Collide

Five

*June 1st 2010*

Astrid had spent last two years on her own. She did miss the school, but after spending 25 years there, she needed to go off on her own for a while. Though time did move differently on earth, she had barely aged at all, looking more like a 26 year old, than the 934 year old that she was. She worked out that for every 35 years that passed on earth, was one year in Asgard.

She had adapted quite quickly to midgardian life, and within her first year, Charles asked her if she wanted to teach at the school. Astrid knew that was her home now, and adored all the staff and children. She spent over 20 years, teaching combat and physical education. Training her students to master their strengths and correct their weaknesses.

She even offered rewards to anyone who could put her down, without their abilities, but no one could, not yet. She assured them she would return in time, but for now, was enjoying her freedom.

Closing her eyes as she listened to the bustle of the city she couldn't help but smile. London was on her list of places to explore. She was thankful to Charles for creating an identity for her, and found it amusing he gave her Storms last name. He had chuckled, telling her that the two acted more as sisters than teacher and student.

Looking around, she noted a pub, and headed over. She would stop for a quick drink before she explored the city. Slipping into the pub, she knew she would fit in, as Charles told her, her accent was close to a British than an American one.

'What can I get for you love?..'.. The barman asked and she smiled at him, pulling out her card.

'Whatever is the strongest, and make it a triple please..'.. She paid for it and slipped her card back to the inside pocket of her coat. He placed her drink in front of her and she leaned on the bar, looking up at the TV screen, watching the news.

She rolls her eyes, seeing it was about the Stark Expo. That was a disaster in itself. He was too cocky, arrogant and because of that, he had made a mistake. Someone else made a suit, taking control of the military drones and cause so much destruction and chaos, not to mention those that were injured and killed.

Astrid hoped to meet the man one day, if only to knock some sense into him. Finishing her drink, she nodded to the barman, and went to leave, when breaking news came on the TV. Turning back to see what it was, she watched as a man was being interviewed about the object that landed in the desert, in Puente Antiguo, New Mexico. Hearing him describe it as a hammer type thing, Astrid felt anger build up.

Rushing put of the pub, and back to her hotel, she pulled out her phone as she walked briskly, and began calling one of the airlines, to get a plane to New Mexico. If Thor was on earth, then she had the chance of revenge. It didn't matter how long ago it was, it was still fresh in her mind.

Finally managing to secure a flight from London, down to New Mexico, it would take 16 hours, with one layover. She hoped that by the time she got there, that she would find him.

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Loki hated that there were more secrets they kept from him. Odin had fallen into the Odinsleep, and as much as he wanted the truth, he knew his mother would not give him the answers. Sitting on the throne, Loki couldn't believe that Odin and Frigga had lied to him his whole life.

It was in the vault, with the casket, that he found his true heritage. He was Laufeys son, a frost giant. As though there had not been enough revelations of the day, he couldn't help but wonder how Thor was adapting to life on Midgard.

His thoughts strayed to their sister, who had died many years ago. He remembered how spoiled and selfish she was, hearing how she had killed guards in a fit of rage, and attacked Heimdall in a bid to get to through the bifrost and start a war on Midgard.

He grew up close with Thor, and their sister barely took notice of them. She remained in her chambers most of her life, barely seeing any of the family, and refused to see the people. He wondered as to how she was the goddess of Truth and nature, when she was vile and spiteful.

Taking a deep breath, he was glad she had died that night, had she still been alive, he was sure she would've tried to kill him, as she tried with Thor and Odin, in her attempt to leave.

Hearing footsteps coming, Sifs voice rings out, as she enters with the warriors three... 'Allfather, we must speak with you urgently..'.. He fought a smirk, seeing their shocked faces.

'My friends..'.. He watches their hesitancy as they come forward.

'Where's Odin?..'.. Fandral asks, as they come down the steps.

'Father has fallen into the Odinsleep. Mother fears he may never awaken again..'.. Loki sighed.

'We would speak with her..'.. Sif tells him, and he holds his anger. How dare they go against him.

'She has refused to leave my father's bedside. You can bring your urgent matter to me..'.. He feigns sincerity, and stands, watching the four of them... 'Your king..'... Loki could see the disbelief in them, as they looked to each other, kneeling, with their fists to their hearts.

'My king..'.. Loki heard the tone in Sif as she spoke... 'We would ask that you end Thors banishment..'.. He couldn't help but chuckle.

Stepping down from the throne, his gaze flicks between them all... 'My first command cannot be to undo the Allfathers last. We're on the brink of war with Jotunheim. Our people need a sense of continuity, in order to feel safe in these difficult times. All of us must stand together, for the good of Asgard..'.. The pure hatred and anger that was in Sifs eyes. If only she was not so loyal to his brother, perhaps he could sway her.

Loki stops in front of them, watching as Sif shoots to her feet, and fandral grabbing her arm... 'Yes, of course..'.. Fandral smiles up at him.

'Good. Then you will wait for my word..'.. Loki tells him.

'If I may..'.. He turns his gaze to Volstagg... 'Beg the indulgence of your majesty to perhaps reconsider-..'

'We're done!..'.. Loki had enough with this pathetic fools. They dare question him. He was the rightful king of Asgard, and he would rule as such. He watches as the warriors stand, and begin to leave, but Sif waited a moment, smirking up at him, as if she knew the truth, before leaving with the others.

He would end their lives, once and for all. He was alone in this, with no one at his side. They wanted to make him the villain, then he would become one.

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Thors was lost in his thoughts as he walked down the street. Now that he was away from Asgard, he remembered everything. He remembered what really happened to Astrid, knowing that someone had spelled Asgard, making everyone forget the truth of her. His heart ached at the thought, that his sister was held prisoner in the palace, and he had believed his mother and father's lies of her.

She was the goddess of Truth, how could he have believed the lies. If only Loki knew. Thor was sure his brother would tear apart the nine realms to find her, but it had been a long time ago, it was possible that she was dead. He didn't even know where Odin had sent her.

When he would return home, he would find the truth, and find her. He needed to repent for his mistake, the one that cost her, everything.

😘