"I need to retrieve my hammer," Thor declared as he strode out of the pet store, stopping in front of Rowan. "It lies fifty miles northwest. Help me reach it, and I will reward you generously."
Rowan smiled faintly. "My price isn't cheap."
"I can afford anything," Thor said with complete confidence. Once Mjolnir was back in his grasp, his power would return, and Asgard would be within reach again. Mortal concerns like wealth meant little to him.
"Then come with me."
Rowan waved him along toward the X-Jet. As they walked, he asked casually, "I'm Rowan. And you are?"
"Thor Odinson," Thor replied. Then, as if reciting something he'd said too many times already, he added, "You may find this difficult to believe, but I am the God of Thunder from Asgard—"
"I believe you," Rowan cut in smoothly. "Do you know Loki?"
Thor stopped short, surprised. "Of course. He is my brother. He should still be in Asgard."
His mood visibly lifted. "You mortals are sharper than I was led to expect."
Rowan didn't elaborate. "I have a few friends nearby. Mind if we bring them along?"
"As long as you take me to the hammer, I care little about the rest," Thor said with a broad gesture.
Rowan activated his communicator. "Steve, Bruce, Betty, Logan. I've found something. Head back to the jet. Tony, wait for us about fifty miles northwest of town. There's a hammer there."
Ten minutes later, the jet lifted off. Thor sat inside, studying the cabin with open curiosity.
"So this is Midgard's flying vessel," he said. "Improved from what I remember. Still… crude."
Steve, Bruce, Betty, and Logan exchanged looks, then glanced toward Rowan.
Using a private mental channel, Rowan sent a brief explanation. "His name is Thor. Loki's brother. In the future I saw, he's on our side. Let's hear him out."
They nodded, reserving judgment.
Tony's voice crackled over the comms. "Found the hammer. Crowd's been treating it like a festival prop. I paid them to clear out."
The jet descended and settled near the impact site.
Outside, Tony was already in his armor, straining against the hammer embedded in the ground. Even with the suit's output maxed, it didn't move an inch.
"There's something wrong with this thing," Tony said, lifting his faceplate. "Energy readings are off the charts."
"Only my father and I may lift Mjolnir," Thor announced, stepping forward confidently. "I am Thor, rightful wielder of the hammer."
He brushed past Steve and Logan and grasped the handle.
Nothing happened.
Thor frowned and pulled harder.
Still nothing.
He planted his feet, hauled with both hands, muscles straining. The hammer did not shift.
Finally, he collapsed to his knees, staring at it in disbelief.
"Why?" he shouted upward. "Father, why would you deny me this?"
Tony leaned toward Rowan. "Where did you find this guy? Community theater?"
"He's not an actor," Rowan said quietly. "He claims to be Thor of Asgard. Loki's brother. And in what I saw of the future, he exists."
Tony snorted. "Gods? Come on. He doesn't look divine. That hammer's probably just some exotic physics problem."
Rowan stepped closer to Thor and spoke gently. "Tell us what happened. Maybe we can help."
Thor's shoulders sagged. With no strength left for bluster, he told his story. Of his interrupted coronation. Of Frost Giants invading Asgard's vault. Of his fury, Odin's refusal, and his defiance. Of leading his closest allies into Jotunheim. Of near disaster, and Odin's final judgment.
Power stripped away. Exile to Earth.
When he finished, silence hung over the group.
"It's a good story," Tony said at last. "Still don't buy it."
He looked back at the hammer. "If it won't move, there's a scientific reason. Even if we haven't figured it out yet."
Thor didn't respond.
He just knelt there, staring at the hammer that no longer recognized him.