Chapter 1

The castle of Asgard gleams in the light of several passing suns. Rays of light hit the large crystal windows that outline the palace's elegance. Heimdall, the glorious gate keeper, stands in watch over the nine realms among the Bifröst . As the rising suns passed the horizon, Heimdall's gaze shifted from one side of the galaxy to the other. Something has captured his attention. His eyes narrow on a particular part of space thought to be in ruin. The darkness and lack of activity for centuries has been known to be the result of the Kryptonian extinction. But on this day, something stirs.

Heimdall's eyes lay fixed upon what looks like an exploding star deep in space. He lets out a somber grunt as he summons a guard to deliver a message to Odin, the King of Asgard.

"Alert the king at once. Prepare for impact."

"Yes, what news from the nine realms?" the guard asked shakily.

"There is a disturbance from the lost realm of Krypton. It seems the city of Argo has broken away from what was left of their world. It is on a direct course for Asgard. I cannot redirect its route without proper authority from the king. Now, go! Quickly!"

The youthful and inexperienced guardsmen dropped his weaponry and ran, on foot, down the iridescent spectral bridge toward the city of Asgard. Heimdall returned to his post watching the realms swirl about in their usual fashion with one eye fixed on the over-sized comet barreling toward the city.

His eyes darted to the other side of the realm as he heard his name being called from Jotunheim, the realm of the giants. The warrior goddess Sif and her company had been invited to celebrate victories and alliances with the giants and their journey had come to an end. Heimdall honored her return through the Bifröst and was greeted with a joyful smile.

"What news my good friend?" Sif asked joyfully.

Just as Heimdall began to answer, the king made a resounding entrance at the dome of the Bifröst. He nodded to Sif as she bowed herself with respect to his sudden entrance.

"Rise, Sif. You know well that we are near family. You bow to no man," Odin spoke.

"My King, what troubles you so on this glorious morning in Asgard?" Sif asked.

"Heimdall, what news?"

"My king, as you know the city of Argos has long since been the remaining planetoid of the ancient world of Krypton."

"Argos? Have they encountered enemies? " Sif questioned.

"It seems the city has suffered a loss in gravitational pull and now plummets toward Asgard," Heimdall finished.

King Odin nodded with understanding and patted Heimdall on the shoulder. Asgard was used to the normal threat of falling space rocks and this was no different.

"Heimdall, as I have told you in the past, there is no need to ask my permissions to defend our city against various objects falling from space. Do, as you please, as long as lives are saved," Odin smiled as he walked toward his horse.

"Yes, my king, I recall. However…" Heimdall began.

The king paused before he reached for the reins on his horse. He let out a heavy sigh as he turned around.

"We have never had a city fall into our path before. I am sworn to protect the lives of those in allegiance with Asgard," Heimdall stated.

"There are survivors?" the king expressed with great concern.

"Indeed, my king. I have watched them suffer the remaining years on what previsions they had. And still, as their city falls out of orbit, they live," Heimdall bowed his head with respect.

"Kryptonians. I have heard tales of them. But I have never seen one. What allegiance do they have with Asgard?" Sif asked the king.

Odin now began pacing around the opening of the Bifröst as other guardsmen joined them. He had little to no knowledge of the Kryptonian race. But he knew from ancient stories that they were a force to be reckoned with and he would be wise not to blow them into non-existence.

"I know little of what remains. Krypton is truly an ancient realm and their people have shown little to no aggression toward Asgard. This could be due to their distance from us, or their lack of previsions."

"But we cannot allow Asgardians to die," Sif stated.

"Perhaps the good old Thor can save the day," a familiar voice slithered into the conversation.

Loki had been taking a casual stroll down the path that leads to the Bifröst. He sank his teeth into a ripe apple as he spoke, issuing Sif a sarcastic wink as she eyed him with disgust.

"Loki, so kind of you to grace us with your presence," Odin said sarcastically.

"Likewise, father," Loki continued to munch on his breakfast as he leaned precariously against the doorway.

Sif rolled her eyes as Loki mocked kissing noises at her. Since Thor had left to be with Jane on Earth, Loki was forced to pledge his allegiance to Asgard under penalty of death if he committed treason against the realm or its allies. To ensure that he would stay out of mischief a unique collar, resembling simple Asgardian fashion, was programmed to keep Loki in Asgard. He was forbidden to leave without the consent of the king.

"My, King, with respect I urge you to make a decision by nightfall. For this time tomorrow the city will be upon us," Heimdall bowed his head.

"Father, with your age, and Thor's absence, what option do you have? I say we blow it out of our path and be done with it," Loki commented.

"Loki, my son, you still have much to learn about the value of life. I must converse with the council of Asgard before a decision like this can be made. Heimdall, keep a watchful eye on the city and its people. Notify me thusly if something changes."

Heimdall bowed his head once more as he returned his gaze outward among the nine realms. The guardsmen followed closely behind their respected king toward Asgard. Loki lingered behind as Sif began to stride toward the city.

"You know, all that celebrating with other realms has got people talking. I think you may have lost your touch in the field of battle," Loki sneered as he took another bite of his apple.

Sif smirked as she turned on her heel. She had not fought a thrilling battle since Thor had left and Loki knew that. What she didn't understand is why he tested her patience the way he did.

"Says the dog in a collar," Sif scoffed at him.

Loki's notorious smirk gleamed across his face as he approached Sif, who had drawn her weapon to intimidate him.

"You think it ill of me not to consider my punishment? Or, is it wise of you to mock me?" Loki jested.

"What are you getting at?" Sif demanded.

"You're not as smart as you look, goddess."

Sif sneered at him as she turned away, only to be met with another replica of his figure.

"You're beauty cannot compensate for the love he has for her."

"What are you babbling about? You annoy me, Loki," Sif swatted away the projection as she continued onward.

"You know as well as I do that Odin will call upon Thor to save the city. In fact, you are eager to see his face again. I have watched you yearn for him in the late hours…." Loki continued.

Sif sheathed her weapon as she stopped short of the end of the bridge. She looked over her shoulder and watched as Loki approached her. He stared her down eye to eye almost touching his nose to hers as he stopped.

"Do you deny it?" Loki asked mockingly.

Sif's eyes darted away from his with guilt. He was right, but she felt violated. She was exposed and she hated the feeling.

"How dare you use his name against me? As if I had not done enough for you!" She exclaimed.

"Yes, goddess, I do thank you for this fine work of technology that binds me to this putrid place. I am ever so thankful for your willingness to keep me alive, just so you can toy with me," Loki persisted.

"I didn't do it for you! My loyalty to the king and his sons—"

"I am no son of Odin," Loki interrupted sharply.

"Then you are a fool," Sif stated coldly.

"Apparently, a fool worth saving, my lady."

Loki tossed the core of the apple behind him and took her hand. He glanced up at her as he placed a tender kiss on her palm. Sif rolled her eyes as she took her hand back. She was annoyed at Loki's persistence and jesting. She turned on her heels and left Loki at the entrance of Asgard, stomping the whole way.

"You'll learn to love me! Most of them do!" Loki shouted after her.

Please review if I should continue this! I need to know if it's worth investing in! I greatly appreciate any comments! -kmblackwell