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  Donald walked into the base, looking at the group scattered across the on room. Nero and Nigel were engaged in a quiet versatiohe er while Diego leaned ba the couch, fiddling with a deck of cards. Maria sat cross-legged at the table, flipping through a book, and Sofia was hunched over her ptop, typing furiously. Anthony was half-lying on the opposite couch, tossing a ball in the air absentmindedly.

  "My father called me back," Donald said, cutting through the low hum of versation and the faint ctter of keys. "He invites you all to Asgard."

  The ball missed Anthony's hand and nded on the floor with a dull thud. He sat up, eyebrows raised. "Asgard? Like, actual Asgard? With gods and golden paces?"

  Donald nodded. "Yes. Odin requested my presence. Apparently, something important is happening, and he wants all of you there too."

  Maria smirked. “Bet he’ll be thrilled to meet Anthony. Definitely screams ‘Asgard material.’”

  Anthony shrugged. "Hey, who wouldn’t want to meet me? I’m practically divine already."

  Diego whistled, shuffling the de his hand. "Meeting the in-ws already, huh? Guess the old man couldn’t resist seeing who you’ve been hanging out with.”

  Donald gave Diego a disgusted look. "You really believe your little fantasy, don’t you, Diego? Sorry, I’m clearly out of your league."

  The others chuckled as Diego raised his hands in mock surrender. “Harsh, but fair. I’ll stiortals, then.”

  Maria set her book down, tilting her head at Donald. “So what’s the catch?"

  Donald shrugged. "Clearly, my father knows more thas on. He must’ve picked up on what’s been happening around me. And I think he knows parts of Nero’s story—maybe not the full extent, like the system or memories from another pne, but defihe important bits. How Nero has been there for me, and how he gave me the power of Lightning Fmes. I think he wants to meet you all ahis power for himself.”

  Anthony snorted. “So, Odin wants to size up the petition, huh? Big All-Father energy right there.”

  Nero gnced up with a smile, “Not everything has to be about a power py, Anthony. Odin might just be curious."

  Donald nodded as Nero tinued, “You may not know it yet, but Asgard is in trol of several realms. Earth is just one of them.”

  Diego tapped the deck of cards against his knee. “Several realms? So, what, they’re ndlords for a multiversal plex?”

  “Something like that,” Nero replied, a faint smile crossing his face. “Each realm has its own rules, politics, and problems. Asgard maintains the bance.”

  Maria leaned forward, resting her elbows oable. “And your father runs this whole operation?”

  “Not just my father,” Donald said. “The cil of Realms handles most decisions, but Odin’s authority overrides theirs when necessary. That’s how the structure works.”

  “Sounds bureaucratic,” Sofia muttered, her eyes still oop. “Bet it’s a nightmare trying to get anything done.”

  “Probably less red tape thah,” Anthony chimed in, pig the ball off the floor. “At least they don’t have to deal with zoning ws.”

  Nigel’s voiterrupted from the er. “The All-Father’s invitation isn’t oo be taken lightly. His curiosity about yroup is likely more yered than simple introdus.”

  “Meaning?” Maria asked.

  Nigel adjusted his cuffs. “Meaning an All Knowing God would rarely act without multiple purposes. He may want to test you, gauge your worth, or see how you rea unfamiliar circumstances.”

  “Great,” Diego said, shuffling the cards with practiced ease. “A diviitude test. Just what I needed.”

  Nero chuckled. “What are you worried about? You’ll be i, proving yourself to Mother Frigga.”

  Diego stared at him, deadpan. “Why am I always the bride in this imaginary retionship?”

  Donald huffed. “There’s ionship, damn it!”

  The room erupted in ughter, everyone ign Donald’s irritation. “Think of it this way,” Anthony said. “If Frigga likes you, she might teach you some divine recipes. Imagihe barbecues after that.”

  Diego tossed the cards in his hand onto the table with a flourish. “As long as I’m not expected to wear an apron with ‘Kiss the Chef,’ we’re fine.”

  “Too bad,” Maria chimed in. “I nning to embroider one for you.”

  “You all act like this is a family piic,” Donald muttered. “Asgard isn’t some casual stop. This isn’t about impressing my parents; it’s about—”

  Nero smiled, “Let me guess—a feast in a hall with lots of meat and booze. Am I right?”

  Donald thought for a moment and nodded. “Sounds abht.”

  The others broke into ughter. Diego gestured grandly, “Well, not a piic per se, but definitely close enough. Just add some divine karaoke and we’re set.”

  Maria smirked. “Anthony hahe eai. ’t wait to see you reg Norse poetry to Odin himself.”

  Anthony caught the ball he’d been tossing and gave an exaggerated bow. “As long as someone brings a harp, I’ll serehe All-Father personally.”

  “You’re all insane,” Donald muttered, though a small smile tugged at the er of his mouth. He goward Nero. “You’re not taking this seriously, are you?”

  Nered. “Asgard’s a realm of gods, Donald. Serious or not, I doubt anything we do prepare us fully. So why not have a little fun before they start throwing their divis our way?”

  Sofia finally looked up from her ptop, rubbiemples. “ I skip? I doubt you have Wi-Fi there.”

  Anthony snorted. “What, scared the gods won’t appreciate yaming skills?”

  “Gaming?” Sofia shot back, arg an eyebrow. “If Odin sees me trying to optimize their a work, they might just ban me from existence.”

  Diego leaned over, bang a card on his finger. “You’re assuming they even have a work. For all we know, they’re still sending messages by ravens.”

  Donald sighed, his irritation growing. “It’s Asgard. They don’t need your sarcasm. They unicate through magiot carrier pigeons.”

  “That’s a shame,” Nero cut in smoothly. “Imagine how much easier family politics would be with a good group chat.”

  Maria smirked. “Bet Loki would have some wild memes.”

  Donald gave her a look that screamed seriously? “Loki is a menaot a meme.”

  Diego waved dismissively. “Same difference.”

  Donald looked at the group like they were a lost cause. “Oh god.”

  Diego chuckled, leaning forward slightly. “Talking to the mirror or Daddy?”

  Donald shot him a gre, but Diego’s grin only widened. Anthony sossing the ball onto the couch beside him. “You walked right into that one.”

  The group, still chug at Donald’s expense, finally eased into seriousness, allowing Nero and Donald to expin what y ahead. Nero’s insights about Asgard, drawn from the memories of Prince’s alternate life, provided valuable information and cautionary tales. He outlihe cultural nuahe unspoken hierarchy, and the significe of their every word and a in the presence of gods. Donald added details of Asgard’s s, ensuring everyone had some grasp of what to expect.

  Though the briefing was thh, the air of irreverenever fully left. Diego periodically raised his hand with sarcastic “crification” questions, Anthony suggested poetic verses he might deliver to Odin, and Maria mocked the idea of Sofia trying to optimize Asgard’s unication systems. Sofia mostly ighem, though she did remark dryly that if Asgard wanted her to be impressed, they’d better have a w firewall.

  By the time the group donned Asgardian-inspired attire—flowing fabrics with subtle metallic ats and uated elegahey resembled a band of mortals just polished enough to avoid offe practical enough to blend in. The versation died down as the room filled with an eerie hum, signaling the Bifrost’s immi arrival.

  A pilr of light desded, cutting through the room with an almost deafening roar. The swirling brilliance shifted, coalesg into a bridge of shimmering colors as the group was swept up in a fsh of energy. In a heartbeat, they stood on the Bifrost, the vast expanse of Asgard spreading before them.

  The realm was a masterpiece of both nature and architecture. Golden spires stretched toward the heavens, their surfaces gleaming ihereal light of a sky that seemed to shimmer with steltions even in daylight. Rolling pins of emerald stretched to the horizon, interrupted by rivers of liquid silver. Everything about the ndscape felt rger, grander, as though mortals were never meant to witness such majesty.

  Antho out a low whistle, leaning slightly forward to take it all in. “Not gonna lie, I thought they might oversell this pce. They didn’t.”

  “Keep it together,” Donald muttered, gng around. “The st thing I need is you embarrassing me.”

  “You think I’m the liability here?” Anthony replied, a grin tugging at his lips. “Wait till Diego tries to hit on someone.”

  “Please,” Diego said, brushing imaginary dust off his sleeve. “I don’t ‘try.’ And gods or not, I have standards.”

  Maria suppressed a ugh. “I’m sure they’ll be thrilled to hear that.”

  Nero g the group, amusement flickering briefly before he gestured ahead. “Let’s move. Heimdall won’t wait forever.”

  Standing at the edge of the bridge was Heimdall himself, armor that seemed to pulse faintly with the light of the Bifrost. His eyes, bright and all-seeing, locked on the group as they approached. He held his sword with an ease that suggested it wasn’t just a ceremonial prop.

  “You are expected,” Heimdall said, his voice resonant, cutting through the awe in the air. He stepped aside, allowing them to pass toward the gates of Asgard.

  As they ehe city proper, Asgard revealed its full grandeur. The streets were wide and lined with intricate carvings, eae telling stories of battles, alliances, as of heroism. Asgardians moved with purpose, their attire blending practicality with a regal fir. The group drew a few curious gnces but nothing overtly hostile.

  They reached the grand hall quickly, its massive golden doors swinging open as though the very building anticipated their arrival. Ihe ceiling soared high above, adorned with murals that seemed to shift subtly with the ging light. The hall was bustling with activity—warriors preparing for their campaign, courtiers engaged in quiet versation, and messengers dartiween groups.

  At the far end of the hall, Odin sat on a throne of solid gold and carved runes. His gaze was sharp, assessing the group as they approached. Frigga stood beside him, her preseh regal and warm, her gaze resting briefly on Donald before moving to the others.

  As they reached the dais, Donald stepped forward, bowing slightly. “Father. Mother. Your son has returned.”

  Frigga looked at Donald warmly. It had been ages since she saw her son. Her gaze lingered on him before sweeping over the rest of the group with curiosity. Odied on his throne, leaned forward slightly, his stern expression softening a fra.

  “Thor,” Odin said, his voice carrying a weight that seemed to echh the hall, “wele back to Asgard.”

  Donald’s lips tightened, but he offered a polite nod. “Father, it’s good to be here.”

  Diego muttered under his breath, “Not even a hug after not seeing him so long? Cold.”

  Anthony elbowed him lightly, whispering, “You’d think there would be some tears.”

  Donald turned slightly, catg the exge. “Quiet, you two,” he said through gritted teeth.

  Frigga, still smiling, desded the dais with an elegahat silehe group’s bickering. “You’ve been away far too long, my son. And I see you’ve brought friends.” She stopped a few paces away, her gaze resting briefly on Nero before addressing the group. “Wele to Asgard. You all helped my son in his direst times.”

  Nero and the others just smiled humbly. “Donald was our friend,” Nero said, his toraightforward. “Although his new identity is something out of proportion, even without it, he art of us.”

  Frigga studied them for a moment, her calm demeanor unwavering. “Your loyalty is admirable. Few mortals would stand beside one who walks between two realms. It speaks volumes of your character.”

  Anthony, never oo stay silent for long, grinned. “We’re loyal, all right. Plus, Donald keeps things iing. ’t exactly walk away from that, we?”

  Maria shot him a look but added, “What he means is that Donald’s always been family. This doesn’t ge that.”

  Frigga’s gaze softened further, and she nodded before returning to her pce beside Odin. Odin’s eyes lingered on Nero, his toeady yet with an undercurrent of curiosity. “I don’t know how you learhor’s identity, despite my sealing it. But I will not prod into your secrets. Since you are Thor’s friends, you are Asgard’s friends. Wele.”

  Diego leaoward Anthony, muttering just loud enough to be heard, “See? No grilling, no divine fireballs. Told you we’d make a good impression.”

  Anthony smirked, whispering back, “You? You’re a sideshow. They’re here for Nero.”

  Odin’s sharp gaze swept over them, sileng their banter instantly. “You are very a unique group of people. Here were bunortal standing before the All Knowing God of 9 Realms, yet they were bantering as if he was just an old man.

  Frigga gestured toward a set of golden doors fnked by t pilrs. “You’ve traveled far. A feast awaits you in Vaskjalf. Let us not keep you standing here after such a journey.”

  As they followed the All-Mother’s lead, Sofia caught up with Donald, her voice low. “Is every room going to look like a jewelry store exploded? Or is it just the main hall?”

  Donald sighed. “They’re halls of power. It’s symbolid no, not every room is like this.”

  Maria chimed in, “So what you’re saying is, this is their ‘casual uated’ look?”

  Donald shot her a exasperated g didn’t reply. The golden doors opeo reveal a massive dining hall, the likes of which the group could hardly have imagiables den with ornate dishes stretched the length of the room, gleaming under a high, vaulted ceiling adorned with moving steltions. Asgardians were already seated, their vibrant attire blending seamlessly with the hall’s splendor.

  Anthony leaned close to Nero. “I was expeg a round table vibe, not… whatever this is. Feels like walking into a painting.”

  Nero kept his voice measured, “Wele to the realm of gods. Subtlety isn’t their strong suit.”

  They were led to seats he head of the table, positioned close to Odin and Frigga. As they settled in, Odin raised a golden goblet, signaling the room to silence.

  “Asgard weles the long-exiled Thor, son of Odin, and Thor’s panions,” Odin announced, his voice carrying over the grand hall. “Tonight, we share bread and drink as allies.”

  The hall erupted in cheers, the sound of tankards and goblets king together creating a symphony of celebration. While many raised their gsses in genuine joy at Thor’s return.

  His closest friends came near him—Sif, Volstagg, Fandral, and Hogun—each wearing wide smiles as they embraced Donald tightly. “Thor!” Volstagg’s booming voice rang out as he cpped him on the back. “You’ve been gooo long, my friend!”

  “Indeed,” Sif said, her tone carrying a mix of warmth and reprimand. “We half expected you tet your way batirely.”

  “I’m surprised you’re still standing after all the Midgardian nonsense,” Fandral added with a smirk. “Tell me, how do those mortals fare in battle? Do they throw pebbles or just insults?”

  Donald stepped out of the group hug, waving them off. “It’s been aful time, to say the least. And these friends of mine…” He gestured toward Nero and the others, “They’ve been more capable than you give them credit for.”

  Diego, hearing this, raised an imaginary gss toward Donald. “A toast to being uimated by gods! It’s good for the ego.”

  Anthony snorted, shaking his head. “Yoing to need more than fttery to survive here, Diego. These people look like they drink wiraight from barrels.”

  Volstagg’s eyes lit up at Anthony’s ent. “Ah, finally, a mortal with a proper appreciation for drink! e, I’ll show you the fi Asgardian mead. By the end of the night, you might just outst Fandral.”

  “That’s ambitious,” Hogun muttered, but there was a faint glimmer of amusement in his otherwise stoic demeanor.

  Nero and the others had already begun blending into the feast, engaging in casual versation with nearby Asgardians and sampling the spread before them. Maria leaned over the table to examine a ptter of roasted meats. “They really went all out, huh? Is this a regur Tuesday for you, Donald?”

  “Thor,” Odin corrected from his thro was ignored.

  Donald gave her an amused look. “Something like that.”

  Sofia was already poking at one of the ornate dishes, her curiosity overriding aation. “So, do they bel these? Or is it just a gamble every time you take a bite?”

  An Asgardian warrior near her chuckled. “Take heart, mortal. Our food doesn’t bite back.”

  “That’s f,” Sofia muttered, though she eyed the dish suspiciously before taking a small piece.

  Odin’s gaze lingered on the group, noting their ease amidst the grandeur. “They are unshaken,” he murmured ta. “Most mortals quail at the sight of Asgard.”

  Frigga smiled faintly. “They are not ordinary mortals. They carry themselves with a bond that even we might envy.”

  Diego, apparently oblivious to the royal entary, leaoward Sif. “So, you’re Sif. Legendary warrioddess, all that. Tell me—how do you mao keep that braid in perfect shape during battle? Asking for a friend.”

  Sif raised an eyebrow, her lips twitg with amusement. “Discipline and magic, mostly. Should I braid yours ?”

  Maria stifled a ugh as Diego cpped his hands, grinning. “Yes, please! Sister, let’s do it now.”

  Sif arched a brow, clearly caught between amusement and disbelief. “You’re serious?”

  Diego nodded enthusiastically. “Absolutely. Let’s immortalize me. If anyone asks, I want the braid called ‘The Diego.’ It’ll be legendary.”

  Maria shook her head, the grin on her face widening. “I already see the sagas now: ‘The man who styled his way into Asgardian lore.’”

  Anthony leaned back, mock-pensive. “Maybe throw in a bit about how he got struck by lightning for annoying a goddess.”

  “Lightning and charm,” Diego shot back. “Best bo sihunder and hammer.”

  Sif g Donald—Thor. “Are your mortal friends always this...” She trailed off, gesturing toward Diego, who was now attempting to mimic Asgardian sword stances with an imaginary on.

  Donald sighed. “Always. I’ve given up to expin them.”

  “Expin us?” Diego interjected, spinning on his heel. “What’s there to expin? We’re delightful.”

  Anthony picked up his goblet, swirling its tents zily. “You’re something, all right. Delightful isn’t the word I’d use.”

  Before Diego could retort, Volstagg’s booming ugh filled the room. “I like this one! A good sense of humor is rare among mortals. Let him have his braid, Sif. We could all use a little eai.”

  Sif smirked faintly. “Fine. But only if he sit still for five minutes. Any less, and I’m cutting it off.”

  “Deal!” Diego said, plopping down onto the bench. He spun to fathony. “Start writing poetry about this. Title it ‘The Brave and the Braided.’”

  Anthony rolled his eyes, though a faint smile tugged at his lips. “You’re braided, and who is the brave?”

  The hall erupted in ughter, even Volstagg spping the table as he roared. Diego shot Anthony a look that said clearly, I will kill you ter, but first, I o sit still for this.

  Nigel was surprisingly mingling with the crowd, a goblet of Asgardian mead in hand as he chatted with a group of warriors. The ease with which he navigated the room was as natural as if he’d speuries among gods rather than mortals. He exged nods and ked gsses, his preseh unassuming and oddly magic.

  “You look like you’ve dohis before,” Anthony remarked, sidling up to him with a bemused grin.

  Nigel g him, the fai smirk pying on his lips. “The pany may be different, but people are people. Gods, mortals—doesn’t matter. Everyone appreciates a good drink and a bit of versation.”

  Anthony raised an eyebrow. “I’d say that’s overly simplistic for a crowd that could probably crush a mountain with their bare hands.”

  “Overthinking it is where most people fail,” Nigel replied, gesturing subtly toward a warrihiily with a group of courtiers. “They’re more approachable than you think. Just don’t spill their mead.”

  Oher side of the hall, Sofia was engaged in an animated discussion with an Asgardian craftsman.

  “So, you’re saying this material absorbs energy aributes it?” she asked, holding a fragment of what looked like shimmering ore.

  The craftsman nodded. “Precisely. It’s often used in our armor and onry to withstand strikes from evero foes.”

  Sofia tilted her head, examining the fragment. “And no ohought to use it for other applications? Energy ste, maybe?”

  The craftsman looked intrigued. “It’s a possibility we’ve sidered, but our focus has always been on bat utility.”

  Sofia’s eyes lit up. “If you ever decide to branch out, let me know. I’d love to see what this could do outside a battlefield.”

  Nearby, Nero stood with Donald—Thor—as they exged quiet words. Odin’s gaze remained fixed on them from across the room, his expression inscrutable.

  “He’s studying you,” Donald said, keeping his voice low.

  Nero smirked faintly. “Let him. I’d do the same in his pce.”

  “You’re not worried?”

  “Should I be?”

  Donald hesitated. “Not if you’re as good at keepis as you cim.”

  “Better,” Nero replied smoothly, taking a sip from his goblet.

  Donald g his father, then back to Nero. “Just... tread carefully. Odi like surprises.”

  “her do I,” Nero said, his tone light but with an undercurrent of something more. “We’ll manage.”

  Frigga approached them, her presence drawing a pause in their versation. “You’ve brought an iing group, my son,” she said, her voice warm as she addressed Donald. Her eyes flicked to Nero. “And you seem to be the most iing of them all.”

  Nero ined his head slightly. “Only by association, All-Mother. Your son keeps us grounded.”

  Frigga studied him for a moment, a faint smile grag her lips. “Grouhat’s an unusual term for someone of his nature.”

  “Unusual is what we do best,” Nero replied with a chuckle.

  --

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