Himinbjorg, Asgard - Nine Realms
An overstimulation of colors and bright light assaulted the two Jedi, forcing them to nearly shut their eyes to keep from feeling like they would go blind. Even worse was the violent rattling which shook their bodies in the pillar of light as they shot through the cosmos.
Jarik grit his teeth and tries to keep his body rigid through the mystically alien experience. Beside him, he can tell that Ahsoka was faring no better than he was; perhaps even worse. Thankfully, the cosmic rollercoaster soon came to an end, though with a rather sudden turn.
The only warning he had was the silhouette of a large spherical shape above them which rapidly grew in size, before spitting them out into a wide open chamber. Having prior experience with crossing into the World Between Worlds several times, Jarik managed to brace himself for a landing as he gyrated at a 90 degree angle, though not without stumbling on his feet. Ahsoka was not as prepared, however, and he had to quickly catch her before she tumbled to the floor.
The two Jedi help steady each other as they try to stand on shaky legs, more grateful than ever to be on solid ground.
"That was... an experience," Jarik mutters.
Ahsoka holds a hand to her head, feeling as though a migraine was thudding in her montrals.
"You can say that again," she groans.
Thor emerges from the Bifrost bridge, followed immediately by Loki, and marches past them as though he just walked down a short flight of stairs.
"It's just a simple Bifrost jump, I don't see the big fuss," Thor comments, then frowns. "Though I suppose you are still mortals, so..."
Ahsoka sighs in exasperation and Jarik simply rolls his eyes. Feeling more stable the two start to take in their surroundings, finding themselves in a large circular chamber covered in gold.
"Welcome to Asgard, Sun and Moon," a deep voice booms.
Greeting them was a towering man who stood beside a pedestal in the center of the room with a sword held in his hands, the tip of the blade resting on the floor. He was adorned with shimmering golden armor and a tall, wide-brimmed helm crowned his head.
The most distinct feature of the man were his eyes, which both Jedi noticed right away. Shining with a brilliant orange hue, both Jedi felt as though his gaze pierced right through them, laying all their secrets to bare.
For a moment, Jarik thought for sure that this had to be the king, Odin, though Loki stepped forward to dispute that theory.
"This is Heimdall, Gatekeeper of Asgard and Guardian of the Bifrost," the Asgardian Prince informed them.
Unsure of how to greet the sentinel Jarik opted for a respectful bow of his head, and Ahsoka follows suit.
"Hello there," he says.
"It has been a long time since we last had visitors from your Order," Heimdall nods in reply. "I hope you appreciate your stay."
"Thank you, Heimdall," Ahsoka says graciously.
Thor clears his throat somewhat loudly, eliciting varying reactions of subtle annoyance, thought Heimdall gave no such indication.
"Yes, well, let us be off!" Thor states. "Father waits!"
The journey to the royal palace was nothing short of breathtaking, leaving Jarik with little doubt over why the Vikings would consider Asgard to be such a divine place. The city itself was a display of golden majesty, shining with the brightness of sunlit jewels. A range of snowcapped mountains surrounded the city, beneath which were vast forests of towering trees and green hills. Bridges connected the city together amidst the plethora of small islands and rock formations in the surrounding ocean. The royal palace itself was gigantic, putting Coruscanti skyscrapers and even the Jedi Temple itself to shame in its scale.
The strangest thing of all, however, was the planet itself―if it could even be called as such. While traversing the glittering rainbow bridge which led straight to the royal palace, the two Jedi quickly noticed that the ocean just... ends, right up to the bifrost bridge, after which is nothing but a cosmic void. The planet, or realm, of Asgard is flat.
"So... quick little question―" Jarik starts to ask.
"I have an answer!" Thor immediately declares.
Jarik stares at him dryly, but Thor only continues to beam with an expectant grin, so he continues with a sigh.
"How in the universe is Asgard flat?" he questions.
Thor's grin falters.
"I... don't understand what you mean," he says reluctantly.
"Planets are all spheres because of gravity. That's just how the laws of the universe work; at least they should," Jarik explains in dismay. "So how is Asgard flat?"
Thor opens his mouth to answer but pauses, frowning, then turns to Loki.
The God of Mischief simply shrugs his shoulders.
"I'll just never know, will I?" Jarik deadpans.
"Probably not," Loki replies, though a faint smile was visible on his face.
Ahsoka pats Jarik on the shoulder in consolation, offering him a small smile of her own.
"Wouldn't be the first mystical planet we've been to," she points out.
"Fair enough," he scoffs in reply.
The group of four continue their trek down the rainbow bridge, allowing the Jedi take in the sights around them, though Thor disrupts the peace with an angry groan.
"I hate walking," he grumbles. "Honestly, can't we just move the Himinbjorg closer to the palace?"
"What an absurd proposition," Loki immediately says.
"What?" Thor scowls at him indignantly. "It'd be more convenient to use!"
"It'd certainly be convenient at giving an enemy force a direct path into the heart of Asgard," he retorts with an unamused stare.
Thor widens his eyes briefly but scoffs, quickly turning away from his brother.
"Oh, right. I knew that!" he replies, acting nonchalant. "I was merely speculating."
Loki doesn't respond and continues to gaze ahead in silence. Behind them, the two Jedi observe the conversation with bewilderment.
'The difference between these two is night and day. Literally,' Ahsoka says over their bond.
'No kidding,' Jarik replies. 'Makes you wonder how they were raised.'
Ahsoka nods in agreement, though she grows a bit tense when she notices movement from Loki; it was so faint she's not sure if she imagined it, but she could've sworn the god's head was tilted ever-so-slightly towards them.
'Jarik, you remember that time when we were teenagers that we caught the attention of a little winged friend?' Ahsoka asks, emphasizing subtlety.
Jarik frowns as he attempts to discern her meaning, and spares her a very brief glance; her gaze is focused in front of her, a bit tense, at Loki. Her staff continues to tap gently on the ground as they walk.
Little winged friend.
Caught the attention.
Realization dawns in Jarik at her implication and he quickly falls in line with her thought process.
'Oh yeah, that was a really goofy bird,' he remarks. 'Think this place has more birds like it?'
'Most likely,' she says.
Both on the same page now, the husband and wife silently agree to not converse with one another over their bond whilst in the presence of these godly beings, whose powers they don't yet understand.
"Y'know, in my time I have fought in many great battles, and led the forces of Asgard to victory time and time again!" Thor suddenly exclaims, pulling them out of their thoughts. "I once bested the terrible Hrungnir with only a single toss of my hammer!"
He mimes throwing his hammer, and Loki rolls his eyes.
"Oh please..." he murmurs to himself.
"He was a mighty foe indeed!" Thor laughs. "Anyways, from what I've heard about you Force-sensitives you spend an unhealthy amount of time in meditation, of all things, rather than leading your subjects to victory in war. Why is that?"
Caught off guard by the question, Jarik and Ahsoka both stare at Thor in bewilderment for a moment before indignation rises in them.
"I don't know where you got that idea, because it's just not accurate," Jarik scowls.
"Also, did you say subjects?" Ahsoka asks incredulously. "As in we're rulers?"
"Well, yes," Thor looks back at them with a frown. "Why wouldn't you be?"
Ahsoka sighs, rubbing her forehead.
"Morai give me strength..." she mutters.
Royal Palace of Valaskjalf - Asgard
Upon their arrival to the palace the two Jedi followed their guides through the vast halls, presumably headed to the throne room. Once again Jarik couldn't help but make comparisons as the great halls of the Jedi Temple were put to shame with the scale and majesty of Asgard's palace. Even the stone seemed to shine like gold.
The stoic palace guards would all give the two princes deferential nods as they passed while regarding the Jedi with looks varying between suspicion and curiosity. Asgardian citizens or nobility within the palace gave much more emphasis in acknowledging Asgard's princes, most of them bowing in admiration; likewise, Jarik and Ahsoka received their fair share of confused glances, and whispering traveled amongst them. At some point during their trek the group was accompanied by a small complement of Einherjar which flanked them on either side.
Eventually their ultimate destination entered their view at the end of the vast hall. A ray of sunlight from above shone down on a golden throne, upon which sat Odin, the King of Asgard.
Even before they saw him, Jarik and Ahsoka could feel his presence through the Force. It was unlike anything they had felt before, comparable only to the Mortis gods themselves. Though he did not seem to wield the Force, power emanated from him like a star. Ancient power, unmatched by all but a few. The guards flanking them withdrew to join the line of warriors standing on either side of the room.
"Behold, Odin Allfather, King of Asgard and Protector of the Nine Realms," one guard announced.
"And my father!" Thor adds proudly.
"Our father," Loki corrects him.
"Yes, yes, I know," he replies dismissively.
Jarik and Ahsoka remain silent and respectful from their place before the king. Despite the wrinkles on his face and a beard turned gray with age, the Allfather was every bit as regal as he was imposing. He was clad in shining silver and gold armor and held a golden spear in his hand. A golden eyepatch covered his right eye, while the left looked upon them with an all-seeing gaze.
Right away Jarik couldn't help but feel a bit unsettled at how the king's gaze pierced through him, even more so than Heimdall's did. Likewise, Ahsoka felt much the same when Odin's eye turned to her and she got the sense he already knew about her spiritual bond with Morai, and as he studied her it seemed as though he were judging her worth as the host of a Force goddess.
Confronted with the King of Asgard, both Jedi knew he was an opponent they could not hope to defeat if he declared them as enemies.
"I see that you have returned successful, my sons," Odin finally said.
His voice was calm, yet filled with power that reverberated around the throne room.
"That we did," Thor smiles in response.
"Father, this is Jarik Shan and Ahsoka Tano of the Jedi Order," Loki states. "They are the ones called the Sun and Moon."
At being introduced they both bowed their heads to the king in respect.
"Your Majesty," Jarik says.
"Welcome to Asgard, Sun and Moon," Odin address them. "I trust your arrival here was without incident?"
They lift their heads back up to the king.
"A bit rough at first, Your Majesty. We are in unfamiliar territory," Ahsoka admits, her tone polite. "But our journey here has been well."
"I'm pleased to know that my sons managed to come to a peaceful resolution with you," he nods in content. "As I'm sure they told you, I have no desire for conflict between us."
"We're glad to hear it, great king," she inclines her head in acknowledgement.
"I mean no disrespect, Your Majesty, but why did you seek to bring us here?" Jarik inquires.
"Why indeed," Odin remarks. "As King of Asgard, I have protected this realm and its allies for over a thousand lifetimes. And while I do not impose my rule over others beyond my domain, I am not blind to things which carry the potential for great destruction across the cosmos."
There's silence for a moment as the two warily ponder the implication.
"You mean us?" Ahsoka asks hesitantly.
"Perhaps not you specifically," he admits. "Nevertheless, I cannot ignore the threat posed by those who willingly seek to uncover an Infinity Stone. The one which you now carry with you."
Odin's gaze is directed at Ahsoka, more specifically the staff of Morai held in her hand, and Jarik glances worriedly at his wife with both of them unsure how to respond. Sighing, Ahsoka holds her staff in front of her and drops the illusion hiding the Power Stone from view, revealing it in all of its majesty. An aura of purple energy circles the Stone and it gleams brilliantly from its place on the staff.
Having already seen it, Thor and Loki aren't surprised but still regard it with both wonder and caution, while the Einherjar noticeably become much more tense. Odin, on the other hand, gives barely a hint of a reaction, though a glint in his eye revealed a trace of surprise and intrigue.
"It was never our intention to take it for ourselves, Your Majesty," Jarik declares insistently. "But if we had not retrieved the Stone, it would've fallen into dangerous hands."
"And for that you have my gratitude," Odin nods in acknowledgement. "Nevertheless, it does nothing to dissuade my suspicions. Why should I allow you to possess it?"
Jarik contemplates what to say and shares an uneasy look with Ahsoka. In the midst of his pondering he then recalls a key detail about Odin's connection to the Jedi.
"You were once an ally to the Prime Jedi, Your Majesty," Jarik says. "If it is alright with you, may I ask why you trusted him?"
Odin's eye narrows faintly at the question and he sits in silence for a while, leaving the Jedi unable to speculate what he might be thinking.
Eventually he responds by sharing a name.
"Aksel. That is the name we gave him: the father of peace," he says, causing Jarik and Ahsoka to widen their eyes. "He emerged from a time which saw the destruction of everything he knew and yet he chose to travel the universe in order to foster peace, creating an Order which has lasted for thousands of years."
At that statement a sense of melancholy falls over the Jedi.
"All good things come to an end, sadly," Ahsoka comments.
"Indeed," Odin nods in agreement. "All things had a dawn, and they will have a dusk. And though there may be a day when it proves futile, there is no dishonor in fighting to prevent calamity."
"I shudder to imagine a day where that would even be possible," Thor frowns, shaking his head.
"Heimdall tells me that you have safeguarded Ahch-To and its people for some time. But your acquisition of an Infinity Stone changes much," he declares.
"Your Majesty, I can assure you that we have no intention of using the Stone for evil purposes," Ahsoka assures him.
"I'm afraid it is not a matter of mere trust, Lady Tano," Loki interjects.
She frowns in confusion.
"Then... what is it?" she asks.
"The emergence of an Infinity Stone is not something to be taken lightly," Odin states. "Many across the cosmos will have felt its power. Some will seek to claim it, as you have already seen. And though powerful you may be, Sun and Moon, there are others out there whose strength would prove greater."
The king leans forward in his throne to level them with a severe gaze.
"Do you believe you are capable of facing such foes?" he questions.
Ahsoka looks at Jarik cautiously, who lowers his head and concedes to the Allfather's point.
"Alone, we couldn't," he agrees. "But we do have allies."
"Your allies are mortal," Thor rebukes. "They would not be strong enough."
Jarik frowns and looks up at the king once more, his power still present in the Force.
"Then what about you?" he asks. "Would you be willing to keep the Stone?"
Odin doesn't respond right away whereas his sons are more astonished, particularly Loki.
"You would give it freely?" he asks in clear bewilderment. "Why?"
"The Prime Jedi considered you a friend, King Odin," Jarik answers after a moment's pause. "I know neither him or you personally, but I trust his wisdom."
"As do I," Ahsoka adds in support.
As a further gesture of their sincerity, Ahsoka holds her staff out to him with open palms in an invitation to take it. Loki narrows his eyes at her and glances back at Odin, who ponders the offer for a long while.
"That is most honorable," he finally says. "Alas, I'm afraid I must decline."
Surprised, Ahsoka doesn't pull back her staff right away while Thor turns to Odin in disbelief.
"What? But, father, who else should protect it but us?" he demands incredulously.
"Asgard does possess the strength to guard such a relic, but we have no shortage of enemies, my son," Odin states firmly. "Its presence would upset the balance of the Nine Realms and beyond. Many would see our acquisition of the Stone as an attempt to amass power for ourselves, leading to war and destruction."
Thor frowns in dismay but doesn't attempt to argue further, while Loki remains much more passive. Hesitantly, Ahsoka pulls back her staff with the offer apparently rejected.
"Could you find somewhere else to hide it, then?" Jarik then asks.
"The Power Stone's containment was shielded with powerful magic in order to conceal its energy," Odin replies. "To replicate that would require considerable time, by which point I fear it would be found either way."
"Then what are we supposed to do if we can't hide it, and you won't take it?" Ahsoka asks worriedly.
"That is the question we must answer," the king declares. "Either we find a safe place to hide the Power Stone, or you must prove to me that you are capable of protecting it."
Ahsoka balks at the prospect, unsure of how to respond. Though cautious, Jarik acknowledges the ultimatum posed and accepts it with grim resolve.
"We'll find a way," he states.
Odin nods his head in content.
"Until then, make yourselves comfortable. My sons will show you around the realm," he says.
"Us? Babysitting?" Thor groans.
"Babysitting...?" Jarik mutters with a scowl.
"Of course, father," Loki bows his head.
Ahsoka frowns and looks between the two princes, her gaze lingering a bit longer on Loki, before speaking up.
"Your Majesty, could we not return home?" she asks.
"Return?" he repeats, frowning.
"We have important duties of our own to attend, Your Majesty," Jarik explains, growing a bit wary. "Prince Loki gave his word we could return after this meeting."
Loki replies instead of Odin, taking a step forward with a small smile on his face that doesn't reach his eyes.
"I gave my word you could return upon concluding your parley with the Allfather," he reminds them, shaking his head. "I'm afraid a conclusion has not yet been met."
Jarik furrows his brow in frustration and Ahsoka scowls.
"I don't appreciate your play on words," she says with reserved anger.
"Safeguarding the Stone is of much greater importance than a civil war amongst mere mortals," Odin declares, standing to his feet. "You are honored guests, Sun and Moon, but until we find a solution to this matter I cannot permit you to return."
The Allfather taps the end of his spear against the ground to elicit a resounding clang that echoes around the throne room, carrying with it a sense of finality in his judgement. With little likelihood of swaying the kinds decision, the Jedi reluctantly concede to his authority.
"As you wish, Odin King," Jarik bows his head.
Galactic Frontier - Deep Space
Shrouded in the darkness of night, a lone figure braved the whirlwind of snow and ice that swept through the mountainous landscape. The raging blizzard which had always encompassed the entire planet left it unable to sustain much life, for the vicious clouds of snow obscured a great deal of light from the planet's sun. Yet this one being was here for a purpose; one step in his crusade to bring peace to the universe.
His robes, which were as white as his pale skin, fluttered wildly in the powerful winds: winds that would freeze any other mortal. But not him. He grits his teeth, which were as black as the sword he carried, as he withstands the terrible cold. His sickly orange eyes scoured the horizon ahead of him.
"I sense… warmth," he whispers to himself and snarls. "Disgusting warmth."
Cold whispers echo around his mind, more chilling than the blizzard he endures.
~Life is close.~
His eyes narrow and a rush of excitement fills him.
"Is it the Keeper of Balance?" he wonders.
~You must find them.~
He snarls as he takes another few steps in the icy snow, approaching a ridge up in front of him. Rabid cravings of violent lust rampage his soul at the thought of being so close to his goal.
"Where? Where will I find them?" he hisses.
He grips the black sword tighter in his hand.
~Find them.~
He can sense the warmth rising. He can sense life up ahead.
"I know I'm close!" he growls madly. "Where?!"
Soon he reaches the end of the snowy incline and stands upon an icy ridge, which overlooks a vast mountain valley. He squints his eyes at the unexpected ray of orange sunlight shining into the valley from the planet's setting sun. Surrounding the valley are towering mountains covered in icy and snow that were shrouded in storm clouds. Yet below the cold mountains was civilization, granted an opportunity to thrive on this inhospitable world under the protection of their patron god, whose size gave the illusion that he was a mountain himself.
The ghoul gives a long sigh as he gazes upon the magnificence of the slumbering titan, his great bulk resting peacefully beside the town of his subjects. His amazement gives way to glee and lust, and a terrifying smile spreads across his pale face.
"The Behemoth…" he murmurs.
The sword in his hand seems to hiss with the same excitement.
~Drown them in blood.~
One step closer to fulfilling his vow. For all gods will die.
Training Grounds, Asgard - Nine Realms
"Honestly, I don't see what the fuss is about," Thor was saying.
Jarik withholds a heavy sigh of annoyance. He's no stranger to a Viking's pride, but Thor seems to take it to a whole other level; he's not just prideful, he's arrogant and even downright clueless about some things.
"It's a galactic war against the most evil man in the galaxy," the Jedi Master states. "That's more than a 'fuss.'"
"Well, sure, Sith like their meddling, I get that. A bit unnatural too, but then so are you," he says with a dismissive shrug. "He's just one guy, so why not get rid of him?"
Jarik grits his teeth in an effort to reign in his frustration with the Asgardian god. Likewise, Ahsoka also can't help but feel annoyed, and even a little insulted at Thor's disparaging attitude. She maintains an even pace with her staff, the Power Stone once more hidden with an illusion, though she grips it a bit tighter in her hand.
Fortunately for them Loki speaks up in their defense as he's also rather annoyed by his brother, though for different reasons.
"Brother, the art of subtlety can be far more dangerous than random acts of destruction," he points out.
Thor scoffs and shakes his head.
"Last time I checked, words can't crush mountains," he retorts.
The two Jedi lift their eyebrows and stare at him, as bewildered by his statement as they are annoyed. Loki merely sighs whilst Thor is oblivious to the duo's glaring.
"Before you ask, I'm afraid this is all you can expect from my dear brother," the raven-haired prince tells the Jedi.
"Haha, and that's all you need!" Thor laughs.
While they were talking, the group of four traveled through the palace and to a set of courtyards and training arenas constructed outside of it, which were filled with a large number of warriors and other Asgardians who were milling about. As Thor made his comment an aging man with a mustache―who looked older than even Odin, strangely―passed by the group, wearing a dented chestplate of armor over his orange robes.
"You can never have enough, blondie!" the old man laughs.
"Aha, I-I hear you! Upward!" Thor chuckles awkwardly as the man moves on. "Hehe... ugh, silly old coot."
"Not a big fan of him?" Ahsoka deadpans.
"What? No no, of course we love him!" Thor protests, glancing at Loki. "Everyone does, right?"
"Of course," Loki nods with a neutral gaze.
Thor rolls his eyes.
"Ah, well, he's been around for ages!" he remarks, giving an amused scoff. "Second oldest person on Asgard! My father is first."
"What's his name?" Jarik asks curiously, glancing back to catch a glimpse of the man.
Thor opens his mouth to answer but then pauses, a frown on his face. After a few moments he looks over at Loki with an expectant look.
"Don't look at me," Loki says.
"But you know everything!" Thor complains.
Loki gives a helpless shrug of his shoulders, though the other three miss the faintly amused upward turn of his mouth.
As the group continued to entered a decently sized stadium filled with dozens of warriors who were in the midst of combat training. The arena reminded Jarik of the arena on Dxun in which he fought his cousin, Crassus, in a one on one duel. Hard sand covered the surface of arena, providing plenty of open space for training, while surrounding it were the stands of an amphitheater for spectators to watch.
"Anyways! This is one of the many arenas we use for battle training," Thor informs them, looking around with a proud smile. "You'll find no finer army in the cosmos than the Einherjar."
The two Jedi get their first real look at a portion of the famed armies of Asgard. Dozens of warriors glad in golden armor crossed blades with each other in pairs; most utilizing a sword and round shield, though there were also axes and spears in use as well. Interestingly, the weapons utilized would flash with blue energy whenever in use, generating electrical sparks whenever they made contact.
Jarik observes the Asgardian warriors, automatically taking note of their technique and combat styles. There was a great deal of speed on display, far more than the average person in the galaxy could boast, though amongst the Jedi he's seen faster. The biggest thing he noticed, however, was the raw strength and power exerted by each warrior; though it was hard to spot at first, given they were all relatively equal, Jarik could practically feel the vibrations in the air generated by each blow.
He recalls his fight with the Yuuzhan Vong hunter, Narzuc, and for as difficult of a foe that was he gets the feeling the Asgardians would all be on the same level. Speed and skill amongst them looks good, but nothing JArik hasn't seen before: strength, on the other hand, is the real deciding factor.
"They look strong," Jarik comments.
Loki spares him a curious glance.
"But not good?" he inquires.
Thor's grin falls while Jarik glances at Loki with a frown.
"I didn't say that," he says.
"It takes a lot to impress my husband," Ahsoka remarks with a smile.
Jarik looks over at her in exasperation and dismay while Thor turns toward him with a frown, opening his mouth to berate the mortal. However, before he got the chance to do so he was interrupted as a group of Asgardians approached them.
"There you are! Finally decided to come and join us?" one of the says.
The man who spoke, a tall and lean man with blonde hair and charming smile saunters toward them. He's flanked by three other: a hulking beefcake of a man whose muscles and beard would leave Stoick the Vast embarrassed, a stone-faced warrior who may have never heard of the word 'fun,' and a woman clad in silver armor who looked as lethal as she was cunning.
Thor greets the approaching warriors with a grin and spreads his arms out wide, embracing the large red-haired giant.
"My friends! Haha!" he laughs.
"Took you long enough," the woman scoffs.
"We had a rather pressing matter to attend to," Loki states, looking more annoyed to see them than joyful.
The ginger-bearded man chuckles and pulls Loki into a one-armed hug, startling the raven-haired prince.
"Ah, Loki, always business! You're worse than Hogun at times!" he laughs, prompting a frown from the grim faced warrior. "Loosen up, why don't you?"
"But not too loose, otherwise you start losing muscle!" Thor adds, and the two laugh.
Loki shoves the giant away with an irritated scowl and Ahsoka almost takes a step back in alarm, seeing the faintest glint of pure rage in his eyes before it's hidden faster than she could blink. None of the others seemed to notice, however, and she casts a cautious look toward Jarik.
The grim faced 'Hogun' is the first to take notice of their additional companions, inspecting them with a suspicious gaze.
"You bring visitors?" he questions, his voice low and stern.
"Oh, yes. Part of our 'pressing matter,' as Loki put it," Thor replies, turning towards the pair. "Mortals, meet my friends, Lady Sif and the Warriors Three!
"Pleasure to meet you. Call me Fandral," the tall lean man smiles, bowing his head to them.
"Volstagg!" the bearded warrior declares.
"The Fat!" Fandral adds.
"Zip it!" Volstagg growls at him, though the others all laugh.
Jarik quirks a small smile in amusement, finding their joyous energy to be infectious.
"Nice to meet you," he says in kind.
"I have not seen one of your kind before," Sif says to Ahsoka. "From where do you hail?"
"A planet called Shili, though I was raised on Coruscant," she answers.
The group of Asgardians momentarily pause to look at Ahsoka in confusion.
"Coruscant?" Sif repeats with a frown. "You mean Notron?"
Ahsoka and Jarik lift their eyebrows and share a surprised look with each other.
"You're familiar with it?" Jarik asks.
"Our people originated anciently from Notron, though our ancestors left long before our time," Loki explains.
A flurry of thoughts race through the two Jedi as they ponder the implication, once more finding yet another unknown piece of information that throws their perspective of the universe into disarray.
"That's..." Ahsoka starts to say.
"Boring!" Thor interjects, rolling his eyes. "Why don't we talk about Jarik here doubting the prowess of the Einherjar?"
Caught off guard, Jarik quickly resorts to frowning at Thor in clear annoyance.
"That's not what I said," he says.
"Are you a warrior yourself?" Fandral inquires.
"We are Jedi," Ahsoka answers.
Sif and the Warriors Three widen their eyes in a mixture of awe and curiosity, looking upon their visitors with newfound intrigue.
"Are you really?" Volstagg asks, laughing in pleasant surprise. "Hah!"
"I hear the Jedi were skilled warriors," Sif remarks.
"Indeed!" Fandral says in agreement. "I have always pondered what it would be like to face one! The Way of the Ysalamir is a particular favorite of mine to study."
Jarik blinks his eyes in bewilderment, one more thrown for a loop.
"Really?" he asks. "You know lightsaber forms?"
Thor chuckles and gives Jarik a playful smack on the shoulder, though the strength behind it sends Jarik toppling forward before Ahsoka steadies him in time. Thor carries on, however, oblivious to his own strength.
"My friend, if there is one thing we Asgardians are knowledgable on, it's combat!" he boasts proudly.
"He speaks the truth," Sif chimes in with a nod. "There are few in the universe whose martial skills we have not studied. And Fandral here has a particular love for any art which incorporates swordplay."
Jarik rolls his shoulder and grimaces in discomfort.
"Well that's fun," he musters a pained smile.
"Sounds like you've finally met your match, Jarik," Ahsoka comments, quirking her lips in amusement.
"You are a sword master?" Hogun questions him.
After feeling confident that his shoulder wasn't mangled, Jarik responds to the question with a nod.
"That'd be me," he confirms.
The way Fandral's eyes lit up could only be compared to a child entering a candy store.
"Splendid!" he beams happily. "I must insist you spar with me."
Fandral pats the sword resting in its sheath on his belt. Jarik looks at him in a mixture of exasperation and unease, though Ahsoka could sense a faint hint of intrigue as well. The other Asgardians were much more vocal in their excitement at the prospect of viewing a Jedi in action.
"Oh this will be fun to watch!" Volstagg exclaims.
"You sure?" Jarik asks cautiously.
"Absolutely! I've wanted to fight a Jedi swordsman for centuries!" he replies in earnest.
"He'll be a pest if you don't oblige him," Sif advises in a deadpan.
After a few more seconds of contemplation Jarik concedes with a sigh.
"Alright," he says.
The white of his teeth gleamed in the sunlight from Fandral's smile and he marches down into the training arena, beckoning Jarik to follow him. The rest of the group meanders after them, Loki withholding a small smile before following suit. The group's procession to an open spot gathers the attention of a few onlookers, some confused especially by the presence of two strangers, though that confusion swiftly becomes intrigue and excitement as they recognize Fandral face off against Jarik.
The two sword masters stand about fifteen feet opposite of each other while the rest of the group watches from the sidelines. Fandral unsheathes his sword with a quick flourish and Jarik unclips his main saber from his belt, though doesn't ignite it quite yet.
"You sure your sword can withstand a lightsaber?" Jarik asks.
"Fear not, worthy foe. Asgardian steel has no equal!" Fandral assures him before frowning. "Well, barring Uru, of course."
"A mighty metal indeed, haha!" Thor laughs.
"We can't all be royalty, you big oaf," Volstagg rolls his eyes.
"That just means you have to fight harder!" he replies.
Volstagg scoffs and gives Thor a shove.
"Let us begin!" Fandral declares.
He enters a combat stance by standing tall and straight with his sword arm extended toward Jarik and the other propped on his hip. Jarik ignites his lightsaber, which shimmers with its golden hue, and enters his opening stance with a single twirl of the blade held out in front of him and his other hand behind his back. Upon revealing his lightsaber there's a collective gasp audible around the arena as Asgardian spectators and warriors alike take notice, with many immediately shifting their attention to observe the duel that's about the take place.
"A stunning weapon indeed," Sif remarks.
Jarik centers his focus and controls his breathing in anticipation of the duel, trying to prepare himself for anything the Asgardian might send his way. Fandral stands completely still for a few long seconds, the smile on his face masking the tension in his body.
The only warning Jarik receives is a strong cry in the Force which alerts him to a rush Fandral makes that is so fast Jarik can't even see it. Instincts are all that save him as he leans to his right to avoid being speared by a thrust from the Asgardian, who quickly follows up with a series of quick swipes and jabs. Jarik backpedals quickly and brings his saber up to deflect the incoming blows in the nick of time, and their blades clash in a series of high pitched ringing. Fandral aims for his torso and lower abdomen a few times and Jarik either parries or evades his strikes. He attempts to respond with an upward flick of his saber but Fandral parries with a rapid twirl of his own, and Jarik leaps back to gain some distance.
To everyone watching, the opening flurry happened so fast they could barely follow what happened. Ahsoka widens her eyes at the speed on display, even finding herself hard pressed to imagine matching the tempo; certainly not for too long.
There's a brief halt in the duel as the two combatants observed each other for a few moments and Jarik takes the opportunity to steady himself, already breathing a little hard.
"Never before have I faced a mortal with such speed!" Fandral proclaims joyfully.
"You're fast yourself," Jarik musters the breath to respond, and Fandral smiles.
"Much obliged, Master Jedi," he replies.
All too eager for more the Asgardian swordsman lunges in for another bout. More prepared for his speed this time, Jarik uses the Force to enhance his own reflexes and dashes forward himself, cape billowing in his wake. Their blades connect with one another and the enter a rapid volley of striking and parrying, bouncing back and forth while seeking an opening in the other's defense. Bright flashes of golden light from each contact repeat so often it almost seems constant.
Jarik backpedals a few steps while deflecting a series of quick blows, and Fandral presses for an advantage. A high thrust from Fandral leads Jarik to duck and twirl to one side with a jab of his own, though Fandral deftly avoids by gyrating on one foot and gives Jarik a shove with his free arm. The Jedi grunts as he sprawls forward and saves himself by dropping into a roll, lifting his blade in time to block a quick downward strike. Jarik's blade is immediately forced downward as Fandral's natural strength proves superior and Jarik draws more energy to himself to enhance his own physical strength which, combined with his prosthetic, brings their blades grinding to a halt.
Fandral lifts an eyebrow in surprise and quickly alters his strategy by taking a step back and removes his sword, causing Jarik to overextend himself and lunge forward uncontrollably. With an opportunity presented, Fandral takes a swipe that Jarik barely avoids by twisting his body around, using the Force to pull himself along. Rolling across the ground once more he gets up and whirls around to face the next oncoming strike from Fandral. Knowing that physical strength was futile, instead of blocking with his saber Jarik holds his hand up and uses the Force to immobilize Fandral's sword before it could reach him.
There's shock and amazement from those who noticed Jarik's unorthodox method of blocking an attack, none more astonished than Fandral himself, but as the Jedi takes the opportunity to swings his saber Fandral removes one hand from holding his sword and grabs Jarik's wrist before his strike could connect, then lifts his foot to kick him down. Jarik hits the ground with a pained grunt and loses his grip on his lightsaber, and Fandral dashes forward. The sword stops inches from Jarik's neck and Fandral grins triumphantly.
"It seems I've won this bout," he declares.
"Don't be so sure," Jarik exhales.
Fandral frowns and glances down to see Jarik holding a second lightsaber in his hand not yet ignited, which is pointed up at Fandral's heart. The Asgardian stares in amazement for a moment and then pulls back with a wide smile on his face. A chorus of loud cheering and approving hollers come from the spectators.
"Haha! Well played, my friend! You are a mighty swordsman indeed!" he proclaims.
He sheathes his sword and then helps Jarik to stand up. Sweat is dripping down Jarik's face and he breathes heavily, his energy nearly spent.
"Thanks. I can say the same to you," Jarik tells him, shaking his head in exhaustion. "I haven't had to work that hard in a long time."
Fandral laughs and claps the Jedi Master on the shoulder, much more gently than Thor did, while Jarik uses the Force to retrieve his other saber and clips both of them to his belt.
"It seems we both learned something new today!" Fandral remarks.
Ahsoka, the princes, Sif, and the other two warriors march over to the two combatants with varying reactions of amazement and awe.
"Magnificent!" Volstagg guffaws loudly. "What a sight to see, lads!"
He gives Fandral a heavy smack on the shoulder, and even the Asgardian stumbles forward a bit from the impact.
"I concur," Sif nods in agreement, glancing at Ahsoka. "Do you also practice with the blade?"
"Yes, though not as often as I used to," she replies, shrugging her shoulders. "That's always been Jarik's department."
"Ahsoka is merely being humble," Jarik comments.
Ahsoka rolls her eyes and playfully shoves Jarik by the shoulder.
"Ah, even I can appreciate a good show of skill!" Thor booms. "Even if I'm still better."
"I'm sure you are," Loki mutters.
"Keep telling yourself that, Thor, but I promise I'll best you in a scrum one of these days!" Volstagg declares.
"Keep dreaming, Volstagg!" the Asgardian prince retorts.
He gives Volstagg a playful shove, to which the hulking Asgardian retaliates by punching him in the face. The two Jedi step back in alarm, caught off guard by the violent display of anger, but their concern went unwarranted as the two burst into laughter while the rest of the group merely rolled their eyes.
"So what brings two Jedi to our lands?" Fandral inquires. "Our people haven't cross paths in over a millennium!"
"Yes, I am most curious as well!" Volstagg exclaims.
Jarik and Ahsoka share awkward glances with each other, unsure of how to respond, and while Thor is still easing up on his chuckling Loki is much more serious, his expression stern as he glances between the Jedi and his warrior companions.
"I suggest we wait to discuss that elsewhere. The matter at hand is better dealt with in secrecy," he states firmly.
"And why would that be?" Hogun questions with suspicion.
"It's... hard to explain," Jarik replies, unsure of how much they're allowed to share.
Having calmed down now, Thor's amusement morphs into annoyance.
"Don't even get me started with this nonsense," he grumbles.
"Is it that serious?" Sif frowns in concern.
"Yes and no," Loki replies, glancing around warily for a moment. "The Allfather is concerned over what could result of this issue becoming widely known."
Sif and the Warriors Three share skeptical glances with each other, but upon Thor's begrudging nod of confirmation they accept Loki's words.
"Well, in that case, best we don't upset the Allfather!" Fandral remarks, chuckling a bit. "You never know when Heimdall could be listening."
Moments later the group's attention is pulled elsewhere as four Einherjar currently on duty march toward them purposefully, coming to a stop and placing a fist upon their breasts and bowing.
"Hail the Mighty Princes, Lady Sif, and the Warriors Three!" one of the guards proclaims. "Heimdall and the Allfather demand your presence!"
With the summons issued the four Einherjar stand back up straight and march back to the palace to resume their duties, leaving the whole group dumbfounded.
"You had to say it, didn't you?" Volstagg grumbles.
Royal Palace of Valaskjalf, Asgard - Nine Realms
With nothing else to do and figuring that the summons was most likely related to them, Jarik and Ahsoka accompanied the group back to the palace and into the throne room. There they found Odin standing at the foot of his throne, conversing with the Gatekeeper, Heimdall, and an Einherjar soldier who looked to be a commander, his aged faced displaying the look of a hardened warrior.
Odin turns to faced the new arrivals as they approached, prompting to other two to look over as well. Lady Sif and the Warriors Three placed their hands upon their breasts and bowed their heads respectfully while Thor and Loki remained upright. Jarik and Ahsoka inclined their heads to the king as well, unsure of how else to address the monarch as guests.
"Father! You called for us?" Thor questions.
"Indeed," Odin states, his expression grim. "I'm afraid we have a situation that is most dire."
"Has someone noticed the Jedi's presence?" Loki inquires.
Odin shakes his head.
"Worse, I fear," he replies.
Heimdall, stoic and steadfast as ever, moves to address them.
"The God Butcher attacks the Galactic Frontier," he reveals, shocking the Asgardians. "Falligar calls for aid."
Sif and the Warriors Three look up in shock and dismay at the news, their eyes wide.
"The God Butcher?" Sif asks in alarm.
Thor and Loki are both similarly taken aback by this, and the former's shock shifts quickly into vengeful anger whilst the latter is more disturbed.
"That vile creature must pay for his depravity!" Thor growls with rage.
The two Jedi don't know the context behind this news, but based on the name and everyone's reaction they knew it was very serious. Odin calmly raises a hand to placate Thor's anger, though his own expression is quite stern.
"And he shall, my son," he states, looking toward his commander. "Go, gather the Einherjar. If he is not stopped, then soon it will be the Nine Realms facing such peril."
"At once, my King," the commander nods.
He and a few more Einherjar move with haste and Thor turns to Sif and the Warriors Three with a thundering look in his eyes.
"My friends! Let us show this beast what it means to challenge the GODS!" he roars.
Thor brandishes his hammer and lets a few sparkes of lightning flow across it, and his companions follow suit by raising their fists into the air.
"FOR ASGARD!" they cry out.
Thor, Sif, and the Warriors Three begin following the Einherjar at a swift pace, prepping themselves for battle. Jarik and Ahsoka share a concerned glance with each other, unsure of what to do. Similarly, Loki also began to follow his companions before remembering the presence of the Jedi and stops, turning back to Odin.
"Father, what of our guests?" he inquires.
Odin's gaze falls upon the Jedi and he hums thoughtfully to himself.
"Indeed," he says in acknowledgement.
Seeking more insight onto what is happening, Jarik steps forward.
"Who is the God Butcher?" he asks them.
Odin is silent for a moment before responding.
"He was once mortal, born into misfortune. But one day a vessel of darkness found him and chose him as its champion," the Allfather explains, his voice grim. "Now he ravages the universe in a crusade of blood."
A sense of dread and unease enters Ahsoka's heart.
"Why?" she asks worriedly.
"He seeks the end of all gods," Odin answers, looking at her with a severe gaze. "And if it is true that you are the Sun and Moon of prophecy, I fear his hunger will eventually bring him to you."
A chill runs down her spine at the prospect of some cosmic god killer hunting them down. Jarik goes tense and fears the same thing, finding it all too plausible given the fact that Ahsoka hosts the spirit of a goddess. He grips Ahsoka's arm and she finds herself shuffling closer to him for comfort.
Odin regards the two Jedi for a short while, a thought entering his mind. He briefly glances at Loki, sharing nonverbal dialogue with his son, before speaking.
"Gorr is a dangerous foe, even for Asgard. I make no demands of you, but we have an opportunity to settle our quandary here and now," he declares. "Are you willing to fight with us and prove your worth as Stonekeepers?"
The question leaves them both silent in their thoughts for some time and they look at each other, carrying a nonverbal conversation of their own. The prospect of challenging a being who is a powerful enough threat to even gods of Asgard's caliber is frightening, to say the least. If Jarik could barely match Fandral in combat who, albeit highly skilled was just one warrior, then how could they hope to match this 'God Butcher?'
Even more frightening is the idea of this menace hunting them down. While neither of them are gods they do wield the power of one, which would be enough for many to classify them as such. A murderer such as this would not discriminate.
"You're asking a lot of us," Jarik says. "Can you promise that we'll survive this?"
"I cannot," Odin states truthfully. "But I give you my word, I shall do all in my power to see you return home to your family."
Odin's words are reassuring, but the prospect of this fight is still deadly. Both Jedi ponder their options for a long while, recalling their own past encounters with deadly foes. Eventually they reach the same conclusion and look up at the king.
"What's one more fight?" Jarik sighs.
"If innocent lives are at stake, then we will help you defend them," Ahsoka adds.
Odin smiles and responds with a respectful nod.
"I can ask nothing more," he replies.