One of the Men

[Red-Hood]

Red Hood choaked trying to regain the air that had been viscously knocked out of him. Red looked up to see Thor walking towards him with his fist raised. Kneeling Red waited for him Thor to get in range. Red couldn't help but smile at look of exhilaration displayed on the asguardian's face.well let's give you something to smile about big guy Red though with an evil grin. Finally in range he exploded up word bringing his first into Thor's chin. Once standing he kicked the warrior in the side a few times and finally punching him one more time  for good measure. Although he had landed quite a few hits Thor seemed only mildly injured. This is gonna take awhile.... Red thought grimly

[Thor]

Thor felt his friend pummel into him. He was fast, and he knew where to hit, but he was only human. Thor's Asgardian body would not fall to anything less than an actual explosive force, and with his armor on Thor felt almost nothing from his vigilantly ally's attacks. Thor on the other hand was strong enough to crush metal with his bare hands. His attacks weren't deadly without his hammer, but Red still buckled under every solid blow. If Thor could land just a few more blows the fight would be his. If only he could find a way to weaken his opponents mobility. He was to slow and clumsy in comparison to Red to do anything to flashy. Then Thor saw an opening. Red threw one punch too many! Thor caught the fist in his massive hand. He was going to regret taking off that helmet of his. Thor pulled Red toward him with a violent jerk. Thor brought his skull crashing into his opponent's smaller cranium. Thor released his friend and watched him take a wobbly step back. Thor laughed. He took a step forward and swung a backhanded closed fist at his dazed opponents head.

[Red-Hood]

Blood wetted the dry ground of the training field. Red fell to his knees his head spinning from the massive blows he had just received. Red tried to look at Thor planning to strike again but his vision was still blurry. Struggling to his feet Red attempted to walk towards his attacker, blood still pouring from his nose. It was more than likely broken with a hit like that. He managed to take a step in Thor's direction before collapsing once again. He began to crawl to Thor, refusing to give up.

[Thor]

Thor moved forward and dropped to Red's side. He took his ally by the shoulders and started to lift him up, slowly and gently. He held his friend tightly enough that he could not attempt to lash out at Thor but softly enough not to hurt him further. "Easy friend. They fight is over. You fought well and --" Thor was cut off by the sound of three of brick's cronies laughing.
"Look at little red head bleed! He ain't so tough! Got taken out with a back of a hand!"
Thor turned and to look at the group of recruits. He stuck out his hand as if to grab something that was not there. Mjolnir was in his hands before the three could blink. He swung his hammer in a circle launching himself forward. In a flash Thor was standing in front of the three holding the one in the middle of the ground. He looked into the other man's eyes. "Lesser men tend to get hurt when they make fun of their betters." Thor said quietly.

"HEY!" The instructor yelled. "I said no weapons! Are you a big blonde idiot or do I need to drag you threw the mud by your ear holes until I stretch them wide enough so that I can write 'NO WEAPONS IN HAND TO HAND COMBAT' on your tiny little brain.

Thor stepped away from the man dropping him to the ground. He looked at each of his companions, daring them to speak. Then he turned to the instructor. "I do not regret what I have done. I have disobeyed you and will except any punishment you see fit."

The instructor looked at Thor, then at the three on the ground. "You will do 30 laps with him," The instructor pointed to the man Thor had just dropped on the ground, "on your back. Should be nothing for a big guy like you."

Thor looked at the crony with loathing. "A fair punishment." he grunted through gritted teeth as he walked over to the other recruit, who he offered a hand to. Thor looked at the man's companions. "If I find my friend has been treated poorly you all shall taste the wrath of my hammer."

[Red-Hood]

Red began to gain a stronger footing but still hunched over. Just as he was about to drop again Alex appeared out of no where hooking his shoulder around his neck. Feeling more stable he grunted a thanks to the smaller man.

"That was an amazing fight! You really held your own against him, and you didn't go unconscious like Brick did!" Alex yelling the last part so the goons could hear. Red only smirked at the bright smile on the boy's face. It was the first time he had seen him smile since meeting him. He couldn't help but smile broader. Thor was indeed a hellva fighter, and one day Red hoped to best him in battle. It felt good to have friends sticking up for him. Even though he didn't necessarily need it, the feeling was still a fond one. Something he hadn't experienced in a long time. Red watched as Thor sprinted the laps with one of Brick's men on his back. He ran rather roughly, although it looked rather intentional. The man held on for dear life as the mighty warrior sprinted on. Red couldn't help but laugh at the sight. Thor seemed to be enjoying the screams of the man as he hopped over a fence for no reason other then to scare him.

"Come on, we need to get you to the infirmary" Alex said starting to drag him.

"I'll be find just take me to the mess hall"
Red said already summoning the strange orb. He figured it wouldn't take long to fix a busted nose. Gotta love the Omniverse  Red thought with a smirk.

[Thor]

Thor stomped into the barracks, tossing his human luggage off his back. It had taken him the better part of two hours to finish that run. The first rounds of hand to hand where finished, and everyone had received a little brake before the next rounds began. In these rounds the Instructor would fight each of them in turn. Passing meant you went on to begin weapon drills and received your own dorms (four to a room). Failing meant you stayed down here in the common barracks and continued to fight in the mud like children. Thor wondered how long Brick and his gang had been here. Brick was probably big enough to pass on strength alone, failing just to continue being king of his little empire. Alex was probably only here because of Brick and his cronies beating on him. To tired and broken to pass the test. Thor turned and left to the infirmary. He should check on his ally.

[Red-Hood]

Red spotted Thor coming out of the barracks so he ran to meet him. Red had put his helmet back in its customary place on his head. 


"Enjoy your run big guy?" Red said playfully punching the warrior in his arm. Red felt great thanks to the orb, as he suspected it tlhadnt taken long to heal. Even better it healed correctly, much to his relief. Looking at him you'd never have guessed that his nose has been shattered by well place head butt. A slight bruise could be seen on his cheek where Thor had back handed him. Red was beginning to like this Omniversem forgetting completely what had drove him to take up the mantle 'Red Hood'. He still had a burning desire to end the Empire and all of their corruption, but for now he enjoyed the stillness of Camelot. Once again making this place his home didn't seem like such a bad idea.

[Thor]

Thor greeted his friend with a deep laugh. "You seem to have recovered well! I must have you show me how you do that one of these days."
He looked out at the field. "They are going to begin tryouts for 'Advancement' as the instructor calls it. Shall we friend?"

[Red-Hood]

"It's a simple process Thor, just focus on that orb thing you got, I'll show you the next time, let's head down to the field in the mean time." Red said Turing to head to the field. Alex soon joined them looking nervous as ever.

" What's the matter Alex?" Red said patting him on the back.

"What if I don't make the advancement round?" He said his voice shaking as he spoke.

"Just remember what I said, if you're fast you can win" Red said plainly.

Once they made it back to the training field they fell in line with the rest of the men, seeing that they were all there the instructor spoke.

"Alright as you all know this fight is the big one. It determines weather you can move on to the next stage or you stay here for another month of training. Try your best and good luck." He began to read the list in which the fights would take. Brick, Thor, Alex, Red Hood. Red stopped listening after he heard his name called. The rest didn't matter to him after all.

The men made room as Brick made his way over to the instructor

"Alright the object is to knock me off this platform" he said gesturing to a wooden octagon that stood about ten feet off the ground. "Any thing goes, I knock you off you lose, knock me off you win. Simple as that. In the event that I am too injured to continue one of the other instructors will take my place". A handful of other seasoned fighters waved lazily at the bunch.

" Alright Brick, on the platform then " the instructor said walking over and beginning to climb the ladder leading to the high platform

[Thor]

Brick followed the instructor and began to climb the ladder. He was muttering something under his breath. Thor watched the instructor take his place on the platform. Brick finished his assent on to the octagon and took up a stance. Thor was immediately struck by how small the platform was. The two circled each other, then grappled for a moment before the instructor pushed Brick back. The big man regained his balance then rushed his opponent. The instructor was expecting it. He took hold of brick's arm and used it to swing around him. Brick ran himself right off the edge of the platform. "Come on Brick. That's how I got you last time!" 

The instructor turned as one of his backups helped Brick up and sent him back to the barracks. "Who's next!"

Thor Threw his hammer. The instructor fell of the platform. Thor's Hammer returned. The rest of the recruits watched to instructor fall to the ground as his comrades rushed to his side. There was a moment of silence. Then one of the seasoned fighters shouted "He's alive!"

The rest of the recruits turned and looked at the Thor. One of the stand-in instructors marched up to him, a tough-looking woman that reminded him a great deal of Sif. "What the hell do you think you're doing!"

"He said the goal was to knock him of the platform. Anything goes." Thor looked at her. "I did what he asked."

[Red-Hood]

"He's right you know" Red stated plainly, stifling his laughter behind a sudden coughing fit. The female instructor looked pissed but she couldn't argue with the logic. Next time they would probably change their wording a bit. 

"Fine, he passes." She said shooting daggers at him. Another inscrutor came down to take the originals place. He was a bit bulkier then their teacher, and more muscular. He climbed to the top and shouted down

"Alright next, and if you throw a hammer at me I'll kill you" he said eyeing Thor nervously. Alex gulped as he made his way to the ladder.

"Remember, be fast" Red muttered the advice as he passed him. Alex merely nodded as he began to climb. 

Once in postuon the instructor gave little time for Alex to gather himself as he charged towards him. At the last second right before impact Alex drove his knee into the guy if the instructor. The gasp of air leaving the man's lungs could be heard from the ground. Everyone was shocked by the well placed counter attack. Including Alex who stood there for a moment staring at what he had done. Finally coming to his senses Alex swiftly over behind his opponent. He placed his boot on the man's butt and simply shoved him off the podium. An eerie silence stayed in the air, finally broken by the boisterous cheering of his Red masked companion.

"Way to go Alex! You literally kicked his ass!" Red laughed and clapped. A few of the other men joined in,still in shock of this victory of the small man. As Alex climbed down his head held a little higher he only smiled at Red.

At last it was his turn. Red climbed the octagon and was faced with the woman who had previously traded words with Thor. Being this close he could tell she was still pretty pissed and was ready to take her anger out.

She charged. Waiting for her to get closer Red spun on the spot bringing his foot up and with a perfectly excuted roundhouse kick his foot connected with her jaw. The woman stumbled but didn't fall. Dazed as she looked she quickly regained her wits and dropped to the floor trying to sweep Red's legs out from underneath him. With a lazy front flip he easily avoided the attack.

"Come on cutie, you'll have to do better than that" He said pertending to flick dirt off his arm. The instructor's face turned a violent shade of red, from rage or blushing Red wasn't sure. With a angry grunt she pounced up and charged once again. Red side stepped the attack, using her momentum he pushed her off. She ran in the air for a second before dropping to ground with a harsh thud. Red dropped down next to her extending his hand.

"Well fought" he said as she took hold of his hand and pulled her self up. A playful smile layed on her lips as she climbed up the ladder to ready herself for the next fight. Unless he was imagining things it seemed she shook her butt at him as she made it to the top. With a soft laugh e walked over to rejoin good companions. 

"Looks like we made it" he said looking at the two men.

[Thor]

"And it seems you've made a new friend!" Thor laughed. Then he remembered something. "I believe we have time now while the other fights are being held. Can you show me the secrets of the Orb?" Atop the platform the female instructor called another name. One of the recruits began heading toward the platform

[Red-Hood]

"Oh sure." Red said. He began to focus on the orb and it appeared.

"First of you have to focus on it to come out, then whatever you want you have to visualize it. For example when I got my new knife I just thought of all of the details of it. From my understanding the bigger the object the longer it takes. And you can heal yourself as you've seen me do, again the more injured you are the longer it takes. That's all I really know about it however. I'm sure there's more to it though." The orb disappeared as Red stopped thinking about the object.

Alex looked at the two primes, confused and slightly scared at the sudden appearance and disappearance of the strange orb they were speaking of.

[Thor]

Thor turned his focus from the recruit climbing the ladder. He focused on himself. He thought of the orb, it's subtle muti-colored glow. And there it was. It floated out of him and into one of his hands. He focused on healing first. Useful, practical, healing should be the first thing he learns from this orb. Thor found that it came quiet naturally. He was disturbed by how entrancing the Orb was when you focused on it. Not unlike the Tesseract of his own world, this was a thing of power. Pure power. He barely noticed the cry of the recruit as he fell of the platform. Thor thought about what Red had said.

"whatever you want you have to visualize it."

All he had to do was visualize it to make it real. That was apparently how this Omniverse worked. Thor thought for a moment. He had been handed power beyond imagination. He must use it wisely. He must not ask too much of it, yet he must also ask of it something worthy of its power. Thor thought of the storm. Of how the Omniverse had thus far refused his call. He called for a storm.

[Red-Hood]

Red watched intrigued as the small scratches on Thor closed and disappeared.

"See you got it. It's pretty simple ju-" Red was cut short. Large dark billowing cloud began to role in. The entire training field was put under shadow. The men stopped and looked to the sky the sky in awe. A bolt of lighting stuck in the distance illuminating the sky. A few seconds later a large boom of thunder sounded. The wooden  octogon shook from the thunderous sound. Then it began to rain. The men took off for cover as the wind whipped and water came down like bullets. 

Red stood shocked, staring at Thor. Was this storm called by him? It was it a random occurance? Thor stood their still focusing on the orb. Another crack of lighting struck close to the pair. 

"Thor! THOR!" Red screamed to his friend trying to rip his attention off the orb. More lightning struck, seemingly closer and closer as time passed. Red was getting worried at how distance the warrior was. He knew he was tough but he didn't think that the large metal armoured  warrior could withstand a large bolt of pure electricity. Another bolt struck closer to them.

"Screw this!" Red yelled as he took off for shelter. Thor still stood  in the same place. Red looked on dismayed as a bolt finally struck the mighty Thor. His screams could be heard over the howling wind. But not of pain, but out of joy. Red looked confused as he saw Thor being electrocuted and laughing the entire time. Thor raised his arm and channled the energy through his arm. With a mighty push the lightning arched and hit a near by tree. The tree exploded, spewing wood chips everywhere. As quickly as the storm blew in it just as quickly dissipated. Leaving the mighty Thor with a bright smile on his face.

[Thor]

"My powers have returned!" Thor raised his hammer and summoned another bolt down. Thor began to spin his hammer and launched into the air. With his newly regained power he flew like an arrow straight up. He no longer flew with at the lethargic speed he had when he first arrived. He now flew like a true god of storm. He hung in the air for a moment letting the storm roil around him, before letting gravity change his course. He landed with enough force to cause a ripple in the muddy ground. Thor laughed once more.

[Red-Hood]

"My powers have returned!"

 Red heard  Thor yell has he dropped to the ground causing the ground to ripple. Red gave a whimsical smile at the excitement of his friend. The other men weren't so happy at the spectacle. A hint of fear could be seen on their faces.

"Wish I could do that" Alex said with a frown. Red laughed at his friend.

"Hey I don't have powers, I still kick ass" Red said nudging his friend. Alex smiled and turned to head for the mess hall.


"Thor! Dinner time!" He yelled following Alex.

With a hearty laugh Thor replied. "Yes! A feast of celebration for the return of my power!" He yelled as he began to follow his comrade.

The food tasted amazing. Either from the exhaustion of the day or a new cook Red wasn't sure. Nor did he care. The trio laughed together, celebrating their victories today. They were one step closer to becomeing one of the guards. The feeling of excitement and anticipation filled the air. The feeling clouded the other men's disappointment and frustration of those who had failed the test. Only eight would be moving on the next part of training. The others would stay in the general barracks for another month awaiting their chance to prove themselves to the kingdom.

"Hey Alex, why didn't Prick, excuse me Brick, move on? He's strong enough, he could have picked up the instructor and chucked him from the platform. Don't get me wrong the possibility of sharing a room with him was nauseating in the least. It just doesn't make sense." Red said shoveling more food into his mouth.

"See that guy there next to him?" Asked said pointing at a man laughing a joke Brick had just told. "That's his brother, decent fighter but every time the test comes around he freezes up. Not sure why but he stays cause of him." Alex said matter of factly. 

Red nodded. He understood but still found it pointless. In the end you could only rely on your self Red thought to himself glancing at Thor and Alex.

"The eight of you who passed today follow me after you are finished eating." The instructor yelled. He limped as he headed near the barracks. Evidently Thor's hammer did more than knock him off the podium. Red gave a sick chuckle as he rose from the table. Alex and Thor quickly finished and followed suit.

"Congratulations on passing, you are one step closer to the final test in becoming one of us." He said motioning to a few of the other guards. "You four will be in this room and the other four will be in the other."  Red was roomed with Thor, Alex, and the man Thor had to carry on his back. Red ignored the man as he entered the room. 

The room although smaller than their older room was much nicer. Four beds took up most of the room, but even they were much nicer. Red plopped down and groaned in ecstasy. It felt like lying in a cloud. Red jumped back up.

"Dibs" Red said as he began to take off his gear. He had made sure to grab it as they left the training field earlier. A larger wooden trunk sat at the foot of their beds. A large lock and key sat on top. Nice upgrade Red thought. As he threw his gear in and locked it up. He put the key in a small pocket in the brown leather jacket he always wore.

"You'll get an extra hour of sleep tonight as another added bonus. Tomorrow will be even tougher. Rest easy men. You'll be under a new commander tomorrow. It was a pleasure." He said leaving with a bow.

Red plopped back down letting sleep take ahold of him.

[Thor]

Thor looked at the room he entered. It was smaller, but was better maintained then the common room of the barracks. The beds were made of cloth, not straw, as were the pillows and the blankets. Thor knew all to well that this was not comfort experienced by all peoples by any means. He thought of the small village in Vanaheim that he and the Three warriors saved. The village had been easy for the Marauders to destroy. Everything in the village had been made of sticks and leaves. It was no match for the blades or torches of the Marauders. He looked at the softness of the cloth of the bed and was content. Thor slammed down on the bed nearest the door. "I know not what this 'dibs' is," Red chuckled at that. He would explain it to the big warrior some other night. "but both of you may sleep easy for the god of thunder guards your slumber!" He dropped his hammer down next to his bed. Handle up. He looked at Alex. "You know first hand the might of my power. Rest easy knowing that that strength protects you now." Thor smiled.

[Red-Hood]

Rise and shine!" Yelled a man from the doorway.

Red slowly turned his gaze towards the newcomer, annoyed that his slumber was so rudely awakened. Even slower still he began to rise from the comfort of his cloud like bed. The other three men whom Red shared the room with began to stir and rise as well. Once they were more awakr , groggy still, but more alert the commander spoke. 

"I'm your new commander. Erick Grayson, but as subordinates you will call me, 'sir', 'commander', or ' 'Commander Grayson' are we clear?" The men mumbled their agreements, except for Thor who was strangely more awake and alert then the rest.

"Understood stood Sir!" He exclaimed beaming. Red shook his head at his friend's enthusiasm. It was to early for his liking, preferring to sleep. Years of patrolling with the Dark Knight late into the night changes your sleeping schedule just a bit. 

"Good now that we have gotten that out of the way breakfasted us being served. You will be eating with the guards. They are your peers in a way so it's better you know the faces you will be seeing on a daily basis." Commander Grayson said with a kind smile. Red found it unnerving how much he reminded him of Dick Grayson. Other than the name similarities his eyes held the same twinkle as Dick's. The same mischievous and welcoming look that stared back at him every time he saw the man whom he saw like a brother. Red shook the thoughts of his past from his mind. He didn't have time to dwell on the past. This was the omniverse, not Gotham. His past had no place here. Only the present and future mattered now. Red grabbed his gear from his trunk, looking up he could see that Thor had already left for breakfast.

Finding his comrade already eating he took his spot next to him.

"Mornin' Thor." Red said yawning wide as he began to eat.

"Morning indeed friend! May our day filled with battle and glory!" Thor said with a hearty laugh as he drained his cup of it's contents.

"How are you so awake already?" Red said shaking his head as he could feel another yawn coming on. 

"The thirst for battle of course! Valhalla is a place for great battle to quech our thirst for blood!" He said slamming his fists on the table with another hearty laugh. Thor slammed his cup to the floor, shattering it to pieces.

"This drink! I must have another!" Thor exclaimed with a smile.

"Dude! What the hell?!" Red cried in suprise. He looked from the cup to his friend confused. The other guards looked at them with interest, done with out right disgust. 

"Stupid primes..." He heard one say. Apparently even with their promotion the prejudice was still very much alive. Red looked at them angrily. It wasn't their fault they were here. They hadn't asked to be torn from their homes to a strange universe they knew nothing about. Seeing that his cup was empty as well Red threw his cup to the ground too. 

"What he said!" He yelled. Thor nodded in aproval. Red dot the guard who spoke a spiteful glare, daring him to do something about the mess they had created.

[Thor]

Thor watched as his friend copied his action. "There is hope for you yet my strange friend!" Thor looked at his friend. His outfit was made from the materials and styles of his earth, yet this man seemed as someone he would have noticed while watching over Midgard. "I watched over Midgard for more than a millennium through the eyes of Heimdall. He kept me informed of all humans worthy of note, yet he never mentioned you." He looked at his helm and throwing knives. "Heimdall would have noticed a with such strange equipment. Especially someone with such obvious combat prowess." Thor glanced at Alex who was listening intently. "I do not wish to intrude. You have earned my trust well enough to keep what secrets you deem fit of course."