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In a few days, everyone would be leaving the school to head home with their families. Normally, Leah would have just filled a backpack with a few important things and gone north to the Cascades, and minded her own business among the mountains and volcanic ranges. She got caught hiding under the school her first year, but Mount Rainier was always nice this time of year. It was cold during the Big Dark, but the volcano was always pretty likely to erupt, so she usually just camped out near a hot area and used her powers to smooth things over when it was time to go home. Depending on what time of year it was, she might not even go that far. But now that Jen had taken her in, doing that wasn’t so easy. Now, she had an actual [i]home[/i] to sleep in. Four walls and a roof in a city. 

No more fucking off away from civilization, into the cold and bitter wilderness of the Pacific Northwest, with the hope that no one would actually notice the fact she legally didn’t exist. Not that it was terrible, even if her rock collection was missing a few pieces of tephra.

So instead of quietly preparing for that, Leah sat in the library. In front of her were two stacks of books, one visibly taller than the other, since she’d been here a while. Her runes, a notebook and a pen were on the table in front of her.

She had no idea what time it was, and didn’t think to check.

It had been a hard day for Percy. He was still ruminating over the conversation with his mothers, and the decision that they’d reached. But if he was going to be going to rehab, he wouldn’t be arriving empty handed. He had read all his books and would need more. Especially given the power blockers in effect at the facility - they’d need to be in English or Russian… a limitation that upset him almost more than the prospect of treatment. He had pursued most of the library’s mythology section for Greco-Roman, and as much as he preferred things that were closer to primary texts, he could make do. He’d barely scratched the surface of Norse myth, and given the abundance of Asgardians who walked this world, it had the added benefit of being practical. 

There was, of course, just one problem. He had come armed with a list of twenty books he wanted. And five of them were missing. He blinked in and out of the stacks, double and triple and quadruple checking, but it was no use. They weren’t there. He was about to ask the librarian if she could confirm for him again that they even had those titles when out of the corner of his eye, he saw them. Sitting neatly in a stack, just for him! 

Sitting neatly in a stack in front of [i]Leah[/i].

His jaw dropped slightly. He didn’t know she read. 

He stared at her for a moment. And then at the books. 

Could he just ask her for them? 

Why did she have them? 

He clutched the fifteen books he had found a little more protectively in the tote bag he used to transport them. What if Leah asked him for [i]his[/i] books? 

He blinked. And then, slowly, he walked forward. He stopped right in front of her. Cleared his throat. And with all the social grace of a worm, asked, [color=ed1c24]“why do you have those?”[/color]

Leah glanced up over the books and gave Percy a  [i]look.[/i] [color=ffcb00]”They’re called books. They contain words in different languages, and [i]sometimes[/i] people read them for the information they keep. And- Why do you have [i]those?”[/i][/color]

Percy frowned. [color=ed1c24]“I know what a book is… Is that new information for you?”[/color] He then shifted his grip on his tote, holding onto it a little tighter - as if he could beat Leah in a contest of strength if it came to it. [color=ed1c24]“They’re for reading. They cover Norse myth and examine how Asgardian lore departs from it. For example, one of these titles is entirely dedicated to tracing Odin’s lineage and its many mythological discrepancies - for instance, Loki and Odin are sworn blood brothers according to myth, rather than adopted son and father. Furthermore, Loki is held in chains and would not be freed until the events of Ragnarok, which have not yet come to pass - he isn’t meant to be terrorizing the Avengers.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”And, furthermore, neither are his kids,”[/color] Leah added. [color=ffcb00]”I’m reading these things because apparently there’s a whole other world I’m from, that I know next to nothing about. I actually [i]like[/i] reading, Percy. I just don’t usually broadcast it.”[/color]

Percy stared at her for a moment. 

And then he opened up his tote bag, placed his books on the table, and sat down next to her. [color=ed1c24]“Do you know where the debate comes from on whether Hel - or Hela - is his sister or his daughter? I’m much more versed in Greek myth. This is a new area for me. I dislike most translations, but I’m attempting to prioritize texts written in English or Russian for today.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”...Depends on where you look.”[/color] Leah slid one of the books from the bigger stack to him. [color=ffcb00]”A long, long time ago, people didn’t really know the other eight of the Nine Realms existed. They were just gods and monsters and things that people didn’t physically meet. Back when Vikings still existed, the stories weren’t written down until Snorri’s time.”[/color]

She was awfully quick to jump on the chance to talk about this with someone.

Percy had to fight the urge to pounce on the book, instead allowing himself to instead just eagerly grab it. The harder urge to fight was to immediately begin reading it to digest all of this information. Why hadn’t he talked to Leah about this before? He was kicking himself for lost time. They’d won the contest of champions and defeated Arcade together and he couldn’t remember a single one on one conversation. [color=ed1c24]“Where would you look, then?”[/color] he asked, before pulling three books in particular out, [color=ed1c24]“I found these in the school’s collection, but I’m not familiar with these scholars - I’m not sure if they have any real merit to them or if it’s just sensationalist drivel designed to push Thor merchandise at the end of the day.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”That’s… Yeah, that’s the problem. There’s actual history, the [i]myth,[/i] and there’s Thor. A few of the books I found were just about Thor himself, but there’s also Thor the god who stories were passed down about. So… I’d just look in this library for now. That’s not helping me much, though. I’d hoped there’d be more about Jotunheim, but it’s mostly Asgard. Most of what I found was general Norse myth and history, and some stuff that actually separates them but- It’s still a lot to sift through.”[/color]

Leah flipped a few pages in the notebook she had. [color=ffcb00]”I wrote a few down. The myths and what actually happened are different, but there’s some overlap.”[/color]

Percy frowned, and tapped his fingers on the table. Leah had a good point. The collection here wasn’t sufficient by any means. Ostensibly, the most accurate records for not just Asgard but also Jotunheim would not be found on Earth. He scrunched his face up. The logistics were hard. His teleporting was better than before, having been so proven by Dorian during the contest, but a jump to Asgard seemed exceedingly difficult still. However… they did happen to know a wizard now. Or perhaps America would be willing to help them, albeit she’d likely have to take them to another universe first. Or… could Leah use the Bifrost? Was that travel available to giants? 

[color=ed1c24]“Do you think Heimdall would answer you if you called out for passage to Asgard? They must have better books and records there - I don’t know if Jotunheim has any libraries, but I’ve seen mentions of Odin’s archive - both as a collection of knowledge and a site of battles.”[/color] He then stopped tapping his fingers. [color=ed1c24]“Or we could ask Mr. Gray if he could send us.”[/color]

Leah’s face lit up. [color=ffcb00]”...Heimdall? I mean- I dunno. Lots of what I’ve read so far suggests Asgard doesn’t really like giants, but I really don’t see many books here about that. It’s all mostly Asgard-centric. But we could try. I- Do you [i]want[/i] to? I guess if we can get there, we can get back, right?”[/color]

Percy nodded eagerly. This definitely wasn’t at all motivated by the fact he was supposed to report to rehab in the morning. A spontaneous trip to Asgard - or even Jotunheim - sounded absolutely fantastic. [color=ed1c24]“Hmm. Maybe we should ask Mr. Gray then, if Asgard isn’t fond of giants. But I am definitely interested in this, Leah. I think we should go as soon as possible - right now, even.”[/color] And then he hesitated. Would Max see through this? But then he decided he didn’t care. 

[color=ffcb00]”Right now? As in [i]now?[/i] Well… Oh, damn, what time is it? Yeah, I guess that’s okay.”[/color] Leah eagerly stood up, grabbed her things and then collected some of the books. [color=ffcb00]”We can’t stay too long, though. I have some stuff I need to do, and I still need to call the Scarlet Witch about that thing. Let me put a few of these away- You think we can get copies over there? They surely have a bookstore or two, maybe.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Oh we should keep them. I’d like to read them anyways - even bad scholarship can be of interest at times,”[/color] Percy excused quickly. He wasn’t going to tell Leah that it was motivated by the fact that come tomorrow, he wouldn’t be able to read Asgardian texts - he imagined that the All Tongue didn’t translate to paper, or perhaps it would? 

[Color=ed1c24]I’ll text Mr. Gray and see if he can make us a portal now then?”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Uh…”[/color] She looked at the empty shelf, then back at the books. 

[color=ffcb00]”Yeah. Do that.”[/color]

Percy pulled out his phone, and shot off two texts in quick succession - 

[hider=@Mr. Gray]Dear Mr. Gray,

I hope this finds you well. I am writing to inquire whether you would provide a portal from the library of the Margaret Carter Institute to Asgard - specifically, its finest accessible archives. Ms. Jordan and I are hoping to pursue the records located there, as the ones at our school are unfortunately insufficient. 

Kind regards,
P. Novikov[/hider]

[hider=@My dearest]My darling Dorian,

Would you do me the honor of accompanying Leah and myself on a brief adventure to Asgard and perhaps Jotunheim? If you find yourself too busy, then perhaps you might find some time for us to be with one another before I must depart in the morning. 

Yours truly, 
Percy[/hider]

Leah sent her own messages.

[hider=@Sabine]
Going to jotunheim adn asgard beback soon wont be longbring you back a cool rock bye
[/hider]

[hider=@She Hulk]
Me adn percy are goingt o asgard and jotunhiem. be back before tomorrow bye
[/hider]

[hider=@Leah]have fun be safe!!! Lemme know if you need money for food or anything!!![/hider]

[hider=@She Hulk]im rich remember[/hider]

[hider=@Leah]lollll do you know rhe exchange rate[/hider]

[hider=@She Hulk]do you[/hider]

[hider=@Leah]lmao nope[/hider]

Back at the Kingston-Gray House, Max was in the kitchen grabbing himself a small snack as he heard his phone buzz against the wooden counter. He spied the message as his magic moved his phone closer to him. [Color=aba400]”Hmph.”[/color] His free hand waved across the air as a calendar was moved from one section of the house to the wall before him. Circled in red was the next day.

[i]”Novikov's first day of Rehab.”[/i]

A reminder to keep an eye on his son given how his emotions may run. Curious though that they would be asking for an adventure out into deep space just a day before. Fine. But not without some due precautions, otherwise Novikova may actually murder him. He cleared some space in the kitchen for some extra travelers before opening a portal beneath Percy and Leah's feet. The pair of them would drop down, instantly, briefly seeing the rainbow bridge of Asgard before magic swept across them again and landed them within the kitchen of the Kingston-Gray's. A small taste of what they would witness should they comply with his demands. 

From up above a squeal could be heard coming from Dorian's room, the sound of thunder roaring down the stairs as he began to speak a mile a minute asking his father if he could go to Asgard with Percy before noticing that both he and Leah were standing in their kitchen. Dorian cleared his throat, waving meekly at the pair of them embarrassed.

Leah was really, really not used to teleporting. She felt the ground disappear and nearly fell flat on her face.

[color=ffcb00]”Jesus Christ- That’s worse than when Strange does it… Uh- Hi… Dorian.”[/color] She shook her head, the portal made her dizzy.

Percy’s eyes were still a bit wide with wonder at the sight of the rainbow bridge - and unlike Leah, he didn’t suffer the same sickness from the teleport. His heart had fallen slightly when the sight was taken away, but the moment he saw Dorian his face flushed, almost in shame. It was embarrassing how much he missed his boyfriend already. He nonchalantly tried to signal that he wanted very much to hold Dorian’s hand, but it came across almost as more of a nervous tic.

[color=ed1c24]“Erm… Bonjour, Monsieur Gray. Comment-allez vous aujourd’hui? J’espère bien?”[/color] he asked, the sudden nerves of seeing the mage hitting him, as his language stumbled into French. 

Max waved the calendar away from the kids before picking up a drink from the fridge. [Color=aba400]”I'm doing fine Mr. Novikov, though I am curious about this most…daring trip you wish to go on. The famed Halls of Asgard? Very interesting location to wish to see. Had I more time i could've called in a few Asgardians to aid in whatever it is you wished to see. I have two students, brothers, at my school right now. There is also a wonderful kid from Jotunheim taking course there, I'm sure at least one of their parents wouldn't of minded helping teach more youth about them. Actually I believe we have a school trip planned later to visit the Realm of the God's, would only that you could wait.”[/color] 

Max took a sip before sitting up on the counter and giving Leah a warm smile. [Color=aba400]”Ms. Jordan. Apologies for the rough portal, I'd had meant to send you straight there but there are a few formalities that must occur first before I could. I assume you're looking to find more information about who you are or where you came from?”[/color] 

[color=ffcb00]”Yeah. I wasn’t born here, apparently. Or if I was, I don’t remember it. I’ve been reading what I can, but a lot of the stuff I find’s Asgard-centric or just… Not much. Which makes sense, because this is Earth.”[/color]

She had always thought she was a mutant, until recently. [color=ffcb00]”Going there was Percy’s idea, and it sounds like a good one. I would’ve just found a way to open a portal myself instead of troubling you, but he’s in a hurry for some reason.”[/color]

Percy shifted uncomfortably. He was beginning to wish they had just gambled on Heimdall’s cooperation. He hated the way that Mr. Gray looked at him - as if every action he made was painfully transparent. So he stared at Max’s nose instead, mimicking eye contact yet avoiding it. [color=ed1c24]“Leah’s waited long enough for answers,”[/color] he offered. [color=ed1c24]“And the Margaret Carter library doesn’t have a single volume on Jotunheim, which is absolutely criminal - they might as well stock the shelves with Little Golden Books, they would amount to the same substance.”[/color] 

[Color=aba400]”They make those you know? Little Golden Books for Jotunheim.”[/color] He teased.

Dorian looked at his father. [Color=CC99FF]”Pleeeaaaasssseeee? We'll be super careful! I doubt we'll start an intergalactic war! We'll be good, I promise!”[/color] 

Max let out a small sigh. [Color=aba400]”Unfair bringing my son into this, it makes it so much harder for me to deny your request. But Leah does deserve some answers, not until after I bestow some gifts. If anything was to happen to you, your mothers would kill me.”[/color] He stepped forward, placing an enchantment on each of them, one by one. Dorians and Leahs would allow them to contact Max should they need a quick escape back, but Percy's would forcefully teleport him back into this kitchen after 24hrs were up. [Color=aba400]”You get one day, no more no less.”[/color] Andy hourglass appeared on the kitchen counter, sand falling down slowly. [Color=aba400]”When the last grain falls, you will be here. That is all I can offer you for now. Sound fair?”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Huh. You going to jail tomorrow, or something?”[/color] Leah asked.

Percy looked at the floor, his jaw clenched. 

She looked at Max. [color=ffcb00]”...He’s going to jail.”[/color]

[Color=aba400]”Nothing so harsh as that. He's going on a trip, one his mother worked very hard for and I believe she deserves him to be there. I do not tread on family matters, thats how one ruins relations.”[/color] 

He balled his hands into fists. He wished he had said yes, he was going to prison. In many ways it felt like he was. [color=ed1c24]“My mothers are sending me to rehab tomorrow,”[/color] he muttered. 

[color=ffcb00]”Oh.”[/color] Leah felt bad for asking. [color=ffcb00]”Oh… That’s- Uh. That’s rough. Sorry. [i]Wait a damn minute-[/i] Is that why we’re going?”[/color]

Dorian was grateful that his father had tried to save face for Percy, but his jaw dropped as Percy came out and said exactly what it was. Then again, the first step to fixing your problem is to admit that you have one. 

[color=ffcb00]”I mean- I get it. I don’t like admitting I need help either. But you could’ve said something. Actually, no, I wouldn’t have said something either. Are we actually going, or…”[/color]

Percy’s eye twitched. He contemplated teleporting as far away from everyone as he could and crawling into a hole from which he would never emerge. This all felt like a mistake. He kept his gaze fixed on the floor. [color=ed1c24]“It’s fine. I’m not an alcoholic, so I will be able to leave quickly.”[/color]

Dorians jaw clenched as his boyfriend said he was fine. His gaze dropping down to the floor as well. [Color=CC99FF]”T’e first step is admittance, you know t’at right? You ‘ave to actually admit and believe you ‘ave a problem ot’erwise it can't be resolved…”[/color]

Leah wasn’t good with people. She was wondering if she should just wait outside for… This. But Percy said something she didn’t like.

[color=ffcb00]”Percy. I used to tell myself that a lot, you know. Not sure what you’re dealing with, but problems don’t go away when you pretend they aren’t there,”[/color] She said, fidgeting with her hair. [color=ffcb00]”It took me longer than I’m gonna admit, but I’m working on it. If- If it helps, I’m going somewhere soon too. Not rehab, but probably to CAGE to talk with Whitehall. Remember her? If you’re going there… I’ll come see you.”[/color]

His eye twitched again. 

He should have kept his temper under control - but he was [i]terrified[/i]. And hearing Leah name the very place he was being sent to… the same doctor who would doubtlessly be talking to… and the disappointment in Dorian’s voice. He felt like the walls were closing in around him. Like everyone was about to go against him. 

And he broke. 

[color=ed1c24]“I do [i]not[/i] have a problem,”[/color] his voice was desperate, rather than angry - and in a flash, his powers ejected him from the house and placed him in the middle of the street outside. 

Leah just knitted her fingers together and gave Max an unsurprised look.

[color=ffcb00]”He’ll get there. I wasn’t any different.”[/color]

Max gave Leah a knowing look. He stared off towards the direction Percy was likely to have gone before looking back towards Leah again. [Color=aba400]”I've no doubt in my mind that he will. This isn't the families first struggle with consumption, it's always hard at first, but having friends and family to lend a hand, people he can rely on to stand up to him the way you just did, that will help immensely in the coming days. You're more than welcome to enjoy the lands of Asgard if you wish. It would do good to have one last adventure before his world changes.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Yeah. I think you scared him. Let me go talk to him… He’s acting like [i]me.”[/i][/color]

Leah walked over to the door and looked back at Dorian. [color=ffcb00]”You coming or staying home?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Coming!”[/color] Dorian said before stopping a few steps in and looking at Max. [Color=CC99FF]”Dad?”[/color] 
Max smiled and waved his hand once more, Dorian's pajamas he had been lazing in all day changed to more appropriate clothing before Dorian began to follow Leah back out.
She swung the door open and walked out to where Percy was.

[color=ffcb00]”Hey. I’m not going to push it, but no one’s angry with you, okay?”[/color] That was all she was going to say about it. [color=ffcb00]”If you still want to go, we’ll go right now. We won’t talk about tomorrow for a second if you don’t want to, and we’ll bring back enough books that they’ll have to put a new wing in at the library. Sound good?”[/color]

He was quiet for a moment. He’d expected Leah to chastise him - to tell him that he was throwing his life away, that he was going to make everyone who cared about him suffer, that he was a failure and a disgrace. He didn’t expect her to offer to leave it be. He bit down on his lip hard, still looking at the ground, before he said very quietly. [color=ed1c24]“… I’m just scared to go…”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Yeah.”[/color] She felt that. [color=ffcb00]”If you had told me two months ago that Whitehall wasn’t secretly a terrorist who killed mutants when no one was looking, I’d call you crazy. [i]That’s[/i] why I’m getting help, among other things. I get it, it’s terrifying. But that’s because it’s different.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“That’s where they’re sending me,”[/color] Percy murmured. [color=ed1c24]“CAGE. I won’t have my powers - I… I won’t be able to [i]read[/i],”[/color] his voice cracked. [color=ed1c24]“Or - or feel Dorian. I’ll be… I’ll be all alone. And they’re telling me I have a problem but I’m fine, okay? I’m - I’m fine.”[/color] His entire body was trembling. He wanted so desperately to believe it. 

It pained Dorian to see his boyfriend look and feel so defeated, so broken. But watching Leah talk to him, actually speak to him…it felt as if She-Hulk had done an amazing job in helping her grow in such a short amount of time. Maybe he just viewed Leah as the Himbo Jock for too long, maybe she was always this wise for someone living under a rock, or maybe she finally got the parentage she deserved. Either way, Dorian was content with letting her handle this field of mines for now.

[color=ffcb00]”Who says you can’t read?”[/color] She almost asked him how hard it could be to cut one’s self with the paper in books, but that would’ve been awful. [color=ffcb00]”If they let us, we can visit. It’s easier with friends, and I’m learning that a lot lately.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“… I will only be able to read in English, Russian, Hebrew, and Yiddish. Everything else will just be… gone…”[/color] He then set his jaw, daring a glance up at Leah as she said she would visit. He didn’t know if he wanted anyone to see him like that. He didn’t want to know what they would think of him. 

[color=ffcb00]”Well.. Okay, how did you learn those? Your powers weren’t always there, were they? What if… What if I bring books in- Okay, okay. I have an idea.”[/color] One could see the gears in her rocky skull turning. [color=ffcb00]”I’ll bring books. Some in English, some in Russian, and some in [i]Spanish.[/i] That’s my first language, kind of. I’ll help you learn those while you’re there. That way, once you get out- And you [i]will-[/i] You can impress Dorian.”[/color]

Then, she added, [color=ffcb00]”And if you get sick of it, you can force me to learn some Russian for revenge.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Maybe Asgard ‘as a language book to ‘elp teach Asgardian? Could learn t’at too? Oh! Or we can both learn Spanish toget’er and try and quiz each ot’er and write to each ot'er in it!”[/color]

Percy flinched slightly - Dorian had been so quiet, he hadn’t realized he was there. He - he didn’t want - he didn’t want Dorian to think that he was fragile, that… The words struggled to form in his mind. But… at the same time, it was good. He was genuinely touched to hear them both offer to learn languages with him, Dorian was almost expected, but Leah… ? She was the last person Percy would have expected this from. He was doing his very best not to cry. He didn’t like having people see him cry. [color=ed1c24]“…. Okay…”[/color] he sniffled. [color=ed1c24]“It… it won’t feel the same but… the words… knowing what they say is part of me… so… I… I would like that very much.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Good. Great. And you can even call me names if you see me backing out, too.”[/color] She looked back at Dorian. [color=ffcb00]”We’re going to both Asgard [i]and[/i] Jotunheim, I bet there’ll be plenty of language books… And probably some pretty cool rocks.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”I know you aren't a ‘uge fan of them but…this feels like a group ‘ug moment, t’en we're off to Asgard!!”[/color]

Percy nodded slightly. He hated hugs. But he did want to touch Dorian. And it would feel rude to tell Leah she wasn’t allowed to join. 

[color=ffcb00]”Sure.”[/color] She put an arm out around the small axe murderer wink, and avoided turning him into mush. [color=ffcb00]”You’re tiny, but I don’t normally have problems accidentally killing people like this.”[/color]

Dorian beamed at Percy's agreeance. Hugging his boyfriend tightly before feeling Leah's slight arm around him. Both to aid in Percy's touch aversion, Leahs manic hair, and to give a better hug, Dorian enveloped the trio in telekinetic energy, pulling them tighter and closer so that it was more like a bear hug.

Percy squirmed slightly, feeling his stomach churn at the close contact, the sensation of ants running up and down his skin - and then it lessened, and a bit of the tension left his body. He felt the telekinetic energy forming a bit of a barrier, and he could breathe a little better. [color=ed1c24]“Don’t get used to this,”[/color] he grumbled weakly, even as the trembling stopped due to the embrace and the care.

Leah let the hug last a few seconds, feeling glad that she’d stopped being [i]as[/i] shitty lately.

[color=ffcb00]”Okay, he’s only got twenty four hours. Let’s get the hell out of here.”[/color]

Watching from the window in the kitchen, Max felt satisfied with the growth happening before him. Taking a sip of his coffee, and having already sent off notice to Asgard of their new arrivals,  he nodded towards no one in particular knowing full well Heimdall was watching for his signal. Rainbow lights erupted around the trio as the Bifrost opened and pulled them out of his lawn and into Asgard.

Percy was used to teleporting. 

He was [i]not[/i] used to the Bifrost. 

It felt like he was flying, yet at the same time his skin being pulled in a million different directions - a cascading rainbow blur of images his mind could hardly process, and instinctively he reached out and snatched Dorian’s hand - and then, a second later, tentatively hooked a finger onto the fabric of Leah’s sleeve. By the time they landed, Asgard rushing into view, his breath completely knocked out of his body as he fell to the ground from the abrupt and sudden change in momentum. 

Heimdall, dressed in gold armor, his hands resting on his sword, smiled ever so slightly. “Welcome, children of Master Gray, to Asgard.”

Leah landed knee-first, feeling like she hit the ground with the force of a meteor. Just like that, they were on the other side of the damn universe. Just moments ago, they were so [i]close[/i] to home. Now… Wow.

[color=ffcb00]”...We’re actually here.”[/color] Slowly, she stood. [color=ffcb00]”You’re him- Heimdall. If someone told me I’d be standing in front of you last week, I wouldn’t have believed them. I don’t even know what to say.”[/color]

“You need not say anything, Safjel Grintadottir,” Heimdall assured her. “Your passage to this realm is long overdue. And when you are ready, I shall see you safely onto Jotunheim.” 

The rush from the Bifrost was absolutely outstanding! It felt as if every cell in Dorians body was humming with power. He wanted to reach out and touch the walls of energy but felt as Percy took his hand in his.  As they landed, Dorian let himself hover just above the floor before finally stepping foot in Asgard. Looking towards Heimdall as he said…something. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Bless you!”[/color] he said as he decided it must have been a sneeze. 

Heimdall stared at Dorian. 

Percy’s face flushed in second hand shame. And then as soon as that was processed, his jaw dropped. Was that… was that Leah’s name? He knew Leah was a name she had chosen for herself, that it wasn’t the one she’d been given on Earth. This one was… it sounded different. It sounded like flowers and love and care and warmth. And as much as it was different from the tough persona she carried, it sounded like her. 

He wanted to say something - but he wanted to give Leah the space here. This was her past. Her name. 

[color=ffcb00]”I don’t know who that is. My name is Leah,”[/color] She told him. [color=ffcb00]”I might have been here, or there, once. But I was raised on Earth.”[/color]

Heimdall bowed his head slightly. “My apologies. Welcome to Asgard, Leah of Earth.”

[color=ffcb00]”Thank you. I’ve heard stories, but we’ve come hoping we could learn more here. I’m a little surprised you’re even letting me in, from what I’ve read.”[/color]

“Aye. Master Gray has seen fit to grant you passage. I do not agree with the hatred shown by some here to the giants, but there are those who hold it as truth. Tread carefully in these hallowed halls.”

[color=ffcb00]”We will. I can handle being hated, but you probably know that already.”[/color]

She looked down at Percy, then at Dorian. [color=ffcb00]”Ready?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”You've got it Surf-gurl! Funny, did t’ey not know you ‘ad eart’ powers? I feel like Surfgurl is more an April name.”[/color] Dorian remarked as he began to make his way towards the Rainbow Bridge.

“My eye is upon you,” Heimdall’s voice echoed off after them. 

Percy had to run a little bit to catch up with Leah and Dorian. Surf-gurl? The name hadn’t sounded anything like that. That was one issue with his powers - everything translated for him, and in that translation, nicknames sometimes became unrecognizable. He had genuinely no idea how the name related. [color=ed1c24]“The name is more floral than oceanic,”[/color] he pointed out. [color=ed1c24]“Flower Child would be a better translation.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Flower Child? It doesn’t sound familiar to me at all.”[/color] The bridge was… Well, “beautiful” didn’t do it justice. She walked down it quietly for a moment, contemplating things.

[color=ffcb00]”I don’t have any memories of being out here. I always thought I was just a mutant like you two and my dad, that’s what I was raised with. My mom named me Mayra, but I gave that name up after I tried to kill my dad. I’ve never heard the name he used.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Flower Child…sounds retro. Somet’in’ Casper would definitely t’ink up or say. Maybe you don't ‘ave any memories of ‘ere but…t'at doesn't mean we can't make some of our own while we're ‘ere right? I mean c'mon! ‘ow many of our classmates get to say t’ey went [i]to Asgard[/i] for Winter Break? ‘ow cool is this?!”[/color]

Percy bit his lip. There were definitely a few memories he had in mind to make. But now wasn’t the time. Instead, he refocused on what they’d come here for - the archives! He hoped there were museums too! [color=ed1c24]“Yes, think of all the books we will find!”[/color] he enthused. [color=ed1c24]“I think we can dedicate a good twelve hours to the libraries alone, and between the three of us, we can amass a great deal of information and understanding.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Yeah, but let’s not get separated. I don’t want to trouble Heimdall or Dorian’s dad. Or have to find one of you when I’m bringing a whole stack of books- I wanna find some we can take home. Not just read in a library.”[/color]

And, while she was at it, she could add them to the school’s library system.

[Color=CC99FF]”Booooooorin’. I say we do maybe 4 ‘ours max at the library and t’en explore and speak to the people of Asgard and Jotunheim. T’ey'd know better t’an some dusty tome anyways. Oh! Maybe t’ey'll have a play!”[/color]

Percy pouted slightly. Only four hours? That was… barely any time! He thought twelve was already a bit of a crunch, he could have spent weeks in the libraries of Asgard before being satisfied. Four hours?! What were they supposed to accomplish? They might as well not go to the library at all! 

[color=ed1c24]“… Eight hours,”[/color] he countered. 

[color=ffcb00]”Eight hours,”[/color] Leah repeated. [color=ffcb00]”We don’t actually know what’s where and who’s who. Eight hours here and eight hours on Jotunheim is sixteen hours, and that’s eight for actually finding our way around. If we have time left, we’ll figure it out later.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Nerds. Fine, what're we lookin’ for anyway? Percy didn't say much beyond trip to Asgard and well…somewhat Asgardian fun.”[/color] Doriam winked. [Color=CC99FF]”I can try to ‘elp locate t’ing’s and read but my Asgardian is [i]very[/i] rusty.”[/color]

Percy’s face flushed as Dorian brought up his other request. He was very much happy to hear that it would be fulfilled. If he wasn’t finding it hard to sit or walk when he went to CAGE the next day, he’d be crushed. [color=ed1c24]“I would say items relating to the giants of Jotunheim and Leah’s lineage. In addition, we were interested in finding more accurate records on the pantheon in order to determine divergences in the Norse myth,”[/color] Percy summarized. [color=ed1c24]“In essence… we want to read every book they have here and more.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Yeah. The library back at the school didn’t have much, we were hoping they’d actually know a few things out here. You said something about an archive, earlier. You wanna try that first?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Prioritize Leah's lineage and if we have time then we can work on the inconsistencies within mythology. That I feel like we can gather from the locals even after we leave the library.”[/color] Dorian stopped for a moment, the Rainbow Bridge bright beneath his feet as he turned to face Leah and Percy. [Color=CC99FF]”Wait…[i]T’e[/i] Archive?! Why didn’t you say so! I ‘eard it ‘osts t’e Crown of Surtur, oh oh and a small boat t’at grows in size! Maybe we'll even get a chance to try on the Infinity Gauntlet!!!”[/color] Dorian grabbed both their hands as he began to float up in excitement before bolting forward and attempting to drag them with him. [Color=CC99FF]”Why are we wastin’ time? Let's go let's go let's go!!!”[/color]

Percy had never seen his boyfriend so excited to go to a library before. It was the hottest he’d ever been. He would have teleported them there, had he been there before - a blind teleport was just asking for a disaster. So instead, he let himself be dragged along by Dorian, not fighting it as he didn’t want his arm to be pulled out of its socket. [color=ed1c24]“Maybe now you’ll be more interested in spending twelve hours there,”[/color] Percy said somewhat wistfully. [color=ed1c24]“But yes, we should hurry. We don’t want to arrive and find out someone beat us to the records we are interested in.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Woah- Hey, hey!”[/color] Leah was dragged forward like an old grandma being dragged away by a rottweiler on a leash. [color=ffcb00]”God, you’re worse than April.”[/color] She sounded [i]amused.[/i] 

[Color=CC99FF]”Well we don't ‘ave a lot of time and I wanna play with the infinity gauntlet.”[/color] He said as he stuck his tongue out. He had half a mind to try and teleport them all across the bridge, but he didn't even know where the Archive was, only that it existed.

Percy rolled his eyes. [color=ed1c24]“And what are you planning to do with the Infinity Gauntlet?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Im not takin’ it if t’at's your worry. Even if it would look cool next to my Spidey-Web blasters and repulsion gauntlets…”[/color] he pouted.

He shook his head. [color=ed1c24]“It grants wishes, right? I more meant - what are you wishing for?”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”If the Infinity Gauntlet could actually be used by someone, do you really think they’d let people near it?”[/color] Leah interjected.

Dorian rolled his eyes. He couldn't believe the pair of them. [Color=CC99FF]”It doesn't grant wishes Perce, and its virtually useless unless you ‘ave t’e stones. I doubt t’ey ‘ave t’em all ‘ere and on display wit’ t’e Gauntlet. T’at would be irresponsible and stupid. Chances are it's just t’e Gauntlet itself. But if I could ‘ave a wish come true –”[/color] His greatest wish had already been fulfilled and yet…another haunted him. If he could truly have one wish, it would be that the vision he had didn't come to pass. That everyone he knew wasn't dead in a years time. But he didn't want to say that out loud. [Color=CC99FF]”Its a secret.”[/color] He said with a wink.

Percy’s ears burned. [color=ed1c24]“I thought you wore it with the stones, snapped your fingers, and it gives off immense power that’s shaped into your wish,”[/color] he explained. He didn’t know as much about superhero lore as Dorian did. But the embarrassment was quickly replaced by frustration. He loved secrets - and he hated not knowing what they were. [color=ed1c24]“Maybe my greatest wish is a secret too, then,”[/color] he pouted. [color=ed1c24]“And maybe it involves Doctor Strange.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”That sounds like way too much power for someone to have,”[/color] Leah observed. Maybe she was biased for having clinical levels of authority problems, but being able to reshape reality on a whim? No. [color=ffcb00]”You could raise the dead, rewind time, snap people out of existence… Imagine.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”You just listed somet’in’ my uncle can do, somet’in’ t’at ‘as ‘appened, and murder.”[/color] Dorian countered.

[color=ffcb00]”Your uncle kind of freaks me the hell out, no offense. There are time cops, and murder is usually harder than that. Speaking from experience.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”When did you meet Uncle Spellman?”[/color] Dorian let go of their hands as he turned to face them, still moving, just floating backwards now.

[color=ffcb00]”When we were all at your house?”[/color] She told him. [color=ffcb00]”Everyone went upstairs to talk to a dead guy and I sat it out, remember? Don’t like thinking about that kind of thing.”[/color]

Dorian couldn't help but laugh a bit as the confusion cleared away. [Color=CC99FF]”You mean Casper? No no, Avery Spellman is a close friend of my dad from ‘is days back at Xaviers. ‘e actually raises t'e dead, Casper just speaks to t’em…and sometimes calls upon t’eir spirits but rarely.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Oh… Well, it still creeps me out either way. If he can speak to Nemo, he could find my dead mom and- Yeah, no. Not opening that one up.”[/color] 

He grimaced slightly at the mention of Nemo. Heading about him made his body itch - like a rage that wasn’t his own was threatening to take over. [color=42A9FF]“… How many necromancers does your family have?”[/color] Percy asked, intrigued. He knew that Dorian’s family had a unique relationship with Death. He just didn’t realize it extended beyond Casper. Even Dorian’s own powers seemed somewhat necromancy like at times. 

Dorian's smile faltered for a fraction of a second. [I]If he could contact the dead, he could contact my mom[/i]. Here she was, in another realm searching for answers about her true parents, and still having some mindset towards her mother who had passed. Not once in all the years of being with Casper did Dorian ever consider asking him to contact his deceased parents. Hel he didn't even know who his deceased parents were. As far as he was concerned his parents were Ben and Max. He was a Gray. Yet…was he a bad person for not caring about those who birthed him? Those who gave him life and sheltered him from losing his too early?

[Color=CC99FF]”Sorry what?”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”What? She wouldn’t even recognize me like this. She didn’t always recognize me then, either. It’s complicated.”[/color]

Percy frowned. He didn’t quite follow the sudden distance from Dorian. He tilted his head slightly, and stopped walking. [color=42A9FF]“Is something wrong?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Duh! T’e fact t’at you've stopped when we still have so much more to go!”[/color] Dorian said with a wide smile before he zipped down the bridge. 

Percy glanced at Dorian, then back at Leah, and he shrugged. [color=ed1c24]“See you at the end,”[/color] he said with a slight wave, before teleporting himself to the very end of the bridge. 

[color=ffcb00]”Hey! [i]Hey!”[/i][/color] Leah took off running. The nice thing about being incredibly strong was she could run pretty fast. But not [i]that[/i] fucking fast. [color=ffcb00]”Fucking wait, you fucking twink! You couldn’t have taken me with you?!”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Cheater!”[/color] Dorian cried out as blue energy formed around his eyes and he vanished, reappearing at the end next to Percy before flicking his ear.

[color=ed1c24]“Hey!”[/color] Percy protested. [color=ed1c24]“There’s nothing cheating about using my gifts,”[/color] he argued, before teleporting in rapid succession around Dorian just to irritate him back. 

Leah ran like there were demons behind her, trying to catch up with the two teleporters who conveniently [i]left her behind.[/i]

[color=ffcb00]”Some of us can’t just teleport, damnit!”[/color] She bellowed from afar.

[Color=CC99FF]”I t’ought t’ere was like…teleportation runes or something. Weird. T’en again not my area of magical expertise.”[/color] Dorian shrugged before sweeping his foot where Percy would appear to trip him.

And sure enough, as Percy appeared he collided with Dorian’s foot, the sudden change in his momentum sent him crashing down, face first, into the Rainbow Bridge. 

Dorian reached his hand out, snagging Percy's body with his Telekinesis just inches above the bridge before letting him go softly onto the ground. Sticking his tongue out at him.

[color=ed1c24]“I hate you,”[/color] Percy grumbled. He didn’t like having his clothes pressed into the ground everyone walked on, but he decided to remain on the ground to be dramatic. 

[color=ffcb00]”Oh, quit being a brat, Percy.”[/color] Leah caught up to them, feeling pretty dramatic herself. [color=ffcb00]”Maybe next time we walk somewhere far away, I’ll just throw one of you.”[/color]

Percy repeated Leah’s words right back at her into the ground, somewhat mockingly. 

[color=ffcb00]”Yeah, yeah, brat all you want when you’re alone, whatever. Come on, get up. We’re here.”[/color] Leah stepped over him, and walked forward. Asgard was just up ahead, and she’d never seen a place so big and elaborately built in her [i]life.[/i]

He huffed slightly, before standing up to his feet and dusting himself off. His clothes were wrinkled now and his hair was an absolute mess - one he didn’t know if his reliable 5-in-1 could salvage. And then Percy continued on, trailing in Leah’s wake. 

Dorian gawked at the mere sight of it all. The golden structures, massive buildings, even the floor dazzled with its own form of beauty and glory.  [Color=CC99FF]”Do you t’ink t’ey'll let us dine wit’ t'em in t'e great ‘all?”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”I have no idea. I don’t really know how that works here.”[/color] Would she even be allowed in the same building as someone like Odin? Did he know she was here?

[color=ffcb00]”So… Books.”[/color] Words momentarily failed her.

Percy nodded slightly, [color=ed1c24]“books,”[/color] he affirmed. He felt so small as he craned his neck up at the gleaming structures, as the sense of surrealism struck him. He had seen photographs and descriptions of Asgard before, but actually being there… That was something else entirely. He could have spent a lifetime here and still not have scratched the surface of this place. And as he looked at the bustling streets, he was struck by the realization that while not all of the people here were recognized as such, they were essentially gods. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Ohmygod! Wait!”[/color] Dorian crackled in blue energy once more as he appeared right next to Heimdall, who undoubtedly already knew he was coming. [Color=CC99FF]”Sorry to bot'er you Mr. Heimdall! But is photography allowed wit’in t’e city and ‘alls of Asgard? I'd ‘ate to break a rule.”[/color]

Heimdall sighed softly. “Flash photography is not allowed. Otherwise, do as you wish.”

Dorian hugged Heimdall quickly. [Color=CC99FF]”T’ank you!”[/color] Before he vanished once more to Percy and Leah, instantly whipping his phone out and taking a selfie with Asgard in the background. [Color=CC99FF]”No flash photo's”[/color]

Leah didn’t smile in the picture.

[color=ffcb00]”…So. We ready to go in? The doors are right there. And Percy looks impatient.”[/color]

Percy didn’t smile either. He hated having his picture taken. Instead of looking happy, the camera captured a clear deer in the headlights look. [color=ed1c24]“Yes, yes, let’s go,”[/color] he insisted. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Stop! No one smiled. We go again.”[/color]

Percy’s shoulders slumped. There was no use resisting this - not with the limited time afforded to them. When it came to getting a picture, there was no reasoning with Dorian. He had done this for hours before. Percy took a deep breath, before plastering a big, fake smile on his face. [color=ed1c24]“This hurts,”[/color] he complained, his cheeks straining. 

[color=ffcb00]”Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.”[/color] Leah put on a smile. It wasn’t as fake as Percy’s.

[Color=CC99FF]”Perfect! OK, to The Archives!”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Thank… er, I suppose that’s not appropriate to say here. Thank Odin?”[/color] Percy shook his head slightly, before moving in the direction he assumed the archive was. 

[color=ffcb00]”Yeah. Let’s go already.”[/color]

The archives were not hidden within the city - rather, they were celebrated. A part of the royal palace themselves, their entrance was at the end of a row of hedges, whose occasional opening would allow admittance into the royal gardens. Here, young Asgardians tended to the blooms, the light reflecting perfectly off of their braided locks, and the laughter they shared as they went about their tasks had the merriment of bells. Wagons filled with garlands and wreaths passed the trio on by, as some sort of celebration was doubtlessly in preparation - and perhaps almost ominously to some, mistletoe featured in a fair number, with almost equal amounts of sunflowers. But beyond the greenery, the doors to the archives loomed, gigantic and imposing - easily fifteen feet tall, blue and beige stonework with elegant, golden accents. The occasional robe scholar slipped in and out, hands adorned with rings, their sandals clicking slightly with each step, and ancient tomes tucked away carefully underneath their arms. 

While most were able to arrive unimpeded, as the trio approached the entrance, an ancient, wizened woman smiled at them most kindly. She was missing half of her teeth, and her skin seemed to almost have the texture of parchment, and her hair was so matted it resembled the feathers of a crow. “Leah, daughter of Jen; Dorian, son of Max; Percy, son of Dominika - I have been expecting you,” the crone greeted. “Come. I am Huginn. You have much to see and little time to do so.”

Percy had no recollection of such a figure - he assumed that Huginn must have been an archivist, one he suspected had a connection with Mr. Gray. It set him on edge, how much Dorian’s father had already managed to do in Asgard. His influence was uncanny. With someone so powerful, how could Dorian ever hope to really be on his own, to be independent? Would Max’s shadow be lurking over them for their entire relationship? It was like dating the child of a celebrity - although, Max essentially was a celebrity. Percy wouldn’t have been surprised to learn he had his own wikipedia page. 

[color=ed1c24]“It’s a pleasure to meet you,”[/color] Percy said, inclining his head slightly. 

Leah had thought Huginn would’ve been a bird. But then again, they were here because they didn’t actually know much. Maybe that was just one form she took.

[color=ffcb00]”Did Heimdall tell you about us?”[/color] People here in Asgard had a way of knowing lots of things, and Huginn was one of the watchers who Odin used to spy on the world. It didn’t surprise her that they were expected. Especially not if Max had sent a heads-up.

Huginn laughed slightly at that idea. “Mm. From a certain point of view, perhaps he did,” she answered unhelpfully. “And yet from another, it is I who told him about you.”

[color=ffcb00]”I’m going to pretend I understand that.”[/color]

Huginn playfully booped Leah’s nose, before opening the door to the archive. “Follow me.”

[Color=CC99FF]”What's all t’e festive decorations for? I assume some sort of Winter Celebration, but I always get t'em all mixed up.”[/color]

“Aye, the decorations are for Jól,” Huginn affirmed. “We are celebrating the return of Baldur’s light.” Her robes swept the ground as she walked. Inside, the lighting was provided by glowing, golden planetary spheres, with long blue shadows darkening the carpets. Books were safely tucked away on every wall, and as they walked, various artifacts were placed out on pedestals, without any labeling or indication as to what they were. “Shall we begin with Jotunheim?” she asked. 

[color=ed1c24]“So Baldur [i]has[/i] died then?”[/color] Percy asked, oblivious to the fact that such a question might have been highly insensitive. He was already musing over different light festivals and traditions. Most religions tended to acquire them if they didn’t have one already - Hanukkah was a prime example in his opinion, as its origins had been tidied up into something a little more respectable for the goys. He remembered one of his tutors at Hebrew school growing up, who had explained it was a holiday more appropriate for the likes of Magneto, but held as one for Charles Xavier. 

“Yes. No. Perhaps.”

[color=ffcb00]”Death is different for them, Percy,”[/color] Leah explained, quietly. Her eyes were wandering over everything in the surroundings. Every detail, every entrance, every exit. [color=ffcb00]”Dying doesn’t always turn out to be permanent, and sometimes, it isn’t physical… Jotunheim- Yeah, can we start with that?”[/color]

[i]The return of Baldurs light? Why did so many cultures have light festivals at this time?[/i] Dorian wondered as they wandered the halls of The Archives. Seemed they were starting off with Jotunheim, lucky for them to have a guide to the section. Dorian had feared they could easily get lost within the building. He wanted to ask Huginn a question, wondering if Leah's parents, her giant parents, were still alive. Or if they knew of how or why Leah ended up on Midgard. But that felt like a question she should ask herself if she wanted the answers at all.

Percy’s eyes narrowed slightly - not in anger, but in interest. He was beginning to notice a pattern with Huginn - she seemed incapable of giving a straight answer. Everything was vague and cryptic. Either she didn’t know the answers to their questions, she enjoyed being unhelpful, or the truth was complex like this. With what Leah said, about death not being permanent… He could not help but wonder what [i]was[/i] permanent here in Asgard? Were things fixed? Or was the source of so many inconsistencies just that things were constantly in flux, unable to be described in any definitive terms? It was fascinating, if true. He loved and hated the idea in equal measure. 

“Well put,” Huginn praised Leah. “The light cannot be reborn without death. There can be no beginning without an end. Just as the Nine Realms move in a circle, adrift in cosmic harmony around the roots of Yggdrasil, so too do we dance without end or beginning.” She then paused, having approached a reinforced door, one made out of crude silver metal, lacking the ornate designs of the others. She merely stared at it, and slowly, gears began to turn and click, mechanisms undoing themselves as the door drifted open - and immediately, a blizzard of snow spewed out, covering them all from head to toe. 

“Please, enter. The lore and relics of Jotunheim prefer an arctic chill.”

Leah flinched and shielded her face from the wind. She wasn’t used to the cold, and it felt really damn inconvenient all of a sudden.

[color=ffcb00]”Right, okay… Huh.”[/color] She dusted some snow off her head and walked through. It was a damn good thing she had a jacket on, at least.

Clearly Max knew where they would be heading to, and the jacket Dorian was wearing now made a lot more sense. He pulled it closer together, closing it up before proceeding inwards as the cold air cut across his cheeks. The roseyness beginning to come up already as he wished he'd brought a hat to help with the cold. [Color=CC99FF]”I ‘adn't realized ‘ow much you knew about Asgard and its Realms Leah. Or is it more like it's all comin’ back to you slowly?”[/color]

Percy was not at all dressed appropriately for the weather. His legs were fully covered at least, but for a top, all he had was a short sleeved button up Dorian had gotten for him, with the collar popped open as the first few buttons were undone. The sudden influx of snow and cold should have been excruciating, his teeth should have been chattering right out of his skull. He was a California native, he’d never known anything but sun and warmth. 

Maybe it was shock at the extreme drop in temperature, maybe he wasn’t aware of how the tip of his nose and his exposed skin were reddening from the biting chill - or maybe a hoe could never truly be cold. But somehow, he shrugged it off. Maybe it was the sheer amount of information and novelty allowing him to ignore it. [color=ed1c24]“I hadn’t realized either. I think earlier was the first time I’d ever seen you with a book.”[/color]

Leah stuck her hands in her pockets, and tilted her head forward. Her thick hair fell around her, hiding some of her from the snow. She took in a deep breath, and the cold air in here felt strangely right to her.

[color=ffcb00]”Been learning a lot, ever since I learned I wasn’t a mutant,”[/color] She explained. [color=ffcb00]”I used to not care that much about stuff like that. Identities, and where I came from. But then it turns out I’m not even from the same [i]planet[/i] as everyone. So… I spent a lot of time digging for information where I could.”[/color]

There it was again, the same feeling as before back on the bridge. Dorian followed suit and shoved his hands within his pockets as well. He looked at the space before him, only offering a glance towards Leah before he spoke in a somewhat low voice, as if he didn't want the words to reach anyone's ears. [Color=CC99FF]”What made you want to start? What do you ‘ope to learn?”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”The way it was explained to me, back before I tried to kill my dad and ran away, I was just his mutant kid. It made sense, because [i]he’s[/i] a mutant, so maybe I got it from him. That was before I stopped looking like I could’ve actually been born on Earth.”[/color]

She reached into the pouch of runes she brought with her, feeling around for one of them. [color=ffcb00]”He always got up to crazy things, so… I wanted to learn how the hell [i]this[/i] made any sense. If I’m not from Earth, what am I doing here, you know? Why’d I look mostly human the whole time, and how did I even get there? I want whatever answers I can find.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Right…and we'll ‘elp you every step.”[/color]

Fuck, it really was nice actually having friends, now.

[color=ffcb00]”…Thanks, guys.”[/color]

Percy nodded, even as he felt guilty. He hadn’t suggested this trip for the selfless motivation of shedding light on Leah’s heritage. It had been a stalling tactic, purely self serving. [color=ed1c24]“Of course.”[/color] He wished he could have said that his motivations were more genuine. And the more he sat with this feeling, the more it made his skin crawl. So instead, he walked to a frost covered wall of books, and began to examine the titles. 

Dorian gave Leah a side hug, phasing enough to where she could feel him but also so that her hair couldn't damage him. Just the mere presence of a hug before he moved forward to search the shelves for anything that could help them identify what type of giant she was. [Color=CC99FF]”Don't worry about it, t'at's what friends are for. I keep tryin' to tell all of you t'at.”[/color] He said as he removed a book and began thumbing through it quickly before placing it back for another one. This one seemed to be more in line with what he had hoped to find. Given that they knew the existence of Frost Giants, that meant there had to be other kinds with a different prefix before them. Boy where there a lot.

[Color=CC99FF]”Based on the index in this book, there are at least…Eight to ten different types of giants within the Nine Realms. We've got…Frost, Storm, Ice, Fire, Mountain, Rock, Cloud, Wind, Shadow, and Brine. Which means…Leah could fall under any of these. Though I'm inclined to think Mountain, or Rock based on your powers.”[/color]

Leah picked up one of the books, and stared down at the cover. Then the looked at a few more, and she realized she couldn’t understand the letters on them. [color=ffcb00]”I could see Percy understanding this, but why the hell do [i]you[/i] know what any of this says? I have no idea what I’m looking at.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“He’s borrowing my powers,”[/color] Percy explained succinctly. He had found a book detailing the societal structure of Jotunheim and was quickly becoming absorbed with it, kneeling in the snow as he flipped through the pages. 

[color=ffcb00]”...You can do that?”[/color]

Leah pulled out one of the runes. Ansuz, for knowing and communicating. She held it up to the book.

[color=ffcb00]”Show me what it says.”[/color]

The rune glowed, and a light shone on the cover… And it only lit up the words, it didn’t magically translate them.

[color=ffcb00]”Damn… Okay, doing this the hard way.”[/color]

Dorian looked over towards another shelf, his thumb holding his place within the book as he saw another that was on Runic structures. He held his hand out and pulled on the book so that it floated towards him. The pages flicking open as he looked towards Leah and showed her the Runic pattern. [Color=CC99FF]”Try these with the encantation ‘Reveal unto me secrets bound by ink.’ Language should he as flowery as the stories they come from.”[/color]

Leah studied it. It was a combination of a few. [color=ffcb00]”Okay- let me just…”[/color]

She stuffed the rune away and reached for a pen in her pocket. Then she carefully dragged it across her hand. A Perthro rune, with a smaller Ansuz in the middle. A line went upwards off of it, linking a Kenaz to it. It started to glow orange against her skin.

[color=ffcb00]”Reveal unto me secrets bound by ink.”[/color]

It felt like someone was squeezing her eyes. Magic flowed into them, and suddenly [i]every[/i] word on every surface of the shelf was in English, and glowing orange. It felt strange, but… It worked.

[color=ffcb00]”Woah- Is this how you two see things? This feels weird…”[/color] Leah looked down at the book she was holding, and saw it was about the wars between Aesir and Vanir.

Percy was quiet for a moment, before he nodded. He hadn’t had his powers very long, having developed them in middle school, but he already could barely remember life without knowing what every word meant, or at the very least, what it was supposed to mean. The secret meanings people put into their speech and prose still eluded him. [color=ed1c24]“You’ll become accustomed to it,”[/color] he reassured her. He then realized her earlier question had been skipped. [color=ed1c24]“Ah, erm… There was an… Dorian’s powers and my own had an interaction, and entangled.”[/color]

Dorian rolled his eyes at Percy. For an man who had language at the tip of his tongue, he sure was unable to use it alot. [Color=CC99FF]”I think it may be a bit different? Percy's ability more so let's me see meaning versus just a regular translation. As for how I am able to use them, we didn't see the warnings at the end of the Mutant Kama Sutra and in using our powers while we were experimenting, we became entangled on a quantum level.”[/color] His speech was very matter of fact as he began to dive deeper into the types of giants.

Percy was now a violent shade of red, as he pointedly hid behind his book. 

Leah gave Dorian a most incredulous look for a moment, and then quickly regained her composure.

[color=ffcb00]”Dorian.”[/color] She leaned in closer, and put an arm on his shoulder for dramatic effect. [color=ffcb00]”The fucking [i]what?”[/i][/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Which part?”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”You’re telling me there’s a book about [i]how to fuck mutants?”[/i][/color]

Dorian couldn't help but laugh, a frosty tear forming on his cheek before it froze halfway down. [Color=CC99FF]”No, not [i]how[/i] to fuck a mutant, more like…how to fuck [i]like[/i] a mutant. It takes into consideration power sets, the dangers between them, ways to combine them, all of that and some kinks too like température play with elemental powers.”[/color]

Leah looked over at Percy, then back at Dorian.

Then back at Percy.

Then back at Dorian again.

[color=ffcb00]”...Does it say anything about super strength?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Only one of the most common tropes. So yeah duh. There's tons on it.”[/color]

Percy was half tempted to teleport. He didn’t know where he’d end up. But he didn’t care. He wanted this conversation to end by any means possible. And it didn’t help too that whenever he thought about these things, it caused parts of him to stir.  [color=ed1c24]“Do we have to talk about this?”[/color] Percy half whined. 

[color=ffcb00]”I mean… Not really.”[/color] She shrugged. [color=ffcb00]”Just asking.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Its fine, we are on a bit of a time crunch. So we should focus a bit, we can talk about t'at when we get back.”[/color]

Percy relaxed for a moment, before doing a double take. They would talk about that when they got back…? He would rather hug Danni than talk about sex and kink with Leah right now. The color in his face drained. 

[color=ffcb00]”Relax, Percy. I’m not gonna spy on you two while you fuck in the Astral or whatever,”[/color] Leah deadpanned, putting the book about wars away and reaching for another.

 [color=ed1c24]“… We don’t fuck in the astral, our parents aren’t exactly thrilled about the entanglement.”[/color]

Leah gave him a look.

Percy had no idea what the look meant. 

He stared back at her. 

[color=ffcb00]”Did I ask?”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“No,”[/color] he furrowed his eyebrows somewhat. [color=ed1c24]“But what you said was incorrect.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”I said I wasn’t gonna watch you two fuck. That’s- Okay, [i]new subject.”[/i][/color]

She dusted off the cover of a book she picked up. [color=ffcb00]”…The Ironwood of Jotunheim.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”I t'ink t'at's what's in Percy's pants right now.”[/color] Dorian chuckled out before clearing his throat. [Color=CC99FF]”Sorry new subject.”[/color]

The color rapidly flooded back into Percy’s face… and he hated that Dorian wasn’t entirely wrong. [color=ed1c24]“Rehab doesn’t seem so bad now,”[/color] he grumbled under his breath, before doing his very best to go back to reading, looking over a diagram that traced giant lineages. 

Leah cracked the frigid book open and started reading. The text briefly described Jotunheim with an analogy. A planet with continents like North America, Asia and Antarctica. It then compared a place called Jarnvidr to one or the other. A forest larger than anything seen on Earth, trees big as mountains that touched the sky. It was said to sit high above the clouds, where few could pass.

With the silence of study finally rolling over the trio, Dorian decided to focus a bit more on why they had come here. Luckily the information being given was more interesting than some of the subjects back at school. He'd turned over towards the section for Mountain Giants, beings of the Earth who dwelled within forested mountains that sat atop the clouds. The trees themselves so large and sturdy their canopies could hold cities atop them with a single tree being capable of supplying enough wood to make an entire bridge to cross the gaps between peaks. It was said that they reached so high the sky was crystal clear and the stars shone bright and vibrant each night. This connection to nature, to its elements and soul, is what allowed them to manipulate and work with runes with ease. Harnessing the power of the Earth around them and using that connection to expend the energy needed. The more that Dorian read, the more he wondered if this was the kind of Giant Leah hailed from. 

Meanwhile, Percy had finally stumbled upon something relevant for Leah. The book so far had detailed different giant clans and houses, outlining the ones who had ties to royalty and other significance. He didn’t see anything for Leah’s father, but there was plenty of material on her mother, Grinta. She was from a line of witches who worked with runes, with Grinta being attested as a seer. The reference was more concerned with tracking the line rather than giving context, but Percy couldn’t help but wonder how much Leah’s gifts with runes directly related to her giantsblood. [color=ed1c24]“Leah, you’re from a line of witches,”[/color] Percy said rather matter of factly. [color=ed1c24]“This title for your mother I am reading as [i]She Who Speaks to the Mountains[/i]. Another one listed is [i]Stone Whisperer.[/i]”[/color]
  
[color=ffcb00]”What?”[/color] She bent over to one side and looked down at the book he had. [color=ffcb00]”She’s in there? She just happens to be a famous witch, seriously?”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“You and Dorian have more in common than we’d thought,”[/color] Percy mused, as he offered the book to her. 

[Color=CC99FF]” What's more I t'ink i may ‘ave found what type of Giant you are. Although it seems almost like a no duh sort of answer but it means we ‘ave a direction to go at least.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Yeah? Let me guess, I’m a water giant or something.”[/color] She leaned back the other way, looking over Dorian’s shoulder.

[Color=CC99FF]”T'at would be a Brine Giant but aye, you ‘ail from t'e depths of t'e ocean. Explains why youre so short, all t'at atmospheric pressure.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Wait, did I get that right? Or are you fucking with me…”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”You're a Mountain Giant, though they don't say anything about being able to actually Earthbend, but apparently they're very good at Runic magic.”[/color]

Was there a reason for that? Leah’s magic came from runes, and if she wasn’t actually a mutant, then how did she make rocks move?  Maybe giants had something like the X Gene, maybe?

[color=ffcb00]”Does- Is there anything in there about other Giants who can do something weird? Like flying when no one else can, or something like that?”[/color]

Dorian quickly flipped back and forth between the pages on Mountain Giants and the Index of the book, seeing if there was anything about specialties within the species or mutations but there was nothing within this particular book. [Color=CC99FF]”Not t'at t'ey outline wit'in t'is text but t'is seems to be a very straight forward book simply talkin’ about t'e differences in Giants and not much beyond. I'm sure somewhere amongst t'ese t’ere may be more on Giants wit’ furt'er abilities.”[/color] He passed the book to Leah, making his way around the Archives in search for something that detailed Mountain Giants (or any Giant really) with unique abilities beyond the ones they were typically born in.

Leah brought both books over to a table and pulled a chair free from the snow. She took a seat and rubbed her eyes. This spell she was using to understand the language was giving her a headache. [color=ffcb00]”I know Mutates are things, and sometimes they’re not human,”[/color] She mused. [color=ffcb00]”Unless I’ve been using magic this whole time without knowing.”[/color]

Percy tapped his fingers on his knees, thinking for a moment. [color=ed1c24]“Where do Thor and Loki get their powers from that distinguish them from your common asgardians and giants? Perhaps you have a status similar to Loki - a giant, but something more,”[/color] he speculated. His teeth were chattering now from the cold, as he got up from where he had been sitting to read, and started to pace. [color=ed1c24]“I would love to spend more time here reading, but perhaps it would be in Leah’s interest to go more directly to the source - to go speak with a giant.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Mutates are different, t’ey gained t’eir powers t'rough some external source. T'e Fantastic Four got it from Cosmic Radiation, Spidey got bit by a radioactive spider, t'ing's like t'at cause a mutate. Whereas mutants gain t'eir's from t'e X-gene. Loki and T'or are bein's of myth, so t'at's ‘arder to define, as would anyt'in' to do wit’ Giants.”[/color] Dorian spoke yet his eyes never left the pages before him. His brows furrowed as Percy suggested they leave to speak to a giant. [Color=CC99FF]”T'ere's a passage ‘ere, but I don't know if it means anyt'in’...it's titled ‘A Rose in Midgard' But Rose is written more like a name t'an t'e flower…”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”In [i]Midgard?[/i] Does it say anything about who they are? What’s the book actually about?”[/color] Leah had gotten to a part about how Loki, the monster children, and his wife traced their origins back to the Ironwood. She’d never met another Giant, and suddenly felt [i]very[/i] interested in Dorian’s book.

Dorian turned the book in his hand to try and get a better idea on exactly what the book was. [Color=CC99FF]”Its a collection of stories best I can tell. Prophecies maybe? It contains the stories like Loki and Baldur but seems to predate t’e event but also…post date it? Wit’ t'ier world bein'so entertwined in story and legend it's ‘and to tell where one begins and anot'er ends.”[/color]

Wait.

[color=ffcb00]”...That’s my middle name, what the fuck?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Your middle name…is Rose?...Shut up. No way.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”I’ve got… I don’t even know how many names at this point. But… After I ran off to California, [i]Leah Rose Jordan[/i] is what I started calling myself. There’s no way… Am I in that damn thing?”[/color]

Dorian turned the book for Leah to see, written on the page the title of the poem set before them. [Color=CC99FF]”You tell me”[/color]

[i]“Bastard of air and brood of earth, suffer heavy the melodies of your dearth. 

On turbulent clouds find false haven, 'stead guised in flesh and bound by blood shall midgard quake in madness's wake. Not one but two, a shadow to light, will find their way through brutal fight.

But blood of two does rise once more, futhark bound with steel and stars. Rise, you who carry burden deep and with strength and steel may your future keep.”[/i]

She read it, read it twice, and then a third time.

False haven, madness. [i]Not one but two,[/i] was that her past identity? Or the new one she had?

It reminded her of a certain witch in a tent.

[color=ffcb00][i]”Fuck.[/i] Agatha once told me about facing what had already happened. She warned me if I didn’t, it’d happen again. I’d have to pack up, leave, start over again and again. That sounds like me.”[/color] Why the hell did someone write a book about her?

Percy had peered over Leah’s shoulder, contemplating the prose. He wished that he had a pen and some paper with him. Or at the very least, some sticky notes. It was the sort of thing that needed to be read multiple times, broken down by individual lines so that way their meanings could be deduced, and then added up to the overall part. The added context from Agatha was intriguing. [color=ed1c24]“Do you remember Agatha’s exact words?”[/color] he asked. Witches tended to be unhelpfully cryptic - it could be useful to compare them more directly. [color=ed1c24]“Perhaps though we should take this one verse at a time. Bastard of air, brood of earth - this clearly indicates you. The melodies of your dearth… the songs of what you lack. Hmm.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Not really. She was doing tarot readings, and I don’t know a lot about that. But the cards she pulled for me were [i]nasty.[/i] That’s where the warning came from, she didn’t actually mention anyone specific, just what the cards meant together.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Guised in flesh is obviously whatever was ‘iden you and makin’ you appear ‘uman. But I don't know what t'e ‘ell a futhark is.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Runes. That’s the name for them. The word “Rune” can mean anything, Futhark is the word for the Norse ones.”[/color]

Percy nodded, before sneezing. Once he recovered, he resumed his thoughts. [color=ed1c24]“Do you remember the cards, then?”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Yeah.”[/color] Leah nodded. [color=ffcb00]The Ten of Swords. Temperance, Reversed. Queen of Wands, Reversed. Wasn’t very good, according to her.”[/color]

Dorian looked over towards his boyfriend, watching as he began to shiver and sneeze. He pulled out his phone and snapped a photo of the page before closing it and putting it back on the shelf. [Color=CC99FF]”Out, before Perce dies of ‘ypot'ermia. We can discuss t'is in a warmer climate.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“I’m fine,”[/color] Percy protested, before he sneezed again. He made a mental note of the cards Leah had indicated. He didn’t know much about tarot. But he was certain he could find a book on it, maybe Dorian’s family kept one around. His father seemed the type to practice that sort of divination. 

[color=ffcb00]”I’m not.”[/color] Leah stood up and shut her eyes. [color=ffcb00]”This translator spell’s giving me a migraine. Let’s get out of here.”[/color] She picked the books up and went to place them back on the shelves. Maybe quantum fucking was the superior way to read books after all.

[Color=CC99FF]”Could be t'e spells too strong for you at t'e moment? Usin' too much energy. As for t'e Tarot Cards, my Pa does Tarot, but I won't fess up on what t'ey mean till we step out of t'is Winter Wonderland.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Could be.”[/color] She slid the book about Jarnvidr onto the shelf and rubbed the ink off of her skin. To her, it looked like all the words in the archive shifted back to their usual language.

Then she walked back out.

Percy had half a mind to stay and read, just to be stubborn. Yes, he had suggested leaving a bit ago so they could look into Leah’s heritage more directly, but now he felt like Dorian was trying to tell him what to do. And his natural response to that was to be an ass. [color=ed1c24]“A-a-after you,”[/color] he said, crossing his arms. 

Dorian rolled his eyes before he began to walk towards Percy, phasing into him and making him move out of the room before phasing back out. [Color=CC99FF]”Don't try and be stubborn it ain't cute if it ‘urt's you. Besides, we need t'at brain of yours to defrost so we can work on solvin’ t'is damn riddle.”[/color]

Percy huffed a bit - even as the warmth outside the room hit him, and sent his body trembling, as his skin rapidly began to warm back up to a healthy temperature. But then he eyed Dorian, glanced back again at Leah, and took a step to be closer to his boyfriend. He wanted to use him to warm up. He wasn’t going to ask, though. [color=ed1c24]“So. Shall we flag down Huginn to look at more sections, or should we go speak to Heimdall about moving to the next realm?”[/color] he asked Leah. 

[color=ffcb00]”Hm… I think we should see if there’s a way to bring some books home. Copies, though. And…”[/color]

She looked back in Heimdall’s direction. [color=ffcb00]”And I wanna bring something back for Sabine. Gift shop time?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”I t'ought you'd never ask!”[/color] Dorian grabbed Leah's hand and looked towards Percy to do the same. [Color=CC99FF]”We jump on trois?”[/color]

Percy stared back at Dorian. And then he stared at Leah. He knew the utility in having them both hold Leah’s hand. But the thought of holding her hand made his stomach churn. It wasn’t anything about her in particular. It was just… touch. He hated it. So instead, he held onto a bit of fabric on Leah’s sleeve, touching it rather than her. 

Along the landing point of the Bifrost, a straight shot from Heimdall’s post and then to the right of where the three had gone and met Huginn, there stood an ornate building. A vaulted roof crested by golden arches, crowned with a curious stone at the top that glittered against the starlight. Its doors stood tall, with murals of figures from human beings to demons all surrounding an oval-shaped gemstone.

A gift shop. It was a fucking gift shop.

In a flash of blue light, they all appeared before its hallowed doors, a wonderful Sanctum Dorian and Danni knew all too well, a store. A place where someone could acquire a list of all they wanted and more. Dorian ran straight inside, leaving the other two as he focused on looking for something he could take back home. T-shirts, Keychains, a faux Mjolnir on a pedestal with a sign that said ‘Let he who is worthy…’ for either a photo op or an attempt to pull the fake from its resting place. There were plush goats that scrame when you squeezed them, a ‘Bifrost’ kaleidoscope, and so much more.  Off to the side in the back was a discount section with a couple shelves and a bin, that was where all the Loki and Hela merch was kept. 

Percy [i]did[/i] enjoy shopping. He liked seeing the latest creations in fashion and such, and the money they had received from the Contest of Champions certainly helped. He wasn’t quite adjusted yet to shopping with Dorian though - where rather than buying anything, he just took pictures and sent them to Max, requesting the wizard to just generate the item. Percy assumed that wouldn’t be the case here, but… he frowned. There was a problem. [color=ed1c24]“We don’t have the correct currency.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”We- Oh… Damn, no we don’t.”[/color] Leah had money in her pocket right now, but it wasn’t Asgardian money. [color=ffcb00]”I didn’t think about that. You think they accept human money?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Wha‐? Perce…first you tell me people use t'is money t'in’ now you're tellin' me t'ere's more t'an one kind and we dont even ‘ave it?! Whats t'e point of it t'en? What do Asgardians use?”[/color]

Percy had no idea if they accepted human money or not. Possibly? It was a gift shop. Sometimes gift shops offered exchange services or were simply willing to accept the currency of tourists. [color=ed1c24]“Dorian, sweetheart… we spent two hours looking at Greek coins in a museum,”[/color] he reminded him gently. Although it occurred to him Dorian might have actually been looking at the statues’ asses instead. Hmm. [color=ed1c24]“We can ask the shop attendant.”[/color] Percy then corrected himself. [color=ed1c24]“Dorian, can you ask the shop attendant?”[/color] He didn’t want to and he imagined Leah didn’t want to either. 

[color=ffcb00]”Yeah. We’ll wait.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Yeah but t'ose were [i]ancient[/i] coins in an [i]ancient[/i] museum. Obviously t'ey evolved passed t'at currency after paper Perce.”[/color] Dorian corrected as he rolled his eyes and made his way up to the counter. [Color=CC99FF]”Excuse me mon ami! I was wonderin’ what kinda money you guys take? I only ‘ave t'is paper money from a contest I won.”[/color] He pulled out some cash to show the Asgardian manning the counter.nter.

The Asgardian almost perfectly resembled the shop owner from a Disney classic, Frozen. He was large and cheerful, with a gigantic mustache and small, kind eyes. “Ooo! Travelers from Midgard! Welcome, welcome - I am pleased to say that we now accept your realm’s official currency - V-bucks! So…. Oh. That’s not a V buck. Hmm. This is awkward. If you have those, I would be happy to accept that instead of this… paper?”

[Color=CC99FF]”Finally someone wit’ a bit of sense! I ‘ave loads of em, hold on.”[/color] Dorian stashed the cash before pulling out his phone and showing the shop his account loaded with V-bucks. [Color=CC99FF]”Guys! T'ey take V-bucks! We're all good!”[/color] He didn't waste a moment as he began to go through the shop to figure out exactly what all he wanted to get. Oh he'd need something for Danni and April obviously!

Leah awkwardly accepted… Whatever the hell these were. Was this some gamer thing? [color=ffcb00]”Hm. I’m not gonna ask.”[/color] And she immediately started looking for stuff.

[color=ed1c24]“… If I want something, will you buy it?”[/color] Percy asked. He had absolutely no idea what a V-buck was. He paid attention to Dorian’s gaming about the same amount of attention that Dorian gave to Percy’s books. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Duh! Now come on! I t'ink Danni would LOVE t'ese screamin’ goats! Oh! And t'is Valkarie calender! I'm sure t'ey'll love em both! Oh and t'is shirt for me and…”[/color] Dorian made his way further and further into the shop, grabbing as much as he and Percy could carry.

Leah quietly looked up and down the shelves, wondering what to bring back. There was a rack of magic rings that gently glowed in a box. They looked like those cheap mood rings that didn’t actually do the things they were supposed to do. They looked small, but when Leah stuck one on her finger, it fit flawlessly. In fact, more than one did. They were enchanted to fit anyone.

That was pretty cool. Sabine would love one of those. She found a shirt big enough for her, and… Oh! They had books about space rocks.

For a little bit, Percy followed Dorian around the shop… until he saw one wall, covered in books. He couldn’t resist the siren song. He gravitated over towards them, inspecting novels about the best hiking trails in the Nine Realms, Odin’s autobiography, and more. All of them somewhat trashy, but as he picked them up, he couldn’t help but read the descriptions, the reviews. There was one on Asgardian fashion that he held onto, figuring he would suggest it to Dorian for Danni - although he had never seen Danni read a book before, he hadn’t seen Leah read one either. Maybe everyone was secretly into books. 

The most incredible books he found, however, were a collection of trashy romance novels. He’d gotten into the genre somewhat recently, and Percy grabbed about ten in total, almost too much for him to carry - the pile almost rivaling him in height. 

Dorian finished off his shopping, a crown of Loki on his head as he held the other items in his arms before placing it all onto the counter. He'd gotten everyone an Asgardian shirt, and was going to change into his before the day was over…barring anymore cold lands.

Percy headed back to Dorian, and fixed him with his most sheepish look. [color=ed1c24]“Is this too much? The one on top I think your brother would like.”[/color]

Dorian grabbed the book, quickly flipping through it to see how many images were inside. How much fashion could actually be seen vs read about. A good amount it seemed. [Color=CC99FF]”’e'll love it.”[/color]

Immediately underneath was the original novel that had caught Percy’s eye - [i]Brokeback Jotunheim.[/i]

Dorian spied the book, picking it up and immediately turning it to the back. [Color=CC99FF]”Prepare yourself for an epic tale in t'e frost covered Jotun mountains? ‘e may not be giant but ‘is love is?”[/color] He looked back at Percy, then Leah, then placed the book back onto the pile before placing Dannis on top.

[color=ffcb00]”Do not ever, [i]ever[/i] say that around me again.”[/color]

Percy was quiet for a moment, before taking another three books off the shelf, and wordlessly handed them over to Leah. The titles were [i]A Realm of Our Own[/i], [i]Two Girls One Chalice[/i], and [i]But I’m a Valkyrie![/i]

Leah accepted the books, not knowing what the titles actually were. [color=ffcb00]”I should probably actually learn how to read these. You want to do that together?”[/color] She asked, eluding to the fact that he’d be powerless in CAGE.

Dorian looked towards Leah in a bit of awe. [Color=CC99FF]”All I did was read t'e synopsis! Why am I gettin’ punished for it?”[/color] He finished paying, placing everything he didn't want to keep around in his bag before stopping at the books. [Color=CC99FF]”Yeah Perce, want Leah to learn t'ese books wit’ you?”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“....Oh,”[/color] Percy hadn’t even realized they were in Asgardian. It took a bit of conscious effort on his part to recognize the language he was using. To him, all languages almost blurred together, into one unique blob. If he almost let himself go cross eyed, he could figure out what one he was looking at. He had intended to bring these with him to CAGE, figuring it would help him with his inevitable boredom there - and maybe a bit of missing his boyfriend. [color=ed1c24]“... Dorian, can I get these in English and in Asgardian?”[/color] And then, he blinked a bit, realizing the last question his boyfriend had asked him. 

Did he want to read sapphic smut with Leah?

Percy vanished from view, reappearing on the other end of the store, where he shook his head no emphatically. 

Leah blinked slowly. [color=ffcb00]”...Uh. Okay, not bringing those, I guess.”[/color] She passed the books she didn’t know were smut over to Dorian. [color=ffcb00]”What’s his problem?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Beats me. Mind ‘elpin ‘im find t'e English ones? Wit’ ‘is sight its ‘ard for eit'er of us to tell which is which.”[/color] Dorian lied.

[color=ffcb00]”Sure.”[/color] She looked around through them, picking them up and combing through each. It looked like they were all the same, as if someone had just dropped a whole box straight from a press into the gift shop.

[color=ffcb00]”It looks like they’re all in Asg-”[/color] She found a few at the bottom. They were actually in English, and Leah wished they weren’t.

She looked up, over at Dorian, with the most unimpressed look imaginable.

Percy strategically hid behind a bookshelf. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Did you find em? Gotta check out soon if we want to get to Jotunheim wit'in time.”[/color] Dorian grinned.

[color=ffcb00]”Yeah, I found them. Here. You’re gonna give him a heart attack, Dorian. Look at him, he’s like a wet dog.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”If ‘e can pick up t'e books and read ‘em t'en ‘e should be able to talk about t'em unashamed. Besides, its gonna be seen one way or anot'er.”[/color]

Percy went to pull out his phone and started typing out a text to Dorian. 

[hider=@Dorian]Dear Dorian,

Fuck you. 

Love, Percy[/hider]

He hit send on the text. 

The text did not, in fact, send. There was no signal in Asgard. He groaned, and moved out from behind the bookcase. [color=ed1c24]“Fine, let’s talk about it then! What do you want to talk about specifically?”[/color] he then asked in a huff, marching right up to Dorian, craning his neck up slightly to look him in the eyes. 

Dorian looked down at Percy and smiled. [Color=CC99FF]”Well we ‘aven't read it yet so not'in at t'e moment.”[/color] He replied as he paid for the remaining books and placed them in his bag. [Color=CC99FF]”We ready?”[/color]

Percy’s eyes narrowed, and he put his index finger on Dorian’s chest, pushing against him. [color=ed1c24]“No, we are not ready. You’ve been teasing me all day and now it’s [i]your[/i] turn to be teased,”[/color] he spat. 

[color=ffcb00]”Uh.”[/color]

Dorian crossed his arms. [Color=CC99FF]”Do it.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Are you okay if we take five minutes?”[/color] Percy asked Leah. 

[color=ffcb00]”You realize Heimdall’s basically omniscient, right? And also right over there?”[/color] She waved in the general direction of the Bifrost.

[color=ed1c24]“He can close his eyes.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Just-”[/color] She just sighed. She thought they were about to fuck behind the building or something. [color=ffcb00]”Just don’t get caught, I guess. Or phase into the Quantum Realm while his dad’s waiting for us to get home.”[/color]

Percy nodded slightly, before grabbing Dorian by the arm, and teleporting them into the storeroom of the shop. He then shoved his boyfriend up against the wall, and held him there - very well aware of the illusion that he was strong enough to hold Dorian anywhere that he didn’t want to be. 

Dorian looked down at the arm pressed against him. His eyes slowly looked up to Percy's eyes before leveling back down to his lips. He wrapped one arm around Percy's waist, pulling him in closer, inches away from a kiss…before he phased through him and out the other side. [Color=CC99FF]”We don't ‘ave time for t'is Perce. Leahs countin’ on us to find ‘er families mojo or somet'in’ “[/color]

He hadn’t intended for them to actually do that here. His entire plan had been to get Dorian riled up, but like always, it seemed to backfire - as Percy felt his body do a little more than wake up as Dorian pulled him close… only to phase through. [color=ed1c24]“Must you always be the one on top?”[/color] Percy grumbled. 

[Color=CC99FF]”You know I don't always top. Now come on.”[/color] He said as he left the storage closet.

Percy remained there a moment longer, before he cursed and kicked a box of books, stubbing his toes. But he didn’t care. He then teleported back to where Leah was, his arms crossed and a sulking, pouting expression on his face. 

[color=ffcb00]”That was fast…”[/color] She observed. [color=ffcb00]”Now what?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Which is weird. ‘e usually lasts much longer. Anyways, to Jotun'eim? T'at was out next location right? Maybe ask ‘eimdall if ‘e knows where t'is poem takes place.”[/color]

A dark, mischievous look sparkled in Percy’s eyes, as he glanced at Dorian, before looking at Leah. [color=ed1c24]“He couldn’t get it up,”[/color] he whispered to her, yet was loud enough to ensure his boyfriend could hear. [color=ed1c24]“Old age.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Before you ask, the answer is no.”[/color] She didn’t elaborate. [color=ffcb00]”Anyway, yeah, Jotunheim next… Heimdall?”[/color] She wasn’t sure if she was supposed to signal him, say his name, or… Maybe just walk back to him?

[Color=CC99FF]”Heimdall, if you can ‘ear me. Take us to the location of for A Rose in Midgard. We t'ink its somewhere in Jotunheim. Oh wait, should we step out first so we don't trash t'e gift shop?”[/color] 

If Heimdall cared about not trashing the gift shop, he had a funny way of showing it. One moment, the gift shop was fully intact, a peaceful shopping experience for those who had the local Asgardian currency and Fortnite’s v-bucks. The next, the roof had a brand new hole in it, as a blinding beam of rainbow light hit the trio and their various purchases, flinging them through space until they collided with the icy realm of Jotunheim, the temperature somehow even more frigid than it had been in Odin’s archival vaults. 

Leah fell face-down into the snow.

Dorian's silhouette made a perfect X as he was buried deep beneath the snow, the sounds of screaming goats coming from beneath him as a few had traveled alongside them. [Color=CC99FF]”I take t'at as a yes, we should ‘ave stepped out first…”[/color]

Percy stumbled forward, almost tripping over Leah as he narrowly jumped over her, falling to his knees in the snow. The momentum kept on carrying him forward though, as a minute later he had to throw his hands out to stop himself from eating shit… for the second time on this trip. He huffed a bit, and then cursed under his breath. Not about his boyfriend. But he’d meant to grab something warmer to wear in the gift shop, and the books had distracted him so much that he still didn’t have a jacket. [color=ed1c24]“I-I-I h-h-hate s-s-snow,”[/color] he muttered, his breath looking more like smoke. 

Dorian got up, shaking the snow off of him before realizing part of why his landing had been so soft. Aside from the screaming goats, there was a pile of sweaters with a retro asgardian print on it. He quickly fished for his own size before tossing one to Percy and then looking at Leah. [Color=CC99FF]”Do you need a sweater or are you like…winter proof?”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”No, I am damn well [i]not.[/i] Holy fuck…”[/color] Her skin felt numb, she wasn’t convinced they wouldn’t catch hypothermia in minutes her. Leah batted the snow off her body and blew a cloud of dense fog. [color=ffcb00]”Give- Give me one of those.”[/color]

Ordinarily, Percy would have protested as Dorian threw clothes at him. He would have been dramatic and forced Dorian to have to possess him to get what he wanted. However, he did not want to die of hypothermia, so he quickly pulled the sweater over his head. It was a little too big for him, meant to be Dorian’s size, and he hugged himself, trying to get his body temperature up a little higher. [color=ed1c24]“M-m-maybe there’s a w-warmer cl-climate here s-somewhere,”[/color] he wished. [color=ed1c24]“I-it can’t all b-b-be ice.”[/color]

Dorian rummaged around finding Leah's size and tossing it to her. He bundled himself up as best he could as he tried to go astral to avoid the cold all together. But the icy wind was already biting and making it harder for him to go ghost. [Color=CC99FF]”M-m-merde.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Yeah, whatever the fuck that means.”[/color] She pulled the sweater over herself and pulled her hair free. Her hands were fucking shaking. [color=ffcb00]”Where- Holy shit. Fuck, I can’t feel the ground. There’s so much ice and snow under us. [i]Where the fuck is the fucking ground?”[/i][/color]

It felt like trying to reach for something while blind. Was it just the sheer cold distracting her? There was no damn way… Her feet sunk into the snow, trying to feel around for something solid. It must have been ice, because she didn’t think she could move it with her powers.

[Color=CC99FF]”J'aimerais que Danni soit là.”[/color] 

[color=ffcb00]”Yeah, if only- Wait. My pen, where’d it go…”[/color] She reached under her sweater and fished it free. The air was so cold that the snow wasn’t even melting against her body. So she uncapped it and put a Kenaz rune on the back of her hand.

[color=ffcb00]”Keep… Keep me warm against the cold.”[/color]

The rune glowed brighter, brighter and brighter still. And then it [i]crackled.[/i]

Her fucking hand and arm burst into flames. Bright, golden flames that, for a brief second, didn’t actually burn. And then Leah felt the flame bite her flesh.

[color=ffcb00]”FuckfuckfuckfuckFUCK!”[/color] She swung her arm down into the snow, and kept it there until steam stopped rising up into the air. Her hand felt numb, and she wasn’t sure if that was from nerve damage or the cold.

This was awful.

[color=ffcb00]”Fuck, I guess we’re doing this the hard way…”[/color]

Was this really where she was born? Leah, the California-dwelling, desert-acclimated denizen of Earth? Born on a planet this cold and frozen. They hadn’t even been here five minutes and she already didn’t want to be here.

[Color=CC99FF]”Leah!”[/color] Dorian had called out as soon as her arm went ablaze. He tried rushing towards her side to aid her, but the snow made it more difficult without his powers, and that brief yell into the abyss allowed enough frigid air to enter his throat, causing it to burn.  He coughed a few times before speaking hoarsely. [Color=CC99FF]”Maybe – M-maybe a navig-gational rune instead Ch-chere.”[/color]

Percy hadn’t even managed to take two steps towards Leah before she’d extinguished the flames - she’d been pretty quick about it, but the terrain here was so difficult that with each step, his foot pushed on through the snow all the way up to his knees. The cold was excruciating, and the longer they stood there, the more a very real fear gripped them. It had been different in the library, as while it had been frigid, the exit was easily accessible. But here? They could die. They could die in a frozen waste, millions of miles from home. He tried to see if there were any distinguishing landmarks, any indication of shelter or civilization, but the blizzard was blinding them. [color=ed1c24]“I c-c-can’t see enough to t-t-teleport us,”[/color] he said. His heart was beating faster and faster. They needed that navigational rune from Leah. His terror was only growing.

She could probably do that more easily than fire. She didn’t exactly feel great about it, though. 

[color=ffcb00]”Where are we supposed to go? An ocean, a city, a damn bonfire? Heimdall put us here. He-“[/color] Leah pulled her arm free from the snow. The skin would probably blister. [color=ffcb00]”He could have just put us anywhere, but [i]no.[/i] He chose- chose to- he chose to drop us [i]here.”[/i][/color]

All that enthusiasm about finding some answers, all that curiosity was just gone in the moment. Leah wasn’t used to this. How could she have hoped to survive here if she never came to Earth? Did other Giants just go numb and endure it? Did they all use magic? Did they live underground?

Leah stared down at the snow. At the bright, reflective snow that glittered beneath their feet.

[color=ffcb00][i]”Why?”[/i][/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”I-I-I…”[/color] The cold was cutting deep, the wind didn't do them any favors either. He could hardly think as he wrapped his arms around himself tightly. He tried to look around, but Percy was right, the white flurry surrounding them made it difficult to see five feet ahead. Dorian took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he tried to think back to his training with Strange at Kamar Taj. It was hard, but slowly he steadied his breath, evened his breathing, and held his arms out to either side of him, palms out in a modified T-pose. The wind stopped, sound around them muted as a dome of telekinetic energy surrounded them and cut off the on-going assault from outside. [Color=CC99FF]”I don't know ‘ow long I c-can ‘old t'is. But I asked Heimdall to take us where A Rose in Midgard was meant to be, t'is must be near t'at. M-maybe t'is storm is part of t'at ‘Brutal Fight’?”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Maybe he thought he was being funny.”[/color] She didn’t seem to enjoy whatever joke was being played. [color=ffcb00]”If it was just me here, this wouldn’t be so bad. You two shouldn’t have to be dealing with this. If I knew we were gonna get fucking [i]frozen,[/i] I would’ve just gone ahead alone.”[/color]

Leah reached for her runes and pulled out the Raidho stone. [color=ffcb00]”Where are we going?”[/color]

Percy shook his head slightly. [color=ed1c24]“It would actually be worse if it was just you,”[/color] he corrected, grateful for the slight shield from the cold Dorian had constructed. [color=ed1c24]“You did set yourself on fire a moment ago.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”I guess. I think…”[/color] She had an idea. So she held the rune out.

[color=ffcb00]”Lead us to where I came from.”[/color]

It floated up, and rather than spin around like it did back on Earth… It fell back into her hand pointing straight down. She must’ve been running short on magic power after all those earlier rune tricks.

[color=ffcb00]”Damn. I don’t know where we-”[/color] 

Leah felt the icy ground beneath them [i]crack.[/i]

[color=ffcb00]”Ohhhh fuck…”[/color]

The trio fell through the crack in the ice, plummeting down into dark, misty depths. Had it not been for Dorian’s quick application of telekinesis, mimicking a feather fall spell, the landing would have been disastrous. Instead, the three hit the ground [i]somewhat[/i] gently, the ice further cracking from where they landed, as the impact set deep bruises into their bones. 

The light from the surface could not penetrate down here, and while the bitter cold remained, there was a strange warmth coupled with it - as if the beating heart of this realm was attempting to break on through, turning the unbearable chill into something a little more survivable. All around them were twisting, icy caverns, a veritable maze deep within the ground. The only light was provided by faintly illuminated crystals, and when the air was still and silence reigned, their soft song could almost be heard, echoes of past, present, and future. And on the walls, as if they had been carved into the ice only moments ago, were runes. The depictions were easily twenty feet tall, if not larger - the very bottoms of the runes well above Percy’s head. 

The frozen ground cracked as Leah landed, making a tiny crater around her. When she looked around, she recognized those depictions. The heat coming out of the caves wasn’t exactly hot, but she wasn’t going to turn it down.

[color=ffcb00]”...Anyone think this is a coincidence?”[/color] She asked, and her voice echoed.

Dorian sat up, slowly making his way up before he rubbed his butt and back from the fall. [Color=CC99FF]”I t'ink t'is is well past a coincidence Leah.”[/color] He looked around the space, watching the almost mirror like walls, the crystal glow, and runes that surrounded them. [Color=CC99FF]”What do t'ese mean?”[/color]

Percy studied the runes for a moment, as their shapes slowly seemed to morph into something that he could understand. It was strange, though - they looked almost fuzzy to him, an odd haze lingering around them, as if he wasn’t meant to see this. [color=ed1c24]“Bastard of air,”[/color] he translated. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Its not t'at cold anymore Perce, calm down.”[/color]

Percy glared at his boyfriend. 

[color=ffcb00]”That’s what it means.”[/color] Leah dusted herself off. [color=ffcb00]”That prophecy you showed me. Bastard of air, brood of earth. I was starting to think that was referring to my dad, since he liked to use some really stupid flying suit with wings, like Iron Man.”[/color]

Dorian couldn't help but let out a chortle. [Color=CC99FF]”A flyin’ suit wit’ wings? What is t'is t'e 80s?”[/color] He caught himself before almost continuing further, clearing his throat. [Color=CC99FF]”Sorry. So…it's a line from t'e prophecy t'en? Guess t'at means we're on t'e right track non?”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Leah… Who is your father?”[/color] Percy asked. They’d never spoken much before. He knew that she’d been adopted by She-Hulk, but that was the extent of it all. He didn’t know how a giant’s child had ended up on Earth, her past, her history, none of it. 

[color=ffcb00]”Mutant terrorist who kills people for money. His powers make him learn things really fast, like learning new weapons or something scientific. Tried to kill him before I came to California, starting to wonder if he actually [i]did[/i] survive.”[/color]

She used to be terrified of sharing that information. [color=ffcb00]”I haven’t actually run into him yet. Or, if I did, I wouldn't have noticed. Not sure I want to find out anymore.”[/color]

The room felt tense, Dorian wasn't sure what to say, what to do.  So, he tried to break the tension, punching Leah on her biceps. [Color=CC99FF]”T'at's for earlier now t'at I'm not freezin my nips off. We're your friends, we'd never let you go off on a dangerous journey of self discovery in a foreign realm all by yourself. Even if it means freezin’ to deat’, catchin’ a cold, or fightin’ a retro flyin’ dad who ‘as some serious explainin’ to do.”[/color] He gave her a hug, squeezing her as tight as he could. [Color=CC99FF]”So don't t'ink you can get rid of us t'at easy”[/color]

Well, that caught her off-guard.

[color=ffcb00]”Yeah, that was pretty ridiculous, I guess.”[/color] She sat a hand on his shoulder, instead of returning the hug. She’d kill him, doing that. [color=ffcb00]”Working on it, sorry.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Good. Now let's work on findin' our way t'rough t'ese caves…caverns? Is there a difference? Anyways it seems like a maze.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Yeah.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“I will not be hugging you, and I would not have considered us friends when the day began,”[/color] Percy said bluntly. [color=ed1c24]“But my sentiments are the same.”[/color] He then took a moment, surveying their surroundings. A mysterious prophecy etched onto the walls, a maze with no discernable direction, and only their wits to guide them. He pulled his compass out of his pocket, before glancing back at Leah and Dorian. He then grabbed his phone, and took a few pictures of the room. This would be easier with a map, but not impossible. And the runes were very good landmarks. [color=ed1c24]“Let’s go,”[/color] he said, before blazing a trail forward. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Oh. Uh, ok? I guess we're going t'is way.”[/color] Dorian looked at Leah, confused.

[color=ffcb00]”…He just happens to carry a compass with him.”[/color] Leah ran after him. [color=ffcb00]”Are you sure that it even points north, here? There might not be a magnetosphere or any poles.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Magnetosphere? Sounds like a weapon Erik would ‘ave used back in t'e day.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Why wouldn’t you carry a compass?”[/color] Percy raised an eyebrow. [color=ed1c24]“It is possible it won’t work, but that is why I am documenting as well our route.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Molten ocean of metal under the Earth’s crust that gives the planet a magnetic field. That’s why a compass wouldn’t work on the moon, [i]maybe[/i] it works here,”[/color] Leah explained. [color=ffcb00]”Never needed a compass before. The sun, moon and stars are usually good enough for anything I’ve ever needed.”[/color]

Dorian blinked slowly. [Color=CC99FF]”What? You're kiddin’ right? I t'ought magnets worked based off t'e Nort’ and Sout’ Poles. Figured Santa ‘ad somet'in to do wit’ it and ‘own t'e Poles affected em.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”The poles [i]are[/i] the magnetic field. You ever seen a drawing of flux lines? There’s one of those around Earth, that’s why compasses work.”[/color]

Dorian simply shook his head no. He had no idea what Flux Lines Leah had been talking about. [Color=CC99FF]”So…t’e candy cane striped Poles create t'ese flux lines?”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”...Percy, what’s he talking about.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“I’m Jewish, how would I know?”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Well, if you don’t know, I [i]definitely[/i] don’t. Dorian, what the [i]hell[/i] are you on about?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Santa? You know, t'e Jolly Red man who delivers gifts every year durin’ Christmas? Everyone knows t'at at t'e Poles t’ere are large red and white candy cane striped Poles t'at mark where t'e Nort' and Sout' are. AND t'e stripes swirl in different directions dependin’ which Pole you're at.”[/color]

Percy stared at Dorian blankly. [color=ed1c24]“You mean the character made up to encourage people to buy things?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Santa. Is. Real. ‘Ow dare you say ot'erwise. Everyone knows t'at ‘e's an Omega level mutant. T'at's ‘ow ‘e gets around so fast.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Actually, if you read enough books, you could argue he’s not a mutant at all. But actually, Odin.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Santa isn’t real,”[/color] Percy scoffed. [color=ed1c24]“If he was real, how come I’ve never received a present from him?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Cuz you've obviously been on t'e Naughty list Perce. Anyone could've told you t'at.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”Did you ever ask?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”True! Did you even make a list for Santa? Leave out Milk or Cookies?! ‘ow is ‘e suppose to do it all wit'out a snack? You've seen ‘ow much Speedsters eat.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Fine. Then I’ll leave a list for Santa, and milk and cookies, and I’ll prove to you that it won’t happen. Because he’s not real. He’s just your dads pretending that gifts from them come from someone else.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”You know, you really remind me of Sabine, sometimes.”[/color] Leah fucking smiled. Watching them bitch at each other was funnier than it had any right to be.

Dorian gasped. [Color=CC99FF]”You take t'at back Percival Heimlech Novikova!”[/color]

Percy smirked, crossing his arms. [color=ed1c24]“Absolutely not. I won’t tell lies. Santa is not real. The realest thing about Santa is that there used to be someone matching his description, centuries ago, and he is very much dead now.”[/color]

Dorian went through several facial reactions before finally he just huffed and began walking ahead of Percy. Trying to mess with the compasses needle with his electromagnetism, but hardly causing it to tick any which way.

[color=ed1c24]“Also - it’s [i]Percy Theov Novikov[/i]. No [i]a[/i]. I’m not a girl.”[/color]

[color=ffcb00]”When the guy with the language powers tells you that, you’ve probably fucked up,”[/color] Leah commented. [color=ffcb00]”Also, maybe you’re both wrong. Maybe he’s in Asgard.”[/color]

Dorian decided to ignore Percy, the other option was to kick him in his jewels and tell him he was a girl now. [Color=CC99FF]”Still wrong. You'll see. You'll  both see.”[/color]

Percy rolled his eyes. Both of them were being ridiculous. There was no magical man distributing presents once a year, not a mutant or an Asgardian. So he decided to ignore Dorian as well, and started inspecting the new set of carvings on the wall. 

Leah studied them too.

[color=ffcb00]”Someone was down here, wrote these on the walls, expecting us to find them. How long was this here? This kind of thing happens in movies and comic books, but… This is weird.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Who says anyone wrote t'em? If t'e deat’ of Baldur is cyclical and time shifts oddly in t'is realm, maybe t'ese Runes were always ‘ere or will be, maybe a you from t'e future comes back to carve t'em so you now can see t'e pat’ you needed to move forward wit' ?”[/color]

The thought did occur to him that they could just time travel to the future and see - his powers had been growing rapidly, he could potentially pull it off but… There was just as great a risk that he would strand them in some desolate apocalypse, without a way forward. [color=ed1c24]“I think it’s more likely that someone did carve these,”[/color] he posed, siding with Leah. [color=ed1c24]“As fantastical as your idea is, the truth is usually the simplest explanation. Someone wanted you to come here, Leah. It’s written in ice.”[/color]

Dorian gently shoved Percy. [Color=CC99FF]”Well? Which way now navigator? Clearly we're headin’ t'e right way but…”[/color] Dorian looked back at the walls of Ice, seeing his reflection amongst them, repeating. Beyond the runes, this place felt as if it held magic. Like they were walking on sacred grounds or something, and it gave him the chills.

Leah had gone quiet for a moment. It didn’t feel real. The notion that somebody out there in the galaxy wanted something good for her, long before she’d ever got control of her own life. Or was this even anything good?

[color=ffcb00]”As long as we don’t move too fast, or get lost, we’re still making progress. Not sure if we can stay down here and linger, though. It’s still pretty cold.”[/color]

Percy purposefully didn’t react to his boyfriend shoving him, instead documenting the next set of runes they had stumbled upon. They were through the first two verses of the prophecy, hitting approximately the halfway point. And that was when they ran out of ice - when the end of the corridor they had walked down abruptly terminated, revealing a gaping cavern. Dim light barely reached from its base, and Percy knelt down, picking up a loose ice crystal. He dropped it over the edge and counted the seconds until he heard its impact.

[color=ed1c24]“Can you feel any earth down there?”[/color] 

[color=ffcb00]”If there’s any down there, it’s too far or too deep.”[/color] Leah shook her head. [color=ffcb00]”You could maybe teleport us down, but I don’t think that’s a safe move.
[/color]

She wasn’t about to jump, either.

[color=ffcb00]”...You think we could climb down?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”I could try and fly down t'ere and see ‘ow deep it is and maybe what to expect.”[/color] Dorian wasn't sure if he could pull the telekinetic trick again. Especially given they couldn't even see down there from this vantage point. 

Percy got down onto his knees, going as close to the edge as he dared to see if he could make out any features at all. Teleporting blind was risky - they could end up impaled or partially phased into something. He scrunched up his face, as a plan came to him. If Dorian flew down there, it was possible to use the entanglement as a beacon. Percy could then teleport himself and Leah. He stood up and turned around, about to make this suggestion, when the ice beneath his feet began to crack - and within seconds, it gave way, sending him plummeting as he screamed. 

[color=ffcb00]”Shit!”[/color] Leah couldn’t grab him in time. [color=ffcb00]”Dorian!”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”On it!”[/color] Dorian went to grab Percy with his Telekinesis, wrapping a part of it around Leah's waist to use as an anchor. As he reached out, trying to feel for his boyfriend, he slipped off the broken edge and began to fall, panicking and attempting to pull himself back up, he instead pulled Leah with him and the telekinetic tether broke. All three of them falling.

Falling…

…Falling…

………Falling.

The three of them crashed into the ice, the force of their fall shattering the cavern floor. Beneath the ice was water, dark and cold - and what grips they managed to maintain on each other were sundered, as Leah was sent spiraling farther and farther into this watery abyss. The speed of her descent was barely altered by the depths’ resistance, and as she plummeted, water filling her lungs and scrambling her senses, any hope of knowing what direction to travel was vanquished. She was disoriented, spinning through inky darkness - until suddenly, she smashed through the water’s surface, washing ashore in a large, empty cave. 

Yet rather than walls made of ice, they were made of mist - mist that seemed to shape and morph, a thousand reflections all staring back at her, with eyes as piercing yellow as her own. In these women, she would see her own features, her own traits - her hair, her smile, her nose, her lips, her anger, her rage. All except for the one in the very front, who rather than merely being similar was identical - and holding a gigantic runic sword. 

She was so cold and dazed from the fall that, for just a moment, she thought she’d fallen hard enough to crack her head open. It wasn’t until she brought herself to one knee and inhaled slowly that things made more sense. Above her was a void. Below her was solid ground.

She didn’t feel quite so cold here.

Leah blinked the rime from her eyes and… Stared into her own reflection.

[color=ffcb00]”...What is this?”[/color]

[i]What is this?[/i]

[i]What is this?[/i]

[i]What is this?[/i]

Her own voice, ringing back into her ears. Because that definitely made enough sense.

She stood, numb as she was. The sword “she” was holding looked massive in her own hands. Taller than her, which was saying something. Leah saw the indents along its blade. The perfect size for the runes in her pocket.

She walked forward, and it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

They were all her. Mayra Pavon. Safjel Grintadottir. Leah Rose Jordan.

Agatha’s prophecy told of the day she’d have to stare back at herself. The cycle would repeat, and it was one of her own making. Now she was confronting it.

[i]“You need to know yourself, child, re-forge your identity. And then the cycle will repeat. Over and over again..."[/i]

And - 

[i]“Bastard of air and brood of earth, suffer heavy the melodies of your dearth. 

On turbulent clouds find false haven, 'stead guised in flesh and bound by blood shall midgard quake in madness's wake. Not one but two, a shadow to light, will find their way through brutal fight.

But blood of two does rise once more, futhark bound with steel and stars. Rise, you who carry burden deep and with strength and steel may your future keep.”[/i]

Strength and steel. 

Every movement she made, everything around her had some reaction. Leah didn’t know what was going on here, she wasn’t well-versed in magic enough to even consistently string runes together, let alone tell what [i]this[/i] was.

Fuck, maybe this was all a trap of some kind. Who the hell was behind all this?

Leah stretched out a hand, to grab the sword.

Her other self wasn’t moving, and there was a shadow cast along the ground. Of the other Leah, holding the blade against a backdrop of a light source she couldn’t see.

[color=ffcb00]”...What if…”[/color]

She put both of her hands up, in a pose to hold that massive sword. She mimicked her other, and then reached.

It flickered. The metal warped and the light bent in odd ways. The weight of the sword didn’t move into her hands, but rather, it simply [i]was[/i] in her hands. It fit her hands perfectly. The hilt was solid stone, smooth as glass and yet her grip on it was unshakeable. It didn’t feel heavy, even though it looked like something even she couldn’t easily lift.

A faint, bronze flicker of light raced up the carvings in the blade. Half a foot wide, seven feet long if she had to guess. The blade came to a crescent point, no sharp tip for piercing. It looked more like the blade of an axe than the tip of a sword.

She was taken aback by how familiar it seemed.

Back when Andy had used her curse on her, Leah had been overwhelmed by the changes. The pain of her bones popping and her lungs breathing air she didn’t know she could breathe. But then, when she got used to it, it felt like stretching atrophied muscles. It felt more like her. 

This, too, felt more like her.

Leah inhaled air, and exhaled fog. Her bones felt lighter. Her skin felt [i]warm.[/i]

[color=ffcb00]”Someone left you for me,”[/color] Leah concluded.

She raised the sword and saw her reflection in it. All of them. The scared and pitiful Mayra, dreading her father. The proud Leah, daring the world to strike her and break for it. The nameless child she never was, whose face she now showed the world, after the loss of a mask she didn’t know she had.

[color=ffcb00]”Every time I look backwards, there’s something new, isn’t there? I keep finding new names, new history, and it’s all so different.”[/color]

The reflections along the blade were like a kaleidoscope. They overlapped, and yet they didn’t occlude one another. They were all her. [i]All of them.[/i]

[color=ffcb00]”Agatha… You were right. But I think you were wrong, too. The cycle I’m in, it’s not just me reinventing myself over and over.”[/color]

Leah brought the blade closer to herself, and rested it on her shoulder. The metal rang through her bones, and it made her think of forests that touched the sky. It was part of her, and it, too, had a name it preferred.

[i]Sjafnamarr. The Thousand-Faced Rose.[/i]

[color=ffcb00]”I’m everyone I’ve ever been, all at once.”[/color]