The golden reflection of the city gleamed brightly as Thor rode from the observatory. He had won the battle against Malekith on Earth, only at to lose his own mother and brother. After this subsequent victory over his enemy, Thor did not linger long on Midgard, but opted to return home to speak with his father about the events that had taken place, and to partition a pardon for Loki, who had died with honor.

Honor reflected Thor; Loki had died with honor even I spoke cruelly about Mother to him. In truth, Thor had partially blamed him for not protecting their mother, although Thor knew that there was not much Loki could have done from his cell.

If Loki were still alive, I would apologize for that comment.

A set of magnificent gold gates that spanned 100 feet high swung open as he reached the palace. He quickly dismounted his horse, giving it an absent-minded pat on the nose before striding into the halls. The damage could still be seen everywhere as pillars were still crumbled debris that had been put aside as workers began to rebuild new ones. He did acknowledge those craftsman as he passed, and nodded to them in greeting, but said nothing and kept his head down as more thoughts had swirled about in his mind. It was when he heard a familiar feminine voice that he looked up.

Sif and the Warriors Three (now two) knelled for a moment in respect before greeting him warmly with strong embraces and handshakes. Thor allowed a false smile to play on his lips. Perhaps he was happy to see them, they were his friends after all; but inwardly, the were perhaps glad to hear of his brother's demise. When Loki had been sentenced to spend the rest of his days in the dungeons, the Warrior Three and Sif all dismissed it as justice for such a foul being as him. Thor however, felt this loss down to his marrow, and did so again now, perhaps even more that he had before.

"Forgive me my friends, but I must speak with my father about what has occurred, it is most important." Thor replied to their incessant questions. "Perhaps we can speak at a feast tonight."

Sif seemed to understand his hesitancy to talk about the battle that had taken him so much from him and nodded, "Certainly, Thor. Until tonight then." And despite Volstagg's protests, walked away.

Thor smiled back at Sif's retreating form, she always seemed to know when he didn't want unwarranted attention.

The crown prince of Asgard knocked at the door of the throne room chambers, was announced by a guard, and allowed access into its depths.

Odin sat on a newly repaired throne in his usual attitude of sternness and uprightness. Thor heard a whimper to his left and when he shifted his eyes, he saw…

"Loki," Thor breathed, almost uncomprehending of what lay before him. Loki had died on the Dark World. How could he be here now? Thor's mind reeled as he remembered the saber being impaled in his brother's chest, the stuttering words "I'm sorry." being repeated over and over again and the final one's "I didn't do it for him." The Thunderer remembered Loki's eyes shutting for the last time as his skin mottled gray with death. But now, the Trickster was on his hands and knees, groaning quietly, while raven locks obscured his eyes.

"Loki!" Thor shouted and began to run towards his once dead brother. Instantly he knelt beside the dark-haired trickster, horrified by the site of his brother writhing and bleeding.

"Stop!" Odin ordered, and Thor halted midway to Loki's side.

"Father, how has this happened? Loki was dead on the Svartalheim, how came he to be here?" His eyes shifted from the king to his adopted brother.

"Speak not of this traitor. His magic will slowly be stripped from his being for his lies, and he shall die as a puny mortal. Tell me the events of the battle." Odin barked, keeping his one good eye on Thor.

Thor hesitated for only a moment before he spoke, "I will tell you what has happened in a moment perhaps, but what of Loki? He was injured on the Dark World. Should he not receive-"

"He shall not receive anything other than a cell, Thor!" Odin barked.

"Loki saved my life as well as Jane Foster's at the cost of his own, does that not warrant some gratitude at least?"

"I WILL NOT BE ARGUED WITH THOR!" Odin bellowed, sitting upright and seemingly making the entire hall echo.

Thor seemed to pause at this, glaring with some disdain at the man he called his father before rushing to his fallen brother's aid.

"Loki, can you hear me?" Thor inquired, helping his brother onto his back to take stock of any wounds. There was one; the one incurred by Kurse's sword back on the Svartalheim. It looked as though it had been cruelly re-opened, blood spilling to the surface of Loki's chest and staining the armor he wore deep red.

The paleness of near death had returned to his brother, who's facial expression was one of agony. "Help-me, Thor." Loki could be heard whispering between shuddering gasps of pain, trying to lift a hand for Thor. "Help…"

"Father-" Thor began, only to be interrupted by his father.

"Leave him, Thor. He is no longer your brother and deserves a traitor's death." Commanded Odin, but Thor ignored him.

The Thunderer knew he wouldn't have long to save him, and so swept Loki into his arms all the while heading towards the huge golden doors and the exit.

"Boy! Return to my audience now or you shall receive a severe consequence!" Odin shrieked.

"What will you have done to me father? Lashes, confinement? I shall not stand by and see him left die in my arms...again. Mother would not have done so. Now you can allow us to go to the healing halls, else I shall return to Midgard and never return. And you will not have only lost one son, but two." Thor hissed.

"Go then! You shall never be allowed to step foot on Asgard again." Odin boomed.

Thor gave a cold glance towards his father and rushing through the halls using Mjolnir to the awaiting gatekeeper.

Heimdall turned at their arrival, clicking the golden Uru on the Observatory's shining floor. "I am not to allow you to pass, Thor." The Gatekeeper intoned, though without shifting his position.

"Might I have to fight you as well, friend Heimdall?" Replied evenly.

"You will not. However, the All-Father has decreed that you shall not return be permitted to return to Midgard as you so intended."

"I must! If I do not seek treatment for Loki soon, he may die-" Thor shifted his brother's weight in his arms, which caused the younger prince to wince.

Heimdall raised his hand up to silence the prince. "The Convergence still continues for perhaps a few hours more. Return to Svartalheim, you will find a path."

Thor allowed himself an inward temporary sigh of relief, "Thank you Hemidall."

The Bi-Frost spun to life, a brilliant kaleidoscope sweeping though as both princes stepped through it.

TBC...