Chapter 6– The Thunder Axe
After arriving at the hidden cabin deep within the snowy woods, Thor gently laid Shiro down on the bed they had built together. Her silver hair glistened faintly in the moonlight streaming through the wooden window. Her peaceful expression made Thor smile as he quietly stood, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
"I have to get back before anyone notices I'm gone," Thor whispered to himself. "But later, once everyone's asleep… I'll sneak back here and spend the night with Shiro."
With that thought warming his heart, he stepped out into the cold air and closed the door behind him softly. The forest was blanketed in fresh snow, its silence broken only by the crunch of his boots. Snowflakes drifted lazily from the sky, catching on his fur-lined cloak as he made his way back toward the village.
As he approached the house, Thor noticed a large crowd had gathered. The sounds of laughter, clinking mugs, and music filled the air. The warm glow of torchlight spilled from the windows, and smoke curled up from the chimney. His father's voice echoed above the rest.
"Thor! There you are!" Stoick bellowed from inside. "Come stand by me, son!"
Thor stepped inside, blinking as the heat from the fire hit him. The entire village seemed to be there, crowded together in celebration.
Stoick raised his mug. "Tonight, we celebrate the strength and growth of my son! Thor, the pride of our clan!"
Everyone cheered. "Drink and sing, everyone!"
From the side, Hiccup approached Thor, carrying something large wrapped in cloth. "Hey, Thor… Here's your present."
Gobber stepped beside him, his chest puffed out. "Took us a lot of sweat and effort, but we finally forged the perfect weapon for you!"
Thor unwrapped the cloth slowly, revealing a magnificent battle axe. His breath caught as he took it in.
It resembled Escanor's axe from Nanatsu no Taizai, but this one was forged in deep midnight blue, etched with silver lightning streaks from blade to hilt. The metal shimmered with energy, like thunder waiting to be unleashed.
Thor's fingers closed around the hilt as he lifted the axe high, the crowd letting out gasps of admiration. Sparks of static crackled along its surface as if responding to his touch.
"Gobber, Hiccup… thank you so much," Thor said, emotion in his voice as he pulled both into a hug.
Gobber laughed. "You should also thank your father. It was Stoick who gathered the rare metals used to forge that axe."
Stoick stepped forward, placing a strong hand on Thor's shoulder. "I wanted it to mean something, son. Wherever you are, whatever battles you face, remember this: we are always with you. You'll never be alone. You are family."
Thor swallowed hard, eyes misty. "Thank you, Father."
With a proud smile, Stoick lifted his mug again. "Let the feast begin!"
The celebration exploded with joy. Vikings danced, drank, and sang old songs of heroism and fire. The hall echoed with laughter and music well into the night. The tables were heavy with food, and barrels of mead were quickly emptied.
Later, when most of the villagers had passed out on benches or collapsed in laughter on the floor, Thor quietly carried Hiccup to his room and tucked him in. The boy mumbled something about dragons in his sleep and turned over.
Thor stepped into his own room, quietly closing the door behind him. He opened the window and leapt out into the night.
The cold air stung his face, but his heart was warm.
As he returned to the cabin, the forest seemed to welcome him back. The wind was calm, and the snow had lightened to a gentle dusting. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the trees.
He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. Shiro lay curled on the bed, breathing softly. Thor removed his cloak and boots and slipped beside her, gently pulling her close.
She stirred in her sleep, instinctively nuzzling into his chest. Thor wrapped his arms around her and held her tight.
"That was a great day," he whispered. "Thank you, Father. Thank you, Hiccup… and thank you, Berk."
As he closed his eyes, the memory of the axe still fresh in his mind, he smiled.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges—but tonight, he had peace.
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