Peace in Our Time (sequel to Daughters of Black Widow)

Chapter 4

"But it's a trick."

"No, no, it's much more than that."

"'Ah, whosoever be he worthy shall haveth the power!' Whatever, man! It's a trick!"

The twins rolled their eyes as they watched their uncles talk.

"Are they seriously debating this?" Asha asked her sister.

"Apparently so," Zola replied.

"Please, be my guest," Thor said, motioning to Mjølnir.

"Really?"

Thor nodded and Clint got to his feet.

"Clint, you've had a tough week," Tony said, "we won't hold it against you if you can't get it up."

"You know I've seen this before, right?" the archer said to the god of thunder. He grabbed hold of Mjølnir and tried to lift it, groaning when it wouldn't budge. Clint chuckled after a moment, letting go of the weapon. "I still don't know how you do it!"

"Smell the silent judgement?" Tony asked him with a small smirk.

"Let's see you try and lift it, Tony," Zola said.

Tony stood up, unbuttoning his jacket.

"Never one to shrink from an honest challenge. It's physics. Right, so, if I lift it, I then rule Asgard?"

"Yes, of course," Thor said.

"I will be reinstituting prima nocta." He got a good grip on the handle and pulled on the hammer. He tried for several moments before letting go. "I'll be right back."

He walked out of the room only to return with one of the gloves from his Iron Man armor. He grabbed the handle again and tried lifting Mjølnir. He even tried adjusting his position. Asha had to cover her mouth to keep in her laugh when a set of rockets appeared on the glove. A few minutes later, both Tony and Rhodey were trying to lift the hammer, both with gloves on from their armor.

"Are you even pulling?" Rhodey asked.

"Are you on my team?" Tony countered.

"Just represent. Pull."

"All right, let's go."

Asha busted out laughing as the two men still could not get the hammer to budge.

The next to try was Bruce. He grabbed the hammer with both hand and practically got on the table, trying to lift it. He let out a roar before letting go and roaring more. A silence fell over the group as they watched him. Zola face-palmed at the sight while Asha patted her shoulder.

"Asha? Zola?" Maria said. "You two want a go?"

The twins chuckled.

"No thank you, Maria," Zola said. "Maybe another time."

The billionaire threw a crumpled up napkin at her, making her roll her eyes at him.

"How about Steve?" Asha suggested. "He hasn't gone yet."

Steve chuckled and stood up.

"Go ahead, Steve," Tony said. "No pressure."

Steve rolled up his sleeves and took hold of the hammer's handle.

"Come on, Cap," Zola cheered.

Steve gripped the handle and pulled. Asha, Zola, and Thor all stared when they saw Mjølnir budge a little. Asha had to bite her lip to keep from laughing after seeing the look of worry on Thor's face. After a minute, Steve let go, much to Thor's relief. They all chuckled.