Asgardian Twilight

Throne Room Throwdown

As the others carried out their parts in the plan, Thor walked down the massive hall of the throne room and took in the defacement of the Frescoes overhead. He stared up into the images that depicted a more blood-soaked history of Asgard. There, in plain sight, was Odin with Hela at his side as they lay waste and conquered.

Mjolnir was in Hela's grasp.

Many things began to make sense for him. All of Hela's rage against Odin. She had been worthy once before being cast out. It was something he, himself, had faced not long ago. He smiled, knowing that he was different from his sister. Unlike her, he had learned the lesson Odin intended to teach him. Or, perhaps he simply wasn't as far gone as she was.

And Dean had helped him.

Turning away from the images, he approached the throne and reached for Gungnir- the spear of Odin. The spear of the ruler of Agard. Seating himself on the throne, he slammed the butt of the spear into the ground. The spear's collision with the floor shook the entire palace and he knew Hela could hear him. He looked to the entrance down the hall, knowing it wouldn't be long. He didn't stop banging the spear into the floor until Hela's shadowy figure darkened the doors straight ahead of him. She walked across the floor, her expression one of vague surprise.

"Sister," Thor greeted her with a diplomatic tone.

Hela smiled as she closed the space between them. "Still alive, I see.

Thor smiled slowly and looked around him. "I love what you've done with the place. Redecorating, I see."

Hela shrugged her shoulders. "Now you've seen the evidence for yourself. Our father's solution to every problem, it seems, was to cover it up."

"Or to cast it out," Thor added. "Let me guess: he told you you were worthy. He said the same thing to me."

Hela sighed. "You see, you never knew him, not at his best. Odin and I drowned entire civilizations in blood and tears. Where do you think all this gold came from? And then one day he decided to become a benevolent king. To foster peace, to protect life." She bared her teeth. "And to have you."

Thor smiled. "I understand why you're angry. I've faced a similar situation with father. And you are my sister, and technically have a claim to the throne. And believe me, I would love for someone else to rule. But it can't be you. You're just..." he paused and thought of something Dean always said. "Literally the worst."

Hela laughed, amused. "Okay, get up. You're in my seat."

Thor rose to his feet but didn't move away from the throne. He locked eyes with Hela. "You know, Father once told me that a wise king never seeks out war."

"But must always be ready for it!" Hela shouted.

Simultaneously, brother and sister rushed each other. Hela conjured two black blades and they clashed against the spear. Face to face, Thor and Hela engaged in a harrowing fight. Thor gave the fight everything he had despite being without Mjolnir and his powers. He as still mighty, and Hela would learn that.

The blows they traded were tremendous, shaking the entire throne room. The opposing forces rivaled one another in ferocity and force, but where Hela fought to enslave and destroy, Thor's motivation was to liberate and protect.

Thor jumped forward, his body spinning in midair as he slashed the spear at Hela. She deflected and slipped aside as he landed on his feet and thrust the spear at her. She caught it suddenly between two black swords.

"You know, I expected much more from you. Being that you are my brother and all," Hela chuckled before twisting the swords and sending the spear flying across the room. She spun, striking Thor and tossing him against the nearby wall.

Thor attempted to move forward but Hela rushed him, pinning him against the wall. She grasped his throat, compressing his airway as she leaned in nose-to-nose. "Do you know the difference between you and I? I'm Odin's firstborn, the rightful heir, the savior of Asgard. And you're nothing!"

Thor brought his elbow down suddenly, breaking Hela's hold momentarily. She reponded by conjuring a lance and directing it at him. Thor rolled aside, avoiding the weapon as it stabbed into the wall where he'd stood. Standing, he grabbed her by her shoulders and drove his forehead into her face. Hela shook her head, smiled playfully, then threw her own headbutt at him, throwing him far across the throne room. Thor shot to his feet, avoiding a downward slash of Hela's blade. Taking advantage of the opening, Thor raised his fists and began to punch her. Each time she moved to retaliate, he ducked and punched again.

Annoyed at the rain of blows, Hela, caught his fist in her hand and threw him aside. He landed on his hands and knees and she moved up close to him, her hand forming a large, clawed fist.

"Such a simple concept to grasp, brother. Even a blind man could see it!"

Thor stumbled to his feet but Hela had closed the distance between them fast. He was just standing when she swiped a hand, the claws raking across Thor's face. He fell backward, barely having a chance to recognize that Hela's attack had torn one of his eyes out. The socket was quickly surrounded by blood and torn tissue.

Hela's laughter erupted at the sight. "There. Now you remind me of Dad!"

Thor rose up on his hands and knees and a roar of pain erupted from him. Then, before he could attempt to find his equilibrium, Hela reached forward, lifting him from the floor by his neck before throwing him toward the nearby balcony. He slammed into the railing and she was upon him again.

"A valiant effort," she sighed. "But, let's be honest with ourselves. We both know you never really stood a chance."

Thor leaned against the railing and watched as a radiant light burst in the distance.

Dean.

In that moment he knew that he couldn't fail. He wouldn't fail.