Thor had once entrusted Hong Fei with a request—to watch over Jane Foster during his absence from Earth. Hong Fei agreed. Truthfully, Jane didn't need much looking after beyond this current situation. If Hong Fei had taken his duties too personally, Thor might've regretted the arrangement.
When Heimdall reported Jane's sudden disappearance from Earth, Thor rushed back from Asgard. Finding Hong Fei already on the scene filled him with quiet relief. At least someone had taken his words seriously.
The two men stood facing each other through the downpour, sharing a smile that spoke volumes—no words needed.
Meanwhile, Jane hissed at Darcy, "Why did you call the police?"
Darcy crossed her arms. "What was I supposed to do? You vanished for hours! I panicked!"
"You never involve the authorities. The second they show up, S.H.I.E.L.D. gets notified, and suddenly this place is swarming with agents. We'll be lucky if they don't turn it into another Area 51."
Darcy shot back, "You were missing for five hours!"
Jane's retort died in her throat.
A beat passed. Then both women noticed something odd—though thunder rolled overhead and rain sheeted around them, not a single drop touched their skin. Jane followed Hong Fei's gaze and turned.
Her breath caught. She stumbled back a step.
Thor's attention snapped away from Hong Fei.
Hong Fei smirked. Typical.
Jane moved forward, the rain parting for her like a curtain. Darcy, left exposed, yelped as water soaked through her clothes. She glared at Hong Fei—only to find him dry beneath a shimmering energy shield.
"Want one?" he offered.
Darcy nodded eagerly.
Hong Fei's grin widened. "No."
She pouted.
The shield expanded to envelop her anyway. Darcy shook herself like a wet dog, spraying droplets.
"Thanks, Mr. Hong."
"Don't mention it. I should be thanking you."
"For what?"
"For sparing me those daily reports you used to flood my inbox with."
Darcy's cheeks pinked. "I just thought—maybe you'd want the details, so I—"
"Shh."
Hong Fei tilted his chin toward Jane, now closing the distance to Thor.
Darcy sighed. "They're gonna kiss. That's how these scenes always go."
"I'll bet you a slap instead."
"What? No way—"
Crack. Jane's palm connected with Thor's cheek.
Darcy whirled. "How'd you know that?"
"Mind reader."
Darcy froze. Then her face burned scarlet.
Hong Fei arched a brow. "Problem?"
"Nope!"
She shook her head hard enough to rattle her teeth.
Sure enough, Thor and Jane soon melted into an embrace, lips meeting. When they finally broke apart, Thor led Jane over, clapping Hong Fei on the shoulder.
"Thank you, brother!"
Hong Fei's smile was warm. "No thanks needed. Just keeping my word."
Thor squeezed his arm. "You honored that casual promise better than I dared hope. I chose well."
Hong Fei said nothing, letting the moment linger.
A cop's shout cut through the rain.
"Hey! Anyone know this guy?"
He jerked a thumb at a young man being frisked against a patrol car.
Jane stepped forward. "Officer, he's with us. My intern."
"Great. This is private property. You're suspected of trespassing. Come with us to the station for questioning."
The officer reached for Jane's arm. Golden light flashed as Hong Fei knocked him back a step. Jane froze. Every cop in the vicinity drew their weapons.
Hong Fei's fingers twitched. The swirling Dragon Power accelerated, yanking every firearm from the officers' hands into a floating cluster. He clenched his fist. The golden energy compressed inward—muffled explosions popped inside the glowing sphere like firecrackers in a tin can.
When Hong Fei opened his hand, the Dragon Power dissipated. A blackened metal ball clattered to the pavement, leaking acrid smoke. Thor barked a laugh.
"Nicely done!"
The cops stood gaping.
Hong Fei's smile vanished as he turned to Thor. "There's something wrong with her."
Thor's heart stuttered. "Jane?"
"She just vanished."
Thor's face darkened. "I know."
"Based on my estimation," Hong Fei continued, "she was accidentally transported to another world or dimension. And now there's something violently unstable inside her."
Thor went pale. Hong Fei raised a calming hand.
"Don't panic. Her current stable condition means we have time. Asgard rules the Nine Realms—you must have a solution."
"You're right. I'll take her back immediately!"
Hong Fei's lips quirked. "Perfect timing. I'm free at the moment. Mind if I tag along? I've always wanted to see legendary Asgard's splendor."
"Of course! Once Jane's cured, we'll drink until the stars spin!"
Hong Fei grimaced. "I don't drink..."
Thor chuckled. "No forcing. I'll have every other beverage in the realm waiting."
He pulled Jane close. Hong Fei stood awkwardly beside them, the very picture of a third wheel. Before leaving, he told Darcy, "If you need anything, go to Sokovia and mention my name."
"Okay."
Thor hefted Mjolnir. "Ready?"
Hong Fei nodded.
The hammer rose. The Bifrost crashed down in a kaleidoscope of light. Moments later, they materialized in the control hub. Golden-armored Heimdall withdrew his sword, shutting down the bridge.
Jane stared around with childlike wonder as Thor hovered protectively. Hong Fei met Heimdall's golden gaze with a polite smile.
"Welcome to Asgard, Dragon King."
Heimdall's stern expression softened. "My thanks."
Thor kept one arm around Jane. "Heimdall, arrange quarters for my friend. Find him a guide to show him our wonders."
He turned back. "Hong, I'll get Jane to the healers first. I'll find you after."
Hong Fei waved him off. "Go. Tend to what matters."
Thor scooped Jane up and soared toward the palace. Hong Fei stepped onto the bridge proper, boots clicking against crystalline pavement.
"Marvelous engineering."
Heimdall followed, greatsword resting on his shoulder. "Recently repaired. The Nine Realms' first line of defense."
"The Bifrost is a miraculous creation."
"And very dangerous," Heimdall added. "It can easily destroy a planet or even an entire world."
They walked side by side, their conversation light and easy.
Not far along their path, a gilded Asgardian ship streaked across the sky. As it drew near, a figure leaped gracefully from the deck. The ship veered sharply and vanished into the distance. Hong Fei's expression faltered for a moment.
"Sif?"
She was clad in her warrior's garb, though her iron armor now gleamed silver-white, lending her an even fiercer, more commanding presence.
She landed deftly and strode toward Hong Fei with purpose. Heimdall, observing the scene, tilted his head slightly and murmured, "She'd make an excellent guide for you."
With that, he turned and retreated toward the Bifrost Bridge. Hong Fei's gaze lingered on Sif's arms as she approached.
Noticing his stare, she raised an eyebrow. "What are you looking at?"
Hong Fei shook his head. "Nothing. Goddess Sif, it's been a while."
Her brow furrowed slightly. "Just call me Sif."
"Alright."
She blinked, her tone curious. "What brings you to Asgard?"
"Thor invited me. Twice, actually. This time, I had the chance to come."
Sif pursed her lips. "Let me guess—more drinking. Are all you men obsessed with alcohol?"
Hong Fei chuckled. "Not me. I don't drink."
Her eyes flickered with surprise. "Really?"
"Never have."
She nodded approvingly. "That's more like it. But if you don't drink, why would Thor invite you here?"
"Does he do anything besides drink?"
Sif paused, then her face brightened with realization. "Ah, I see. He wants to fight you!"
Hong Fei sighed inwardly. Thor, what do you do in Asgard besides drinking and brawling?
Sif added, "I saw Thor take that Earth woman to the Heavenly Palace. You'll probably need a place to stay and someone to show you around."
"Mm. Thor originally asked Heimdall to guide me, but then you showed up."
"Let's get going, then. I'll arrange your lodgings and show you Asgard."
They set off together, though they maintained a noticeable distance, as if each was tethered to opposite sides of the bridge. The walk was silent, the only sound the echo of their footsteps.
Their first stop was a two-story wooden cabin nestled by a tranquil lake. Sif pushed the door open and gestured for Hong Fei to follow.
"The air and scenery here are excellent. Everything you need is furnished. Is there anything else you'd like arranged?"
Hong Fei glanced around casually. "I'm good. Walls, a roof, and a bed are enough."
Sif nodded. Just as she stepped toward the door, she hesitated and turned back.
"What about my sword?"
"It's at my place."
"You didn't seem to use it much this time."
"The enemies I've faced lately were too weak. Didn't need it."
She gave an almost imperceptible nod before finally leaving the room.
Afterward, Sif led Hong Fei on a tour of Asgard. Hours later, she escorted him back to the cabin. She turned to leave while still a fair distance away.
Hong Fei entered, settling by the hearth as the fire crackled softly. His mind turned to his next steps. Good deeds, given his current strength, would be effortless to accomplish.
Bad deeds, however, required more finesse due to his identity. Yet a favorable reputation shouldn't be discarded so easily here in Asgard. It was an investment in the long term—a means to greater gains in the future. To throw it away would be shortsighted, like draining a pond to catch a fish. A solid identity could open doors to greater benefits, serving his interests down the line.
Yet at the same time, one mustn't get lost in the flattery of others, or else it would just be needlessly binding and shackling oneself. Of course, even more important was considering Odin's strength.