22 - Convergence
Svartalfheim, Realm of the Dark Elves
The eastern Spires, domain of Queen Alfyse
The ships raced across the surface of the realm of the Dark Elves, breaking through the cover of the forest. Hundreds of refugees fled before them, mothers cradling their children as they ran. Svartalfheim had not known such terror or death for generations. Soldiers from the spires rushed across the foothills, preparing to engage the foe, many wondered why the Asgardians would launch such an assault. Odin had long claimed the role of peaceful defender of the realms, to carry out such an utterly unjustifiable act of genocide would be viewed by the allfather as too barbaric, most assumed. The first of the Asgardian war barges burst through the trees, skimming over the open landscape towards the hills. Einherjar moved forward in calm ranks, opening fire upon the retreating Elves, cutting most down in moments. Enraged at the cold slaughter of their people the defenders of the spires bellowed an answering war cry, returning fire. The first line ships reached the base of the hill. Massed fire rained down upon the defenders from the decks of the vessels, softening the defences before squads of einherjar in pristine golden armour rappelled down from the sides of their ships, charging the last of the elven warriors. The Einherjar quickly formed into squadrons, advancing up the hill trusting their armour and magical protections to guard them against the predations of the Dark Elves defending higher positions.
Dark Elf warriors let loose a war cry, charging down the hill towards the advancing Asgardians, clad in silver armour and brandishing wickedly curved blades. The two forces came together in a song of metal as elven swords clashed with Asgardian spears and shields. The air was filled with the sounds of dying men and women, smoke from the weapons of the asgardian ships blanketing the sky and blotting out the already weakened light of the sun. A stream of energy descended onto the battlefield, throwing back most of the Svartalfheim host. In the centre of the wave of energy stood three figures in a row. In the centre strode a lean figure wearing an Asgardian warhelm and looking resplendent in Asgardian battle plate. On his right side stood a woman with flowing blonde hair of surpassing beauty wearing a form fitting emerald gown. On the opposite end of the trio was a massive hulking beast of a man with no hair and a gleaming double headed battle axe slung over his shoulder. The three carved a bloody swathe through the Dark Elf forces. Wherever the woman went, chaos followed in her wake; enemy warriors turning on their fellows, soldiers being torn to pieces by the raw forces of magic. The very fabric of the realm around her seemed to shift at her whim. Trees grew where entire squads of Dark Elves had previously stood. Fire erupted from the ground beneath their feet, winds lifting soldiers into the air and throwing them across the battlefield. The giant hacked through dozens of enemies at a time, tearing the left flank of the army apart all on his own. In the centre, the third figure moved like golden water, blade flashing through the air and magic coiling around him.
The last Dark Elf fell to the blade of the executioner's axe. Behind their three champions, the Asgardians thrust their weapons in the air, crying their victory to the heavens. The golden armoured figure raised his hands above his head to halt the celebrations before conjuring a rocky spire to stand atop of. Sheathing his sword, the Asgardian cast an enchantment to ensure his voice would be heard by all around.
"Brothers and sisters, my fellow accursed! A great victory was won by our brotherhood today! Together, we have taken back the realm of Svartalfheim, liberated it from those who stole it from its rightful masters! This is but the beginning, when the convergence touches the nine realms once more, we shall reclaim our greatest weapon, and unite the realms under one banner! Nothing shall stand against us. This victory - this moment - belongs to you; my warriors, my brethren! You shall be my vanguard, the force that shall save the nine realms from Odin and his tyranny!" The army thrust their weapons in the air, cheering louder than before. Several began to bang their feet against the ground, more periodically joining in. as the army cheered, the general upon his rocky plinth nodded to the green clad sorceress, who raised her hands, twirling them around over her head. The soldiers in the field shimmered as the enchantments placed upon them came to an end, revealing Dark Elves clad in black and blue plate. The figure stood atop the rocky spire removed his helmet, tossing it aside and allowing his long white hair to tumble free. He grinned mischievously, the expression colouring his half-black, half-blue face. The Sorceress gestured to the tall elf, curtsying as she did.
"Hail, Malekith the Accursed, king of Svartalfheim, and future liberator and allfather of the nine Realms!"
–AoS–
Manhattan, New York City
Friday, October 5th, 2012 7:55 AM
They walked down the street, hand in hand, each carrying a styrofoam cup of coffee. Gwen smiled as she fixed his tie and leaned her head on his shoulder as they resumed walking. Glancing down at his girlfriend in her black dress and leggings, Nate found himself giving a sad smile. What should have been a joyful moment - the first time they had seen each other in weeks, after she and Jean had rallied his friends to save him, no less - had been marred by tragedy. Guilt lanced his stomach; why should he steal this time to spend with Gwen, when their friend was suffering? Though they had both agreed to spend the morning together before Ben Parker's funeral, the decision still left him feeling sick to his stomach, as though he were somehow betraying Peter by daring to be happy. Logically, he knew his friend would disagree, but reason could do nothing to change how he felt.
Seemingly sensing his distress, Gwen tugged him to one side. They watched as the crowd continued to move past, drinking their coffee. Gwen ran her thumb over his hand soothingly, standing on the tips of her toes to plant a kiss on his cheek. She brushed a strand of his hair back, running her fingers down the side of his face. His girlfriend rested her head on his chest. "None of this is your fault" she whispered firmly. Nate slipped a hand around her waist, pulling her closer. Bending down, he buried his head in her hair, breathing her in as tears sprung into his eyes. They pulled apart, Gwen reaching up to wipe the unshed tears away with a sad smile of her own.
"Isn't it? If I hadn't flown off and gotten possessed by MacTaggert, I could have at least been here when it happened. If I had just been able to pay a little more attention, Ben would have been safe". Nate groaned softly as he played with her hand. He stared into her eyes, almost allowing himself to lose himself in the depth of her forgiveness. Shaking his head, he continued. "If I were Pete, I would hate me forever. Sentinel let his father die, Gwen. You can't just come back from something like that". The other Avengers, led by Tony, had released an official statement explaining his actions in Jersey, and that he would remain an official member of the team. Stark had even pledged to help the people rebuild yet it still sat uneasily with Nate's conscience. He had a long road to redemption, he knew. As powerful as he was, Tony Stark's word could not wipe clean what he had done, nor wash away the consequences of his failures.
Gwen shook her head, fixing him with a nasty glare. "Peter would never blame you for would understand. What were you supposed to do? Not fight the brotherhood when they attacked? Just let them take over the facility? For all you know, Magneto was there because he wanted MacTaggert free anyway". With that, they let the matter slide.
"Come on," she whispered, taking his hands in her own, "we need to get a move on if we want to meet my parents at the church for the ceremony".
–AoS–
United Methodist Church, Queens, New York
9:00 AM
The ceremony was conducted in the churchyard of the Parkers' local Church. May, well known in the congregation, was surrounded by friends and supporters. As soon as he and Gwen entered behind her parents, Peter had cleaved himself to their side. Despite his own guilt threatening to drown him, Nate had forcefully shoved his own feelings aside in order to comfort his friend. Heedless of the eyes of his former school mates upon them - including flash - he flung an arm around his friend, allowing Peter to crumble into him and weep openly. Gwen, Ned, and Betty embraced them, dragging them into a group hug in which Peter was the centre. No one dared say a word, though a few paused to glance in their direction as they found their seats.
Those called upon to speak focused on Ben's intelligence, empathy, goodness, and devotion to his family. Nate bowed his head, allowing the words of friends and strangers alike to wash over him and fill him up. He placed a hand on Peter's shoulder, though he was unsure whether the other boy noticed it or not. George Stacy made his way to the front of the crowd, gazing down at his shoes for a moment before clearing his throat and raising his head. "This is never easy, especially on a beautiful day like this one, when the world around us, for all its wonders, seems bent on reminding us what is missing. Ben Parker may not have been one of my officers, but he was still a man of principle and responsibility. And still a friend". He cast his eye across the entire crowd, gaze falling finally on their group. A small smile graced his lips. "I ask you to remember, as we go forward together, that the virtues Ben stood for; kindness, love, prudence, temperance, justice, and courage, are still all around us, if we know where to look. Most of all, I pray that you remember this; there is hope to be felt wherever we go, and no matter how dark it seems, the light will return. If I have learnt nothing else in my life, it's that". For a moment, their eyes met, George seemingly staring into his very soul. Then Nate looked away, and the captain made his way back to his seat, and the moment was gone.
The last to speak was May Parker herself. Peter leaped up from beside rushing over to escort his aunt. The brown haired woman took her nephew's hand, kissing it gently, and together they turned to greet the faces of the crowd. May opened her mouth, closed it again, then opened it once more. Finally, eyes falling on the coffin, she shook her head, letting out a soft wail. She buried her face in her hands, crying deeply. Nate kissed Gwen on the forehead before stepping up to join the pair, gently walking May back to her seat on the bench as she breathed an apology to her nephew, who shot him a grateful smile. Nate nodded in his friend's direction as he sat down beside May, allowing her to bury her head in his chest. Peter took a breath, speaking fitfully at first, before launching into a series of anecdotes from his childhood, many of whom had his audience - even may - laughing through tears. Finally, he bent down, dropping the first clump of dirt on the coffin. "Goodbye, dad," he whispered, so softly only Nate could hear, "I swear I'll do you proud. I'll do it all for you. Because it's what youwould have done. You were more than a father to me, Ben Parker. More than a role model. You were my hero. And now it's my turn. Because I'm going to be yours. You'll see, I'll never give up. I promise".
–AoS–
Olive Garden, Queens, New York
12:07 PM
They sat in the booth, ignoring the world around them as they reminisced and laughed, each recalling past joys that without fail set them all to laughing once more. He and Gwen seemed to do most of the talking, Peter content to allow his friends to dominate the conversation, merely smiling or laughing occasionally, every so often adding a small comment here or there. Yet, to Nate, it didn't matter. They were together, and they had given his distraught friend something to focus on other than grief, if only for a little while. With May's blessing, the three friends had left the wake early to get away for a while. In no particular hurry, they had wandered through the streets of Queens without any plan for where they were going, simply enjoying their shared company. Eventually, their stomachs had led them here. A few of the other customers gave them pointed looks, doubtless wondering why three teenagers were not in school, though nothing was said.
–AoS–
Lunch had been what he'd needed; time with his best friends had been what he had needed. The meal had been fantastic. The companionship had been even better. For just a little while, he could pretend he wasn't Peter Parker, orphan. He wasn't the freaky nerd with the weird spider powers and the dead uncle. He wasn't a teenager who had accidentally gotten a man killed, and was wanted by his best friend's father for manslaughter. He was just Peter, one amongst millions of other teens with zero concerns, just enjoying life with his friends. It had ended all too soon. Desperate to help May, Peter had begged off of going to the movies, instead electing to go door to door looking for a job. The wrestling had fallen through, yet he still needed some way to pay for his aunt's treatment. She was the last family he had; now more than ever, he was determined to ensure she got well.
He was currently wandering through Manhattan, having taken the train in after having no luck in Queens. Briefly he wondered if Mr. Osborn might be willing to help, before dismissing the idea out of hand. The last time he'd spoken to the tycoon, he'd had nothing available. Sure, Osborn would probably insist on giving him the money for the help he'd given Harry on his grades, but Peter wasn't that desperate yet. Or, at least, he hoped he wasn't. And May would never allow him to take charity. A sudden sharp jolt shot through his brain, hairs on his arm and the back of his neck standing up. Acting on instinct, Peter leaped out of the way, rushing down a nearby alley. Crouching behind a dumpster, he watched, morbidly fascinated, as a tear in reality opened above where he had been standing only moments before, revealing vast sprawling plains with forests scattered throughout. Several other passersby had stopped to admire the shimmering gateway, some even snapping photos. The throbbing in his head was even worse, now. An outraged roar sounded through the portal, and four huge rock creatures tumbled through the tear as it slammed shut. Those who had been closest to the rip began to scream and shout, further aggravating the creatures, who proceeded to attack.
Ripping off his jacket and jeans, Peter quickly webbed them to the wall beside him and jumped into action, pulling his mask over his face and tugging his hood up. Taking stock of his surroundings, he lashed a web to the top of the buildings on either side of him. Jumping backwards, he pulled the webs back as far as they would go before releasing his hold, catapulting himself into the street and slamming both feet into the side of one of the monsters. He smacked into its ribs, breaking off small chunks of stone as he did. The creature lunged towards him, hand swiping through the air as Peter used the creature's rocky body as a launchpad to flip himself through the air, delivering a knee to the back of one of the other creatures. Swinging on a web over to a nearby streetlight, Peter quickly glanced around the area to gain his bearings. A woman was running away from one of the other trolls, though she was too close to avoid its sweeping arm. Leaping once more into action, Peter swung through the air, elbowing the creature in the back of the head and swiping the woman into his arms. Swinging further away from the trolls, he dropped her safely down halfway down the block. Without even taking a moment to thank him, the woman continued to run. Well, bye then, I guess Peter thought sarcastically. "Gotta love New York," he declared loudly as he jumped back into the fight, "no place like the big apple, am I right fellas?" the trolls did not deign his comment worthy of response, though he hadn't expected otherwise. Firing a web at the chest of one of the brutish creatures, he tugged with all his might, dragging the creature across the street and sending it careening into one of its fellows. With the two trolls tangled up together, Peter hastily swung his way back and forth over the pair, shooting webs all over their bodies in an effort to pin them to the road and take them out of the battle.
The increasingly familiar sensation in the back of his head went off once more, just in time for him to dodge a truck being thrown his way, though he was unable to avoid the punch from the second creature. The force of the blow instantly knocked the air from his lungs, and he felt himself sailing backwards. He came to a sudden halt as he slammed into the side of a sedan, gritting his teeth to keep from screaming out as pain lanced through his back. Okay, he winced, pushing himself back to his feet and webbing over to the top of a building across the road, even stronger than they look. That's fun.
–AoS–
They sat side by side on Gwen's bed, propped up by pillows and both laughing hysterically as King Arthur and Patsy made their way across the British Isles to recruit knights. While the king was in the middle of recounting his finding of Excalibur to a pair of anarcho-syndicalist peasants, Nate in stitches and his head buried in one of the pillows to muffle the sound, Gwen reached out, pausing the movie. He felt her tug the cushion away from his face and grinned as their eyes met, Gwen beaming at him. "Feeling better?" she murmured, kissing him softly. Nate nodded, flicking a loose strand of hair back behind her headband. Resting his forehead against hers, he kissed her nose. The sensation caused her to giggle softly, and he felt a warm tingle run through his entire body.
"Much better," he whispered. "Thank you," he added, entwining their fingers together. She tightened her grip.
"For what?" he shrugged, gesturing to their surroundings.
"This. Being you. You never give up on me. Never let me give up on myself". Gwen's eyes lit up, smile widening. She placed a hand on his cheek, staring emphatically into his eyes.
"Thank you. For everything you do. All I do is remind you how incredible you are. That's enough for me". Nate rushed forward, capturing her lips with his own. She wound her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss, movie forgotten. As they pulled back, he rested his head once more against hers, gazing into her soft blue eyes.
"If there's anything incredible about me, it's only the people in my life. You, my mom, Lexi, Pete and my friends. You most of all". She shook her head, even as he emphatically nodded. Pulling apart, he huffed out a sigh as the sound of sirens and screams met his ears. Gwen, noticing the stricken look on his face, smiled and let out a soft groan.
"What is it?"
"Some sort of emergency downtown," he turned his head in the direction of the commotion, relying on his enhanced vision. "Looks like it might be more of Thor's giants. Not sure though, these ones are made of stone". She nodded, gently slapping his chest.
"You better get going". He nodded, hopping off the bed and making his way towards the window. Cracking it open, he glanced back at her.
"I'll be back as soon as I can. I promise". Standing up as well, Gwen arched her back before making her way around the bed. Wrapping her arms once more around his neck, she grinned, giving him a peck on the cheek.
"I know. Go get 'em".
–AoS–
Flying across the city skyline away from the Stacys' apartment, he banked to the right between two highrises, pulling up short as he came across the scene. Four massive rock creatures were in the middle of the intersection, a small figure in a black and red costume flipping too and fro between them, and swinging around on some sort of cable. It looked like…web? Nate shook his head in wonder, diving into the fray and sending one of the two creatures flying as it attempted to swipe the other hero out of the air. The shorter figure, face obscured by a mask, grinned, landing on a streetlight next to him. "He shoots, he scores! Spidey for the Assist!" Snorting, Nate shook his head.
"Spidey?" the other hero nodded, firing more of the web like substance onto the creature, lashing it to the wall it had collided with. Nate let out an appreciative whistle, watching as the creature struggled against its impromptu bonds.
"Yeah. you know, spider powers, shoots webs, wears a spider on his chest". To accentuate his point, the figure stood on his tiptoes on the sign, showing off a bright red spider symbol emblazoned on the centre of his chest. "Short for Spider- Man. The spectacular Spider-man, to be precise". Nate raised an eyebrow. 'Spider-Man' shrugged sheepishly. "Wasn't my idea. Got it from a wrestling promoter" he offered. Nate grinned.
"Well, I didn't choose mine either. 'Sentinel' was from a reporter at the Bugle, back when it was still a newspaper. What say we see what else you've got, Spider?" the other hero saluted.
"Yes, sir!"
They worked well together. While Nate could take the golems on in hand to hand combats, the Spider-themed hero could thwip and swing around the creatures, tugging them off balance with webs and swing in from behind with sharp kicks. They made quick work of the last unpinned creature, Nate punching it into a kick from the other hero, who sent it flying into the air, allowing Nate to fly around the beast, generating a vacuum of gale force winds to wear down the rocks, crumbling the creature into dust. The two pinned under the webs on the sidewalk snapped free, both lunging at once, and forcing the two to work separately. Nate dashed back, flying around the block to slam both hands into the monster from behind, shattering it in half. He flashed through the air, stopping beside Spider-Man as the fourth troll snapped through its webbing, leaving them with two left to deal with. Nate glanced at the masked vigilante.
He glanced around at their surroundings, taking note of the large buildings, trees, and street lights. "Got an idea. If I manage to hold these guys' attention, you think you could web around them and tie them to each other? I'll take it from there". Catching on quickly, Spider-man shot him a thumbs up. Nate nodded, hovering over towards the two hulking brutes. He shrugged nonchalantly at the two creatures as they glanced at one another briefly, gesturing behind him to the rubble that had once been their compatriots. Both speaking quickly in their guttural tongue, they rushed forward one after the other. Dodging their swipes, Nate kicked one in the shin before soaring above them once more and slamming their heads together. Working throughout the fight to keep them close together and distracted, Nate watched out of the corner of his eye as the other hero began to move, jumping and swinging in a wide arc, slowly swooping closer with each swing. As the first strands of web thwacked into the stone extremities of the creatures, tugging them closer, Nate grabbed their heads, smacking them together and holding them in place to keep from snapping the webs. After several more loops around, the two rock trolls were bound tightly together, their entire midsection from their necks to thighs covered in a thick viscous cocoon.
"Now What?!" the vigilante shouted, landing on the window of one of the skyscrapers. Nate grinned.
"Now, this" he replied. Taking in a deep lungful of air, he pursed his lips, releasing the breath as a cone of arctic wind. Breathing over the webs, he watched, satisfied as they froze in place over the trolls. Spider-Man punched the air, letting out a whoop. As one, they leaped into action, Nate flying straight at the creatures, the masked hero swinging across the gap, feet first. They collided with the frozen webs at once, cracking them and the rocky chests of the creatures underneath into dozens of shards. The creatures' heads and limbs slammed into the concrete below, crumbling on impact with the ground. Nate slowly floated down to the ground, the Spider themed hero jumping over to his side, offering a fist. With a chuckle, Nate fist bumped the vigilante.
"Not bad at all, Spider".
"Not too shabby yourself, flyboy".
–AoS–
Asgard, the realm eternal, Bifrost Gatehouse
Thor strode across the bifrost, every step making the ethereal bridge glow underneath his boots. A light breeze was blowing in from the hills surrounding the city, making his cape and hair flow in the wind as he approached the unmoving guardian at his silent watch. "How fare the stars?" Thor enquired, knowing full well the silent watcher already sensed his approach.
"Still shining" Heimdall replied, his powerful voice booming as he gazed across the cosmos. "From here, I can see nine realms and ten trillion souls". Thor nodded.
"And the Convergence?" he asked curiously. He'd never seen the wonder before, only heard his mother's tales of it, and the thought of bearing witness to such beauty himself was awe-inspiring. Heimdall's normally implacable visage split into a faint smile, orange eyes glowing in the vast sky. He hefted his sword, sliding it into place and willing the dome around them to turn into place. He stepped off his pedestal, making his way to the edge of the bridge.
"The convergence approaches," he replied, gazing outward. He walked over to Thor's side. "The universe has not borne witness to this marvel since before my watch began. Few can sense it, and even fewer can see it". His voice grew quiet; reflective. "Yet whilst its effects can be dangerous, it is truly beautiful". Thor chuckled heartily, slapping his friend on the back.
"I envy you, my friend. Truly, I do. Alas, I cannot -" he trailed off, noticing the grave look on the guardian's face. "What is it?" He enquired of his friend, flicking out his hand to summon Mjolnir.
"Midgard. Rock Trolls. One of your allies is there already. The Harridanite". Thor nodded.
"Open the Bifrost!" Heimdall rushed to do as bid.
–AoS–
They were precluded from further conversation by the sound of rumbling thunder above their heads. What had previously been a clear day rapidly transformed; grey storm clouds coalesced in the sky, rain lashing down upon the city below. Peter grimaced. "Well," he stated, glancing at the other hero, "this came on fast". Sentinel nodded absentmindedly.
"Yeah," he muttered. He was still intently watching the sky, as though expecting something more to happen. Sure enough, a burst of golden light illuminated the sky. Peter let out a startled yelp, jumping back slightly as the northern lights burst into life over Manhattan. A luminescent rainbow descended out of the centre of the lightshow, flowing down towards them like flowing water. Peter gazed up at the rainbow, eyes peeled. He'd only ever heard rumours of this from other people, never actually seen it for himself. The bridge of rainbow light brushed against the ground in front of them. Craning his neck to spot who was coming, Peter grinned. Near the other end of the bridge, spinning his hammer in front of him, Thor came flying along the arc of the bifrost, glancing around in confusion as his feet touched the ground.
"My Friend!," he grinned, rushing forward to engulf Sentinel in a bear hug, "I feared the worst! As soon as Heimdall informed me of the Trolls, I came to lend aid. It seems to me you have dealt with the threat already". Peter cleared his throat loudly. The Asgardian prince snapped his attention towards him, regarding him for several moments. Eyebrow raised, he turned back to Sentinel. "Who is your new brother in arms, my friend?"
"Spider-man, Thor. Thor, this is the Spectacular Spider-Man". The blonde god thrust out a hand. Hesitantly, Peter took the other man's hand, Thor shaking his hand firmly.
"Well met, mortal". Thor declared. "Men of iron and now men of spiders? Your Midgard is a strange place. Art Thou to become an Avenger?" he enquired, studying Peter. He shook his head bashfully, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Nah. I think it's better if I stick to myself, at least for the moment. Focus on the little guys, down here in the streets". Thor nodded thoughtfully before clapping him on the back.
"A noble aspiration, man of Spiders! My friend, might we speak before I make my return to Asgard?" Sentinel nodded, and turned to Peter, offering a hand. Peter gripped the offered hand, and the two said their goodbyes. Sentinel walked away alongside the other blonde, leaving Peter to duck down the alley to retrieve his clothes and swing away.
–AoS–
Nate followed Thor away from the pile of dust lying in the road. The prince turned to regard him fondly. "I wished to extend an invitation, my friend. A wonder of cosmic significance is about to occur. The convergence; the alignment of the nine realms. Whilst it can be seen from Midgard, if one knows what they are looking for, there is no finer place to view such majesty from than Asgard itself. As an Avenger and champion of Asgard, you would be most welcome. Join us in our revels, and celebrate the defeat of the Dark Elves by my grandfather as we witness the finest sight in the realms together". Nate hesitated. It sounded wonderful, but he had responsibilities on earth, priorities he could not ignore.
"Could there be more incursions from the other realms?" he gestured to the dusty remains of the rock trolls. "I need to be here if something goes wrong". Thor shook his head.
"It is most unlikely. Whilst the convergence aligns the realms, it does not erode the barriers between them. Whilst rare occurrences like what happened here are not impossible, they are exceedingly rare. The trolls only arrived because there were two tears in the barrier as Vanaheim and Midgard that aligned as the realms moved into place. Without outside interference, such events will not occur again". Nate nodded, considering for several moments.
"Could I bring Gwen?" Thor hesitated before nodding once.
"Aye. My father will not approve, but aye. You are an ally of Asgard, and a friend to me. Anyone under your protection is my guest. He shall accept it".
–AoS–
Gwen gaped around at Asgard in wonder. The city seemed to shine wherever she looked, like a jewel gleaming under the sun. Around the city itself, great cascading waterfalls glistened in the early morning sun. Incandescent streams ran through from the falls through the hills and great golden towers. Running beneath the bifrost was a great ocean, whose bright clear waters reflected the sky above. Scattered throughout the waters were countless islands, connected by great golden bridges, each one more picturesque than the last. The rainbow bridge ran in a straight line towards the royal palace, itself a gargantuan confluence of towers taller than any other structure in the city, that seemed to touch the sky itself. She glanced at Thor, hurriedly walking ahead of them, acting like an overzealous tour guide. Nate glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, grinning discreetly. Gwen giggled softly, the sound turning into a faint gasp as they entered the city itself.
Segmented by the arching bridge, the city was like something out of a dream. Solid gold and silver buildings everywhere, tall and beautiful men and women going about their daily lives. Yet, as she gazed around at the sprawling city, it was easy to see how the Asgardians had inspired cultures back on earth. Clothing, weapons, armours. Even the buildings around them and the ships passing overhead looked like a strange combination of Norse and Alien design. It was as though the Vikings had captured a fleeting image, and through that produced a cheap approximation of the splendours before her. They arrived outside the palace itself, two guards standing by, who regarded her and Nate curiously, though they said nothing. Thor turned back to them.
"This way". He led them upstairs, past a central chamber that could only be the king's throne room and towards a set of double doors engraved with runes and bordered by tapestries depicting characters and events from norse mythology. Thor knocked on the door softly, waiting for a summons before pushing the door open and entering before holding it open for them to follow. All at once, Gwen felt tiny. Odin peered at her regarding her as though she were less than meat. Thor's father looked exactly as she had pictured, as though he had looked out of myth itself, with long hair and a grey beard. Resting by his side was a cruel looking spear. He stood silently from his desk, making his way around the table, silently judging them as he did so. Finally he spoke, voice like a terrible, burning flame.
"And so I tell my son to bring me a Harridanite warrior, champion of the realms. He chooses to bring a half human mistake, and a foolish mortal girl." At the word mistake, Gwen quickly glanced in Nate's direction. An unmistakable flash of pain flashed in his eyes before he schooled his features into a perfect mask. Thor stood silent, fidgeting nervously under his father's imperious gaze. Heedless of the danger, Gwen stepped forward, the Allfather's good eye snapping away from his son to land on her.
"You're right," she told him coldly. "He is half human. And I am a 'mortal'. Odin sneered at her.
"Is this your trained goat, Thor? I hope you did not bring this creature for me only to have it parrot back my own wisdom". Nate shot forward, skinsuit materialising in place of his civilian clothes. Odin chuckled. "Have a care, halfbreed. A challenge here would serve you ill". Nate continued to glare harshly at the king of Asgard, even as Thor stepped between them with a hand on the former's chest. Odin returned his attention to her.
"You might have been right about some things, but you've missed the point".
"Is that so?" she nodded, prompting him to lean down and smirk at her. "Enlighten me, oh wise woman".
"Nate is half human; the half that makes him special. And even if I am a foolish mortal, I'd rather be that than a foolish god king. Humans get to learn and grow. I doubt a god of Asgard can do that". Odin glared at her.
"My son," he snarled, "get them out of my sight. And be grateful I allow them to remain on Asgard until the end of the celebrations". Thor nodded, hastily grabbing them both by the arm and escorting them out of the king's study. When they emerged a woman with curly light brown hair and Thor's eyes leaned against a nearby pillar when they arrived. The regal woman smiled, Thor's eyes lightening as they fell upon her. He approached her, allowing her to grasp his arms and pull him into a hug. Pulling away from the embrace, he turned to face them.
"Nathaniel Thomas, Gwen Stacy, this is my mother, Frigga, queen of Asgard". The queen smiled, bowing her head. She turned to regard Thor.
"Why don't you show your friend around the city? That will give me some time to spend with this radiant young woman". Thor nodded, clapping Nate on the shoulder and vowing to show him the sights. She could see the hesitation in his eyes to leave as Thor tugged him along. After her previous interaction with Odin, Gwen could understand his concerns. Indeed, she shared them. After her less than stellar meeting with Asgard's king, she was hardly eager to follow it up with quality time with his queen. As though sensing her misgivings, Frigga stepped forward, placing a soft kiss on her forehead before stepping back. Gwen felt the blood rush to her cheeks at the open affection.
"Do not fret, my child," she soothed. "Not all of us share my husband's disdain. Indeed, I have even taken Midgardian sorcerers as apprentices before". Together they watched as Thor and Nate walked off together, chatting amicably. Frigga smiled fondly.
"I never imagined he would find friends amongst the humans. And to fight amongst them! The way he speaks of these Avengers. You know, I do not believe he has ever shown such respect to anyone, even me". The queen chuckled softly. "Well, come along my dear. Let us see what we can learn from one another".
–AoS–
Sif felt a familiar smile tug at her lips as she stood upon the prow of the ship. As they flew towards the docks, she closed her eyes, allowing the sweet fragrances of home to wash over her. For centuries, she had fought countless conflicts in defence of Asgard, ensuring the protection of her people. Despite departing countless times, the return to Asgard always renewed her hopes. In spite of the centuries, the city had never managed to lose its lustre in her eyes. She prayed it never would, just as she prayed the bonds she had forged with her fellow warriors were never broken. Fandral approached her from behind, brushing his hair from his eyes with a swagger as he leaped onto the railing beside her. Sif snorted at his antics, though he simply smiled at her exasperation, feigned as he knew it to be. "So, oh all noble lady Sif, tell me; do you expect our beloved Thor to greet us, his truest friends and bosom companions at the docks, or do you fear, as I do, that he has finally absconded to join his mortals?" Sif laughed.
"And leave the Allfather with no heir, save the insane adopted son he keeps in the dungeons, locked safely away like another treasure to hide in the vaults? Unlikely". Fandral nodded, though his features hardened as he gazed across the sky.
"Um, Sif? Is that what I think it is?" he drew his sword, using it to point across the city. Sif followed the edge of the blade, eyes widening as she spotted what had so unnerved her companion. A massive four limbed crimson serpent with a body half as long as the height of the palace was floating over the city, arrowhead tail thrashing through the air behind it. The beast, enraged after centuries of imprisonment, wreathed and thrashed through the air, fire erupting from its maw as the Asgardians below it ran too and fro, making for what shelter they could find. She scowled, hissing a curse as she hefted her shield and brandished her sword. "By all the realms, what soft minded fool would free a fire drake?" Volstagg was already shouting orders to the crew, the ship coming about when her question was answered almost immediately, though in truth she was hardly surprised;
"You are no match for the mighty Thor, serpent!" beside her Fandral laughed.
"And so cometh the fool!" he muttered. Sif nodded grimly.
"Volstagg, get us above the beast!" Hogun made his way over, spear in hand. He glanced at her curiously.
"You've a plan then?" she nodded.
"Let us hope it works, and Thor is as mighty as he claims". Fandral grinned rakishly.
"Nay, dear friend," he laughed, "Let us hope this is as fun as it promises to be!"
A sonic boom split the sky, causing the rippling air currents causing the ship to rock to one side. The three friends gaped at one another as a black and red blur streaked across the open sky, dragging a long silver trail behind it. Peering closer, Sif widened her eyes as she realised what the silver streaks were. "Fetters crafted by Eitri himself," she exclaimed, her companions letting out identical gasps. The figure swung the chain, winding it around the midsection of the beast. Whilst he did so, the thunderer lived up to his name, generating massive clouds of rain to douse the drake's flames and hurled bolts of pure energy at the beast's eyes to distract it. The Stranger bellowed to thor as he tossed the chains in his direction, the dragon twisting in mid air to focus its attention on the one attempting to chain it down.
"Thor," the man shouted as the prince caught the chains in one hand, and the other warrior gestured to their ship. "The hammer!" as though he and this other were linked telepathically, Thor nodded. The visitor shot up towards their ship. He halted when they were at eye level with one another. "Harridanite", Fandral breathed, at the same time Hogun gasped.
"Nar-Von" the stranger showed no recognition of either title, instead remaining focused on her. He tossed a length of chain on the deck of the ship.
"When we're ready, get the tail". She nodded.
"How will we know when?" Fandral snorted. Sif stared at the intense look in the stranger's eye.
"We'll know". By now, Thor had wound his end of the chain around Mjolnir. The Dragon, in an effort to reach the Harridanite, was snapping up at the ship. Sif lifted their chain, tossing it to Fandral. "Get ready to Jump," she shouted. Face set in a mask of grim determination, he nodded. Thor smirked at the drake, dropping Mjolnir to the ground. The first third of the dragon's body dragged down towards the ground. "Now!" she bellowed, Fandral swan diving off the side of the vessel before she had even given the command. She, Hogun and the rest of the crew watched as he sailed through the air, sword in his mouth, chain swinging in his grip. The tail lurched up and over a nearby tower. Fandral tossed the chain, which hung in the air for a few moments before dropping like an anchor, catching the arrowhead point of the tail as it went. The Fire Drake let loose one last bellowing roar before silently straining against its bindings. Fandral continued to sail towards the ground, the strange figure flying after him, catching him as he neared the ground, and deftly depositing him back on the ship.
–AoS–
Their afternoon feast consisted of fine food, good company, and laughter as Thor regaled them all with the tale of he and the Harridanite's misadventure with the fire drake. "It can hardly be blamed on me," the prince assured them whilst taking another bite of his roast boar. "I merely wished to show my friend the sights. I can hardly be held responsible for the fire drake breaking loose whilst we were viewing it!" Sif rolled her eyes, calling down the table.
"Were you not the one who captured and restrained the creature in the first place?"
Thor preened. "Well, yes, dear Sif-"
"And so, should it not seem reasonable that the beast might become agitated at the sight of you, and so attempt to escape?"
Thor blinked, gaping open mouthed like a stunned fish. "Yes, well…" he began, before trailing off. The entire table erupted into gales of laughter at their exchange. Thor's avenger threat tilted his head to one side, before disappearing in a flash of black and red. The entire table ceased laughing, turning to the prince in confusion. Thor shrugged. "He does this on Midgard too, or so I am told. Mayhaps he heard something he felt required his attention". A gold armoured Einherjar rushed into the dining chamber, precluding any reply Sif could think to make.
"My lords, my lady. Come quickly, the City is under siege". They leaped to their seats, Thor demanding as they went.
"How could this have occurred?"
"One of Loki's schemes?" Fandral guessed.
–AoS–
Loki glanced up, smirking as Frigga descended the stairs to the dungeons, a timid little blonde thing in toe. "Hello, mother," he spoke mockingly, "I see you are back again. Tell me, was it Thor, or Odin who asked after me this time? Or shall we dispense with your feeble attempts at obfuscation, and address the truth; you are here to ensure I have no designs on escaping my quaint little Room". His mother regarded him sadly.
"Loki," she began, sounding sadder than he had ever heard her in his life, "you and I both know I come here because I care for you, my son. You have always enjoyed your mischief, and we have ever indulged you. Yet what you did on Midgard. An alliance with those creatures, a violation of the realms. What were we supposed to do?" Loki sneered at his mother, turning away from her before glancing back.
"I merely fought to give truth to the lie Odin had fed me all my life; That I was born to be a king. And now here I am, destined to spend the rest of eternity in this tiny chamber. Odin has finally been able to sweep his Jotun secret under the rug. A peaceful home once more, no?" his smile made her recoil, pain in her eyes".
Loki, darling, if you would just act like the king you claim to be, for just a moment; show you understand you did wrong. Your father would not-" Rage grew in him, erupting to the surface.
"He's not my father!" she stepped back, as though he had slapped her, a sad little smile gracing her features once more.
"And then am I not your mother?" he met her gaze, carefully schooling his features as he did.
"You are not". She nodded, turning her head away and looking towards the stairs, her little mortal following her. Loki groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Mother," he called back to her, though she seemed not to hear him. "Wait". For a moment, he thought she would keep walking, then, at the foot of the steps, she stopped. Loki smiled. "Thank you", he told her. She began stepping back from the staircase, walking backwards and tugging the mortal silently behind her. Loki frowned in confusion. Skurge descended into the prison block, followed by a black and blue skinned elf with long white hair wearing silver armour and a purple cloak. The Elf peered around at the prison block, gesturing in the direction to his cell before moving towards where his mother and the mortal were standing against the opposite wall. Skurge made his way over to the cell, striking a panel on the wall with a meaty fist. Silently, he inclined his head. Cautiously, Loki stepped out of the cell.
"Where is it?" the Dark Elf enquired of his mother. His voice was charming, almost friendly, though the words carried an undercurrent of danger. His mother glared at the interloper.
"I am surprised to see you alive, Malekith" she remained calm, staring into the elf's eyes. Watching them silently, Loki waited for a chance to intervene. If he could take Malekith by surprise, then he could ensure her escape. It might cost the mortal, but why he should care for that, he had no idea. "I had hoped your imprisonment might end in your death". The Dark Elf chuckled.
"Bor may have crushed our armies with the help of Odin, and banished me from Svartalfheim, but I have returned to my people, witch. And I know, he would trust none but you to hide the relic". He stepped closer to Loki's mother, placing a hand on her shoulder, which she shrugged off. "Tell me where it is. If you do, I shall spare you and your son. Even the little pet. If you do not, I shall let Loki here watch his mother die". He drew a curved dagger, blade wickedly sharp. Running a hand along the edge, he waited for her response.
"I could not tell you, even if I wished to, elf. The protections are such that even I do not know where it lies. And thanks to the power of the convergence, it will shift its location". Malekith nodded, tilting his head, expression sad.
"I feared as much," he replied softly. Then the world around them imploded, chaos shattering the gentle illusion of peace. The mortal, hidden behind Frigga's back, muttered something Loki did not comprehend. Frustrated with his mother's refusals, Malekith snapped his fingers. Skurge advanced on Loki, axe hefted above his head. The mortal let out a startled yelp as the Dark Elf plunged the dagger into Frigga's side, before withdrawing it to stab again. Skurge, still moving towards him, vanished in an instant, leaving only his dropped axe cluttering on the floor, and a hole in the wall. Malekith was slammed into the staircase head first, and as a dozen more Dark Elves rushed to help their king, half of them opening fire, Loki moving to protect his injured mother from their attacks, she thrust her hands into the air, throwing them downwards, silver energy coalescing between her fingers. Loki felt reality shift around them as the prison block around them vanished. He felt himself slam face first into dirt covered ground, and as he sat up, found himself surrounded by pitch black earth and cold dark skies, a crumbling palace looming over the landscape.
A/N: And Away we go! This chapter marks the start of the AOSverse's phase 2. Also, do me a favour, and if you are enjoying the story, check out the poll. I'd love for as many people as possible to have their say.