12. Gathering Forces: Alex

CHAPTER 12

GATHERING FORCES

ALEX

T hey'd just left a nearby coffee shop, and the kid nursed a hot chocolate like it was his lifeline, while Eryx sipped his fancy latte with infuriating grace. Alex grimaced at his black coffee, bitter and scalding—just the way he liked it.

"So, Zac," Alex began, eyeing the teenager. "You given any more thought to going back to school?"

Zac's shoulders tensed, his grip tightening on the paper cup. "I don't know if I'm ready for that yet."

Alex nodded, understanding all too well. The kid had been through hell—literally, in some cases. "No pressure, alright? We just want to make sure you've got some stability in your life. You're seventeen, for fuck's sake. You should be worried about prom and college applications."

"Alex is right," Eryx interjected, his voice carrying that annoyingly soothing tone that always got under Alex's skin. "We know you've got potential, Zac. But we need to take this one step at a time."

Alex snorted. "Yeah, what he said. With less coddling."

Zac managed a small smile. "I get it. And I appreciate it. I just... I don't know if I can handle being around other people right now. Even with all the training Zagreus has been giving me, things has not been easy."

The mention of his son sent a pang through Alex's chest. Zagreus had taken on the role of mentor to Zac, helping the teen navigate the treacherous waters of his newfound abilities. It was a responsibility Alex was proud to see his son shoulder, even if it meant dealing with the complications of blood magic and an ancient vampire consciousness.

"Look," Alex said, pausing as they approached the nondescript office building that housed the Shadowguards' headquarters. "School duties, and dealing with whatever the hell's going on in your head now. It's a lot. You don't have to be a hero all the time."

Zac's eyes flashed, a swirl of crimson momentarily eclipsing his natural brown. "That's rich, coming from you two."

Eryx chuckled, but Alex could hear the tension beneath it. "He's got us there."

As they entered the building, Alex felt the familiar tingle of protective wards washing over him. He couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips. Home sweet fucking home.

The elevator ride to the Shadowguards' floor was silent, each lost in their own thoughts. Alex studied their reflections in the polished doors. Eryx, the picture of calm with his perfectly styled hair and serene expression. Zac, a bundle of nervous energy barely contained in his lanky frame. And himself—dark circles under his eyes, permanent scowl etched into his features. Some team they made.

The doors slid open, revealing the controlled chaos of the Shadowguards' command center. Holographic displays flickered with supernatural activity reports, streams of data flowed through the air in glowing rivulets, and the walls pulsed with ethereal light from embedded enchantments.

"There you are," Lily called out, her voice laced with worry as she looked up from a floating touchscreen. "We were about to send out a search party. "

Alex rolled his eyes. "We're five minutes late, Lil. The world's not ending." He paused, considering. "Well, not because we're late, anyway."

The rest of the team was already gathered in the briefing room. Lucas hunched over a holographic terminal, his fingers dancing through the air as he manipulated complex data structures. Marcus paced the length of the room. Gabe stood before a shimmering magical interface, swiping through ancient texts that had been digitized and enhanced with arcane annotations. Emma and Olivia huddled in the corner, whispering urgently as they reviewed a projection of ley line disturbances.

As Alex entered, all eyes turned to him. He felt the weight of their expectations like a physical thing, pressing down on his shoulders. Fuck, he hated being in charge sometimes.

"Alright, let's get this shit-show on the road," he grumbled, moving to the head of the sleek conference table. Eryx took his place at Alex's right, a steady presence that both comforted and irritated him.

Gabe dismissed his magical interface with a wave of his hand. "So, what's the plan?"

Alex ran a hand through his hair, fighting the urge to snap back. He caught Eryx's eye, drawing strength from the quiet confidence he saw there. "Right. Here's what we know. Odin's disappeared, and it's causing some major cosmic instability. The Valkyries think we might be responsible, thanks to some bullshit Loki's been spreading."

Lily leaned forward, concern etched into her delicate features. "What does Loki gain from all this chaos?"

Alex shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe he's bored. Maybe he's got some grand scheme. Either way, he's a problem we need to deal with."

"And how exactly do we do that?" Marcus asked, finally ceasing his pacing to focus on the conversation.

Alex took a deep breath, knowing his next words would be met with resistance. "We're going to Asgard. "

The room erupted into a cacophony of voices. Gabe's eyebrows shot up to his hairline. Emma and Olivia exchanged worried glances. Lucas started furiously typing in midair, likely running probability scenarios.

"Are you out of your fucking mind?" Olivia's voice cut through the chaos.

Alex slammed his hand on the table, silencing the room. "You think I don't know that? You think I'm thrilled about the idea of going into a realm where half the population would love to see me dead or back in Tartarus? But we don't have a choice. Odin's disappearance is going to cause some serious issues. If we don't find him, or at least figure out what the hell happened, everything we've fought for goes up in smoke."

The room fell silent, the weight of Alex's words settling over them like a shroud. Eryx placed a hand on Alex's shoulder, a gesture of support that didn't go unnoticed by the team.

"He's right, we can't just sit around here and not do anything." Eryx said softly.

Zac, who had been uncharacteristically quiet until now, spoke up. "So how do we do it? How do we get into Asgard?"

"We," Alex began, emphasizing the word, "aren't doing anything. Eryx, Zac, and I will be the ones heading to Asgard."

The room erupted into chaos once more. Protests and questions flew from all directions, a cacophony of concern and indignation. Alex raised a hand, silencing them with a look that brooked no argument.

"I know, I know. You all want to play hero and storm the gates of Asgard," Alex said, his tone softening despite himself. "But we need a team here, keeping New York safe. Who knows what other shit might go down while we're gone?" He turned to Lily, meeting her startled gaze. "Lily, you're in charge while we're away. I need you to keep these yahoos in line and make sure the city doesn't burn down."

Lily's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and determination flashing across her face. "Of course, Alex. You can count on us. "

Alex nodded, feeling a swell of pride he'd never admit to out loud. "I know I can. That's why I'm trusting you with this."

The room fell silent, the weight of Alex's decision settling over them like a heavy blanket. He could see the questions in their eyes, the concerns they were barely holding back. But there was also trust there, a faith in his leadership that still caught him off guard sometimes.

Lucas cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Not to be the bearer of bad news, but how exactly are you going to find Asgard? It's not like we can punch it into your GPS."

Alex snorted, appreciating Lucas's ability to cut through the tension. "If only it were that easy. No, Asgard's a tricky bitch to pin down. It moves around in the mortal realm, never staying in one place for long."

Alex had always found the concept of Asgard frustratingly elusive. Unlike the fixed realm of Olympus, the Norse stronghold was a slippery bastard, constantly on the move in the mortal world. It shifted like a mirage in the desert, there one moment and gone the next, leaving no trace of its passing. This nomadic nature made it a bitch to track down, even for someone with Alex's considerable resources and divine connections.

"So what, you are just going to wander around hoping to stumble across it?" Olivia asked, her tone sharp but her eyes betraying her worry.

"Not quite," Alex said, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "We've got an ace up our sleeve. Or rather, a messenger god." He turned to Marcus, who perked up at the attention. "Marcus, I need you to get in touch with your old man. Hermes is the only one who can help us track down Asgard's current location."

Marcus's eyes lit up with a mix of excitement and apprehension. "Dad? Are you sure?"

Alex chuckled, the sound low and rumbling. "He's the best shot we've got. And he owes me a favor or ten."

Gabe leaned forward, his usual sarcasm replaced by genuine concern. "Alex, are you sure we're ready for this? "

For a moment, Alex let his guard down, his expression softening as he looked at each member of his team. These people, this mismatched family of misfits and demigods, they were everything to him. Not that he'd ever say it out loud, but he hoped they knew.

"Ready?" Alex said, his voice gruff but warm. "Hell no. We're about to break into the home of the gods, piss off a trickster deity, and possibly start a divine war. But that's what we do, isn't it? We face the impossible because no one else can." He paused, letting his words sink in. "I won't lie to you. This is dangerous, probably the most insane thing we've ever attempted. And that's saying something, considering our track record."

Eryx stepped forward, placing a hand on Alex's shoulder. The touch sent a familiar warmth through him, grounding him in a way nothing else could. "But we're not going in blind," Eryx added, his calm voice a perfect counterpoint to Alex's gruffness. "We have a plan, we have each other, and we have a damn good reason for doing this."

The room was quiet for a moment, each member of the team wrestling with their own thoughts and fears. Alex could see the doubt in their eyes, but he could also see the determination, the fire that made them Shadowguards.

"So," Alex said, clapping his hands together. "Any questions?"

For a beat, no one spoke. Then, to Alex's surprise, it was Zac who broke the silence.

"Yeah, I've got one," the teenager said, a hint of his old sass creeping into his voice. "What exactly am I supposed to pack for a trip to Asgard? I'm guessing my usual hoodie and jeans combo isn't going to cut it."

The tension in the room broke, laughter rippling through the team. Alex felt a surge of affection for the kid, proud of his ability to find humor even in the face of cosmic peril.

The renovated fire station stood before them, a testament to Alex's impeccable taste and craftsmanship. He couldn't help the surge of pride that washed over him as they approached. This had been his project, a labor of love that transformed the old building into a modern marvel. Now it housed a different set of gods, and he wasn't sure how he felt about that.

Hermes answered the door before they could knock, his trademark grin plastered across his face. "Uncle Alex! Cousin Eryx! And... is that little Zac? By Zeus, you've grown!"

Alex rolled his eyes, but there was no real heat behind it. "Can it, you overgrown messenger boy. We're here on business, not for a family reunion."

Hermes clutched his chest in mock hurt. "You wound me, Uncle. And here I thought you'd missed my charming company."

Despite himself, Alex felt the corner of his mouth twitch upward. The kid was a pain in the ass, but he was family. And in their line of work, family was everything.

As they stepped inside, the scent of sandalwood and citrus greeted them—a far cry from the motor oil and ozone Alex had expected. The interior was spotless, every surface gleaming as if it had just been polished. It was exactly as he'd left it, yet somehow different. Lived in. Loved.

"Tea?" Hermes offered, ushering them into the living room. "I've got a kettle on. Harry's been on a British kick lately."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Since when does he drink tea? Last I checked, ambrosia was more his style."

Hermes shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Since he discovered a time travelling doctor and decided to embrace his mortal persona. Don't ask."

As they settled onto the plush leather couch—another of Alex's carefully chosen pieces—he couldn't help but notice the little touches that marked this as Hermes' space now. Winged sandals tossed carelessly by the door. A caduceus leaning against the wall like an umbrella. And was that a stack of takeout menus from every cuisine imaginable?

"So," Alex said, accepting a steaming mug of tea from his nephew. "Want to tell me why you're shacking up with the forge god? Last I checked, you two weren't exactly bosom buddies."

Hermes' grin faltered for a moment, a flicker of something—embarrassment? Guilt?—crossing his face. "It's... complicated. Look, can we focus on why you're here? I'm guessing this isn't a social call."

Alex narrowed his eyes, filing away Hermes' evasion for later. The kid was hiding something, but they had bigger fish to fry right now.

Before he could press further, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed from the back of the house. A moment later, Harry emerged from what must have been the forge, wiping his hands on a surprisingly clean rag.

"Visitors?" the forge god rumbled, his voice like gravel in a blender. "Hermes, you didn't say we were expecting?—"

He broke off as Zac launched himself across the room, wrapping his arms around the big man's waist. "Harry!"

For a moment, Harry looked stunned, his massive hands hovering uncertainly over Zac's shoulders. Then, slowly, a smile spread across his craggy features. He returned the hug, careful not to crush the teenager with his godly strength.

"Hey, kid," Harry said softly. "Good to see you."

Alex watched the exchange with a mixture of surprise and... was that jealousy? When the hell had Zac and Harry gotten so chummy? And why did it make something twist uncomfortably in his chest?

As if sensing his thoughts, Eryx placed a hand on Alex's arm. "They've been spending time together," he murmured. "Harry's been teaching Zac metalworking. Says it helps with control."

Alex grunted, not trusting himself to speak. He should be glad, he knew. Zac needed all the help he could get controlling his abilities. But a small, petty part of him couldn't help but feel replaced.

"So," Harry said, finally extricating himself from Zac's embrace. "What brings the you guys here?"

"We need a way into Asgard," Alex said, his voice low and direct. No preamble, no beating around the bush. That wasn't his style.

Hermes didn't even blink. The kid's face was a mask of practiced nonchalance, but Alex could see the glimmer of anticipation in his eyes. He'd been expecting this.

"Asgard, huh?" Hermes mused, twirling a pen between his fingers with inhuman dexterity. "That's not exactly a tourist destination these days. Mind sharing why you're so keen on visiting the land of mead and Vikings?"

Alex opened his mouth to respond, but Eryx beat him to it. "We need to speak with Thor," he said, his calm voice a stark contrast to the tension thrumming through the room.

Hermes raised an eyebrow, his pen stilling mid-twirl. "Thor? Now that's interesting. Would this, by any chance, have something to do with the rumors floating around about Odin's sudden vacation?"

"You've heard something," Alex said. It wasn't a question.

Hermes shrugged, but there was no casualness in the gesture. "I hear lots of things, Uncle. It's kind of my job. But Odin going AWOL? That's not just gossip. That's the kind of news that makes waves across all the pantheons."

Harry, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, let out a snort. "Gods," he grumbled, shaking his head. "Can't even keep track of their own. And they wonder why we have trust issues."

Alex couldn't help the bark of laughter that escaped him. "Rich coming from you, Harry . Last I checked, you were still card-carrying member of the divine club."

Harry's eyes narrowed, a spark of his old fire flashing in their depths. "Yeah, well, some of us know how to keep our noses out of cosmic-level clusterfucks. Unlike some people I could mention."

"Oh?" Alex leaned back, a dangerous smile playing at his lips. "And I suppose you've just been sitting pretty in your workshop, ignoring what's been going on around you?"

"Boys," Eryx interjected, his tone carrying a hint of exasperation. "Can we focus? The fate of the universe is at stake, in case you've forgotten."

Alex and Harry exchanged a look, years of rivalry and grudging respect passing between them in an instant. Then, almost simultaneously, they relaxed.

"He's right," Harry conceded, running a hand through his beard. "Much as it pains me to admit it, this is bigger than our petty squabbles."

"Speak for yourself," Alex muttered, but there was no real heat behind his words. "My squabbles are never petty."

Zac, who had been watching the exchange with wide-eyed fascination, let out a snort of laughter. "And people say teenagers are dramatic."

The tension in the room broke, replaced by a chorus of chuckles. Even Alex found himself grinning, though he quickly schooled his features back into their usual scowl.

"Alright, alright," Hermes said, clapping his hands together. "As entertaining as it is watching you two dance around your feelings, we've got more pressing matters to discuss. Like how we're going to get you guys into Asgard."

Alex leaned forward again, all business. "You've got a plan."

It wasn't a question. Hermes always had a plan. It was one of the things Alex admired about his nephew, not that he'd ever admit it out loud.

Hermes' grin was sharp enough to cut glass. "Oh, I've got more than a plan, Uncle dearest. I've got a ticket straight to Asgard's front door. But you're not going to like it."

Alex groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Why do I get the feeling I'm about to lose years off my immortal life? "

"Because you know me too well," Hermes quipped. Then, his expression sobering, he continued, "We're going to use the Bifrost."

The silence that followed was deafening. Alex could practically hear the gears turning in everyone's heads as they processed this bombshell.

"Alright," Alex said, cutting through the silence. "So we've got a way in. What's the next step?"

"I'll meet you at your place this evening. We'll need to move fast once we're ready. Asgard's been unstable lately. Keeps shifting locations more frequently than usual." Hermes said.

Alex nodded, a plan already forming in his mind. "We'll be ready. Just try not to be too much of a pain in the ass, alright? We've got enough to worry about without your usual antics."

Hermes clutched his chest in mock offence. "Uncle! You wound me. When have I ever been anything but the pinnacle of professionalism?"

The collective eye roll from everyone in the room was almost audible.

As they made their preparations to leave, Alex found himself hanging back. He watched as Zac animatedly talking to Harry about their next metalworking session. The two of them already lost in their own world of magical theory and divine craftsmanship.

"He's growing up," Eryx said softly, coming to stand beside Alex. "It's a good thing, you know. He needs more connections, more support."

Alex grunted, not trusting himself to speak. He knew Eryx was right. Hell, he was proud of Zac, proud of how far he'd come. But that didn't make it any easier to watch the kid spread his wings.

"Yeah, well," he finally managed, his voice gruff. "Just as long as he remembers who his real family is."

Eryx's smile was soft, understanding. "He could never forget that, Alex. You're too much of a grumpy bastard to be forgotten. "

Despite himself, Alex felt the corner of his mouth twitch upward. "Damn straight. Someone's got to keep you soft-hearted idiots in line."