One of the Men

[Thor]

Thor walked down the cobblestone roads escorted by the armored men. He looked at the clustered houses of stone that ran along either side of the road. It wasn't Asgard but it made him feel at home all the same. He held his head high and walked with purpose even though he knew not where the mail clad guards were leading him. He thought he saw Loki watching from an alley, but when he looked again nothing was there. He shook his head. He though this ghost had vanished with his death at sea, but unfortunately, it seemed he had been mistaken. Thor saw the blade like tower, cutting through each tier of the kingdom like an axe-head. It was no Asgard, but it was magnificent still in a primitive way. He saw winged horses fly to and fro across the sky and as he watched he saw the floating island that some of them took.
Maybe not so primitive Thor mused to himself.
The guards followed a more or less singular path. Thor was gaining a respect for how big this place was. The path was obviously the main path through the first tier of Minas Tirith and looked as though it paralleled the wall that surrounded its city.  Thor noticed a dark-skinned elf in the street. She was far more beautiful than the dark elves he had encountered. The guards halted and one walked up to the lady elf. The guard took off his helmet to reveal a dirty blond head of hair on top of a normal human head. He spoke with respect.
"Excuse me my lady, Captain Vimes?" He asked.
"Boar's Head." She said.
"Thank you my lady." He said as though the answer was expected. He dawned his helmet and returned to the group. "Move men, usual place."
The guards began to march again, Thor and his companions were taken with. To Thor's surprise and mild amusement they stopped at a tavern. 'The Boars Head' carved into a sign above the door. They entered. There weren't many people in the tavern and only one at the bar. He was dressed in full armor with his helmet sitting on the bar next to him. He had a drink in his hands and Thor could tell it wasn't his first.
The guard that had spoken to the elf once again stepped forward and removed his helmet.
"New primes commander. The one in the red mask said they want work."

[Red-Hood]

The city of Minas Tirith was a beautiful sight in a medieval way. Every time Red hood and his companions entered a new portal it was as if they were stepping into a time machine. First into the future now into the past. Red remembered reading stories with Alfred about dipictions of old castles and the brave knights who attempted to save the damzel in distress. To his suprise it was pretty spot on accurate. Or at least he thought so. Suddenly a flying horse-a Pegasus if he remembered correctly from his studies- flew over the group' head. The thumping of the mighty steed's wings could be heard all the way down on the ground. It began to ascend to a floating island in the sky. Some how I don't think those were around in my world's history Red thought with an amazed laugh. This Omniverese was proving to be more and more wonderous the longer he stayed.Thoughts of his past aggression and revenge schemes seemed to far fetched and tribal in this new universe. Plus without Batman to stick his nose in his bussines Red could deal with the crime and corruption across all the verses the way he saw fit. Of course he would only do this to the highest bidder Red thought with a sly smirk. If you're good at something font do it for free as the saying goes. Finally after the guard stoped to ask wherr the Head of the Guard was located they arrived at the boar's head a filthy disgusting place of what he assumed was a bar. Inside was capatin Vimes. The man looked at the trio with great difficulty sway a little as he tried to focus his eyes on them. He pulled out a very large cigar, lit it, and took a long drag from it before speaking.

"You want work eh?" Vimes said smoking pouring from his mouth. The man took another drag. " I don't know what you're expecting coming here, we ain't got no paid work for the likes of you primes." Another long drag. This man was starting to weigh on Red's small patience. "No offense of course, not all of you primes are decent folk and since we dont know which you are yet can't be to careful." Finally finishing his cigar, in a suprisingly fast manner he rubbed the end on the bar to extinguishthe end. "Tell you what we could all ways use new recruits for the army, I'll let you train with my men. Prove yourself and you can become full time members of the Kingdom's army if you so choose. That's my offer" Captain vimes said looking each of them up and down.

[Gwendolyn]

Koal followed silently behind his companions as their escort directed them to this...Captain Vimes, watching and listening. His violet orbs cut across each side of the cobbled street as more and more people flooded into the area. This place was somewhat primitive, but Koal knew that looks could be deceiving, he could feel the magic that wove itself into the fabric of this verse. It made his blood tingle and sing with glee, his demonic heritage straining against the confines of his mind.

The black-haired teen held a hand to his left eye as his head pounded. He knew the migraines would get worse in this verse, but knowing and feeling are two different things. He gritted his teeth and continued guiding his horse along, following closely behind Red and Thor. His uninhibited eye appraised the ancient architecture of the city. It was beautiful and rustic. Articulately crafted in some parts, while others seemed to be built in a day. Like comparing a Masterpiece to a fingerpainting. The black beast next to him snorted and shook its mane, and Koal rubbed its neck to calm it down. "Easy girl, easy."

The bar they weaved their way into was disgusting, but Koal had been in places far worse. Sounds of music, dancing, and laughing could be heard throughout the building, and Koal snagged a flagon of something from a passing barmaid. He lifted the tall cup to his mouth and took a deep swig of the contents that lay wherein. The taste of the alcohol left something to be desired, but Koal knew he needed to fit in with these people. He stood in Thor's shadow as Red spoke to the Captain, draining the cup in his hand, and taking another. Another barmaid passing with cigarettes caught his eye, and he snuck some off the poor lady, his deft fingers having no trouble taking what he wished. He knew it was stealing, but with what he had been through, he didn't care.

He stuck the small cylindrical item in his mouth and snapped his fingers, a small crimson flame lighting on the top of his fingertips. He lit the cigarette, and took a drag, listening to the other talk. His eyes widened as they spoke. A member of the Army? Were they sure about this? The young man shook his head a blew a smoke ring, his violet eyes half closed in fake nonchalance. He stood and flicked the cigarette away, and continued to listen...

[Thor]

Samuel Vimes watched the four guards bring three primes into the Boar's Head. Big guy with a big ego, a red head with trust issues and an angsty teen. That's what this world needed, more people with godlike power and the mental stability of a dead rat. The Commander looked down at the drink in his hands. He didn't drink anymore, but he always bought a cup. It was a courtesy he extended to any tavern he used as a refuge from the constant nagging that his job subjected him to. He had an office though he rarely stayed within its confines. Anytime he did he was bombarded with "request" after "request" from primes and rich secondaries to put more manpower on this task or personally take care of this problem. It was mind numbing one of the guards stepped forward, removed his helmet and spoke.

"New primes commander. The one in the red mask said they want work."

Vimes looked the guard in the face, and smirked. It was Mark. It was always Mark. Mark made sure to leave any and every decision up to Commander Vimes. Vimes often found this annoying, but the one thing that he did like about it was that Mark made sure the commander knew of every new prime that entered Camelot. And that was the way he liked it.

Vimes pulled out a very large cigar, lit it, and took a long drag from it before speaking. "You want work eh?" Vimes said smoking pouring from his mouth. The commander took another drag. " I don't know what you're expecting coming here, we ain't got no paid work for the likes of you primes." Another long drag. "No offense of course, not all of you primes are decent folk and since we dont know which you are yet can't be to careful." Finally finishing his cigar, in a surprisingly fast manner he rubbed the end on the bar to extinguish the end. "Tell you what we could all ways use new recruits for the army, I'll let you train with my men. Prove yourself and you can become full time members of the Kingdom's army if you so choose. That's my offer"

He ignored the fact that one of the primes seemed to have taken possession of one of his men's steed and he ignored the fact that that same prime took possession of someone else's drink. It wasn't worth the effort. He was so tired of this insanity.

Thor watched the man called Vimes from behind his friend. Red seemed to be mulling over the commander's offer, however he was taking a great deal of time. Thor did not like waiting for decisions. He had learned the importance of patients in the world of the living, but in this world of wishes he did not need to bother with such things. Here he was immortal and he would not waste his immortality waiting on other's words. Thor spoke.
"I accept your offer," Thor said to the commander of the guards. "But you called us primes. I would like to know the meaning of that title."

[Red-Hood]

Vimes looked at the massive form that was Thor, suprised that the big warrior was the first to speak. Guess he's not as dumb as he looks Vimes thought to himself. "You're a Prime. A being from another of immensive power yadda yadda yadda" Vimes said not interested in the ignorance of the prime he was speaking to. " You may be a prime but if you want to be in my army you better know how to take orders and be one of the men. I don't want any pretentious Primes walking in here acting like they are better then my men. They've worked just as hard and most of them are seasoned fighters that have been with me back when I was an initiate. So take kindly to show some respect eh?" Vimes finished picking up his cup and taking a drink from it.

Red wasn't the type to take orders from people, his teachers could testify as much ba k when he was in school. However Red could tell the importance of getting on the Kingdom's good side, especially if he wanted to purge the massive army that was the Empire. "I accept your conditions Commander" Red said bowing his head at Vimes slightly. Red was always great at feigning respect to the authortive figure. His chrasima probably the only thing that kept him out of real trouble in the past until he had met Bruce Wayne of course.

[Thor]

Vimes looked at the red masked prime, then at the larger blond warrior. "Since both of you have decided to join the army I assume your tall friend..." He trailed off as he looked around the bar. The dark haired teen was missing and so was the horse. That was not good. A shady prime loose about the city. That was going to mean trouble later on. Vimes sighed. He just wanted some peace and quiet. "Well, you all have decided to join the army anyway. Mark here," He gestured at the guard whom had removed his helmet, "will take you to the barracks. You'll live there, train there and you will be deployed form there if and when we need you. Just so you know, it has always been when. Never if." 

With that the guard the commander had called Mark led them out of the bar and off down the main road. Thor smiled. He would be ready for the When. By his hammer he would be ready.

[Red-Hood]

Red Hood and Thor followed the man named Mark. Red looked around for Koal. Where could that kid have run off to? Red shook his head. Hopefully he would turn up soon. They walked down the cobblestone road and as Red looked around at the denizens of the city seemed more welcoming now. The precenece of the guard escort must have scored some points for them. If only a little. A small child running in the streets stopped and waved excitedly at pair. Red couldn't help but smile at the child's innocence. He returned the wave and the child's mother quickly ushered her offspring inside. She smiled nervously at him. "I guess they are still unsure of us Thor" he said to the warrior who merely grunted in response.

"Well here we are, your new home." Mark stated blandly opening the door to the barracks. The room was just as bland as the man's voice. It wasn't a terrible living space but it wasn't luxurious either. The walls were lined with 10 bunk beds and on the farthest end was a small bathroom. Despite the minimal accommodations Red couldn't wait to lay down. He realized just how exhausted he truely was, and for the first time since entering the Omniverse he felt safe.

"You've missed today's training obviously, so you will start in the morning. The other initiates are at dinner and should be returning soon, rest ease primes tomorrow won't be easy" with that Mark turned and left closing the door behind him.

Red sat down on the end of the nearest bed contemplating how he had come to be here, the Omniverse still was such a mysterious place. Red summoned the strange orb he was given when he first arrived. The constantly changing colors memorised him. Looking at his knife that was secured to his side " I wonder..." Red began to focus on the blade. The leather grip that fit perfectly into his hand, the twelve inch blade with slight serrations perfect for ripping and tearing.


After a few minutes an exact replica of the knife plopped on the floor, the colors dimmed as first summoning had been complete. "I'll be damned.." Red said dismissing the orb and picking up the knife from the ground. This orb was truely remarkable. Red was very interested to see what elese the orb could do. Knowing now it could at least give him new weapons and heal him. He would have to investigate this another time. The door swung open again and seventeen rowdy men marched in eager for a nights rest.

"You're in my bunk new Meat." Said a rather large man. The other men gathered around the large man, clearly he was the alpha. Sizing him up Red could tell he was clearly stronger, but with Red's speed and the clear advantage of having a knife he could ein if it camr to that. Red stood and walked closer to the man, staring him down. Several moments psssed and the larger foe was getting visably uncomfortable, much to the suprise of his cronies.

"Which beds are open then." Red said finally never taking his eyes off of him. The man pointed across the room nervously to a bunk bed nearest the bathroom. With that Red spun on his heel, sheathing his new knife as he went. Red layed down on the bed trying to look as comfortable and peaceful as possible all the while still on alert, ready to pounce if the situation escalated farther. The man took his spot nervously the rest of the group dispersing to their respective beds. So he relaxed but never taking his attention off the other men.

[Thor]

Thor watched as Red claimed the nearest bed. Thor claimed the bunk above his. He watched as his companion pulled out that strange orb from within himself. 'What strange magic this world has.' But even as he thought it he noticed how natural it looked in Red's hands. His hand moved toward his own chest, then stopped. Perhaps he could as Red to show him how to do it. He looked over the edge to see Red in deep concentration with the orb. Maybe he shouldn't interrupt him. With a mother and a brother who spent their days with sorcery rather than sword, Thor had learned the hard way the dangers of half-baked magic. He watched red study the orb intently for several minutes then suddenly a blade, identical to the one that his companion already possessed, fell to the ground. Thor was about to as Red if he would be willing to teach another that trick when a big bundle of fighting men burst through the door. 

"You're in my bunk new Meat." Said a rather large man. The other men gathered around the large man, clearly he was the alpha.

He was speaking to Red. Red got up and Thor's grip tightened on his Hammer. He watched Red walk up to the large man and stare him in the face for a good long moment. Thor smiled. 'Glory for Valhalla, Misfortune for our Enemies!' He shouted in his mind the verse his father had often said before sending him to bed. 'May you dream of Victory!" He readied himself to launch from his bunk as soon as Red launched his first strike. 

"Which beds are open then." Red said finally.

 
Thor watched his companion walk over to a bed near the restroom. He saw how shaken the big man was but that did not satisfy his craving. He let his grip on his hammer slacken. It was fine. The guard had promised a more exciting time the following day. He looked over at Red sleeping in the corner, alone. He could stay that way tonight. Denying a fight in Valhalla! Thor looked at a small man, little more than a boy. Not even two decades old yet most likely. He was just standing there, trying not to look at Thor. He was not a warrior. From the bruises and scrapes he sported it seemed like the other men were taking advantage of that. Thor looked at the kid once more then at his bunk. Then at the empty bunk above Red. Thor got up. 
"Take your bunk boy." Thor said as he walked past him to where Red was laying. He climbed into the top bunk and let sleep take hold.

[Red-Hood]

Red Hood was awoken by the sound of wood clanging on metal. Red rolled over to see that a guard stood in the door way smacking a wooden spoon on the side of a pan. Judging from the reactions of the other men they were used to this improvised alarm clock and they groaned and began to roll out their beds.

" Come on welps!" Roared the guard "Breakfast in five. If youre not there you ain't eatin' " he said looking at a smaller man covered in scrapes an bruises. A few of the other men laughed at his expense. He looked to the ground slightly ashamed but determined none the less. He jumped to his feet and began to walk to the door. He stared challengingly at Red, daring him to try something. Red just noddrd at him and be gan to climb out if his bunk as well. He understood the scrawny man's pain all to well. The contestant bullying he was given when he was younger as enough to break anyone. Red didn't leave school to escape he was kicked out after destroying the bully. The child was sent to the hospital with three broken bones and a bloody nose. He never messed with him again and shortly after he was expelled for being a danger to the other kids. Red could see that same fire in the man's eyes that was in his own. 

Red saw that the man from yesterday was staring daggers at him from the other side of the room. Make your move idiot Red thought placing his hand on his knife. The man turned on his heel, leaving the barracks. Red relaxed. He would destroy him as well if need be.

[Thor]

Thor awoke to the sound of wood on shield. He smiled.

" Come on welps!" Roared the guard 

This was what Valhalla was about! The clatter of shields and the shouts of your comrades! Thor dropped from his bed to the floor with a thud befitting the weight and girth of his size, and strolled to the door while most were still pulling themselves out of bed. He walked straight toward the man yelling about the lack of breakfast that would be received by any who took longer than five minutes.
"Well then comrade, take me to the hall of feasts so that I can begin eating the shares of those that are too slow for your liking.
The guard looked Thor up and down. "What? You think that just because you're some big bad prime that you deserve for food than any of the other men! You think your strength is worth any more than theirs!?" The guard yelled in Thor's face while motioning at the rest of the men. 
Thor looked at the men dragging themselves out of bed and too the door. The only one as quick as he to get up was a scrawny man that was obviously the other mens' whipping boy. Thor looked at Red. "Besides him," Thor pointed at Red while turning to look at the guard, "I do think my strength is worth more than any of theirs." Thor said flatly. "I am a son of Asgard, No single human can equal my strength." Thor looked the guard dead in the eye. "I'll prove that to any man willing to take my challenge."

[Red-Hood]

Red couldn't help laugh at the look on the guards face. He obviously wasn't expecting a reply of that nature. Red patted his as guardian friend on the shoulder as he made his way to the mess hall. 

Red looked at the plate of rations that were served to the soldiers with distaste. It appeared to be a pile of brown gloop, with a side of bread respectively. What purpose does this serve? Red thought to himself. With a shake of his head he left the line and began to look for a place to sit. He spotted the small small punching bag of a man sitting by himself, eatin his food angrily. Red swung his legs over the bench bench to sit next to the man. He jumped visably as Red sat next to him. As he did Red removed his helmet.

"Morin'" Red said starting to eat his gloop.

"What the hell do you want?" He said puffing out his small chest.

"Nothing?" Red looked at him quizzically. With that they sat in silence. This stuff tastes like crap. Red thought looking at his meal.

[Thor]

Thor felt the good natured pat from Red as he walked by. Thor turned from the guard who stood, unable to find a response that would save face without causing him bodily harm. He walked toward the large building with a similar, if less ornate, design to and Asgardian Mead Hall, following his comrade. The building had a sign hanging from it with the words mess hall scrawled across it in white chalk. Thor walked slowly just to see the other recruits go out of their ways just to keep a space between themselves and him. One of the recruits, the one Thor had thought of as the others' whipping boy, did not make any special consideration for Thor. He walked fast with his head down as if to avoid drawing attention, yet he looked at each of his 'comrades' as he passed with a burning anger. He looked at Thor with the same quiet hatred he looked at each of the men with. Thor knew it all too well. It was the same look that He used to see on the face of his brother every time another kid knocked him down. It was the look of one who doesn't know what they hate more; their own weakness or the strength of others. It was too late for Thor to save his brother, but perhaps he could save this one from the fate of his brother. 

Thor walked slowly enough so that those that hustled to the front could easily surpass him, but just fast enough to beat the slower recruits to the building. Thor saw the small, overly bruised and scraped recruit at the front of the line. He saw the bigger recruit that had tried to bully Red the night before and his horde of cronies walk up and step in front of the younger smaller recruit. Thor lifted his hammer to throw it. He looked at the hammer, at the wooden construction of the building around him, at the weak human flesh of the big man. Thor lowered his hammer. He got in line. The food wasn't fit for a king, but it was hardy food. A thick stew and a chunk of bread. It would keep them full and give them the calories they would need while sparing and working through drills. Thor got out of line with his tray and headed straight for the table the big man and his friends had taken. 

They were joking and being generally rowdy enough to not notice Thor's approach until he was upon them. He slammed his tray down on the table. The entire group looked at him but Thor only looked at the leader. He picked up the big man's stew, poured it into his own bowl and put the bowl on his head. Thor took his bread, dipped it into the stew, took a bite and watched the big man turned more red by the second. Thor waited for man to open his mouth to yell. Thor slammed the big mans head down against the table with a violent crack. "Remember this the next time you and yours think of cutting in front of a line I am in."

With that Thor picked up his tray with the now doubled portions of food and looked for the bright of red his companion's head. He found him sitting with the battered recruit. Thor walked over and sat down. He tossed the second un-bitten hunk of bread onto the smaller recruit's tray. "Eat. They will try to break you harder today for the fact that you are sitting with us."

[Red-Hood]

Red laughed heartily  at the fool with the soup bowl on his head. The dumb bafoon still hadn't removed it from his head. Instead he stared angrily at the three of them. Red blew a kiss at him and waved. The man's face became as red as his mask. Mmm maybe his name should be Red Hood he thought to himself laughing again. He turned back to companions continuing to eat his slop.

" so what's your name?" Red said nudging the punching bag's arm. He flinched harshly then flagged glared at Red for causing this reaction. Red put his hands in the air in a sign of peace. "Just making conversation friend."

He glared for a few more service before replying "name is Alex" he said taking a bite of his new piece of bread. 

"Alex, good name" Red said with a smile. Red ran his fingers through his black hair, the open air felt good on his face.

"Alright mest! Report to the training grounds, hand to hand combat training today." Said the drill instructor, quickly turning on his heel he made his way to the field. Red stood and locked eyes with the behemoth who cracked his knuckles at him. Red placed his helmet back on his head, cracked his neck in antipation. 

"Come on Thor, game time" Red said with confidence.

[Thor]

Thor laughed at that. "And what a great game it will be!" Thor lifted himself up from the table with a pleased grunt. Thor flexed as he began walking toward the mess hall door, dropping his Hammer at the edge of the door with a thud. He took his place next to Red and watched the others file out of the mess hall.

[Red-Hood]

They arrived to the training grounds only a few minutes later. Red took a large intake of air, he blew it out with a smile. Red loved this land he could get used to being here.


"All right meat, pair up and start sparing" yelled the drill instructor. "Oy! Red Face! Commere'" he said pointing at Red Hood.


Red walked over to him "it's actually Red Hood, but you were close" he said nearing the man


"I don't care what your name is meat! You can't have weapons on you while doing hand to hand, that comes later." He yelled at him, even though he was standing only a few feet away. He bent down and unlocked a chest, opening the top with a creak. "Throw any grear you got in here and I'll lock it up and keep it safe until after hand to hand training" 


As much as he hated to depart with his weapons it put him at ease knowing they would be safe. First he unclicked the utility belt which also held his guns and carefully placed them in the box. Next he unsheathed his knives and dropped them in. Finally he took out a few batarangs hidden in his jacket, in case of an emergency. Not seeing the point of having the brown leather jacket. He stripped that off as well and laid it on the table with care and ease. Dick Grayson had given that to him, it was the only thing Jason had to physically remind him of his old life, when it was simple and fun.


"You got it all then?" The in structor said a little annoyed at how long that took. Red only nodded. "Good, get back on the field then." The intructor kept to his word, he locked it up and pushed it under the table near by.


Satisfied Red walked backto the rest of the men. Already the big doofus was picking on the much smaller Alex.


"Hey, tall, dark and ugly!" Red yelled at the bully "how bout you fight me instead? I know you've wanted to." Red said crossing his arms. Alex tried to get his attention and warn him more than likely. Red wasn't scared, even without his weapons he could take this moron.


The behemoth laughed " you ain't got your little tooth picks now do you boy? "


"Very observant, I guess you're not as dumb as you look" with that he scrunched his face in anger. "Oh wait now you look dumb again" Red said shrugging.


The man let out at terrifying scream as he charged with rage at Red Hood. Red merely stood there, unmoving, appearing to be waiting on the hit that was due to come. He was really analyzing him. He had clenched his left hand first so he must be a lefty. Sure enough he cocked his left arm back ready to deliver a devastating blow. Red quickly side stepped the blow to the , placing his foot out causing to fall face first into the dirt.  A lot of the men looked over in surprise. Apparently this was the first time he had been knocked to the ground.

"Come on Brick! Get up and kick his ass!" Yelled one of Brick's goons.

"Brick? Really? Your name is Brick? Man your parents must have known you would have grown up to be an ugly git." Red chuckled a little. Brick gave another enraged yell  as he lumbered to his feet. The madder Brick got the more his movements became predictable and less controlled. This was Red's goal. A giants temper was his greatest weakness. Brick was breathing heavily as moved in to strike. Brick began to throw his hammer sized fists at Red, who easily swayed to prevent being hit. Finally Brick had enough with a devestaing upper cut her hit his target. His comrades wooped for their leader who had finally connected a hit. The blow had knocked Red's helmet off. Slowly Red brought his head down work an evil grin on his face.

"My turn!" Red said as he spit blood on the ground. He rushed Brick vaulting over him to flank him. He punched him the sides hearing at last the breath go out of him. Rd brought his foot down hard on the back of Brick's leg causing him to crumple to the ground once more. At this point the rest of the men had stopped their training to watch the brutal fight. 

"Aren't you going to stop this?!" One of Brick's men yelled to the drill instructor. Apparently their leader was getting beat to badly for their liking. 

"Nope, an enemy soldier won't stop" he said in a bored tone.

With a chuckle Red brought his elbow down into Brick's temple. With one last escape of air Brick fell to the ground. He was alive but he would definitely be feeling that beating later.

Red went and retrieved his helmet keeping it under his arm as he walked over to Alex. The small man looked astonished and slightly scared of Red's ability.

"H-how did you do that? Brick had never been beaten" Alex finally finding his voice.

"I used my strengths against his weaknesses. I'm smaller and may not hit hard but I'm faster and I can get into positsions he can't hit me. You've got to do the same Alex. Your size can be a huge advantage if you train accordingly." He said patting his shoulder.

[Thor]

Thor followed the instructor to the fields. He shouted for everyone to partner up. Thor looked around. Everyone near him seemed to partner up rather quickly. Thor walked toward each of the lone recruits who seemed to almost magically find a sparing partner as soon as they saw him approaching. It was because of this Thor that found himself standing in front of the scrawny Alex. "Well this is unfortunate."

Alex looked up at Thor. "What? You going to beat me up like the rest of them?" Thor could see the burning in his eyes.

"Yes." Thor looked Alex in the eye. "Those that are strong beat those that are weak. Become stronger or learn to like the pain of defeat." 
 
Alex eyes flared. "I knew you were just like Brick and his cronies. Well, do it!" 

Thor shook his head. "You have ten seconds before I end this fight. Use them well."

Thor began walking toward the little man. One. Alex looked around a little confused. Two. Alex charged Thor slamming into him with his full body weight. Three. Thor Pushed him to the ground. Four. Thor shouted for him to stand. Five. Alex scrambled to his feet and rushed Thor again. Six. Thor took the punches and brought his own hand down on the smaller man's head, much like he would a hammer. Seven. Alex buckled but did not fall. Eight. Thor slammed his hand down once more on the smaller man's cranium. Nine. Alex fell to the ground. Ten.

Thor waited a moment, staring at Alex's crumpled form. It was important that he remember this feeling of helplessness. It was that feeling that drove men to seek strength. The moment passed and Thor lifted Alex from the ground. "Why did you lose?"

Alex stared up at him. There was that simmering hate again. "Because you're to strong."

Across the field Thor heard Red's voice. He saw his companion challenge The brute that seemed to be the king bully among the recruits. Thor looked at Alex. "You did not lose because I was strong. Watch this fight. You may learn from it."

Thor watched as Red began to toy with his prey as Thor himself had. He even let the brute get a hit in. Then he ended it with three  well aimed strikes. He never had a chance. As Red passed Alex he passed on the wisdom in words that Thor had been hopping watching the fight would show the young recruit. 

Thor looked at Red. "Ready for a real fight?" Thor smiled as he popped his back. "Because I think my muscles grow soft from the lack of worthy combat!"

[Red-Hood]

Red dropped his helmet on the ground and smiled at his friend. Red didn't think he could breat Thor but he would put up one hell of a fight. Unlike Brick, Thor wouldn't let his temper get the better of him. As blood thirsty as the asguardian  was he was a controlled fighter. If he had a chance of winning he'd have to be faster, just like he has told Alex.

"I'll take you up on that friend" Red said motioning for him to begin. Another crowd was forming around the two, clearly very interested in two primes fighting. A few men rushed forward to remove the limp form of Brick that was plauging the battle field.

[Thor]

"Yes my friend! May the best man when!" With that Thor charged is friend. Red shifted his footing as if to brace himself against the oncoming warrior, then at the last moment he stepped aside. Thor stumbled to a halt.

"Good trick," He swung at his masked ally who jumped back, "but you can not dodge me forever!" Fist after fist Thor swung, but Red ducked and dodged and blocked. Not one attempt landed solidly. Thor roared

He looked to the sidelines. Loki smiled at him. His eyes widened and his guard dropped. "Loki..." he whispered.

[Red-Hood]

Red looked at Thor confused, he was looking off to the side muttering under his breath. Was the heat getting to him? At any rate he had his guard down and Red couldn't pass up the chance. With a perfectly formed kick he spun on the spot ,connecting his heel with a sickening crack to Thor's jaw.

[Thor]

Thor's head spun and he fell to the ground with a thud. He looked at the sidelines, but Loki was gone. Thor lifted himself up off the ground, rubbing his jaw. Time to focus. He didn't want Red to think he was lacking as a warrior.

"That blow was well landed." Thor charged forward. "Let me return the favor!" Again the Red Hood stepped out of the way. Again Thor stumbled and turned but now he fought with the true Asgardian spirit. Each swing of his fist thrown with complete disregard to the safety of it's owner. So fervent and reckless were the strikes that instead of making it easier for his more skillful opponent to gain advantage, Red was forced to play defensively. Dodging the moves he could predict and blocking those that caught him almost off guard. Red could not take much more of this. Even blocked Thor's punches rattled the fallen vigilantly and dodging so many attack was starting to tire him out. Then Thor did something Red had not expected. Punch after punch had allowed Red to get into a sort of rhythm. Dodge then block then dodge again. So when Thor forsook his fist for a spartan kick to Red's chest, Red was completely unprepared to catch it. Red's arms came up in a standard block as the powerful limb of the Asgardian connected. Red flew almost a meter backward before hitting ground.

"For Asgard!" Thor shouted, walking across the field one arm raised. To Red it probably looked vaguely reminiscent of a pro wrestler getting the crowd pumped after one of their signature finishers.