Chapter 4
Chapter:4
With his eyes scrunched shut Thor prayed to the Norns that they would heed his call- his arm stretched out towards the golden city. The familiar feel of the worn leather-bound handle rushed into his hand. The magical song felt in his very being- he was worthy-after everything ...after all that had happened, he was still worthy. A joyous relief came over him- his chest felt lighter. Thor smiled and with a mighty swing, his beloved hammer lifted him of the ground as he headed toward the palace. Knowing the place where his mother would be and where Loki would be. His joy was short lived, and dread gripped him as he landed on the balcony.
Mjolnir thumbed to the ground as Thor lost his grip on his mighty hammer as he watched the nightmarish scene in front of him. A skewed mirror image of his own past. Not again! He couldn't go through this again! His legs felt weak, and he slumped to his knees on the ground. No one had noticed him- all were far too preoccupied with the tragedy unfolding.
Odin had reached them, stopping in an abrupt halt as he saw his adopted son on the ground. His grief broke through his stoic mask for a moment before returning to his previous composer. Eir rushed into the room with a couple of attendants. She gently shifted the younger Thor away to help his brother. The queen's hands still alight with healing magic. Without a word needed Eir and the other healers assisted the queen's efforts to save her son.
To both Thors the world seemed to slow as every excruciating moment passed until all the women stopped their efforts. "Is he..?" the young Thor asked brokenly.
Lady Eir gave a nod to the two healers, and they prepared to move Loki, "The prince is alive, thanks to the quick thinking of her Majesty, but he is not completely out of danger. He needs to be placed in the soul forge to be monitored in the halls of healing." The three healers along with Loki quickly vanished.
With Loki safely in the halls of healing, attention was shifted to the large figure on his knees near the balcony. The war hammer was swiftly called to the young Thor's hand, "Who are you?" the young blond demanded.
Frigga stepped in front of her son, laying a gentle hand on his arm. "Peace Thor. There is much to be discussed," she glanced down at her still kneeling son, "he is family."
"Frigga what is the meaning of this?" Odin's sharp gaze landed on the elder Thor. The blond tried not to flinch under his father's unwavering gaze.
Frigga held out her hand to the big blond, gesturing him over to her. In that moment Thor wished he was still a small boy who could hide behind his mother's skirts. The queen took his hand, giving it a comforting pat stated simply, "This is Thor."
The younger Thor looked on confused, "I have a...cousin with my name?"
The big blond shook his head, "No..."He didn't want to meet his younger self's eyes, knowing that when the young blond knew the truth all he would see is disgust. "I'm..." he struggled to get the words out.
"His from the future-He's you," Frigga squeezed his hand in comfort. The elder Thor glanced up and there it was. The look on his younger self's face said it all-the big blond flinched.
"Impossible! He's an impostor and a poor one at that! I would never allow myself to become so- so shameful!" The young Thor glared at his older counterpart.
Frigga's eyes tightened, "Do you think I would not know my own son? Do you call me a lair?"
The younger's shoulders slouched, and he looked away from his mother's stern gaze, "My apologies mother," he conceded through clenched teeth.
Odin studied the elder blond, "was it you who destroyed all those ships?" the big blond shifted uncomfortably under his father's intense gaze but nodded all the same. "Then I must thank you for protecting our home- you have grown in you power." It was a bittersweet feeling the elder Thor felt. To have his father's pride in him-he feared it would not last when he found out what a failure he was, but if he was to truly protect his family, his home and his people then he'd have to tell them the truth...the whole truth.
"Where's your Mjolnir?" the young Thor questioned; eyes tightening. The elder swallowed hard forcing himself not to flinch at the pain of losing his beloved hammer- once again he wished he'd thought to bring Stormbreaker with him, to have the comforting weight of his weapon in his hand.
Frigga intervened, "everything can be discussed when Loki is in a better condition and we can talk about everything together-as a family," she looked sternly at each of the remaining members of her little family, "but for now we have greater concerns. We were just attacked, there are many responsibilities that we have.”
All members of her family conceded, dispersing to fulfill their duties. Frigga beckoned to her eldest son to follow her, “help me get the injured to the halls of healing.”
The big blond nodded and followed his mother.