all safe with the dentists. But now it's fairly achy and I'm a bit miserable. Eh.
Here's the last Thor chapter. I hope it ties up any loose ends for Thor. He's not quite there yet! (Who is?) And he's obviously still struggling with stuff.
Thanks to: InsolentKatt, vonhinten, wbss21!
Distortions In Time
[Bitter Desolation, Incandescent Harmony]
Chapter 72
Thor: The High Road III
[…even here…]
[…Can you hear it?...]
In the far corner of the universe of the wildest, most unpopulated, and most uncivilized Realm, slowly turns an innocuous spiral galaxy so called the "Milky Way" by its least technologically advanced citizens on one of its smaller, yet infamous planets known to many as Midgard. Unbeknownst to its supposed uncivilized inhabitants, Asgard has watched over it as it has done many other planets which have allied with the Golden Realm.
Known as gods to many, Asgard have kept care of those less able to protect themselves since time immemorial and other Realms, in the past, have followed suit. Jotunheim, among others, had attempted to gain ground and increase their imperial hold, only to be stopped by Asgard and its protective interests.
However, many years have passed since Midgard's borders have been breached. Now, only tales remain of the "gods" who once visited and made Midgard and other planets their homes. Thus, to the innocent mortals of Midgard, the planet was home, it was Earth and until a year ago, when a blond-haired stranger landed outside one of its smaller hamlets in one of its less civilized deserts, it was alone in the universe.
With the arrival of the alien man, telescopes and satellites and radars and long-distance sonars and all other kinds of primitive gadgetry pointed outward, even more intent on finding glimpses of what the rumours whispered – intelligent life of an alien, celestial kind. Fears and hopes bred within the hearts of soldiers and scientists alike. Yet, there was no response. Whatever brooded within the dark corners of space, whatever species spread across the galaxies, they were not interested in communication of any kind with Midgard, it seemed.
And so, the Midgardians, the humans, waited.
[…Can you hear it?...]
In a small town in the southern state of New Mexico, in a cozy corner diner beside the newly wiped glass window, staring down the dusty street and contemplating his slowly diminishing mug of coffee, Thor sat and waited. Before him, his plate, once filled with ten golden-brown pancakes doused in syrup, was now empty. The pot of coffee beside him was now half finished as well. Thor sighed, glanced down at the small flat tablet before him and then sighed again.
He was waiting. He was trying to be patient.
Some days, he thought, it takes all one can... No longer could Thor depend upon his status and the name of his father to do as he pleased. He knew now that anger could bring him nothing but annoyance and discomfort within a jail cell. No longer could Thor escape, riding the Bifrost to another world to vent his frustration. Vigilante behaviour within this country was out of the question, even for exiled royalty, and the face of evil no longer so easily discovered. It was more often than not hidden behind the courts of the foreign powers and the identical offices of the powerful merchants. No longer could Thor spend the night with his friends drinking and wenching to ease his despair and uncertainty. Jane would not be pleased and the life of a cowboy demanded an early rising. Unless Thor wished to live on the streets as a homeless man, he had responsibilities to uphold.
So I must wait. I must wait, Jane says. Wait and see and learn. Wait and learn. I must be patient and follow orders, Fury says. Listen well and think twice. For a moment, Thor thought of his time in the Battlehouse of Shax. Another time and place in which he had had to live by another being's rules. Yet, here, I am allowed to make choices – but this time there are consequences which I must accept... Loki... All of his life, he has lived underneath the yoke of another man. Here, on Midgard, he would perhaps do quite well. Or not...
For the first time, Thor found himself considering an angle of his brother's life he had never really took note of before. Would Loki be now willing, having found his freedom, to work within the rules of another society? I would say yes, considering how well he adapted to Asgard... although not without much complaint and on some occasions, I am certain I heard him mumbling about how things could be done differently. We always expected Loki to be different, to be foreign, even though he worked so hard to be one of us, to fit in and to be accepted... Now, I must attempt the same, in some measure.
When I see him next, Thor mused. When I see him next, I will-
His tablet vibrated gently and quickly. His fingers unlocked the screen and answered the video conferencing call now running off of the diner's Wi-Fi. Thor smiled broadly as Jane's face came into sharp focus. Behind her, he could see the grey wall of her current apartment in the far island country called 'England' where she was guest lecturing as well as doing some specialized research for a patron. That was what Thor called them mentally. Patrons. Those who gave money to fund the process of scientific research and progress. As a Mage, Loki has always spoken of patrons with equal parts annoyance, frustrations and gratitude. Jane also has need of them, otherwise she would no longer be able to continue studying the effects of the Bifrost and other such similar wormhole activity.
Filtering through the tinny speakers, Thor could hear other greetings from an off-screen Darcy, no doubt being shooed away by Jane for privacy's sake. Darcy had remained as Jane's assistant, despite the removal of their equipment and the seconding of Selvig to SHIELD's mysterious internal departments. It is best not to speak of such things with Jane. Or think of it, Thor smiled to himself then.
"Hey – THOR!"
"Jane!" Thor's attention was drawn down to the table instantly at the sharp tone of his beloved.
"I've just been – never mind, did you hear anything I just said?"
"Ahhh..." Thor scratched his long scruffy blond head sheepishly. "Many pardons, Jane. I was thinking."
"Well, thinking is good." Jane leaned forward a little, until her chin and mouth filled up the screen and then she pulled back, cradling something hot and liquid in a large red and green mug. "What's up?"
"Nothing," Thor shrugged. "The usual."
He said nothing of his recent mission with a few of SHIELD's men in some mountain range to the North. The last time he had spoken of SHIELD with Jane, the brown-haired scientist had fallen quiet, obviously upset. Of course, Thor would not let the matter go (one of his greater failings, Loki had had told him on many occasions) and the entire conversation had ended with their third argument. If they had been sharing an abode, Thor no doubt would have ended up sleeping on the couch or the floor.
The first argument, Thor remembered, had been over his first 'date' with Jane. Understanding such a foreign concept as a 'date' was difficult to begin with, much less the intricacies of what it apparently entailed. Men, Jake told him, are expected to have supernatural abilities to ascertain what the women prefer, despite the fact they have only met for a few times previously. That's the worst case scenario. Best case, they were friends previously, so it's kinda like riding an old horse... but then if you goof it up, then you're gonna ruin the best thing in your life – a great friendship. 'Cause there's no going back, you know. Thor had taken Jake's advice and had considered his options carefully, so when the time came for the 'first date', the exiled Prince arranged for the two of them to leave for a 'big city weekend trip' which included coffee shops, malls, bookstores and a 'demolition derby', which had sounded exciting to Thor. The car demolition show was a complete and utter failure and the entire trip ended on a rather sour note with a long awkward drive back to town. Worse, Thor had not initially noticed a problem, taken as he was with the excitement of the show and thus, the prince had not realized that his partner had not enjoyed it as much as he.
Words had followed. Jake called it 'being in the doghouse'. Thor did not quite get the euphemism, but he did come to understand that he never wished to be 'in the doghouse' again.
"THOR?!"
"Oh... Ah... Sorry... Jane." Thor smiled then, reassuringly as Jane leaned forward, looking even more worried than ever.
"Are you OK over there? Seriously? I've not seen you this quite since... well..." Jane paused. "A long time."
"I am merely remembering the long year which I have survived."
"Over a year now," Jane corrected him, flipping a calender thoughtfully. "It's funny how time flies by, even when you're not having all that much fun."
"Time flies by when you have fun? Hm. I suppose so."
"Or not so much fun. I don't know about you, but I wish we had more time together than the odd holiday."
"I enjoyed your Christmas," Thor smiled then. "The tree was lovely and so was the snow in that country-"
"State."
"In that state we visited... Although I thought you said we visited another country."
"Well, we just popped over the border into Canada. Hardly a big deal. Montana, Manitoba. Big diff."
"It was lovely, though," Thor said. "The hot drinks and the warmed mead and the decorative lights and the garlands and the Yule log and the stockings by the fireplace and the presents... and the food. So much food. It reminded me of... it reminded me of home," Thor managed to finish with only the slightest hitch in his voice.
"Hmmm... it wasn't perfect though. Remember that time we got lost in the woods and you wouldn't trust my GPS signal?"
"There was no-"
"GPS is everywhere on this continent, dear," Jane sighed with a put-up voice as she recited the age old argument. "This is North America, for goodness sake. Not some backwoods in-"
"I did not know at the time. I barely knew anything-"
"Well, now you know." Jane rolled her eyes and laughed. "But it was fun cuddling up in the warm cabin later on that evening."
"Yes," Thor smirked. "That was indeed... fun."
They laughed again and Jane sighed.
"I miss you."
"When will I see you again?"
"Summer vacation, of course. If I can make myself have one."
"You must-"
"I will try my best-"
"She will try her best!" shouted Darcy's voice from somewhere. "I'll drag her over to New Mexico if I have to by myself!"
"Darcy!" Jane yelled back. "Can you just-"
"No, but she is right," Thor said seriously. "If you must remain there, then I will come to you. I have some money set aside now. With leave from the Boss and Jake as well as Coulson, I would be more than willing to meet you in this Englishland. England."
"England. Yes. Well... that would be... lovely. I'm sure you would enjoy the castles around here with all the old armour. Bunratty in Ireland and Warwick in England and there's Glamis in Scotland. Or we could go to Paris, France for a romantic weekend getaway. Paris is the city for lovers-"
"-if people aren't on strike!" added Darcy again.
"Just ignore her," Jane waved a hand. "Anyways... we'll have to set the dates soon, so we can take the time off when we want."
"We shall find time to renew our memories of love and pleasure, Jane."
"Wow... OK... well... that's – that's great. That's, um, really..." Jane flapped a hand, blushing. "You do have a way with words."
"Wait until you meet my younger brother."
"You always say that," Jane smiled then, again. "But don't sell yourself short, OK? I think you're doing just fine."
"I am glad. I hope my father sees that as well."
"And your hammer."
"Hmmm... one day," Thor murmured. "One day, I will be worthy."
"Well, just be careful how you chase after that thing," Jane said, suddenly very serious. "We all know how that went down last time."
Thor, remembering the two times he had attempted to regain Mjolnir and failed, shivered. It had been so jarring to lay hand upon his beloved hammer and feel only metal. There had been no response, no welcoming spark, nothing.
"I have not paid Mjolnir a visit in a long time," Thor finally assured Jane in a quiet voice. "Nor have I attempted to call her. Until the day that I am worthy, I must continue what I am doing. Working hard – both on the ranch and with SHIELD."
"Well, just be careful you don't get sucked into some kind of superhero-like glamour life. Like that Tony Stark. Aw, hell, just thinking about that stuff gets me worried."
"Tony Stark?"
"You know – Iron Man."
"Oh. The Man of Iron. Iron Man. Ah. Yes."
"You met him?"
"Met him?"
"Met Tony Stark, Iron Man?" asked Jane curiously.
"Oh. No," Thor shook his head. "Not yet."
"Not yet. Oh jeez. That's great. Just great."
"I will be careful, Jane."
"That's what they all say," sighed the scientist. "Then they're off, chasing down criminals or villains or what have you and turning into military-directed glory hounds."
"Glory hounds?"
"Men who pursue glory because they believe it brings them honour," Jane shook her head and snorted with disgust. "Honour comes from doing the right thing, not because you did something in front of a ton of people and they like you in a general mob-like mentality way."
Thor nodded slowly, trying to make sense of Jane's words and gathering from her general demeanour that this form of gaining honour did not please her.
"You aren't getting anything I'm saying, are you. I can tell from that crinkle you get between your eyebrows." Jane went on. "Look, Thor. Let's just say that... maybe getting Mjolnir back isn't going to be a time when you kill some bad guy or save the girl. Maybe it'll be something simpler. Maybe it'll be when you make a decision to stand back or to seek peace or some thing like that."
"I don't think my father would think laying down one's weapon is the best move during a war."
"We aren't at war."
"We are at war," Thor said, soberly, gut clenching as he thought of Odin and Frigga and Loki and the rest of Asgard waging battle against Jotunheim.
And not losing, he reassured himself. Never losing. They will never lose.
"Oh, right. The Jotan, the Jat – the Jotunhomers – the Jotun-"
"The Jotunn of Jotunheim."
"Yeah, those. How bad can it be?"
"Very terrible." Thor hesitated and then said slowly. "A long time ago, a few hundred years ago, there was a great war on this planet, Jake told me. He said many countries fought against a common enemy who threatened to take over the entire planet."
"Oh, right. The Second World War. Yes."
"The evil people... they were to you what the Jotunn are to us."
"So you are saying that the Jotunn are like Nazis. Or the equivalent of Nazis. Did they kill a ton of people?"
"A long time ago, yes. They wished to expand their Realm in hope of gaining resources. It is a long story."
"You keep saying that..." Jane leaned back in her chair and looked off into the distance somewhere past her computer screen and then she sighed. "I can't believe I'm suggesting this... but, maybe there's something you can do to sort this all out. What you have to do, what you think you have to do, this whole Nazi-Jotunn thing..."
"What is that?"
"Who, really," Jane said slowly. "I sometimes get the odd email from Selvig. He says that Captain America has been... well, woken up. Been up and about for a bit now. Perhaps you've met him already... I don't – I don't want to know. But maybe you could go talk to him. He's – I heard he's a – a – a good guy."
"Steve Rogers."
"Oh. You met him? No. Wait. Don't tell me. It's probably so classified, if you say anything, I'll have the Director or whoever he is or one of his black suited minions blasting down my door. But yeah, talk to him."
"Very well."
"So let's talk about other things. Happier things," suggested Jane, brushing back a lock of hair absently, as was her habit.
"Other happier things?" echoed Thor, blankly.
"Summer vacation. In Paris. Or a beach in France."
"I'll get her a bathing suit!" Darcy's voice rose again. "Something that'll knock your socks off so you can knock her socks off and just you know – do the things you guys do when – yeah –"
"Darcy!" Jane swivelled her chair about, the better to glare at her assistant and now fast friend. "I don't wanna hear it! Or, I mean, um, hearing about what you think 'it' is about or whatever."
"Hey! That's my line!" Darcy's snappy retort elicited a snort from both Jane and Thor.
With that, the entire conversation devolved into the usual argument between Jane and Darcy, broken up by the loud bellow of Thor's laughter. Darcy rolled her eyes and physically left the room for good this time, Jane assured her studly boyfriend and their conversation turned to other more mundane topics of Jane's latest horror story about Darcy's driving in England, Thor's newest daily routine and bunk mate on the ranch, Jake's new girlfriend, Jane's most recent would-be academic paramour (some weedy British man which Thor promised to bully once he arrived at Jane's side), the hottest scientific scandal amongst the physicist circles and the 'evil' bull which had finally met its fate and had been carted off in a truck to Thor's extreme satisfaction.
Two hours passed by eased with light laughter and the reminder, yet again, why their hearts, albeit separated by land and sea, could remain so bound together as though they had never left each others' side. When Thor signed off the tablet, the power signal blinking a bright red, he was smiling once again. The usual gift from Jane, he thought, and I think I left her with hope as well.
[…Can you hear it...]
[...in the silences...]
Hope remained with Thor despite the long passage of days and dreary routine. Some months passed with little activity besides the daily riding and care of cattle and horse and the ranch. Other months were filled with activities – meeting with and romancing Jane or working for SHIELD. On gloomy, rainy days, Thor wondered if he was truly achieving what his father had hoped. On dull days, Thor chafed at the dreariness of his mundane existence. On sunny, quiet mornings, waking up with Jane at his side in a countryside inn (which Jane called a hotel or motel), Thor felt as though he could find some peace and joy on Midgard, Mjolnir or no. Power or no. On busy, productive days, after the end of a particularly dangerous yet equally successful mission, Thor felt as though he were once again with his companions, reminding himself what it meant truly to be Thor, to be alive.
SHIELD, despite Jane's misgivings, had welcomed Thor and his knowledge of the Realms, expertise in combat and strategy and fighting experience. Agent Coulson, a short, unassuming mortal, who always wore dark suits, dark sunglasses and an unreadable expression was most often the one who sat with the teams to which Thor had been assigned and walked through the 'mission parameters' and the various strategies expected to be enacted. Thor knew better than to protest. He remembered painfully how often he had sat through such council meetings with his father or with Loki before a quest.
How often had I swept such preparations aside, preferring to jump right into battle! How many times did I disregard the plans which Loki had carefully prepared or Father or Uncle Frey had suggested – and in so doing, risked the lives of my people...
The first time Thor had "gone outside mission parameters" he had been written up, lost some of his pay in a fine to recompense damages and was set to "off-duty status", unable to take part in the quests which Agent Coulson had needed done.
You have to understand, Thor, Coulson had pinned Thor's guilty blue eyes with his harder grey-blue ones. I need you. I need your experience and strength. That's true. But... I need people I can trust even more. I can't have Lone Rangers on my teams.
A pause.
Do you know what Lone Ranger means?
Two days later upon Thor's dismissal back to the ranch, Jake had had to sit down with Thor and go through some basic cowboy films with Thor as well as some other important 'cult hits'. Once again, the lanky cowboy took Thor out for a long ride and reminded Thor of what they had talked about before. You hadn't meant harm, Jake agreed, but going off to do your own thing doesn't make you the person people want on their teams. They want someone who's got their back, not gallivanting off on some personal pursuit for whatever reason.
Thor had apologized. A real apology, Jake had told him, would go a long way. He had apologized for disobedience and for his disregard for the mission's parameters. Coulson had smiled and accepted Thor's slow words, knowing that the admission had cost the alien warrior something.
"Remember," Coulson quietly stated, shuffling a few papers into neater order before him before looking up to give Thor another hard stare, "if you have an idea, we're open to them. If you have ideas in the planning sessions, say so. If you have an idea while on the ground, in mission, radio it in. If there's comm silence, regroup and discuss. Unless you are the team leader, there can be no change of plan without my say so."
"When shall I be a team leader?" asked Thor, leaning forward in excitement.
"We'll see..." Coulson said slowly, leaning forward in his black office chair and folding his hands over the papers before him. "We'll see."
Others in SHIELD came to know Thor well. There was Director Fury who sometimes spoke long difficult talks with Thor about Asgard, its policies, its culture and society and what it would want with Midgard.
As if Asgard has any real interest in such a puny people, Thor sighed.
There was Hill and Knox and Zhang and a variety of other high-ranking officers who smiled and occasionally waved and gave Thor the time of day, but other than that, nothing more. There were the lower level officers and soldiers who ran, slept, worked and relaxed alongside Thor, teaching him a variety of Midgardian card games among other things. There were the few who had come, over time, to draw Thor into their close circle – Stonehurst and Holtz who had accompanied Thor to his first rifle and handgun targeting tests. There were the specialized skill fighters who had proven their efficiency and lethal capabilities on the field – and off. The cool, red-haired hand-to-hand combat fighter, Natasha, her quiet, calm, sharp-eyed friend, the archer, Clint and the famous (to Midgard anyways) yet humble 'super-soldier', Steve. All in all, life on Midgard was proving an interesting challenge. SHIELD, unexpectedly, brought some balance and much needed exercise and activity for the ever restless Thor.
On some nights, when the Helicarrier was in a rare moment of rest and it hovered silently over some Midgardian city or it rocked up and down, up and down, on the waves of the ocean, Thor stood on the edge of the great, black and grey platform of its aircraft runway and looked up at the stars. What he hoped to find there, no one could fully understand, he knew. No one could fully know what he had experienced in his youth among the stars, but now, trapped was he was down on Midgard, he could only hope that Heimdall was watching, that Odin, Frigga, Loki and the rest of his companions were watching – and that they were proud.
[...the silences...]
[...speak to you...]
[...drifting...]
A world of metal mazes and iron doors and steel infrastructure and the constant hum of engines and the faint odour of gasoline and oil and heated metal, the SHIELD Helicarrier was to Steve Rogers both a familiar and unfamiliar place. Unfamiliar faces, unfamiliar technology and yet, even in this strange world, there was something haunting similar to what he had left behind. He could see it in the fast loyalty the crew held for each other, the trust and respect shared by all on the deck. He could see it in the optimism and determination of the teams sent out time and again to their missions. There was enough of his world left for Steve Rogers to feel a hope that his time, his era, his values had not been entirely eradicated by post-War cynicism and modernity.
Whenever he was greeted by a new recruit, asking for his autograph or a 'selfie' with him, as they now liked to call the photographs, Steve Rogers smiled and acquiesced, knowing that he too stood for something in their eyes. A man of his time, a man of honour, valour and respect, a man who stood by good ol' American values, like apple pie and 'doing the right thing'.
Once Natasha, the red-haired assassin for SHIELD, asked Steve if he found it difficult to repeat over and over again the same mantras he had upheld in his earlier career within the army. Mantras are meaningless, Steve had replied stiffly. There is nothing meaningless in what I said.
But sometimes, sometimes, Steve wondered. Steve wondered if he really did have a chance in this second chance at life, in this brave new world. Those nights, he stayed up late, punching the Helicarrier gym's bags until the memories, the uncertainty, would ease a little.
On the odd occasion, Steve saw another there. A tall, longer blonde-haired, well-muscled operative, whom he came to know as Thor. Thor, he discovered before a very secretive job to "rescue" some scientist from his cell in Eastern Europe, was not in fact human nor indeed from this planet.
Watching Thor's sometimes bewildered gaze wander about the mess hall, the rooms and technology he was no doubt not very familiar with, Steve felt a pang of sympathy. Thor, the exiled Prince of "Asgard" (wherever, whatever that was), like him, was a man out of time and space. Thus, on quiet nights when Steve looked up and found that his new acquaintance had joined him in expelling his inner demons through exercise, the quiet super-soldier said nothing.
One day, coming back from a short mission – a trip to a local school to give a talk on 'saying no to substance abuse', Steve found Nat and Clint in the mess hall, looking speculatively up at the ceiling while nursing what looked like coffee, but, judging from a faint hard tinge, had been doctored with something else entirely. Noticing the more serious, thoughtful looks on their faces, Steve checked a smart comment he was about to make on substance abuse and drinking whilst on duty.
"Something up? You got back from a mission? Or are you on duty?" He asked, helping himself to a cup of black tar which someone had called coffee as a joke.
"Off duty," Clint said, giving Steve a 'don't-mother-me' look. "Of course."
"A particularly trying mission," Natasha smiled then, running her hands through longer dark-brown hair. "I keep telling him it's not as hard as holding Stark's hand, but he doesn't believe me."
"You try handling a depressed ex-god and then get back to me," snorted Clint.
"Well, according to Stark, he's basically a god of some sort," Natasha rolled her eyes. "If you calculated godhood on ego alone, then he's probably up there with whatever."
"We all have our burdens to bear," Steve smiled. "Something up with Thor?"
"Isn't there always?" asked Clint sourly.
"He's just being a bear," Natasha sighed. "I told Clint that he needs to get out and chill with a girl. Like you, Steve, the both of you would make anyone depressed."
"The answer to all your problems is dating," Clint said.
"Not all problems. Some problems can be dealt with an appropriate amount of death," Natasha said lightly.
"What is Thor's problem?" asked Steve.
"He wouldn't say much," Clint then flashed a shit-eating grin at Natasha. "But from what I could gather, it is girl trouble. It always is, isn't it?"
"So it's the girl's fault?" Natasha leaned forward, eyes suddenly sharp.
"I didn't say that..." Clint back-pedaled quickly.
"I'll talk to him," Steve said and beat a hasty retreat.
The super-soldier had no interest in getting caught in the crossfire between Natasha and Clint. The two assassins went way back, that much was obvious from the many exchanges he had seen between them, but apparently the relationship had a different dynamic than what Steve was used to seeing between a man and a woman. Remembering that one time Natasha had gotten Clint down on the floor in an impressive headlock, Steve shivered. Getting caught in the crossfire of an argument between them is suicidal at best, he thought.
Asking around and checking in with Hill, Steve finally managed to locate Thor in one of the alien's (Steve refused to call Thor 'god', that just didn't jive with him) favourite places to relax in peace in the later evening hours – the gym. Sitting on the stack of newest slightly broken punching bags, Thor lay back, glaring at the dark, shadowed ceiling. Steve joined him silently.
"It is not wise to join me at this time, Rogers' son," Thor said softly.
Roger's son. Not a good sign, Steve noted. Whenever under stress, he tends to shift back to his usual speech patterns... Hm.
"I just want to let you know you can... talk, if you need to, you know, share with me whatever is bothering you."
"Talking does help," Thor finally admitted after a moment. "My thoughts, however, do not make much sense to me at present..."
"What would would you do if you were home?"
"I would talk to-" Thor stopped suddenly and then shifted uneasily.
"You would talk then."
"Yes. To Loki, more often than not. Or my three friends. Or if it was... very serious, my parents."
"I see."
"But this problem, I would most likely talk to Loki or my mother about," admitted Thor. "They are best suited for these kinds of...matters."
"Related to?" Steve prompted gently, feeling as though he were unravelling a particularly fragile bundle of spiderweb threads.
"Women."
"Women in general?"
"One woman in particular," Thor frowned. "My beloved. Jane Foster."
"Oh. Miss Foster. Yes," Steve wracked his memory but all that he could remember of her was the occasional remark by Thor or Natasha about Jane being a scientist or some such thing and being remarkably pretty but incredibly pragmatic. There were other things... I'm sure... "Your, uh, girlfriend."
"Yes. That is what you mortals call it." Thor hesitated and added a little ashamedly. "We argued."
"Well, that happens."
"Hm. Yes. This time, she is very angry and has not been answering my calls."
"I see. Well, they say time is sometimes what people need-"
"Loki would say that as well. Loki always needed time alone before he would be able to talk with me on matters upon which I had angered him... but how long am I supposed to wait?" Thor asked, voice rising with barely contained frustration.
"How long has it been?"
"Two days," Thor answered, with a bit of a pout.
"Maybe she needs more time," Steve suggested carefully. "Some do."
"Darcy says I must apologize and agree if I am to break the stalemate."
"Darcy?"
"Jane's assistant," Thor clarified quickly.
"Ah," Steve nodded, no longer confused. "OK. Well, what do you have to apologize for?"
"I... I believe it the problem lies within my supposition that our summer holiday would take place in a location that was more suited to strenuous activity."
"Strenuous activity?" Steve's blond eyebrow rose. "I thought you two were going to Paris. The Eiffel Tower is tall, but it's not strenuous."
"Ah! Well, I was speaking of our potential plan for Paris and Clint shared a holiday he enjoyed with Natasha."
"Where did they go?"
"To some country with mountains – perfectly suited for climbing and other kinds of sporting activities."
Steve attempted – and failed – to imagine the image of Jane which he had long harboured in his mind. Petite, studious Jane climbing a mountain. Jane was a pretty girl (if one liked au natural). The captain also knew that some would term her a plain jane, compared to other women who enjoyed high heels, glittery dresses and heavy makeup. However, although Jane is not what one would term a "womanly" woman, neither is she an all out tomboy. Climbing a mountain would be a stretch for her – and more than likely not so enjoyable.
"I take it she didn't agree," murmured Steve, seeing where this was all going. He thought.
"Yes!" Thor gave Steve a wounded look. "She said she wished for a rest! As if her job was that stressful and difficult! But then I realized that we Asgardians are engaged in much more laborious and physically demanding on a daily basis – farming, questing, riding horses and such like. Perhaps many mortals, then, consider activities such as hunting, riding, fishing, climbing as being 'extreme', when in reality, to a regular healthy Asgardian they are not so. It just goes to show the differences-"
"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" Steve waved a hand, breaking into Thor's monologue. "You told Jane that her work wasn't as stressful as yours?"
"Stressful?"
"You implied that as a human she can't be expected to be as good physically as you are-"
"That is beside the point," Thor replied testily. "I agreed with her choice in the end, so I really can't understand her rationale. In the end, we will go to Paris."
"That's nice." Steve said coolly. "You just implied she is worth nothing as a mortal."
"What-"
"Did you say anything else?"
"Well, then we discussed how the King, my father Odin, and the Court and my people view other Realms and species and how such viewpoints effect certain inter-realm foreign policies..."
"Holy Hannah."
"I do not see why one would be affronted by fact."
"Hm," Steve hummed, battling down a rising sense of frustration and annoyance. "No doubt you are right and there other species more powerful and advanced than us. Yet, many countries on Earth espouse that all men and women are created equal... So by extension, setting aside difference in ability and culture, we believe - or, rather as our world comes to grips with the fact that we are not alone, we will believe - that all species are equal."
"I suppose," Thor said slowly, definitely disbelieving. "Yet everyone agrees that Asgard is superior in most ways. Our biology has gifted us with many strengths, including immense power, strong immunity against most diseases as well as long life. Our technology is so advanced as to allow us to live life in a simple manner most enjoyably. Our army and weaponry is well-advanced and incredibly powerful. This is why many races and planets and even entire Realms have created treaties, alliances and deep bonds with Asgard."
Probably too afraid to say no, Steve added mentally, recalling memories of imperialist nations throughout history.
Out loud, the soft spoken super-soldier asked, "So then, considering your people's power, considering Asgard's power, considering your superiority, do you think you are entitled to do as you please? That other beings have no right to speak out about their wishes? Jane does not have a right to speak her mind or disapprove anything?"
"Well..." Thor paused, non-plussed, for the first time in his long life no doubt, considering the practical ramifications of his beliefs. "I suppose so...?"
"You suppose." Steve repeated, dead-pan. He started on another tack. "I remember you speaking of a brother."
"Loki."
"Loki is adopted, right?"
"Yes, he-" Thor stopped suddenly as though realizing something.
"Am I right in remembering that he isn't Asgardian?"
Thor was silent, frowning, but then he slowly nodded.
"Do you consider Loki inferior?"
"Loki, well, he, um, ah, he is..." Thor trailed off, blue eyes gazing at the opposite grey wall of the gym, unfocussed and no doubt recalling some kind of memory. Then the ex-'god' grimaced, "Loki would say not. He would be very displeased were any of us to imply as such, yet many times I know that the generals and many of the Court feel as though Loki has never and will never entirely be able to embody all that is Asgard. However," Thor said softly, his fingers running along the edge of the punching bag he was sitting upon. "I know there are few as powerful, as stubborn, as cunning and as wise as Loki. He is a magickal being unlike many of Asgard and can hold his own more often than not in a fight, with or without magick. These long years we have lived together, I have come to trust him like no other. We have played together and fought together... and I would trust him with my life. There was that one time on Pelagos – but, ah, that is a tale for another day..."
"Are there others like Loki?"
"Hogun."
"Hogun?" asked Steve.
"Hogun of Vanaheim. He is a strong and capable warrior, taciturn and wise. Many years he has quested at my side. Asgard considers him a great warrior. Asgard has always given respect to those who earn it."
"Earn it in a way Asgard thinks is right, you mean," Steve corrected Thor. "I'm sure Asgard considers many Realms beneath it, as being inferior, which is why they are so protective. However, such protective behaviour on the part of Asgard, while well-meant, perhaps, can only create an unhealthy dependency so that the growing cultures never learn to fend for themselves... wouldn't you say?"
"But-" Thor paused in protest.
"Think about it," Steve urged. "If you helped them all the time, when can they learn to help themselves? Besides, I wonder – and I'm sure Fury has wondered – if Asgard's interest is merely altruistic. Probably not."
"I am sure my father and the Court have only the best interests of the Realms at heart!"
"Well, we can hope so," Steve sighed. "Until then, ask yourself whether you think Jane is really inferior to the women of Asgard – or the men. If she is less important to you or less lovely."
"Of course not," Thor bristled. "Jane is a wonderful woman – both wise and intelligent and fair and her heart is true and honest. She is a woman of honour!"
"Are you less of an Asgardian for cherishing a mortal woman?" asked Steve.
"No."
Thor's quick reply sank into the following silence like a stone and then the exiled prince sighed.
"I do not know, Steve," he finally admitted. "I do not think so. This is what my heart tells me, but I know my father's thoughts on this also. He would not consider cherishing a mortal as wise. Jane said I should speak of such matters to you... I remember her saying as much some time ago. She said that you, Steve, would be able to explain such matters – such opinions of difference and how they relate to the wars of your planet."
"Ah. The world wars."
"Yes."
"They were a terrible time," Steve finally said, heart heavy as he remembered the last time he had seen his love and his best friend. All of his friends now old or died or dying. A long lost time. Another world.
"They lasted a long time?"
"Relative to other wars in history... no. The first birthed the second but the reasons were different for each. In the end, we all fought in the Second World War – for freedom. Countries joined in battle for their friends and allies with the hope of bringing freedom to those who were different – to the Jews and the gypsies and the African immigrants and the, er, what they call 'gay' people and to Christians who were persecuted for speaking out or helping others hide or escape the Holocaust. It was a difficult time."
"What happened in the end?" asked Thor, eyes wide.
"Well, war happened," Steve shrugged. "Death happened. I was... made... during that time and I fought for my brothers in arms and my family and my home and other people's families and homes. And today, when it's all said and done, we can stand equal. More or less. That's the hope anyways."
"I see." Thor frowned. "And what happened to your enemies?"
"The Axis countries?"
"Were they destroyed never to harm your planet again?"
"Ummm... no... not really. I mean. No. I mean, you can go to Germany today and Japan and Italy and Austria and it's all good. After all, we can't forget but we can forgive, you know?"
"So easily?" asked Thor, shocked and a little intrigued, judging by his expression.
"Well, not easily," sighed Steve. "There was a lot of anti-German, anti-Japanese sentiment and all that, but nowadays for the common good, for the whatever they call it, 'global village' or whatever, we try to get along." Steve stopped and glanced at Thor, noted his puzzled face and asked, "What would you do? What would Asgard do?"
Thor went still for a moment and a dark expression for a moment flashed across his broad, open face.
"I would think extermination is the best course of action."
"Extermination... is a bit-"
"You have not yet met the Jotunn," Thor shook his head, interrupting Steve forcefully. "They are a savage race and have recently attacked Asgard in an attempt to regain one of their lost heirlooms. Jotunheim, the icy wasteland from which they hail, is a dying Realm, yet their will to conquer is strong."
"Maybe they thought it was the only way to survive," Steve suggested. "Perhaps they have a reason?"
"Who knows the mind of a Jotunn. If you were to meet them, you would understand."
"Or perhaps I would have a different opinion. After all, I barely know them, nor have they harmed us."
"They attacked Earth! A long time ago!" Thor's voice rose in affront. "My father descended to Earth to protect your people, at a time when your world was less civilized and able to protect itself."
"It was a long time ago," Steve pointed out. "I hardly think we'd hold grudges for something that happened so long ago even our ancestors can't remember it."
"That would be a foolish thing, Steve, to abandon such memories. It was a dark day for Jotunheim – a day when Asgard showed its full strength and pushed them back to their home world and took the base of their power from them. Yet, even now, I believe they plot and they plan our demise, waiting to strike. It was my hope to discover the truth of the matter, but my father would not see reason. I went to seek out the truth, but in the end..." Thor sighed. "A war began, which I will not be able to take part in."
"Your dad kicked you out, huh."
"Yes."
"Because you started a war with your old enemy."
"Ye-es," Thor winced.
"You provoked them?"
"Perhaps," Thor sighed. "I regret beginning something if truly there was nothing there beforehand, yet... yet... all of my life, I was told that the Jotunn were terrible, conniving creatures who wish nothing good for Asgard. How can I turn a blind eye to their attack?"
"You should have looked into it a bit more carefully then," Steve said. "You know, been a bit more patient or tried to see it from their point of view. Compromise can save many lives, you know. That should be the first go-to reaction."
"Some in Asgard's Court would call you naive," Thor's blue eyes met Steve's, and he smiled. "Yet, I can see that you merely wish for the best – for everyone. I will consider your words and think on them carefully, as best as I may. As an Asgardian, I know my duty, but perhaps, as Loki has told me before, there are other ways to go about them."
"Such as thinking twice before you act and trying to see things from the other's perspective," Steve nodded with a returning smile.
"Yes. You speak as my parents do, Steve."
"Well, it's good to be encouraged by the ones who care about you," Steve shrugged and clapped Thor on the shoulder. "I do care about you, Thor. I know it's hard for you. It's difficult and you aren't going to be able to change your feelings in a day. I don't know these Jotunn people like you seem to do, but maybe one day you guys will be able to find some common ground... maybe you'll prove yourself better than what anyone expects of you."
"It will be a hard road to tread," Thor said soberly, then he grinned. "Which is why I must walk it, for such paths are made for warriors such as I!"
"Ahhh..." Steve chuckled. "Yes. Fits your warrior's ethos – and ego - at any rate. And as for Jane, just... try to be honest with her about what you are struggling with. Ask her for help. I'm sure she wants to build those bridges between you two as much as you do."
"I will talk with her."
With that, Steve rose, leaving a much more thoughtful, yet optimistic Thor behind him. He hoped. As he left the gym, Steve turned one last time and looked back. Thor sat there, back to the Helicarrier's grey gym wall atop the pile of worn punching bags. His blue eyes traced the lines of the bolts studding the ceiling in an absent-minded kind of way. Steve nodded and left.
[...the silences hold promise...]
[...the silences...]
[...speak to you...]
[...drifting...]
Jane, Thor thought, recalling Steve's words. Jane. What are you to me?
...ask yourself whether you think Jane is really inferior to the women of Asgard – or the men. If she is less important to you or less lovely...
Jane. Sif. Kayra. All of the women whom I have met over the years... Thor sighed. Jane has always treated me as an equal... as though who I was, what my station was, was not important to her. Or rather, being important, yet not defining who I am.
Jane is a wonderful woman – both wise and intelligent and fair and her heart is true and honest. She is a woman of honour!
Someone I cannot regret...
...Are you less of an Asgardian for cherishing a mortal woman...
No. That had been my instant response, yet in truth, when I consider the future, when I look to what could be, I do not know. I know what my father would say... I also know what my heart tells me and for whatever time I am given, I would spend it at her side...
And yet...
And yet...
Asgard remains in need of a King and my father's word is law...
Thor. What will you do?
He sat there and waited in silence for some kind of resolution to come to him.
[...the silences...]
[...speak to you...]
"Jane."
"Thor?"
"It is I."
"Yeah, I guessed as much. Who else calls occasionally from private, untraceable numbers?"
"Untraceable? You wish to trace my calls?" Thor asked good-humouredly.
"No. I mean," Jane sighed and rolled her eyes. "Never mind. What's up?"
"I was just wishing to ascertain as to whether you arrived home safely," Thor said quickly. "That all of your luggage was also not lost."
"Oh, Thor," the young scientist smiled bemused. "You do realize it's just a ride across the Channel from Paris to London? It's difficult to get lost or anything like that."
"Well..."
"But, thank you! I appreciate the thought. I assume you arrived at the Ranch OK?"
"Actually," Thor hesitated.
"Oh," Jane leaned back in her chair and sighed. "It's back to work for SHIELD for you, huh. Say hi for me and remind that Agent of yours that I'm still wanting my stuff back, if it's lying around free and not filed away in some secret government archive somewhere." She ended that on a note of light sarcasm, at which Thor laughed.
"Yes. I could ask about it, but you do realize that no doubt they have dismantled your equipment somewhere."
"Or given it to Tony Stark to look at," Jane scowled.
"Indeed."
"So, it's a classified mission, huh."
"Yes. I am sorry, Jane," Thor added softly. "This is what I feel I must do at the very least."
"I know. I understand. A little," she added, "and it helps that we at least had a nice vacation together."
"Two weeks felt too short a time."
"Right. We should hang for a month, next time. I can teach you some other ways to burn eggs," Jane laughed.
"And I could teach you other ways to adequately cook meat," Thor agreed with another chuckle. "We could continue that ritual you suggested."
"Which one is that? We started so many..."
"The breaking of the night's fast in bed."
"Breakfast in bed? Yeah, that's pretty sweet, right?" Jane hummed as she enjoyed the memory of a shirtless Thor bringing her his own version of toast and eggs and orange juice (much more edible than her own attempts). "I look forward to the next time."
"Jake says that he will teach me something mortals call pancakes," Thor added. "Do you like pancakes?"
"Who doesn't? I will look forward to it!"
There was a short moment of silence as the two contemplated the next time they would be able to meet. Another holiday time, perhaps, such as Christmas.
"But it was good to find some rest with you," Thor said. "Your idea, in the end, was the best, Jane. You were right. I am sorry."
"Now, that's not so hard to admit, is it?" Jane smiled softly. "I accept your apology, Mr. Odinsson."
"It will be difficult, I think, to get this... this..." Thor stopped, unsure of what to say next, before continuing. "To get what we have right. I have a feeling I will continue to make many mistakes in the future."
"Well, that's what talking is for. That's what apologies and acceptances are for. Next time, I will do my hardest not to freeze you out. I know that you come from a totally different set of reality and it must be so hard for you to just accept what I think is right or wrong... I just..." Jane sighed. "I just want this to work out so badly and I want to help you, Thor. Sometimes, I look into your eyes and I just feel that you carry a burden so heavy... so heavy and there's nothing I can do about it-"
"Just be yourself," Thor assured the young woman, his heart warming at her kind words and her usual honest attempt to reach out to him. "Your belief in me makes me a stronger man, a better man."
"Man, huh. What about Asgardian?"
"That too," Thor grinned.
With that, the conversation turned to other topics and the afternoon passed swiftly for Thor as the Helicarrier of SHIELD returned him to New York and a waiting team of operatives.
It was time to go a-questing once again. Thor's work was far from done.
-0-0-0-
The centre of each galaxy holds a vast void, as many scientists and mages and academics know the Realms over know. Many names have been attached to such a space of nothingness, where even matter is devoured and to whence it goes, no one entirely knows. This is the Void, the Black Hole, the Shadowed Eyes of Death, the Great Maw, the Tai'shu, the Muthr'a'Ginnung. One such phenomena hangs within the centre of the galaxy which is known to some as the Fen'chi Galaxy, to others the Andromeda Galaxy or the K'varo Quadrant.
Shadowed, murky and devouring anything which crossed its wide, gaping maw, the black hole in the centre of the Fen'chi Galaxy whispered dark things to those who would listen to such voices which call out in the dead of the night and insidiously creep into the dreams of those whose minds are more open than most. Such a Void can hold nothing but the most wicked being of all, an ancient evil, a forgotten creature long caged within That Which Is Not. Some say it has been there since the dawn of time, as though even Life and Death have forgotten this dark monster.
Whispering, haunting, plotting and lurking, it reaches out to the minds of those ambitious, those gifted, those empowered. It calls even now.
...YOU ARE MINE...
The Chitauri have answered.
-0-0-0-
Drifting just outside the gravity well of the central tai'shu of the Fen'chi Galaxy, a ragged line of asteroids and dead planets slowly move over the face of the unfathomable darkness, providing a perfect meeting place for those who would commune with the exiled evil lurking within, imprisoned on the threshold of reality. Upon one such dark rock, a bio-mechanical warrior stood, cloaked in his finest, grasping his favoured electro-staff. His face, shadowed by his dark hood, the Chitauri general lifted his head, revealing the barest glimpse of a metal half-mask. His dark eyes gazed across the small flat room half-erected upon the asteroid, watched as the tall, menacing shadow by the window grew and formed itself into the familiar figure of the one called Thanos.
"My lord," breathed the Other in reverence. "Our plans continue forward unthwarted, our armies gather, our information grows by the day. Soon, all will be as you foresaw."
"YES, WE ARE ON THE THRESHOLD OF ACHIEVEMENT, WE ARE ON THE CUSP OF THE ULTIMATE DEFEAT."
"Yes, lord," the infamous general nodded.
For many years, the Other had awaited the chance to prove the quality of his people, to heap revenge upon the unsuspecting heads of the enemies who would dare extinguish his people. Looking out upon the army of the Chitauri which even now swarmed in an orderly mass about the drifting orbit of asteroids currently linked by gravity generators, rocket boosters, repulsors and magnetic technology. Other Leviathan ships flew slowly in formation close by the nearest star system, while smaller space ships, manned by mercenaries and other useful contacts, hovered over the more viable planets. The army was amassing, their power and technology was increasing. All that remained was a long journey across the Voids of space to the far galaxy and the distant, almost forgotten, protected planet of Midgard where a treasure lay hidden.
"YET, THERE IS THE ONE THING WHICH I SEEK, WHICH WOULD AID US-"
"The Tesseract."
"WHEN WE DISCOVERED ITS LOCATION, I KNEW THAT DEATH HAD PLANNED THIS DESTINY FROM THE DAY THIS COSMOS WAS BORN."
"However, in order to speed our arrival to Midgard, the only option is to utilize one who may be able to find it, connect with it, harness its power and, reaching Midgard, attain it and then use its power as a portal to hasten our arrival," the Other mused. "And such a one has only recently be approached. His answer has not yet been assured."
"IT WILL BE. THE LOST TREASURE OF MIDGARD WILL BE OURS."
"Until that final alliance is assured then, the Chitauri will continue searching for a sorcerer or mage of the calibre essential for the task at hand."
"IT SHALL BE DONE AND LADY DEATH... SHALL BE APPEASED."
"It shall be done," bowed the Other and exited with careful reverence.
Plans and exigencies rose up within his mind's eye as he made his way down the roughly hewn steps of the asteroids down to other stairs which led away from the tai'shu, hanging with the power of techno-magery. Further down and away from the looming black hole, the Other joined the solemn circle of generals and aides which he had left behind.
"We must continue our search of other options," the Other harshly barked out as he approached the circle of Chitauri now grouped around a flat holographic representation of their forces. A mighty army worthy of Death, Thanos had said with a cool smile.
"The mage has not agreed upon our terms?" asked one.
"Of course not," snapped another. "Otherwise, we would not be here at such as summit. What are you thoughts, lord?" He added obsequiously.
"Expand our search to the edge of the Mye'hyoi," the Other said. "Mya'ar, search the farming communities, whatever species they may be. Kali'ir, open lines of communication with the mage we have spoken of before and see what other demands that creature would want. Li'ar and Coa'ru, travel to the Realm of the Jotunn and see what their galaxy has to offer. Re'en, meet with the Dark Elves again and see if there are any who may be bought for their services. Eno'ak, search the edges of the Mye'hyoi, focusing on the prison planets. Perhaps there we may find some mage or sorcerer willing to lend its skills for hire. Bear in mind that we search for one whose abilities range from an Eno'ko or above. Nothing lower will do. Understand?"
"Yes, my lord," the answering rustles of gravel and machine brought temporary relief to the Other.
Soon, he thought with a cold smile, soon, we shall exact revenge, we shall show our worth... we shall be free.
...FREE...
...IN HER ARMS...
...SUCH FREEDOM...
[...the wind carries it onward...]
Carried through the spaces, through the Voids which connect all things, carried upon the light of the stars, in the altering melodies which chimed out warning after warning, the dark promises filtered down to Midgard, down to Jela. The Tesseract's bright colours swirled and flared within its metallic cage. It echoed back the call.
It sang.
...let he who has the ears to hear...
...let him hear...
...what the Heimsrsal...
...what the spirit of the stars sing out...
...dark evil awakes...
...it is rising...
[...the wind carries it onward...]
[...the silences hold the secrets...]
[...and the truths...]
Some of you guys wanted to see a more thorough look into the Thor/Jane relationship as I think of it. I hope this is an adequate portrayal. It's a bit different from the films because I think that Thor and Jane in the films really don't have a relationship really. My good friend who had gotten engaged once told me that you never really know someone unless you spend at least 4 months with them, preferably over the huge Western holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter). Then you really get to know that person when they are under stress. On top of that, Thor is an ALIEN. I have some good friends over here who are Americans who married Chinese folks and they had A LOT of stuff to work out. How much more would Jane and Thor have to talk things through? People assume such relationships are impossible. They are not. They just need a lot of work. Of course, I also think that half the reason why divorces happen in general is because people assume being married is just same as always, when it's not. Perhaps if folks approached marriage more carefully as cross-cultural couples do, then divorce might not be such a danger. I dunno...
Anyways, all this to say, this is why I have Jane and Thor arguing and making up here. I also have parts where Thor is still struggling with bringing his recent epiphanies into a more practical sphere. It's one thing for a person to say "I shouldn't have done that..." because they feel sorry for themselves and the fact that they are missing out on the life they had before, as opposed to saying "I shouldn't have done that because I hurt others". Similarly, it's one thing to agree that "racism is bad" and it's entirely another thing for one to forgive terrorist-producing countries or religions. Anyways, I hope this chapter is OK!
2017 Addendum: An anonymous reviewer has stated that the word "gypsy" is derogatory. Due to the increasing amount of readers lacking resiliency, I must add a (retarded) disclaimer that the use of the word does not reflect the author's views, but reflects the time period from which Steve Rogers comes. In fact, some people and textbooks today still use this term in a neutral sense, regardless of what individuals (such as myself or various readers) think/feel.
Let me know what you think for reals!
-KI
Alien Glossary:
'auzha – fucker
bollen - boulders/monoliths
chi'iano – a radioactive piece of rock similar to uranium
cho'ai - lover
Dou'ma – idiot
Eno'Keshi'ko – the system of Eno, a type of magical level measurements
Fen'chi Galaxy – Andromeda Galaxy
gan'ga'war – steel balls
gan'ko – ganka'jya chon, a steel beetle
iz'kyr – a kind of frozen stone powder which is used as a narcotic for some species
Janah – similar to dammit
Ka'autha'ndarna - Reality
kalo – a kind of purple-red fruit, similar to a pomegranate or dragonfruit
Kholathan – Safety Belt/Protected Zone
kol-sava'atha – a titanium-rich ore
kon'bi – short for konji'bifu, space bat
lasu – space rat
l'gon – storyteller
Morning-star - a mace
myech'myena - shape-shifting
Mye'hyoi Peyt – Milky Way
n'ch'nka – a kind of cow
Nord-Stjarna – north star
Nyr'Fjor - Jotunn's original name for V'slozh'noi
oma'auzha – mother-effer
oto'oa - big sister
pu'lotni – plutonium
pye'nee - a kind of bird
Ra'ska'yeh o Phyllo'xia – Tales of Phylloxia
roobyn – a red stone
r'senk'ne – a kind of deer/cow hybrid
Shen'grid – the Protected Zone, the zone in which habitable planets orbit around a sun
Shi'nuwu – Reality/Yggdrasil
sigan – short for yan'sigan, rock-worm
So'shah – Earth/Midgard
syem'fyerma – family/community farm
Tai'shu – The Void
tro'watal – perseverance
udji'oo – a drug, like opium
whota – wheat