A
Roman Catholic priest lies in his bed, dying. Thor enters through his window,
bringing a drug to ease his pain. The old man didn’t think Thor would come and
he has been waiting four years for an answer Thor promised….
Four
years ago, New York City was invaded by demonic creatures Thor identified as
Bitumen Elves and the Avengers and Fantastic Four were teamed up against them.
After a skirmish, Thor was warned that the monsters were converging on his
location, suggesting he retreat. But there were people in danger so Thor stood
his ground and defeated all of the enemy. After the battle, Thor prepared to
return to Asgard but he was interrupted by the priest who had a question. He
believes and teaches that there is one God and one Messiah so what does he tell
his parishioners when they ask who Thor is? Thor promised to return to that
spot in one year with an answer and then he left….
One
year later, Thor did not appear. He confided in Sif that he did not know what
to say. Sif suggested he tell the priest just that….
Two
years later, Thor met the priest in his church; the priest confessed his faith
was shaken. Thor promised that he would search for an answer and bring it to
him before he died….
And
now the priest lies dying and wants to know if everything he believes is true
but more specifically, who is Thor and why is he there? Thor tries a story
about the loss of belief in magic which does not satisfy the priest. Thor
confesses that the question forced him to examine his own beliefs…the priest
was sent to test Thor’s faith not vice versa. The only answer Thor can give is
“Ask me tomorrow.” Thor sits with the priest until he dies; he closes the man’s
eyes then speaks a prayer in Latin and a Bible quote….