The Love of Man and God
From the start, Caesar doubted that Jane and Thor's relationship would last.
He was skeptical about whether their love for each other was genuine.
When Jane met Thor, he was going through the toughest time of his life.
Stripped of his divine powers, forsaken by Mjolnir, and misled by Loki to believe he was angry with his father.
Thor, a prince raised amid constant adoration and never facing serious adversity, was unprepared for such a downfall.
Especially considering his relatively tranquil existence over the past millennium.
Small challenges were merely jokes to him; with Mjolnir in hand, his combat abilities soared nearly to fourth-tier levels.
His continuous victories and endless praises left him feeling undefeatable and all-powerful.
Whenever faced with a problem, he'd act impulsively, confident that no one could match him.
The mighty rulers of the Nine Realms either surrendered to him or were defeated, their powers stripped and their spirits broken.
This led to Thor's carefree and excessively combative demeanor over the centuries.
Odin, aware of the complexities of the Nine Realms and the universe, remained unbothered.
But he knew if he were to die, Thor's impulsive nature and current weakness could lead to Asgard's ruin.
So, the trial was set in motion.
It was designed merely to make Thor acknowledge his vulnerabilities and understand the importance of maintaining peace—even if he learned nothing else.
The plan was simple: let Thor live as a mortal for a while, battered and without his powers.
Then, Mjolnir would automatically restore Thor's divine powers and return to him.
This was Odin's challenge.
But Thor was oblivious to all of this.
At his lowest point, he even felt his future was bleak.
Jane stood before him, her expression tinged with concern.
"Take care of him, nurture him, assist him," she implored.
"Provide him with shelter and sustenance."
Thor, newly stripped of his godhood, lacked even the means for basic survival.
Like Stockholm syndrome or the drawbridge effect, Thor was deeply infatuated with Jane.
He was willing to relinquish his throne and abandon his responsibilities for her.
But he couldn't comprehend.
Jane's affection stemmed solely from curiosity about Thor's identity, his striking visage, and robust physique.
If Thor truly were a mortal, devoid of identity, education, and gainful employment, could Jane realistically support him indefinitely?
Curiosity is transient.
Jane, perpetually mortal.
As for Thor reclaiming his divine power and ascending to godhood, it was an even more improbable notion.
Setting aside whether Jane's mortal frame could withstand Thor's divine presence, time was the most formidable adversary.
Thor could live for millennia, but what about Jane?
After a decade or two, could Thor, accustomed to the eternal youth of goddesses, truly accept Jane's inevitable aging?
Or could Jane, aged and stooped, find solace in the company of the handsome and vigorous Thor?
Mortals and gods were inherently incompatible.
Unless mortals ascended to divinity or gods descended to humanity!
Having spent centuries in Asgard, Caesar had long grasped this truth.
"What's our next move?" Valina inquired impatiently, eager for a drink.
"Impossible. I've only pledged to care for him, not to act as his caretaker. Let him be for now," Jane replied firmly.
"I believe once Loki comprehends the intricacies of this universe, he won't foolishly unleash the Destroyer. We have other matters to attend to," Caesar asserted.
With that, Caesar marked Thor's location on a map, a precautionary measure.
He departed Mexico, venturing wherever he pleased.
As for Loki's potential mischief?
Heimdall remained vigilant, his gaze fixed upon Loki, alert for any signs of trouble.
Back then, Caesar wouldn't have hesitated to dismantle Asgard's defenses.
In Shi Stark's mansion, Shi Stark just thwarted the relentless onslaught of the mourning whip, and he and Xiao Chili rekindled their affection. The atmosphere was set with music, candles, and tender dancing.
"Oh, pardon the intrusion, but if you carry on," Caesar interrupted, his expression flat, "I don't mind waiting, but others might not appreciate the show!"
Nonchalantly seating himself on a nearby sofa, he disabled a surveillance camera outside Stark's residence. No surprises there; it was S.H.I.E.L.D.'s watchful eye over Stark.
"Who are you?" Tony remained unfazed by Caesar's sudden appearance, positioning Pepper safely behind him. Meanwhile, a robotic arm fetched the Mark Six, and Tony geared up swiftly.
"Relax, no harm intended," Caesar remarked casually, though Tony remained vigilant. "Otherwise, you'd have met your match long before or after donning that iron suit, countless times over!"
While J.A.R.V.I.S scanned for intel, Valina helped herself to a bottle of fine wine from Tony's stash, prompting Tony's consent without hesitation.
"Go ahead," Tony agreed, gesturing towards the bottle, unfazed.
"Much obliged," Valina replied with a smile, uncorking the bottle and downing its contents.
"Global network's up, no luck on identifying them," J.A.R.V.I.S relayed promptly.
"Care to enlighten us? What's your game?" Tony demanded, leveling a laser cannon at the duo.
"I come in peace, merely seeking conversation," Caesar assured, "But, of course, a little proof of goodwill wouldn't hurt."
Tony eyed Caesar and Valina, clad in peculiar attire, motioning Pepper to step back while aiming the laser cannon.
"Alright, talk. But you'll need to earn my trust first," Tony asserted firmly.
Caesar nodded, then with a blink, a golden flame enveloped Iron Man's suit, reducing it to molten metal that cooled instantly upon contact with the ground. The intense solar power at Caesar's command effortlessly dismantled the outdated Mark Six.
(Just four shifts today. I'm feeling quite tired and eager for some sleep. Will aim for at least six shifts tomorrow!)
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