In the time when Furkind was still young, there was a war between worlds. The Jotun tried to take over the other eight worlds in the roots of Yggdrasil. Their own, a frozen land known as Jötunheim, was apparently not enough for them. They decided to take first the less advanced and most defenseless realm: Midgard. But the Aesir in our home, Asgard, couldn’t stand arms crossed. Odin, father of all, took an army and descended to Midgard, to protect the people living there. The giants were powerful, using their wisdom and magic turned the battlefield into a living hell for the furs. Fortunately, the Aesir managed to fight back the Jotun sending them back to their world. And once there, Odin, fighting against the great king of the Jotun, won definitively the war. The father of all took but a single war bounty, the fount of their power. Eventually, time passed and one of the giants, son of Farbauti and Laufey, made his way into the Aesir making a bond with Thor, being considered as brothers. His name was Loki. After the murdering of Baldr the gods chained him into the rocks sealing him there till the times of Ragnarok.
Loki had three spawns with the giantess Angrboda. Two sons and one daughter: Fenrir, Jörmungandr and Hela. He also had children with a goddess and even animals. Two of those other children were the ones that were destined to create with their own bodies the chains that would hold Loki. From the others, Fenrir had two cubs: Hati and Skoll, Hati chased the moon while Skoll the sun. Hati made her way to Niflheim, and found the source of Yggdrasil roots. There, she found a great dragon gnawing the roots of the tree of the worlds. It was immediate; she fell in love with him. As result, a cub was born. A creature called wolgon, half wolf half dragon. They named him Draco. This cub was raised as a monster, being and outcast but polite to the Aesir. The story of what happened between his grandfather and a god of name Tyr was known for all furs in Midgard and all the creatures in Asgard. There was high rivalry between Tyr and Fenrir’s descendants to the point he didn’t wanted to let the only one of that line to be actually not evil into the walls of Asgard. Neverthelss, Odin, father of all had his eye on the kid and saw kindness in him. So the little Draco was allowed to live in the citadel.
“And thus… is why I remind you little cub, to stay away from him” said Odin as he walked followed by the little tail-wagging wolgon “Well, that’s if you want to keep your head stick to your throat.”
“Yes sir” nodded Draco following the steps of Odin with his swift paws.
“You’ve grow a lot since I allowed you to live here with all of us Aesir” said Odin looking down at the kid “You have grow as a fine warrior and I guess soon you will be able to join the forces or our army as you wanted.”
“That would be an honor sir” said Draco smiling and noticing a move to their right. There he was, the Aesir he called uncle and the one on charge of his training “Uncle Thor!”
“How are you puppy?” laughed Thor tip tapping the pommel of Mjolnir.
“I’m fine uncle! I’ve been practicing with the other soldiers and they say that I’m powerful enough by now like to take the charge of a captain!” giggled Draco tip tapping the pommel of his training sword.
“Soon you’ll be relieved from that sword and got a better one” said Odin while Draco smiled.
“I’d be glad to serve my king” said the wolgon making a reverence.
- o -
The time passed and the young wolgon grew even more, in the early adulthood. He managed to advance thru all the obstacles passing his inheritance and proving his worth. The ceremony was about to take place and he was ready. The wolgon was wearing his armor: a chest plate with four circle decors, the two upper ones with a lighting carving and the ones in the bottom with a flame carving. His shoulders were covered too and his legs and knees. Draco smiled looking at the crowd. Everyone was there. Syf, Thor, several of his brothers in arms and, in front of everyone else, Odin, with a shiny bright new sword between his grasp.
“From all the beings in this and other worlds, Loki has created us several problems breeding creatures that might destroy life as we know it” said Odin and Draco lowered his face in a bit of shame “But, one of those seeds became a fine warrior that we now celebrate his ranking up in the lines of Asgard’s army! Come close, Draco Nidhoggson, Sage of Fire.”
Draco got close as ordered and looked up still ashamed for his inheritance.
“Being son of them doesn’t mean you have to be mean…” said Odin “It means YOU can choose to be on our side. Will you defend Asgard with your life… even from those of your own blood?”
“I will” said Draco bowing in respect.
“Then this proves your loyalty to us my dear cub…” Odin gave the wolgon the sword he was gripping tight. A sword with golden guard and red grip with a rounded pommel and a blue stone attached to it. The blade was long and drop-like in the point while near the base was dented. The guard had two spikes that went right and well attached to the sheath, which Odin still had on his hands “This is Gram, a sword created for me. But now, I want to give it to you. I sincerely hope you don’t take your great grandfather’s steps and remain in the…”
But Odin had to stop when a voice rose over his. It was a grave voice that all in the hall knew pretty well. It was the voice of Tyr claiming to stop the ceremony. Odin grunted in disgust but the Aesir claimed that it was an emergency and that someone had freed Loki. The reactions were immediate, some terrified fearing Ragnarok, and others said that it was time to put him down forever, but Draco had other idea in mind.
“Sir! Let me go… I can defeat him and make sure he goes back to his imprisonment” said the wolgon decided “Then I’ll prove I’m worthy of your trust.”
“Are you sure of that Draco?” asked Odin.
“Yes I am!” said Draco gripping strongly his new sword and running out the hall.
The wolgon flew to the imprisonment place of his ancestor and discovered him out of the chains and rubbing his wrists and ankles. He landed there fiercely and rushed to him tackling the Aesir but crashing against a stone.
“Hehe… your ‘uncle’ falls for that trick always too” said Loki appearing behind Draco and looking at him “So, you are the spawn of my granddaughter right?”
“I’m not a spawn… I’m the son of Hati and Nidhogg” said Draco sniffling and rubbing his forehead.
“You are a monstrous creature like them… I like that” said Loki laughing “You’d make a good adding to the lines of my army when I go against Odin… Tell me. How does Odin treats you? Like a mere beast right?”
“Odin treats me like a son…” said Draco grunting and gripping firmly his new sword “I’ve been raised by mom and dad as a good creature… I’m not like you.”
“That’s a shame” said Loki shrugging “Someone like that does not have a use for me.”
Loki appeared a spear and started to attack Draco who defended with the sword swiftly. The clash of the steels send sparks to the air while the two combatants show no signs to want to give up. Draco wanted to prove that he was capable of more than just be a soldier and if that meant to defeat his own family, he would do it starting with the fact that Loki was not intrinsically good. The wolgon send a blow to Loki’s ribs but he dodged and slamed the spear against the young male’s head making him kneel.
“Stay like that and hail loyalty to me” said Loki.
“I won’t…” grunted Draco standing up and slamming hard the Aesir against the rocks making his helmet fall.
The god rubbed his head and rushed against Draco slashing his chest. Fortunately, the plate protected him and he had time to counterattack with several stockades right to Loki’s heart. The Aesir dodged turning and getting closer to Draco with each attack and finally he got his spear under the wolgon’s chin.
“Pathetic…” grunted Loki and kicked Draco’s stomach “To think you are one of my descendants…”
“I’m not like you… I’d never use tricks to win!” roared Draco standing up again and clashing his sword against Loki’s spear “I’ll show you… the power I have learned in all this years, being a loyal servant of Odin!”
Draco attacked without stopping even once forcing Loki to go back and show a bit of worry in his face as the strength of the wolgon increased with each slash. And though the attacks were repetitive, they were forcing him to back off until he was with the back against a giant rock. Draco took his chance and raised his sword giving a final blow splitting Loki in two, just like the rock that appeared there while de illusion disappeared.
“Haha nicely done… but seriously don’t get so cocky” Loki smiled appearing from behind the wolgon again and rested against one of the other rocks “You surely need to get relaxed… I’m not all bad in the world.”
“Yes you are great grandpa!” roared Draco “You’ll bring Ragnarok!”
“That’s a fact, but not that I’m evil… there’s just a need for the Aesir to disappear… even I’ll perish in that day” said Loki making Draco look at him “OK, I admit my defeat…” Loki took his helmet and threw it to Draco “Here, catch it… have it as a reminder that you should be a good boy or will end up like me.”
“Wait what? I don’t understand…” shook his head Draco “Odin said that… well…”
“Oh I know… Baldr” said Loki “I know… but I was fooled to do it! I was so mad at him being a complete show off” said Loki grunting “Then HE came close to me and told me that maybe there was something that could harm him slightly. And I was fool enough like to go and ask his mother what that could be… you know the rest.”
“You mean you were… set up?” asked Draco looking amazed at Loki and then he shook his head “No! You are the god of treachery! You are lying!”
“I’M NOT!” roared Loki “Tie me with the organs of your other family members and I’ll prove I’m not lying.”
“What?! What you mean by that?” asked Draco in shock.
“Didn’t Tyr told you?” smiled Loki “He said it would be a nice punish to make one of my sons turn into a wolf, and when the gods did it he killed his brother and they used his organs to create this chains.”
“That’s sick!” roared Draco but by hearing it was Tyr idea he realized Loki wasn’t lying.
“Well, I want you to wear the helmet in battle… wear proudly the sign of your family at least.” said Loki and he realized the sword in Draco’s hand “I see you have a sword made for Odin. It should be a powerful weapon. Use it well.”
Draco looked around not knowing what to do. All he knew was a lie? Or just a lie from Loki? Draco wasn’t sure what to think anymore but he still wanted to protect justice and the people. He wanted to be a good person. He looked up and saw that Loki was holding the helmet.
“Wear it Draco Nidhoggson” said Loki “Wear it proudly and make ME proud. Show that my line can do something else than treachery” a faint pair of footsteps sounded but neither Loki nor Draco realized them “Make me proud, show the pride of your linage!”
“See my king I told you!” said Tyr aiming at Draco who just got the helmet placed on his head.
“Draco how could you?!” asked Odin looking angry at the wolgon.
“M-my King!” shouted Draco turning at Odin feeling the weight of the helmet on his head “I-it’s not what it…”
“SHUT UP BEAST!” ordered Tyr and he turned at Odin “He betrayed Asgard and now he shall face death!”
The Aesir rammed at Draco and with the metallic machine-like hand created by the dwarfs he smashed Draco’s head breaking both horns in Loki’s helmet. Draco fell to the ground bleeding by the nose.
“Enough Tyr!” ordered with thunder-like voice Odin “He’s not up to execution here…” announced Odin.
“T-thanks… for your mercy…” panted Draco trying to breath, his nose and part of his muzzle was probably broken.
“I’m not being merciful!” Roared odin raising Gungnir “You’re up to be exiled!”
“What?! NO! PLEASE NO!” shouted Draco but Odin opened a portal and Draco started to get sucked by it.
“Loki… tell them it’s not what they think!” said Draco piercing the ground with his claws.
“It’s just what you saw, I put my helmet on him” said Loki and Draco looked at him jaw dropped.
“Be gone!” ordered Odin and aiming at Draco with Gungnir, the wolgon was shocked with high voltage lightings as his armor was destroyed, his powers drained and he was send right into exile “You do not deserve…”
Odin started to talk but was interrupted when he felt the powerful robotic hand of Tyr smacking his back. Loki opened his eyes widely and Odin grasped Gram.
“Be there… and when he’s ready lend him again your power” said Odin and tossed the sword to the vortex.
“Unnecesary… the wolgon will die since you sucked his powers” said Tyr “Now… sleep father of all… and leave me take care of those creatures” Tyr smacked again at Odin and the father of all fell into a deep slumber before his antagonist one.
Tyr turned at Loki and found that he had escaped, not a big deal, he could always blame him for what happened saying that he drove Odin into his sleep and also killed Draco. Unfortunately, only the remains of the wolgon’s armor were there, no better proof of his death. But anyways, only having Odin in that state, would be enough. Then he could keep him like that. Tyr lifted Odin and tried to drag him to Asgard again. It was a titanic effort, but his plan was going as schemed, or at least, almost.
- o -
The spinning sucking of the vortex dazed Draco making unable to him to spread his wings. Besides, having his head still burning courtesy of Tyr made things worse. And of course, feeling the change in the air was even darker for him. He wasn’t in Asgard anymore. But where was he exiled? He couldn’t open his eyes, but he knew he was falling to a certain death. He spun as the vortex pulled him down to the ground at high speed and for a second he heard the whistle of steel cutting the air. Draco tried to open his eyes but he just couldn’t. That was it, it was his end and with a thunderous crash he created a crater in the ground passing out immediately.
Something felt warm… warm and comfy. Was Valhalla like that? Or… would it actually that be something else? After what he thought it was an eternity, Draco managed to open his eyes and was blinded by a powerful light making him roar.
“Easy boy you made a big show out there” said a voice coming from somewhere near him.
“Wha… what is this? Where am I?” asked Draco rubbing his head. His horns were still there and he also had a numb sensation in his muzzle.
“You’re at the hospital… We received a call from one of the habitants of the forest saying that something had exploded near his territories and we went to investigate. After we arrive, we found you in a crater.”
“Then I didn’t died…” sighed Draco.
“Were you trying to suicide?!” asked worried the voice.
“N-no, no…” shook his head Draco “I wasn’t, that’s not honorable…”
“Honorable?” laughed the voice “It’s weird to hear someone using those terms in this days.”
Draco rubbed his eyes and started to look around. He was in a bed. An uncomfortable bed but covered with a rather comfortable blanket. All his clothes were gone and was now dressed with a thin fabric that only covered part of his body, till his knees. He turned at the place where he was hearing the voice and discovered a male with funny clothes. Blue uniform and several weird gadgets attached to the belt.
“Who are you, sir?” asked Draco looking at the male. He was a red fox.
“My name is Neil, I’m a paramedic” said the fox looking at Draco and taking out of his belt a small metal tube “Ok, I need to check you up”
Draco nodded and waited patiently. He seemed to be like a healer and apparently that was what he was. Neil checked Draco’s eyes, nose and maw. He kept the inspection and after he finished, the fox sat down again.
“You have a broken tooth and also one of your horns is a bit damaged. By the way what kind of specie are you?” asked Neil looking at Draco.
“I’m a wolgon sir” said Draco.
“A wolgon?” asked again Neil “Well, that’s rather weird. I’ve never hear of that kind of creature. I’ve seen dragons, foxes, wolves, mostly any kind of creature but…”
“I’m half dragon and half wolf as you can see” said Draco looking at Neil. He seemed kind and being near the early thirties.
“Well, that would explain why you suffered little damage” said Neil looking at Draco “Tell me, where do you live?”
“I’m not from here” said Draco looking at Neil “When I was a kid I used to live in Niflheim but Odin took me to Asgard when I turned seven years old.”
“You really hit your head hard” laughed Neil out loud “But don’t worry, we’ll find your parents and you’ll go back home soon.”
“I wish that were true” said Draco looking down.
“C’mon, I will get you some clothes, the ones you had were much damaged” said Neil.
“Well, I guess that would come in handy” replied Draco looking again at Neil.
“You can stay in my house since the hospital can’t have you here any longer” laughed Neil.
“Longer? How much time I’ve been here?” asked Draco.
“Like three days” said Neil “I’ll be right back ok?”
Draco stayed there, sat in the bed looking at the fox walking out of the room and closing the door. He sighed and tried to stand up but he only fell to the ground. After two more tries he managed to stand up correctly and walked his way into the room.
“Where in the blazes am I?” asked to himself Draco “He didn’t know about Niflheim or Asgard… then…”
“Hey I found a pair of Jeans for you to use” said Neil opening the door “Ah! you already walking?! Amazing!”
“Darn… I’m in Midgard, right?” said Draco looking at Neil.
“Midgard?” asked Neil “Are you for real?”
“Yes I am…” sighed Draco and took the jeans looking at them “They seem pretty… tight.”
“Are the only ones I could find” said Neil looking at Draco “I’ll check again your head if you don’t mind ok? I bet you have a gigantic bump in there.”
“I’m fine” said Draco looking at the window. It only show the sky and a distant place with metal beast that stood still in there “I guess I won’t be able to fly since I can barely feel my wings…” he sighed.
“C’mon don’t worry, I’ll take you home and we’ll make you feel better” said Neil “I bet you will tag along with Gwen easily.”
“Gwen?” asked Draco leaning a bit his head “Who’s Gwen?”
“She’s my daughter” replied Neil “She’s studying Mythology at the university on Bucharest but right now she’s on vacation so she’s at home.”
“Bucharest…” murmured Draco “According to what I know that’s in Romania… Odin mademe memorize all the locations of the other worlds…”
“I think you really need to get your head checked” said worried Neil.
“I’m fine” argued Draco again and pulling the jeans up to his thigh “Agh! So tight!” moaned the wolgon when he felt the pressure on his groin.
“We can find you better clothes later” said Neil absent minded as he turned at a chair where a piece of fabric was well folded “This is the only part of your clothes that was… well, still in one piece.”
Neil gave the cotton shirt to Draco and he looked at it. There were signs of Odin’s lightings on the fabric but it was complete. The armor should have protected it.
“Thanks…” said Draco taking the thin fabric he was wearing and placing his shirt again covering his chest and tummy.
“You’re a rather slim guy… pretty girlish” said Neil laughing.
“I…” blushed Draco “Most Aesirs said that I look like my mother…”
“Aesir?” asked Neil and laughed again “Ok, I seriously will check up your head once we are at home.
Neil started to walk and Draco walked behind him until the place with all the metal beasts. He got close to a green one and opened a door smiling. Draco went inside and looked nervously at the components. A tablet full of lights, buttons and handles that were completely unknown to him. Neil went up and started it making it roar causing Draco to yip in surprise.
“Haven’t you even being in a car?” asked Neil.
“Sorry, no…” said Draco smiling nervously.
The paramedic moved the car and they started the road to the fox’s home. The trip wasn’t short. Actually it took them more than half an hour and in that time Draco took the chance to admire the scenes. Tall buildings, an artificial lake, fountains and a huge castle-like construction that, according to Neil, was the place where the “leader” of that city took decisions and all that. The wolgon was amazed looking at all. It was the first time he gazed at something that different. He asked for everything he didn’t know. The cars, the buildings with weird shapes and the foods the furries were eating when they passed near some restaurants. Neil seemed to be more and more decided to check his head and he, of course, didn’t wanted that.
After what felt like an eternity to Draco, they arrived to a large complex with several houses and gardens. It was already late night and of course, the wolgon was exhausted. He was yawning from half the trip till there. And by that time, he was gazing leaned over the window of the car.
“Are you tired?” asked Neil.
“Being shocked by Odin’s lightings makes you feel devastated” said Draco remembering what had happened to him “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that…”
“Don’t worry, you’re tired for real” smiled Neil and they went into one of the houses. A blue home with columns holding a small roof at the entrance and a room with a large door that opened when Neil pushed a button in the car “We’re here already; you can sleep all you want once you have something to eat.”
“Thanks” nodded Draco and when the car stopped his roaring beat, they went down and went to the main entrance of the house.
The whole place was filled with pictures, drawings and books scattered all over the place. Neil apologized for the mess caused by his daughter and he guided Draco to the kitchen where the wolgon gazed at a big steel box that once opened had a light inside and it was full with food.
“What you want?” asked Neil.
“Whatever is fine” said Draco “I’m used to don’t eat a lot like uncle Thor…”
“You’re really funny” said Neil and took some cheese and a jar with something white and placed in the counter at the center of the kitchen, and then he took bread out of the small cabinet below the counter itself “Want a sandwich?”
“Whatever is ok for me” said Draco feeling his stomach growling but hiding it from Neil. Actually he was starving.
The Fox prepared the meal and Draco decided that it was fine to check on the books that were in the floor. He read the back of some and found them boring. But others were practically interesting. He took a white leather tome and opened reading what he already knew. The book was “Norse Mythology” and Draco knew all of that. he read about his father, his mother, his family, the Aesirs, the death of Baldr and even more. What was supposed to happen during the Ragnarok. And then he saw the sword Odin just gave to him, the sword he lost the worth to use when he accepted Loki’s helmet, that by the way was MIA. He looked at the drawing with nostalgic feelings but then he realized that if they knew about it, maybe someone may have seen it.
“Neil!” shouted Draco rushing into the kitchen and slamming the book in the counter next to where the bread was “This sword… you know where is it? I mean, have you heard of it recently?”
“I guess you rather can ask that kind of stuffs to Gwen. She’s studying exactly that issues” said Neil.
“Where is she?” said Draco looking around.
“At his grandmother’s house” said Neil “She said she will spend the night there. And, I don’t want to be rude but could you please leave the books where she left them? Gwen tends to be grumpy when someone takes his stuffs.”
“Oh… sorry” said Draco and tossed the book right where he found it “I really need to find it.”
“You REALLY need to rest” said Neil “I’m afraid you might been suffering some case of memory disorder.”
Draco looked at Neil. The Midgardian of course would never admit anything about them. Odin had told him they forgot about the war and the Asgardians, Jotuns and all that long ago. He lowered his head and ears looking at the poor meal. Neil insisted for him to eat and Draco took one of the two slices of bread and devoured it feeling the monster in his stomach only grow angrier for not having more.
After the small dinner, Neil guided him to the “guest’s room” and told him he could sleep in the single bed that was there. It was nothing compared to his bed back in Asgard. It was small and pretty simple and plain, but a bed was a bed. Draco entered the room and after Neil left him alone, he took all his clothes off and walked naked crawling under the blankets only to fall asleep in less than a minute.
- o -
The castle in Asgard was in subtle silence. The fact that Tyr came back dragging Odin and with the pieces of Draco’s armor was a complete shock for all of them. The Aesir had told them that Draco was the one that helped Loki escape, but after he left Odin into a slumber, Loki stabbed him in the back and killed the wolgon.
Thor was sat in the hall shaking in circles a grail full with wine. He still didn’t believe in what Tyr had said. Of course, the proofs where there, there was evidence. But Tyr hated Draco’s linage and family. So there could have been something deeper in his words. If Tyr really saw that then why didn’t he helped Odin if he had that mechanical hand made by the dwarfs?
“Still thinking on that?” asked Syf getting close to Thor.
“Yes, I don’t believe him” said Thor without looking at the female warrior “I mean, there’s evidence, but Tyr just hates too much Draco’s family… He could just made up this story.”
“I know that sounds like the best way of reason…” sighed Syf “And believe me that I support you on that but unless you have proof of that, Tyr’s words are true for most of the others.”
“I know and that’s why I need to make a way so I can clarify this issue” said Thor standing up and stomping his grail in the table.
The god of thunder walked the way to the bifrost bridge where Heimdall was mounting guard. The all seeing god might have the answer to that. Of course, that if he had his sight upon that place in the right moment. He went to the stables and took a horse, mounted it and rode to where Heimdall was. And with a hurried pace he made it to the place.
“Thor Odinson… what affairs brings you to my watching spot?” asked Heimdall looking at the young Aesinr climbing down the horse.
“I need to ask you something very important” said Thor getting close to the golden armored God “I need to know if you by any chance had your eye on Loki’s prison by the time that Tyr said he and Draco defeated my father and…”
“I know what you think” nodded Heimdall looking at the place where Loki was imprisoned “I do saw them. Draco fought valiantly against Loki for a while and after he defeated him, Loki offered his own helmet as war bounty.”
“I knew it… Draco didn’t wanted to go to his side” said Thor smiling “Then why Tyr said that he betrayed us?”
“I saw something else” said Heimdall “But I have my lips sealed about that affair since the other eye might be watching.”
“The other eye?” asked Thor confused.
“But anyways you might already have the information you needed to deduct it by yourself” affirmed Heimdall and turned to his usual looking spot.
“Thanks Heimdall” thanked Thor and mounted back his horse riding again to Asgard’s castle.
Tyr was looking at Odin sleeping. As long as he didn’t wake up to tell the truth, he was safe and free to scheme whatever he wanted to destroy the kid’s family. Without him around, they would be an easy prey, especially with his new toy. The hand he said was created by dwarfs.
- o -
The morning came and Draco yawned stretching his body. He could felt his wings now so he stood up and stretched again spreading his wings all the big they were looking at the door and then turning his head at the window. He was in Asgard no more. He now was in Midgard and being exiled to that place… he better started to learn more about it if he wanted to pass the rest of his life there… But the fact was that he DIDN’T want to spend his life in Midgard. He wanted to return to Asgard, to tell Odin he didn’t betrayed them and he only got the helmet for defeating Loki. That if the father of all allowed him to speak instead of burning him to ashes with his lightings.
He was lost in his thoughts that he didn’t heard the door opening and he was facing it with his morning issues all extended.
“Dad said that… OH MY GOSH!” shouted a red vixen that immediately closed the door blushing.
“Oh… sorry…” murmured Draco as he took his clothes and tucked all back in place “Sorry for that; you may enter now.”
“Ok, you really seem to be kinda Viking with all that snoring and your sleeping preferences” said the girl that Draco supposed was Gwen.
“You’re Gwen right?” said Draco and he bowed a bit “A pleasure my lady. And my apologies for what you saw.”
“D-don’t say that kind of stuffs!” blushed furiously Gwen “You’re not in the Norse era.”
“I know” said Draco “But my education obliges.”
“Ok, that’s nice to hear” said Gwen and she pointed at the door next to the closet “There’s a bathroom there for you to wash your handpaws”
“Thanks” said Draco entering the room and cleaning himself properly.
“Well, Dad told me you have some… memory issues” said Gwen.
“That’s what he said?” asked Draco and he smiled sadly “I guess he did.”
“Well, personally I’d love to be real: you being from THERE” said the vixen looking at Draco who was now coming out of the bathroom “You know, I’m specializing my major on Norse Mythology and if you really would come from there I’d greatly enjoy hearing all you can say” said Gwen.
“Then we may have a conversation” said Draco and then he remembered what he saw in one of the vixen’s books last night “By the way, one of your books had a drawing of Gram… where do I find it?”
“Gram?” asked Gwen “You mean Sigur’s sword? That’s a legend.”
“No, no, it’s not…” said Draco but then he realized Gwen’s look upon him and he shouted “Oh, never mind, I gotta be…”
“But, then again…” started Gwen and looked around “I read in the newspaper that some piece of device fell from the sky three or four days ago. Some punks were trying to take it out but it was incrusted into a tree that solidified from its roots.
“That’s what Odin made last time” murmured Draco remembering what he knew about Gram.
“The fact is that, well, first; dad would never allow me to talk about that openly with anyone. He’s more like a rational professional. And second, the area had been cordoned by American agents that said that it was part of his satellites of something like that.
“It is Gram and I need to get it back” said Draco clenching his fists “I know it may sound childish but if I get it I might get back to Asgard.”
“I wish that was true” said Gwen “Oh! By the way, my full name is Gwen Foster, what’s yours?”
“Draco Nidhoggson” said Draco.
“You gotta be kidding right?” laughed Gwen “For real? Nidhoggson? Like Nidhogg, the dragon gnawing Yggdrasil’s roots?”
“Nidhogg is my father. Hati my mother” said Draco proud of it.
“News my friend, Hati is male” smiled Gwen.
“That’s what she wanted all to think” said Draco “Mom always said that uncle Sköll had all the credit for being a male so she started to act like him and most Aesir and creatures thought she was indeed a male.”
“Now that’s a funny theory but considering the male dominance in the Norse culture I guess that’s understandable” said thoughtful Gwen.
“Breakfast is ready kids!” said Neil from the kitchen.
“I guess we should go” smiled Gwen and walked to the kitchen.
Draco looked at her and smiled. Then he walked to the place following the vixen. By the time they walked into the kitchen, Neil had already placed three plates with ham, cheese and an omelet in the table. Next to the plate was a bowl with flakes and milk in the middle between the three of them. And between each couple of plate and bowl there was a large glass with orange juice.
“You finally meet huh?” said Neil.
“Yeah, in a kind of interesting way” said Draco blushing a bit.
“C’mon, let’s have our breakfast, I have to return to the hospital” said Neil looking at his daughter and Draco. They weirdly looked good together. Practically they were around the same age, the early twenties.
“Thanks for the food” said Draco amazing Neil and Gwen when he showed he had already finished the breakfast.
“Oh god, you eat like a Viking too!” said in amaze Gwen “Aren’t you still hungry?”
“N-no…” said Draco but he blushed when his stomach growled.
“Yes you are” smiled Neil and served more for him “Don’t worry we have plenty food.”
“T-thanks… I guess” said Draco eating and again finishing way before Gwen and Neil managed to finish their first servings.
Neil smiled at that and Gwen seemed rather interested in that. And once they finished the breakfast Neil walked away and Gwen stayed with Draco. The vixen smiled and tapped Draco’s shoulder since the wolgon was looking at the window looking how Neil drove away.
“I have a video for you” said Gwen smiling “I bet you might be interested.”
Draco looked at the girl and saw her go upstairs. He walked behind her and heard she was talking to someone.
“Yes… yes… I know, don’t worry… yes I have the teaser… No he doesn’t seem like a criminal!” said Gwen talking to some weird gadget that she was holding. “Gosh dad you worry a lot!” she hung “Sorry you heard all that, dad is a worried puppy when it comes about me.”
“I won’t hurt you” said Draco “Your dad gave me shelter, and for my honor I’d never defy his trust.”
“Well, that really sounds Nordic” said Gwen and she opened the door to her room. A pink room with fluffy walls and princes-like theme. “Dad… still believes I’m his little girl.”
“I bet my dad would think the same about me…” said Draco and realized what he just suggested “B-but his little boy… not girl!”
“You are funny” said Gwen and she turned on a box with a crystal front and several lights on the bottom.
In there an image appeared. A scene of a fight between what he managed to recognize as the Aesirs, his family and other creatures.
“Ragnarok” said Draco pointing at the screen.
“That’s right, it’s a picture of the fresco that was painted in the school when it was founded” said Gwen “I love Norse Mythology as you can see. But that’s not what I wanted to show you.”
Gwen typed some letters and in the screen a black small window opened and she clicked a button with a triangle.
“This is an amateur video of what I was telling you earlier” said Gwen and the images started to move.
In there, Draco saw a forest where several furs were doing stupid stuffs like moving on boars with wheels and jumping from the trees. Then, a steel whistle sounded and they ran as a blinding light strike one of the trees. When the images turned clear again Draco saw his sword stuck in the wood of the tree as it started to turn into stone.
“That’s what the Americans say is part of his satellite” said Gwen.
“That’s Gram” said Draco “But if Odin exiled me… Why would he send it here?”
“You mean that for real you…” started Gwen looking at Draco. He didn’t seemed to be a Viking, he actually seemed girlish, slender and… sexy in some way, not a rough warrior “Y-y-you are more like a model than a warrior” she said.
“They say that I resemble my mother” said Draco looking at the images that were looping in the box “I need to go there. I need to get Gram back” said Draco clenching his fists “Something might have happened. Maybe Loki attacked Odin and he realized I was used by him…”
“Loki? You mean the evil god of mischief?” asked amazed Gwen and then she finally made the connections “But, If Hati is your mother… and she’s daughter of Ferir… that would make Loki your…”
“My great grandfather” said Draco “I come from his linage of heritage but I’m not evil. I was taken by Odin to be part of his army since I proved to be good” he lowered his face “But then Tyr said that someone had freed Loki and I went to imprison him again. I fought him and won… he told me some… secrets… he then gave me…” Draco remembered he had the helmet when he crashed. That was what might have saved his life “Loki’s helmet! That’s what should have saved my life… Where is it?”
“Dad said that when they found you…” started Gwen and then she moved to his closet “They had to take this out of you. It’s kinda… broken in some parts but…”
Gwen took out from the shelf the helmet that once belonged to Loki. The horns were broken and now seemed to be shorter but complete in other way. The superior part broke too leaving that area free but there were no breaking marks, like if the helmet had turned and adapted to him, even there was a newly attached part that seemed to go and fit with his muzzle.
“What happened? When he put it to me it was complete…” said Draco looking at it “The horns, Tyr broke them, but the rest was complete.”
“Maybe… you said you crashed right?” commented Gwen.
“This is made of Uru, a powerful metal that was supposed to last long enough” said Draco and looked at the horns “Maybe the dwarfs’ steel was strong enough like to break the horns. But a crash against the ground would never do this damage… unless it was Odin’s lightings…”
“You are pretty sure of this right?” said Gwen thoughtful “Look, my professor lives here too. We can go and talk to him. Maybe he knows what’s going on about you.”
“I’d be glad to” said Draco.
Gwen immediately tucked the helmet in a backpack and turned the box with the moving images off. She passed her arms in the straps and looked at Draco. She smiled and said that professor Donovan didn’t lived far away and that they could walk to his place. Draco nodded and they left the house at a good pace and walked to the place where that professor lived.
- o -
The morning tea was already ruined by the stupid door to door salesman and he wanted to enjoy the rest of the day in peace since those where his free days from school. Henry Donovan, the old raccoon expert in Norse Mythology, didn’t expected the next one to ring his door bell would be his most intelligent and remarkable student, Gwen Foster. And he expected even less that she would be accompanied by a slender guy that though seemed to be a wolf of chestnut fur, had horns in his head, dragon eyes and dragon wings sprouting from his back. That caught him out in surprise as a snowstorm in summer.
“Gwen, what are you doing here? Does your father knows you have company?” asked Henry with an old scratchy voice.
“He knows, actually he’s living for a time at our house” said Gwen as they entered the big hall, that conduced them to the living room where Henry was reading until then.
Draco was amazed by the fact that, even though it was a huge number of great houses around; that one seemed to be like the residence of a royalty member. It was bigger than Neil’s house and had lots of columns, ancient decorations and even portraits painted by hand. The professor seemed to be confused about him and of course, that didn’t take Draco off guard.
“So, this guy… he says he’s son of Nidhogg…” said Henry.
“Yes professor Donovan” nodded Gwen.
“Please, we are not in the classroom nor the university, you can call me Henry” said Henry and looked at Draco “Well, indeed, he seems to be off place. We have fox and wolf breeds and even some big cats’ mixtures too. But a hybrid born out of a dragon and a wolf… that’s unbelievable.”
“It’s true” said Draco “I was casted out into exile by the father of all because Tyr told him I had betrayed them by joining Loki and freed him from his prison.”
“You’re kidding right?” said Henry laughing.
“Gwen, could you give me my… I mean… Loki’s helmet?” asked Draco and Gwen obeyed opening her backpack and pulling out the golden helmet passing it to Draco “This, professor, it’s the helmet that Loki, my great grandfather, wore. It’s the sign of my lineage according to him.”
“No way, that’s not possible” said Henry taking it in amaze “It’s… incredible!”
“I know… most Midgardians are up to think that” said Draco.
“M-Midgardian?” asked Henry and started to chuckle “Oh god… if you are acting you are playing perfectly the role… if not…”
Henry’s eyes went wide looking at the helmet and then at Draco. His smile disappeared and he told them both to follow him. He stood up and walked thru a hall full of armors that resembled knights standing proud. They passed a huge window with a designed mosaic that resembled the image that Gwen had in his box of images as Draco remembered. And again he told them that was an image of Ragnarok. But this time, he named all the once in there, Heimdall, Loki, his parents, his family and the others Aesirs. Henry was amazed with the knowledge that the boy had about Norse Mythology. And of course, either he was a studied expert in the matter… or he was indeed an Asgardian.
After the long walk, they arrived to a small room with advanced devices and technologic gadgets that took by surprise the wolgon.
“May I ask for a small part of the helmet?” asked Henry and Draco thought for a moment. He might not like his ancestor, but that was a family relic, old like time itself. But then, he realized a small part that was out of the horn, a small defect. He took it and broke it giving it to the professor “Thanks.”
Draco and Gwen sat looking at the professor analyzing the material and writing his findings in a small notebook. The wolgon looked at Gwen and smiled to her.
“I tell the truth” affirmed the wolgon “I might not be an Aesir, but they know I’m good. I bet my uncle is already looking for me.”
“I just hope you are actually telling the true” smiled Gwen and Henry stood up immediately bouncing in excitement.
“For all that’s good and sacred…” started Henry “This boy is telling the truth…” his soft smile turned wide “A real Asgardian… in MY home! Oh my… I should be doing…”
“Please don’t get over excited professor” said Draco looking at the raccoon.
“But this is magnificent!” argued Henry.
“I just need to… recover something that belongs to me” said Draco “Then maybe I might be able to return home and clarify all this.”
“Tell me what exactly happened” said Henry dragging a chair and sitting in front of the wolgon.
Draco sighed and part by part he told his story to Henry: his life in Niflheim, his life in Asgard, his training, the day he was up to be promoted from trainee to full-fledged soldier. And finally, his disastrous encounter with Loki, when he was exiled to Midgard. Henry listened and nodded silently, and when the wolgon finished his story, he looked at Gwen.
“For what he says, maybe there’s no way for Draco to go back to Asgard unless he retrieves his sword, and even then, he’s not sure of the possibilities” said Henry “Gwen, can we talk for a minute…” he turned at Draco “You might want to learn what’s been happening in Midgard in all this centuries.”
“Thanks” nodded Draco.
Henry took them back to the living room and turned another black device on and placed a disk into a small black box. The screen displayed again images showing the wolgon what seemed to be the history of Midgard till that point. Meanwhile, Henry moved away with Gwen still holding the helmet between his handpaws.
“Do you know what does this means?” asked Henry “A new element, a new material in out handpaws… and an Asgardian…”
“Professor I didn’t thought you’d be moved by greed” said Gwen leering at Henry “He’s sad… I know it. He just wants to go back home. If you do what I think you are planning…”
“I know I know…” sighed Henry “But his sword is out there who knows where.”
“We do” said Gwen “Didn’t you heard about the Americans coming to take the custody of that part of a satellite?” she looked at Draco who seemed to be watching the war and crime periods of the history “We saw the video that some punks submitted to the net. And he recognized Gram, his sword. The Americans have it.”
“Gwen… I strictly prohibit you to get close to that place” said Henry “Do you know what kind of things they would do to trespassers?”
“I know they might get violent but… but…” started Gwen.
“But nothing Gwen” said Henry “I’ll tell your father if you insist.”
“I’m not a little girl!” reproached Gwen but then she saw Draco trembling looking at some war scenes.
“D-do furs really do THIS?!” asked from his seat, without looking back.
“Some of them” said Henry looking at Draco “Some are criminals that do that in our time, and even worse things.”
“Then…” started Draco and turned around. His eyes burning in anger “Why no one stops them?! I HATE when this kind of crimes happen without punishment! And… and… that Hitler… he even murdered KIDS!” his sharp fangs showing more and more as his anger rose.
“Hitler’s been dead for several years Draco” smiled Gwen “You don’t have to worry about him.”
“But there’s people still doing THIS!” he pointed at the screen that was displaying a scene of violence in Moscow.
“Well, yes but…” started Henry, yet Draco interrupted him.
“I won’t allow it!” said the wolgon almost roaring “I might be an outcast… exiled from my world but I still can do something in here! I’ll find Gram… I’ll stay and finish this… all this injustices!”
Draco walked almost lost in his anger without knowing what to do… how to stop it. Gwen grabbed his arm and he looked at the girl.
“Don’t worry, there are cops and military men and women that take care of it” said the vixen “I bet you can leave it to them.”
“But…” Draco’s anger subsided with the touch of the vixen. He understood that without powers he was just another fur.
“Let’s go back home ok? Or better, let’s go find you some more decent clothes” smiled Gwen.
Draco nodded and smiled faintly at the vixen. Both say bye to Henry and walked back home. Gwen told Draco that the mall was a bit far but they could reach it via taxi, yet Draco still wanted to do something about what he now knew.
“I’ll take you” said Gwen looking at Draco “I know that forest like the palm of my handpaw, and we can get there.”
“You’ll be in danger if you do it” said Draco looking at Gwen.
“I’ll hide if you say so” said Gwen looking at the wolgon.
“Thanks” said Draco nodding.
Finally they arrived home and went to the mall as Gwen said. Draco had no real interest in having more clothes. The ones he had were fine and he didn’t wanted Gwen to spend her money on him. But the vixen insisted and they ended up in the boutique. A pair of jeans and shirts later, they had some ice cream in the food court. But still, Draco seemed a bit down to the sight of the vixen.
“Something’s happening to you, right?” said Gwen.
“Seeing all that… seeing all those people die and being hurt…” Draco mumbled and after he took another lick of ice cream he continued “I’ve been training to prevent that. To procure peace and justice. I don’t care if it’s in Asgard or here in Midgard… I just want to be able to stop it. I wasn’t able to protect my ideals back home… but I can do it here.”
“That’s sweet and cute, y’know?” giggled Gwen “I like you, you are a good boy Draco.”
“Thanks, but seriously I want that” said Draco “I was ready to give my own life if that meant to have peace in Asgard. I’d do that sacrifice. But then… Loki stabbed me in the back and Odin sent me here. I thought it was a punishment and seeing what happens here, being unable to help… I realized that is the real punishment for me.”
Gwen reached his handpaw to Draco’s and rubbed it slightly.
“I know how you feel, but believe me that if you try something like you are now, it will be your end” said Gwen.
“I know how to fight. I’m a pretty fine warrior” said Draco looking at his new friend in Midgard “I can defend myself and defend others. I just need to try.”
“That’s why I told you that I’d take you there” said Gwen “I’ll tell dad we’re going to the movies, and then we move to that camp of the Americans.”
“You know where is it?” asked Draco.
“I recognized the area of the forest where Gram landed” said Gwen smiling “I can take you there from here. It will take us some time, but I bet once you got your sword back you’ll be able to teleport or something like that?”
“I cannot do that” laughed Draco “My only power comes from the burning soul I have within me. I can command fire, but nothing else.”
“Well, that sounds interesting” smiled Gwen.
“Ok… if you say so” laughed Draco.
They finished the dessert and took a taxi so they could return home.
- o -
The night was upon them. Neil had bitten the bait of the movies and now Draco felt guilty about lying to the paramedic. But he needed Gram back. He was urged to have it back. By that time, Gwen and he were laying over their bellies looking at the perimeter created by the Americans. The tents and their uniforms showed the sign of a black eagle in the center and covering a circle. Gwen was confused. She said that as long as she knew, there was no American group with that emblem in the armed forces. But Draco cared not about that. He only wanted Gram back.
“You hide here, I’ll be back soon” said Draco “For now I cannot take you, but with Gram to my side, I can carry you flying.”
“That’s something I want to see” smiled Gwen as she hid in the bushes.
Draco started to run a bit crouched to the perimeter and waited till the guards passed to sneak inside. He managed to dodge some of them and felt the presence of his sword near him. There was a huge pavilion covering the area and, of course, inside there should be hundreds of men waiting for him to go so they could stop him. The wolgon started to advance, but was spotted in the fly and the alarms shouted out loud.
“Damn!” murmured Draco as he ran opening a gap in the pavilion with his claws.
He rushed his way but was blocked by a group of armed men.
From inside the main area of the pavilion, Agent Sullivan, a blue lynx, was looking at the monitors where the fight was showing. The creature was kicking and punching the soldiers sending them flying back. He smiled a bit and raised his communicator.
“Agent Swords, get ready, I need someone up there” said Agent Sullivan “Don’t shot till I order it.”
“Yes sir” someone said from the speaker.
Richard Sullivan wasn’t someone who would just let things pass like that. He had it all under control and if his boss managed to find out he had a breach in the security, his head would roll. He continued his inspection to the monitors while the guy fighting continued advancing until he reached area Zero, where the “objective” was located and Agent Swords picked his bow and arrows and climbed one of the surveillance towers.
“C’mon… do it…” murmured the lynx. But rather than wait, he decided to go directly there.
“Sir, shall we give order to agent Swords to shoot?”
“No till I order it” shook his head Richard walking with quick paws to area Zero.
Draco had made it. He was now in front of Gram and his sword was just a few inches away from his grasp. He extended his handpaw and smiled as he grasped the sword. His firmly grip made him feel comfortable. But then, when he tried to take it out, Gram didn’t even move a millimeter.
“W-what?!” murmured Draco and he tried again and again. He put a paw against the tree and tried to pull harder but was useless. Gram won’t move. “N-no…”
Draco fell to the ground over his knees and looked at the sword unable to believe that it didn’t move for him. Was Odin that angry at him that he would send his weapon only to tease him? And then several hands held him in place and dragged him into one of the rooms into the pavilion.
After all the outrage, one of the guards went away and hid in the shadows as he opened a communicator.
“Sir, the kid is still alive.”
- o -
The small communication device Tyr had hidden in the castle beeped and he grasped the black box raising it to his ear.
“Come in” said Tyr waiting for the answer.
“Sir, the kid is still alive” said a voice thru the communicator and Tyr clenched so hard his fist that he bleed over the floor.
“Where is he?” asked Tyr and waited patiently while his agent in Midgard informed him the whole situation. “Fine, I’ll get some support and go right there. And this will finish for once and for all!”
Tyr walked furiously thru the halls of Asgard Castle and went right into the relic and trophies room. He looked at the wall and called out loud.
“Destroyer! I need your help for orders of Odin!” yelled and the wall behind the Jotun’s fount of power opened revealing a gigantic man-like creature made out of pure Uru “Your commands are to follow me to Midgard, find AND DSTROY Draco Nidhoggson.”
The Destroyer walked with heavy steps following Tyr who had started his march to the portal creator decided to kill the wolgon for once and for all.
- o -
Gwen looked from away the moment Draco was spotted and worried about it. She didn’t want him to be hurt so she called her dad. She knew that might mean grounding for her and even Draco would be tossed from the house but… they needed help.
“So… who are you again?” asked Richard at the creature before him, tied to the chair with chains “What are you?”
“I’ve told you already” said Draco grunting “My name is Draco Nidhoggson, I’m a wolgon.”
“You really want me to believe that?” asked Richard and he looked at Draco’s eyes directly “Tell me the truth.”
“It’s the truth” said Draco and then he lowered his head “I just want my sword back.”
The cellphone rang and Richard attended. And after he hung, the lynx went out of the room leaving Draco alone. The wolgon felt defeated. Never in his life had he felt like that. His sword had declined him and now he was prisoner. He only wished for Gwen to be fine and safe. His eyes became watery and felt the weight of his actions. He should never have accepted Loki’s helmet. He should have waited for Odin to send a group and go with them. He should have never had accepted to go to Asgard with Odin… he should have never had been born...
“Do you really think that?” asked a sweet voice from the nothing.
“Huh? Who are you?” asked Draco looking around. Was some witch or wizard near? Someone able to read his mind?
“Tell me, do you really think you shouldn’t have been born?” asked the voice again.
“No… I love to live. I’ve made friends and I won the respect of some good warriors…” said Draco thinking better.
“Then why your thoughts drove you to that conclusion?” asked the voice.
“I don’t know… maybe because I’m an outcast now…” answered Draco.
“Odin, father of all saw something in you… Sage of Fire” said the voice and then Draco realized it was no one’s voice… it was Gram itself talking to him.
“Gram?” asked immediately the wolgon.
“You catch on quick” said Gram “As I said, Odin would never have let you be in Asgard if he had saw evil in you… he was fooled by Tyr in his anger against your family.”
“I knew it!” said Draco trying to stand up but unable due to the chains “I knew I didn’t do anything bad!”
“And over all that, you received a gift from someone who provided the Gods the power to overcome Ragnarok” said Gram and Draco opened his eyes wide. Odin didn’t give anything to the gods. The one who caused the forge of all their weapons and treasures was…
“Loki?” asked Draco “Loki’s helmet?”
“It might seem like it broke. But magical artifacts tend to summon certain situations to change their form so they can adapt to their new portrayers” said Gram with his sweet and comfortable voice “Now it’s your helmet. And when you return to your armor… when the time comes… I’ll be there by your side too.”
Draco was confused. Why Gram would tell him that was still his weapon and that it would be by his side if it negated to go out when he tried to pull it from the tree. Then again, that had a small meaning since now he was in hands of who knows who. And like if that thought would summon them, the guy that was in the room with him, the blue lynx returned accompanied with a black panther that had a leather coat covering his formally suited body. His left eye was patched and he seemed to be older than anyone in the place.
“Director Fury… this is the guy we discussed before” said the lynx.
“Thanks Sullivan” said the panther “Let me alone with this one.”
The lynx nodded and walked away.
“So, you are the one saying you come from Asgard right?” said the panther looking right into Draco’s red eyes with his yellows.
Draco remained silent.
“Fine, you don’t want to talk… then, what if I tell you that I’ll destroy that sword in the tree?” asked the director Fury.
“You wouldn’t!” shouted Draco worried.
“You’re right, I wouldn’t because that thing is causing a weird distortion in all the mechanisms in here and that makes me feel curious about its functioning” said director Fury.
“That’s the power of Gram, a mighty sword designed for Odin, but he gave it to me” said Draco and then the door opened again and the lynx, Sullivan had called him the panther, entered.
“Sir, someone came for him… they say…” Sullivan looked at Draco and then at director Fury “They say he had a memory issue and he… well, he’s not fine.”
“And you believed them?” smiled director Fury.
“Sir… I understand” nodded Richard Sullivan as he grabbed Draco by the arm and unlocked the chains.
The lynx guided Draco to where Neil and Gwen were waiting. Gwen seemed relieved and, against Draco’s prevision, Neil seemed to be it too. Neil talked to the agents and after he gave an ID, they left Draco go. The wolgon tripped and fell against Neil’s chest feeling his arms and legs still steeled.
“Thanks, it’s not the first time this week he escapes from home” said Neil and they walked away to where the car was parked. Gwen and Neil entered in the front and Draco had to go in the rear seats. And when he did, he found that Henry was hiding in there.
“H-Henry?!” amazed Draco.
“Shush or they will come following us” said Henry whispering.
Richard and the director Fury watched the car drive away and while they did, the panther gave an order “Follow them”.
Neil was in silence all the way back home. It seemed like he was mad at him and Draco had no reason for him to not be. But he either had no words to say to calm him down. He had put his daughter in risk and he had to lie to take him out of the grasp of that organization. And finally he just said what came to his mind.
“I’m sorry…” said Draco “I shouldn’t had gone there…”
“Saying sorry won’t fix anything” said Neil with a growling voice “Sorry Draco but you’ll have to leave.”
“That’s not what we accorded Neil!” shouted Henry “You know the truth I proved it to you!”
“I know, but I don’t want Gwen to be in any kind of danger” said Neil “Those guys weren’t from America’s government. They had no insignias related to the FBI, CIA or any of the other bureaus.”
“I know… but…” started Henry.
“Dad, you cannot let Draco to just go into the streets!” said Gwen.
“No, it’s fine” said Draco “I earned it and I’ll accept my responsibilities.”
“Draco…” started Gwen but his dad interrupted her.
“What is that?!” asked in amaze just in the moment that a huge column of fire erupted from the ground and crisped some cars in the front.
Draco looked at that. He had seen it before in the battlefield. And it was, from all the ones that might come in search for him, the worst.
“That’s Tyr…” said Draco looking at the mechanical beast, the Destroyer that appeared there, commanded by Tyr.
“Give HIM to me” said with rough voice the Aesir “Or I’ll burn your whole world until I find him.
“Y-you mean that’s the one that lose his hand at the maw of your grandfather?” asked Henry looking at the Aesir dressed in a robotic-like battle suit standing in the shoulder of the mechanical man.
“Exactly… Tyr only want all the kind of Fenrir to die… he hates my mom and uncle… and he hates me. But he hates more my grandfather and Loki…” said Draco as Neil stopped the car ready to go back.
The destroyer started to send fire beams against the people and cars destroying some vehicles. Tyr surely had lost his mind to decide that he could destroy Midgard only to destroy him. And Draco would never allow that. He would never allow Tyr to hurt the innocent people that lived there. They did nothing to him and if they were going to die because of him… then he was ready to give his life for them.
“Gwen… give me the helmet” said Draco extending his handpaw to Gwen.
The vixen gave the helmet to him and gasped when the wolgon went down the car. Draco looked at the Destroyer. If Odin was controlling it then, he was fried. But if Tyr managed to get his way into the mechanism, then he could have a chance. And just in that moment, one lighting crossed the skies and shocked the Destroyer that fell back sending Tyr to the ground. A second later, Thor landed there wearing his battle armor. Draco raced to him and smiled.
“Uncle Thor!” shouted Draco holding between his handpaws Loki’s helmet.
“Pup! I knew you weren’t bad at all nor even dead!” said Thor “Tyr said that you freed Loki and helped him defeat Odin, but by the time he managed to do something, he killed you.”
“I don’t think he would do that to me” said Draco “I won him… I defeated Loki and he gave to me his helmet as war bounty.”
“I knew you were strong” said Thor in the moment Tyr stood up together with the Destroyer.
“Shut the crap!” roared Tyr “Thor, you should know better to not join those foul creatures!”
“Draco is from the family!” said Thor “And if I have to fight against you to prove it, then I’ll do it!”
Thor flew to Tyr and both started to clash their weapons. Tyr used the mechanical hand as a sword while Thor used Mjolnir sending lightings and smashing the false hand of Tyr.
“No! NO!” shouted Draco when the collateral damage started “You’ll destroy everything!”
Thor stopped his attacks and returned to Draco surprised.
“I know, but the damage will be worse if we don’t stop Tyr” said Thor.
“There has to be another way” said Draco and then he realized what had thought before “My life...” said the wolgon “He wants my life… let him have it.”
“WHAT?!” roared Thor “I won’t let you!”
“Please uncle Thor” continued the wolgon looking at Tyr and putting the helmet on “Let me do this… I have to do it… is the only way…” he looked forward and Tyr smiled. The destroyer stopped his attacks “I’ll make my whole family proud…”
The Aesir looked at Draco going to him. He desired that more than any other thing in the world. He wanted his head in a stake. And he was about to get it. Tyr smiled widely as Draco approached to him. And his smile turned into a grin when the wolgon stood in front of him and opened his shirt.
“Right in the middle… there’s my heart” said Draco and closed his eyes.
What followed felt like in slow motion. First something cold pierced his flesh while he heard Thor shouting and negating what was happening. Then, convulsive electricity running thru his body while his heart started to slow his beating. And finally, he was raised from the ground and tossed away while everything went pitch black.
Draco fell bleeding as his heart slowly stopped. And Tyr saw his blood in his mechanical hand. The Aesir started to laugh maniacally.
“I-I did it!” roared Tyr “One of Fenrir spawns is dead!”
“You bastard!” roared Thor running against Tyr.
“Come on Thor, we might return in peace to Asgard” said Tyr smiling friendly.
“How dare you? he was just a kid!” shouted Thor “This was the kind of things that made the other Aesirs go against Loki…”
“No, the others went against him because I made them go” said Tyr “I decided that the best way to punish not only the cause of my pain was to punish his father and heritors!”
“That’s not the Tyr I knew” said Thor negating with the head “The Tyr I used to recognize would never harm a kid like him… would never want to take revenge…”
“The Tyr you knew died when Fenrir snapped my hand off!” roared Tyr.
Thor jumped against him and started to hit him with Mjolnir while Tyr defended himself trying to defeat the other God. And in the middle of the battle, the whistling sound of steel rumbled across the whole air.
“W-what’s that?” asked Tyr “It’s not possible!”
Gram shone bright in the sky as it flew at high speed. And when it was about to land, Draco caught it turning his whole body into a ball of fire. Slowly, Draco stood up, standing with some difficulties as his body became covered with a scarlet shirt and trousers. In his chest, the golden plate of his armor appeared again in the same form it was before. His body became covered with a black leather coat with red interior and his shoulder got his defensive armor again. Draco stood up completely and gave a firm grip to Gram. The sword felt warm to him and comfortable to his body. From his right shoulder armor a strap rounded his body holding Gram’s sheath.
“THIS CAN’T BE!” roared Tyr.
“Believe it Tyr… I am Draco Nidhoggson: son of Nidhogg, the dragon that gnaws the roots of Yggdrasil; and Hati, the wolf that chases the moon” Announced Draco while from the car, Gwen, Neil and Henry went out looking amazed at the spectacle “I am a wolgon and Odin believed in me… and I’ll show you why!”
Draco flew to Tyr and clashed his steel against the mechanical hand causing several sparks to fly in the air. The wolgon kept the slashing and Tyr only could defend.
“Destroyer! Get rid of him!” ordered Tyr.
But before the Destroyer managed to reach Draco, Thor stood in his way and smashed it with Mjolnir covering Draco’s back.
“I got him pup!” said Thor fighting against the Destroyer.
“Thanks uncle” nodded Draco and kept fighting against Tyr.
The clash of steel rumbled across the air like the sword did when it was looking for his owner. Slowly Tyr backed off and Draco kept the slashing getting stronger and stronger with each hit. Slowly the sword started to get covered in flames and the cuts that Draco sent against Tyr illuminated the whole city that had ended in darkness since the Destroyer boycotted the electric system.
“I’ll kill you… and this time for sure!” said Tyr starting to defend and hit Draco who defended at the same time using Gram.
“We’ll see about that” said Draco going back as the impacts from Tyr increased.
The wolgon decided it was time for using his powers and so he did. He dodged one of Tyr’s powerful punches and aimed with his hand at the Aesir sending a ball of fire against him. Tyr smacked it to turn it off and rammed against Draco sending a punch right to his face. Draco received it and rolled in the ground feeling blood in his nose again. At least, that time the helmet endured.
Gwen saw the two combats skipping from one to another. Thor fighting against the Destroyer and Draco fighting against Tyr. Both in search to stop the madness that had befall against the inhabitants of Midgard, like they called the Earth. The thunder God made a glorious display of his name and heroism while Draco made his own showing that he was the fine warrior he had claimed to be.
Draco slashed Tyr more and not only looking to impact against his hand. He hurt him on the thighs and arms, even sent stockades to his chest trying to beat him and utterly defeat him. He, of course, didn’t want to kill him. Draco was not like Tyr. He had no anger feelings against him. He actually thanked him for allowing him to meet Gwen, Neil and Henry. But the wolgon knew that he needed to stop Tyr.
“You won’t defeat me!” said Tyr and jumped back making his armor tingle “I’ll kill you!”
From Tyr’s hand a small gap opened and he aimed at Draco. The wolgon got ready for the impact but then he saw the strange blue energy forming from inside the hand. That wasn’t a piece crafted by dwarfs… they would never use magic on their gadgets…
“Where you got that?” asked Draco looking at Tyr.
“Some friends of mine that you care not to know who they are” said Tyr and a strange beam blasted at Draco. The wolgon defended himself with Gram and some fire of his own, but the impact made him fly back and crash against a van.
“Now die…” said Tyr aiming again at Draco and preparing a final blow.
“I won’t… die that easily” said Draco and stood up again “I’ll stop you because if I don’t you’ll keep hurting this people!”
“I’ll hurt who ever while you and your family still lives!” roared Tyr blasting again at Draco. The wolgon pushed the car where a family of Koalas looked terrified and received the impact directly against his chest crashing against a wall and sliding to the ground.
“Please Tyr… this don’t have to continue” said Draco looking at the Aesir “Don’t hold any grudges between us. You can just forget.”
“Forget that I got my charge relieved from me because of your grandfather?” asked Tyr.
“We are all animals in a way or another, Tyr” said Draco standing up “We go basically on instinct. And when grandpa found that you played a trick on him, he did what he thought was just fare.”
“I don’t think it was” said Tyr and prepared a third blast “And killing you I’ll prove what is real justice!”
“No Tyr, I’ll show you what’s real justice!” said Draco rushing in the fly against Tyr.
The Aesir blasted again and the beam clashed against the edge of Gram sending rainbow-like sparks into the air. Slowly, Draco’s paws were dragged back due to the potency of fire Tyr had. But he was decided, so he started to walk forward with heavy steps forcing the beam to return from where it had come.
“NO!” roared Tyr and increased the potency of the blast.
“Tyr stop!” roared Draco when the mechanical hand started to send small thunderbolts to the ground “You’ll die if you continue with that!”
“NO! YOU WILL DIE!” roared Tyr and the hand started to disintegrate in front of the amazed eyes of Tyr.
The Aesir tried to pull back, to shut down the power, but he couldn’t and his body started to get sucked into a vortex created by the beam that stopped his charge against Draco and twisted around himself. The wolgon ran to Tyr, trying to save him, but was too late. By the time he reached the armor of Tyr, the expansive way of the implosion sent him flying back against the wall he crashed previously. In that moment Gwen ran to him while Thor delivered the final blow to the destroyer that exploded into pieces. The Aesir turned at Draco and followed by Neil and Henry ran to him.
“I… I couldn’t save him…” said Draco looking at the crater that formed where Tyr was “I couldn’t…”
“Let it be Draco, it’s not your fault” said Thor holding Draco’s handpaw and pulling him up “You tried, but he was way too lost in his revenge. There was nothing you could do.”
Draco looked at Thor and smiled. He was right; there was nothing he could do. Tyr tried to kill him and basically succeeded once. The only thing that remained was to wait for Thor to take him back. Draco looked at the faces that were looking at him back. He panted waiting for a roar and a claim for him to leave. But what came caught him in surprise and out of guard. The furs reunited there, including Neil, Henry and Gwen whooped and cheered whistling and celebrating his victory. Draco looked around and smiled. He looked up and found Thor was smiling too.
“Looks like you won some points in heroism pup” said Thor laughing.
“You think so?” asked Draco.
The family of Koalas he saved from Tyr’s attack got close to him. Draco looked at them and the mother smiled holding his baby tightly in his arms.
“Thank you…” said the female with tears in her eyes “Thank you… you saved my cubs and saved me…”
“That’s what I do” said Draco smiling “I save lives.”
“Who art thou mister hero?” asked the small toddler holding his mom’s skirt and shivering in fear from the previous experience.
“Me?” asked Draco and looked up. All the others were waiting for him to claim his name. And though he grew hearing the stories of heroes from other worlds, he never imagined he would be considered like one. But the toddler gave him courage to take that path. He wanted to be one… to be a hero in front of the eyes of people. So he thought the faster he could. He could name himself by his own name, but that would be pretentious and he couldn’t hide after that. So what else could he say? And then his mind shone with a bright light “Nidhogg…” said Draco with his final pant “I am Red Nidhogg”
The cheers and claims didn’t were to be waited. Draco looked up and then he saw Gwen, Neil and Henry when he lowered his face from the sky. Then he looked at Thor.
“I’m sorry uncle” said the wolgon “The people in Midgard needs my help… I cannot return to Asgard.”
Thor smiled and messed Draco’s hair.
“I doubted you’d want to return after the first cheering you received” said Thor and Draco smiled.
“Thanks uncle… give my salutations to mom and dad and tell them that I’m fine, but I will stay here” said Draco.
“I will” nodded Thor and raising Mjolnir a lighting came and he disappeared from the sight.
The cheers and claiming didn’t stop soon. Draco stood there, waiting for the people to stop but they didn’t. He had turned into something more than what he ever dreamed. He wanted to be a soldier. He wanted to serve and protect… But now, he would do it under the name of Red Nidhogg, a hero dedicated to protect Midgard.
“That suits you fine” said Gwen smiling at Draco.
“You think?” asked Draco looking at the people still claiming his name, his hero name.
“But you’ll need to find another place to make your lair” laughed Neil “My house is not big enough.”
Draco laughed too and when finally the crowd started to leave the battle field, he spread his wings and step away from Neil, Gwen and Henry.
“I’ll see you again. Don’t worry” smiled Draco as he flew floating a bit over the ground “I’ll look for a place to hide as Red Nidhogg, and then I’ll return home.
“We’ll be waiting” said Neil and Gwen at the same time. Apparently the red fox had made up his mind about him.
Draco flew up high and with the wind moving his hair he smiled feeling the power within him again. Flowing like the blood in his veins. He then rushed to the forest looking for a place that could become his lair.
- o -
Nick Fury looked at the sky and saw the shape flying over them. He smiled and turned around to the agents and soldiers.
“Ok ladies and gentleman, it’s time for us to go” said Nick Fury looking with his yellow eye at the spot that was the young male he had chained in a chair.
“Sir, the report from Agent Douson came already. He recorded every second of the fight” said Richard Sullivan giving a dvd to director Fury.
“That’s good. Now we can add another one to the initiative” said Nick fury smiling as he walked inside where the other agents and soldiers were already picking everything up and placing it into their cases.
This is the story of Red Nidhogg. My superhero alterego. Before you start saying anything... YES I do based it on Thor's movie, but changing several things like location, characters, but the main plot line like estructuralists would say "It's the same told in a commonly different way". Why would I do this? Because basically Red Nidhogg is Thor's similar in the Furry universe so, I had to stick to the basic story. And in case you don't notice it. I made several major changes in the structure of Asgardians. I went more with the actual Norse Mythology.
