Leonidas was sure he had been the only one to see Loki slip away briefly and speak softly to a guard. He watched him from the corner of his eye and didn't make mention of it. He would've done it for himself if Loki hadn't taken the initiative.
Sif, Thor and the warriors three were getting donned in their armor by attendants. Leonidas had the aid of one attendant and did some of the work himself.
It didn't take long for them to all be suited up, and Leonidas did find himself relieved to be out of the ceremonial clothing. Even though this was not the circumstance he wanted to be in more comfortable clothes for.
His clothing was made from the same materials as his fur, in fact, some parts of the princes clothing was woven by his very fur. Being the durable material it was, it seemed smart to use it as armor or even armored clothing.
It also made Leonidas feel good about the idea that even when he couldn't always be right by their side, some part of him was still protecting them.
Thankfully they had let him collect his own fur for it, shedding season was a pain, and his tail had to be groomed multiple times a day in order to keep it from getting too puffy.
But alas, it did make the armor more comfortable and able to endure his shifting so he didn't have to worry about ripping normal clothes.
So, the majority of his clothes were in fact made from his own fur.
Slipping the daggers into their holsters, he let out a breath and tried to keep the anxiety from bubbling up. He couldn't understand it, but he had a great unease within him. Like this was all brewing up to something bad. But if asked, he could never explain the feeling properly.
Perhaps he was just paranoid.
"We must first find a way to get past Heimdall." Thor announced just as they were all dressed. He took the lead taking them from the armory and out of the castle that stood at the center of Asgard.
They were heading for the rainbow bridge, straight for the Bifrost.
However unlike the others, Leonidas wasn't dreading it. He hadn't even thought of Heimdall, but it could resolve everything before it got so much worse.
"That will be no easy task." Volstagg informed gravely, "It's said the Gatekeeper can see a single dew drop fall from a blade of grass a thousand worlds away." He told them his tone serious, attracting a glance from Leonidas
The keeper let out a breath, he could only hope that Heimdall would dissuade Thor, and it's not like Thor could act against him…well he could, but he certainly wouldn't.
Right?
Leonidas hated small questions like that. They flitted through his thoughts every once in awhile making him question things. Making him question the two Asgardians he's supposed to protect and defend from all kinds of attacks.
Including the slanderous.
So when thoughts like this, probing questions, wondering. When those entered his mind he felt like it was a betrayal to the very Oath he took in defense of them.
Fandral and Volstagg continued on, bickering as they mounted their steeds. Leonidas however just allowed himself to slip to his quadrupod form. Shaking out his large body to be free of any lose hairs.
When everyone was ready they nudged their horses into a gallop, and being bigger then the horses, he had no problem keeping up. But he kept closer to Loki then the others. Thor had blocked off the majority of himself, and while he wasn't as good at it as Loki was, it was still noticeable.
He did his best to ignore the ache that was there in the absence of Thor's familiar presence.
It didn't take very long before Heimdall came into view, and it took even less time before they had slowed and moved to dismount.
Leonidas allowed himself to shift back to his normal form, panting and taking deep breaths to regain the oxygen lost whilst running.
He kept pace with the others on foot and looked over to Heimdall, as if looking at him would reassure him that this venture would go no further. But the all seeing gatekeeper's face betrayed nothing. He gazed at them all, golden eyes seeing more then any normal eyes would.
"Keep your weapons sheathed and mouth shut." Loki instructed taking the lead, "this is going to take subtlety and sincerity. Not brute strength." He turned back to them all briefly, "leave it to me." He went to approach the gatekeeper. But Heimdall merely gazed at him impassively.
"You are not dressed warmly enough." At the statement everyone exchanged looks. And Leonidas allowed himself to hope for a moment that Heimdall would bring this foolish venture to a end.
"I'm sorry?" Loki questioned, and Heimdall gazed hard at him and then the others evenly. The shift in his gaze was only slightly noticeable. But Leonidas caught it, did Heimdall know something about. Loki that he wasn't saying?
"You think you can deceive me? I who watch all? I, who can sense the flapping of a butterfly's wings a thousand worlds away?" He pointedly fixes a gaze at Fandral. The blond fidgeted in place letting out a nervous puff of air. "Or can hear a cricket passing gas in Niffelheim?" Fandral's eyes widened at that.
"That was just a bit of a jest really…" he trailed nervously. And Loki stepped forward, ready to take on damage control.
"You must be mistaken, we're not-" however his silver tongue wouldn't talk him past the gatekeeper.
"Enough." And Thor stopped him before he could even try. A surge of frustration came from Loki, resulting in a glance from Leonidas.
"Heimdall, may we pass?" Thor inquired, earning inspecting look from the gatekeeper. Leonidas wished could say something reassuring to Loki. But he wasn't sure what to say. This seemed to just be a mounting issue between he and Thor. With how different they were, it wasn't that surprising.
"For ages I have guarded Asgard. Kept it safe from those who would do it harm. In all that time, never has a enemy slipped by on my watch…until this day." He straightened his already straight posture. "I wish to know how that happened."
Leonidas had a growing suspicion he knew. He just hoped that he was wrong.
"Then tell no one where we've gone until we've returned." Thor ordered before striding past Heimdall.
The others soon followed, and Volstagg looked amused at Loki, and looked like he wanted to say something.
"Heimdall can easily see through anything." Leonidas spoke before Volstagg got the chance. He fell in step with the dark haired prince. "It would be impossible to fool him." He added sparing a glance up at Loki. The prince stole a breath.
"No. Not impossible." He turned to look at Leonidas as they fell behind the group. Heimdall passed them to insert the sword into its slot. Everyone was on the platform now.
The keeper gazed up at the prince quietly before turning from the others. "Loki, you know you can tell me anything." He claimed softly, eyeing the prince carefully, "I've been told I'm a very good listener." His large ears twitched as if to prove that. Loki gazed down at him quietly. Before sparing a glance at Thor.
"You should not have to stand in the divide between us Rafr." That made Leonidas' brow furrow.
"Divide? Loki what are you talking-"
"Be warned." Heimdall's voice cut him off and all turned to look at the gatekeeper. He gazed them all down seriously. "I will honor my sworn oath to protect this Realm. If your return threatens the safety of Asgard, Bifrost will remain closed to you. You will be left to die in the cold wastes of Jotumheim." And with the announcement of those grave words. Leonidas swallowed.
That was a terrifying implication. One that he knew the gatekeeper would make good on.
At the very least Loki did tell a guard…
"I have no plans to die today." Thor claimed firmly, casting all looks to him.
"None do." Claimed the gatekeeper.
Leonidas' attention was drawn to the Bifrost as the workings of the machine started up around them. Light began to bloom from where the bridge would appear.
There was the sound of something turning before everyone had to steady themselves as the Observatory swung around positioning itself correctly. There was a thud before the sound of metal against metal. And with that the turret fired. Illuminating the space around them. Then before them the Bifrost opens.
"All is ready." Heimdall claimed, drawing attention to him again, "you may pass."
Fandral let out a breath, "couldn't you just leave the bridge open for us?" But Heimdall merely turned to him.
"To keep this bridge open would unleash the full power of the Bifrost and destroy Jotumheim with you upon it." That earned a grimace from the dashing warrior.
"Ah. Never mind then."
Thor then took a step toward the Bifrost. Before then turning back to them and grinning. "Come on, don't be bashful."
Swallowing, Leonidas, Loki and the warriors joined Thor. Already the keeper could feel the pull of the Bifrost. And it wasn't long before his, and the others were sucked into the portal by a invisible force.
He just hoped this wouldn't be the last time.
The cold was the first thing he registered, and he realized grimly that Heimdall had been right. None of them were dressed for the occasion.
With a breath he pushed himself up, only to falter, and his hand to slip on the wet snow.
When he did finally get to his feet he saw Volstagg looking relieved, "this belt!" He proclaimed, looking a tad paler then normal, "this belt is now my lucky belt! I will never remove it! Even when bathing!" He claimed resolutely, and seeing the cliff, Leonidas could only conclude that his relief was due to Thor-who stood next to him-saving him from a near death experience.
"You bathe?" Fandral asked with an eyebrow raise.
But he was never warranted a response, as instead their attention was drawn to the alien landscape about them.
It was a frozen wasteland. The sight was both grand and terrifying, nothing but snow and jagged ice caps surrounded them. And they all grew chill, now whether it was from a stray breeze or a realization of their circumstances was no matter.
The cold was here, they were very far from home and the parting words of Heimdall weighed heavy in the air.
The ruins of the Jotun city were on the skyline. Illuminated by the sourceless glow the snow seemed to emulate.
"We shouldn't be here." Hogun, the usually silent warrior voiced what everyone was thinking.
"Too late now." Thor claimed, and Leonidas spared a glance to his back. His red cape billowed in the cold wind, and despite his bravo, and insistence to jump headlong into danger. Leonidas could sense the uneasiness creeping just below the surface. The inkling of doubt that itched at the back of his subconscious.
Perhaps if that doubt could just be fed…
"It's not though." He voiced, but his voice was soft enough that he wasn't sure it carried over the wind to everyone's ears.
However his answer was soon provided when the warriors and Loki turned to look at him, swallowing back the last time he had protested, Leonidas stole a frigid breath that went down harsher then he expected.
"We could just call Heimdall…return to Asgard and pretend none of this ever happened." Ignoring the gazes of others, his eyes were fixed on Thor who hadn't turned to face him. "I'm not speaking against your honor Thor. I'm appealing to your senses. You know this is a bad idea." He paused and wet his lips, only for them to instantly dry again with a passing breeze. "I know you know this." He pressed, hoping his words wouldn't fall to deaf ears.
There was a moment of silence as everyone gazed at Thor, waiting for his answer.
It was not the one that Leonidas had hoped for.
"If you are too frightened Vargr you can stay up here." He glanced at Leonidas over his shoulder, "we all know you are no warrior at heart."
With that statement made, he turned and stalked past them all, intent upon confronting their enemy.
Leonidas was left with a bitter taste in his mouth but refrained from saying anymore.
It had to be pride, right? Pride, as usual was blinding the eldest Odinson. Surely he had more senses then this…
"Brother, perhaps we should wait." Loki called, his words caused Thor to stop and turn to him, with growing impatience.
"I am in no mood for further doubts or the slyness of your tongue Loki." He scolded, and Loki shook his head stepping over.
"No, not that we should leave, but just that we should wait." That made Thor pause.
"Wait for what?" With that Loki motioned around.
"To survey the enemy. To gauge their strengths and weaknesses from a distance." He explained patiently, knowing it was no time to push his brother.
Volstagg pointed to Loki nodding, "I'm liking that. Gauging, surveying. Particularly the distance part." He claimed, but Thor shook his head.
"We all know we must." He turned back to look at everyone, but lingered on Leonidas a moment more, "now, if you truly have the heart of a warrior. It is time to act."
Everyone there knew who that part was directed to, and even as Leonidas shifted, he felt all his fur bristling up. He wasn't going to be staying behind.
Even if part of him wanted to.
In this form, he had a good foot or two on the rest of the company. He heard Sif mutter something, but he was too focused on every other sound to pay attention to her.
There was movement in the distance.
He wondered if they knew they were here…
The cold was bitter, harsh and unforgiving. It cut through their armor and caused each of the warriors to shiver and do their best to shield from the wind. Even, whether subconsciously or not, using Leonidas as a shield from the wind.
Because of course, now they needed him.
The cold didn't bother him as much in this form as it did in his usual one. But he hoped it wouldn't take forever. Maintaining this form took a lot of energy, and he sincerely hoped they were just going to strike the fear of god into these Jotuns and then get out before anything can happen.
Though he doubted it would be that simple.
Loki was anxious, and Leonidas made sure to keep close to him, lest some hidden Jotun come out to surprise them. Maybe even provide some reassurances. Though he wasn't sure how much the prince was assured.
He did however, also notice that unlike the others, Loki was not shivering. It wasn't very surprising, the prince had always held a high resilience to cold. But it was a little surprising that it extended to even this weather that seemed to bite through his own thick fur.
The group was not doing very well overall, there were grumbles, and Leonidas swore he heard Volstagg's stomach rumbling angrily.
And Thor, seemed to sense this, as he turned to face them, now walking backwards as he continued their trek.
"It feels good, doesn't it? To be together again, adventuring on another world?" He inquired, looking elated despite their circumstances.
"Adventuring?" Fandral asked with a shiver as he hugged his arms, "is that what we are doing?"
"What would you call it?" Thor asked, not ready to be dissuaded from his exuberance.
"Freezing." Fandral called, only to be followed by Volstagg and Sif respectively.
"Starving."
"Whining." Sif's comment seemed to be more so directed at the warriors rather then their leader.
Thor however, seemed to want to try and invigorate his companions.
"How about a song to lift our spirits?" All he was met with was successive groans from each member. Even Leonidas grunted at the thought of singing in their current state.
"No, not that!" Hogun protested, and Sif shook her head.
"Please don't make us sing again!" She cried, and Fandral let out a breath.
"If I have to listen to Volstagg's singing voice one more time, I'll fall on my own sword!" He claimed exasperated, only to earn a smirk from both Thor and Sif.
"Well, now I'm on board." She claimed, before sharing her amused expression with the fair haired prince.
However all amusement fell from their faces as they finally reached the edge of the ruined city.
It was almost sad, the once great Jotun's reduced to ashes and rubble. Their city in ruins, and no one seemed to be making any attempt at repairing it.
Had losing the Casket really brought them this low?
"Where are they?" Sif asked softly, her voice barely carrying over the howling winds.
"Hiding. As cowards always do." Thor claimed, his voice carrying a much more powerful tone and louder volume.
He had no intention of hiding their presence.
Thor turned to face their front again, and headed into the city without hesitation.
However, Leonidas was stuck in place, gazing over the city with growing anxiety, his eyes flickering about and ears twitching as they rotated everywhere. Trying to pick up something over the sound of the howling winds.
They had to know they were here. There had been no discretion, not that entrance by Bifrost offered any regardless.
But Thor had no intention of hiding their presence. So why hadn't they been met by hostile forces yet? Was it truly that they were just frightened?
Somehow the keeper doubted that.
Leonidas' head snapped to his right as he heard the shifting of rubble. His hackles rose and a growl burst from his lips before he could stop it.
"Rafr?" Loki called, his voice, unlike Thor's was softer, likely meant for Leonidas' ears only.
However in this form, the only communication Leonidas could provide was that of body language. His head lowered as his eyes searched the structures around them. Ready to spring on whomever would jump from them.
But no one came.
"Leonidas…they are getting further away. I don't believe they have any intention of waiting up." Loki's voice once again carried over the wind, and Leonidas felt a hand rest on his leg.
The contact managed to pull him back slightly as he nervously wet his chomps and turned to look at Loki who was gazing up at him with a pinched brow.
"I know. I'm nervous as well." His eyes flickered about as he lowered his voice, "this feels like a trap." He then stole a breath, "keep ready Rafr. I don't believe this will end peacefully." He then turned to continue on.
With another glance around Leonidas trailed after him, keeping his head low, eyes searching and ears up. Trying to pick up on any odd sound.
They were able to catch up with the group not long after that, and that's when Leonidas heard more shifting about them. Though this time he wasn't the only one.
Everyone came to a halt in the central plaza.
"What is your business here, Asgardian?" A voice boomed from above, directing all their attention to what seemed to be a sentry, as all their hands went for their weapons.
"I speak only to your King." Thor called in response, "not to his foot soldiers." There was a beat of silence.
"Then speak." Another voice boomed from above. They all snapped their attention to the source only to find Laufey himself. Lording over them on his throne. He gazed down tense, and with disdain lingering in his eyes.
It was only because of the treaty they weren't jumped on the spot. Leonidas knew this for a fact.
"I am Laufey, King of this Realm." The giant claimed, confirming what they all had suspected.
"And I am-"
"We know who you are, Odinson." Laufey interjected, and Leonidas felt the flash of irritation from the prince of Asgard. "Why have you brought the stench of your blood into my world?" The King asked, his tone level, but with a unmistakeable edge to it.
"I demand answers." Thor called, and that was seemingly the wrong thing to say. As the frost king rose to his feet, dwarfing all of them with his size. Leonidas bristled, tensing as he prepped to jump between the two royals.
However Laufey seemed to be only sizing up Thor. "You 'demand'?" He clarified, and Thor continued on, blind to the implications of his words.
"How did your people get into Asgard?" He demanded, and there was a beat or two of silence.
However instead of Thor, Leonidas' attention was drawn to Loki as he felt a peculiar shift in his emotions.
The partial blocking had been reinforced.
He didn't want to dwell on what that meant.
"The house of Odin is full of traitors." Laufey answered cryptically, this caused looks of confusion to pass between the warriors. However, Leonidas attention was still on the youngest prince.
He really didn't want to draw conclusions, but the circumstances were…unsettling.
"Do not dishonor my father's name with your lies." Thor spat, not believing it for a second.
Laufey seemed amused by this, "your father is a murderer and a thief." He claimed, "he stole what was ours, and left our world in ruins. We have the right to reclaim the Casket." He claimed, standing tall.
"Not when you'd use it to make war against other Realms." Thor retorted, but that was only met with a cold laugh from the frost king. The other giants were drawing in closer, and Leonidas glanced between them all, trying to position himself between their enemy and the two princes. But that wasn't very effective when they were encircled.
"And why have you come here?" Laufey asked, "to make peace? You long for battle. You crave it. I see you for what you are. Thor Odinson. Nothing but a boy, trying to prove himself a man."
Leonidas knew before Thor spoke that this would not bode well with the prince.
"This boy has grown tired of your mockery." He growled, moving toward the king, only to be intercepted by several Jotuns who finally made their presence known. Stepping up between the asgardian and their king.
Leonidas wasn't far behind, he knew stepping before Thor was a no-go, so instead he took up his side, opposite of Loki who had also stepped up.
But while Leonidas growled, fur bristled and eyes burning, Loki turned toward his brother. "Thor, stop and think." He glanced around, and motioned slightly to the Jotuns who were growing ever closer, "look around you, we are outnumbered." He advised, but Thor was eyeing up the Jotuns before him.
"Know your place brother…" Thor growled, not in the mood to be talked down as bloodlust started surging through him.
One of the Jotuns leaned in a little too much, only for Leonidas to growl louder and snarl teeth bared and mouth parted slightly in warning. One wrong move and he would spring.
"You should listen to his counsel. You know not what your actions would unleash." Laufey claimed, before stepping out of the shadows and gazing down at them coldly. "But I do. Go now, while I still allow it."
There was a tense moment of silence as Thor simmered in anger, Loki took the opportunity to intervene.
"We will accept your most gracious offer." He claimed gazing up at the Jotun king.
Everyone waited for Thor in silence, even Leonidas' growl quieted as his eyes briefly flickered to the fair haired prince.
Thor stared down the king silently, and Leonidas let out a breath of relief a few seconds before the others as Thor relented.
The god of thunder turned away from the king, resulting in a collective sigh of relief.
Leonidas shut his jaws and turned to follow after the prince. As did Loki and the warriors.
It seemed that they were in the clear, ready to make their shameful walk back to Asgard, ready to be subject to whatever Odin decreed as punishment.
But anything was better then certain death.
…it that's when they heard it.
"Run back home, little princess."
Leonidas froze, his fur fluffing as he turned all his attention to Thor. A surge of anger came from him, and Loki followed with a spike of fear.
Thor stopped in his tracks and Leonidas tensed, Thor wouldn't stand for a wound to his pride…
"***n." Loki muttered, more so to himself.
Then, with one swing of his hammer, he sent the Jotun flying across the plaza. It was then that Leonidas knew they would have to fight tooth and nail to get out of this alive.
The others draw their weapons, and gather in a circle around Thor. Leonidas doing much the same. He bristled up and let out a snarl at the approaching Jotuns.
"Silly hammer! Has a mind of its own!" Volstagg called, as if trying to calm the anger of the Jotuns, but it was a lost cause.
Leonidas hated this tense waiting, he knew they would be fighting soon, but no one wanted to make the first move quite yet. The Jotun's were armoring up, evident by the growing ice upon them. It formed into a protective coating and swords that sprouted directly from their hands. Fandral said something, but Leonidas didn't pay mind.
Especially when Thor leaped up from the group and came down upon one of the frost giants, however his comrades come close behind, once again forming a protective circle around him. Leonidas snapped his jaws at a approaching Jotun causing the giant to jump back to avoid his teeth. He could feel the joy and exuberance coming from Thor and he wanted so badly just to grab him and run. But that wouldn't bode well.
"Next!" The prince cried, and the warriors started discussing battle plans. But Leonidas' ears were on something else. He heard shifting from his right and whipped around and in front of Loki snapping his jaws again at a approaching Jotun. This one didn't jump back as much as the other. And the circle was growing ever tighter around them.
It was only when the third frost giant fell that all hell broke loose.
Leonidas sprung first for a frost giant aiming for Loki. Springing from his spot he forced his full weight upon the giant and rammed his side into it.
The giant tried to lift his sword in time, but it slid across his fur instead rendering the blow useless. The giant fell and wasting no time, Leonidas sprung up and dove for the legs of another Jotun. He snapped his jaws around it and used his new leverage on the giant to swing him around knocking over his comrades like they were pins.
They went down but wouldn't be down for long. Tired of the cold in his mouth, Leonidas snapped down his jaws severing the leg and tossing his head, causing the giant to go flying and knock down a few more.
They continued to approach and he snarled backing up until he hit a wall, he would have to be offensive. Which wasn't his strongest area.
But all the same, he sprang forward, ducking his head and barreling into another frost giant, this time, the point of his blade got between his fur and ran a thin slice down his side. He barked out a yelp and grabbed the blade with his teeth. Clamping down his jaws and breaking it in half. Then he rammed his head directly into the Jotun that had cut him. The wound stung bitterly but he paid it no mind. Instead eh turned and grabbed another Jotun by the arm, he was punched in the head, grunted and pulled the Jotun into the air and slamming him against another approaching soldier.
Both went down with cries.
A roar pulled his attention to where the others were fighting. He saw Thor mowing through Jotuns with ease, the warriors were struggling a bit, but seemed to be holding their own. Loki was doing his typical tricks, using his daggers and illusions to fool and take down the Jotuns as they approached.
However his attention was pulled back to his situation as a blow hit his back, he buckled slightly under it only to snarl and whip on his attacker. He opened his jaws and grabbed the Jotun by his waist and crushed his torso under his teeth. Then he used his body as a weapon, tossing his head about and hitting any Jotuns who drew near.
It wasn't until his tail was grasped, yanked and pulled that his jaws opened up and the body dropped. He whipped around and ripped his tail from their grasp, then he sprang from his spot and to the approaching giants. He body slammed into them and snapped his jaws as another approached his flank. It felt like he was mostly just trying to keep them off him, and it was quickly wearing out his reserves of energy that kept this form in place. But he couldn't stop now.
Another Jotun tried to come up below him and lift the keeper, but Leonidas wasn't having it and jumped back onto his hind legs. He, now taller then the giants gazed down as they all seemed to gather around him. He needed to get back over to the others. He didn't like being this far from the princes.
A Juton tried to slash for his underbelly, only for him to jump out of the way and smack the giant with his tail forcing him to stumble. He whipped around, ducked until a slash of the blade and closed his jaws around both his lower legs, snapping them together with a sickening crunch. Once again, he pulled the Jotun off his legs and threw him at his oncoming comrades.
More blows hit his rear, a Jotun fell onto his back and brought the point of his blade down between his shoulders. The blow brought a cry from Leonidas. A blade struck his foreleg and he wasn't sure if it had broke skin or not. The pain felt intense enough for either to have happened. He yelped, and bucked, throwing the Jotun off him and onto the ground where the giant went sliding. With a snarl and something wet falling down his side. Leonidas growled at the swordsman who had struck his leg. He jumped from his spot and opened his jaws intent on going for his head.
But a series of projectiles hit him directly in the chest, some bouncing off harmless, others impacting and knocking the air from his lungs.
Regardless he was sent to the ground with a crash into a piller of ice. With a grunt he got to his feet, wheezing for breath as pain radiated in his chest. His eyes surveyed the approaching Jotuns and he growled lowly fur bristling up.
The warriors were shouting back and forth, and a quick glance told Leonidas that Hogun was trapped, Fandral was cornered with a broken sword, Thor continued to mow through giants and Loki still bounced between the giants.
Fandral seemed to be in the most precarious position, and being fed up with being separated from everyone, Leonidas let out a growl, backed up as much as he could and sprang from his place, over the giants and toward Fandral.
The giant lifted his blade to strike the man, only for Leonidas to intercept and take the blow to his back. The giant was momentarily confused as Leonidas bucked slightly at the blow, but it was all the time Fandral needed to drive his broken blade into a part of the giants flesh that wasn't protected by ice.
The giant let out a yell and staggered back, only to then look to the side, spot something. Lean down to swipe at a pool of water. Leonidas realized what was happening a moment too late.
Without thinking he barreled into Fandral forcing the asgardian to the ground as the man shouted in protest.
However he couldn't clear them fully, ice spikes shot at them one impaling Fandral's leg and Leonidas' back flank.
Both cried out in surprise and pain. Fandral dropped to the ground, as Leonidas panted hard, he looked at the ice spikes and grunted, twisted around and clamped his jaws down on the ice breaking it into pieces and freeing his leg. Though it did leave the freezing ice in the wound. It was better then letting it bleed out.
With a puff of breath he turned to look at Fandral, it had pierced his upper thigh. Hopefully not hitting anything important.
It took Leonidas a second too late to notice the approaching Jotuns. His head was swarming and his body pulsing with pain. Exhaustion weighed heavy on this form and he stumbled a moment, he saw the Jotun blade coming for his head, and he tried to move away.
But the blow never came.
"Rafr! Focus! This isn't over yet!" Loki barked, and it snapped Leonidas out of his daze as he focused on the dark haired prince before him.
The prince that was defending them against approaching Jotuns.
Loki was throwing daggers left and right, using his illusions to distract the giants before he slew them with merciless brutality.
Shaking himself out and pushing aside the pains he felt, Leonidas turned to look at Fandral, Volstagg had approached and slung the man over his shoulder. He would be fine, the other warriors surrounded their wounded comrade and were making a retreat. A approaching Jotun stole Leonidas' attention away and he was forced to jump back as a blade came down upon where he stood before. With a snarl he sprung for the blade. Snapping his jaws around it and breaking it. Then while the Jotun realized his weapon was in pieces, he whipped around and body slammed the giant into the ground. As Leonidas stood, his attention was pulled to Thor, from whom he only felt blind elation, even as the frost giants surrounded him. Leonidas growled and moved to spring for him, only to feel fear and panic.
His head snapped to Loki who was before a frost giant who held his arm.
Leonidas wasted not a second springing for the Jotun and slamming it to the ground, closing his jaws around it's neck. Once the blood was dripping from his chomps he turned to look at Loki who was staring at his arm in shock.
Sensing his gaze, the prince lifted his head and let out a puff of air, "returning the favor huh?" He quipped, but Leonidas couldn't help but glance at his wrist that seemed to garner so much attention.
And maybe he was mistaken.
But he could've sworn he saw a fading blue color.
But whatever it was, became unimportant as suddenly a wave of energy made Leonidas hair stand on end. His eyes lifted to it's source, only to find the king of Jotunhiem gazing down at them. His hand resting on something.
The keeper's ears flattened as he stared up, only for a booming crack to resound.
The sounds of something scraping against ice beneath him cast Leonidas' eyes down to the floor. Only to jump back and scurry away as he saw dark shadows beneath the ice. Clamoring for the surface.
"Thor, we must go!" Loki shouted, drawing Leonidas' attention upward and over to Thor. Who was surrounded by giants. He swung his hammer to and fro caught up in the heat, in the lust of battle.
"Then go!" He bellowed in return, his hammer smashing into the face of a giant.
"There are too many of them!" Sif cried in return, and Leonidas gazed at him and then to the others. They needed to leave, Thor was too blind to see that.
"I can stop them!" He shouted in return, and just then, from below their feet Jotuns break up from the ice and land before them. The army doubling in mere seconds. Leonidas backed up, but stayed between Loki and the giants, snapping his jaws at any who ventured too close. He needed to get to Thor, get them out of here.
"Thor!" Sif tried again, but to no avail. He ignored them, not even warranting a response. The frost giants gathered around, threatening to overwhelm them. Already Thor was being consumed by a horde, and even as Loki tried to throw daggers at a few. It was a fruitless battle.
"Run!" Volstagg cried, prompting the group into action, Loki and the warriors took off as the frost giants gave chase, however Leonidas knew he coudn't leave Thor behind.
Instead of running from the fray, he barreled through it. Shoving aside frost giants as they tried to clamor over him and overtake him. Blades and bodies hit him from all around, a few times he even used a fallen Jotun to leap off and hop over the crowd of Jotuns. He had to make it to Thor.
A fist emerged from the body pile of the Jotuns. A hand opened and awaiting, and it didn't take long before Mjolnir slammed into his palm. He closed his fist around it as Leonidas rammed his side into another Jotun who was in his way. Though it didn't take long to sense Thor's intentions as he raised Mjolnir high and proceeding to bring it down. The summoning.
Leonidas realizing this went for cover, he dove behind a halved wall curling up tight and hiding behind it just as lightning struck.
However, even this form couldn't endure the lightning blast for long.
As when Leonidas opened his eyes, he was back in his normal and substantially weaker form. And he was also faintly smoking.
Every part of his body was stiff, and he was lucky that every Jotun near him was dead.
However the momentary reprieve was short lived, the sound of something cracking forced him to lift his head despite the stiffness of his entire body.
He watched as a crack raced down the ice and consumed anything that happened to be above it.
And then he felt Loki's panic.
A whooshing sound informed Leonidas of Thor's departure. And swearing the man got to his feet and scrambled down the ice, in a hurry to catch up with the group.
A fog of mist lay before him, and even as he tried to transform his body wouldn't comply, pain in his hip was growing stronger by the second, not to mention the numerous wounds scattered about him that also cried for his attention.
However he had no time to waste on such things.
He entered the fog without a second thought, ducking and diving past Jotuns. Many of whom tried to stop him, there was once where he used the slick ice to his advantage and slid right between the legs of one of the giants.
Unlike in his other form, he was hilariously dwarfed by them. He couldn't see over them. Not that the fog made that possible anyways.
He felt Thor and Loki's presence nearby, and he raced at faster speeds, ignoring the increasing intensity of his limp.
However it was then that he was snatched by his hair, hauled off the ground and too a screeching halt as a frost giant grasped ahold of him. He was so close he could feel it!
Reaching down blindly he grabbed for a dagger and thrust it into the wrist of his captor, only for it to bounce harmlessly off him. His skull screamed in pain and the bite of the cold was only growing worse by the second.
It was a minor relief when the fog cleared, but that was short lived as from his newfound height he was able to see the others…and the thousands of frost giants that surrounded them.
He had to get over there, he had to shift.
His body didn't want to comply, it was exhausted and low on fumes, but he couldn't stay idly by, and especially when the blade was raised to his throat. So, concentrating and straining. Leonidas did transform.
Substantially smaller, but he transformed none the less.
The lack of hair atop his head allowed him to drop to the ground and quickly scramble to his feet and race toward the familiar group. The sight of their boots brought him more relief then he expected.
He dove for the familiar black and slightly gold highlighted boots. Diving for between the legs Leonidas whipped around and panted, gazing up at the literal behemoths before them. His whole body shaking with effort to maintain this form.
"Rafr!" Loki greeted, and another time, Leonidas would've been hearted at the relief that he felt from the trickster. But now was not the time to dwell on sentiment.
Especially when his form was struggling to hold.
His eyes flickered up to the princes', Loki had shifted his gaze back to the battle, and when Leonidas probed Thor, all he found was mountain dread and realization. A part of him wanted to scream at him, say, 'I told you so'. But do to that he would need to shift his needed concentration and given the current situation. Leonidas refrained.
His eyes fixed on the sight before him, and while smaller, he knew his jaws could do some damage. But it wouldn't be enough.
They were as good as dead.
And perhaps it was poetic timing, but it was just as the giants moved in for the kill that a deafening roar from above staggered them all. Leonidas lifted his eyes to the sky only to find the blinding portal opening. A beam of light shooting the ground and causing a wave of frigid air to cut right under his fur and over the whole land around them.
When the light cleared, there stood Odin, astride Sleiphnir. Arne, enlarged and hovering behind him, long and deadly talons glinting the same way Odin's armor glinted.
Gungnir in hand, and keeper at side, the pair made for a imposing sight. Odin was clad in none other then battle armor.
Leonidas could feel his concentration beginning to wane, giving way to relief.
But he focused again.
This wasn't over yet.
Odin said not a word, and yet the frost giants parted without protest as he came closer to the foolish asgardians.
Laufey raised ice and used it to meet Odin face to face.
Below, the small group and the large army waited in tense silence.
Silent enough that Leonidas could pick up the conversation the kings were having.
Arne loomed above, a silent threat to any who made a move.
"Laufey. End this." The Allfather attempted imploringly.
"Your boy sought this out." The giant countered with a growl, and Leonidas was very glad Thor couldn't hear this.
"You're right. These are the actions of a boy. Treat them as such. You and I can stop this before there's further bloodshed." Odin tried, but Laufey didn't seem like he was as willing to agree.
"We are beyond diplomacy now, Allfather. He'll get what he came for….war and death." The king vowed ominously, Leonidas' stomach walloped.
"So be it." Odin claimed, and then Laufey lunged swinging a ice spear that he seemed to have gotten from nowhere. However it never made contact. Arne dive bombed the king just as Odin slammed down Gungnir. The ground shuddered, Laufey was knocked off his ice platform and thrown into the midst of the crowd.
The others fall at the shockwave, and realizing that they were now the underpowered ones turned tail and ran.
Glee surged from Thor, gaining the attention of Leonidas, the prince raised his hammer.
"Now! We'll finish them together!" He cried, and Leonidas let out a shaky breath.
He…didn't know how long he would be able to keep up this form-
"Silence!" Odin ordered, and Leonidas snapped his attention to him just as he raised his spear, the sky opened.
And Leonidas was never more relieved when the Bifrost sucked them up and dropped them unceremoniously back at Asgard.
It didn't take a genius to understand why Leonidas was back in his regular form now. His eyes following the Allfather as he removed the sword and tossed it to Heimdall.
"Why did you bring us back?" Thor demanded, and Leonidas pushed himself up to a sitting position with a grunt, his vision swarming before him.
"Do you realize what you've done? What you've started?" Odin demanded but Thor only shook his head.
"I was protecting my home." He claimed, but Odin shook his head and motioned to the group. "You cannot protect your friends or your felagi. How can you hope to protect a kingdom?" The Allfather asked, and then turned to the warriors.
"Get him to the healing room!" He barked, and the warriors took off with Fandral.
Leonidas was glad he wasn't dismissed. Arne came over silently to inspect his wounds.
"There won't be a kingdom to protect if you're afraid to act!" Thor cried, only to earn a stare from his father. "Whatever the cost, the world must know that the new King of Asgard will not be held in contempt!" The god of thunder continued, and Leonidas winced as Arne began to wrap his wounded leg. However most of his attention was on the unfolding scene.
"That's pride and vanity that talks! Not leadership!" Odin barked, "Have you forgotten everything I've taught you? What of a warriors patience, cunning?" He demanded, but Thor puffed out a breath.
"While you wait and be patient, the Nine Realms laugh at us! The old ways are done. You'd stand giving speeches while Asgard falls!" Thor claimed, and Leonidas winced, both from Thor's blind anger and the pressure on his wound.
He didn't notice Loki join his side and also make note of the injuries he'd sustained.
"You're a vain, greedy, cruel boy!" Odin claimed, and Thor grit his teeth, anger mounting to the front.
"And you are an old man and a fool!"
The words dropped like a hammer on a anvil. Booming, silencing.
Arne stopped wrapping his wounds and lifted his head silently. Leonidas looked up at him, hoping for some kind of guidance on what to do here.
But the older keeper said not a word.
His ward instead spoke, "a fool, yes! I was a fool to think you were ready." Those words, while not as deafening carried weight, so much so that Loki stepped forward.
"Father-" but a mere look from Odin was all it took to silence him.
Leonidas felt like he had to say something, if he had been better at convincing Thor. If he had tried harder to earn his trust and good faith, then none of this would have happened. Pushing aside the pain that pulsed through him, Leonidas moved to speak, but a hand placed on his shoulder gave him pause.
He lifted his eyes to meet the golden ones of his elder. Arne merely shook his head silently.
The message was clear.
There was nothing he could say or do that would change the Allfather's mind.
"Thor Odinson…." Odin began, causing Leonidas to turn his attention to him. "You have disobeyed the express command of your King. Through your arrogance and stupidity, you have opened these peaceful Realms and innocent lives to the horrors of war." Leonidas swallowed and he tried to stand, but Arne's hand on his shoulder kept him in place.
Odin walked over to the control panel and plunged Gungnir into it. The Bifrost begins to power, the turret turned. Though this time it brings a different kind of dread. Of fear.
The Bifrost fires, the portal opening up behind Thor, and Odin turned on him, eyes hard. "You are unworthy of this Realm." With that statement he ripped one of the disks off Thor's armor. Leonidas opened his mouth only to have a hand clamp over it. His eyes flickered up to Arne but he was only watching the proceedings. A forlorn look on his face. "….unworthy of your title…" Odin continued, and the sound of ripped fabric resounded in the room. Leonidas flinched as Thor did, the shock and fear that started coursing through the prince was startling.
"…unworthy of the loved ones you've betrayed. I hereby take from you your powers." He merely held up a hand, and Mjolnir left Thor. Flying into Odin's hand. "In the name of my father…" he continued, as a symbol flew from the hammer and hit Thor. Disintegrating parts of his armor upon contact, "and his father before…" Odin lifted the hammer as another strike from the energy symbol hit Thor destroying more armor. "I cast you out!" with that, Odin thrusted Mjolnir at him, and with a crack of thunder, Thor was forced back into the open Bifrost and disappeared from sight. It doesn't take long before the feelings of shock, anger and fear vanish from Leonidas' mind.
"NO!" He shouted before he could help himself, he tried to get up, tried to escape from Arne's grasp, but to no avail. The bigger man was stronger then him.
Leonidas hardly paid mind when Odin spoke to the hammer, all he noticed was when he cast it into the portal.
The portal that soon closed.
Arne released him when it closed, and Leonidas stared at where Thor once was, heart hammering in his chest.
Odin removed Gungnir from the control panel and Arne moved to help him. Only to get a dismissive hand.
"…sire…." Leonidas couldn't help but speak, Odin looked over as Leonidas stood shakily, "can't I…shouldn't I….go with him?" He whispered eyes wide. Odin paused but a moment.
"There are some things my son must learn on his own. I fear your presence would only defeat the purpose of this lesson." Leonidas blinked, feeling woozy, and anxious.
"What…lesson is that?" He asked quietly, and Odin paused.
"Something he should've learned a long time ago." Then he turned to Loki, "Loki, take your felagi to the healing chambers. I think enough has been endured this day." Then without another word, he left. Arne following closely after.
Leonidas looked toward his other ward, and let out a shaky breath. His gaze dropping to the ground, "…I'm sorry…I should've tried harder, I should've said something, explained that I could've stoped him, that I didn't and I should've done better-"
"You and I both know Thor can't be talked down from those kinds of things easily." Loki cut in, causing Leonidas to lift his gaze. The prince's calmer facade had failed, and he looked tried and wary, much of what Leonidas felt. "You did your best Rafr." He let out a breath and fidgeted with his cuff sleeve, "I shouldn't have presented the idea in the first place. In a way, we are all in partial blame for this situation. But ultimately, it was up to Thor." He concluded, and without waiting for a response, "now. The last thing we need is you dying, come Rafr." Leonidas paused before nodding he took a step and transformed mid way through.
He was now the size of a average sized fox, a form so much easier to take then any other size. When he transformed, Loki without a word scooped him up easily and started heading down the long bridge.
Leonidas knew he should rest, allow his body to fix itself. But his stirring anxieties wouldn't go away. He had no sense of where Thor was, he couldn't feel him either. He knew he was alive but nothing more.
Plus, there was the whole question about who Laufey was talking about…and even now, Loki was still partially blocking him.
His eyes lifted to the prince that carried him.
There was no way…something like this was orchestrated by him…was there…?
He had wanted more time…wanted Thor to be more mature.
…did Loki do this all with the intention of getting Thor banished?