Chapter 15

The tension in Kagome's chambers hung thick in the air as her words reverberated through the room. Thor stood there, his expression a mixture of regret and uncertainty, caught between his love for Jane and the urgency of the situation on Midgard.

Frigga watched the scene unfold with a sense of maternal concern. She understood Kagome's deep-seated desire to protect her homeland and admired her unwavering resolve. As the All-Mother, she knew that these challenging moments would test the bonds between her son and his wife.

Thor, struggling to find the right words, finally spoke, "Kagome, you are right. We will return to Midgard together, as equals, and face this crisis as a united front." His voice held a mixture of determination and apology.

Kagome's eyes softened as she heard Thor's commitment to stand by her side. She knew that Thor's love for her realm was genuine, even if his actions had sometimes been misguided.

As they prepared to leave for Midgard, Frigga placed a reassuring hand on Kagome's shoulder. "Remember, Kagome, your strength lies not only in your duty to protect your people but also in your ability to unite these two realms. You have the power to bridge the gap and bring hope to both Midgard and Asgard."

Kagome nodded, her resolve unwavering. She had come to accept her unique role in this tumultuous world where gods and mortals intersected. With Thor by her side and her commitment to her duties as both queen and protector, Kagome was determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

It was hours later that found Kagome standing on the bifrost bridge, dressed in a white royal dress, her quiver and bow attached to her back. She would rather be in clothes more suited for battle but was pressured into the regal white gown by her in-laws. It was a flex of power, they all knew it and she had agreed if only to keep the peace.

Thor stood next to her, dressed in his best battle armor, next to him stood Jane. She clung to Thor, her brown eyes filled with fear as he leaned down to whisper into her ears words of comfort. Kagome turned from the romance novel scene and turned to the one person she did not expect to see.

Leaning against a nearby pillar was Loki, dressed no more in the dirty rags as before but in a set of battle armor that rivaled Thor's. His coloring of deep green, black, and gold fit him to a T. He looked bored, as if he wanted to be anywhere but here. She arched an eyebrow at him, as if asking how and why he was here. He merely shot her a small smirk as he pushed off the pillar to approach her. Ignoring the curious and suspicious gazes on his person.

Once next to Kagome he offered her his hand and flashed her a smirking grin as she placed her hands in his, watching as he brought it to his lips and placed a small kiss on the back of it. "I wish to atone for my actions against your realm my soon to be queen. Would you permit me the chance to do so?" His words were light and she knew he was merely reading a script.

Just as much as she knew the choice had already been made seeing as he was here in front of her. Even so she knew she had a role to play and at least she would have someone she could have an intelligent conversation with once back on Midgard, plus she knew he would never sugar coat anything, so his words would ring true unlike her husbands.

"Of course my prince, it will only deepen the bonds between our worlds. I look forward to having you fight by my side. I know I can count on you to have my back." Loki's eyes gleamed as she subtly insulted her husband. Letting her hand slide from his he stood back up with a smirk of a smile on his lips. Keenly aware of the dark look his brother spared him before turning to fret over his human lover.

Hemidall grit his teeth at the whole interaction, while he wished to speak. To tell them of the trials and tribulations they would face on this perilous journey he knew he could not. These were trials and heartbreak they had to endure in order to end up where they needed to, even so it left an acidic bitter taste in his mouth.

"You should hurry, Midgard needs you." His voice was deep as he spoke, a rarity, and his gaze level as he let his eyes run over the four that stood in front of them. Each of them would have their fair share of growing pains once returned to Midgard and he could only hope that the pain was worth the growth.