Chapter 43 – Brigand Battalion

The Ghost Crew had picked up Ahsoka from Shili, where she was searching for signs of her parents, meanwhile the Starbird was en route to Lothal. "Where's Tarre?", Bruce asked. Gabriel and Skyla (her kids) were on Shili spending time with Asha.

"Tarre has been temporarily reassigned along with Master Win…sorry Mace", Ahsoka answered. She quickly corrected her mistake, for in the ranks of the Aesir – only Seraphim or above earned the ranks of Master.

"Reassigned?"

"Yes. They are now part of the Brigand Battalion."

Bruce let out a low whistle, while Ava looked confused. Jesse was in the nose gun, while Kanan was co-piloting. Jacen was standing behind Ava and suddenly whispered something to her. This caused Ava to stand up, glare at him and walk away to the phantom.

"What'd you say?", Bruce asked.

"I asked why she and Jesse weren't talking."

"Yeah…they have been behaving awkwardly for a while now."

"Why?", Ahsoka asked, "Is it late onset puberty?"

"If only. Ava hates demons and demonkin. She recently learned that Jesse is a Cambion."

"What's a cambion?", Jacen asked curious.

"Half demon, half man."

"So, she hates Jesse now?", Jacen asked.

"Apparently. She has no control over her feelings. I only hope your puberty is simpler than this.", Bruce said.

He then turned back to Ahsoka and said, "General Vanathur is by far the strongest Curse sorcerer in the Aesir. Tarre's a close second, so it's understandable why he would be reassigned. But why Mace?"

"I don't know. I just hope everything is alright. I have heard a few unsettling rumours about that Brigade."

"I wouldn't worry too much. They are not bad people; they are not entirely good either. Vanathur seems like a frivolous man who would rather play around than work, but he is trusted by his subordinates and by Thor. Vanathur is reliable when the need calls for it."

By this time Jacen had lost interest and went into the cockpit. "What exactly is Curse sorcery?", Ahsoka asked.

"A form of magic that is primarily dependent on the application of curses and negative emotions."

"The dark side?", Ahsoka asked concerned.

"Not exactly. Dark side users hold onto their negative emotions and derive power from them. Curse sorcerers stay in the middle and convert the negative emotions into energy. Bendu too stays in the middle as he likes to remind everyone, but he has no talent for curse sorcery. Few do. Even Loki does not have the talent for it. Everyone can use curses, only a few can use curse sorcery", Bruce said.

"It sounds very dangerous", Ahsoka said.

"It is dangerous for those who don't know what they are doing."


Onboard a rather dark and creepy looking Helicarrier – 'Mugen' were Tarre and Mace. They were both reporting to General Vanathur.

"Greetings my young scallywags", spoke the general. He had silver hair and vibrant blue eyes. A tall man, it was hard to believe that he was General Abathur's brother (as the two had completely opposite personalities).

"General, it has been a while", Tarre nodded.

Mace was a little surprised but similarly nodded. Vanathur smiled at both of them and addressed Mace first, "You have talent. With rigorous practice and time, you would become quite strong."

He then turned towards Tarre, "I see you haven't made any new progress."

"Curse sorcery was always a hobby for me", Tarre smiled. His answer caused Vanathur to giggle.

The General then turned serious, "Captain Vizsla and Apprentice Windu, your mission briefing starts now."


D340/10 ABY – Shili

A ceremony was coming to an end within Shell Cottage. "If any who object to this union, speak now or forever hold your silence", announced Gabriel the Archangel in his capacity as officiator. The ceremony was small and had only 10 people, including the earth giant – Hrungnir. There were no objections.

"Very well, with the power vested in by the Supreme Being I now announce this union as true and everlasting, until Death decides otherwise.

D346/10 ABY – Present Day

"How's marriage life treating you?", Asha asked with a smirk.

"You may be an adult now, but don't think that will stop me from putting you over my knee", answered her mother Hera the Celestial. She turned around to look her daughter in the eye who was still smirking. "Ahh", she sighed, "It's going well. He is quite a good-looking man, if only he would stop with the incessant gambling." Behind her the two little ones – Gabriel and Skyla were having a most delicious breakfast made by their grandmother.

"Imagine the look on Tarre's face when he realizes who the groom is", Asha laughed.

"That reminds me, was it alright not to send him an invite?"

"Hey, I tried sending him an invite but there was no response. Besides Ahsoka was and the kids attended."

"Yeah", Skyla cheered behind her with her hands in the air.

"Dad always said he likes surprises", Gabriel said.

"That's because Tarre lost his personal communicator. Well, it's not like this will remain a secret from him, although I doubt, he would object", came a voice behind them. Rayleigh the Archangel of Destruction sat at the table drinking a tea that Hera had brewed. His new wife was gazing out the window with a peaceful expression.

"Should I call you Daddy?", Asha asked with a smirk.

"If that is what you want. You're still up for the training session this afternoon?", Rayleigh responded.

"Can I postpone it? My muscles still ache."

"Well…if you are not serious about it."

"…Yes, I am up for it", Asha replied reluctantly. Just then Rayleigh's communicator beeped. Clicking it the face was of Fenrir materialized.

"Fenrir, what can I do for you?"

"My lord, we need your guidance on Lothal", Fenrir answered looking worried.

"What's wrong?"

"There is a moon sized eyeball orbiting Lothal." This answer piqued everyone's curiosity. Hera turned towards the communicator and Asha looked confused, while the children looked curious and attentive. Rayleigh however looked contemplative as if he already knew what the issue was.

"Describe the eye's powers."

"…Rune Magic sir", came the answer.

"Are you wearing your armour?", Rayleigh asked.

"Yes sir. We are currently on Lothal doing what we can to keep the planet safe."

"Have you identified any potential targets on the planet?"

"There lies the remains of a gateway here, destroyed 11 years ago by my apprentice Ezra", Fenrir answered.

"Have you contacted the home office?"

"We are unable to reach them sir. The Outer Guard has the Allfather's and Heimdall's attention at the moment."

"That is another concerning matter. I am on my way to Lothal. But if it is rune magic, then we need Thor's help."