Magnus had never actually seen an official Norse council, seeing as they didn't really happen by the time she was born, and, as far as Sam told him, they were hectic.

Still, he hadn't planned to hear the shouting from a hall away. He was almost scared to open the giant wooden doors that led into the conference room, but Balder didn't even seem to be surprised. (Neither did Hodur, but at least he had a reaction, even if all he did was mumble, "Of course." under his breath.)

He wasn't even prepared to see the gods, much less actually talk to them. The last he had seen of them was their deaths, after all.

"You okay?" Hodur asked him softly as his twin went to work of the several locks that held the door closed.

Magnus breathed in a shaky sigh. His breaths were coming in soft puffs and his eyes kept darting over the five locks that Balder had already unlocked. He choked out a small cough and furiously wiped his eyes. His friends were supposed to be younger, right? How much younger? Before they went on their quests? After? He tried to find every possible outcome.

"Hey," Hodur patted his arm lightly, bringing him back to reality. "You need to calm down. At least keep your meltdown on the lowdown until we get into the conference room, then Frey and Freya can help you." Magnus let out a soft sob at his father's name. He may not have been the best parent, but he had died to protect Magnus in the final battle, so he wasn't a total deadbeat.

"Yeah, yeah, okay." He wiped at his eyes again and steeled himself. C'mon Magnus, you're tougher than this. He didn't really feel tough, though. In his gray jeggings and the green "I a catch, so put me back" T-shirt that Alex had bought him for his 57th birthday. His rune tattoo was on full display because of it, and he really wished he had better clothes since they were pretty singed and he felt too exposed. "I'm usually better than this, sorry."

"It's fine." Hodur smiled, although it had a grim touch to it. "From what I can tell, the future doesn't sound very good."

"Believe me, it's not." The two waited in silence for Balder to finish the 20th lock, which was bright pink and sparked to brightly, even if there was no harsh light. (The key was lime green and it reminded Magnus of the suit Alex wore for Sam and Amir's wedding.)

The doors swung open, and with them, the harsh sounds from inside finally warped into voices.

"I think we should-"

"...FIGHT!"

"Cal-"

"Let's wait-"

The room was circular and huge, with eight 9-foot tall thrones and a smaller, medium-sized throne off the left of one of them. A white table was spread out in front of the seats, and in front of it was seven much smaller chairs. The gods took up most of the room and were the ones arguing, but Magnus' eyes were, instead, drawn to the smaller chairs.

His friends were as young and alive as he remembered them to be, and that made his legs start shaking. He nearly fell to the side, but Balder grabbed him and gave an encouraging smile.

"Ready?" He mouthed. Magnus straightened up and did his best to calm his shaking. I've been through Hel, I can manage seeing my friends again. He thought. Balder whistled, and instantly everyone's eyes darted towards them. Magnus caught Alex's duel-tones eyes and saw as confusion swirled in them.

"We have found the last visitor, Father," Hodur said softly, to which his brother nodded.

"He appeared in the middle of the 10th hallway," Balder showed them the flower.

Odin, the All-Father, straightened. He looked a lot different then Magnus had ever seen him. For one thing, he wasn't wearing an eye patch, and instead, his bright blues were on full display. His throne was a pale replica of the High throne, much like all the others, but he also had carvings etched into it. By his side, Frigg looked pale and welcoming, without the tear tracks that had normally marred her face.

"I see!" Odin announced. "So this is the young demigod that survived the end of the world?" Magnus did his best to bow to him without dropping the books onto the floor. "State your name, little one, then join your friends."

"Magnus Chase." He said, giving the books to Balder as the young god opened his arms for them. "And yeah, I'm from the end of R-Ragnarok."

Another chair appeared, but before he could move to sit on it, Frey was in front of him. Magnus flinched. The last time he'd seen his father, he was half melted, his skin peeling like liquid off of pure white bones and his green eyes wide with utter horror.

"You're injured." He said, narrowing his eyes.

"I just cam from Ragnarok," Magnus repeated. "Huge battle. Lots of fighting." Frey sighed and moved to put his hands on his (unknown) sons back. Magnus backed out of the way with distrusting eyes.

"The wounds closed." He muttered. "I'll be fine." He moved around the Lord of Vanaheim so he could get to his friend.

Sam was the first to speak.

"Magnus?" She asked, her voice was fearful and confused. "What do you mean, Ragnarok? You were just with us not 3 hours ago."

"On your quest," T.J added. "For the Hammer."

Magnus shrugged, trying to ignoring the stinging in his eyes. "It's been a couple years, for me."

They looked like they wanted to say more, but Frigg silenced them with a wave of her hand, awkwardly watching as Frey slowly walked back to his seat. "The Norns have requested we read these books," She said. "Starting with this one." She pulled a book off the pile. "Who would like to read first?"

"Wait!" Magnus called. "What about Hearth? He's deaf." Hearth waved his hands.

'Magic implants.' He signed. "Vibrations. Can hear words while in the room.' Magnus nodded dumbly. Was that how they made sure gods like Hodur could tell things apart?

"I'll read," Balder suggest. "Since I found him." Thor clapped his brother on the back and grinned.

"Be brave, brother!" Magnus' eyes settled on Loki for a moment, and hardened, before looking over and realizing that both Alex and Sam were glaring at there parent in anger.

Frigg rolled her eyes fondly but handed Balder the book.

"We'll be talking, after this," Mallory promised, glaring at Magnus. "Trust me on that."

Magnus gulped but nodded.

"Chapter 1." Balder read carefully. "Good Morning! You're Going to Die."

Suddenly, Alex snickered. "Of course it starts with this." Magnus scoffed. "The sarcasm is real with this one."

"What do you expect?" Blitz asked. "It's Magnus."

"Butterflies and rainbows."

"Yeah," Magnus scoffed. "How 'bout no." Then he sighed. He missed his friends so much, but he also had the feeling that he didn't really know what he was getting into.