102 You Actually Let Hitomi Drink?!

Loki left, and it seemed like he wasn't moved at all…

Kagura sighed softly, feeling a bit disappointed.

She hadn't been able to convince him to join the Griffin Asgard branch.

Well, she thought, we'll meet again soon enough.

Maybe I can try again next time.

In a guest room at a temporary SHIELD research base, Thor and Kagura sat facing each other.

The room was heavy with silence.

Thor remained quiet, looking like he'd just received a devastating blow.

"Kagura, what do people on Earth do when they're feeling down?" Thor asked, breaking the silence.

Kagura thought for a moment, tapping her lips. "Well... probably go have a drink?"

"Then... will you come have a drink with me?"

"Huh?" Kagura blinked in surprise. "I mean, I can... but…"

"Please," Thor grasped her hand tightly, his grip trembling.

Kagura could feel the sadness, regret, pain, and guilt through his touch.

Just moments ago, Thor had been his usual optimistic, proud self.

But now, he seemed like a lost child, overwhelmed with confusion and despair.

"Alright," Kagura squeezed his hand.

"Let's go have a drink then."

At the Pub in Puente Antiguo.

"I owe you ten bucks, Kagura." Thor slouched, looking down.

With a heavy sigh, he knocked back a large glass of beer.

"Sorry. Looks like you were right. I don't deserve it."

"Life's full of setbacks, Thor," Kagura gently patted his back.

"But you're the God of Thunder! How can you let something so small get you down?"

Thor looked up, his eyes filled with disappointment.

"Do you still think I'm a god from Asgard? I can't even lift Mjölnir. I'm just a human now."

"That doesn't change who you are, Thor," Kagura said firmly.

"If losing your power makes you feel worthless, then you were never truly worthy of it."

"As a king—or even as a hero—the measure of worth is never about how strong you are, but how much responsibility your heart can carry."

Her words, soft and warm like a gentle stream, seemed to reach Thor's heart.

"I've told you before, Thor, you need to understand people. You need to understand the difference between being a king and being a general."

Thor seemed to ponder her words deeply.

"You know…" After a long silence, Thor spoke again.

"Kagura, why didn't I meet you a few hundred years ago?"

"Late to the party?" Kagura grinned playfully.

"Hey, it's not too late now!"

"Yeah, it's not too late," Thor chuckled softly, giving Kagura's shoulder a reassuring pat.

"Can I call you my little sister?"

"Huh?" Kagura's face turned red. "What...what do you mean by that?"

"Little sister?" Thor smiled innocently.

"I just feel like the whole world has abandoned me, and yet you're the only one who hasn't, the only one who still believes in me. I can't repay you, but I'll give you the best promise I can."

"Hmm, I'm honored to have a godly big brother," Kagura teased.

"I'm honored to be your brother too," Thor exhaled deeply.

"You're right. Maybe I should reflect on my past actions and figure out what to do next."

He stared off into the distance, his blue eyes full of sadness.

"Father is gone, and Loki is in charge of Asgard now. Honestly, it's hard to accept."

Thor continued, "Of course, Loki has the ability and right to take the throne. The truth is, I'm the one who failed. Father died because of me, not because of Loki. He's even carrying the responsibilities that should have been mine."

"Wait... Odin's dead?" Kagura froze.

"Yeah," Thor said quietly.

"Loki came to me, explained the situation in Asgard. Because of my mistake, Father died of grief... I feel incredibly guilty."

Ah, so it's the same old sibling rivalry... Kagura thought to herself, silently sarcastic.

Well, there's no point dwelling on it now.

What's happened in Asgard, you'll have to sort it out when you get back.

She shook her head. "Right now, the most important thing is how to get your power back."

Thor nodded slowly. "Father always said that anyone with the right qualifications could wield the power of Thor."

He looked at Kagura seriously. "I think I need to start by treating others with kindness and getting Mjölnir's approval again. That's how I'll be worthy of it."

"Good," Kagura smiled.

"I'm glad you're thinking like that. Having a goal is always a good thing."

Thor raised his drink. "Kagura, I'm so glad to have met you!"

He laughed. "By the way, Midgard's drinks taste way better than Asgard's! Cheers!"

"Mm." Kagura picked up her cocktail.

"My tolerance isn't great, so take it easy."

"Hahaha!" Thor laughed heartily.

"You know, in Asgard, we have a saying: if you don't get drunk, it's like you never drank at all!"

"No way…" Kagura pouted. "I don't want to get drunk."

"Don't worry!" Thor patted her on the shoulder.

"I'll take care of you. I'm your big brother now!"

"That doesn't make me feel any better!" Kagura rolled her eyes.

"What's there to worry about? You're my little sister! I'll protect you!" Thor grinned.

"Come on! Drink up! For tomorrow! For Asgard! For the rebirth of Thor!"

Ugh... I think I just got myself into trouble... (┬＿┬)

A few hours later, Thor knocked on the hotel door.

Tony Stark opened the door, his face full of surprise.

"Who are you? What happened to Kagura?"

"She's fine. Just a little drunk," Thor said, holding Kagura steady as he handed her over to Tony.

"Let her rest, she'll be fine."

"Wait, hold on!" Tony raised an eyebrow, looking suspiciously at Thor.

"This doesn't just get brushed off with 'she's fine'!"

"Not drunk, Mr. Stark," Kagura mumbled, rubbing her forehead.

"Just tired, I'll be okay after a nap."

"You're a kid, don't interrupt," Tony said, helping Kagura to her room and throwing her onto the bed. He closed the door, then turned back to Thor.

"You said your name was what?"

"Thor Odinson, the God of Thunder from Asgard," Thor repeated.

"Alright…" Tony raised an eyebrow. "I'm Tony Stark, the Iron Man of Earth."

"Iron Man? Never heard of it."

"Not everyone gives themselves a mythical nickname, kid." Tony scowled.

"What did you do to Hitomi?"

"I told you, we're friends. She helped me, I'm grateful. We just had a drink and talked," Thor said, looking sincere.

"No bad intentions."

Tony glared at him. "Yeah right! I don't believe you!"