Hearing Thor's request, Gwen immediately looked to Maguire. "Maguire, is this hammer really his?"
Maguire nodded. "It's his. But if you like it, you can keep it."
Gwen's expression softened. "He must have something important he needs to do." She glanced back at Thor. "Since it's yours, I'll return it to you."
She handed Mjölnir to Thor. Recognized by the hammer as well, Gwen's heart—pure and kind—would never hoard it.
Thor's emotions tangled, but for Asgard's sake he had to try. He took the hammer with both hands.
Lightning split the sky. A bolt plunged into Thor. In a flash, the God of Thunder's armor returned to him.
The Warriors Three cheered. Thor, elated, bowed to Gwen and the others. "Thank you."
"No need for thanks," Maguire said. "How about you take us to Asgard?"
Thor's heart surged. Asgard was under attack by Frost Giants, and this man's power far outstripped his own. If they came along, the war might be won faster. He nodded hard. "Of course."
Just then, a chime rang in Maguire's head.
[Congratulations to the host: Bully Points +400
Villain bonus +400
Total gained: +800
Current Bully Points: 1230.]
Maguire's pulse quickened. Back to four digits at last.
Far away in Asgard.
Thousands of blue-skinned Frost Giants massed on the border. In the royal palace, Loki listened to the Einherjar's report in disbelief. "What? The Frost Giants are invading in force?"
"Damn it. Laufey tricked me!"
Panic scrawled across Loki's face.
At the frontier, the Frost Giants glared toward Asgard's shining realm. At their head stood their king, Laufey. A cold smile tugged at his mouth. "That little Loki is still too naive. With Odin comatose, my centuries-long plan finally begins."
To claim Asgard's throne and prove himself to Odin, Loki had attempted a scheme: pretend to defect to the Frost Giants, use his true heritage to gain their trust, coax Laufey into assassinating Odin—then "heroically" slay Laufey before the All-Father and win favor. But Laufey wasn't a fool. When he learned Odin slept, he chose open war. After Loki opened a path into Asgard, Laufey used sorcery to secure it and led in the prepared Frost Giant army.
Along the border, Asgard's Einherjar had already formed ranks. The shieldmaiden Sif tightened her grip, ready to meet the charge.
In the palace, Queen Frigga watched the distant sky, worry shadowing her eyes. Loki hurried in. "Mother, the Frost Giants are at our gates. It isn't safe here—take the Bifrost and leave."
Frigga shook her head gently. "I will stand and defend Asgard."
Loki's face tightened with grief. This was all his fault. All those years, overlooked, while Thor blazed like the sun—and he, the Aesir's prince, was in truth an adopted child from Jotunheim.
The assault began. Thousands of Frost Giants crashed into the Einherjar. Brave as they were, Asgard's guards faltered before Laufey's legion. Every sweep of Laufey's arm reaped lives. Flames rose; blood sprayed.
Frigga's hands clenched at the window. Thor, my son… will you not return?
On the Bifrost, a beam of light flared. Heimdall saw Thor and lit up. "You've returned! And these are your friends?" He bowed toward Maguire and the others. "Thank you for aiding Asgard." He had seen the thunder colossus earlier.
Thor didn't wait. "Heimdall, send us to the outer palace lines—the Frost Giants are already there."
Heimdall nodded. Thor turned to Maguire and the others. "My friends, Asgard is under attack. I won't impose—please wait here while I drive them back."
"I'm idle anyway," Maguire said. "I'll give you a hand."
Garfield and Holland nodded. Thor's relief showed plain. "If you're willing to help us—thank you."
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