Chapter 16: Asgard and King Odin

Chapter 16: Asgard and King Odin

Thor stepped out of the Bifrost and onto the rainbow bridge of Asgard, the ethereal energy still crackling in the air around him. The golden light of the realm shone brightly, reflecting off the pristine architecture that stretched out before him—towers of gleaming gold and silver, adorned with intricate runes and carvings that told the tales of Asgard's ancient history. The skies above were a tapestry of swirling colors, alive with the power that coursed through this realm of gods. As Thor took in the familiar sights, a wave of relief washed over him; the battle in New York had been grueling, and the familiarity of Asgard was a welcome solace.

Heimdall, ever vigilant at the entrance of the Bifrost, greeted Thor with a solemn nod. His golden eyes, which could see across the Nine Realms, were unwavering as he met Thor's gaze. Clad in gleaming armor, Heimdall's presence was as imposing as ever, the weight of his duty etched into every line of his face.

"Welcome back, Thor," Heimdall greeted, his voice deep and resonant, echoing slightly in the vast space. "How fares Midgard?"

Thor nodded, acknowledging the gatekeeper's question. "It was a hard-fought battle, Heimdall, but the people of Midgard stand victorious. The Chitauri have been defeated."

Heimdall's eyes softened briefly, a rare display of emotion from the ever-stoic guardian. "That is good to hear."

Without wasting time, Thor stepped closer to Heimdall, his expression growing serious. "Heimdall, I need you to find someone for me—a being of great importance. His name is Cadis Etrama Di Raizel, the Noblesse, guardian of the Nine Realms and protector of Justice."

Heimdall's brow furrowed in confusion, his grip tightening on the hilt of his massive sword, Hofund. "The Noblesse?" he repeated, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I do not know this name to be used by anyone in the Midgard right now, Thor."

Thor blinked in surprise. "What do you mean, Heimdall? Cadis Etrama Di Raizel, the Noblesse—surely you have heard of him. He is the protector of Justice, a being of unimaginable power who has safeguarded the Nine Realms since time immemorial."

Heimdall's eyes narrowed as he focused on Thor. "I heard you the first time, Prince Thor, but I cannot find him in the Nine Realms. It is as if this Noblesse you speak of is hidden from my sight."

Thor's confusion deepened. "Is he not on Earth?"

Heimdall's expression grew even more serious. "The Noblesse is a being of great power, if what you say is true. My all-seeing eyes should be able to find him, no matter where he is. But Thor, I cannot see him. It is as if he does not exist within the realms that I can observe."

Thor's heart sank at Heimdall's words, but he was not willing to give up so easily. "What about his servant, Frankenstein? Can you locate him?"

Heimdall closed his eyes, focusing his divine sight across the cosmos, searching for any trace of this being Thor spoke of. After a long moment, he opened his eyes and shook his head. "I cannot see him either. Whoever these beings are, they are beyond my sight."

A heavy sigh escaped Thor's lips as he mulled over Heimdall's words. Raizel and Frankenstein were not beings to be taken lightly, and if Heimdall could not see them, it meant they were far more powerful—or more hidden—than even Thor had realized.

"I see," Thor finally said, his tone thoughtful. "Thank you, Heimdall. I will speak with my father about this."

With that, Thor turned away from the Bifrost, his mind racing with questions. Loki, who had been silent throughout the exchange, followed closely behind. The Trickster God's eyes were as sharp as ever, and Thor could sense that his brother was listening intently, absorbing every word.

"Heimdall," Thor called back just before he left the room, "inform Father of my return."

Heimdall nodded solemnly. "At once, my Prince."

Thor gripped Mjolnir tightly and, with a mighty swing, launched himself into the air, flying toward the grand palace that towered over the city of Asgard. The palace was a masterpiece of divine architecture, its golden spires piercing the sky, with elaborate carvings and statues of legendary Asgardian warriors lining the walls. It was a place of majesty and power, where decisions that shaped the fate of entire realms were made.

The flight was brief, and soon Thor and Loki landed at the entrance to the throne room. The doors, massive and adorned with intricate designs, swung open as they approached, revealing the vast hall within. The throne room was the very heart of Asgard, with towering pillars holding up the high ceiling and a grand, ornate throne at the far end. The floor was polished to a mirror finish, reflecting the light of the eternal flames that lined the walls.

Seated on the throne was Odin, the Allfather, his presence commanding and regal. Clad in armor that gleamed with an ancient power, Odin's single eye bore into Thor with a mix of pride and expectation. To his side stood Frigga, the Queen of Asgard, her eyes warm but her posture no less regal.

Thor landed gracefully before the throne, followed by Loki, who stood silently by his brother's side. Thor bowed deeply, a gesture of respect to his father.

"Father, I have returned," Thor announced, his voice strong and clear.

Odin's gaze softened slightly as he looked upon his son. "Welcome back, my son. The battle in Midgard was well-fought, I trust?"

Thor nodded. "Yes, Father. The Chitauri have been defeated, and Midgard is safe once more."

Odin nodded in approval, but his attention soon turned to Loki. His expression grew stern as he regarded his younger son, the one who had brought so much turmoil to the realms. "Loki, your actions have brought great shame upon our family and have endangered the very fabric of the Nine Realms."

Loki, ever the master of masks, remained impassive, though there was a flicker of something in his eyes—perhaps regret, perhaps defiance. "I only sought to prove myself, Father," Loki replied, his voice smooth but with an edge of bitterness.

Odin's gaze hardened. "And in doing so, you have wrought destruction and chaos. The laws of Asgard are clear, Loki. You will face punishment for your crimes, as is decreed by the Allfather."

Loki's expression remained unreadable as Odin pronounced his sentence. The throne room seemed to grow colder, the weight of the Allfather's words settling over everyone present. Thor, though he had expected this, could not help but feel a pang of sorrow for his brother. Loki's choices had led him down a dark path, and now he would face the consequences.

As Odin concluded Loki's punishment, the tension in the room began to dissipate. Loki, ever the enigma, showed no outward reaction, simply bowing his head in acceptance.

With Loki's fate sealed, Thor stepped forward once more, his mind returning to the pressing matter at hand. "Father, there is something I must tell you," Thor said, his voice steady.

Odin's gaze turned to Thor, a flicker of curiosity in his eye. "What is it, my son?"

Thor took a deep breath before speaking. "I have met the Noblesse."

The effect of these words was immediate. Odin, the wise and stoic king, stood abruptly from his throne, his expression one of shock and disbelief. The very mention of the Noblesse, a being of such ancient power and significance, was enough to shake even the Allfather.

"What did you say?" Odin demanded, his voice tinged with urgency.

Thor met his father's gaze, unwavering. "The Noblesse, Cadis Etrama Di Raizel, protector of Justice—I have met him on Earth."

For a moment, Odin was silent, his mind racing as he processed what Thor had just revealed. The return of the Noblesse, a being who had been absent for millennia, was a momentous event, one that could alter the course of history for the Nine Realms.

"Are you certain it was him?" Odin finally asked, his voice hushed as if he could scarcely believe it.

Thor nodded solemnly. "Father, there is no mistaking it. His presence, his power—it was unlike anything I have ever felt. And he was accompanied by his loyal servant, Frankenstein."

Odin's eye widened in recognition, and a wave of excitement washed over him. "The protector of the Nine Realms is back," he whispered, almost to himself. His excitement was palpable, a rare display of emotion from the usually reserved king.

Odin's reaction took Thor by surprise. It was clear that his father knew more about the Noblesse than he had ever let on. But before Thor could ask, Odin spoke again, his voice filled with a mixture of hope and fear.

"This is both a blessing and a warning," Odin said, his gaze distant as if he were looking into the future. "The Noblesse's return signals that the balance of the universe is once again at risk. But his presence also means that there is hope—hope that justice will be maintained, even in the face of the greatest darkness."

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Should I let Queen Frigga die or save her from noblesse interference.