nexus_crossings | +1 King of Asgard

+1 King of Asgard

Thor really should have no right to be as cheery as he is right now. Mjolnir destroyed, his father dead, his eye ruined, Asgard exploded, the last of his people crammed together onto a single spaceship on their way to seek aslyum on Midgard, one cannot really say they've been having a good day, to put it mildly.

But it could be worse.

It's taken him years to fully understand what it means to sit on the throne of Asgard, and now that kingship falls to him at last, the lack of that throne doesn't bother him at all. Asgard isn't a place to rule, it's a people to guide. And even if they couldn't save all of them, those who remain are precious to him. A new start awaits them all on Earth.

Or so he hopes.

Thor strides down the corridor of the Statesman, cape billowing behind him as he navigates his way towards the bridge. Hmm. Or was it this way? It's so easy to get turned around in this blasted thing. But ah, the sound of a multitude of voices; surely this is the way.

It takes him a moment to realize that he's no longer surrounded by Asgardians, or even Korg's crew. No, the people here are of all shapes and sizes, and the sky above him suddenly opens up, wide and blue. Not on a spaceship anymore. How very strange to find himself suddenly transported across the galaxy - again - without so much as being shot through the Bifrost. His attention is caught by a familiar voice, and despite his confusion, a delighted grin lights upon his countenance to see his good friend Rogers giving prerecorded messages in his battle regalia.

Perhaps this is Midgard, then? But no, the more he listens, the more he understands. A place between the worlds, hmm. A place to seek counsel, and befriend countless warriors from across the universe. Thor crosses his arms over his chest, and contemplates what question he should ask. Something somewhat relevant to his current situation, perhaps. "If you were put in a position of power, what would you first command?"

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"Whoa. Neat, hang on--!"

The Youth shoots a web out of some contraction on his wrist that latches onto a nearby lamp and swings over before landing in front of the god from Asgard with a little hop.

"There we go. Hey, nice to meet you I'm Spider-Man. I uh, I got recruited by Tony Stark. Hi." He holds out a hand for shaking and while his mask hides his expression he certainly sounds friendly underneath there.

An interesting way of getting around, to be sure. But this is coming from a man who used to get around via flying hammer, so he can't exactly point fingers. Up close, now, he can confirm that the red is some kind of fabric, rather than flesh, doubly confirmed as he shakes the offered hand. "Recruited? So, you are an Avenger. Welcome, brother."

That the situation back on Earth is complicated is still fresh on his mind, of course. But he wasn't there, doesn't know the details, and let's face it, Loki's probably done way worse and Thor still cares for him too. No sense in making enemies he doesn't have to.

An Avenger oh man oh jeez that sounds so cool but he turned down Mister Stark so he's not really an Avenger technically but Thor doesn't know that why would he he hasn't been around. Peter nods.

"Something like that, yeah." There's no way this can bite him in the butt later right? "Thanks. Welcome back, except this isn't Earth."

Thor smiles at the Spider Man, and wonders what he looks like under his battle gear. No armor, which is odd, but perhaps he is more agile without it? Thor's never had to worry much about that himself, built like the Asgardian wrecking ball he is.

"No, it reminds me far more of Sakaar." There'd better not be a Grandmaster hiding somewhere around here, that's all he's saying. "Perhaps we could find a tavern, and you can regale me with tales of what I've missed."

Well he's tinier than most puny humans and about as thick around as a weed so he can't be that strong but he didn't seem to have any problem shaking Thor's hand with as much gusto as Steve Rogers could. Strange indeed. Perhaps his strengths lie more in other areas like the Black Widow's do.

"What's Sakaar? Is that another plane? Or planet? I've never heard of that." He stops and tenses from head to toe at the suggestion before clearing his throat and....trying to sound older? Or tougher. It's hard to tell. "No thanks, I uh. I'm not very hungry right now but I know a place you can get a killer hotdog if you're hungry."

Edited 2018-09-03 23:31 (UTC)

"A planet. Well, more like a trash heap. Believe me, this Nexus smells far, far better." As if that was the worst part, but to be honest, it was really rank. Intergalactic dumping grounds: not even once.

...what is with that voice all of a sudden? His sight is half what it used to be but his ears work just fine, and Thor eyes the Spider Man, curious and slightly wary, uncertain. What in the name of Valhalla would this youth have to be nervous about, or put on airs after they've already met? "Why are you doing that?"

"Why were you on a trash heap?"

That just doesn't sound like the kind of place Thor, son of Odin and all that would let himself be seen around. He's clearly better than that. Doesn't he have people to take out Asgard's trash for him?

"Doing what? I'm not doing anything."

Thor makes a face. "It was hardly on purpose. Don't exit the Bifrost early; it never ends well."

The denial is incredibly unconvincing, especially as the Spider Man continues to awkwardly lower his voice as he speaks. Is he intimidated? Little surprise, if so. Thor is indeed mighty. But there's no need for that, is there? It's so hard to tell without seeing his face.

And there's a thought. If this Spider Man is an Avenger, what need would he have to hide himself from a brother in arms? They both face the same foes - well, on Earth anyway. "The voice. You don't fear me, do you?"

"Fear? Wh-no! No, no why would I--I mean I'm an Avenger right? I'm not...I'm not afraid of anything. Well, some things but."

He's. He's really not good at this part of the job. And he keeps having to clear his throat trying to do The Voice. Nevermind the fact that Thor already heard him before he's at least dedicated to the ruse, poor as it is.

Spider-Man folds his arms over his chest. Falters. But then decides that's probably the right pose to be striking right now so he adjusts it again and gives a decisive nod of his head.

So, that is the case. Thor chuckles and claps a hand to the Spider Man's shoulder, the force of his friendly touch scaled down to the usual human tolerance. Wouldn't do to knock over his new comrade, would it? "It's all right, there's no call to be nervous. You're among friends. Or... a friend, yes."

Thing is, Spidey doesn't falter at that clap. Not even a little bit. Sure, he's not as strong as Cap or Iron Man but he's got crazy good balance. He looks so damn earnest even with his face covered. Every inch of this kid screams 'trying to impress'.

"I'm not nervous!" He tries to swat the hand off of him but stops fighting after only a second. Sigh. "Yeah, I've seen you fight before. On TV. You're one of the Good Guys."

"Of course you have," Thor says, matter-of-factly. It's a rare thing to find an Earther who hasn't seen the Avengers in action on their news programs, or twittered to countless followers. And who wouldn't want to watch an Asgardian warrior perform at the peak of his strength?

"I'd know a man better if I am to fight at his side," he adds, raising his eyebrows. Not that he knows quite where his standing is with the Avengers these days, but the Spider Man seems appropriately awed, at least. Can't hurt to befriend him, can it? Many a friendship has been forged with a flagon of ale, tongues loosened and nerves eased. "Come, let's share a drink, and you can tell me how Stark brought you into the fold."

"I can't drink. But the rest of it, sure."

Maybe the best thing to do is just gloss right over the fact that he can't drink legally and assume he just doesn't like to or it disagrees with his powers or something. Besides most places will carry pop or something and that's gotta be good enough. "Can we get something to eat too while we talk? I've been way too busy working to eat."

Food always helps things right?

So much for not being hungry, hmm? Thor grins and thumps the Spider Man on the shoulder, pleased to have talked him into some kind of social sit-down. Though 'can't drink' sounds like part of a curse to him, and a more terrible curse there never was, surely. "As have I. Let's find somewhere to feast, then."

There's the smell of roasting meat coming from somewhere down the street, so that's going to be Thor's first bet for a meal fit for a king. Though as they begin heading that direction, his thoughts turn to how exactly the youth is going to eat with that mask on. But ah, as he peers closer, there is a seam around the neck. Here, let me assist you, Spider Man.

Look it was kind of a lie and Thor should probably keep that in mind for the rest of what Spidey has said and claimed up until now. Then again, he's used to it far most than most people are one would imagine. When your brother is Loki that lack of honesty must seem downright quaint especially for how bad of a liar this youth seems to be.

"Oh, dude man. You want to try some kebabs? Or satay. I'm not sure what it is but it smells amazing and--?! H-hey!"

So when Thor assumed Youth, did he really expect one this young looking? Underneath Spider-Man's mask is a kid. It can be hard to date Earth children but he's still got the full cheeked look and the eyes slightly too big for the rest of his face. And he's jumping up to grab for the mask almsot immediately.

"I-i need that! I can't let anyone see me. I'm...I'm not supposed to be here."

Thor is taken aback by the almost panicked reaction, letting go of the mask without a fight, more puzzled than anything. "Why not?" Sure, this Spider Man is more of a Spider Boy but Thor was serving in the Einherjar when he was only a young lad of ninety, so what's the problem?

"Because it's...I..."

Spider-Man heaves a sigh and his shoulders sag slightly. He tugs his mask back on and points toward the food and drink carts. This isn't the sort of thing he wants to discuss out in public.

"Let's get something to eat and drink and then find some place out of the way to talk. It's complicated."

Odd indeed. Thor eyes him a moment, unable to see his expression through the fabric of the mask, but now more easily able to guess. It helps to know what he looks like.

Food and drink is still top priority, of course, and he easily returns to the suggestions being offered by the Spider Man before his... interruption. "If satay is roasted meat, then by all means, let's try it." Midgard does have excellent food; Thor can't think of a single thing he disliked during his visits.

"There's a dozen food trucks and carts over there, I'm sure we can both get something we want."

Though the payment system around here doesn't seem to make a whole of sense. Spidey is up for negotiating a price on some food for the pair of them (his allowance goes further here than it does in Queens), a beer for Thor, and a pop for himself. Once they're loaded up with victuals though, he's keen to lead them away and somewhere out of sight from most of the plaza. Preferably somewhere higher up. People don't tend to look up much so it's safer.

It's only once they're seated overlooking the plaza that Spider-Man pulls off his mask before cracking open his drink.

"So this is..uh. This is me. My name's Peter. But you gotta promise me you'll call me Spider-Man when I'm in the suit."

Thor is completely comfortable with heights, and is more than willing to accompany the Spider Man to his chosen perch, high above the foot traffic of the Plaza. With an open beer at his flank and a good quantity of parchment-wrapped meat-on-a-stick (and a pair of street tacos, because he has missed those), the only thing he has to worry about is making sure he's seated to the Spider Man's right. You know, so he can see the youth without turning his head.

The request is simple enough, despite its seeming irrationality. It's not unusual for an Avenger to have a so-called code name, but to insist on using it exclusively? "I will swear it, if you tell me why." There's little but curiosity in his voice, certainly no desire to intimidate an answer out of the youth.

"There's been a lot of changes back home lately. Laws in place for p-people like me. Who aren't normal. Rules about when folks like us can and can't help people. Which is...it makes no sense to me. So I'm not registered under the Sokovia Accords. I'm technically a criminal and I'm technically still in school as a minor so if they found me out my Aunt would be in trouble too and--"

Peter sighs and cuts himself off with a frustrated shake of his head. He doesn't understand the laws and he doesn't agree with them. Doing good shouldn't make him a bad guy, but here they are. At least in the Nexus people aren't printing papers just to hate on him. Plus there's pretty good food here to boot.

"I really can't afford to be caught. Plus the lenses help me focus. I've got a lot of sensory overload sometimes when I'm trying to fight so they help me lock on to what's important and block out the rest."

Laws that bar heroes from helping others? What kind of idiot dreamt up that? Only about half of that makes any sense at all, but it's enough. Young Peter has good reasons for wanting to stay anonymous, at least for the time being, no matter how little sense it makes that they're necessary in the first place. "Very well then, you have my oath."

"Wh-really? Thanks! Er, I mean, you know. Thanks man."

It feels a little bit weird being out and in the open about his identity and all that with someone other than Tony Stark or his family (and even then they don't talk about it no matter how much Ned tries to bring it up) but Thor's someone Mister Stark trusts so Peter will trust him too.

"Uh, it's only a few of us who are here though. I hope that's not like a total bummer or anything."

Thor chuckles, no disappointment on his face. "A few is still far more than I expected. It's good to see familiar faces, as well as the new ones."

"Hows the food, by the way? I didn't do too bad?"

Ever eager to please, this guy is. Peter takes a swig out of his pop before turning his attention back on the cart food they loaded up on before coming up here.

"I'm sure they'll be happy to see you too." Happier than him even, since they're Thor's real Avenger friends.

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