Chapter 8

The Broken Maiden

"I can confirm all the hostages were rescued and returned safely to Skjult Dal." Rossweisse assured as she concluded her report kneeling before the thrones of Asgard. "Unfortunately, the Orc's attacked immediately upon seeing Thor. They didn't allow us to negotiate with them."

Odin hummed in acknowledgment. When he was told Thor had returned with an intoxicated Rossweisse last night, the Allfather chose to postpone the mission report for tomorrow. Despite the amusement he would get from seeing his bodyguard drunk, he needed to know every bit of detail from what happened, plus he didn't want to invoke his wife's fury. Despite his forever lasting love for the woman, Freya could be quite scary when she wanted to be.

A shame those Orcs didn't wish to talk. Then again their preferred method of solving things was violence. At least the hostages were all saved. Skjult Dal was an important village to Asgard. They were the only village on Midgard to have everybody knowing that Monsters and God exist and connections to Aesir.

"That is good to hear. The people of Skjult Dal will once more be in our debt. Though this can't keep going on, Rossweisse. This is the seven-hundredth time that the village has had trouble since its construction in the tenth century. While it has been the testing grounds of many young Aesir who wish to join our ranks. Skjult Dal is one of the last, if not the last village on Midgard to fully commit themselves to our religion. Most folks within Europe preach and pray to those Angels in the Biblical Faction."

"A problem that we should have solved ages ago."

"A problem that you should just let go, Loki. We control the north, not all of Europe. Unless you wish to start a one-man crusade against Heaven." The Allfather jokingly suggested to his blood brother who wrinkled his nose in response.

"I may take that chance." Sneered the blue-haired God.

"And wow will you do that without the help of your children? Your daughter is duty-bound to Helheim, the snake is sleeping in the ocean and the wolf…" A shadow passed over Odin's face, "He will never see the light of day. Not even if Ragnarok happens today."

Rossweisse frowned at Loki rolling his eyes before departing the throne room. "He has some nerve suggesting something like that."

Odin sighed, "Loki has always despised the other Factions ever since he was a boy. He believes peace can never be achieved. That it is but a means for enemies to build power before starting a new war. With so much distrust each Faction feels for the other it would seem that way. The Biblical trio would probably reignite there Great War if one of the leaders is stupid enough to do it."

"But they want peace too."

"Azazel wants peace but what about the leaders of the Underworld and Heaven? He's heard no word from them but even if they want peace, what about the people? Our own people distrust the Devil's and look at what has happened to the Fallen Angels, they have split because of allying with us. Those who broke away from Azazel's group have the same though as Loki; peace will never be achieved." Odin sighed as he rubbed his face, taking the opportunity to eye his bodyguard's figure. "Nevertheless, I will see that peace is achieved!"

Rossweisse smiled at her king's words.

"Then I can go to the tity bar and make it rain without worrying about my life being threatened!" The Allfather laughed perverted.

Rossweisse buried her face into her hand with a sigh.

Valhalla training grounds

Sigrun dodged Vandil's swings with the grace of a dancer, only sending quick jabs and cuts with her sword that easily slid past most of the Jotun's defense but didn't make contact. Blocking a recent swing with the shaft of the hammer, Vandil kicked his leg out in an attempt to knock Sigrun to the dirt but the Emerald Valkyrie was not one so easily beaten. Seeing what he was doing long before he enacted the move, Sigrun simply moved her feet into different positions to make Vandil's kick miss.

Sigrun disengaged to gain some distinction but Vandil was upon her, hammer swinging wide. The demi-god just barely had time to dodge the attack by a few inches. A little higher and her head would have been meeting the earth along with a concussion. Despite this being a spar, their weapons were real and could potentially kill them if not careful. Nevertheless, they would not cease their attacks unless one of them yielded.

Vandil broke away from his engagement with Sigrun, sweat pouring from him like a broken fountain, a grin of excitement etched upon his face. He knew the Emerald Valkyrie was a worthy opponent.

"Phew…let's take a break."

Sigrun sheathed her sword before bowing to the burnette. "You are quite the fighter, Vandil Aurvandilson. Should Ragnarok cometh now then I will be honored to see the end by your side."

Vandil laughed, "Sigrun Brynhildrdotter, you flatter me. Though I expected you'd wish to be beside your fellow Valkyrie or family instead of a common warrior."

"All in Asgard are family to me," Sigrun said with a beautiful smile. "You, Thor, Rose. I see all within Asgard as one family. A family that, despite our disagreements, all love each other."

"Even if that family disagrees with what the Allfather is doing?"

"What do you mean?"

Vandil looked around to make sure nobody was listening to them before continuing, "Some people believe Odin is becoming unfit to rule. Allying with an outside Faction and desecrating his son's sacrifice by adopting this new Thor. Don't mistake my words, my father and I trust him." He added when Sigrun narrowed her eyes, "I'm only sharing what I have been hearing from the people. Being friends with the God of Thunder is a great honor for me. Everyone at Valhalla loves him but some of their parents don't."

"So what you're saying is that Asgard is divided on what to think of this new God of Thunder?" Sigrun asked. The nod from the Jotun was her answer to which she sighed at, "Come now Vandil, he did just arrive last month. He will win them over. Give it time and the people will come to accept Thor."

"I have no doubt he will but you have to admit he's still a mystery. We don't know where he comes from or how he got those powers."

"Well if you're so keen on knowing why don't you ask him right now?"

Vandil followed Sigrun's gaze and saw the very man they were talking about approaching them.

"Hey there. I never expected to see you two sparing."

"Are you kidding? Vandil and I have known each other since we first enrolled at Valhalla." Sigrun answered, "I hear you passed your first test. Congratulations. So, what happened? What daring mission did the Allfather send you on?"

"A hostage rescue from a pack of Orcs."

Vandil snorted, "Orcs, they are always causing trouble. If Orcs couldn't breed so quickly they'd be on the endangered list like the Fallen Angels."

"No, you are thinking of Goblins." Sigrun corrected, "And Orc's aren't even close to being endangered."

"Oh. Yeah well, what happened, Thor? How many did you face? What did they do?"

Thor recounted the mission to his friends. How the Orcs attacked him on sight and faced down a troll in a fistfight.

"A Troll? Goodness, you sure had quite a mission."

"And probably would have been a goner had it not been for the Allfather's bodyguard. Speaking of which, did you enjoy the luxury of protecting him, Sigrun?" Thor asked, grinning widely.

"Don't ever mention that." Sigrun growled, "The things he asks for.. I pity Rose for going through that every day."

"Well, you only had one day to endure it. Imagine having to—"

His sentence was cut off by something large (and soft?) blindside him, sending him crashing to the floor. When he looked at what hit him he found himself beneath a powerfully built woman with short straight black hair ending above her shoulders and sky blue eyes filled with fury.

"IMPOSTER!" The black-haired woman yelled, raising her fist to strike him.

Before she could bring it down upon his face, Sigrun and Vandil tackled the women, putting all their strength into restraining her, a feat both were having difficulty.

"Sif no! He's the Allfather's son!"

"HE'S AN IMPOSTER!"

Thor was stupefied at hearing the woman's name. Sif!? Goddess of the Earth and Thor's wife, his wife!? No - not his - the old Thor's wife. Suddenly an image of Sif arm-wrestling flashed through his mind, but instead of short black hair it was long and blonde and her eyes held determined and a grin full of excitement. This, however, left a question searing in his mind. How did he remember what Sif looked like if he never met her in his entire life?

"Thor, run!"

Vandil's warning came too late for the red-head to hear. The punch to the face sent him flying into the opposite wall. His whole body ached with pain at the power behind the attack. If he takes another punch like that his bones will be shattered. Managing to open an eye, he saw Sif come charging at him, fist reeled back to pound him further into the wall and break his bones. Fear began to swell in Thor as he struggled to get out of the wall and dodge the strike but she was closing the distance fast. When the distance was closed Sif threw her fist at the God of Thunder who prepared himself for the pain he was about to feel. Before it could reach him something- no-someone appeared between the attack and Thor.

That, someone, was the God of Light.

How!? That punch should have broken his skull with the power it held behind it. Wait… this is Baldur, The God of Light and… invincible! Yes, I remember now! Baldur is blessed with invulnerability to all threats. Physical or magical!

"That's enough Sif!" Baldur commanded.

"OUT OF THE WAY BALDUR! THAT BOY HAS STOLEN MY FIANCE'S POWERS AND HIS NAME! I WILL NOT ALLOW HIM TO—"

Baldur silenced her with a chop to the neck, sending her collapsing to the floor. The God of Light shook his head with a sigh before helping his brother out of the hole. "Are you alright?"

"In pain…ouch…but I'll live." Thor reassured before casting his eyes to the downed woman. "So...that's Sif huh?"

"Yeah… She was going to marry Thor and his death left her broken. That is what the people of Asgard call her now, The Broken Maiden. His death caused her to be like this. She sank into depression and rarely speaks to anyone nowadays. She must have heard about you and...well you heard what she said. You're lucky Vili was keeping a watchful eye on you three, otherwise, he wouldn't have called for me to stop Sif. I'm going to take her back to her chambers and tell father what happened, though I'm sure Uncle Vili has done so already. Nevertheless, her actions cannot be looked over and she will be punished for it. I apologize for her actions." With that, Baldur picked Sif up and teleported back to the Palace, leaving the trio to look back on what had happened.

So that was Sif, fiance of the Original Thor. That was quite a lot for Thor to take in.

"So that's why she's so bitter…" Sigrun whispered, "I heard about the pain she was going through but I did not know it cuts that deep."

"Rose has seen her wandering the halls or drinking in one of the wine cellars," Sigrun said with a shake of her head.

So it's that bad huh. And nobody has tried helping her? Well… that was going to change.

Palace

When Thor arrived at the Palace and asked where Sif's chamber was, he began his trek through the great hallways to the Goddesses room. Vandil and Sigrun had urged him not to confront her but he insisted he would do this. He also had to tell Odin about his strange memory of Sif.

"Thor!"

Thor turned his head and saw Rossweisse approaching swiftly, concern written all over her face.

"I heard what happened! Are you alright!?"

"I'm fine," Thor reassured before recounting his encounter with Sif.

"She thought you were an imposter? Oh Thor, don't let what she says get to you. You're not an imposter to the First Thor."

"I have nothing against what she called me. It's what has happened to her that has me upset. That poor woman, she had plans to get married… and they were snatched away by Surtr."

"And you want to talk to her because…"

"Because it's the right thing to do."

Rossweisse didn't say anything. Yes, it was the right thing to do but she had attacked him, possibly with the intent to kill him by what she heard. Was it a good idea to confront the broken maiden and help her overcome the pain within her heart?

There was only one way to find out.

"I'm going with you."

"Fine by me. What happened when Baldur reached the Palace?"

"He told of what Sif had done and Lord Odin looked rather upset at her actions. He scolded her before sending her to her chambers with a guard to keep an eye on her if she tried anything funny. Baldur had said it was like a father scolding a child."

Well, he IS the ALLFATHER and all within Asgard are his children. Thor thought before rounding a corner to see a guard standing in front of a door. The guard stood at attention upon seeing them approaching.

"Lady Rossweisse, Lord Thor. This door is off limits to-."

"I know it's off-limits, soldier. However, I must ask that you step aside. I wish to talk to Sif."

"You're going to try talking to her? After what she did to you?"

The guard looked between the Allfather's son, bodyguard, and the door he was guarding. He was certain Sif was listening and knew that once he opened that door she would launch herself at Asgard's Prince. Lady Rossweisse was strong but even her seals may not withstand the power Sif possessed.

"Prince Thor...I-"

"What is your name, soldier?" Thor interrupted

"Balor Lotorson."

"Well, Balor, your concern is noted and I appreciate it but I must go in there and speak with her. You may come in with us or ask for assistance from your fellow guards if you may."

The guard felt a smile twitched on his lips. That sounded exactly like something the First Thor would say. He always did care for Asgard and it's people.

"You may enter. I'll be ready should you need help, your grace."

Thor nodded approvingly to the guard then looked to Rossweisse who stood ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.

Balor stepped aside and gripped the doorknob waiting for the Prince to give him the go-ahead to open it. When Thor nodded, the knob was turned and the two teens rushed in allowing the door to quickly be shut behind them.

Sif's room was identical to his own, it was large and made of stone with a canopy bed sitting at the far left corner of the room. Sitting across from it was a large dresser full of whatever Sif wore. Scattered around were empty wine bottles and at the center of the room was Sif, looking angrier than when she had attacked him.

"What are you doing here?" She growled, fists clenching and unclenching at wanting to attack the boy… the imposter!

"I've come to talk." Thor calmly said, hands raised in surrender.

"What's there to 'talk' about, an imposter. The Allfather says I am not to harm you ever again unless I am to be sent to the prisons. Is that why you have come? To mock me for my actions against you? I do not regret it." The pitch of her voice grew and so did her anger, "You're a fake! Do you hear me!? A fake! An imposter who caught the attention of our Allfather because you have my fiance's powers! I don't know who you are or how you acquired his powers but I know that you NOT the real Thor! You are NOT my beloved! You can't even wield Mjolnir! You think that with my fiance's name and powers you can just walk these halls and take what once was his!? You will never be the man Thor was, YOU FAKE GOD!"

Rossweisse was appalled at Sif's insults. Fake God? Imposter? How dare she say such things to him! He is not a fake! He is Thor! The Prince of Asgard, Son of Odin, and the God of Thunder! She told Thor to not let Sif's words hurt him but it was hurting her instead. She wanted to chastise the woman for such behavior but one look from Thor said to do nothing. Do nothing? She attacked him and insulted him. How could she stand by and let him take such things!?

"Maybe I am." Thor said at last calmly after waiting for the angry Goddess to calm herself a little, "I don't know if Thor is my real name. It was the Church who gave it to me. Yes, I do not deny it, I was part of the Church, not by choice mind you. They raised me as a weapon to use against their enemies. All my life I was subjected to physical and mental testing that would push me to my limits every day. I was supposed to be their secret weapon to be unleashed when the time was right."

Sif's face scrunched into annoyance and anger, "Well boo fucking hoo. I'm sure you're so glad to leave that all behind! I couldn't care less about your backstory!"

"Then how about we get back to the subject at hand. You hate me because you feel I stole Thor's title? I'm sure you're not the only one who feels that way, Lady Sif. However, I know how you feel-"

LIAR! YOU DON'T KNOW MY PAIN, YOU STUPID BOY! I LOST MY BELOVED! MY FIANCE! DO YOU KNOW WHY I'M FEELING THIS PAIN!? IT'S BECAUSE I WAS TO BE MARRIED! TO BECOME THE WIFE OF THOR! WHEN HE ASKED FOR MY HAND IN MARRIAGE I TOOK THAT OFFER WITHOUT A SECOND THOUGHT!"

She held up her left ring finger to show the engagement ring upon it. The diamond jewel made within the darkness of Nidavellir encrusted on it glittered within the sun's lights.

"WHEN ALL WAS PREPARED FOR THE WEDDING DAY! WHEN THOR AND I WERE TO BECOME HUSBAND AND WIFE! DISASTER STRUCK! THAT DISASTER WAS MUSPELHEIM! SURTR CHOSE TO BURN ASGARD THE DAY BEFORE OUR WEDDING! THAT DAY...I LOST HIM...I LOST EVERYTHING…"

Thor watched Sif sink to the floor, unable to hold herself up after the shouting and sobbing she released. So that's why she was so bitter; it wasn't just him being an "imposter" but her marriage was to be the day after Surtr's attack. An attack that nobody was expecting due to a wedding.

The red-head approached the sobbing woman and set a comforting hand upon her shoulder.

"Is that how Thor would want you to remember him? With anger and resentment towards the one who may continue his legacy? I may not have known Thor, but I'm sure he wouldn't want his fiance wallowing in pain over his sacrifice. He knew the risks and took that chance to protect Asgard, to protect you. He would want you to let go of your anger and cherish the good memories you had together with him."

But Sif's only response was silent tears. With how long ago Thor's death was, he knew words alone won't be able to get to her. Considering the depths of her sorrow some event needs to happen to compound his words, but what? What will help relieve her pain and anger?

Suddenly an idea came to him, it may be stupid but it just might work.

"I want you to fight me."

Both Sif and Rossweisse looked at the red-head in surprise.

"The Aesir are great warriors and love to fight, so perhaps releasing your frustration in a fight may help? If words alone can not help you then perhaps fighting me will."

There was a long silence after the idea. Before Thor could say another word, Sif's fist collided into his face, sending him crashing through the door and out into the hall, surprising Balor.

"What the-"

"DON'T worry about me. All is going to pl-yikes!"

Thor scooted back and spread his legs wide, avoiding the dropkick. His mouth hung open at Sif's action to try crushing his jewels. He said fight him, not destroy his tool for making babies!

He rolled over and took off down the hall, dreading to look back at what Sif's expression looked like.

"Come back here, boy! I thought you were going to fight me!?" The taunt in her tone was evident that she would enjoy this.

"I'd like to keep Asgard's halls in one piece!" He yelled back ducking a spin kick she sent when she caught up to him.

Rossweisse stood in the doorway to Sif's room, eyes wide in shock. This was Thor's plan, getting Sif to release her anger through a fight was crazy. If he isn't careful he certainly is going to end up in the hospital again or worse.

"L-lady Rossweisse, should I call assistant?"

She turned to Balor who also was stupefied at the Prince's actions.

"No. Just...be on standby to call them if we need to! Come on!"

She and the guard took off in the direction the two Gods went, the sounds of battle leading them to where Thor and Sif were.

While doing so, Rossweisse couldn't stop thinking of what Thor said. Now she knew why he left the Church. They treated him like nothing more than a weapon. He also said he didn't join willingly. Did that mean they kidnapped him? Did he have a family before joining the Church? Did he know then? Were they still alive?

The Valkyrie's thoughts were interrupted by a loud bang followed by what sounded like Thor screaming, "Shiiiiiiiittttt!"

The two warriors turned the corner to see Sif jump through a hole she obviously made and sent Thor through.

Oh please let the Fates prevent Lady Sif from killing Thor!

Rossweisse peeked outside to see Thor roll out of the way of a punch that cracked the surface.

"Oh ho ho. So this is what I've been hearing. "

"Lord Odin, it...it all happened so fast! I was guarding Lady Sif's room just as you said. I allowed Lady Rossweisse and the Prince to enter her chambers and next thing I know Lady Sif is chasing your son!"

Odin cocked his brow at the guard's explanation before joining the two in spectating the fight.

"Thor told her to fight him." Odin's eyes flickered to Rossweisse who explained how this occurred.

"Well, at least she told him why she hates him. Now we see if his quest to fix this broken maiden's heart will succeed."

Down below Thor dodged a kick and blocked a punch that staggered him a little. Fighting Sif was a foolish idea, yes, but this may be the only way to help her.

Thor threw a fist forward that was easily caught by the veteran warrior. Before she could close her hand around his first he pulled it back and sent a left hook to her face which she dodged easily. Using the momentum from the punch, he followed up with a spinning roundhouse kick that also missed. After landing from the spin kick, Thor tried a sweeping kick that Sif jumped over while kicking him in the face, blood spewing from his nose as he went rolling across the stone floor.

As he jumped back onto his feet, Sif was upon him with punches and kicks thrown in rapid succession. Some he managed to dodge but the rest were hits. That woman sure could hit, her attacks hurt but this was nothing compared to the pain the Church put him through. With each punch Thor took, Rossweisse winced. He should have never suggested this, he may lose his life over this. Sif should have been left to someone else to help. That boy had endured so much in the Church and now had a chance to see the human and supernatural world! This had to stop!

Before she could intervene, Odin's hand gripped her shoulder. The shake of his head told her that she must stay out of this fight.

"My heart tells me that this is Fate's doing. That Thor is the one to help our Broken Maiden. Let us wait and see what will happen." He told her, his eye remaining on the two combatants who began circling each other after Thor took a hard punch to the face.

"You...sound just like him...at the end." She said, panting heavily at the energy put out from attacking Thor. Despite the beating received by her, he was very durable to handle them. "He told me to not wallow in pain over his sacrifice. Yet how can I not, when we were to be married the very next day? How can I let go of this pain when it's been swirling inside my heart for centuries?"

Thor noticed the anger in her voice had subsided drastically. Was her anger going away bit by bit? Perhaps having this fight was a good idea. Guess the saying about actions speaking louder than words was correct.

Nevertheless, she still needed to listen to him.

"Because you have allowed it to fester inside you until it made you into who you are now. You need to let the past go and move forward, Lady Sif. Can you not see Asgard's concern for you? They want you to return to who you once were before Thor passed on. If taking your anger out on me will set you free of this pain then go ahead. I will not stop you until you are satisfied."

Sif's eyes widened as she watched the boy relax his guard, arms hanging to his side. He was going to let her hit him without defending himself!?

"No! I will not fight a defenseless opponent!"

"You didn't care about that last time."

"Because I did not fight you. I attacked you."

"I don't see a difference," Thor answered in a deadpan tone.

"There is a difference. In a fight, you take part in a confrontation or struggle involving the exchange of physical blows or the use of weapons. However I didn't fight you, I attacked you. Which is not a fight but an aggressive and violent action against someone. That, someone, was you, which I am sorry for."

Thor cocked a brow. She was apologizing for attacking him? That's good. He was getting through to her.

"When I was with the Church, I heard stories about you. How you fought great beasts and saved Thor's life many times."

"They exaggerate. It was Thor who did most of the savings."

"But you nevertheless did save him when you could." He replied, noticing the blush adorning her cheeks.

"I...did on several occasions. He said I was the best warrior maiden in Asgard."

"And like I said before, he would also say to let go of your anger. You can hate me all you want but for Thor's sake; be at peace with the past and move forward in life."

He could see the conflict in her eyes. She wanted to accept what happened but wasn't finding the strength to do so.

"If you will not listen to words. You will listen to battle!"

It was time to end this!

He rushed the dark-haired woman with renewed strength! When he saw her prepare for him he began zig-zagging to confuse her until he was within arm's length and, to her surprise, jumped over to get behind. The attempt, however, was met in vain.

Sif sent a spin kick to his face that he was too slow to react to. Even though he was still standing he was dazed which gave Sif the chance to punch and kick him all over. After slamming his face into her knee she knocked him to the ground.

"That's enough!" Odin commanded, slamming his staff to the ground, Rossweisse rushing to Thor's side.

Sif stared at the red-head. Her heart pounding like a war drum. How long had it been since she let loose like that? How long had it been since she had a fight like that?

"Thor...you ok?" Rossweisse asked.

But the boy did not move.

Sif's eyes widened. No longer was her mind clouded with hate and sorrow, the past was gone. She had let it go…but replaced it with shock, concern, and regret.

"Did… Did I go too far? Is he-"

"You hit…like a child…"

Sif's jaw dropped open. He was alive!? Despite all, she put him through he was still alive!? She looked him over while he rose upon shaky legs. His face was a mess of bruises with one of his eyes swollen shut, blood trickled from his lips which bore a grin.

"Have…you…done it…did…did you let the past go?" He asked before coughing up spit and blood.

"Don't talk," Rossweisse commanded, concern visible on her face while helping Thor stand. Even though she was amazed to see him still conscious after the beating he took. It was obvious he would need medical attention. She was no doctor but by the looks of it, he didn't seem too badly hurt. A good night's rest and recovery and he would be back on his feet.

"Lady Sif…are…are you-"

But Sif turned away and left in a hurry. Refusing to comply with the guard's order to halt.

"Let her go," Odin said with a smile which hid a more perverted meaning to it as he admired her thick ass. "The darkness within her heart hasn't been banished but she no longer walks in sorrow. That pain has lessened. You have put Sif on the path to healing, my boy."

"And all it took was a good beating by her." Thor joked before wincing in pain at laughing.

"And I told you not to talk, mister. You need to rest after what she put you through." Rossweisse chastised but smiled nonetheless, "However, it is good to see you have helped her. You've done a great thing for her. For all of Asgard. We had feared she would be lost in the past but you helped her. Thank you."

Thor smiled. He knew a fight would heal the warrior maiden. She had accepted the past and would return to her former self.

Despite his success and telling Rose it was the right thing to do, he honestly didn't know why he helped Sif. She wasn't his problem but something in the back of his mind urged him to do this.

Could it be that mysterious memory?

Maybe.

Whatever the reason it was done and right now he needed a doctor.

And that's a wrap.

Our God of Thunder has met the First Thor's fiance and helped put her on the path to recovery. I'm so grateful to you all for enjoying this story. I will do one more filler chapter then I will go on hiatus for a while to plan out the next arc. I wish you all the best and hope everyone is working together against COVID 19. Together we are strong! Remember to give feedback but most of all Enjoy! :D