c56 : Odin and Thor
"Laufey, surrender."
Odin, who had already arrived at the Rainbow Bridge control console and was prepared to intervene at any moment, couldn't help but lose consciousness. The eye he lost in his battle with the Frost Giant King Laufey burned with a sharp pain. It seemed to remind him of how formidable an adversary Laufey truly was.
In the past, Odin had raided Jotunheim's Frost Giant Temple, seizing their artifact, the Casket of Ancient Winters, which contained the power of ice. After that, Odin had relentlessly pursued the Frost Giants, forcing them back into their realm, Jotunheim. However, despite his triumph, Laufey and his people refused to yield, unwilling to accept Odin's rule. The Frost Giants' resistance was so fierce that Odin was ultimately forced to negotiate a non-aggression pact with them, unwilling to engage in further bloodshed.
The Ancient One, though maintaining her calm demeanor, did not fully hide her unease. Her eyes occasionally flashed with uncertainty, betraying her inner thoughts. She had not anticipated Russell's ability to merge his portal magic with his unique talents in such a surprising manner.
Ten days later, when Russell threatened Laufey with the ecology of Jotunheim, it was a ruse—because Russell had no intention of causing harm. The Ancient One could sense that, as Russell had cleverly manipulated the solar radiation, dispersing it after it passed through the portal. Had he not done so, Jotunheim would have faced ten high-energy pulse cannons.
The Asgardian Rainbow Bridge was rumored to be capable of releasing the full force of its energy, enough to obliterate a planet. The Ancient One quietly wondered whether Russell might possess the power to do so.
"Heimdall, open the Rainbow Bridge and bring Thor and the others back," Odin commanded, regaining his senses.
Moments later, the Rainbow Bridge, a shimmering arc of colored light, appeared behind them, and its power beckoned Thor, Loki, and the others. But instead of immediately stepping onto the Bridge, they hesitated, looking toward Russell, waiting for his cue.
"Wait a moment," Russell said, motioning for everyone to hold back as he observed Volstagg's condition. His heart was shattered, and multiple body parts were severely damaged, but the brain appeared intact with only minor injury. Russell could tell that, in contrast to the body's wounds, the brain could still be saved.
No need for the Time Stone to reverse time, Russell thought. If Volstagg's brain were severely injured, it would require the manipulation of time, but his damage was more manageable.
As for the heart, it could be repaired with Asgardian technology. The real challenge was ensuring that Volstagg's soul was preserved otherwise, his recovery would be meaningless, and he would remain in a vegetative state.
Russell signaled Thor and the others to move away from Volstagg. With a swift motion, he produced the imitation Time Stone, and a green aura surrounded Volstagg, creating a barrier of suspended time to halt the death of his brain's neurons.
"Let's go. Volstagg isn't dead yet. I've used the Time Stone to freeze his time. If the barrier breaks, time will resume, and we can continue the healing process. Be sure to monitor the energy supply to his brain."
Thor, Loki, and the others followed Russell to the Rainbow Bridge. As they traveled through it, they returned to Asgard, where Odin, Frigga, Heimdall, and the Ancient One awaited them.
After acknowledging Russell, Odin left with his sons, his expression clouded with concern. The one to greet Russell was Queen Frigga, who smiled warmly.
"Thank you, Master Russell, for your assistance. Asgardians will never forget their debt to Kamar-Taj. I hope we can continue to foster our relationship and exchange knowledge in the future. A celebration will be held in your honor to commemorate your victory over Jotunheim. You are invited to join us."
Russell, ever polite, responded, "The Queen is too kind. Asgard and Kamar-Taj have long been allies, working together to protect the Nine Realms and the mystical dimensions. It is only right to lend a helping hand."
Their exchange continued with pleasantries. Yet, as Russell reflected, he couldn't help but wonder if Asgard had any real specialties that Kamar-Taj didn't possess. Was this truly a mutual exchange, or was there an underlying purpose? Perhaps this was just a form of diplomacy on Frigga's part.
The Ancient One, ever composed, interjected, "Thank you for your kindness," though her eyes held a deeper understanding of the nature of this 'exchange.'
Russell's thoughts were interrupted when Odin pushed past the others, guiding his sons to a quieter area. Once they were alone, he turned sharply to Thor, his voice heavy with disappointment.
"Do you understand the consequences of your actions?" Odin demanded.
Thor, ever defensive, responded without hesitation, "I was protecting my home."
Odin's tone grew sharper, "You couldn't even protect your own comrades, so how can you protect this kingdom?"
Thor's defiance faltered as he thought of the wounded Sif and Hogan, the severely injured Fandral, and the nearly lifeless Volstagg, who had only been saved through Russell's intervention. His head drooped, and he fell silent.
After a moment of reflection, Thor finally spoke with newfound resolve, "If we stand by and do nothing, the kingdom will fall."
Odin's expression softened slightly, but his voice remained stern. "You've forgotten the patience of a warrior. You rushed in without preparation, leading a small team to invade Jotunheim, hoping to force the Frost Giants into submission."
Thor insisted, "I can do that."
"No, you can't," Odin retorted. "Your arrogance blinds you. You think your strength is enough, but you forget that your comrades lack your power. And even worse, you fail to recognize that there are forces stronger than you across the Nine Realms."
Odin's gaze hardened as he spoke further, "You've grown complacent after years of easy victories."
Thor's voice dropped. "I didn't…"
His words trailed off as he remembered the battle against the Frost Giants. He had been unable to protect his comrades, failed to break through their defenses, and was even saved by Volstagg at great cost.
Odin, sensing Thor's growing understanding, continued his lesson. "A true king does not act out of rage. The peace of the Nine Realms is fragile, and the consequences of war are profound."
With a flick of his hand, Odin summoned Gungnir and directed a beam of energy into the air. A light curtain appeared, displaying an image of Russell opening ten portals, each releasing a sun into the sky.
"Master Russell possesses a power equal to what I had in my youth. He could have destroyed Jotunheim and wiped out the Frost Giants, but he didn't. The energy from those portals, if left unchecked, would have resulted in ten suns scorching Jotunheim, followed by the catastrophic power of ten Rainbow Bridges."
Odin pointed to the screen, explaining, "If Russell hadn't redirected the solar radiation after it passed through the portals, Jotunheim would have faced the devastating attack of ten rainbow bridges. The planet itself might have been obliterated."
Thor stood in stunned silence, the weight of Odin's words sinking in.
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