Chapter 9: Meeting the MVP
"The king?!" Kelsey hissed nervously, "The king wants to meet me?!"
Frigga paused, knowing Odin did not want to meet Kelsey or want her here in Asgard.
"He needs to meet you," she insisted, hooking her elbow around Kelsey's. "You're his guest."
"Y-You'll go with me, right?" Kelsey asked, hopefully. "I've never met royalty before. The truth is I've never done anything with royalty before. There was that time in Disney World, but that doesn't count as royal-"
"You acquainted with me, did you not?" Frigga challenged.
Now Kelsey wanted to slap herself physically. Once again, she offended the queen. "I'm sorry! That's not what I... Of course, you're the queen - you're royalty. You're so nice, and I just keep screwing up."
"There. There," Frigga expressed compassion, wrapping a comforting arm around the girl's shoulder. "No need to fret, dear child," she lightly squeezed the cap of Kelsey's shoulder, pulling her close. "Your words did not offend me. You are overthinking this."
"Will you go with me?" Kelsey pleaded.
"I wish I could attend, though I cannot."
Kelsey held her breath, increasing her heart rate. "Why?" she asked hoarsely, sounding like she was about to cry.
"I have a matter of business to attend to," Frigga was merciful and didn't address Kelsey's watery eyes. "You must meet his majesty on your own."
Kelsey sniffled, hiding her gaze and pressing her lips together. She begged her hormones not to be an emotional wreck, not in front of the queen.
Frigga grasped the girl's hand, who squeezed in return, "I may not be with you, though that does not mean I shan't help. All will be well if you listen carefully and do exactly as I say."
Kelsey nodded and shakily whispered, "Yes-yes, ma'am." She followed the queen, listening to her instructions intently. She tried to pay attention because this was important, unlike algebra. However, her head wasn't comprehending as much as she was used to. The pain might be gone, as well as her memories and ability to comprehend.
They made it to the massive double doors to the throne room. Kelsey could feel the sweat under her pits.
"Tell me the rules again!" Kelsey blurted out, her anxiety entwined with her sentence.
Frigga repeated the rules to her without a sense of irritation. Typically, people hated repeating themselves. Kelsey knew she hated it herself. Thankfully, the queen had patience. Kelsey attempted to let the rules sink into her brain once more.
One: Kneel before the king until he says otherwise. Two: Do not speak unless spoken to. Three: Address him "Your Highness" or "My King" or some other respectable reference. Four: Be polite, and agree to everything he says, even if it's disagreeable. All of those things were basically common sense. Kelsey hoped she could remember the first rule, but she doubted it.
The double doors opened, and Frigga gestured her inside, but not before offering encouragement.
"Lykke til, my child. You will be fine..."
Kelsey didn't precisely know what language Frigga was speaking at first. She didn't care, for it held the same meaning. Kelsey entered the throne room slowly, cringing at the noise of her stilettoes clicking loudly on the cold marble step. She hoped not to trip over her attire that touched the floor; that would be embarrassing. The night AJ graduated kindergarten, Dad made fun of Kelsey for walking like a penguin. She would much rather walk barefoot than trip and become the next court jester.
The teen reached the top of the staircase only to see another flight downstairs. Carefully, she lifted her skirt and took her time with each step. There was no rail, so Kelsey must maintain a balance. She occasionally paused when the heel got caught in her dress, stumbling a bit. The walk downstairs wasn't smooth, but she managed not to fall down the stairs again. After reaching the final step, she analyzed her surroundings. She thought the scenery outside was magical. The walls, the stairs, and even the colossal throne were pure gold. It was like walking into King Midas's kingdom. It was extraordinary.
Kelsey's breath hitched at the older man sitting on his throne with the staff in hand.
Odin Allfather.
~000~000~000~
"So this Molair..." AJ mispronounced the word, engaging in conversation as he rode on Thor's shoulders throughout the walk back to the lab, "is actually a magical hammer that can make you fly?!"
"Once I wield it," Thor explained, "I shall return home and reclaim my rightful place as king!"
"You're a prince?!"
"Technically, yes, but I shall be crowned King of Asgard soon."
AJ grinned at Thor's words, "Cool!"
Erik huffed in annoyance, listening to the boys' conversation. The man knew supplying Thor with food, water, and clothing was a Christian thing to do. However, Jane shouldn't let him go near her godson. What's worse was that he fed AJ stories about being a god. The boy was eight years old and was allowed to stick his head in the clouds, unlike his godmother.
Darcy was watching Erik's facial expression, identical to Garrett's. Erik felt the heat of her gaze and frowned at her knowing smirk.
"What are you gawking at?" Erik demanded.
Darcy snickered, then shrugged innocently, facing forward, "Nothing." It looked like Garrett wasn't the only one envious of Tarzan. As the gang was walking down the sidewalk, a pickup truck honked, driving in their way.
"Hey!" Jane yelled as she ran towards the vehicle, recognizing her most precious equipment strapped to the trunk.
"Lady Jane, what is it?" Thor asked with worry in his voice.
"That's my stuff!" She pointed and yelled angrily at the truck driver, who either didn't hear her or didn't care. Everyone helplessly watched the vehicle speed away, except one.
Thor lifted AJ off his shoulders and shoved him in Erik's arms, "Take him."
"What are you going to do?!" Erik asked with exasperation. Thor didn't reply to Erik's question. Instead, he chased after the truck that held Jane's equipment captive.
"Is he for real?" Garrett's jaw dropped in shock, watching Thor run like the wind - faster than Jane's graceful legs.
"Whoo! Look at him go!" Darcy cheered and coached the mortal man from a distance, poorly imitating a Southern accent, "Run, Thor! Run!"
Jane spotted more vans parked outside the laboratory and didn't hesitate to march into the garage, ready to fight and threaten to call the police as a backup.
"What the hell is going on here?" she demanded.
"Yeah! What the hell is going on here?!" Garrett joined in, attempting to sound macho. Darcy couldn't help but roll her eyes at the dramatics.
"Miss Foster, I'm Agent Coulson with S.H.I.E.L.D.," a suited man politely introduced himself, showing off his credential. The professor's face fell in recognition. Unbeknownst to the crew, he was familiar with the secret agency.
"How do you know her name?" Garrett questioned with unease. "And what the hell is S.H.I.E.L.D?!"
"Is it the FBI?" Darcy wondered.
"You can say that," Coulson replied in a dismissive tone.
"Do you have a search warrant, man?" Garrett asked. "I know you can't break into private property without a-" Coulson silently handed the teen a piece of paper, proof of authorization.
"Listen!" Jane began angrily, narrowing her eyes and wagging her finger at the agent. "I don't know who you are or what agency you're in! I don't care! But what I do know is that you don't have the right to take my stuff! You can't do this!" She begged desperately as the workers of S.H.I.E.L.D. continued to load her equipment into their vans.
"Jane!" Dr. Selvig exclaimed, immediately rushing to her side and placing AJ in her arms. She wouldn't do anything crazy with a child nearby. At least, Erik hoped she wouldn't, for the child's sake. "This is a lot more serious than you think," he warned in a hushed whisper. "Please. Let it go."
"Let it go?!" Jane set AJ on the ground and marched after Coulson. "Are you kidding me?! This is my life!"
"We're investigating a security threat, Miss Foster," Coulson explained the entire situation as calmly as possible. "A satellite crash. We understand that you are an astrophysicist, and you all have gathered data within the proximity of the crash."
"What's it to-"
"Whatcha mean a security threat?!" Garrett demanded nervously before Jane could finish her question. "Whatcha mean, man?! Is it true what they say about it being radioactive?!" he couldn't help but shiver at the thought of quarantine and hazard suits. "Are we going to die?!"
"Let me assure you, son," Coulson raised an assuring hand, "if you cooperate, you will be fine... as far as we know."
"As far as you know?!"
Coulson turned back to Jane, "We need to appropriate all your records and atmospheric data."
"By appropriate, do you mean steal?!" Jane asked furiously, rushing towards a van holding her equipment cases. The agent strapping the gear inside, pushed Jane away as she attempted to pull a container out.
"Here," Coulson handed her a folded piece of paper, "this should do more than compensate you for your trouble."
Jane snatched the paper from his hand and unfolded it to take a glance while Garrett peered over Jane's shoulder to see the paycheck containing a lot of zeros. Garrett raised both brows, amazed how S.H.I.E.L.D could have so much money. He shouldn't be surprised by the bribery. These people were from an agency; they should be productive. However, Jane wasn't greedy, refusing to be one of many swayed by the zeroes.
"I can't just buy replacements at Radio Shack!" Jane crumbled the paycheck in her fist. "I made most of this equipment myself."
"And done a beautiful job of that," Garrett added, taking the paycheck from her to smooth out the wrinkles.
"Then, I'm sure she can do a beautiful job again," Coulson said without sympathy in his tone.
"And I'm sure I can beautifully sue you for violating my constitutional rights!" Jane exclaimed, placing her hands on her hips.
Garrett smirked at that thought. If the agency had the money Coulson wrote in this paycheck, imagine what the teen could get by a civil suit. He pictured himself in his living room with a mountain pile of cash. His parents made it rain by throwing the money in the air. Dressed in a white tux, Garrett spun around his chosen bride in a dream-like fashion. The two laughed as the money cushioned their fall. Jane leaned forward to kiss him on the lips. Garrett closed his eyes to return the affection...
"What are you doing, Sir?"
Coulson's voice wiped away Garrett's fantasy. The teen returned to reality and faced Coulson's repulsed expression. Jane and the others also stared with mixed emotions.
"Huh?" Garrett jerked back in confusion.
"Brad, you didn't tell me you're bi!" Darcy exclaimed with a wide grin on her face.
"What?!" Garrett cast a disgusted look at Darcy for accusing him of such. "I am not!"
"Then why were you making kissy faces at him?" AJ pointed at Coulson, who also demanded an explanation.
"I-I-I..." Garrett stammered, not entirely sure how to explain it. He didn't feel like talking about his fantasy out loud in front of his crush.
"If you're planning to kiss my butt for this young lady's equipment..." Coulson shook his head, "you're wasting your time." He cleared his throat to regain composure. "My sincere apologies. You must know that we're not here to cause trouble. We're the good guys."
"If you're the good guys, why are you stealing Jane's stuff?" AJ demanded.
"We're not stealing. We're borrowing," Coulson corrected.
"What's the difference?"
"Don't listen to him, AJ," Jane pushed the boy behind her, not tearing away her angry gaze at Coulson. A momma bear protecting her cub. "It's stealing, and they know it. You might believe yourselves to be good guys, Agent Coulson, but so are we! I'm on the verge of understanding something extraordinary! I need my stuff back! I have to find my niece!"
There was a long pause until Coulson finally asked softly, "Your niece?"
"Yes! Kelsey, my niece, my goddaughter!"
"My sister!" AJ added.
"My neighbor," Garrett added.
"My uptight TV buddy!" Darcy added.
Everyone stared at Erik to hear what he had to say since he didn't speak up like the rest of the group.
Erik shrugged, "She is my friend's granddaughter."
"Kelsey?" Coulson asked, making sure he heard that right.
"Yes! Kelsey! Kelsey Kincaid!" Jane repeated angrily. "She's missing because of... this!" she gestured to her surroundings helplessly.
"She disappeared when the satellite crashed?"
"Yes!" the crew exclaimed. Coulson fell silent and clenched his jaw in consideration, staring at the eight-year-old boy and then at frantic Jane.
"Now, do you understand why I need my equipment?!" Jane hoped this guy would have the heart to do the right thing. "This isn't just for research! This is personal! With my equipment and my... my other stuff," Jane grumbled the last part, refusing to mention Thor. "I might be able to bring her home safe! And everything I know about this phenomenon – is either in this lab or this book!" She held up her notebook containing scientific notes, "And you can't just take it away..."
The agent that pushed Jane before snatched the book from her.
"Hey!" Jane attempted to steal it back from the agent, but Garrett and Erik dragged her a safe distance, restraining her from doing something stupid.
"I got him!" Everyone whirled around to see proud Thor entering the garage and carrying the driver over his shoulder. The group's jaws dropped. Thor managed to chase after the truck and brought the driver here. Impressive.
"Get your hands off me!" the overweight driver snapped, ineffectively banging his fists against Thor's back. "I'm just following orders!"
Thor roughly dropped the driver on the sandy ground, "I have captured the thief, Lady Jane. You may retrieve your belongings."
"Okay, who are you?" Coulson folded his arms, looking suspiciously at Thor like a true interrogator.
Thor puffed with pride, "I am Th-"
"No one!" Jane jumped in front of him, smiling sheepishly. "He's no one!"
Coulson raised a brow, clearly not buying that phrase, "I find that very hard to believe."
"He's my uncle!" AJ spoke up.
"From which side?" Coulson questioned the boy.
"From..." AJ paused, not sure which side of his family to pick. He and Thor did look alike.
"His father's," Jane answered for AJ. "He's here to help with our research."
"I shall be asking who you are," Thor's voice deepened to sound intimidating.
"Agent Coulson," the agent subtlety introduced with a prideful pitch to his cause, "from S.H.I.E.L.D."
Thor scoffed in amusement, "I know nothing of this shield! I see none carry one."
"It's an agency," Coulson clarified, scanning the area to see his men had finished loading the confiscated items. "Now that we have what we came for, we will vacate this facility immediately. If you excuse me-"
"And go where?!" Thor demanded, stepping in front of the shorter man. "Are you their leader? Are you responsible for stealing Lady Jane's belongings?!"
Lady Jane? The group hoped that Coulson didn't catch or question the chosen words.
"Not steal," Coulson corrected once again. "Confiscate."
"I thought you were 'borrowing'?" AJ folded his arms and furrowed brows in mock confusion.
"I demand to know why!" Thor pressed, not budging. His clenched fist indicated he was ready to get physical for answers.
"Mind your tone, Sir," Coulson cautioned him. "You forget that you're talking to a special agent."
"You must know who you are talking to! I am-"
Erik stepped in between them and pushed the taller brawn back several steps. "Thor," he hissed quietly enough to prevent Coulson from hearing the name, "it's best to keep that essential fact to yourself. You and Jane are making this worse." Jane's mouth parted and scoffed, clearly offended by his statement.
"I am making it worse?!" Thor questioned out loud. "These thieves are stealing what's not theirs. How am I making this worse?!"
An agent walked in between Erik and Thor, carrying another case of Jane's belongings, only to have it snatched by Thor. The former god dropped the case and grabbed the agent's neck with his free hand, lifting him off the ground to demonstrate his fearsome strength.
"How dare you steal in front of me!" Thor roared while the cowardly agent choked and kicked his legs to seek solid ground. Some agents immediately retrieved their weapons, ready to shoot at the aggressor.
"Sir, I order you to put him down!" Coulson commanded, cautiously extending his arm. "If you don't, I will arrest you for interfering with this investigation."
"Do you know the penalty for stealing? My father shall order the executioner to wield the ax and chop your greedy-" Thor's words were cut off, feeling the electric sparks coursing through his body again. He groaned, "Not again," For the second time, Thor collapsed, landing on his victim.
"Darcy!" Jane yelled at her intern, assuming that it was she who shot the taser at Thor.
"Don't look at me!" Darcy argued, lifting her free hands.
"Look at me," AJ declared proudly without taking his eyes off the taser. "I was right. This is a cool weapon to have!"
Darcy snatched the taser from AJ, "Give me that!"
The fallen agent grunted and pushed Thor's body off him with Garrett and Coulson's help.
"I feel ya, bro," Garrett expressed sympathy, patting the agent's shoulder, "Not the only one to have a grown-ass man on top of you." The agent retracted the comfort and stomped away. "Yeah, good for you. Keep going!" the teen called out, jabbing a finger in the man's direction. "Walk outta here like you're walking out of a football field, and pretend you didn't get sacked by the defense! Nothing to be embarrassed about!"
"Shame we can't get a replay," Darcy grumbled beside Garrett. "I would've loved to see you get sacked by the hunk in plaid again." Garrett's face contorted, closing his eyes and his fist.
"Thank you all for your cooperation," Coulson addressed the group in a business tone as he shut the van doors. "We only ask that you refrain from speaking of this to anyone outside this garage."
"Kinda hard for the neighbors to unsee the black vans driving outta here," Darcy interjected, "unless you got an invisibility cloak installed in your engine or something." Coulson narrowed his eyes in her direction. She quickly raised her hands and backed up defensively. "I'm just saying."
"Uh..." Garrett raised his hand like a student, politely addressing his teacher, "Do my parents count? Can I talk to a lawyer regarding-"
"You under eighteen?" Coulson asked.
"No."
"Then you are not obligated to speak of this to anyone, especially your parents. One peep or online post will result in your immediate incarceration."
Garrett blinked, jolting his head back, "Damn."
"And don't worry, Miss Foster," Coulson softened his gaze at the godmother. "We'll do everything in our power to find your goddaughter. You have my word," He put on his sunglasses and bid everyone farewell. S.H.I.E.L.D. vacated the area, abandoning the team and unconscious Thor with nothing to keep.
~000~000~000~
Odin narrowed his eyes at Kelsey but hadn't said a word. He had never met her before and was already mad at her. Why? Was he annoyed by her clicking heels? Kelsey recalled the queen's rules when meeting royalty.
Don't speak unless spoken to.
That wasn't a hard rule, for Odin didn't speak to her.
Call him "Your Highness" or "My King" or some other respectable reference.
How could Kelsey do that if she was supposed to obey the previous rule?
Be polite, and agree to everything he says, even if it is disagreeable.
She'll do that, but he hasn't said anything yet.
Kneel before the king until he says otherwise.
"Crap," Kelsey cursed quietly. She was so anxious about meeting the king that she had forgotten entirely about the first rule. Kelsey immediately lowered her knees and bowed her head before the king. She waited for Odin to say otherwise.
"Rise," he commanded firmly.
Kelsey didn't hesitate to oblige his command. She stood up and kept her head down, refusing to meet his gaze.
Odin took the time to take in her appearance, "I see that you have changed out of those rags and dressed in our finest silk."
Kelsey wasn't here long and hardly said a word. Odin didn't know her, and already, he was acting like a prick. She drew her lips inside her mouth, holding back an offensive comment. Kelsey didn't answer immediately until Odin cleared his throat for her attention.
"Hm..." Kelsey raised her head and realized she had yet acknowledged him, "Oh! Oh! Oh! Yes, I-I am... your king - I mean, your highness - my king," she breathed in sheepish laughter. "I'm sorry, your majesty, I'm a little nervous. This whole royalty thing is new to me. I've never done anything like this before."
"Obviously."
Kelsey was hoping for encouragement from Odin that 'it's alright' or 'you don't have to be nervous.' This king was a hard one to please, unlike Frigga. She believed he didn't like her much, stabbing her self-esteem.
"There are whispers of your arrival. Rumors spread across the castle; no doubt, they have reached the village. You are popular news since my son's arrangement."
"Which one?" Kelsey slapped her hand across her mouth. She couldn't believe she had asked that. She broke one of Frigga's rules: Don't speak unless spoken to. Technically, he was talking to her, yet he didn't ask a question. He might scold her for it or sentence her to a night in the dungeon.
"My eldest son, Thor," instead, surprisingly, Odin replied without correction.
Kelsey nodded, biting her lower lip.
"The queen has informed me that it is crucial for you to stay here until you recover. I myself would never approve of this, though everyone else here insisted for the sake of your health and my reputation."
Following another one of Frigga's rules, Kelsey nodded, "Yes, sir."
"Now, I have studied bits of your Midgaurdian culture, knowing how much you people love music machines and visual boxes. Unfortunately for you, we do not have them here in Asgard."
'No TV?!' Kelsey cried internally. 'Damn it! I'm going to miss 'Pretty Little Liars.' And no computer or phone?! That's even worse!'
Odin continued, "We live without any distractions. This is not Midguard. Unlike your people, we do things differently - or should I say properly, I insist you do the same."
'Wow...' Kelsey thought to herself. 'This guy is a freakin' prick! And little does he know, we do things properly on Earth... Okay, sometimes we don't, but still!'
"No problem, sir. Thank you for letting me stay here," she expressed with a forced, appreciative smile. Hopefully, her kindness could lighten his mood and cut off the bluntness.
"Fortunately, my other son, Loki, is staying with us. He, Heimdall, and I witnessed the night of your arrival in the observatory. My son is very eager to meet you officially. But please, try not to be too distracting. He is a prince and therefore has duties for the good of the realm. Now... do you have any questions?" Odin forced himself to ask, not because he wanted to help her. Despite the apparent spite for her, Kelsey asked a question anyway.
"Who is Himdell?" Kelsey recalled the name before but forgot his purpose.
"Heimdall," Odin corrected, "Gatekeeper of Asgard. He sees and hears everything in all of Nine Realms."
"So he knows we're having a conversation about him right now?"
"Yes. If I were you, I wouldn't perform stupidity with or without an audience."
"You said that your son is eager to meet me. Can you tell me where I can find him?"
"I know not of his current whereabouts. He is off causing mischief, no doubt. I must warn you to be very careful when facing him. He might use his silver tongue and tricks against you."
Too late.
"If I know my son, you shall find him at his favorite spot in the library."
"Could you tell me-"
"My apologies, girl, though I do not have the time to entertain you with answers. I am king and, therefore, busy. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask the servants. Please be respectable while you are here, and do not go poking around places that could lead to your demise."
Kelsey widened her eyes in fear. She wanted to ask what areas of the castle were dangerous.
"Where can't-"
"You are dismissed," Odin interrupted in a final tone. "Go on."
Kelsey quickly stomped up the stairs towards the exit. Odin noticed her struggle with heels, sighing in annoyance at the loud clinks.
The double doors opened for her. Kelsey stepped outside and exhaled with relief; finally, the worst was over.
"Well, that went well," she muttered sarcastically. Her meeting with the Allfather was awkward, to put it lightly. He was rude and critical to her - no friendly conversation, concern, or helpful advice from him. He was indeed a prick who made her tear up a bit.
Now that was over, Kelsey could finally meet Loki at the library.