HIS SHOES creaked against the wood, the crackling of the fireplace meeting his ears as he pondered on his plans for the day. Despite missing the wealth and plentiful pastimes he experienced in Asgard, Earth was slowly growing on him. That was if he could actually get out of his domain to go and explore the realm.

A smirk curved his lips, eyes glinting with determination as victory filled his lungs. His fist gripped tightly, success filling his thoughts as he traversed the expansive hall. All his endeavours and hard work would finally culminate in his ultimate goal. Or so he felt.

He could not forget the missteps and failures that plagued his road up to this point. With the merging of the worlds and the impending doom looming on the horizon, he had made some plunders he would regret. Working for Thanos came to mind, the Mad Titan living up to the name as he treated him cruelly and used his wiles to his own gain. God Himself bore witness to his undermining at the hands of the Eternal. Even after leaving the lunatic, the lunacy followed him onward like a wild, hungry dog, his memories rapidly returning.

Four months ago, fires rose to the skies above, the raging heat beating against his face though his skin denied the fury entry. The clanking of his shoes and heavy sceptre resounded in his ears, resolute focus embracing him as he snuffed out the world around him. He cast his gaze around, the dreary realm seeming to amuse him.

Beasts roamed the field, their reptilian growls and scaly skin reverberating the rage and suspicion exuding from their pliant and beady eyes. They varied in size, the smallest equating to lizards and the largest comparing to tall trees with humanoid builds. Like the world around them, they burned, superficial crackling giving off their invulnerability to the heat.

With barks and ferocious snarls, the creatures moved away from him, the smirk on his face raising his pleasure at his newfound strength. Ignoring the futile pests, he trod onward, eyes set on the epicentre of the burning wasteland whose flames blackened the skies with ash and billowing smoke.

A circular crater swallowed large boulders, the abyss burrowing far into the ground into a shrouding darkness. His feet crunched against the ground, his sceptre echoing as he struck it against the ashen earth, its resonance resounding against the walls of the chasm. Fire shot out of the depths, spraying out into the skies, engulfing the edges of the pit and spilling over to the surface of its rim.

The pillar of flame hit the skies, spreading out and illuminating them with an orange glow. Like the snap of a finger, they subsided, a thunderous roar emanating from the ditch echoing through the valley. A gale rose from the pit, winds pushing the fabric of his cloak violently as a figure shot out of the depths. A crash banged from behind him, his turn bringing a large creature to view.

His growls vibrated the scales of his body, two horns casting shadows over his chiselled back and spreading out behind him. Four smaller growths protruded from his skull, cascading back along his head and stretching out to that of the larger obtrusions on it. A large tail slithered down from his back, its girth sweeping the ground as it wrapped around his enormous legs.

Turning his titanic, enormous humanoid build, the beast shifted, the fissures of his reptilian face stitching a frown that pulsated in his veins. With soulless, cold grey eyes, he fixed his gaze on the outsider, the glowing blue orbs igniting the anger in him like the flames that raged out of the pores of his skin.

"Loki Laufeyson." His voice vibrated, an ominous resonance echoing through the air. "To what do I owe this unpleasant intrusion from the Asgardian reject?"

"Come now, is that any way to speak to an old partner? We are enemies of those pompous fools anyway, so why should we fight each other …" A smirk grew on his face, the unearthly calm in his voice reflecting in his eyes as he looked straight into the eyes of the beast. "Surtur, the Fire Demon?"

"Your false praise does not amuse me, futile pest." The monster paced around him. "An abomination of an Ice Giant and a so called 'god', Asgardian; your very presence turns my stomach inside out to a degree that I would rather suffer self evisceration and devour my own entrails." He growled. "Our previous failed alliance does not negate my hatred for you. Leave before I burn your bones and feed them to the dogs that walk this land."

"My, my, you intrigue me, compatriot." Loki chuckled. "If you really meant your words, you would have burned me the moment you sensed my presence in this world." Surtur growled, widening his smirk. "And even if you tried, you would fall at my feet."

"Watch your mouth, boy!" The beast roared. "Your newfound power means nothing to me! I have brought down incarnations of your pathetic 'all father' and I can definitely destroy you without a blink!"

"You call him my 'all father' as if I consider him family. By whose hand do you presume he fell?"

A throaty growl escaped the demon, his feet crunching against the ashen ground as he moved to see his face. Looking into his eyes, the monster studied the outsider, the energy raging through them sending jolts of anger through his scorching veins. With a snarl, he stepped back, huffing as he glared at the intruder.

"Indeed, you have gotten power, but it means nothing all the same." His frown deepened. "Leave now."

"Sadly, I do not offer you such a courtesy, I have a preposition." Loki smiled.

"One I agreed to and forsook without regret."

"You forget that things are different." Loki stepped forward. "With Odin dead and gone, Asgard is under my control."

"Then what do you ask of me? To take Midgard? I can destroy that rock with a yawn and I do not need your help to do so." Surtur began to pace again.

"But I need yours."

Veins thickened across his forehead as the beast studied the man before him. With narrowing eyes, he probed his expression, the blue orbs exuding honesty shrouded by a deadpanned gaze. Rejecting reliance on outward appearance, the monster scoffed, pacing around as he sifted through his thoughts.

"You need my help in dominating Earth when you've already taken down Odin? You take me for a fool, Asgardian?" The demon chuckled.

"Indeed, I would take you for a fool if you rejected my offer." He stepped forward. "Earth is a small world and their defences cannot withstand my armies, but I have something far more important I have my sights set on. Join forces with me and I shall give you Midgard."

"I do not need your help, vile pest."

"But you need my help to leave this realm. As lovely as this smouldering rock is, your flames were forged to burn worlds, not to meaninglessly roar as they devour nothing." Loki's brows stitched slightly. "With my power, I can get you out of this place if you agree to give me your Fire Demon army."

"The pain of death will be sweet honey compared to my anger if you ignite it. Leave now before you awaken my wrath." A growl rippled through the monster's voice.

"So, you choose to stay here in Muspelheim? In this realm of eternal burning rock?" Loki gestured at the fires that surrounded them.

"You barter my freedom for my army? What do I gain in the end?" Surtur's frown deadened.

"Midgard, Svartalfheim, Vanaheim; any realm you wish to destroy, you will have after I use your armies."

"And how do I know I have your word?"

"… I was unsure that you'd attack me or not when I came to this realm." Loki gestured with the sceptre. "This is just completes my look." He chuckled.

The demon's eyes narrowed, the cold grey examining the intent behind the sky blue orbs. A low growl resounded within his throat, his gaze shifting as he took in his surroundings. With a raspy groan, he turned to the intruder.

"My army is yours, but should you betray me, I shall burn your bones to ashes." Surtur frowned deeply, bringing a content smile to Loki's face.

"Good."

EVEN IN the forming of an unbeatable union, failure knocked at Loki's door. With Surtur and the Fire Demons under his helm, an unforeseen obstacle arose. In the very realm he stood in came an obstruction in his quest for conquest.

Four months ago, joy and glee laced through their voices as they laughed, overjoyed by the bright colour of the ascending lanterns. Their glow interwove as the orange glow sublimely wrought into a kaleidoscope of light.

Her eyes reflected the sight, the turquoise blue glinting as pink filled her cheeks in excitement. Clasping the railing, she stood beside the snowman, his chuckle vibrating as a smile stretched his face.

"Whoa." Amazement dilated Anna's eyes.

"So beautiful …" Elsa's voice wondered.

"Wow." Olaf stretched, clinging to the guardrail.

"Isn't it pretty?" Anna nudged Kristoff.

"Yeah, stuff …" His voice trailed off, eyes fixed on the cluster.

"Why don't we do this more often in Arendelle?" Anna turned to Elsa.

"We don't." Elsa stared at the cluster.

"Well, we should." Anna turned to the sky.

An aura glistened softly, quickly sharpening into violent sparks that spread across the dark night sky. The clouds swept away as the energy gathered, surging with intensity as air rushed out. A portal fissured the expanse, widening and giving way for flames to seep through it. Several of the gateways littered the sky, fire rushing out of some as snow wafted from others.

Lights came to view, joining the cluster of lanterns in the sky and adding to the number as they gently descended. Murmurs swept through the crowds below, people looking up in confusion and bewilderment. Moving closer to the edge of the balcony, the Queen's eyes narrowed in on the lights.

"What's going on?" Confusion stitched Elsa's brows.

"Are they multiplying?" Rupunzel's eyes squinted.

"It looks like it." Eugene cocked his neck.

"Ooh, look; more snowgies." Olaf jumped, clasping to the guardrail as he pointed at the sky.

"What?" Elsa turned to the snowman.

Furrowing her brows, she turned to the sky, bewilderment enveloping her as she studied the lanterns ascending. Shooting glances at the others around her, she sifted through her thoughts, fumbling to piece the puzzle in her mind.

"Are you guys seeing this?" Elsa frowned.

"Yeah." Kristoff nodded

"Mm-hmm." Eugene turned to her.

Abruptly, the lights crashed onto a beach on the city outskirts, clouds of sand rising to the air as they landed. Shuffling their feet, the Giants and Demons trod forward, their gazes shifting around as they sought their targets. A panic spread through the kingdom, the people watching in horror as the army lined the beach.

The image of their crash came through an energy circle hovering before Loki, the events coming in as if it were a live video feed. With gritted teeth, a growl escaped Loki, a hand balancing his head as he sat on a large golden throne in Asgard's palace. Clutching to the armrests of the chair, he rose to his feet, anger stitching a frown on his face as he left the room and the energy circle disappeared.

"The first time I tell the truth and this is the thanks I get?" Loki approached the chasm before him, his feet crunching against the ashen earth.

A gust of wind swept past him, a loud crash banging behind him as the demon landed. Turning to the beast, a smirk crossed his face as he clutched to his sceptre tightly. The monster eyed him, a growl vibrating from his throat as he looked at the outsider. A giant sword lay within his grasp, its blade rusting and exuding steam as a blazing red glow radiated along its length that stretched out to more than two metres.

"What are you holding?" Loki's brow raised, amusement shifting his gaze as he looked at the weapon.

"Why do you ask such foolish questions, Asgardian?" Surtur lifted the sword, pointing its tip at him. "You enter my realm unannounced, wielding the staff of Odin and you expect me to stand unarmed?"

"For what reason did you breach our agreement? Why did the Demons go to earth?" A frown stitched Loki's face.

"I should ask why Frost Giants were found there as well." The monster began to pace around him. "In your preposition for our alliance, there was no mention that you were conspiring with my greatest of enemies."

"Allying with me is conspiring with your greatest enemy. Half Asgardian and half Juton; I assumed you already knew what you were getting into when bartering with me." He shrugged. "Though the Frost Giants are under my control, I have ways to go before they obey me, but what I ask is why you sent your Demons to Midgard when you handed them over to me. Was I wrong to assume that you have control over them?"

"Watch your mouth, your insignificant pest! My power burns beyond the skies of this realm and my armies are under the control of I, and I alone!" The demon roared. "I sent them to that meagre rock to hunt down pests that aggravate me even more than Asgard. Her blood flows through their veins and I cannot let anyone of them live to challenge my name."

"Of whom do you speak?" Loki furrowed his brow.

"Leave this world, before I choose to end our alliance and your life with it." Surtur began to walk away.

"I'm afraid I can't do that." A frown plastered Loki's face.

"You wish to burn, Asgardian?" The demon turned to him.

"You think your flames can burn the King of Asgard? I've been standing here all this time and the worst I've felt is a cool breeze." A smirk crossed Loki's face.

"What did you say, putrid filth!?" Surtur roared.

With the swing of his titanic blade, the demon attacked Loki, the force of his arm sending waves of wind crashing around him. Colliding with the staff, a shockwave spun out, fissures cracking the earth as boulders flew through the air. The resultant cloud of ash dissipated slowly, the flames of the wasteland snuffing out as gales spread across the shattered ground.

The air cleared, giving way for Surtur to set his eyes on Loki, shock enveloping him as he saw an energy field surrounding him. With a smirk on his face, he swung his staff, deflecting the blade and sending a gust of wind outward, sending rocks flying back. The demon staggered and his eyes were wide in confusion as he stood in a large crater caused by the collision.

"Let's see if you can withstand the Odin Sleep." A sly smile stretched Loki's face.

He held out the staff before the demon, energy swelling within it as he pointed it at him. A bright light exploded outward, its luminescence engulfing the plane and devouring the realm.

A THROATY groan escaped him, a hand brushing through his raven locks of hair as the dim afternoon light beat against his face as he looked out the window. The shades of white calmed him, ocean blue orbs pulsating with energy and bringing him back on track. Nothing would stand in his way and he knew it from the day he first drew breath.

The creaking of wood caught his attention, a smirk growing on his face as he laid his eyes upon his new compatriot, the human who would bring him the victory he had been longing for his whole life. Clad in a dark cloak, the man approached him, his cold grey eyes shrouded in a blackness that rivalled the pit of Muspelheim. With a deep breath, Erhard turned to Loki, his gaze narrowing in as he stood before him.

"You called me, master?" Impassivity exuded in his tone.

"Are you done toying with them? Those two women seem hardly to be worth any time if you ask me." Loki placed his hands on the windowsill, looking at the plain outside.

"An obstacle has arisen, but it is nothing you should worry about; I shall make sure they are dealt with immediately."

"Good." Loki turned to him. "I need you to find it for me."

"Might I ask why you need my help in acquiring it? Would you not be able to take it without any obstruction?"

"Unfortunately, that oaf Odin was right; Asgardians are not gods." Loki looked at his hand. "My newfound power is limited and these eyes can't see everything." He clenched his fist. "Even Heimdall cannot see everything like he claims. I need your help to get it."

"And what will you do with it?"

"You jest with me, mortal?" Loki raised his brow.

"My memory fails me." Erhard shrugged.

"The Casket of Ancient Winters is a powerful artefact that can turn a world into Jutonheim, manifesting legions of Frost Giants to plague the land."

"And you will do that to this world?" Erhard stitched his brows.

"Midgard is of no interest to me." Loki frowned. "Those Avengers foiled my plans when I attacked New York and others already have sights on this pitiful rock anyway. I have a bigger objective."

"As you wish, master, I'll retrieve the Casket for you." Erhard nodded.

With a swift turn, Erhard took his leave, stitching his brows as a ringing sound invaded his ears. Aware of Loki sifting through his thoughts like a book, he cleared his mind, donning a false state of oblivion as he left. Happy that his compatriot was not planning to betray him, Loki smirked, turning back to the window as he looked outside.

SUNLIGHT SEEPED between the leaves, its rays gracing the forest in a beautiful pattern as midday set in. The chirping of birds tickled her ears, the flora around her brightening her smile as she gazed around, eyeing her surroundings with glee. Lifting her hand, she gestured to her side as a small bird approached, its musical whistle exciting her as she motioned for it to land on her finger. Moving up to her, the creature flew away, the action reddening her face as anger stitched a frown.

"Crap, I thought all princesses could do it." Anna clenched her fist, turning to her sister. "Elsa, tell them to stop running away from me!" Her voice came out like a whine.

"Animals don't follow girls just because they're princesses." Elsa chuckled.

"Hmm, well, they follow you." Anna crossed her arms and pouted.

"No, they –," She flailed her arms around. "Will you get away from me!" Birds and squirrels that covered her like a blanket scampered off her. "Ugh!"

"See." Anna huffed, grabbing the reigns of her horse as it trod on.

"Tsk, great, they messed up my hair." Elsa ran her hand through the locks, her frown stiffening as she adjusted it.

"Oh, man." Olaf folded his arms, leaning against Elsa. "I wanted them to stay a little longer." He sighed.

"Speaking of hair, I didn't think you and Balder would hit it off so quickly." A sly smile crossed Anna's face. "How'd it happen?"

"What does that have to do with hair?" Olaf turned to her.

"Well, I don't know." Heat radiated on Elsa's face, her arms bundling together as she lowered her gaze. "I guess it just did."

"You and Balder? I didn't see that coming!" Olaf sat up. "When'd it –,"

"Yeah, let's just change the topic." Elsa covered his mouth.

"Actually, I already knew, so you've got nothing to hide." Anna smiled. "It's no big deal really; he is a lord after all." She shrugged.

"Seriously, that guy?" Olaf moved Elsa's hands from his mouth. "You could've picked anyone else other than him. I mean, you don't even like him or anything."

"It was so obvious." Anna chuckled.

"Really?" Elsa raised her brow.

"C'mon, who didn't know? The way you kept looking at him, staring when you thought no one was looking, the way you kept calling him for stuff even when you could handle it yourself." Anna chuckled. "You love him." She teased.

"No, I don't," Elsa folded her arms, turning away from her. "… okay, maybe a little." Her arms fell, a blush gracing her face.

"Hey, you two coming along or what?" Kristoff turned to them, a brow raised.

Noticing the distance between the four horses, Anna and Elsa quickened the pace, catching up with the men who approached the edge of the forest. Oblivious to his surroundings, Balder stretched the parchment further, narrowing his eyes on the map as his steed led itself onward. Lowering the paper, he looked forward, a smile crossing his face as he saw a clearing coming up.

"We'll stop here for a bit." Balder turned to the women. "It may take a day before we reach the other port to cross the sea to the Order's fortress."

"Why couldn't we just use the ports in Arendelle? Isn't this gonna take way longer?" Elsa rode up beside him.

"It would be unwise to return to Arendelle while the Order is there. If they find us, they would most likely kill us." Balder turned to her.

"They wouldn't kill us." Disbelief exuded in Anna's tone.

"How would you assume that? They kicked you out of your own kingdom!" Kristoff frowned.

"Yeah, but …" Anna sighed. "It's better than killing us off. If they didn't, we'd be dead since the Table would have our heads."

"But the people of Arendelle were gonna rip you to shreds." Surprise filled Kristoff's expression.

"I don't like the Order, but if they didn't kick us out, the other members of the Table would've probably had our heads."

Shock dilated Kristoff's eyes, his betrothed's behaviour baffling him. With all that happened, she still hoped that there was a brighter end to the travesty that just occurred. Turning to her sister, concern knitted a frown on Elsa's face as she began to worry. Her positive attitude was a good thing, but she wondered if Anna would ever come to face reality. Kristoff shook his head, turning to Balder who was ahead of him.

"Are we sure the spot in the map's even a fortress? For all we know, it could be a treasure or some bunker or something." Kristoff raised his brow.

"Or a monkey? Or a chicken? Or a monkey with the face of a chicken?" Olaf's voice boomed.

"It's a chicken with the face of a monkey and no, it's probably none of those things." Anna's eyes drooped.

"I'm pretty sure it's gonna be something wonderful!" Olaf clasped his hands together.

"It has to be something important to the Order." Balder turned to Kristoff. "If not, then we'll have made some good distance from Arendelle to ensure our safety."

The sun beat against their faces, unrestrained by the flora they quickly regretted leaving as they entered the open area. Dismounting the animals, they tied their horses to trees and took some food from their saddle satchels. Taking seats upon tree stumps, they began to eat, bread and dry meat comprising their meal.

Her attempts to mask her displeasure faltered slightly, an expression of dissatisfaction seeping on her face. Despite the princess's appreciation for the food, the unbearable dryness of it met her sharply, its low temperature worsening it.

Masking her own displeasure, Elsa focussed on the situation at hand, the reason behind her circumstance making her look over the quality of the meal. Partially due to her newfound affection for Balder, she ate the food without complaint, the decision allowing her to find some enjoyment in it.

"I won't lie, this food sucks." Balder leaned back against a tree, a frown crossing his face.

"Phew." Elsa exhaled, relief washing over as she dropped the act. Glancing at him, she saw his feigned disappointment and gave a small smile. "Not that I don't appreciate it."

"It does not matter." He shrugged. "I was not the one who got this food in the first place and funds were limited for the emergency facilities due to the crisis we endured in Arendelle."

"I kinda like it though." Kristoff's voice stifled as he chewed.

"Really?" Anna raised her brow, turning to him as he shrugged in response.

"Man, you people are the worst." A husky voice met their ears, drawing their attention.

A slim, man approached them, dark brown matching in his outfit of a shirt, trousers and thick boots. A pair of hooves lay limply in his grasp, the legs of a deer hanging over his shoulder. Despite his age, the animal's weight seemed not to bother him, his locks of grey hair brushing against its coat. Tossing the carcass on the ground crassly, he sat on the ground, fishing out a bottle from his jacket and taking a sip of ale.

"Oliver!" Elsa's face brightened up, moving hastily as she embraced him.

"What'd I say about hugging me?" His eyes shut in anger, the crispness of his voice causing her to jerk back.

"Nothing?" Elsa raised her brow.

"Yeah, I was just messin' with ya. C'mere." He hugged her, patting her back as she wrapped her arms around him. "How've ya been?"

"I've been fine." She pulled away from him, a smile gracing her.

"I –," A frown stitched, eyes narrowing in on her. "Really, that guy?" He pointed at Balder. "C'mon, you can do better."

"I know right." Olaf raised his brow.

"Can we just cut it with that?" Elsa shook her head, massaging the bridge of her nose.

"Ah, don't worry." Oliver patted her shoulder. "He's a keeper." He smirked.

"Greetings, sir, I'm Kristoff Bjorgman." Kristoff shifted to get up off the tree stump.

"No need to stand." Oliver took a sip, cutting him off. "Too much work." He sat back and turned to Anna. "I take it you're Annabelle, right?"

"Yeah, but you can just call me Anna." A grin stretched her face.

"I am Lord Balder; it is a pleasure to meet you, sir." Balder nodded.

"Sure." Oliver pocketed the bottle.

"Didn't think we were so far from Arendelle already," Elsa turned to the deer carcass. "We're already this close to your cabin?"

"Didn't think I'd find ya out here again." Balder sat back, "Your kingdom's gonna be pissed if their Queen's never there."

Sorrow weighted Elsa's breath, her gaze fixing onto the grass as misery fogged her eyes. Fighting back the tears, she calmed herself, shifting her mind away from the dark skies that filled it. A question hit her as she turned to the old man, his presence offering another point of concern.

"Um, Oliver?"

"Yeah?" He turned to her.

"The first time we met, you mentioned that my powers are most likely from Frost Giants." He nodded, prompting her to continue. "Well, I had to prove it for myself, so I went to see some Trolls who live in the Valley of the Living Rock and their leader, Grand Pabbie, led me to a burnt portion of the woods which he saw after reading my part of my memory. My memory returned to me and I remembered my parents, my true parents who lived in a small village that was there and I saw you there."

A silence fell, shock rippling through the atmosphere as it dilated his eyes. As if having seen a ghost, Oliver turned his neck stiffly, a frown stitching as a realisation dawned upon him. Failing to mouth words, the old man looked at Elsa closely, studying her face as he glanced at her and Anna.

"Did you know who our parents were?" Elsa's brows stitched.

"You're … you're Gunnerius and Hjørdis's children!" Disbelief vibrated through his voice. "B… but how?"

"You knew them?" Anna leaned towards him.

"You were just children when I last saw you." He turned to her, "I couldn't recognise you at first, but it's coming back to me! You're their children!"

"Do you know what happened to them? Where are they now?" Elsa moved closer to him.

Oliver exhaled heavily, his gaze shifting to his knees as he lowered his gaze and frowned deeply. Turning to Elsa, sorrow filled his dark brown eyes, hoarseness occupying his voice as he spoke. Chuckling slightly, he looked away from her.

"I've been living in these woods for the past 17 years, trying to run away from my past; from the war and chaos. It's just a joke and it keeps coming back to me." His eyes narrowed. "Yeah, I knew 'em; Gunnerius was a good friend of mine and one of the three soldiers I told you about; one of the soldiers who fought in the Great War. Then the Order expanded and everything changed." He sighed heavily. "Because of them I have been hiding this whole time, thinking the people they'd hurt wouldn't matter to me at all and they wouldn't hunt me down 'cuz I knew your parents, but I just had to come across you two."

"Do you know where our parents are?" Anna's voice raised, her eyes welling up in worry as she approached him.

"I'm sorry." He turned to her, his breath weighted by grief. "I couldn't do anything and I only came back when it was all over. The Order of the Nine Stars killed your parents."

As always, Follow, Favourite and Review and Await the Awesomeness as we dive deeper into the universe. Thanks for reading.