Chapter 18: The Dark World Cometh

Apex is in the middle of a battlefield on Vanaheim fighting some marauders with Lady Sif and The Warriors Three. He was wearing his black Ninja Gaiden suit. He has his claws out and is slashing and fighting with a brutality worthy of Wolverine. He saw as Sif fell off her horse and started attacking and then saw a bunch of marauders trying to shoot rocket like weapons.

As they launch the rockets, Apex simply raises his hand and all the rockets stop. This causes a lull in the fight as everyone is staring at the situation. They see Apex slowly turn his hand and the rockets follow suit and turn back towards those who fired. He then let the rockets fly, lunged through the air towards a marauder who tried to sneak attack Sif and the chaos resumed.

As a marauder was trying to sneak up behind Apex, there was a flash of light that Apex knew to be the Bifrost and then Mjolnir came and smacked the marauder that tried to attack Apex.

"I knew he was there, I didn't need your help."

Just then, Lady Sif interjected "Yes, I've got this completely under control."

Thor just chuckled "Is that why everything's on fire?"

Thor was surprised to see that aside from a few injuries there were no dead even on the Vanaheim citizens side.

He looked at Sif in confusion "There are no dead?"

Lady Sif smiled "You can thank your friend for that, he is quite the animal on the battlefield."

Thor looked over and saw Apex in his suit and he had metal claws and was slashing and lunging at multiple enemies while growling and at the same time was pulling others towards him through either telekinesis or Magneto's power by grabbing their armor. He was also teleporting around the battlefield to slash at enemies that would've killed their allies.

Thor looked from Apex back to Sif until Sif looked at him.

"Impressive is he not?"

"Of course Sif, I would not have brought him if I believed otherwise, but it seems he has gotten more powerful than when last we fought together."

As Sif was going to respond they heard a loud roar and all the marauders stopped fighting, made room for something and then started cheering. A stone giant also known as a Kronon walked in front of Thor and roared ferociously.

Thor looked him up and down and said "Hello. I accept your surrender."

This made all the Marauders laugh thinking he couldn't defeat the giant Kronon. Thor just spun Mjolnir around and smacked the large Kronon and it exploded into rocks. This made all the Marauders stop laughing and stare at Thor.

Thor smirked and looked around showing how effortless it was to defeat the Kronon.

"Anyone else?"

All the Marauders just surrendered and slowly placed their weapons on the ground as they kneeled before Thor.

Fandral looked around and then at Thor and said "Perhaps next time we should start with the big one."

All the Marauders are being rounded up and chained for them to be sent to prison and Thor, Apex and Hogun are walking together.

Hogun first looked at Apex. "I thank you for your help in protecting my people."

"Of course, it is no problem. I do whatever I can to minimize casualties whenever I fight."

"Well it is appreciated."

Apex just nods in acknowledgement. Hogun then turns to Thor.

"Where do we go next?"

Thor turned to him "Hogun, the peace ia nearly won across the nine realms. You should stay here. Be with your people. Where your heart is. Asgard can wait."

Hogun smiled widely "You have my thanks."

Thor went over and grabbed Hogun's forearm in a shake and said "As you have mine."

Thor smiled as Hogun walked away to be with his people then turned to Apex. "Let's go my friend."

Apex nodded and then Thor looked up to the sky. "Heimdall, when you're ready."

A beam of light that Apex already knew was the Bifrost came down and sucked up both Thor and Apex.

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(Asgard Training Grounds)

Odin is watching the training going on with the Asgardians as he then feels the presence of Thor and his friend behind him. Odin nods at Apex who nods back and walks down the stair to left and begins to go train with Lady Sif. She was always surprised that he can fight normally like a warrior while training but is very brutal on the battlefield. Sif does know that he is very powerful even without using his strange abilities and definitely someone worthy to train with. It also doesn't hurt that not only can he help her improve her fighting skill, he is pretty easy on the eyes.

As Apex trains with Sif, Odin and Thor speak about the battles that they have gone through.

Odin glances at Thor for a moment.

"Is Vanaheim secure?"

Thor nods "As are Nornhiem and Ria. Though our work would've gone more quickly with you at the fore."

"inspite of the efforts of your friend, you have made great progress thus far.

Odin then smirked and said "And you must think me a piece of bread to be buttered so heavily."

Thor smiled and said "That was not my intent"

"For the first time since Bifrost was destroyed, the nine realms are at peace. They are well reminded of our strength and you have earned their respect and my gratitude. Your friend has earned my gratitude as well. Since he has joined your crusade for peace through the realms, we have remained strong and have not had to mourn the dead as he has kept our allies from death."

"Thank you. and I am sure my friend is more than greatful to even be allowed to explore the nine realms and train and fight with the Asgardians."

Odin nods and then thinks for a moment.

"There is nothing out of order except your confused and distracted heart."

"This isn't about Jane Foster, Father."

"Human lives are fleeting, they're nothing. You'd be better served by what lies in front of you." Odin said while gesturing toward Lady Sif.

"While your friend has proven himself a worthy ally and warrior, he is still human and he will not live nearly as long as you my son. He may live longer than normal humans due to his powers that I have seen, but still not long enough. Let us hope that he prove more useful with the time he has left."

Thor looks at Lady Sif who had moved on from her spar with Apex and had just taken down her new sparing partner. She looked up at Thor.

Odin got closer to Thor as he said quieter. "I say this not as the Allfather, but as your father."

Odin then started to walk around to the other side of Thor while saying

"You are ready. It is time for you to take the throne. Embrace and celebrate what you have won. Join your warriors. Eat and drink, revel in their celebration. At least pretend to enjoy yourself."

As his father spoke, Thor looked to be in deep contemplation about the future and what it may bring.