515

Yes, Odin is sleeping again.

The old god-king, like many mortals, would spend most of the rest of his days in bed.

"Return to your rest," advised Heimdall to Thor and the others. "I will report truthfully to His Majesty upon his awakening. Prepare yourself mentally, Thor."

Thor sighed heavily as everyone left the teleportation hall.

After Forseti departed, he made his way to the Aida Plain in the heart of Asgard, where the Golden Palace stood.

"The Sun God," a guard with a halberd respectfully addressed him, stationed outside an inconspicuous residential building.

"Any unusual activity?" Forseti inquired.

"No, she remains undisturbed," the guard assured him.

Forseti nodded, entered the dwelling, and soon spotted a blue-skinned cyborg girl on the balcony—it was Nebula, whom he had previously rescued.

Knowing Nebula was Thanos' daughter, Forseti opted to keep her in Asgard for observation rather than letting her go.

During her stay, Nebula remained quiet and obedient, leaving Forseti curious about her past, which she rarely discussed.

"How do you find life in Asgard?" Forseti asked.

"It's acceptable, thank you," Nebula replied flatly.

Forseti pondered for a moment. "Could you tell me why Thanos abandoned you?"

Nebula hesitated briefly before answering, "There's no clear reason. I lost in a duel against another Nebula."

"Another Nebula?" Forseti asked, surprised. Was there another version of her from a different timeline, similar to the movies?

Nebula pointed to the mechanical parts on her face. "That's my other half."

"The original Nebula split into two entities. I possess half a human body and half a mechanical one, including part of the brain," she explained.

Forseti found this revelation almost unbelievable. "Such a procedure exists?"

Nebula continued, "My other half and I were forced by our father to duel. The loser's half was discarded, and I ended up as the discarded half."

Forseti fell silent for a moment. "Why did you agree to such a duel?"

"I had no choice," Nebula replied sadly. "I also believed it would make me stronger by discarding my weaknesses, until I became the discarded part."

Forseti reassured her, "You have a choice now. Thanos can no longer control you."

Nebula hesitated, "To some extent, yes. Although I am free from Thanos, my other half may still be loyal to him."

"He no longer holds power, and his time is limited. Who would remain loyal to him?" Forseti doubted. "Especially after how he treated you."

Nebula shook her head, "Although our minds are distinct, I understand her thoughts."

"I'm sure she escaped before the temple fell. But despite her physical distance from Thanos, she remains mentally tethered to him."

Forseti contemplated quietly.

Could this be akin to Stockholm Syndrome?

"It wasn't until he completely discarded me that I began to see things clearly. Despite his torment, I defended him in my mind for so long," Nebula confessed.

Forseti nodded, beginning to understand her situation.

"Is there any way to find the other Nebula and offer her redemption?" he asked.

"I can sense she's alive, but I have no idea where she might be. She may still be loyal to Thanos," Nebula lamented.

Forseti offered, "If you lack a clear plan, perhaps you could join my friend Carol in resettling interstellar refugees. She's aiding refugees across various star systems."

Nebula considered this and eventually nodded. "Alright."

Days later, a brilliant streak crossed the stars and landed on the shores of the Sea of Mamora in Asgard.

Carol descended from the light.

Forseti joked as he greeted her, "Carol, I'm beginning to think I should dub you the Sun Goddess."

"I'm an atheist," Carol replied dryly.

Forseti struggled to respond.

"Is this Nebula?" Carol asked, gesturing towards Nebula beside him.

Forseti confirmed, "Yes, you're already familiar with her circumstances."

Carol and Nebula exchanged pleasantries, but Carol suddenly proposed, "Forseti, we have time today. How about a sparring match?"

"What?" Forseti was taken aback.

Carol nodded, "A warrior's duel. I'd like to see who's stronger between us. I wasn't myself when controlled by the Kree."

"Alright," Forseti agreed after a moment's thought.

Rather than settling the score with physical prowess, Forseti intended to test a newly mastered spell, Holy Light, gifted by the slain superstar.

Distinct from basic healing spells in Warcraft, this sacred light bore an enigmatic charm, its battle efficacy yet untested.

"Shall we begin?" Forseti inquired, flexing his joints.

Carol smiled, radiating a brilliant light. "Let's."

Before the duel could commence, a commotion erupted near the gate to the Rainbow Bridge, including audible voices from Odin and Thor.

"Father!" Thor's voice sounded panicked.

"Silence! You arrogant, witless child, unworthy of the title 'God of Thunder'! I shall revoke it!"