The air was thick with the presence of the Kree delegation, a group of high-ranking Kree officials standing before Odin's throne. Their expressions were cold and calculating, clearly prepared for diplomatic discourse. Odin, seated with his regal posture and heavy brow, listened intently, his eyes flickering with ancient wisdom.
The Kree Ambassador, a tall and imposing figure, spoke with authority, his voice rich and firm, conveying the weight of his people's power.
"We regret the actions of a rogue faction within our ranks. We come with a formal request for the individuals responsible for the attack on Earth to be handed over to face trial within the Kree Empire. Their actions were not sanctioned, and we seek to avoid escalating tensions further. We trust the Asgardian wisdom will allow us to resolve this issue peacefully."
Kal stood at the side, watching the exchange carefully. His heart weighed heavily as the Kree delegation spoke, their words filled with thinly veiled diplomacy and calculated calmness. He knew what this meant—an attempt to cover up the Kree Empire's involvement, to keep their actions hidden behind the guise of a rogue element.
Odin's gaze remained steady as he regarded the Kree officials. His voice, deep and unyielding, resonated through the hall, calm but powerful.
"Asgard does not stand idle in the face of injustice. Yet, I understand the value of diplomacy, the need for balance in this galaxy. I will grant your request. The responsible parties will be held accountable, and the matter will be resolved in a manner befitting Asgard's honor."
Kal's jaw tightened as his father's words settled into the air. His eyes never left the Kree delegation, but he remained silent as Odin made the decision.
The Kree Ambassador gave a small bow, satisfaction evident on his face as he responded, his tone smooth and confident.
"We thank you, Allfather. We trust the trial will be conducted with fairness and without interference. The Kree Empire is grateful for your wisdom."
With that, the Kree delegation turned and left the hall, leaving Kal alone with his father. Odin turned his attention toward Kal, his expression unreadable.
"I have done what is required, my son. The Kree are satisfied, and peace is restored—for now."
Kal looked up at Odin, his disappointment evident, though carefully controlled. He took a deep breath, trying to process the decision.
"So, you believe them? That this was just a rogue element?"
Odin did not answer immediately. Instead, he turned his gaze to the grand expanse of Asgard, his mind seemingly elsewhere for a moment.
"What is important is the greater good, Kal. We do not act out of haste, but with wisdom. We must move forward, and this is the path we take."
Kal felt the weight of his father's words, but the ache of knowing the truth—knowing that the Kree Empire had been far more involved than they admitted—gnawed at him. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was slipping through his fingers, something more than just the truth.
Earth - Outside the Skrull Refuge
Kal descended to Earth, his golden aura dimming as he landed softly in front of Carol and the gathered Skrulls. The atmosphere was tense, the Skrulls uncertain and hopeful, while Carol stood with arms crossed, her eyes narrowing as she studied Kal's face.
Without a word, Carol could see the disappointment in Kal's eyes. She didn't need to ask to know the outcome. She sighed softly, but her expression remained firm as she uncrossed her arms and stepped toward him.
"It's over, isn't it?" she asked, her voice calm but laced with the knowing weight of what had transpired.
Kal's gaze lingered on her for a moment, his expression heavy. He nodded, his voice quiet and deliberate, betraying the frustration simmering underneath.
"The Kree have requested the perpetrators be handed over for trial. They claim it was a rogue element."
Carol's lips tightened, her gaze hardening. The Skrulls shifted uneasily, murmuring among themselves. Kal could feel the weight of their collective hope, their desperation for justice.
"A rogue element? I don't buy it," Carol muttered, her voice tinged with a quiet anger, though she remained composed. Her eyes never left Kal, searching for something—some sign that he had more to say.
Kal gave a small, frustrated shake of his head.
"Neither do I. But my father has accepted their terms. The trial will happen—peacefully, by their request."
The Skrulls grew more restless, murmuring louder now, their distrust and disbelief growing. Kal could feel their doubts swirling in the air around him, their frustration mirroring his own. Carol turned toward them, speaking with authority and resolve, trying to bring them some semblance of peace.
"We fought for this—for freedom. We fought for a future of our own. And now... now it's out of our hands," she said, her voice calm but resolute.
The Skrulls quieted, listening to her words, but the silence hung heavy in the air. Kal stepped forward, placing a hand on one of the Skrulls, his touch gentle but firm. His voice was steady, as though he had already made his peace with the situation.
"I've given my word to help. If they seek a new home, I can guide them."
Carol turned back to Kal, her expression softening as she looked at him. She hadn't expected this—Kal had always been a prince of Asgard, bound to duty and to his father's will. But now, he was offering his help, offering a way forward for the Skrulls. Her voice was quieter now, but no less serious.
"We will find a new place—a place for all of us. This doesn't end here."
Kal nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he turned back to the Skrulls. His voice was firm and full of conviction as he addressed them.
"Remember, you are not alone. Asgard may be far from here, but you'll always have allies in this galaxy."
With that, Kal turned back to Carol, his golden energy flaring briefly as he spoke again, though this time with a touch of finality.
"I'll see you safely to your new home. Asgard will not intervene, but I'll ensure you're not left in the dark. You have my word."
Carol nodded in response, her gaze lingering on Kal as he prepared to leave. She could see the weight he carried, the unspoken burden of trying to balance everything—his heritage, his duty, and his sense of justice.
Kal turned toward the sky, his form rising smoothly into the air, the golden glow of his aura blazing once more as he took flight. He looked back at Earth once more, his heart heavy with the knowledge that while he had helped the Skrulls, his role in the larger galactic struggle was far from over.
Carol, standing with the Skrulls, watched him disappear into the sky. Then, she turned back to face the future, the future she would help build. With the Skrulls now under her guidance, the road ahead would be difficult, but she knew they would walk it together.
Later - A New Home for the Skrulls
Kal stood at the edge of the new world—a place he had helped the Skrulls find. The planet was untouched by war, rich with resources, and full of potential. It was everything the Skrulls had hoped for, everything they deserved.
Carol stood beside him, arms crossed, but a faint smile tugged at her lips as she looked out over the horizon. She gave him a sideways glance, her tone teasing, but warm.
"You know, I didn't expect you to care so much," she said, her voice light but genuine.
Kal smiled faintly, his eyes never leaving the world before them. There was something about the sight of the Skrulls finding peace that filled him with a quiet sense of pride.
"I've seen too many people lose everything. If I can help them build something new, I will."
Carol looked over at him, her expression softening, and her voice was full of quiet respect as she spoke.
"Maybe there's more to you than just the prince of Asgard."
Kal gave her a knowing look, the faintest of smirks tugging at his lips.
"Maybe."
He stepped forward, placing a hand on the shoulder of one of the Skrulls, offering a silent promise. His voice was steady, comforting.
"This is a new beginning for you all. Don't forget that you're not alone. Asgard may be distant, but you've gained allies in this galaxy."
Carol watched the scene unfold as Kal gave the Skrulls one last look before he turned and took to the skies. She turned back to the Skrulls, ready to lead them into this new chapter of their lives.
As Kal disappeared into the distance, Carol nodded to herself. The journey ahead was far from easy, but with allies like Kal—and a future to build—it was a journey she was ready to take