"I thought you would have departed by now," the Father said with mild surprise upon seeing the two arrivals.
Anakin replied dryly, "You know exactly why we're still here."
"I understand why you remain," the Father acknowledged, turning his attention to Thor. "But your presence still puzzles me, God of Thunder."
Thor's expression grew serious. "Since departing Earth, I've traveled extensively across the cosmos. You may not be aware, but over the past eight years, five of the six Infinity Stones have been revealed to the universe—Mind, Power, Reality, Time, and Space."
The Father made a disapproving sound, his features darkening. "Just as I feared. I had hoped your arrival was coincidental, but it seems I was deceiving myself. After all this time, with five Stones now exposed... I worry deeply about what comes next."
"How much do you know about the Infinity Stones?" Thor asked intently.
"I'm surprised you know so little," the Father replied.
"I know only what's common knowledge throughout the cosmos," Thor admitted. "As for the location of the final Stone, I must rely on rumors and ancient records—fragments, really."
"Seeking the Stones is perilous," the Father warned gravely.
Thor's jaw set with determination. "There is no danger I cannot face."
The Daughter spoke up, her voice gentle but firm. "That is a dangerous mindset to carry, Prince of Asgard. The Stones are not to be taken lightly."
Thor's expression hardened, revealing a coldness that made even the gods and Jedi regard him with new wariness. "I understand the dangers they represent, Daughter. That is precisely why I seek to understand them. The Soul Stone—the last of the six that remains hidden—has no record even in Asgard's vast libraries. The ancient texts speak only of guardians who know its location. It took Heimdall considerable effort just to find this place."
"You have journeyed far indeed, Prince of Asgard," the Father acknowledged. "From distant Asgard, across the stars, to reach this isolated realm. That is no small feat."
Thor ignored the diplomatic pleasantry. "Do you know where the Soul Stone is?"
"Its location and the means to obtain it are secrets," the Father replied carefully.
"I have a feeling this is going to be complicated," Anakin muttered. "One way or another, we need to find it."
"Finding its location is not the difficult part," the Daughter said softly. "Obtaining it is."
"Do you know where it is?" Thor pressed.
The Father nodded, his tone weighted with reluctance. "I do. But I cannot tell you."
Anakin sighed in exasperation. "Really? That's the most cliché thing you could possibly say. Why can't you tell us? Is it some kind of cosmic law? A Force restriction?"
"I cannot speak of it because of Arishem," the Father explained.
"And who is Arishem?" Thor asked.
"The Prime Celestial. The Judge," the Father replied, his brow furrowing. "He rules over all Celestials in the universe. We—my family—exist under punishment for our past transgressions." His voice filled with sorrow. "My son may have become what he is because of that very punishment."
"So what will you do about him?" Anakin asked, tension evident in his voice. The thought of a fully corrupted Dark Side user made him uneasy. "He's given himself completely to darkness."
The Father was silent for a long moment. When he spoke, each word seemed to cost him. "I must answer for my mistakes. Ultimately... I must end my son's life." He closed his eyes against the pain of his own words.
"Father, no!" the Daughter protested.
Anakin looked at her with confusion. "But he tried to harm you both. How can you defend him after that?"
"As I told your Master," the Daughter explained patiently, "it is simply my nature. Just as my brother's nature is selfish and vengeful, mine is selfless and compassionate. Despite everything that's happened—all the conflicts—my love for him remains."
Thor redirected the conversation. "This place you mentioned—where the Stone is kept—what did you call it?"
"It lies within a region in the Outer Kessel Sector," the Father answered. "A place where only those prepared to die would venture. But that is not our immediate concern. We must focus on preventing my son from escaping Mortis. If he cannot commandeer your ship, he will seek other means—which may draw... unwanted attention."
Anakin nodded slowly, setting aside his curiosity to focus on the Father's meaning and the reason they'd come.
"I'm curious about your reaction to the dagger Obi-Wan discovered," Anakin said after a moment's thought. "He said it could kill the Son."
"That is correct," the Daughter confirmed.
"Will you give us this dagger?" Thor asked directly.
The Father stared at the weapon in his hand for a long moment, then slowly extended it toward Anakin with both hands. After the Jedi Knight carefully accepted it, the Father continued, "My son will attempt to take it from you."
"I know," Anakin replied calmly. He examined the Mortis dagger in his grip, then asked, "Where should we search for him? He won't return to his monastery, will he?"
"You are the Chosen One," the Father said with a faint smile. "The Force is powerful in this place. Use it. Let it flow through your body and spirit, and it will guide you to him."
Anakin took one final look at the Father and Daughter, then nodded and turned to leave. Thor followed close behind.
"Father, are you certain it's wise to send them after my brother?" the Daughter asked, worry evident in her voice.
The Father remained silent for several heartbeats. "I have no other choice. We must do everything possible to protect this realm and those we hold dear. The time has come to release control and let events unfold naturally. My excessive interference has already caused irreparable damage to the galaxy."
His daughter said nothing, watching the two figures retreat into the distance. She was filled with fear and uncertainty about what they would face, powerless to aid them beyond offering her trust and prayers for a favorable outcome.
The Daughter stood close beside her father. She knew that despite his stern exterior, his heart held deep love and care. She believed that regardless of the difficulties ahead, those two possessed the ability to face and overcome them.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, attempting to calm the turbulent emotions within. She couldn't allow fear and worry to overwhelm her mind. She had to remain strong, maintain faith, and hope for the best possible outcome.