╔═══ · 。ﾟ🕸: *.🕷 .* :🕸ﾟ.  ═══╗
MEETING MY GODFATHER?
(SPOILER: IT'S NOT REALLY
HIM!)

"We all are shaped by some incredible
sadness. By a part of our past that
still hurts." —R.M. Drake
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Royal Palace Of Valaskjalf

Location: Asgard, Nine Realms

May 31, 2015

A soft knock echoed throughout the lavish room, alerting Aurora abruptly from her deep sleep. It's been a while since she felt her body at ease, no longer feeling groggy nor restless in the morning. Another knock was heard, startling the teenager that caused her to land on the tile floor. A long groan escaped from her lips, rubbing her aching legs and bottom lightly yet her head began to throb. She almost forgot that she was at Asgard... never in a million years did she imagine being here. Along with finally meeting her mother.

The teenager got up from the floor, feet shuffling hurriedly in worry she overslept. A feminine voice called out to her behind the door, asking permission to come in. Without much she could do, she adjusted her sleepwear before opening the door. An Asgardian servant, who couldn't be any older than her mid-20s smiled warmly at the young Stark. Aurora wondered how she looked considering the Asgardian woman before her was gorgeous. From the silky ginger hair with dazzling blue eyes that seemed clear as the sky, feeling slightly plain compared to her.

"Good morning, my Lady. The Prince has requested your presence in twenty minutes." The Asgardian servant greeted Aurora, who moved away to allow her entrance to the room. Immediately, the redhead went to organize the messy bed followed by checking the wardrobe to find some gowns. The young Stark didn't know how to react, numbly staring patiently until the woman finished.

"Oh, um, thank you....?" Aurora answered slowly, not knowing the woman's name with a guilty expression. The young servant caught on the indication as she suddenly gasped before understanding.

"Runa. The name's Runa." She introduced herself with a timid smile, her face flustered that she forgot her manners. Aurora gently nodded her head, clasping her hands together nervously, skeptical what to say next.

"....Runa. I'm Aurora." The teenager said slowly almost if testing how the name sounds like. She could only imagine if she'll have difficulty pronouncing names later on.

"I know, the Prince mentioned you. I've never seen a Midgardian before." The Asgardian woman notified her, strolling towards her with a few gowns on the arm. Aurora curiously observed the elegant dresses, confused for a moment.

"Well, I've never met an Asgardian before... besides Thor obviously." Aurora chuckled softly, cracking a smile that eased her tense mood. Runa simply maintained the same facial expression, trying to find out how to dress the Prince's guest.

"Strange... you don't seem Midgardian," The servant slightly narrowed her eyes, squinting closely at Aurora. The redhead woman recalled a few years ago when Thor brought his lover, Jane, who was accused of their Queen's death. However, there was something distinct about the young Stark... everyone who saw her knew that.

"Pardon?" The teenager uttered, her eyebrows knitting together as her lips curved into a frown. Aurora was partly offended by the comment, confusion was written on her delicate face while clutching her fist tightly.

"You're too beautiful to be one." Runa explained sincerely, guiding her to change into a gold-tone dress with some strange undergarments. Aurora loosened her grip upon hearing Runa's vague response, struggling a bit in wearing the elegant dress.

"Oh well, um... thank you," Aurora mumbled doubtfully, deciding to accept the compliment even if it wasn't true. No one would ever love her with the scars she bare nor the past that constantly haunts her. Upon seeing herself in the mirror, she looked different... feeling almost like a Princess. All she was missing was a crown, Aurora joked mentally. Surely this wasn't meant for her.

"Are you sure I could wear this? It seems more for someone who's royalty." Aurora asked earnestly, while Runa helped her in sleek gold heels to complete the attire. The teenager tried adjusting to them, mentally thanking Natasha for teaching her how to walk in heels. Runa took her to sit on the laying sofa, while she touched up the face with lip stain before nodding in approval.

"The Prince wanted you to be in the finest dress when you present yourself to the King." The Asgardian woman replied, loosening Aurora's braid to style it with a small tiara. Apparently, Thor knew where Athena's favorite tiara that it was only right for her daughter to have it.

"The King?! Thor never mentioned that to me." The teenager exclaimed in shock, feeling dread wash over her, not noticing the tiara placed on her head. Runa gently placed her hands on the girl's shoulder, an effort to calm her down with a small grin.

"It's mandatory for all who wish to stay at Asgard. But I wouldn't worry, my Lady. I noticed you're of great importance to the Prince and who knows... you could impress King Odin." Runa answered honestly, examining Aurora's gown that complimented the emerald tiara.

"I hope so...." Aurora muttered, not saying anything else for she was lost in thought. She faintly remembered that name in her memory, hoping she might find some answers soon. And it'll start with Thor.

"There... you look like a true Princess." The redhead firmly, interrupting Aurora's thoughts as she glanced up. Lightly gasping at the sight, the thought seeing a distinct side of herself made her wonder who she actually was. A daughter of a billionaire she knew yet what about her mother? The daughter of a commoner, female warrior, or perhaps more?

"I-I don't know what to say. Thank you, Runa," Aurora stuttered sincerely, never did she see herself this beautiful. Standing up from the laying sofa, she strolled around the room, feeling the weight of the gown dragging behind her feet. Luckily, the gown wasn't too much of a hassle, seeing that it didn't have many layers.

"Now you must hurry, I'm sure the Prince will be waiting for you!" Runa exclaimed in worry, almost forgetting that the Prince was waiting for her arrival. Swiftly, she readjusted the hair and gown before basically shoving Aurora to go now, not giving her a chance to speak.

"Right... better as I'll ever be," She reassured herself, taken back by Runa's behavior, nonetheless, strolling towards the direction she was given. The heels lightly echoed the halls, Aurora admires all the architecture around her. If anyone crosses her path, many would assume that she's a Princess based on her attire. Much like her mother, not giving a damn about her appearance or anything.

Thor waited patiently for his niece to arrive, dressed in something different than his usual Asgardian armor. Heimdall informed him that his father requested his presence in the evening, unaware that he brought a visitor with him. After a few moments, he saw Aurora strolling towards him, her eyes wandering around with a large smile. Certainly she hadn't seen enough of Asgard's beautiful buildings nor culture, until she noticed Thor in her direction. The young Stark resembled her mother in that the similarities between them are uncanny.

"Good morning, Thor," Aurora greeted the God of Thunder with a small smile, strolling towards him before bowing playfully. Thor cracked a grin, reciprocating her actions as he followed along, glad that she was in a good mood.

"Lady Stark, did you have a pleasant sleep?" Thor questioned curiously, knowing the answer already based on her relaxed expression. Aurora nodded gingerly, toying with the gown's fabric to ease her energy she didn't have before.

"For once I did. Um, is there any chance I could get the chance to explore Asgard?" She asked curiously, hoping he would say yes.

"In due time, Lady Stark. In the meantime, let's enjoy the food they'll bring out shortly," Thor responded, lifting his right arm out for Aurora to wrap her hand on it. She muttered a small thanks, following him towards the large banquet room where food was being served. The thought of food surely helped her forget that she had to meet the King, enjoying the sweet fruits and unique drinks. Occasionally talking with Thor, yet they just ate with a peaceful silence, but it didn't bother them one bit.

After resting, Thor led her towards the horse stables where two guards held the reins of the magnificent creatures. Aurora struggled with the dress, but fortunately the God of Thunder helped her slip on while her cheeks held a faint blush of embarrassment. They roamed through the outskirts of the Kingdom, children happily laughing and playing with their mothers watching nearby. Asgardian nobles purchase jewelry, cloths, and accessories, minding their business for the upcoming opening of the new amphitheatre.

The hooves of the horses fell into a rhythmic hum, Aurora's eyes wandered on the construction to the left. Appearing to be a golden statue that stood probably twenty feet high... yet how strange. It appeared the person being honored wore a horned helmet from the way the fabric covered it. The teenager didn't think much of it considering she shrugged her shoulders and continued on. At one point, they got off the horses and walked along the paved roads while many citizens muttered greetings to their Prince.

Thor stood by her side always, keeping the promise he made to Tony. He briefly mentioned a few things she had to do before meeting the King. Aurora listened intently while simultaneously holding a neutral expression, nodding her head when necessary. Nonetheless, this was something she's never done before... praying that she didn't anything stupid nor accidentally disrespect him. Thor glanced down at her distressed face, placing his hand on the shoulder as he said sincerely, "No need to worry, Lady Stark. I'll be here with you."

"I know...." Aurora uttered, pausing to find the right words as she stopped walking. The sudden thought of her dream she recently had made her wonder if Thor knew anything about it. Sighing softly through her nose before inquiring, "Thor, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, Lady Stark." Thor proclaimed honestly, his blue eyes held concern as he kept the same kind smile.

"You know you could just call me Aurora or Rory." The teenager insisted, discreetly anxious of asking him.

"I'm aware however it's proper to address a lady as such." The God of Thunder answered, recalling his mother's words of treating a lady with respect and kindness. If only Frigga could see her goddaughter all grown... that blossomed into a strong-willed woman.

"Okay but... um, what I'm about to ask you may seem... strange. But I need you to be completely honest with me." She started at first, playing with her hands along with averting her eyes from him.

"As you wish." Thor nodded hesitantly, agreeing to her request.

"Well I-I had a memory not too long ago and I didn't think much of it... since it usually happens. Still I saw myself as a child, mostly importantly I saw my mother and... I saw you there. I might just be crazy." Aurora declared firmly until she realized that it sounded absurd and ridiculous. Unfortunately, Thor didn't think the same for he froze while his eyes bore into hers to tell if she was telling the truth, Yet when she didn't play with the necklace, he knew it was true.

"I assure you Lady Stark that you're not. Do you always have dreams like this?" He questioned the young Stark, guiding her to somewhere peaceful for the private conversation. The teenager struggled with answering that, normally she was about to lie naturally and yet she couldn't. Aurora cursed under her breath, staring into Thor's face with a painful grin.

"It varies every night. Sometimes nothing, nightmares, visions, or memories. But I get used to it," Aurora confessed while shrugging her shoulders casually, Thor the only one to know this now. No one else knew about her frequent memories... not even her father.

"...What else did you see from your dream?" He asked intrigued, strolling along the lonely road. Never did he think this might be the day he would reveal who she really was to him.

"I don't remember much but I did see myself being carried by a beautiful woman who wore a gold dress. Her hair was like yours and she always had a kind smile on her lips. A Queen I think since I saw a crown, but she seemed ethereal. And I saw my mother dancing with a tall man with black hair, both smiling at each other... almost like if they were in love," She described the important details, her lips curving widely from the thought of the lovely memory. Unlike others that would haunt her sleep, affecting her mentally and emotionally.

"That... was my mother you just described." Thor responded in a low voice, receiving a confused expression from Aurora. The Asgardian Prince mentally debated in changing the subject or told her the truth. The truth that she's been desiring to discover... but what if she didn't like it? His left hand over her shoulder, declaring, "There's something you should know."

"Okay...?" She voiced her thoughts, still being clueless about the situation. The mere thought of the suspense was going to kill her if she didn't get answers soon.

"I'm your uncle." He revealed, observing her facial expressions that flickered at the slightest.

"I know," Aurora nodded her head as if it wasn't the first time she's heard it. It didn't take a genius to find out that Thor knew who she meant to him, clearly with his effort in protecting her during battle and getting to know herself.

"What?" Thor questioned, now it was his turn to be confused with how everything changed.

"Well not about being my uncle, but being related to you. I mean you kinda made it obvious you knew me... Still why didn't you tell me?" Aurora asked Thor slowly, feeling hurt that he kept this from her.

"I didn't want to startle you with the sudden news. You were still adjusting to your new life." The God of Thunder proclaimed guiltily, his crestfallen expression was something that made Aurora understand.

"But if you knew who I was... you should have told me. I won't have been upset." She placed a small hand on his shoulder, smiling softly to him.

"Forgive me, Aurora." Thor sought her forgiveness, saying her name for the first time. In a split second he felt arms wrapped him tightly, almost losing his balance at the sudden embrace. Slowly he returned the hug as she chuckled softly, yet Aurora was conflicted with herself.

"Of course, I will. After all, you're my uncle... wait, does that mean your family is mine too?" The teenager forgave him, letting go of him with flushed cheeks. The large smile overtook her mood, curious if he could tell her anything about her past or anything.

"Essentially yes. But don't worry I'll explain everything." Thor corrected his niece, standing up as he noticed how Aurora really was the embodiment of Athena. Eventually, they returned back to the palace, a guard alerting the Prince that his father requested him. The teenager did her best in calming down, following Thor to see her godfather. Still confused with the whole family relationship between them.

Nonetheless, they entered what Aurora presumed to be a throne room, decorated elegantly with gold along the walls. What caught her attention was the portrait on the ceiling, the royal family of Asgard with the Nine Realms surrounding them. There was another section that held the royal family of Olympus, perhaps to symbolize a union between the two Kingdoms? Thor called out to her, snapping her awake as she approached the throne from the distance, hiding behind the God of Thunder. An old man that had an eyepatch leaned against the throne, holding a staff that demanded obedience and power.

Oddly enough, he reminded her of Nick Fury in some ways. Thor was the first to kneel down while Aurora reciprocated his actions, keeping her head facing the ground. Odin calmly shifted his position as he proclaimed, sounding a bit surprised to see him, "My son... you've returned home."

"Only temporarily, father. I—." Thor acknowledged him, getting up from kneeling as he didn't want to waste another moment.

"Who is this?" Odin eyed at the small figure behind Thor, examining the girl closely who bit her lip as she glanced at him. His expressions seemed to harden in a second, his voice bellowed throughout the room, "You dare bring a mortal to the sacred grounds of Asgard?"

"I have reason to believe father that she's not just mortal... but part Olympian." Thor declared, however, Aurora's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. Olympian? What was he talking about?

"How so?" The King of Asgard held the same tone when he interrogated Thor.

"Because she wears the Uru relic that's only passed down to royalty." The Prince explained, letting Aurora know that she could stand up. She did want she was told, just hoping they could finish quickly.

"You mean to tell me that this child could be her daughter?" Odin remarked, his eye staring directly at her.

"Yes, father. I heard she'll be returning to Asgard to discuss some diplomatic relations." The young god nodded his head in agreement, gently having the teenager beside him upon seeing his father's relaxed manner.

"In three days' time, my son. Until then, she'll be your responsibility." King Odin set forth, waving his hand discreetly while doing so. Aurora thought it was over from the silence afterwards but how wrong she was. Naturally she held a brave face, not wanting anyone to think otherwise that she didn't belong here.

"May I speak with my goddaughter alone," Odin wished, the teenager silently panicked and glanced at Thor, seeing him sending her a reassuring smile. It helps calm her nerves a bit but the thought of being with someone she just met might be awkward. He left her shortly afterwards, Aurora clasped her hands together and stood on the same spot while Odin observed her, "You have the power of the Tesseract within you."

"Pardon?" Aurora quickly remarked, almost regretting for letting her snarky attitude towards her godfather. How did he know that? More specifically, how come she wasn't aware of that.

"I sense the power the moment I look into your eyes, shifting ever so often. Your powers... they're stronger now aren't they? Feeling the need to control it rather than embrace it." Odin uttered, subconsciously gripping his staff tightly. From appearance it was Odin, yet beyond the illusion was the same God of Mischief... Loki.

"H-How do you know?" She stuttered upon seeing Odin grin softly, finding it strange when he motioned her forward. Silently obeying to his command, the gown flowing along with her movements.

"I know many things and it seems you're the vessel... tell me, how did you come in contact with it?" The King questioned for his self-interest. If the Titan knew about her, he'd do anything to retrieve them, even if it meant having difficulty getting the rest of the stones.

Aurora was always destined for something more than herself.

"It was an a-accident I suppose. I heard a gentle voice calling out from the scepter a-and I saw myself lifting it. But I-I didn't get hurt by the power, rather I felt it change me." The young Stark revealed, subconsciously grabbing the necklace with her right hand.

"I see," The King nodded softly, noticing a faint thin scar on her hand along the side. It was slightly discolored but it was no mistake where that scar came from, "Your right hand... you still have the scar that I— my son healed."

Aurora eyed her 'godfather' with suspicion, sensing how his tone subtly faltered upon spotting the scar. She knew a lie when she heard one considering she's a liar too. She maintained her neutral expression, smirking at the thought of mind-reading the truth. Whereas the God of Mischief realized what she was doing, two can play that game. The teenager feigned a clueless stare, "Thor?"

"No, my youngest Loki. How long did you get this?" Odin spoke clearly, detecting her power trying to penetrate through his illusion. They taught her well, still not good enough.

"I always had it when I was a child." Aurora declared, almost gasping that she couldn't see anything. Unlike Loki, he managed to see glimpses of her past, taken back by surprise from what he saw. The teenager blinked away the tears, her head throbbing as she mildly shivered uncontrollably. Her hand twitched as she gripped it to prevent having an energy surge. How much did he see?

🕸

Young Aurora was with her mother at Ares' arena of combat, using the dagger Loki gifted her. Said to be made from Uru metal, the handle had a sleek design that has the Asgardian symbol. Merely three years old, she was progressing immensely with training and her powers. Athena notes that she inherited her energy shield, and when her daughter gets older, she'll receive an ability that represents her. A goddess of sorts, said to have a coronation for Aurora.

The Goddess of Wisdom hummed thoughtfully under the tree, her eyes trained at Aurora from the distance when she felt a presence behind her. Smirking softly, she didn't bother glancing over for she placed the book on the bench. Meanwhile, Aurora poised herself in a defensive manner, gripping the dagger like how she was taught. Her uncle, Ares taught her the basics, something Athena never thought he would do since he had little patience. There was no denying the child would age gracefully with her mother's wisdom.

"You look ethereal in the sunlight, my love." Loki commented, strolling beside Athena who held a small smile. The goddess felt her hand being lifted, a soft kiss lingered on the skin. It was common for him to tease her, something she admired. Both observed the young Princess, seeing Aurora concentrating on hitting the target.

"I wasn't aware you were coming," Athena pondered, doing her best to avoid seeing his dazzling green eyes. He gently grabbed her left hand, lifting her chin to have a clear view of her beautiful face. He seen many pretty faces but nothing like hers, even Aphrodite couldn't compare to her.

"I wanted to surprise you. And your friend permitted me to come," He sincerely said, smirking at his lover. The goddess glanced back from the distance, seeing her lady-in-waiting, Elena grinning brightly. Athena gingerly laughed at Elena's wink, grabbing the attention of the young girl. With her concentration diminishing, the dagger slipped from her hand and slit through her hand. A small scream bellowed from her, tears spilling upon the sight of a trail of blood.

The lovers snapped their attention to Aurora, who sniffles at the pain from the cut. Athena was the first to check on her, Loki following behind as the dagger was coated with crimson blood. The young girl hiccuped as she wiped the tears away, not wanting to appear weak, "I-It's just a s-scratch."

"It's okay, darling. You'll be okay... just be careful next time." Athena cooed, cupping the girl's face as she glanced to see Loki holding the injured hand.

"I know... but I heard dad— I mean, Loki here." Aurora corrected herself, remembering that he wasn't her father. Athena held a guilty expression on her lips, saddened that her daughter wouldn't get the chance to meet him.

"I'm going to heal you, okay?" Loki gingerly asked, causing the girl to nod softly. Athena only watched when he first cleaned the wound before a light glow appeared from his hand. Placing it onto the small slit, Aurora hissing under her breath. After a few moments, he released his grip and her cut was no longer there... only a fine line. The god smiled faintly, "...There. How's that?"

Aurora examined her hand, no longer feeling the sting as she embraced him by surprise, "Thank you... I'll be careful next time."

"How about I teach you? If your mother permits me, of course." The Asgardian requested, the child had her eyes twinkling with delight. Athena couldn't help but smile as she nodded in agreement, seeing the two most important people in her life bonding.

🕸

Aurora blinked away the memories, lifting her hand to see the same scar. It was no coincidence now that she knew where she got that from. Meanwhile, Odin— well, Loki curiously stared at her reaction, thinking thoughtfully before dismissing her. The girl resembled his lover that he hated not being about to see her. Guilty that he never had the chance to say anything, only having the distant memories of her.

And for once, Aurora and Loki both shared one more thing in common. Longing for the one they love most.