Authors note
Well to address a few concerns this story is heavily based off of kal son of Odin okay but this story will start diverging from that timeline starting now i just needed to establish a base story
(Knowhere – Deep Space)
"Come on! You have got this!" Loki cheered at the side of the ring.
Kal's fist struck the side of Kronan's head sending pieces of rock flying, the strike caused the mammoth living rock fighter to collapse with a resounding thud. The crowd erupted into cheers and groans at the result, with currency of all forms changing hands.
Kal was fully grown now and looked to Loki's eye every inch a god and prince of Asgard. His little brother was still cleanshaven disliking a beard unlike Thor who had grown a short one and unlike both of his elder brother's Kal's hair was cut quite short, the natural curl at its front made it very elegant in Loki's opinion.
His little brother also towered over most men, standing well over 6 feet, with wide broad shoulders and possessed a lean rugged physique that contrasted slightly with Loki's slender frame and Thor's burliness.
Kal had also grown into his looks as well, gone was slight roundness of his cheeks and idle flesh of his youth, instead, he possessed a strong powerful square jawline and combined with his impossibly sapphire blue eyes, gave Kal what only could be described as noble features.
We were here to drop off one thing and head straight back. Kal rounded on his brother.
HEY, you said you wanted to fight. Loki pointed out his usual sly tone returning.
NO, no. I said a drink, I said let us get a DRINK. Why is it every time I go with you, I end up fighting, and you end up cheating people out of their money. Kal threw up his hands in disbelief.
Firstly, you agreed to the fight and secondly, I did not cheat anyone, they were fair bets. I just failed to mention my little brother is invincible. Loki gave a smile that always defused Kal.
Kal sighed and started to chuckle. Loki what am I going to do with you. I still don't know how you talk me into things like this.
Skill, little brother. Skill and charm. Loki quipped.
Kal rolled his eyes and gave Loki a little push on the shoulder for all the trouble he had caused. The pair walked to the end of Knowhere's docks, a deserted spot and after Kal checked no one was watching spoke softly.
Heimdall, take us home, Kal whispered into the void before them.
No sooner had he finished, than did the vibrant colours of the Bifrost wash over them, sweeping them upwards and with near blinding speed they suddenly found themselves once again in the realm eternal. Heimdall standing tall before them a sentinel on his raised platform, as he lift his greatsword causing the Bifrost to cease.
It's good to be home. Now let's grab a drink Loki declared stretching slightly and patting Kal on the shoulder.
Not so quickly, my prince. Odin has instructed that you are to wait here. Heimdall informed them in his usual deep stoic voice.
Why, what has happened? Kal asked with alarm.
Trouble on Midgard, you two along with Thor, Sif and the Warriors Three are to leave immediately, Heimdall stated.
What can possibly be on Midgard that requires all seven of us? Loki asked cynically.
Some dark prescence cloaks them even from Heimdall Thor's voice boomed as he entered the hall, accompanied by Sif and the Warriors Three.
That does not usually happen does it Kal asked looking at Thor who was dressed for battle in his usual armour along with his winged helmet.
No it does not , Heimdall sensed them, they've attacked some mortals. So, father wants us to go ... investigate. It shall be glorious. Thor declared smiling as he looked off into the distance.
Kal nodded and withdrew Gram from its scabbard a blinding ray of light enveloped him as he summoned his armour just as Thor and Loki were able to do.
His travel clothes were replaced by the enchanted Uru armour similar to Thor's including a crimson cloak, but instead of black and silver, Kal's was sleek blue leather with the metal fixtures painted red and golden scales covering his arms instead of plain grey like Thor's. The other notable difference was that Kal did not wear a helmet like Thor and emblazoned on Kal's chest was a golden diamond crested S rune that Kal had taken a liking to for the past few years.
Whilst Loki who had crossed his arms merely sighed then lifted one hand to snap his fingers to summon his gold and green leather armour, including his horned helmet. Whilst Thor looked excited and Kal ready, Loki just looked bored.
Kal gave Loki a look after Sif's statement, but Loki just rolled his eyes and readied himself for departure. Heimdall taking Loki's lack of reply to mean they were ready started to activate the Bifrost.
the Bifrost pulled forward and again Kal was hurtling through the majesty of the cosmos surrounded by vibrant colours until it suddenly stopped and they were all standing on a ridge overlooking a small village.
It was night on Midgard, yet the valley was clear bellow them, the result of it being mostly on fire. The village below them was largely still there but nearly all the buildings were on fire and multiple mortals were running around screaming.
The cause of their panic and the fires was clear a very large.,... man, thing,... whatever that was encased in heavy armour
The creature below them was only about and whilst it was clearly too much for Midgardians to handle, he doubted any one of their number would need help to fight the beast.
"Let us strike now," Thor stated gleefully starting to swing his hammer to take off.
"Peace brother, we should try talking first." Kal declared he sheathed Gram back into the scabbard on his waist.
"TALK! It's a monster Kal." Thor baulked.
We do not know that Thor, maybe these mortals provoked that thing first Loki stated with a sigh at Thor's lack of knowledge.
How would you even speak to it? Thor asked not happy at being overwhelmed by his brother's arguments.
We can speak aany language, Kal said giving a little shrug.
What? Thor asked baffled at Kal's statement.
The Allspeak Thor, the unique enchantment that allows everyone to understand us in their native tongue. Kal looked at Thor who just blinked at Kal in return causing Kal to sigh. You really need to pay attention to mother's lessons more.
FINE, you can talk to it. Thor agreed.
Thank you, Kal gave his eldest brother an appreciative nod of his head.
BUT whilst you talk, me, Sif and Loki will move to the north, whilst the warriors three-move south so we can encircle the beast when talking fails. Thor declared a glint in his eye that appeared like it always did when fighting was possible.
Kal just nodded ignoring Thor's obvious disregard for diplomacy and quickly moved down into the village below hoping that he could end this attack by talking instead of just rushing in swinging.
Kal's speed let him get into the village quickly and he positioned himself just off the centre of the village where the was an open square area, where the dragon had placed itself. Kal did not immediately speed in as his sudden presence would just spook thething and cause it to attack.
Kal ensured that Gram was clearly sheathed and took a deep steadying breath before he moved out into the square, keeping his hands clearly out next to him to show that he was not a threat.
Peace stranger, I am Kal son of Odin i bid Thee stop attacking these people
"You would interfere in the business of a harbinger of celestial will, little Gods"
You are commanded to stop, they are under my father's protection, and I will not ask a second time And I most definitely don't care about whatever cele-, whatever. Kal's voice was hard now and dropped all pretence of formality, he squared his shoulders and readied himself.
"And what will you do if I refuse? Little son of Odin" The giant of a man mocked Kal, raising himself to his full height towering over Kal and the village.
I will stop you, Kal stated simply showing no fear not even reaching for Gram at his side.
Kal always believed in talking first, it was something his father had drilled into him, but he could tell where this was heading, as the creature before him was clearly just humouring itself. The man's whole posture told Kal what was going to happen next.
'I really hate it when Thor is right, he is going to loud this over me for centuries.' Kal lamented to himself as he readied as best, he could for what the man was about to do.
"You need not ask again; Son of Odin for I Apocalypse am your DOOM" The now named man,. thing apocalypse roared.
He then gave Kal a vicious backhand sending him flying, The attack is meant to separate the skull from the the and if not for Kal readying himself, it would have,
"You Idiots i did this all to draw you 'Gods' out"
You speak in riddles, you offer nonsense-, Thor growled as he took off towards apocalypse
The grim weight of Jarnbjorn will wrest the truth from thy crooked lips Thor roared as he hefted the axe up and came in flying towards apocalypse
"No it will not, you are brash and arrogant, but beyond that,. you are not fit to survive" The celestial armoured giant caught Thor's wrist and bashed his head with his own with such force that it sent a shockwave for a hundred miles,.. his spine will not survive another like it.
And who are you to say that Loki spoke as his sceptre appeared in his hand and through it he channeled his magic, its power amplified tenfold straight into apocalypse's chest and Though it could not punch through the armor it held him at bay enabling Kal to give a nice hard swing of Gramr right at the fiends chest...,
The sword, glowing hotter than midgard's sun cut deep scoring flesh, Apocalypse's blood flowed freely from the wound
Apocalypse roared in pain
"What treachery is this"
Didst Thou Think Asgard was weak, Nay, The likes of you do not tell the gods what to do Kal roared in rage
"No,.. Only.. Only the-
Let me guess ONLY THE FIT MAY SURVIVE Thor roared as he flew back in plunging Jarnbjorn deep into the monsters shoulder summoning a massive bolt of lightning leaving Apocalypse in a charred husk of a state as the Thunderer tossed him out onto the sea
Show off Loki spoke
You know me brother Thor replied
My lords as a way of Thanking you we wish to give you a great feast as is within our abilities
Well we really have to get- Kal started
We can attend your feast and let us hasten back to the village so that Thor can comfort the grieving widows The Thunderer spoke up
But my lord the few men who fell in battle had no wives the villager said back
Then Thor will comfort the wives of ugly men, the God of thunder has spoken Kal could only roll his eyes at this
Kal meanwhile had grown rather fond of this quaint little village though he returned to asgard later he could not help but return there mingle with the townsfolk Midgard offered him a rare solace away from the busy industrious life of Asgard
Here Kal could unwind himself, relax and reflect upon his life it helped that the mead was wonderful
it was during one of these visits that kal met a young maiden called sigrid
This girl as it turned out was a warrior who had aided the brothers in their battle with apocalypse, Kal found her very curious to say the least, even when wounded sigrid had not asked for help, apparently not wanting to appear weak
No, I am fine She said even though she was in pain while riding her horse
So, you are a god, like a real live god from Asgard? Sigrid asked Kal.
We are indeed the Æsir from Asgard, except for Hogun he is a Vanir. Kal gestured to the grimed face warrior.
Although we try not to hold that against him! Volstagg joked riding next to Hogun causing a ripple of laughter from the group.
This is insane, I thought you were just stories Lagertha shook head in disbelief So what are you the god of? How come the dragon fire did not hurt you? How did you know my name? Sigrid was suddenly an avalanche of questions.
Kal just chuckled and gave her another brilliant smile Well I'm not really the god of anything Secondly I am impervious to nearly all forms of harm and as to your name I overheard you talking to the villagers.
BUT your Kal God of the sun, truth, justice and protection! a small girl riding along with them declared in awe for a position in front of Sigrid.
Kal just looked very confused at where the little girl was getting her information from, looking to Sigrid, who just shrugged.
I was never one for religion, I barely know about Thor and Odin, Sigrid stated honestly clearing knowing little of her people's myths about him.
Kal suddenly realised that although he had never been to Midgard before someone he knew very well had been.
LOKI! What have you been telling the Midgardians about me? Kal questioned his brother who was trying to look innocent.
Me? Dear, brother. Oh, I may have just told a few tales about you, like your, honest noble nature and the times you save people from Thor's unjust wrath, completely innocent stories And don't even try to deny that you are a sun god, i saw how the stars react to your presence, how they burn even brighter at your command Loki spoke in his usual deviously charming voice.
Kal rolled his at his brother and was dreading finding out what tales Loki had made up about him. Right, I'm sure completely innocent stories.
Is it true that Frigga made you invincible, by getting everything in the universe promise not harm you? And that you feel no pain? A young boy asked Kal asked a little sheepishly glancing at Kal.
Um I am very difficult to injure, as to feeling no pain, it has been a while since anything has really hurt me, Kal said
He was unsure how to tell a child that his beliefs were not true and gave Loki a glare guessing the whole mother protecting him was his idea of a joke.
So, what can the god of the sun do? Sigrid asked in curiosity.
Many things my lady, but largely everything a mortal man can just better, Kal stated modestly and turned to look at the road ahead of them.
No mortal man i know can fly Sigrid stated as kal took off flying
She never received a reply as Kal's was squinting off to the distance and suddenly he leapt forward the earth exploding beneath him.
Thor, what is it? Sif called up to Thor as she pulled out her sword ready for a fight.
It appears the mortals are burning something? Thor called before he too rocketed off.
The village centre
Bjorn the cunning, an advisor to the old lord of the village stood on the stairs grinning He was looking down at a platform whare a pile of burning wood had been kept A naked girl was being tied to a stake above the wood, her screams of protest silenced by the priest
'First the girl. Then when the Demon attacks again I can convince them that the old fools need to be sacrificed and then it will all be mine.' Bjorn smiled to himself as he commanded the pyre to be ignited.
The people had been hesitant and doubtful about the need for sacrifices, especially a human one but those doubts had been banished when that morning frightened villages had arrived smelling of soot and ash screaming about a Demonic attack. of some monstrous entity from hell itself
The fear that had spread was all Bjorn needed to make people obey him. He declared they need to sacrifice a virgin girl to appease the gods, in truth the girl was dying just as a test to see if people would really do it and he was ecstatic that his orders were being obeyed without question.
The pyre was beginning to burn truly now, and the fire was starting to spread to the maiden's clothes even in her drugged state she was clearly in pain. Bjorn licked his lip enjoying the taste of his newfound power.
However, suddenly there was a sound like thunder and a figure falling from the sky that crashed into the square causing the earth to himself was toppled over and witnessed an armoured man wearing the Sowilo rune on his chest walk into the flames.
The crowd was silent as the man unaffected by the flames tore the ropes from the maidens and lifted her up carrying her from the burning inferno. There was a second sound of Thunder and as he looked up, he saw clear skies become stormy and a figure looming above holding a hammer.
The heavens opened up and a deluge poured forth extinguishing the pyre and then as quickly as they came the clouds started to clear, the flying figure then landed next to the fireproof warrior.
It suddenly clicked in his head and everyone else's who these people must be, as everyone just stood in awe staring at them.
The gods had appeared in the village and the gathered crowd that had been stunned at their arrival suddenly burst into cheers and praises, some fell to their knees openly weeping. Whilst the sacrificial girl's family rushed forward, they fell to their knees before the god that had saved her, started praising him and thanking him.
Bjorn was inwardly panicking trying to figure out how to recover from what was happening. This had not been the plan, the gods were not supposed to show up and save them, it was supposed to be him that saved everyone.
Just as he was about to address the crowd and greet the gods two things occurred; one was the arrival of the old fool Jarl Regin who despite being sickly had risen from his bed and exited the hall roused by the god's arrival, and secondly his stubborn daughter rode into the settlement with a number of people Bjorn did not recognise on massive steeds.
This woman needs a healer Kal said firmly placing the maiden down
Peace good people I am Thor! We are here to save you. Thor declared raising his arms to the awestruck crowd, causing one man to actually faint.
Thor's announcement caused an excited murmur to explode from the crowd, one Bjorn did not like and caused him to step forward.
How do we know you are not impostors in league with the Demons? He asked loudly hoping to win control back.
Bjorn shut up! Sigrid shouted as she awkwardly got off her steed, her insult to him caused the crowd to laugh slightly.
I take it you are the one trying to burn people? Kal asked his eyes focusing on Bjorn.
Bjorn swallowed slightly and gave a small nod I did not want to do it. It was necessary, the priests stated we needed a sacrif-
I would stop talking now Kal stated bluntly, causing Bjorn to take another gulp.
My people, these are the Gods of Asgard come to aid us. I have seen them in battle and they have already slain one of the dragons! Sigrid had walked up the steps and turned to address the crowd.
Really and how do we know you are not also an impostu- Bjorn tried to again reassert control but suddenly stopped as a green glow flashed over him and suddenly a small frog was in his place.
Much better. Loki grinned as he lowered his can from the spell, he had cast.
A few people laughed including the children but many seemed scared at the sudden transformation having never witnessed magic before.
Loki, Kal said glaring at his brother half-heartedly, causing Loki to roll his eyes and snap his fingers changing Bjorn back.
With his body restored Bjorn tried to speak but gave a frog-like croak instead, causing the crowd to break out into laughter. Despite the humiliation, He simply grimaced and stayed where he was.
My people, Jarl Regin spoke drawing every eye to him as the crowd fell silent WE are saved, the gods have seen our sacrifices and have come to deliver us.
The jarl's announcement caused another wave of cheering from the crowd, the jarl watched as his people praised the gods and he privately thanked the Allfather for his mercy.
Now, we must- Jarl Regin coughed up some blood before recomposing himself WE must honour the gods, let us dispel our fear with feasting and joy, tonight we celebrate!
The crowd cheered loudly but none more so than Thor who looked gleeful at a chance to drink and regal others about the tale of their slaying of the Demon Apocalypse. He started shaking hands and greeting the swarm of people that came up to him, loving the attention.
Kal meanwhile was gently trying to push his way over to his steed to retrieve a few children. He like the others were being swarmed and to his eye, the crowd gathering around him was greater than Thor, who had been joined by Sif who was gently trying to keep people off his brother.
Whilst Thor was surrounded by all sorts, Kal seemed to be swarmed by young boys or mothers with small children, all of whom seemingly wanted to touch him and some even asked for a blessing. Kal was a little uncomfortable, to say the least, and was really wondering what stories Loki had been telling about him.
He gently placed the children on the ground and nodded towards the people that were still swarming him, Sigrid seeing his predicament interceded.
I need to speak with Lord Kal regarding the reconstruction of the walls She said placing herself between the crowd and Kal
There were a few low mumbles, but everyone moved away most going into the hall where Thor had already started the celebrations, drinking a flagon of mead to cheering crowds.
Thank you, Kal said giving Sigrid a grateful smile.
It is the least I could do. You did save my life. Sigrid smiled, her comment making Kal chuckle
However, before he could respond Sif approached both of them with a reserved and strained look upon her face, clearly caused by Thor's actions.
Well, Thor is already ingratiating himself with the local populace.. But we need to find out where these devils came from so that they do not return
True, I'll get Loki to see if he can find them with magic, as well as determine what this black mist is that I am seeing, Kal stated his eyes contracting again clearly looking at the strange mist only he could see.
Very well and the rest of us? Sif asked standing to attention as she received her orders.
Volstagg and Fandral will secure the town and see what supplies we have, Hogun will keep watch he has the best eyes after me and you Lady Sif get the glorious task of making sure our beloved Thor does not destroy the town. Kal gave his instructions with a smile.
Sif eyes darted over to Thor who was currently showing off Mjolnir to a number of Midgardian maidens, causing small sparks of lighting to run across its surface to impress them. Sif just sighed at her near-impossible task but gave a bow of her head and accepted the task, moving off to stand by Thor.
Loki, does he not help plan? Lagertha gestured to Loki who was sitting in a dark corner of the room drinking alone, his eyes darting across the room.
Loki is…. well he is,...