***Author's Note***
Good afternoon, all! I hope you enjoyed the first chapter. This story is proving to be unexpectedly easy to write; I hope you're enjoying it, also. This chapter, Sherlock gets a bit of a rude awakening; hope you like it!
***End Note***
For a moment, Sherlock was taken aback. He thought he'd heard the words "Thor" and "Asgard" in the same sentence, but that was impossible; there was no such thing as alien worlds...was there? No, he must have misheard. John, meanwhile was standing beside him looking somewhat perplexed, but then everyone usually looked that way to Sherlock. "I'm sorry, forgive me; my ears must have malfunctioned. What did you say your name was?"
The man turned and smirked at him, "Thor. From Asgard? You heard me properly, Mr. Holmes."
Sherlock shook his head stubbornly, "No, that's impossible. You are having a go at us, and I, for one, am not amused. Though it would seem that you are. Why is that?"
Thor chuckled, "Let's just say this isn't the first time I've come across your reaction. Your reputation once again precedes you. You're a man of science, yes?" At Sherlock's nod, Thor continued, "Then allow me to offer you some proof of my claims. If you would indulge me for but a moment, and step outside...?" Thor stood with his left hand stretched to the side, offering to allow Sherlock to go first.
Sherlock grunted and shrugged, "Oh, very well. This should be entertaining, at any rate. Come along, Watson!" Sherlock made his way swiftly out of the room and down the stairs, John stumbling numbly along behind him. Sherlock didn't stop moving until he was in the middle of the street; luckily, today happened to be a slow day, traffic-wise, and Baker Street was, for the moment, utterly deserted. "Well, then, go ahead; where is your proof?"
Thor chortled at the man, "You're going to regret that in a moment, I think." Thor warned as he looked up at the sky, "Heimdall! I am ready to return; open the Bifrost." Thor spared a glance over his shoulder for the look of sheer irritation on Sherlock's face, giggling inwardly with glee as he heard the telltale boom-roar sound of the Bifrost engaging, then there was a sudden burst of light, the sensation of being stretched for a moment before snapping back to your normal shape, only to be hurtled through space like a javelin. Thor stepped calmly through the gate to Asgard, standing with his arms crossed and feet hip-width apart while Sherlock and John fell through the Bifrost, collapsing into a heap on the ground. "See? Proof."
For the first time since they had met, John had the unsurpassed pleasure of seeing Sherlock not only entirely speechless, but baffled as well. His jaw hung open in the most undignified way and he had the distinct look of a man who was rapidly re-adjusting his views on the universe. John took a quick glance in Thor's direction, quickly glancing away again when he saw the enormous smirk on the demigod's face. "Um, Sherlock...I can't help but notice...We don't seem to be on Earth anymore..."
John's sarcastic quip seemed to snap Sherlock out of his state of shock and he wheeled around to glare at the shorter man, "Yes, thank you, Watson. Brilliant deduction. I believe I can see that."
John continued to grin evilly at the detective, "Oh, I know you can. I was just wondering how it feels."
Sherlock faltered for a moment, "How what feels, Watson?"
Watson's grin widened, "How it feels to be proved completely and utterly wrong in such a devastating manner. I mean, you are the one who was saying that there is absolutely no possibility of intelligent life on other planets. In all the time I've known you, you have never once been wrong, and now, you have been given incontrovertible proof that you. Are. Wrong. So, don't hold back. How do you feel right now?"
To John's complete satisfaction, Sherlock's face turned a mottled sort of red and his eyes narrowed to slits before Sherlock balled up his fist and snapped it forward, directly into John's nose, sending the former soldier sprawling. John growled in fury and launched to his feet, promptly returning the blow and sending Sherlock sprawling. The man scrambled to his feet, still glaring and bellowed, "You are an infuriating little man!"
John huffed in anger and bellowed right back, as close to Sherlock's face as he could manage, given the height difference, "And you are an irritating, arrogant, self-centered asshole!"
The two men stood glaring at each other, panting for a long moment until Sherlock took a deep breath and said, quite calmly, "Shall we take a look around, then?"
John stood staring at his best friend for a moment, deciding whether or not he wanted to punch him again. Slowly, the scowl cleared from his face and his breathing steadied and he shrugged, "Yeah, alright."
Heimdall, who had been watching the exchange with great amusement turned his all-seeing gaze on Sherlock, "Good morning, Sherlock. It is good to finally meet you. It was I who recommended you to His Majesty."
Sherlock raised an eyebrow, "The King? Interesting...So, I am to be under the employ of Odin, am I correct?"
Heimdall smiled, "Correct. It is good to see that your shock has not hampered your inherent intelligence. You are a most intriguing human, if I may permitted to say so."
Sherlock smirked, "Well, as you already have, I suppose you already know that I never turn aside adoration. What I would like to know is how, exactly, you know so much about me?"
The statuesque Asgardian raised an eyebrow, "I am the Gatekeeper. As such, I am gifted with the ability to peer into all corners of the galaxy. I can see and hear anything that I desire, or deem necessary. You have proven, unlike many humans, to be most entertaining. I have most enjoyed watching you as your career has progressed; you manage to grasp things that leave your fellow humans utterly lost. Your mind is a fascinating one."
Sherlock blinked in surprise, "So...You've been watching me."
Heimdall inclined his head regally, "For your entire life; you and your brother Mycroft, as well. You remind me a bit of Thor and Loki."
Sherlock raised his brow again, "Well, I shall take that as a compliment. Shall I be meeting Loki, as well?"
His words were like the dropping of a stone in a pond; where once all had been calm and still, suddenly the room was filled with anxious shuffling and tension, "My brother is...dead, unfortunately. He died saving the woman I love."
John kicked Sherlock lightly to keep him from further upsetting the Asgardians; anyone who had known Sherlock for any amount of time knew that sympathy and tact were not two of the man's strongest traits. Before Sherlock could recover, John quickly said, "Our most sincere apologies; we were not aware. Also, please allow me to offer our condolences, your Majesty."
Thor smiled at the doctor, "Thank you, Doctor Watson. You know, I've been wondering why it is that Mr. Holmes keeps you around, but I think I finally understand. For all that you are well-versed in the healing arts of Earth, indeed you are a master of them for certain, it is clear – and forgive me for the insult – but it is clear that his intellect far outstrips your own. Now, though, I see that it is because socially, he is as outmatched by you as you are by his intellect."
John chuckled, "Well, I've never had anyone sum it up quite so succinctly before, but yes. On occasion, I am able to see something medically that he would not have thought of immediately, but for the most part, I'm just there to act as a sort of buffer for the poor people who have to deal with him."
Sherlock's eyes crinkled as he broke out in his boyish smile, "That is true, yes, but you're forgetting the most important reason that I keep you around." John cocked his head curiously at the detective, "You're my best friend, John. In truth, the only friend I've ever had. There are people I care about, of course, but most people don't...understand me well enough to care the way you do. You are more my brother than Mycroft is – he only cares because society dictates that he must. You, however, care because you chose to, all those years ago. Therefore, I value your friendship far above any other relationship I have ever experienced."
John sniffed and cleared his throat, coughing once to give his eyes a moment to clear; it was rare that the detective ever admitted what John meant to him. Sherlock must be feeling far more insecure than John had realized if he was doing so now. "Oh, don't be an idiot," John replied gruffly, "Come on; we've got a case, haven't we? Move on, then."
Thor smirked but said nothing, and lead the two men across the repaired Rainbow Bridge and into the city proper. Sherlock and John stared about them, astonished at the beauty of the realm of Asgard. "I am sure that you are weary after your journey; therefore, I shall take you to the Dining Hall so that you may replenish yourselves before meeting with my father."
John cleared his throat nervously, "We're meeting with the King today? Oh, wonderful. Wish I'd known; I'd have worn something more appropriate."
Thor chuckled, "No need to be nervous; my father is a wise and kind man. His strength of spirit and character are quite beyond me; I hope someday to be as great a man as he, though the bar is set high. As for your manner of dress, have no worries; if it pleases you, we can clothe you in garments in our manner, which will be more appropriate for a meeting such as this."
John heaved a sigh of relief, "Thank you, Sire. That would be most kind."
Thor chuckled again and paused, turning to face the two men, "Please; call my Thor. You are not my father's subjects, and therefore have no need to be so formal with me. Besides, I have hope that we may yet be friends." Thor turned back to the empty hallway he was guiding them down and gestured to a massive pair of double-doors, "There, you will find food and ale to your hearts' content. I will change and meet you there for our meal; I believe you will find my friends more than willing to provide you with entertainment and conversation. For the moment, my new friends, farewell." Thor bowed and strode quickly back down the hallway, disappearing around the corner and leaving the two men standing in the hall, feeling somewhat out-of-place.
Before they could so much as catch their breath, the double-doors burst open and an enormous, ruddy-faced, shaggy man with arms like pythons and legs like tree trunks stood with a hand on each door and his legs spread wide. "Good morrow, dear friends! Please, do not be afraid; come in, come in!" John and Sherlock exchanged a dubious glance, shrugged simultaneously, and trudged up the hall and through the open doors, suddenly far more weary than they had realized. "Very good, very good! I am Volstagg," he pointed to a man of medium height and serious demeanor of clear Asian descent, a blond, arrogant man of slightly taller stature and jovial mood, and a beautiful woman with eyes like a predator and the casual fluidity of a panther. Pointing to each in turn, Volstagg declared, "These are Hogun, Fandral, and the Lady Sif. Together, we are Lady Sif and the Warriors Three," he finished magnificently, puffing out his chest proudly.
John laid a hand on Sherlock's arm, warning him to be silent, "Good morrow; forgive me if I seem rude, but I have a few...concerns. Like you, I was once a soldier; I served as a Doctor for the army – a Healer, to you. I have heard that Asgardians differ greatly from humans in terms of your code of conduct. I am not concerned for myself, but rather for my friend. You see, he is what's referred to on Earth as a high-functioning sociopath, meaning that while he is, obviously, of enormous intellect, he neither realizes, nor even cares when he is breaking the rules of society. It's not that he intends to be rude or insulting; it's more that the price he pays for his massive intellect is to be crippled, socially speaking. Therefore, I would beg your patience and indulgence and ask that you strive not to take insult when – note, I say when, and not if – he insults you."
The three men turned to look at Lady Sif, who smiled kindly and answered, "Have no fear, my friend. As one warrior to another, I thank you for your consideration. It is not many that would seek forgiveness in advance for their friend's slight." Her gaze became thoughtful, as though she were weighing the men who stood before her, "Very well, Healer. I will honor your request, and we will do our best not to take offense at your friend's – ah – unique mannerisms."
John gave Sherlock a pointed look, followed by a sharp jab in the ribs. Sherlock twitched slightly, then spoke haltingly, "Ah...Thank you...I believe that is customary, is it not?" At John's irritated glare, Sherlock continued, "What? Not enough? Alright, fine. I greatly appreciate your kindness, Lady Sif...There. Does that satisfy you?"
The "gratitude" had obviously been highly rehearsed, and came off as very stiff and insincere. Lucky for them, Sif merely smiled and inclined her head graciously, "You are most welcome. Now, please; come take a seat and have something to eat. The Bifrost is rather...shocking the first time. Once you are comfortable, you can tell us your names; unfortunately, while we knew Thor was heading to earth to retrieve someone to help us with our...problem...we don't know anything about you. If you wouldn't mind a little company, we would be more than happy to offer conversation." She waited expectantly for their answer.
As John and Sherlock took their seats, the latter surprised the former by speaking first, "Not at all, Lady Sif. I am Sherlock Holmes, and this is my associate, Doctor John Watson. As a matter of fact, I think you may be able to help us. Unfortunately, it would seem that we possess even less information than you do. What 'problem' are we here to help with, exactly?"
The femme fatal raised an eyebrow, "You mean you don't know?" She exchanged a worried glance with her warriors, "Well in that case, forgive me if it seems rude or evasive, but if Thor did not tell you anything, then I believe it would be best for us to remain silent until he joins us and give you the details."
Sherlock narrowed his eyes, ever so slightly, "Interesting. When we are finished eating and have been given a change of clothes, Thor is taking us to meet Odin."
Sif's eyes widened, "He's taking you to the King? This must be far more serious than we originally assumed."
Sherlock nodded slightly, "Yes, I rather thought it might be. It seems that I was recommended by Heimdall, specifically for the position."
The woman's eyes narrowed again, "Well then I'd say we are in excellent hands. I trust the Gatekeeper's judgment, though why he felt it necessary to bring in a human...Then again, Jane Foster is human, as are the Avengers, for the most part, and they have proven themselves to be exceptionally resourceful. If Heimdall chose you, then I am sure you will do well, Sherlock."
Sherlock sat back slightly, leaning away from Sif, "Most interesting. Thank you; you have been most helpful."
The warrioress cocked her head at him, "Oh? How so?"
John groaned slightly, "You may well regret asking that question in a moment."
Sherlock's eyes became lit from within by a kind of glee as he began, "Well, Odin is clearly the great power here, and yet, you all value your Gatekeeper's advice above all others'. That tells me that he has most likely held the position for a very long time, possibly since before the current king. Also, it tells me that you have complete faith in him that for all of his formidable gifts, he would never betray his people or his king. Furthermore, the fact that you know something about what has brought us here but refuse to tell us anything about it, that tells me that this 'problem' of yours has far-reaching consequences, possibly even spreading to other worlds, since you brought in someone from Earth. If you had not been terribly concerned about the galaxy as a whole, you would have been more patient; as I understand it, Asgardians live for thousands of Earth years. Also, I see that you twist your hands when you speak, so you harbor some sense of guilt; whatever this is about, I wager it is an item of great value or power, and you yourself had something to do with it. Now, I was told there was a murder, and now I guess that whoever was killed knew something about the whatever-it-is that you won't tell me about. Am I anywhere in the vicinity of correct?"
Sif and her warriors sat back, watching Sherlock with new respect and astonishment, "Yes, Sherlock; you are exactly right. I must confess that I am impressed. I see now why Heimdall chose you. You spoke truly, John, when you said he had a great intellect. Asgardians are not used to being read like the pages of a book. Your friend is truly remarkable."
John nodded, "Yes, I know. The sad thing is, so does he."
The warriors laughed and began to pass around food and drink. "Be careful of the ale," Fandral warned with a carelessly arrogant laugh, "It was made for Asgardians, not humans. I would take an extremely small amount at a time if I were you; we wouldn't want to present you to His Majesty the King with fuzzy heads, now would we?"
Sherlock cast a sidelong glance at the cocky blond, "No, I hardly think that would be advisory. Tell me; are you accustomed to women swooning over you, or must you put something in their drinks to make you seem as irresistible as you clearly think you are?"
Fandral's eyes popped wide with surprise while Hogun hide his small smile behind his hand and Volstagg roared with laughter, "He's got you there, Fandral! A more cocky fool I've never known, but his wit is as quick as his sword."
Fandral tipped his head towards Sherlock, "Well done, my friend; it is not often that I am caught off guard by such a quip. It would seem that I have met a tongue that is a match in sharpness for my own!"
John chuckled, "Yes, that one was amusing; sometimes they are, but not all of them are. Honestly, Sherlock, what's gotten into you today? You're not as cranky as you usually are."
Sherlock gave his friend a frank stare, "I'm not bored." He simply said with a shrug.
Just then, the double-doors opened again and Thor entered, dressed in his usual armor and flowing red cape, "It gladdens my heart to see you all getting on so well, my friends. As soon as you are finished, I have some fresh clothes for you; my father awaits you in the throne room. The meal was quickly finished, with John and Sherlock drinking more water than they did ale, and Thor ushered them off to change their clothes. Before long, they had found a pair of rooms that had clearly been reserved for them. John and Sherlock changed into the new clothing as quick as they could, getting mixed up once or twice. John felt fairly silly as he stared at his reflection in the mirror. He had been given clothes that were clearly Asgardian, though he did like the shade of green. He had to admit the clothes were comfortable and the boots well-fitted, though he did wish they had seen fit to forego the ridiculous cape that draped gently across his chest and down his back to mid-calf.
He sighed and left the room, finding Sherlock waiting for him. The man looked, as ever, effortlessly perfect in the Asgardian garb. His, though, was a dark shade of crimson; it suited him, John thought, and he didn't even seem to mind the cape. Besides, it would show far less blood this way, and given that Sherlock always found himself hip-deep in it eventually, anyway, John supposed it was for the best. Thor gave them a once-over and nodded, "Much better. My father's throne room is this way," he gestured in the opposite direction from which they had come, and off they went, John nearly having to run to keep up with the two taller men.
At last, they slowed and entered a massive hall that was lavishly decorated in black, gold, and white. On a vast podium at the far end, standing at the top of a large flight of stairs, stood the regal Odin, watching them with a gaze that was stern, welcoming, and weighing all at once. There was no question that this man was a king, descended from a long line of kings. "Sherlock Holmes and John Watson," he said grandly as the pair neared him, "You are most welcome in Asgard, gentlemen. Please, walk with me." With that, the older man made his way down the stairs and swept out into the hall to the right of his throne, his grand cape billowing out behind him, not pausing to wait for the three who hurried towards him. Idly, Sherlock wondered what new revelations would be unveiled.
***Author's Note***
Oh, I couldn't resist the sarcasm between John and Sherlock; their relationship is just so much fun to write for! I love the scene with Lady Sif and her warriors; sooo much fun! I've been amusing myself with this story so far, but it's going to get serious, and soon! I'm not sure how long this story will be, possibly not as long as my previous stories, but we'll see. I was planning to write an Avatar story after this, but I think instead, I'm going to do a Vision/Scarlet Witch romance next. Those two are one of my favorite couples ever...I ship them ridiculously hard. Anywho, Hopefully I'll have another chapter for you tomorrow. Thanks for reading, and please leave a review, let me know what you think! I value your opinions (even the negative ones) more than you could possibly know! Lots of love!
