17 God of Vengeance 1

{Asgard, Bifröst Chambers, 2 Years Later}

"What do you see Heimdall?" Drüin questioned, his eyes focusing on the stars ahead of him. After having used the Sword of Asgard to create Alikir City, the God of Might, Allfather of Asgard and King of the Nine Realms began a reorganization. For one, he allowed those of Vanaheim and Alfheim entry to Asgard. Allowing scholars, civilians, and even a garrison made up of Vanir and Elven warriors to protect Alikir City. Of course, quite a few were against this action. They believed that Asgard was for the gods, and only them. Drüin fought against this ideology by asking these naysayers a simple yet chilling question, 'If you are a God, if I kill you, will you still be one?'. Many were surprised by that question, but terrified by what that meant when hearing it from the God of Might.

Drüin wanted to rule like a good king, but good kings only last for as long as they know what they are doing. Inherently good kings realistically do not rule for long, their rule is undermined by those around them. Whether they be their own people, friends, or even family. However, more practical kings will survive and rule longer. They know what their people are like, they know what their people will do, and they know that the people must be on their side in order to win against the naysayers. For they people are the soul of a kingdom, and must never be turned against the one who rules them.

Heimdall narrowed his eyes, peering across the distant stars, then began to speak. "I see those of Apokolips in shock and confusion", Heimdall began to say, "They are in a state of civil war, with many wishing to taking Darkseid's place. Although, Grail seems to boast the greater warriors. I am unsure as to what will become of this world with the years to come, I do know this however. They will never be able to face us...not alone at least."

Drüin nodded, then glanced to the Guardian of the Bifröst. He watched as Heimdall began to speak again of something else. "As for New Genesis, they are in a state of shock as well. Though in their case, they are more surprised than anything. It would seem that the death of Darkseid has them divided on what they should do. The one called Orion speaks of attacking while Apokolips is at war with itself. Highfather speaks of waiting and recovering from their defeat from us. They do not see eye to eye, and it could lead to a deadly confrontation."

"While that is all and good Heimdall, that is not what I was referring to..." The Allfather stated, then watched as Heimdall frowned. For a moment, the dark skinned Asgardian remained silent. He was peering at a location now, one that made Drüin gain a stern look on his face.

"I see her..."

"Where is she?"

"A jungle environment, she is not alone."

"Who serves her?"

"Thralls who seem to have been turned into serving her...unfortunate souls. A large man who radiates with power, and finally...someone else."

That last sentence made Drüin furrow his brows before fully turning to Heimdall. He gave the Asgardian a serious expression. "Who?" He questioned.

"I...I do not know, they are cloaked and...they see me."

"Return now!"

At that order, Heimdall let out a surprised sigh. He shook his head before looking to Drüin with a concerned look. "I do not know who that was, but they have power that I have not seen before." Heimdall warned.

The God of Might nodded, then let out a deep breath as he turned around. The Bifröst Chamber had been made larger, to the point that guards were stationed within it. Each were standing ready for anything to happen. The chamber itself was made in order for Asgard's armies to move through more quickly and much easier. "Watch from a distance for now Heimdall, she already took my mother from me...I will have her take you as well." Drüin ordered, then began walking away and out of the Bifröst Chamber.

{2 Years Ago}

"What do you want with my mother?" Drüin questioned, his grip on the Sword of Asgard tight. Before him stood Enchantress, not the one of Marvel for she would have been much easier to deal with. It was the one from DC, the DCEU one to be specific. As far as the God of Might understands, this Enchantress still had her body. He watched as the self imposed Goddess give him a sneer before speaking to him.

"I want her body, her soul, her status within your court", Enchantress answered, "I have never known what an Asgardian is, but after having taken possession of her body...I found that you all have far more resilient bodies than my own. Your mother was a fool to visit alone, and now she is mine."

"I beg to disagree..."

"Oh? And what are you going to do with that sword? I can feel it's power radiate from it but that is nothing compared to my own power."

"Mock me if you wish, but know that this sword is no mere weapon...this is the Sword of Asgard, and it is strongest while on this realm."

After hearing that, Enchantress narrowed her eyes. Her irises hued with an emerald glow now, but before she could do anything, Drüin swiped with the Sword of Asgard. It sent a sort of slash wave at the woman, and cutting her in half. Unfortunately she did not die, however her connection to Freyr had been broken. She let out a scream filled with shock and anguish, then dissipated into nothing but thin air. Once she was gone, the God of Might closed his eyed and began to inhale and exhale. When he opened his eyes, he found his mother but her body had gone pale. Her eyes were closed and her form went limp. Cutting through the barrier with the Sword of Asgard, Drüin rushed to his mother's side and caught her before her body hit the floor. He checked her pulse to see that she was still alive. When he felt her pulse, a sigh of relief left him. Knowing that he had saved her...

'She is without soul.' Yggdrasil called, causing the God of Might to look at the sword confused.

"What do you mean, I broke the witch's connection to my mother." Drüin pointed out, then heard Yggdrasil's response.

'Indeed you did, but this witch is cunning', Yggdrasil began to explain, "When you banished her from your mother's body, she took with her the soul that had inhabited it. Meaning, she is challenging you to come and claim it..'

Drüin's eyes narrowed, anger beginning to fuel his senses. Just about when he was about to spout some arrogant speech. He held his tongue, lowering his head as he gazed down at his mother's pale lifeless face. He caressed her cheek realizing what Enchantress wanted. She wanted the strongest body to inhabit, he stopped her the same day that his mother began killing Asgardians when she returned from Midgard. All this time, Enchantress had been unable to follow through with her plan. Now she had a way to do it, by using his mother as hostage. If he wanted her back then all he need do is go after her, but by doing so he would he falling into a trap. He believed in his ability as a warrior but he was a stranger when it came to magic. Asgardian magic was something that he did not believe would stand a chance against Enchantress.

"Damn it all..." Drüin uttered.

{Present Day, Royal Palace}

Drüin Odinson was walking through the main palace of Asgard. In his hand was Aegor, or rather the reforged version of it. After his crowning as Allfather, the Dwarves of Nidavellir offered to gift him a weapon like they did his father. Instead of having one being made for him, Drüin decided to have his spear remade into whatever they believed best fitted him. It took a year and a half, but they were able to finish it. Once done, Aegor had become far more than it had once been. The entirety of it was made from the core of a red sun core as well as Uru. The bladed tip was significantly shorter but far sharper than normal. The spear reached to being as tall as Gunnir, though it's shaft was wider for bigger and firmer hands. The butt end of it also had a pointed tip, to where it could be used to pierce through an enemy as well. Aegor was golden like, the Uru having been infused with elements of gold to make it a jeweled weapon to Drüin.

The God of Might bounded a corner, then felt something collide with his leg. He looked down to find a blonde headed boy with blue eyes staring up at him. He had a beaming smile on his face and wear royal garbs. "Big brother!" The boy called up, being far smaller to Drüin. The God of Might raised an eyebrow at the boy, then gave him a small smile.

"Thor, were you not suppose to be studying with your mother?" Drüin questioned.

"Mom's boring..." Thor whined.

"Be careful of what you say little spark, she has eyes and ears everywhere."

No sooner than when Drüin said that, Frigga similar materialized right behind Thor. The God of Might acknowledged her arrival, causing the small Asgardian Prince to turn and stare wide eyed up at his mother. Frigga gave her son a small smile before grabbing him and picking him up into her arms. She looked to Drüin and gave him a smile as well as she went to speak. "Allfather", She greeted, "Forgive Thor, he is an adventurous lad."

"There is nothing to forgive, he is a son of Odin", Drüin dismissed, "We are all adventurous."

Before Frigga could spark up a conversation, Drüin began walking away and heading to the throneroom. The Vanir Asgardian watched Drüin with a sad smile now, she then began walking away with Thor in her grasp. The God of Might hadn't truly sat down and spoken with Frigga. Not since her arrival to Asgard, not when she was announced as the new queen, not even after his crowning as the new Allfather. They seldom talked outside of greetings and farewells. Drüin never did see Frigga as his mother, he didn't care if she meant well or wished to try and be there for him. Someone else had already done that for him, and she had been taken away just as he was about to rescue her.

The Allfather arrived at the throneroom, entering through the large doors. Standing beside his throne was Kelda, the new leader of the Valkyries. She stood composed and radiant as ever, despite wearing silver gleaming armor. Seated in smaller thrones in front of his own were Aelsa and Hogarth, both rose as Drüin walked forth. To the other side of his throne was Tyr, and beside him was none other than Big Barda herself. She was stone faced, and seemingly glaring at anything and everything. She was dressed in her armor, but it was far different now. After his first year as King, he released the Apokoliptian from imprisonment. He had given her a choice, she could remain on Asgard or return home. Barda made the decision to stay, for there was nothing left for her on Apokolips.

Now she was serving as part of the royal guard, under the direct leadership of himself. Of course this was met with resistance, for being a New God an all. Drüin understood their concerns about the Apokoliptian having tried to kill him. Though his only retort to them was simply that she could not kill him even if she tried. Darkseid was not able to, so she most certainly not capable of doing it either.

Drüin watched as all occupants in the room bowed their heads to him. When he reached the throne, he sat down and stabbed Aegor into a holster beside his throne. "Now then, what is on the agenda today?" The God of Might questioned, and found Aelsa speaking.

"Not much my king, your reforms are being received well for the most part", she reported, "Though my shadows say that some elements of Asgard find sharing their home with our people to be...risky."

"Indeed, some have even terrorized a few markets in Alikir City", Hogarth added, "The guards dispersed them of course, but this has been the third time this week alone. I am hoping that...we do not need to take drastic measures."

At that last sentence, Kelda frowned then began to speak. "Are you saying that we should begin martial law on Asgard, King Hogarth?" She questioned with a risen brow.

"No Lady Kelda, I am simply saying that Asgard does not see us being here as a good thing...only as an annoyance." Hogarth replied coolly, before the Valkyrie could reply, Drüin raised a hand to silence her.

"Tyr, what of our soldiers...what are their views of this?" Drüin asked, and heard a sigh leave the old God of War.

"They are mixed, they respect you and would follow you into Helheim and back", Tyr began to say, "However they too are not quite sure as to where they stand with this. Some are willing to battle it out with the Vanir and Elves, to beat them into submission."

This caused all occupants except Barda and Drüin to frown. They had just gotten out of a War with the New Gods. Said New Gods were at each other's throats, now it seemed that the Nine Realms were about to be as well. The God of Might looked to Barda, and found her staring back at him. "Barda, what do you think?" He questioned, and found the Apokoliptian blink twice.

All eyes landed on her and waited for her to speak. Barda looked around as nervousness could be seen in her eyes. "You would ask me?" Barda asked.

"You are in this room, meaning you are privy to what is said here and will be a part of what is decided here." Drüin stated, causing Barda to open and close her mouth in surprise. The Apokoliptian didn't know what to say or do. She was a warrior, a warrior who hadn't have to talk about anything other than making love to her deceased lover Scott, or about war.

"I...well..", Barda began to say then cleared her throat, "I believe that if their are grievances on both sides, then why not allow them to fight each other?"

There was utter silence in the room, all eyes remaining on Barda. A light chuckle escaped Drüin's mouth, causing everyone to look to him now. He slowly sat back in his throne then looked to Hogarth and Aelsa. The Vanir and Elf staring at him expectantly as he began to ponder on Barda's words. Kelda was the first to speak, her tone laced with concern. "Allfather, you are not seriously considering having our people fight each other?" The Valkyrie questioned.

"Lady Kelda, we are Asgardians", Drüin reminded, "That said it would not be to the death, in order to keep our skills sharp and to find talent amongst us. I would like to begin hosting a tournament of sorts. One where the winner will be rewarded with whatever they so desire. However, that is if it is all within my power to give."

All occupants listened to their king's proposal, then Tyr spoke up with furrowed brows. "What would you call this tournament Allfather?" The God of War asked.

"I would call it, the War Games", Drüin replied, "A game where all contestants will be tested through different wars of combat. They will be tested through strength, wit, speed, and strategy. It will give us all a good show, as well as to unite us under a common sport. I will begin creation of this Arena tomorrow, then we will begin speaking of what trials that our people will face."

Everyone looked at each other, then back at Drüin with nods being their response. "Is their anything else that we should speak of?" The Allfather questioned.

"There is one more thing, Allfather", Tyr called, "It is about who you will be wedding in the near future."

The moment that he heard this, a sigh left Drüin as he placed a hand on his face. He wasn't embarrassed, just feeling a little exasperated about it. "Not this again..." He uttered.

"Allfather, you are over 3000 years old", Hogarth reminded, "It would be wise to find a bride before you are too old to marry."

"Hogarth, how is your son?" Drüin suddenly asked.

"My son? Well he is doing well, he enjoys visiting the palace and playing with prince Thor."

"That is good, and Aelsa-"

"Allfather, my love life is not your concern as you well know." The Elven Queen said with a slight smile. Drüin's ploy to speak about something else had been foiled.

Barda watched Drüin oddly, as well as Kelda. Though the God of Might did not take notice of this, that was when the doors opened to reveal Hela's arrival. She locked eyes with her brother before letting out an exasperated breath. "Why did you not invite me to the meeting dear brother?" The Goddess of Death questioned.

"Because you have no patience, and because you do not understand how to rule a kingdom." Drüin answered bluntly.

"I know how to rule a kingdom!"

"Oh? Then what would you do about finding me a bride?"

"I would take you and have whomever wishes to have my brother as their man to face me, if I find them unable to appease me then I will kill them on the spot."

The room fell silent once more as all eyes landed on Hela. Another exasperated breath left Drüin as he facepalmed himself. "I was a fool to ask that of you..."

"Well my prince, we have our answer." Tyr stated with a hint of mockery.

"You honestly believe that this is a good idea to solve the problem?"

"Hold on a moment, what problem?" Hela asked while folding her arms over her chest confused.

"I am Allfather and I must get married to have offsprings, that is the problem, I am not married." Drüin briefly explained.

"Ah...", Hela said then narrowed her eyes on her twin brother, "Then I retake my proposal, have every suitor who believes that they have a chance with you to me. I would like to see if they can survive longer enough to be by your side..."

"That is not going to happen." Drüin denied with little hesitation.

"Why not?"

"Hela, you plan to kill them just because they will not meet your expectations."

"Well it would be their fault."

"No one meets your expectations!"

"You do!"

At that Drüin was taken aback by that, he wasn't really expecting Hela to say that. Granted, he had become aware of her acts of affection to him. Though he wasn't entirely sure that she felt that way to him. He still wasn't and was still unsure on how to feel about that. With Barda he felt that she was more of a free soul that he could converse with. Kelda seemed like that very close friend from work who has been through what he has been through. Hela has been there since the day that he was born, sharing the same mother and father as well as battles that they've fought in. Yet neither one of them has made a move on him, as far as he knew at least.

That was when an idea formed in the God of Might's mind, he was probably going to regret this, but it would settle the matter regardless.

"How about this, enter the War Games and I will give unto you anything that you desire", Drüin offered his sister, "As long as it is within my power, that is."

Hela raised a brow then pondered on the offer, a weird smile was beginning to form on her lips as she thought more of it. "Very well, I will take you up on your offer." Hela agreed.

"So will I", Barda suddenly said, "I would like to face Asgard's best and brightest."

"Then i shall as well", Kelda stated, "I would be honored to face Princess Hela in combat."

The three women stared at each other oddly, one that didn't go unnoticed by Drüin this time. He suddenly had the feeling that this was not going to end well. Though he had already dug his grave so there was no backing out of it now.

"What is a War Games?" Hela questioned, finally realizing that she had agreed to taking part in something that she didn't understand.