Hello everyone. This chapter was postponed from being released because my cousin, who was only 37, died from Pulmonary embolism, two days after Valentine's day... I was close to her so her death hit him hard. Aside from that tragic in the family, I will try working on the following chapters to mostly try distracting me. Anyway, let's reply to the reviews.
kingdevo09: Thank you and your absolutely right that Roots of Hope, it is the best! Can't wait to see what he plans next.
merendinoemiliano Thank you. I have plans to expand on their backstory, particularly Andrew's.
Guest-Questioner Well, not all my postings will be immediately, only for the chapters I already wrote. Once I get further into the story that is when I will be taking some more time to write chapters. As for your question about his hair, it can be answered by looking at the cover art for the story. It also show's his armor and axe, Jarnbjorn. I'll leave a link to it at the end of the story.
frostyoblivion: I admit I'm not the best writer and I do miss some grammar and sentences and I am trying my best but that shouldn't stop you from giving this story a try my friend. You can't let little things like that stop you from reading a story that interests you.
Chapter 6
The New God in Town
It had only been a day and still the most highly talked about topic was the new God of Thunder defeating the Einherjar Andrew. Those who had witnessed it with their own eyes had retold the fight over and over while others, the younger generation, had recorded it and taken to spreading it via the internet. Imagining Gods using the internet was the strangest thing Thor had ever seen but this was the 21st century. While the fight itself was most talked about, the reason why it happened was the second biggest topic.
"Is it true? Did Thor really fight the Einherjar for the Allfather's bodyguard?"
"Lord Baldur told me. I am surprised the Valkyrie without a boyfriend had someone stand up for her like that."
"I wish Thor would do that for me! I'd love to have the God of Thunder protect me!"
"He's only been here a week and he's already shown to be a good man. Protecting a lady and teaching that bully a lesson."
"I hope that Einherjar has learned his lesson."
A thought shared by everyone in Asgard. After the duel, the Einherjar was dragged off to the hospital protesting loudly and following his release never showed up to Valhalla. Everybody, including herself, though he must have locked himself in his home and never came out after his embarrassing defeat by Thor. Speaking of Thor, his training was postponed until his shoulder fully healed. However, he too protested by saying he could continue both his school studies and magic training with one arm. Rossweisse agreed his studies were important but his training would not continue until he had a week's rest of recovery.
"Rose is right, Thor, if you try training in the condition you are in now you'll reopen your wound. While it is possible to keep practicing you should wait to have the use of both hands. It's best if you wait until you fully recover." Sigrun advised the God of Thunder, the two sitting beneath a tree during lunch break.
"Hmph!" Thor grumbled with a pout.
"Now, Thor, don't be like that. What Andrew did was bold and must be given credit for wounding you. Besides, you can use this time to train your mind or explore the downtown area of Asgard."
Thor gave a curious look at Sigrun. He had heard the Downtown area mentioned a lot by the other students and said to be somewhere to visit, especially at night. Exploring Downtown hadn't been an idea of his until Sigrun suggested it, all he really planned on doing was read up on magic to expand his knowledge on how it works. Not to mention he only knew about the Palace and Valhalla, Downtown sounded like a fun place. Every night in the Palace he would look out windows or stand on balconies looking at the lights illuminating Downtown Asgard. He was too far to hear noises but knew it must be loud with laughter and music. To go and experience it would be a memory he would never forget.
"If Rose was here she would urge you to wait until you are fully recovered to do anything active like exploring Downtown." Sigrun joked with a laugh.
"Well, she is the Royal family bodyguard."
"Nah, that's just how she is. She takes everything seriously. I keep telling her to relax and not worry so much now that Odin has that Fallen Angel leader protecting him."
"You seem to know a lot about Rossweisse."
Sigrun tried stifling a laugh but failed to hold it back. "That's because we've been friends since we were five. It's also why I keep calling her Rose, being around her grandmother who always called her that rubbed off on."
"You're friends with her?"
"Since we were five. Her childhood is… well, it's better if you ask her about it yourself."
So that's why Sigrun called her Rose. What an amusing piece of information. Heh, maybe I'll call her that in my next training.
"Lady Sigrun! Lady Sigrun!"
Just then a boy came hurrying up to the pair and whispered something in her ear. Sigrun's brow furrowed as she nodded once and stood up, summoning her emerald Valkyrie armor. It shimmered in the sunlight.
"I'm sorry, Thor, but I must be off."
"Where are you going?"
"A mission." The violet haired girl answered, a sly grin stretching across her face at the realization forming on Thor's face, "What, you thought all we did was dwell in Asgard? There are Nine Realms connected to the Yggdrasil. Nine Realms to protect against evil. Of which Realm I am to be sent to is not known until I reach the Bifrost. When I return I will share my adventure with you."
Thor felt the urge to slap himself in the face. How could he be so forgetful about something so important? The Nine Realms, Asgard, Midgard, Alfheim, Jotunheim, Muspelheim, Niflheim, Nidavellir, Vanaheim, and Helheim, all connected by Yggdrasil's roots and accessible via the Bifrost was one of the most important aspects of the Norse Faction.
Maybe one of these days he and Rossweisse will have a mission together. The God of Thunder and the Strongest Valkyrie Youth protecting the Realms! Or even better, to go traveling. To go and see the home of the Elves and walk among the Jotun's. To wield a walking stick instead of a weapon.
"Yes…" Thor thought as he watched Sigrun fly away, "...that would be nice."
Later…
"Your grace… your grace…"
Thor stirred as he opened his eyes and was face to face with a neatly dressed man. Looking around, he saw he was in what looked like a hall with chairs facing the same direction and windows set on either side and at the front where a large wheel set. The red-head suddenly remembered who this was and where he was at. It was not a great hall but a simple public bus.
He had read about these during his time with the Church and had never used one before until today. So when boarding it he did not realize he had to pay to ride it. Lucky for him being the Prince of Asgard gave him free access, but only for this one time.
After Sigrun left, lunch had ended and it was back to class to resume his studies. The day went by fairly quickly and soon it was time to go home and go. Until he realized he had no way of getting back. He had no phone to call for anyone to pick him up nor could he drive himself for he had no license, flying and teleportation magic were unless for he did not know how to use either. He was stuck, at least until he saw students boarding a bus outside the Academy. He quickly hopped on and waited for the bus to take him home.
After that all went black.
"I fell asleep didn't I?" Thor asked the driver who nodded with a grin.
"You sure did, your grace and you're not the only one I've had to wake up." The driver laughed while helping him, "This is the third to last stop and it isn't far from the Palace. Just walk down Buri Street for five miles before turning on Bifrost Avenue that will lead straight to Palace steps."
Thor thanked the driver and exited the bus to begin his journey down Buri Street but stopped upon noticing something about the area. There were no majestic buildings or statues honoring the Gods and Goddesses. Instead it was an empty street with many old and run down buildings, some having a foul stench coming from them. He was just about to ask the bus driver where he was but had already left, leaving the Son of Odin alone.
He glanced at the sky and saw it was slowly changing from blue to orange. The sun was setting meaning it would be dark by the time he returned to the Palace, Freya must be worried sick about him. He knew he needed to get back but something told him to go the other way, in the direction of the run down street he was looking at.
You've only seen the Upper parts of Asgard. The lower levers… they're a mess and needs fixing up. Odin's words echoed in his head.
"I'm in the lower levels of Asgard." He whispered aloud before walking down the street to inspect it. Odin was right about it needing fixing, there were rows of weeds growing along the sides of old brick buildings, some houses looked to be abandoned and bags of garbage were stacked into mountains inside and outside. The smell was so bad he wished he could hold his breath for days or rip off his nose.
"By Odin's beard! Is that… can that be…"
Thor spun around when hearing the voice. He saw a woman dressed in rags peeking out from behind a door, her eyes were filled with shock and awe when seeing the God of Thunder.
"Bless my soul," whispered the woman, Thor Odinson. . . what an honor."
She hurried out from behind the door, rushed toward Thor and seized his hand, tears in her eyes.
"Welcome back, your grace, welcome back."
Thor had no idea what to say to the woman. He hadn't expected anybody to be living down here and if they were, would have jumped him. Instead he was being greeted as if he was a long lost friend.
"I… I always knew you'd return someday. The Fates have granted you a second chance and now you can restore Asgard to what it formally was."
"Sorry," Said Thor with a shake of his head, "But I don't know what you're talking about."
The woman blinked before smiled sadly, "Ah, you must have lost your memories of old. That explains why you're so young. Perhaps explaining it to you will help."
She paused to dry her eyes before continuing.
"Well, after your sacrifice - no - after Surtr's attack Asgard fell into disarray. The banks were run dry after the queen's demands to have statues built in honor of you and others who fell in battle. The rest were spent on the Allfather's misadventures to Midgard. We've managed to restore some of Asgard but only the upper areas. Down here… nothing can be fixed, especially with how little money is made today. Lord Freyr wasn't too pleased about the King and Queen's actions. "
Despite his shock of how Asgard became what it is now, he couldn't stop himself from saying, "But Grigori will help refill the banks and rebuild the lower levels. That's got to count for something."
A shadow fell over the women's face at the mention of the Fallen Angels. "What can those crows do to help us!? They only care about themselves! They are just as sinful as the Devils! Not to mention their group has fractured because of this alliance we forged with Azazel and now were being used as hunting dogs to take care of those rogue groups!"
Thor jumped back at the women's outburst about the Fallen Angels. Was this what the people thought of Grigori and the alliance formed with them? If she disliked the Fallen then she must despise the Devils and Church.
"I think," Thor said slowly, choosing his next words carefully to not anger the woman more, "that if we set aside the anger and distrust towards each other then someday will achieve peace. We made peace with the other kingdoms in our faction, surely we can do the same with the Christian Faction."
The woman scowled at Thor, "We were friends with the Dwarves and Elves but those alliances have fractured over the years because of Allfather."
"Then I will renew those alliances!" Retorted the God, surprising the woman. "I will work with Grigori to rebuild Asgard and make friends with them and all the other Factions!"
"That sounds like a wonderful goal."
Thor turned when hearing the voice and was surprised to see the silver haired Valkyrie with her arms full of bags approaching. What was she doing here? Did… did she live here?
"L-Lady Rossweisse!" The woman said bowing to the Allfather's bodyguard. "W-whatever you heard of the Allfather I-"
"I will let it slide for now but make sure you choose your next words more carefully." Rossweisse scolded the woman.
"O-of course. I-I should get going anyway. Farewell, your grace! If you are serious about your goal then I wish you all the luck of the Nine Realms!"
"Who was that?" Thor asked after the woman shook his hand and returned to the building she had previously been occupying.
"A resident of the lower levels." Rossweisse answered, "She, like many others down here, are living on hard times. What little money they have has to be used wisely. Finding a job in Asgard is nearly impossible and without a job they don't have the money to pay for housing."
"Why not go on a mission? Can't money be made that way?"
"Not everyone in Asgard is a warrior, Thor. Some are just common folk who live an ordinary life. We do not go on missions for payment. We are not Devils who require rewards for completing a contract or saving people. Anyway what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the Palace?"
"I could ask you the same question but you asked first. I fell asleep on the bus and woke up here."
"I forgot you don't know any flight or teleportation magic yet." The Valkyrie sighed, "When your arm is fully healed I'll show you how to use those people. They are very helpful in getting to places. Now come with me, I'll take you to my home."
"Home? You LIVE here!?" Thor gasped in horror looking around at the old buildings. How could someone like her, a bodyguard of the Royal family, live in such a crummy place like this?
Is Odin making her live this way? She deserved better!
"Not in this particular area." The Valkyrie corrected, "The lower you go into Asgard the more decrepit it becomes. I always take this route to my apartment after shopping which I was lucky enough to do tonight. The Allfather has kept me very busy while you were healing. How is your arm by the way?"
"It feels fine." Thor answered as he followed Rossweisse, "It shouldn't be long until it's fully healed and I can renew my training."
"Which I will help you with when I'm available."
"When you are available? Didn't Freya say you are to train me?"
"She did. But like I said the Allfather has kept me very busy as of late and let's be honest, Thor, Waiting for me won't make you stronger. I can't always be here to guide you, Thor. You need to train yourself if you are to become the next God of Thunder. If I'm not available to train you then practice what I've already taught you. Remember if you keep putting too much magic into a spell then it will backfire or exhaust you of energy leaving and you open to attacks. Your skills in magic will improve but you need to practice a lot."
A fire flickered in Thor's eyes at what she told him. Rossweisse was right in saying she couldn't hold his hand forever. If he was to become stronger then he needed to do this himself. He would show Rossweisse and the rest of Asgard he was worthy of the title of God of Thunder.
"I will." He said with a smile, "You're a great teacher Rose."
The silver haired Valkyrie's pride quickly vanished as she froze like a child caught stealing cookies from the jar. Her entire face burned red with embarrassment.
"Wh-W-what did you call me?"
"Rose. Sigrun called you that to me and...I think it's a cute nickname." Thor admitted with a big smile.
"C-c-c-cute!?" Rose stuttered, blushing more. Oh why did Sigrun have to say her nickname in front of Thor!? How he'll never stop calling her that!
"Ro-"
"D-Don't call me that!" She exclaimed in a high tone, but serious, tone.
"You don't like Rose?"
"N-no it's not that! It's just...just...s-shut up and don't call me that!"
Next time she saw Sigrun she was going to give that girl a scolding she'd never forget on why to never use her nickname so freely around men of Asgard, especially one of the Sons of Odin.
"S-so are you serious about renewing the old alliances and making new ones?" Asked the Valkyrie in hopes of changing the topic.
"I am!" Thor said a little too enthusiastically, "The people of Asgard deserve better. I've learned so much history and it shocks me to see how the Norse Faction came to be this way. It sounded as if we were once one of the greatest Factions in the world."
"We were for a time." Rossweisse admitted, "Before Christianity rose in power and began spreading throughout the world, the Hindu, Norse, and Greek Factions were the strongest. What once was a great kingdom has now fallen from grace and barely clinging onto life."
"Not if I can help it." Thor retorted, "I don't know what Odin and Freya did to make Asgard in the state it is now but I will do whatever I can to restore Asgard to its former glory and help Odin's goal of peace be achieved!"
Unbeknownst to God of Thunder, Rossweisse was smiling at him. How could she not? Thor had just joined Asgard and already had his goal set; rebuilding Asgard and helping Odin's plan to coexist in peace. If the other Aesir see Thor's commitment to his goals, maybe others will join in and help.
"Here we are." She said, leading Thor up a flight of stairs to a shabby apartment. It wasn't in peak condition but it was certainly better than what they had been walking through before.
Remembering the good manners the Church taught him about helping a woman, Thor tried taking some of her bags to lighten her load.
"What are you doing?" She asked, pulling her arms away.
"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm trying to help you."
"I can handle it." The Valkyrie reassured him.
"No you can't. In fact, you look as if you're about ready to collapse, Rose." Thor countered upon noticing the dark circles beneath her eyes.
"I told you not to call me that." She hissed, angered at being called Rose again.
"Rose. Rossweisse. It doesn't matter to me. I am more concerned for your well-being." He said definitely.
Rossweisse stared at the God when he said those words, which allowed the redhead to take some of her grocery bags. Nobody ever said they were concerned for her before, not even Sigrun. Before she could reply, Thor had stepped aside and waited for her to open the door. She hastily scrambled to get her keys out and unlocked it and led him inside.
Thor was again surprised to find how small, plain, and well organized the apartment was. The walls were white and a few pictures could be hung on the walls and shelves. There was a dark green couch able to sit two people on it with a coffee table set between it and a television. The shelves were packed to the brim with books on magic, seals, history, mathematics and... was that a romance novel laying on the couch?
"Set that there and that over there please." Rossweisse ordered while setting her own bags down and began restocking her fridge, freezer and cabinets with new food and items.
When the silence got uncomfortable Thor said, "So this is where you live?"
"I do. Is that a problem?" A hint of hostility could be heard in her voice despite having her head in the freezer to check for space.
"Not at all. I'm just surprised that you live in a place like this. Was it Odin who made you live here?"
"He didn't make me live in this apartment. I chose to live here." The Valkyrie corrected while shutting the freezer and moving on to packing the cabinets. "While I wish the payment was higher, I prefer living cheaply."
"Which allows you to have so many books."
"Bingo." Rose said with a smirk. "There's so much you can learn from books."
"Like how to fight someone stronger then you or romance tips."
"Y-y-yeah. Like romance tips..." She muttered blushing at his words. Spells weren't the only things Rossweisse read nonstop about, she was a lover of sappy romantic novels which she kept in her room for nobody to see. Besides, if she was to ever get a boyfriend she needed to know exactly what to do to make him happy.
When the last groceries were stocked she led the God to the door while saying, "Thank you for helping me. I've been so busy I forgot about restocking my house."
"You mean you barely have time to yourself? Surely the duty as the Allfather's bodyguard can't be that stressful?"
"As of matter of fact it is." Rossweisse said with a sigh as she stretched her arms, her bones popping in process. "I have to ensure the entire Royal Family is not harmed. It is my duty to ensure you are safe."
And not do lewd things…
How would Thor react to knowing one of the wisest of men in the Supernatural world and king of the Aesir was a pervert? He would find out eventually but she did not wish to be the one to tell him nor could she bear the thought of seeing such a thing happen. So she pushed it from her mind and forced a smile onto her face and was about to bid the red-head when a thought popped into her head.
"Oh! Before you go I have something for you." She rushed to one of her many bookshelves and grabbed a handful of books. "Take these. Their books on magic and seals to help your training and as a thank you."
"I can't accept this. They belong to you. Besides, I only did what a proper man should do for a girl being bullied."
"P-P-please take them. I insist." She stammered blushing for the third time today. How was it that no other man talked to her like this!? Could the Fates be intertwining her destiny to Thors?
Seeing that she was persistent in giving away the books, Thor accepted them with a smile. "Thank you. These will definitely come in handy."
And with that, Thor began his return walk to the Palace.
Asgard Palace
Odin sat atop his throne, a look of boredom upon his face. Instead of being at one of the many titty bars and making it rain, he was stuck in another meeting.
"All seems well within Asgard." Vidar said with a laid back grin, "What about the other eight realms?"
"Heimdall says all is well." Freya answered her son with a smile, "I see no reason to end this early."
Odin perked up at that. Yes! Now he could go and-
"Not quite. Are you all forgetting something? The boy with Thor's name."
"And what does my brother in law wish to discuss about my foster son?" Odin asked while leaning forward, keen to know why the God of Sacral Kingship spoke up about Thor.
"Do your hearts not hold curiosity for this boy? Centuries after Thor protected Asgard against Surtr, this boy suddenly appears with his powers and name?"
"Perhaps it's Fate's way of giving mother and father a second chance," Vidar said while his parents sent a smile his way. "I see no issue about it. I had a front-row seat watching him own that Einherjar who's been making trouble at Valhalla. Baldur would not stop cheering for him."
"I'm not surprised you'd say that, Vidar. You've always been carefree but what of the rest of you? What do you think of this boy? He's an unknown with Godly powers. We should keep a closer eye on him."
"Freyr, my dearest brother." The twin sister turned to her brother, "This boy does not need someone to watch him. What he needs is love. Remember were there when discovering him ao you can imagine what he's been through under the Church's care. This boy, Thor, needs the love of not just family, but friends. From those who trust him, those who respect him, and above all, those who love him. He may have just joined but I know in time he shall climb the latter and reach the top of our Pantheon, just as the Original Thor did."
The gathered Aesir looked to each other then back to Vanir. The title of Allmother wasn't bestowed upon her for no reason. Her years spent with Odin made her a wise Queen.
"I suppose you're right." Freyr said with a sigh, "Nevertheless, Thor will face many trials as he climbs that ladder. Not just from our enemies but the people themselves. Yes, the new generation may accept him but what of us? Those who knew the old Thor, the First Thor, will not accept this boy immediately. It may take time."
Freya still smiled at her brother's words. "Then we shall take all the time in the universe to accept him as one of us."
Downtown
Downtown Asgard was truly a sight to behold at night. Everywhere you looked there would be bustling lights on the modern buildings with thousands of Aesir, young and old, bustling through the streets, going to bars, or relaxing within the many parks built in it. All while the stars twinkled and the moon shined in the night sky. And all of this was being seen for the first time by Thor.
Thor spent the rest of the day after school resting and relaxing before night came on Asgard and began his adventure in Downtown.
"I see you are enjoying your time out here."
"Vandil." Thor greeted the Jotun who clapped him on the back gently, remembering his shoulder was still healing.
"All is well?"
"Aside from a healing shoulder, yes. It's almost been a week and I've learned so much. The rise and fall of tyrants and heroes, the legendary weapons wielded by the Aesir, and how magic works."
"Speaking of magic, anything new with Rossweisse?" The Jotun asked with a cheeky wink.
"If you're talking about training, then no. She's making me wait until my arm is fully healed. However, I watched Sigrun fly off to a mission."
"Ah yes. The Emerald Valkyrie. She is one of the greatest Valkyrie's of this generation, right behind Rossweisse of course. If those two paired up as a team they would be unstoppable."
Vandil wasn't wrong, Rossweisse was proficient in magic while Sigrun was a master of swordsmanship. Speaking of Sigrun, he shouldn't have felt as surprised as he should at knowing her second title was related to the color of her armor.
"Someday, when the Allfather sees you are ready, you too will be taking missions to help the Nine Realms." Vandil encouraged with a smile before setting off to who knows where.
Thor's eyes lit up with excitement at Vandil's words. The Jotun was right, he would get to see the other Realms soon. Before he could think of which one he would go to first, there was a yelp heard in a bar nearby followed by a familiar voice.
"Lord Odin, you shouldn't do such a thing!"
Rossweisse and Odin? What were they doing in a bar? Curious about what was happening, the young God investigated and what he saw stupefied him.
There was the Allfather surrounded by many beautiful and busty women in outfits so small they exposed a lot of skin, particularly in the chest. One girl had her skirt flipped up by Odin who was laughing joyously while commenting about how fine her butt looked. Over by the bar he saw Rossweisse was ordering more drinks with a flustered and disappointed expression.
"Thor! So good of you to join us!" Odin shouted when spotting the God of Thunder. He raised his glass high while wearing a big goofy grin. "Come drink with your old man and get this workaholic bodyguard of mine to let off some steam!"
But Thor just stood there in silence. This had to be what the women meant by the Allfather's misadventures to Midgard. His eyes flickered to the silver Valkyrie who looked away in shame. So she knew about this, she knew all this time the Allfather was actually a perverted old man who enjoyed drinking and groping younger women.
Whatever else Odin was yammering on about was drowned out by the anger Thor directed towards him. It slowly began building up inside him, his hands clenched so tightly they were turning white and then it happened, it so fast nobody had time to blink. There was a clap of thunder and all saw Odin go toppling to the floor, ale spilled everywhere onto his robes. Thor's fist was outstretched and a flash of yellow was seen in his eyes. There was the shattering of glasses as Rossweisse came to her king's aid.
"How. Could. You." Each word Thor growled was filled with resentment towards the Allfather. "I thought you were the King of Asgard!? Not… this! How can you do such a thing when you're married!?"
"You are right, my son. How can the great King of the Aesir do such a thing?"
All eyes turned to the one who spoke and gasped. In the bar, entry was Freya standing tall and still wearing her kind smile. Following her was the ever stoic Baraqiel.
"Because I allow it."
Thor's anger dissolved at the queen's words. She allows it!? But that's her husband! Why would she let him see younger girls?
The Queen laughed at her son's reactions, strolling past the red-head towards her downed husband. "Do not act so surprised, Thor. Odin has slept with many women in the centuries before our marriage. The desire to be around young women has always been a bad habit of his. However he can only look," She helped him to his feet and cupped his chin lovingly, a glint of mirth twinkled in her eyes, "The only body he's allowed to touch is mine."
Thor was certain if he didn't have such a strong stomach, he would vomit at hearing such words. The image, however, was tougher to erase from his memory. Why!? Why the hell would he even imagine such a thing!?
"Rossweisse," The Queen suddenly said to the family bodyguard, "Go spend some time on the town." She added with a wink.
Knowing she would object to this, Thor nudged Rossweisse in the shoulder. "I suggest you take this opportunity to relax for the night. Plus, I could use the help since this is my first time in Downtown and you can show him around."
The bodyguard of the Royal Family looked between the Queen and her son, reluctant to leave the Allfather alone. But Thor wasn't wrong, even though a couple of weeks had passed, he was still new to Asgard and someone would need to help him.
"Come," She said, leading him out the bar, "I'll show you around."
"Make sure you're home before midnight!" Freya called out to her son. When he was out of sight, she turned to her husband, her cheerful expression replaced by seriousness. "Are you alright?"
"Yes. It's been a while since I had someone punch me that hard in the gut." The Allfather said with a wave of his hand, "However my well-being isn't what you want to know. You felt it, the power."
"I saw the power. He came charging at me. The people, however, only saw a flash."
"Then why didn't you dodge?" Freya asked, surely if Odin saw Thor attacking he could have easily avoided it.
Odin smiled fondly, "My dear wife, sometimes you just wanna take a trip down memory lane."
Downtown Asgard
The God and Valkyrie walked in silence unsure of what to talk about. Bystanders taking notice of the duo and some greeting Thor with the title Lord. Lord… he still wasn't used to such a title being used for him. People used to just call him Thor. But like everything else he would eventually get used to it.
He had asked to be shown around but Rose was as silent as a mouse while walking through the streets. What reason did she have for it? Usually she would talk non-stop about how to use magic.
Talk about magic…
"So—"
"I should go back."
"What?"
"I should go back. The Allfather maybe—"
"Odin is fine. So what if I punched him in the gut. He's the King of Asgard, he'll be fine. Stop worrying."
"But—"
"Wouldn't you rather want to spend time with your friends?"
Rossweisse looked dejected at his question, head lowering in sadness. "I don't have any…"
Memories of old flashed through her mind. All those years of non-stop studying had paid off in making her become one of the strongest warriors of Asgard. On the other hand, she had no time for friends and more importantly, love. Aside from Sigrun, nobody else would talk to her, no boys would offer to take her on dates. Was she destined to be alone forever? Was her bad luck to follow her everywhere?
"I'm your friend."
Surprise filled Rossweisse as she looked at Thor who wore a kind smile.
"Have I not been your friend, Rossweisse? Or am I just Odin's son?"
She could feel her cheeks warm up. Did he truly see her as a friend? Nobody ever told her that before and it made her happy.
"No, you are my friend Thor."
"Now that's the face I've been waiting to see," Thor said with a huge smile when the girl's expression changed to a more upbeat look. "Come on, you still gotta show me around."
And she did.
Rossweisse led the God throughout Asgard, pointing out certain buildings like the Treasure Trove, a store that sold Dwarven made jewelry and Vanaheim Sweets. Aside from magic, the Vanir were masters of making sweet's so mouth-watering they make people want more. Currently, Thor found himself in a part of the city that still had a medieval look to it, cobblestone road, straw-thatched roofs, and brick buildings. The only modern architect he could see was the stainless glass windows that allowed shoppers to see the mannequins dressed up or the jewelry. All of which Thor realized was very cheap and bland.
"Uhm, Rose? These are all cheap shops."
Her brow twitched at the word. "Cheap? They are discounted goods!"
Thor blinked at her correction and outburst. Discount goods? Guess she preferred to save cash than spend it non-stop. But still, it wouldn't hurt to at least try getting something expensive once in a while.
"So why were you so worried about Odin anyway? As I said he can take care of himself and yes I know you are his bodyguard but nothing bad is going to happen to him in the heart of Asgard. You'd have to be pretty stupid to try that." Thor asked, wanting to know why she was so paranoid about Odin's safe.
"That's the thing." Rossweisse said, her face growing dark, "Azazel informed the Allfather that there are whispers of an assassination plot on the Faction leaders and their families. So my duty of protecting the Royal family has been increased. It's also why Baraqiel is here for extra protection."
Thor's brow furrowed at the girl's news. Assassination on the Faction leaders? That explained her reason for being so busy but who would be dumb enough to pull off a plan as big as that? You'd need hundreds if not thousands of well-trained assassins to get the job done, if the job could be done. The Governor-General, God of the Bible, and the Allfather were very strong, two Satan's were said to even be among or close to the top ten strongest beings in the world. Nevertheless, it is wise to double security for the Faction leaders if such a plot is to occur.
"So from this day forth you'll be staying by my side like a wife?" Thor joked as he cracked a grin.
Rose felt as if she was about to bop him over the head for saying that, her face flustered at his words. "N-no! Not like that you dummy! I'm your bodyguard! I am sworn to protect you!"
"Did somebody say wife? My my. For someone so young you sure are bold, brother!"
Thor turned at the familiar voice and was about to greet him when he saw the God of Vengeance wasn't alone.
Accompanying him was a tall handsome man in robes similar to Odin's. His sky blue hair seemed to defy gravity with the way it floated. Atop his forehead was a matching blue jewel and amber eyes below it. Something about those seemed off to Thor as if they had an evil look hidden behind the boredom they showed.
"L-Lord Vidar! Don't say such things! I was telling Lord Thor of the assassinations the Azazel heard. about." Rossweisse stammered quickly.
"Ah yes. The so-called assassination against the Allfather and other Faction leaders." The white-robed man said in a bored tone.
"This is a serious matter, Loki. Please don't brush this off as if it's some trick you'd play on someone."
Thor's throat went dry when he heard the white-haired fellow's name. Loki. The God of Mischief. The Jouten who joined Asgard.
"I take it that makes you my step-brother."
"I am not your brother! I am Odin's blood brother! Your step-uncle!" Loki corrected, offended at the thought of being related to Thor.
"There's no need to yell at him, Lord Loki! He didn't know you were his uncle!" Rossweisse defended.
"She is right, uncle. Cut him some slack. He has lived with humans most of his life so he wouldn't know everything." Vidar agreed.
"Obviously." Loki drawled with a roll of his eyes. "I saw how you put that Einherjar in his place. Those humans in the Church truly know how to train their agents."
"How do you…"
"Know?" Loki smirked, "The whole Royal Family and a selected few know of your affiliation to those humans who follow the God who created the Sacred Gears. Your secret is safe from the common folk of Asgard."
"And it will remain secret if my brother wishes to tell the people or not," Vidar added as he applied pressure to his uncle's shoulder as a show to cease any mischief he was planning.
"Why my dear nephew. I would never go as far as to spread the word that this boy is a former agent of the Church." Loki said in a mocking tone.
"Enough," Vidar ordered, to which Loki chuckled amusingly while backing off.
"Forgive me my Lords, but we really must be going." Rossweisse quickly bowed to the Gods before taking Thor's hand and leading him away.
"Farewell, you two! May you both find this night pleasant!" Vidar called out to the two youngsters. When they were out of sight he turned to his uncle, a deep frown upon his face. "Must you be so rude? Have you already forgotten what father told us about that boy?"
"I am well aware of what Odin has told us. But may I remind you that he is an enigma. How can someone with your older brother's powers just suddenly appear out of nowhere?"
"That is a mystery even my father is trying to deduce. We can't just go straight to the Church demanding answers from them."
"And why not?" Loki retorted as a shadow passed over his face, "We can crush those fools who follow the White Angels and get the answer as to why those fake Siegfried's are being made and that boy with Thor's name."
"Attacking them is out of the question!" Vidar hissed, "Odin wants peace!"
"Peace" Repeated Loki, his voice dripping with annoyance and anger, "Peace will never be obtained, Vidar. Odin may want peace with the other Factions but not everyone wants to be friendly with another Faction, especially the Christians. Out of those three, only the Black Angels are acceptable because they didn't go about creating clones of a Nordic hero or Muspelheim king's."
The blonde's brow furrowed. He really did not want to admit hating Devil's or the Church but he did. He hated the Church for making those clones of Siegfried. He hated the Underworld for having that abominable clone of the giant who caused him to lose his brother.
"Are you going to brood over not protecting your brother again?"
The God of Vengence's eyes hardened at that question and a surge of power flowed through him as he gripped Loki's shoulder roughly. "Don't. Ever. Bring that up again Loki!"
The white-haired God let a mischievous smile play at his lips, "What's the matter, Vidar? Upset that I brought up Thor?"
"You're as upset as losing Thor as I am." Retorted the Son of Odin. "Don't pretend to hide your pain over Thor's loss as well. We all know you wanted to be a martyr for Asgard."
"Me!? A martyr for Asgard? Oh Vidar, you hurt me…"
"Not as much as Thor's sacrifice has." The God of Vengeance muttered under his breath. "We all mourn for the God of Thunder, Loki. But none do so more than my mother and I. We loved Thor dearly. He was her son and my big brother. If I hadn't listened to him I could have saved him." Vidar replied with a sigh as the night air ran through his hair.
"I'm sure you would have," Loki said, no hint of remorse within his tone. "Perhaps I should have been the one to save Asgard."
Vidar snorted, "And you think that would make you a martyr? Loki, if you really did try sacrificing yourself for the greater good of Asgard, would one heroic act change who you are at your core? You probably would have tricked Surtr as you do to the people of Asgard. You are a God of Mischief."
"Would you prefer me as a Mischief God or an Evil God?"
Vidar sighed. No. No, he wouldn't. Loki, like the rest of the Aesir's, were powerful beings with the power to obliterate the world with a wave of the hand. If he went Evil then the world would be in grave danger. It wouldn't just be him they'd face but his children as well. The World Serpent and Dragon King Jormungandr, and his older brother, the God Devouring Wolf, Fenrir!
Two mighty beings whose strength dwarfed almost everyone's. Lucky for them, Jormungandr or sometimes called Midgardsormr, was probably the laziest Dragon anyone had ever met. So all they'd have to worry about was Fenrir however he was no pushover. He was ranked among the top ten strongest beings in existence. His fangs and claws were deadly to all and he feared no one. Save Vidar himself.
Which brought up a question that had been bugging Baldur for a long time.
"Loki, be serious. Would your sons have been of any help protecting Asgard when Surtr attacked?"
Loki frowned. Why did such a question need answering? Of course, Fenrir and Midgardsormr would have protected Asgard! It was their home as well! Fenrir alone could have obliterated the Fire Giants with his mighty claws and Midgardsormr...well he'd have simply slept coiled around Asgard, shielding it from all threats. If only that had been the case then so many good warriors wouldn't have died that day and Thor wouldn't have become a martyr.
"I think you already know that answer but if you must know then no, Surtr would fail if Fenrir and Midgardsormr were on the battlefield. No Faction would dare attack us, not even the Angels."
As he followed his uncle to the Downtown outskirts, Vidar gave a confused look at him. "The Angels? They don't want anything to do with us."
"On the contrary they do. Now that we are allies with one of their sworn enemies and have the boy with Thor's powers, they may try attacking to get him back. Of course, those fools won't get past our defense. Our powers dwarf those of the Biblical Faction who believed themselves to be the superior race." Loki released a hollow laugh, "Ha! What a joke! Angels, Devils and especially Fallen Angels are all fools to believe they are stronger than the other Factions. Even though Odin went to the Black Angel's first to suggest an alliance, we both know this was their way of obtaining more power and strength to their side. They are out of their league in thinking they can try to use us as a means to bolster their manpower to attack the White and Black Angels. Two of their leaders close in power to the Ten Strongest Beings in the world."
"Who thankfully wants peace like us." Growled Vidar in annoyance at what Loki was saying. "Honestly Uncle, where do you get these ideas from? Sirzechs and Ajuka want peace like Odin does."
"Ah, but you still hate the Devil's for making a clone of Muspelheim's king no? Does that make Thor's sacrifice feel like it was in vain?"
"It does…" Vidar admitted with a sigh. "Their leaders don't want war but the people do. They're trying to one-up the other by obtaining someone from our faction."
"Exactly. The Church cloned the hero Siegfried and somehow obtained a boy with Thor's power. While the Devil's have a Surtr clone. Hahaha! If more clones of those two are created and the war between Heaven and Hell begins anew. We might just have ourselves a Clone Wars!"
The blonde haired God couldn't hide a chuckle at Loki's words. The Underworld made that clone of Surtr because they believe a Giant is better than a human, which was correct in a certain way. Jotun's were the strongest Giants in the Supernatural world with the strength to rip a man in half. However, Siegfried managed to slay one of the Five Great Dragon Kings. Something no Jotun, not even Surtr himself accomplished.
"Despite your doubts and my distrust, I nevertheless have faith that we will go into an era of peace and Thor will become the Second God of Thunder."
"I'm sure he will…"
Despite Loki saying such a kind thing, it was done with a deep frown. That would never happen! This boy would never become the next God of Thunder!
Not until Ragnarok comes…
End
Do I sense the start of something between the God and Valkyrie?
That ends this chapter. Apologize for it being short and a pretty weak title but I really can't think of what else to say of it
Here is the link to the cover art and other pictures related to the story.
kingofhistory/art/Second-Coming-of-the-God-of-Thunder-819552065