Thor Odinson, the prince of Asgard and the God of Thunder.
The only one who could challenge Hulk on his claim as the strongest Avenger.
The only one with a consistent record of victory against him with his own power.
Not through trickery.
Not through ganging up with bunch of others.
Not through gadgets made specifically for weakening him.
Not through deals made with extradimensional demons.
Only through his own strength and hammer, with only those he faced the Beast of Gamma and emerged victorious. That was who the God of Thunder was.
And now Bruce was standing before him without the power of Hulk. It made him… anxious, even while knowing that they were not enemies.
"So you all are following the trail of this… Red Hulk?" The god of Thunder asked with a tilt of his head. "Truly the world has changed much in my absence. Former comrades turning on each other, villains occupying our spots as Avengers and now more Hulks? If I did not know better I would say that one of you were my brother in disguise, attempting to trick me. If I did not have proof before my very eyes." He said as he looked at Skaar, who had his arms crossed and glaring at the Asgardian.
"Hah, it certainly does sound like it when said out loud." Hercules said with a laugh before frowning. "But there is something I don't understand my friend. Why are you here? Last I heard was that Asgard has resurfaced on Midgard along with its inhabitants. I thought that you would be helping them get accustomed to Earth, if not leading them."
Bruce had to admit, that Hercules' question had merit. He had heard about the land of the gods somehow appearing near Broxton but he admittedly had more pressing concerns at the time.
"I did try to help my brethern after rebuilding the capital city of Asgard and bringing them back. But unfortunately, I can no longer do so." The god of Thunder said with a downcast look. "I have comitted a grand crime and have been banished from Asgard. My brother Balder rules the city now."
…
…
…
…what?
"Thor, my friend, my ears must be playing tricks on me cause I could swear that you just said that you were banished from Asgard." Hercules said with a smile but even the blind could see how fake it was.
"Your ears are fine my friend. I am banished from my home."
"Why?" It took a moment before Bruce realized that he was the one who questioned Thor. "You are the greatest hero of Asgard and even if I don't know much about the affairs of your lands, I doubt that there was anyone who bled for your home as much as you did. What kind of crime could have warranted such a punishment?"
"I have murdered my grandfather." Oh.
Ok that might be somewhat be considered bad enough. Though going by his snort, Hercules did not seem to think so.
"Hah, that's nothing. Patricide is practically a trademark in my family."
"With all due respect my friend, I would like to think my family's situation is not as bad as yours. Even with Loki." Thor deadpanned before sighing. "And it's not as simple as a case of patricide. My grandfather Bor never abdicated the throne of Asgard before his disappearance. I might not have known that it was him when I ended up killing him, but he was still the rightful king of Asgard. There are consequences to things like that."
"A disappeared king just appeared right at the moment where you would clash with him?" Kala asked with a raised eyebrow. "That sounds far too unlikely to be coincidence. You sure that you weren't set up by someone who wanted you out of Asgard for their plans? No disrespect but that sounds like what this Loki character would pull, brother or not."
"Firstly, Loki is currently my sister." What? "And I am aware how true your words are young Kala, even if I don't want to imagine my sister orchestrating the death of a king of Asgard." Thor said with a sigh but Bruce was still trying process the whole Loki being his sister currently?
"If it truly is so, I will be ready to deal with my sister. But right now, I will be dealing with problems outside of Asgard." Thor said with a steely gaze. "Which is why I am here, I have been tracking some old enemies. Though I was surprised to see Grey Gargoyle defeated before I even came here, and their enemies." He said with a frown as he shot a look at Korg.
"The past is past Thunderer. I am happy for your aid in our time of need." The Kronan said as he gave a small bow before turning back to his petrified comrades. "Are you truly sure that the powers of this Gargoyle are only temporary?"
"Aye, it should take no longer than an hour more before your friends are returned to their original states." Thor nodded before turning to Bruce. "Friend Banner, may I speak with you alone for a moment."
Bruce was not sure why Thor would want to talk to him without others but he nodded and followed after the god of Thunder as they made some space between them and the rest of the group.
"Is this about Wreckers or some other foe? Cause if so, it would be better for you to talk with others."
"Nay, it's about things that happened while I was gone from Midgard. Though it would have been better if you still had access to Hulk for this conversation." He said before he did something that I could not comprehend for a moment after turning to me.
Thor, the god of Thunder and the most powerful Avenger, was bowing to him.
"Friend Banner, and friend Hulk who must be listening from within you, I am sorry."
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