Chapter 4: Training with the Thunder Rookie

Earth-933

The morning sun gleamed brightly over New York, its golden light spilling across the backyard of a quaint apartment balcony. Birds chirped cheerfully, and the air was crisp with the promise of spring. But the peace was short-lived.

BOOM!

A swirling vortex of lightning and clouds formed in the sky, crackling with golden energy. In a flash of light, a figure appeared, tall and imposing, his golden hair flowing like a lion's mane. His muscular frame was wrapped in regal Asgardian armor, a crimson cape billowing behind him.

Thorin-933's jaw dropped, his eyes wide with awe. "Uncle Thor!"

The God of Thunder grinned, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. "Thorin! My favorite nephew!" His booming voice echoed through the neighborhood as he strode forward, his every step vibrating with power. He ruffled the boy's brown hair, laughing heartily. "By Odin's beard, you've grown!"

Thorin stumbled back, rubbing his head. "U-Uncle! You didn't have to make such an entrance!" He glanced nervously at the neighbors' apartment, hoping no one noticed the literal god in their area.

Thor's laughter boomed, loud and joyous. "Nonsense! A thunder god must always arrive with grandeur!" He crossed his arms, his expression growing serious. "Besides, you've been neglecting your training. And sensed through Asgard that you... accidentally caused a blackout?"

Thorin's face turned red. "I... it was just a sneeze! I didn't mean to!"

Thor's eyes softened, a knowing smile forming. "Ah, the uncontrollable power of youth... I remember it well." He placed a firm hand on Thorin's shoulder, his gaze warm. "But that is why we train—to master the storm within."

Thorin looked down, shame flickering in his eyes. "I... I just want to be normal. To fit in. But I keep messing up..."

Thor's expression softened, his grip tightening. "You are not meant to be normal, Thorin. You are destined for greatness. To be a protector... a hero." He straightened, lightning crackling around him. "But first, you must learn control. Now... show me your power."

Asgard-933

Thorin's eyes widened. "W-What? Here? Now?" He glanced around the backyard. "But... Grandma Freya's garden... she'll kill me if I wreck it again you know!"

Thor threw his head back, laughing. "Worry not! I shall shield her precious flowers." With a wave of his hand, a golden barrier appeared around the garden, shimmering like sunlight on water. "There. Now... no more excuses."

Thorin gulped, stepping back. He spread his legs apart, his hands clenching into fists. Electricity crackled around him, blue sparks dancing across his silver hair. He closed his eyes, focusing on the storm within.

"Good," Thor's voice rumbled. "Feel the power. Let it flow... but do not let it control you."

Thorin gritted his teeth, his body trembling as energy surged through him. The sky above grew dark, clouds swirling ominously. His eyes snapped open, glowing electric blue. He thrust his hands forward, a blast of lightning shooting out, hitting the old oak tree at the end of the yard. The tree exploded, splinters flying in all directions.

Thor's eyes widened, his hands moving quickly to shield the house with a golden barrier. "Whoa! Easy there, lad! Control!"

Thorin gasped, the glow in his eyes fading. He fell to his knees, panting heavily. "I... I didn't mean to... I just..."

Thor knelt beside him, his hand resting on Thorin's shoulder. "Do not fear your power. It is a gift. But it is also a burden... one that must be mastered." His voice softened. "I understand the struggle... the fear of hurting those you care about. But that is why you must learn control... so you can protect them."

Thorin looked up, his eyes filled with determination. "I... I won't give up. I want to learn. I want to be strong... like you, Uncle Thor."

Thor's face broke into a proud smile. "That's the spirit!" He stood, lightning crackling around him. "Now, on your feet! We shall train until the sun sets! Show me that fire in your heart, boy!"

Thorin stood up, his hands sparking with blue energy. "Alright... I'm ready!"

Thor's laughter echoed through the sky, thunder rolling above. "Then let us see if you can withstand the storm!" He raised his hammer, Mjölnir, lightning surging around him. "Come, Thorin! Show me your might!"

Thorin's eyes blazed with electric blue light, his heart pounding with excitement. He charged forward, lightning crackling around him. "Here I come, Uncle!"

Their powers clashed, thunder roaring as lightning danced across the sky. And in that moment, Thorin felt it—the rush of the storm within him. The thrill of power... and the determination to control it.

A Thank You and a Secret

The sun was setting over Asgard, the sky painted in shades of pink and gold. The air was crisp, carrying the lingering scent of ozone from the day's intense training session.

Thorin-933 stood in the middle of the garden, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. His silver hair was wild, charged with static, and his clothes were slightly singed. But his eyes were alight with excitement, a wide grin plastered on his face.

High above him, Thor floated, his crimson cape billowing majestically. He descended slowly, landing with a grace that defied his massive frame. "Well done, Thorin!" His voice boomed with pride. "Your control has improved... and your flying, too."

Thorin's face lit up. "Yeah! I... I actually did it! I flew!" He looked at his hands, still buzzing with electric energy. "I felt... free."

Thor placed a firm hand on his nephew's shoulder, his expression softening. "You did well today. But remember, power is nothing without control. You must always be vigilant... always focused." He looked off into the distance, his gaze heavy with memories. "Many have fallen to the temptation of power. You must be stronger... for them."

Thorin nodded, his face growing serious. "I understand, Uncle Thor. I... I won't let you down." He hesitated before bowing his head. "Thank you... for training me."

Thor's face softened, his hand ruffling Thorin's hair. "No need to thank me, lad. It is my duty... and my honor." He chuckled, his booming laughter echoing across the yard. "Besides, it's good to see the future of thunder is in good hands!"

Thorin's cheeks flushed, his eyes sparkling with admiration. "You really think so?"

Thor grinned, his blue eyes twinkling. "Aye... you've got the heart of a warrior." He took a step back, summoning his hammer, Mjölnir, to his side. "But I must return to Asgard. Your aunt Freya will be most displeased if I'm late for dinner again." He shuddered, a look of genuine fear crossing his face. "That woman's wrath is more terrifying than any frost giant."

Thorin laughed, feeling lighter than he had in days. "Tell Grandma Freya I said hi... and thanks again, Uncle."

Thor's eyes softened, his smile warm. "Anytime, Thorin." He lifted Mjölnir, lightning swirling around him. "Remember... you are destined for greatness." He shot into the sky, a thunderous boom echoing as he disappeared into the clouds.

Thorin watched the sky until the lightning faded, his heart swelling with determination. I won't let you down, Uncle. I'll master this power... no matter what.

He took a deep breath, his body tingling with newfound confidence. He focused, his eyes glowing electric blue. The air around him crackled as he lifted off the ground, hovering a few feet in the air. He wobbled at first, his arms flailing before he steadied himself. A grin spread across his face. "I... I'm flying!"

He willed himself forward, gliding through the air with growing ease. He flew above the rooftops, the wind whipping through his hair as he zipped through the clouds. This... this is incredible!

But then a thought crossed his mind, and his heart sank. I can't let Gwen see this... He could almost hear her teasing voice. "What's the matter, Thunder Boy? Afraid of heights?" His cheeks turned red. Yeah... definitely can't let her find out.

He flew back towards his apartment, careful to land in the alley behind the building where no one could see. He jogged up the stairs, his body still buzzing with excitement as he unlocked the door to his room.

Tossing his backpack on the floor, he collapsed onto his bed, his chest still pounding. A wide grin spread across his face as he pulled out his phone, scrolling through his playlist. He tapped on a familiar song, his head bobbing as the beat filled the room.

"Hey, hey, hey... What's the matter with your head, yeah..."

The opening chords of "Come and Get Your Love" by Redbone echoed off the walls, the funky rhythm lifting his spirits. He jumped off the bed, his feet moving to the beat as he danced around the room.

He spun around, his hair whipping wildly as he sang along to the lyrics, his voice off-key but filled with joy. "Come and get your loooooove!"

He grabbed his hairbrush, using it as a makeshift microphone as he slid across the floor in his socks. He struck a pose, laughing at his own ridiculousness. Man... today was awesome.

He threw himself back onto the bed, his limbs sprawled out as the music played on. His eyes drifted to the ceiling, a peaceful smile on his face. I did it... I actually did it.

But then, his thoughts wandered to Gwen, her sharp eyes and curious smile. I can't let her find out... His face turned red. She'd never let me live it down.

He shook his head, laughing softly. "Yeah... no way she's finding out."

Unbeknownst to him, across the street, a figure crouched on the rooftop, her silhouette framed by the setting sun. Her white, red and pink spider-suit clung to her form, her lenses narrowing as she watched him through the window.

Gwen-933 tilted her head, her heart skipping a beat as she watched him dance around his room like a dork, his smile brighter than any she'd seen before. She felt her cheeks grow warm, her lips curving into a soft smile.

You're definitely not normal, Thorin... she thought, her chest tightening. But... maybe that's not such a bad thing.

She stood up, her heart racing as she swung off into the sunset, the music from his window echoing behind her.

"Come and get your loooooove!"