The midday sun was relentless as Ritsuka Fujimaru and Artoria Lancer walked down the dusty street, the air heavy with warmth. Despite the heat, the world felt a little less burdened when Artoria's hand was in his, her usually stern face softening into a shy blush. Ritsuka couldn't help but smile at her contrasting demeanor—a far cry from her commanding, regal Lion King image. Only he got to see this side of her, a side filled with warmth and vulnerability.
Artoria glanced at him, her voice hesitant but sweet. "Ritsuka… it's quite hot today. Do you think we could… take a break and get some coffee?"
Ritsuka chuckled, knowing well enough that she was offering more than just a break; she wanted some time alone with him, something peaceful and ordinary amid the chaos that always surrounded them. And Ritsuka was going to diner anyway to meet thor. "If you're the one suggesting it, how can I refuse?"
The couple entered a small diner not far down the road, fingers still intertwined. As they walked through the door, a few people on the street gave them envious looks. It wasn't every day you saw a beautiful, regal woman like Artoria holding hands with someone so handsome casually. Yet, her blush deepened at the attention. Despite her being the fierce and noble King of Knights, moments like these turned her into a shy, loving companion, and Ritsuka adored that about her.
They found a corner booth, the cool air inside offering a pleasant contrast to the oppressive heat outside. The waitress brought over two cups of coffee, and Artoria let out a soft sigh of relief as she took a sip. Her deep blue eyes sparkled as she gazed at Ritsuka, the warmth of the coffee seeming to calm her nerves.
"Thank you, Ritsuka," she murmured, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup. "I don't often say it, but… being by your side, like this… I cherish it."
Ritsuka blinked, surprised by the openness in her voice. Artoria wasn't one to easily show emotions, especially such tender ones. He felt a tug in his chest, that mix of affection and admiration he always felt for her growing stronger human side. "Artoria, you don't have to thank me. You know I'd follow you anywhere."
She smiled softly, her usual composed expression melting into something more tender. Artoria's fingers slipped from her cup and intertwined with his again, her grip tightening just slightly, as if she wanted to be sure he was truly there.
"I may have been a king once," she said softly, "but being with you… it makes me feel like I can finally be just Artoria. Not a ruler. Just a woman in love."
The simplicity of her words, the rawness in her voice, made Ritsuka's heart ache in the best way. He leaned forward slightly, his thumb gently brushing the back of her hand. "And I'm so glad to be your partner."
For a moment, they were lost in each other's gaze, the world around them fading away. Artoria's cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of red, and she gave him a smile—a smile so pure and filled with love that it sent warmth coursing through his veins. Ritsuka squeezed her hand, returning her smile with one of his own.
But before the moment could stretch on, the bell above the diner's door jingled, and both Artoria and Ritsuka turned instinctively. Walking inside were familiar figures: Jane Foster, Darcy Lewis, Dr. Erik Selvig, and Thor. However, there was something different about Thor this time—something off. Both Ritsuka and Artoria could feel it immediately: the divine presence that always radiated from the so-called God of Thunder was barely a flicker, Thor, strode in with an exaggerated confidence, his booming voice filling the room.
"A fine establishment for a god!" Thor declared loudly as if he were still in Asgard, his bravado almost too much for the humble diner setting. "Bring me your strongest drink!"
Ritsuka's eyes narrowed slightly as he watched Thor's over-the-top entrance. He could feel the faint remnant of divine power in Thor, but something was missing. Thor was acting like a god, but the spark, the power that should have been there—it was almost nonexistent now.
As he observed Thor, memories from his past life came rushing back. Ritsuka's mind flashed back to the scenes from *Avengers: Endgame* and beyond. He remembered how Thor had lost almost everything: his mother, his father, his brother, even Asgard. And in his grief, he had spiraled into depression, a shadow of his former self. But this Thor, standing in front of him now, wasn't even at that point yet. He was still clinging to a façade, not ready to face the harsh reality of his unworthiness.
*I understand that pain,* Ritsuka thought, his heart heavy. He, too, had experienced loss—more than anyone should in a lifetime. The burden of being Chaldea's last Master, the destruction of the Lostbelts, and the countless lives that weighed on his soul. Just like Thor, he had been stripped of so much, yet he had to keep moving forward.
Watching Thor's overcompensating confidence stirred something deep within Ritsuka. He wanted to help, to stop the god from making the same mistakes, to show him the path forward, but he remained silent for now. This wasn't the moment.
Artoria squeezed his hand, bringing him back to the present. She hadn't noticed Thor's arrival, her focus entirely on Ritsuka. She gave him a soft smile, her eyes shining with quiet affection. Ritsuka returned the smile, grateful to have her by his side. He will definitely change Thor fate.
As Ritsuka quietly reflected on Thor's past and his own burdens, the clatter of utensils and the hum of conversation filled the diner. Thor and the others had begun eating, and Thor, in his usual dramatic manner, spoke loudly of Asgard, Bifrost, and great battles with frost giants.
"...and that is why Asgard reigns supreme, with the power of the mighty Bifrost connecting realms beyond your comprehension!" Thor boomed, raising his drink like a king among mortals.
The silence that followed was palpable. Jane and the others exchanged awkward glances, clearly skeptical of Thor's tales. Jane, in particular, gave him a look that said, *Is this guy serious?* It was as if she couldn't decide whether to laugh or feel sorry for him. Darcy raised an eyebrow, suppressing a chuckle, while Dr. Erik looked somewhere between intrigued and confused, still trying to make sense of Thor's grandiose claims.
Suddenly, Thor smashed his empty cup on the floor with a loud crash. "Another!" he demanded, his voice echoing through the diner.
The waitress looked startled, but before she could react, Jane stood up in embarrassment. "Thor! You can't just—"
At that moment, a group of customers at a nearby table began discussing something that caught Jane's attention.
"Did you hear about that satellite crash?" one of the customers asked.
"Yeah, it came down about 50 miles west of here. They're saying it's some kind of top-secret government thing, probably a spy satellite."
Thor immediately perked up, his eyes gleaming with recognition. "Satalete? You say it has fallen? No, that's not a satalete. That is Mjolnir, my hammer. It has returned to me!"
Ritsuka watched the scene unfold, recognizing this moment from the *Thor* movie. Thor was convinced that the so-called satellite was his hammer, Mjolnir, which had been sent to Earth when Odin deemed him unworthy. Ritsuka knew where this was headed. Thor was going to rush to the crash site, only to find that he could no longer lift the weapon he had once wielded effortlessly.
Jane, curious and ever the scientist, inquired further about the crash. "Where exactly did it land?"
"About 50 miles west," one of the customers repeated. "Whole area's been cordoned off by the government. They've got men in black suits all over it."
Thor's expression hardened with resolve. "We must go. My hammer awaits."
Without waiting for anyone's response, Thor stood and made his way toward the door, his usual confidence on full display. Jane, Darcy, and Dr. Erik, not entirely sure what was happening, quickly followed behind, trying to keep up with his long strides.
Artoria, who had been quietly sipping her coffee, set her cup down and narrowed her eyes at Thor's behavior. "This person is... abnormal," she said softly, her tone tinged with suspicion. "He must be the Thor we searching for, right?"
Ritsuka glanced at her, recognizing the sharp look in her eyes. Artoria had an instinct for things like this, and Ritsuka trusted her judgment.
"You're right," he replied, nodding. "Let's join them."
They paid for their coffee and discreetly exited the diner, Then They followed Thor's group.
As they followed Thor and his group, the conversation between Jane, Erik, and Darcy grew heated.
"Jane, please don't do this," Erik said, pulling Jane and Darcy aside. His voice was laced with concern.
Jane shook her head, clearly determined. "You saw what I saw, Erik. We need to find out what's in that crater. This could be groundbreaking."
"He's delusional, Jane!" Erik insisted, his voice rising. "Listen to what he's saying—Thor, Bifrost, Mjolnir. These are the stories I grew up with as a child. He's dangerous. We can't risk getting involved in this."
Before Jane could argue back, Ritsuka and Artoria caught up to them, having listened to the conversation from behind. Ritsuka, sensing Erik's frustration and confusion, finally decided to intervene.
"He's not delusional," Ritsuka calmly said, stepping into the conversation. "Everything Thor's saying is 100% real."
Erik turned to Ritsuka, a mix of disbelief and annoyance flashing across his face. "Who are you? And why do you believe this nonsense?"
Ritsuka smiled gently, maintaining a composed demeanor. "I'm Ritsuka Fujimaru, and this is Artoria. We're with the organization known as S.H.I.E.L.D." He glanced over at Thor, offering a polite nod. "And it's nice to meet you, Thor Odinson—God of Thunder."
Thor, who had been quietly observing, raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Ritsuka's words. He had expected skepticism, as usual, but this young man spoke with certainty. "Hmm… Mortal, it seems you possess wisdom beyond most I've met on this world. You know who I am and yet speak with such courage. Interesting. Ha! You all could learn a thing or two from him. Hahaha" Thor chuckled, though he wasn't entirely without suspicion, wondering how this mortal knew so much.
Ritsuka couldn't help but feel a little awkward seeing Thor in this state—arrogant, boastful, and disconnected from his former glory as he reminded few pride people he know. *Thor needs a serious reality check,* Ritsuka thought, wondering how the God of Thunder would react if he ever met his sister from another universe.
Erik, clearly fed up, groaned and rubbed his temples. "Oh, great. Another one who believes in fairy tales. Wait—did you just say S.H.I.E.L.D.?" He quickly grew defensive, his frustration resurfacing. "S.H.I.E.L.D. took all of our research data! You people stole our work!"
Before Erik could continue, Jane jumped in, backing up Erik's words. "Yeah, you guys took everything! All of my notes, everything I've been working on for years—it's gone! You can't just take my work and call it yours."
Darcy, eager to chime in, added, "Yeah, you guys are like… day-time thieves or something." Though her statement lacked punch, the frustration was evident.
Ritsuka raised his hands in a peaceful gesture. "I understand, and I'm sorry for what happened. I'll make sure you get your research data back, and you'll be able to continue your work. We're not here to take anything from you. In fact, I'll help you get access to the site."
Both Jane and Darcy looked surprised at Ritsuka's offer. "Wait, really?" Jane asked, her anger cooling slightly. Darcy blinked in confusion but was just as eager to get answers.
Ritsuka then turned to Thor. "As for you, Thor, we'll take you to the hammer. You can see for yourself."
Thor nodded approvingly. "Good. Lead the way, mortal."
Ritsuka smiled, gesturing for them to follow. "Many of your questions will be answered. Don't worry, Dr. Selvig. The people who took over the site are my friends. They won't harass us."
Jane and Darcy exchanged hopeful glances, finally seeing a chance to get their work back. Erik, though still skeptical, followed along with the group, clearly wary of both Thor and Ritsuka.
As they walked, Artoria kept a careful eye on Thor. She leaned in close to Ritsuka, her voice low so that only he could hear her. "This man… is strange. He doesn't behave like any god I've ever encountered. He's… barbaric."
Ritsuka suppressed a grin and whispered back. "Well, he needs a bit of a reality check, that's for sure."
Artoria, ever the regal and composed knight, couldn't help but compare Thor to the gods and legends she knew. "At least Romulus, the founder of Rome, had more dignity. But even he was insufferable. I hate him too. He Always points out my feelings for you infornt of everyone, making a show of it and make fun out of me. I still remember how he forced you to admit your love for me in dream world."
Ritsuka chuckled at the memory. "Well, if you want, I can do it again right here. I could shout it out to everyone right now—how much I love you."
Artoria's face turned bright red at the thought. "No! No, please, Ritsuka, we're on a mission!" She looked around in embarrassment, her usual composed self faltering as her shyness took over.
"Haha, don't worry. I won't," Ritsuka teased, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.
Artoria, still blushing, gave him a soft smile. Despite the mission, moments like these reminded her of why she cherished Ritsuka so deeply.
The group continued to walk toward the site, with Thor leading confidently, and Jane, Darcy, and Erik quietly exchanging curious glances as they tried to piece together the truth about the mysterious young man and his regal companion.
As Ritsuka led the group to the S.H.I.E.L.D. base, the workers resumed their tasks. The guards, recognizing Ritsuka, allowed them all in without hesitation. When they entered the base, they saw Agent Coulson finishing a conversation with Brynhildr, Sigurd, Rama, and Sita. Coulson, noticing Jane, Erik, Darcy, and Thor, immediately understood the situation—Ritsuka must have brought them along.
"Hey, Coulson," Ritsuka greeted with a polite nod. "About time you stop taking things from people without asking."
Coulson gave a wry smile. "That's above my pay grade, Ritsuka. It's Nick who made us like this."
Ritsuka crossed his arms, smirking. "Didn't he learn his lesson from Morgan already?"
Coulson just shook his head, knowing better than to argue. "Well it was his charm, he will risk again if necessary."
Thor, however, wasn't paying attention to the banter. His eyes were fixed on Brynhildr and Sigurd. There was something familiar about them—Norse, without a doubt—but different from what he knew. Their presence felt ancient, even regal, yet foreign. He refrained from speaking his thoughts out loud, but he could sense their strength, just as he could feel the immense power coming from Ritsuka, Artoria, and the others.
Brynhildr noticed Thor's gaze, and she smiled inwardly, recognizing the God of Thunder. Unlike her own world, this Thor seemed... calmer, less burdened. There was a quiet joy within her, knowing that at least this Thor had not suffered as much as the one she knew. But she kept her thoughts to herself, opting for silence for now.
Thor, eager to retrieve Mjolnir, stepped forward. "I must retrieve my hammer."
Ritsuka raised a hand, stopping him. "Before you do that, we need to talk. All of us. Sit down first, and I promise you'll get to your hammer afterward."
Thor hesitated, looking like he wanted to argue, but something about Ritsuka's calm confidence—and the fact that he was the only one who had believed Thor so far—made him sit down. "Very well, mortal. But make it quick."
The equipment that S.H.I.E.L.D. had taken from Jane was returned promptly, and she couldn't hide her joy at getting her work back. Coulson, aware of how Ritsuka handled things, seemed more than willing to let them proceed, especially given the strange situation unfolding.
Once everyone had settled down, Darcy, who had been holding back her curiosity, finally spoke up. Ritsuka explain about Thor. "So... you're really Thor? Like the Thor? Then why aren't you powerful?"
Thor slammed his hand on the table, his booming voice echoing through the room. "Mortal! How dare you question me? I am a god! I was born powerful!"
Before Ritsuka could intervene, Brynhildr spoke up, her voice calm but authoritative, as if she were an older sister scolding her younger sibling. "Thor, stop. A truly powerful person doesn't need to boast about their strength."
Sigurd, sitting beside her, nodded in agreement. "Yes, my love speaks wisely."
Brynhildr's cheeks flushed a little, but she quickly regained her composure.
Thor, surprisingly, didn't argue back. There was something about Brynhildr's presence that felt familial to him, like an older sister he never had (lol hela). He couldn't quite place why, but her words calmed him in a way that no one else had managed to since he lost Mjolnir.
Agent Coulson, who had been reading up on the mythology of gods recently, slowly pieced things together. "So, you really are Thor... The god of thunder from Norse mythology." He glanced at Thor, then at the others. "That hammer in the crater—it belongs to you?"
Thor nodded, though a hint of frustration crossed his face. "Yes, Mjolnir is mine."
Ritsuka stood amidst the group, observing the dynamics between Thor, Rama, Sita, Brynhildr, and Sigurd. There was a brief moment of contemplation before he asked, "Thor, do you know about other gods from different lands?"
Thor, sitting with arms crossed, tilted his head. "Aye, I've heard stories. The great Zeus of Olympus, and Indra, the thunder god of the east. I admire them. Their strength, their indulgence in drink, battle, and women—"
Before he could finish, Rama and Sita exchanged shocked glances, while Brynhildr's expression hardened. Sigurd looked similarly unsettled.
"Thor," Rama interjected calmly but firmly, "Indra is not a good role model, and neither is Zeus."
Ritsuka nodded in agreement. "They may be gods of thunder, but their histories are full of arrogance and cruelty."
Brynhildr stepped forward, her hand reaching for Thor's ear. "Thor, gods like Indra and Zeus are not to be idolized." She tugged his ear sharply, making Thor wince in pain.
Thor, now mortal and feeling the sting of her grip, grunted, "Alright, alright! I understand!" As Brynhildr released him, he rubbed his ear, begrudgingly accepting her reprimand.
Ritsuka chuckled lightly at the scene but then turned serious. "Thor, listen to me. The people here—Rama, Sita, Brynhildr, and Sigurd—they're from parallel worlds, similar to this one but different in key ways."
Thor furrowed his brows in confusion, still rubbing his ear. "Parallel worlds? What madness do you speak of?"
"I'll show you," Ritsuka said, and with a soft glow in his eyes, he used his mental powers to transfer knowledge of the multiverse and Heroic Spirit summoning directly into Thor's mind.
Thor blinked as the information surged into his brain. He staggered for a moment, his eyes widening as the concept of multiple realities—different versions of Earth, gods, and heroes—became clear. His breath caught in his throat as he processed the knowledge.
"So... there are countless worlds... and countless versions of... me?" Thor muttered, astonished.
Ritsuka smiled. "Exactly. Let me reintroduce everyone. Rama and Sita here are avatars of Vishnu and Lakshmi, gods from another world. Brynhildr—she's your sister from another world, and Sigurd is her husband, your brother-in-law."
Thor's eyes widened in amazement, a rare, genuine smile crossing his face. "So... I have big family in another world?" His gaze softened as he looked at Brynhildr and Sigurd. "A sister and brother-in-law... I never knew."
Brynhildr smiled warmly at him, her eyes filled with kindness. "Yes, Thor. Though from different worlds, we share the same bloodline of the Aesir."
Thor's smile faltered slightly as he recalled his own past. "But... there are no Valkyries left in this world. They all died in battle when I was but a child."
Brynhildr's expression softened, though there was a hint of pride in her eyes. "If they fell in battle, then they went to Valhalla with honor. My sisters, your Valkyries, fulfilled their duty."
Thor gave a small smile at her words. "Aye, that they did."
Ritsuka, sensing the weight of the moment, decided to move things forward. "Now, Thor, about your hammer. Let's see if anyone here is worthy of lifting it."
As Ritsuka led them to Mjolnir, the workers and scientists gathered around, eager to witness the spectacle. Everyone had seen the agents try and fail to lift the hammer countless times, so they were curious to see what these new individuals could do.
Ritsuka turned to Brynhildr and Sigurd first. "Why don't you two give it a try?"
Brynhildr approached first, placing her hand on the hilt of Mjolnir and pulling with all her might. But despite her strength as a Valkyrie, the hammer didn't budge. Sigurd stepped up next, but the result was the same. The hammer stayed resolutely on the ground.
Brynhildr said " I still have consumed by sadness and vengeance in my heart, so I'm unworthy"
"Yeah I too have regrets" Sigurd said and support her.
"Don't worry sister from other world, I will lift my hammer, I'm Thor odinson"
But Ritsuka saw when Sigurd tried to lift the hammer, it moved little. Ritsuka understood Sigurd choose to not lift as his lover didn't either.
Next, Ritsuka turned to Rama and Sita. "Your turn."
Sita stepped forward, a bit hesitant, but as her hand wrapped around the handle, she lifted Mjolnir effortlessly. The crowd gasped in shock, eyes widening as the impossible became reality. Sita, blushing furiously, quickly set the hammer down, embarrassed by all the attention.
Rama, with a knowing smile, followed his wife's lead and easily lifted Mjolnir as well. The onlookers were struck speechless once again, and even Thor's eyes widened in awe.
Thor, for the first time in a long while, looked humbled. "Truly... you are blessed by the gods."
Finally, Ritsuka turned to Artoria Lancer. "It's your turn, Artoria."
She stepped forward, her heart steady. Since becoming Ritsuka's lover, she had found a new sense of purpose, her humanity rekindled. She placed her hand on Mjolnir and, to the amazement of all, lifted it without hesitation. The hammer responded to her nobility, her sense of duty and honor, and the crowd was once again stunned into silence.
With a nod, Artoria set the hammer down, and Ritsuka stepped forward.
He stared at Mjolnir, remembering the choices he had made in his life—the sacrifices, the burdens, the victories, and the people he had met. With a deep breath, he gripped the handle, and slowly but surely, he lifted the hammer high.
The workers and agents couldn't believe their eyes. The sheer weight of worthiness, embodied by Ritsuka, Rama, Sita, and Artoria, was undeniable. Thor, who had once taken pride to use Mjolnir, was left speechless.
But when it was Thor's turn, his hands trembled as he grasped the hammer. He pulled with all his strength, but no matter how hard he tried, Mjolnir wouldn't move. His eyes widened in disbelief, and his heart sank as the realization hit him—he was not worthy.
Thor's world shattered as he fell to his knees, his breath ragged. He stared at the ground, his pride crumbling around him. "I... I am not worthy..."
****
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