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"She healed her own brokenness."
—R.H. Sine
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Royal Palace Of Valaskjalf

Location: Asgard, Nine Realms

June 3, 2015

AURORA was convinced by one thing... everything she dreamt about was for a reason. Visions consumed her mind after meeting her godfather, fairly certain that there was more to him. Whispers echoed at every turn, the teenager desperately trying to chase after it. Eerily similar to the incident of Loki's scepter, wondering why he spoke to her when no one else was around. His soft yet firm voice brought chills down her spine, almost if wanting her to do his submission. However, she knew better than that, recognizing the same motive with HYDRA... only she won't follow orders.

The young Stark knew secrets were hidden within these halls, just like every place, there's a story written here. Investigating for any clues, peculiarly feeling drawn to a surge of power nearby. Aurora found herself conversing with her godfather whenever she was alone, becoming suspicious that he's trying to know more about her. Yet this didn't stop her from discovering the truth, recalling that she was the so-called 'Vessel' of the Tesseract. Apparently, Thor knew something was special about his niece, however, that was just the surface. The Asgardian Prince mentioned to her of a vault that held relics, even telling her the location that only intrigued Aurora.

One late night, the teenager managed to pass through the guards to find Odin's vault, a small smirk appearing on her lips. Mischief filled her eyes as she discreetly formed a blue mist to cloud their minds, opening the doors before shutting them. She only hoped that the Allfather didn't discover her trespassing, sighing in relief before walking along the hall. Relics were placed on pedestals along the walls, staring curiously at the power source. A large golden gauntlet was the first she noticed, glaring at it confused for a moment.

Didn't she see someone else had this exact relic? Only that the other was missing stones like the one here. Gasping suddenly at the vision, clenching her eyes shut to ease the pain. Slowly she regained control, her eyes changed to the blue hue subconsciously. Standing there a second longer before strolling and noticing a blue glowy rectangle that had silver handles. Intricate designs were along with the relic, wondering what language that was yet dared herself until hearing that voice again. Whispering, 'The truth you seek lies here. The tesseract... you were chosen to protect it."

She immediately took a step back while looking at her surroundings, but she was all alone. Swallowing a large lump, Aurora continued with seeing more relics until she observed the last one. A blue cube— the Tesseract. The voice echoed again, she did her best to resist but when she's close to finding the truth... she has to know. Her feet swayed oddly, sensing how her energy was attracting towards it. Blue mists surrounded her body, the same color hue as the Tesseract before her eyes. Stepping gingerly closer, she outstretched one hand to grab the glowing cube.

Strange... she felt connected to the cube, urging her to come closer with it's hypnotizing glow. Aurora felt a cool sensation on the fingertips, her eyes widened upon her power harmonizing with the relic. The blue cube reacted a first defensively yet upon clashing with her energy, a brighter glow was channeled within. It can't be— it was accepting her as the Protector, the Vessel. Her mind suddenly became foggy as glimpses of her past appeared before her. Many of which she recognized but there was one that seemed unfamiliar.

The serum she was injected with had the same glow as the Tesseract, combining her existing abilities with another. The images dissipated as she fluttered her eyes closed, seeing a blue stone at first before another five appeared. Mutters pulsate in saying the stones' name's, catching her attention with the Space Stone. Suddenly Aurora saw herself in a new light with her teleportation ability, understanding where it came from.

Teleportation.

It made sense now, the Tesseract was used for creating wormholes, much like portals. But how did she gain this ability? Images flashed within a split second, a large figure appearing once again. Only this time she was fighting alone against the Titan. Clashes of vivid green and blue were trying to overpower the other. That's what it was... upon looking further the vision became worse. At that moment, only she could harness the true power of the Tesseract.

A sudden joint of energy woke her, eyes shifting back to its normal color after what she just saw. What the hell did she just see? Gasping for breath, Aurora fled for if she continued to stay, surely she'll be discovered. Disappointed that everything about her was still a mystery beginning to unravel. But if there's one thing the teenager is certain about... her life was about to be fucking more complicated.

A message was sent to Athena the morning after, and when the goddess received it she immediately dreads returning to Asgard. It was clear she wasn't ready to return, still pained by the memories she held dearly. The Nine Realms were in peace once again after Thor defeated Malekith... however someone ultimately paid the price, willing to sacrifice his life for her. The goddess regretted every chance given not being with him, cursed to always lose the people she loves. When King Odin declared to Athena with the need for her presence, it perplexes her profoundly.

The Goddess of Wisdom arrived at the Bifrost, holding her breath for a second that she was back. Her female guards surrounded their Queen, awaiting orders while Athena spotted an old friend. Pallas, her pet owl hooted as it fluttered its wings before retracting them. After the war on Olympus, Asgard became their ally in a time of need, unaware that this decision was more than just fate. The goddess smiled politely to Heimdall, the Gatekeeper greeted her, "Welcome back, Queen Athena."

"Thank you, Heimdall. It's been quite some time since I last visited." Athena uttered to him, catching a glimpse of the royal palace. So many memories were made there... filled with happiness and joy along with sorrow and pain. The Queen inhaled sharply, nodding softly as she gently petted her owl.

"You are always welcomed here." The Asgardian Gatekeeper reminded her, bowing in respect to the maiden. Athena merely dismissed the kind gesture, hearing a horse neighing close by... it was her horse. She ordered her female warriors to be near the entrance of the Bifrost.

"I know... how's Asgard?" Athena asked sincerely, much has changed over the years. Seeing that the stunning observatory held new intricate symbols of Asgard.

"Prospering once again, Thor returned," Heimdall informed the goddess, giving her half the truth. Athena knew something wasn't right the moment she came here, and all started with coming back to Asgard.

"Thank you for informing me," The Goddess of Wisdom thanked him, giving him one last farewell as she held her head high with poise. Expertly getting on her black onyx horse, Adonis, following behind her guards as she saw the spectacular palace from the distance. So much has changed during the last two years... and Odin didn't bother speaking with her until he sent the message.

Even if she's his daughter-in-law.

The Olympian Queen observed the new barriers being placed along the Bifrost bridge, intrigued by the sudden change in security. From a distance, she noticed the reconstruction of what the Odinson brothers caused when going to Svartalfheim. The mere thought of that day brought great sorrow, yet she always held a smile that hid away her true pain. Nonetheless, the sight of the Kingdom brought a sense of familiarity and calmness, almost welcoming her back home. Home... what an illusion that is.

Guilt was all she felt, leaving Asgard without a word after the two most important people died... Frigga and Loki. The goddess arrived at the entrance of the palace, gracefully getting off the saddle and began ascending to the throne room. It was a rare sight for Asgardians to see the Olympian Queen, known for being the Peacekeeper of all the Nine Realms. She saw the King at his gold throne, his eye peering at her with a faint smile. If only she knew it was Loki. And if she was prepared for what she was about to hear.

Meanwhile, the young Stark didn't know what to feel, only the sound of her heart beating rapidly. The past few days seemed rather... entertaining, with exploring the halls of the palace, having daily strolls on the outskirts of the city. Occasionally, visiting nearby training grounds and sparring with her uncle in combat. Aurora slowly bonded with Thor, helping her remember, train, and interpret her dreams when necessary. The past continued to cloud her thoughts, but she had hope that finding her mother would clear them away.

However, Aurora was anxious... anxious about how she'll react when she sees her mother. Millions of thoughts invaded her mind constantly during the night, staying up late as she watched the night sky. Will she accept her even if she has blood stained on her hands? A daughter that learned the hard truths of the cruel world? Trained to be a killer and nothing more? The young girl wasn't ready to handle the judgment on her mother's face... filled with disappointment and disgust.

"Thor... do you think my mother will like me?" She questioned with a hopeful tone, toying with her the layers of the gown. The girl leaned forward to glance at the spectacular view of the galaxy, nearly taking her breath away. Her eyes dazzled with mixed emotions, uncomfortable with herself.

"I assure you that she'll love you, Aurora." Thor declared, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. She nodded in appreciation to her uncle, yet it felt it wasn't enough. Words could sometimes be empty promises, but she trusted him. That's what made the difference.

"How can you be sure?" Aurora continued curiously, dragging the sentence for a few moments. She tried to smile through her nerves, clenching her fist subconsciously until feeling the lack of blood flow.

"Because she would do anything to have you back... no matter what you've done." The Asgardian said honestly, not letting his hand off her shoulder. Both stared at the sky with a faint smile, both for different reasons.

"Thank you... that means a lot to me." She muttered softly, her voice almost cracking as if trying to swallow the incoming anxiety. Never did she believe this was the day she'll meet her... and Aurora will always thank Thor and the Avengers for rescuing her.

"Of course, now come along. Your mother has just arrived." The Asgardian insisted, causing the young girl to nod her head, feeling the tiara slowly slip from her head. Aurora managed to catch it, fixing it steadily while simultaneously trying calming down her beating heart. Feeling the anxiety and anticipation she's been waiting for her entire life. But what if her mother didn't want her?

"Aurora..." Thor calls out to her, following behind as loud footsteps echoing at the Terrence. The teenager gulped the lump on her throat, fidgeting with her fingers and gown. Guards posted near the throne room permitted them entrance, daring a small glance. Aurora slowly entered, however, she expected Odin to be there but instead a woman.

The woman wore an elegant white gown, gold-encrusted along the collarbone and waist. An owl was perched on her left shoulder, hooting gently as if recognizing her. The woman's face was effortlessly beautiful, power radiated with subtle authority, and the stunning smile that could brighten up anyone's day. The teenager spotted a crown on her hair, almost demanding for respect but her expression said differently. Nonetheless, Aurora felt the need to curtsy, her mother quirked her eyebrows confused while glancing at Thor. Athena strolled over as she declared, observing the girl, "Raise, my dear.... Are you sure it's her?"

"I would never do tricks, Athena," Thor responded, the young Stark was visibly confused upon hearing the name. She remained to keep her head low, yet Aurora felt a gentle hand cup her chin to face Athena. The goddess was drawn to the girl, trying to remember every detail for she hasn't seen her child for over a decade. The Asgardian Prince decided to leave, hoping they could bond before she went back home. Meanwhile, Pallas chirped once before fluttering onto Aurora's shoulder, gently stroking itself against her neck... the owl still remembered her.

"Pallas never goes to strangers unless she knows them," Athena revealed, spotting something faint on the girl's collarbone. The goddess also noticed the scar line on the hand, wondering if it's really her. Gingerly placing her hand on the shoulder as she politely says, "May I check your shoulder?"

Aurora slowly nodded at the odd request, feeling the sleeve of the gown gently tugged until hearing a faint noise. The necklace was hidden underneath the gown, revealing the Olympian symbol. Athena stared at it for confirmation... grabbing the tip to reveal a small dagger. The goddess got back up and muttered, "Can it be?"

"I know you may think I'm not her but I remember... when you hold me through the stormy nights, just to make me feel safe. Always telling me that I was your Princess, telling me stories of a wonderful place called... Olympus. But what I always remember is that you put your forehead against mine, as a way of telling me you love me." The young Stark described every detail, not once forgetting the dreams she's been having. Tears threatened to spill, doing her best to hold them back.

"A-Aurora?" Athena's voice faltered when she spoke to the teenager. The Olympian Queen gently stroked her cheek, leaning against the warmth with a small hesitant smile to her mother. Chuckling at the distant memories they made, silently thinking about the past. No one else knew all that Aurora described, and the necklace... an heirloom that's enchanted with magic, only to be worn by the royal family.

"Mom?" Aurora swallowed a lump, eyes turning glossy while both women chuckled in relief for the same reason. Athena embracing her tightly, fearing she could slip away if she didn't hold on to her. The young Stark wasted no time in wrapping her arms around the waist, while her mother gently pressed their foreheads together.

They have found each other again.

"After all those years... you found me... Aurora." The goddess rejoiced, smiling warmly as she placed her hands in her daughter's. Athena's owl continued to rub its head against the teenager's brunette hair.

"...I found you," Aurora answered in a low whisper, a bright smile overtook her quivering lips.

"It's you... it's really you. But h-how? They told me you were dead." Athena stuttered unsure, remembering the pain and heartache as if it was just yesterday. Much had happened for both her and Aurora.

"What?" Aurora asked bewildered at the confession, her smile suddenly was replaced with a large frown accompanied by her expressions hardening.

"After the war, I went back for you five years ago but Alexander told me you died... due to a plane accident," Athena recalled what he told her... except he deliberately lied to her because he needed Aurora to carry out HYDRA's world domination plans.

"That son of a bitch lied to you! Lied to me too!" Aurora shouted in frustration, clenching her hands tightly. Her mother gently placed her hands on the shoulders, yet the young Stark was beyond angry. Her whole life has been a web of lies, from Tony's negligence to the disappearance of Diana— or rather Athena.

"I couldn't believe it myself but Heimdall couldn't even find you. No one knew where you were for the last ten years." The Goddess of Wisdom explained, there was only one explanation for not being able to find her... Aurora must have inherited her powers.

"How is that even possible?" The young Stark pressed further the conversation.

"No one knows... but all that matters is that you're here with me now," Athena insisted, wrapping her arms around Aurora, both smiling sadly for different reasons.

"I-I'm sorry," Aurora muttered as tears slipped from her eyes, wiping them away furiously but her emotions couldn't be contained. All her life she dreamed of this moment and now she's here. The Goddess of Wisdom leaned over to cup her chin, rubbing the tears as she shushed her to calm down.

"It's alright to cry, you know? There's nothing wrong with being strong for too long on your own, darling." Athena revealed as her daughter nodded her head softly.

"I know i-it's just that I d-dreamed of seeing you... and y-you're here... with me n-now." Her eyes were irritated, lips quivering as she fumbled with her words. Athena struggled to maintain her emotions, overwhelmed that she never stopped looking for her.

"I'm truly sorry, Aurora. It was never my intention to abandon you for the reason I didn't love you. I tried to protect us both but in the end... I was wrong. Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one." The goddess spoke wisely, a tear slipped with this time Aurora wiping it away. Athena only took a moment to stare at her eyes to find flashes of horrific things, asking sincerely, "I see the past hasn't been kind to you... yet you persevered through those hard times. If I may, can I see?"

The teenager's breath hitched, worried that what she'll find will surely make her hate everything about her. Her mother caressed her fingers against Aurora's forehead, a white glow appeared as she took a moment to look at everything. Athena retracted her hand after seeing her daughter's memories, "I-I never should have left y-you... I can't imagine how alone you've been."

"But it's okay, mom. Someone helped me along the way... and I found dad. Well, he found me." Aurora insisted with a hopeful grin, still, Athena's guilt overwhelmed her at the mere thought of leaving them. If only she told Tony the entire truth— perhaps Aurora would have been better.

"...How is your father doing?" Her mother questioned in a low murmur, not once changing her sincere tone for Tony was her first love. She'll always thank him for the greatest gift she received, her daughter, and love.

"He's doing better.... he's changed from what I noticed. But he still loves you, you know." The young brunette recalled honestly, trailing beside her mother as they strolled through the halls. Tugging the heavy fabric of her dress in her hand, a bit frustrated that her feet began to hurt.

"He may still love me but surely there's someone special for him." Athena insisted, feeling Pallas chirp on her shoulder in a loving tune.

Aurora thought about it, understanding that two people that still love each other can continue to grow. Her dad changed so much over the years, smiling softly, "...There is. They've been having a patchy relationship between them but I know they love each other."

"Oh, well I wish them the best. Your father can be... complicated, yet I believe everyone deserves a second chance." Athena answered, chuckling lightly at the memories. The teenager slipped off her heels and held them in her hands, smiling in relief.

"Did you ever find your second chance after dad?" Aurora asked innocently, Athena paused for a moment with a small frown forming her face before strolling forward.

The goddess stiffly nodded, her head up high to maintain her composure, "I did once... he never imagined that I would ever love him, still he meant the world to me. More than just a lover, rather he was my best friend...."

Aurora caught on what she referred to, so he's dead... wish she could meet him. The young girl outstretched her hand towards her mother to comfort her. Somehow it came naturally for her to be herself around people she loves, "Oh... I'm sorry."

"No need to worry, he's in a better place now," Athena reassured sincerely, wrapping an arm around her waist. The goddess couldn't wipe away the remorse and regret from her eyes, what once held innocence now with wisdom and strength.

"What was his name?" Her daughter questioned in a whisper, interrupting her thoughts as she opened and closed her mouth a few times.

"...Loki. Thor's brother," The goddess confessed with a disheartening smile, while Aurora awkwardly stared at her. As in the God of Mischief? The one who attacked New York in 2012? The young Stark could only imagine how he looked, and how it was possible that they love each other.

"Speaking of finding someone, I'm sure a boy must have captured your interest?" Athena smoothly changed the subject with a teasing grin. The girl abruptly knitted her eyebrows together at the question, she was trying to bond with her.

"What? Me dating? Sorry to disappoint you mom but I don't think I'm going to be with anyone." Aurora expressed her thoughts, but Athena knew that people can change.

"You never know, dear. That's what I believed before meeting your father and Loki." The Olympian Queen stated, however, it only confused the young Stark even more.

"Wait, if there's one thing I don't understand is that Loki is in some way— my stepfather?" She tried to make sense of her complicated family history. It's not every day Aurora discovers that their family is well-known in ancient times.

"And don't forget that Thor is your uncle," The goddess reminded her yet she already knew that.

"Right... Never knew half my family was mythological gods. And your name is not really Diana, right?" Athena firmly nodded at the question, understanding that she lied about many things.

"I'm afraid that's just my identity name, my real name is Athena Parthenos." Her mother introduced herself, expecting Aurora's reaction to somehow be annoyed with the lies. Instead, it was the total opposite.

"Wait... so you're the Goddess of Wisdom? But I thought you were a virgin goddess." The girl felt her eyes bulge out in shock. She recalled what she learned in HYDRA, always studying countries' history, culture, or anything vital when she went on missions. But never did she imagine that her mother was Athena herself.

"That's only a story Midgardians tell." The Olympian Queen wavered off the tales, most were true while others contained misguided truths on Earth.

"I keep learning new things every day...." Aurora uttered, strolling along the halls yet the conversation fell silent.

"There is so much I have to tell you," Athena declared with a neutral expression on her face.

"Don't worry... I have time," She humored with a quaint smile. She still has about a few weeks before returning to Earth, but how would it work out if she wants to be with her mother? Maybe each has her for a few months?

"What would you like to know?" Athena asked her, not once letting go of her daughter's hand. Some Asgardians glanced at them, unaware they were at the presence of the Lost Princess of Olympus.

"Maybe why it took you so long to find me?" Aurora said rather quickly that caught her off-guard.

"Alright...," The Greek Goddess sighed through her nose, it was a given that she would ask that question. Her hand retracted to her necklace, identical to Aurora's but slightly different as she said, "You deserve to know the truth. How about we go talk more when we go home."

"Home? Can Thor come too?" Aurora repeated the word before asking if her uncle could come.

"Oh well, I'm sure he'll be delighted to come. And yes, we'll be going to Olympus tomorrow." Athena pondered at the request, retreating to her old guest room to leave Aurora there before discussing with Thor.

"But I thought mortals were forbidden to enter." The young Stark presumed, understanding that humans can't just visit the Nine Realms. She could only wonder how her home planet looks, perhaps different from Asgard but still spectacular.

"Not exactly but you're a Demi-goddess, Aurora. You need to reconnect with your past to understand more about yourself." The Queen spoke wisely, Pallas chirped to the girl as it crawled to her shoulder. The owl snuggled against her head, pleased with the warmth it was receiving.

"So what exactly am I...?" Aurora proposed curiously, as her mother stood in front and placed her hand under the chin. Gently smiling warmly as she answered, "You're the Princess of Olympus, the only granddaughter of Zeus."