The Shadows attacked at the city without mercy, and the winter rained heavy from above. Frigga and Odin stood in the palace's war room, along with the warriors three, Sif and Arnlaug, Hemidall was the next to enter.

"I have seen," said Hemidall, "before the shadows could overcome all vision, Thor and the Frostling head towards the palace of Sitaan." Frigga gasped, all of the others. Even Odin stiffened with a trickle of fear that ran down each of their spines.

"It seems we have underestimated our foes in Muspelheim. Sitaan Surturson…I never thought I would see the day." Odin looked old at that instant, ancient as the sun of Asgardia itself.

"There is still hope," said Hemidall in his deep voice, "The citizens are safe for now in the vaults. Thor and Loki head to the source of the chaos as we speak."

"Is it wise," spoke Hogun next, "to rest all our fates into the hands of only two?" The All-Father took his helm and wore it.

"There is no entering nor leaving the city now, all there is left to do is defend the city, as best we can…we have to place much of our faith in my son and Loki. We hope, Hogun." The All-Father took up his staff, placing a single kiss on Frigga's forehead, he exited the room to the battles going on outside, wondering, how he could defend the city from something as intangible as shadow.

Loki and Thor emerged on the other side of the mirror. The walls around them were ruby red-they gave the illusion of flesh dripping with blood.

"Do you feel it?" whispered Loki in the dimness of the palace. Power surged in the stillness of the air-Loki could almost taste it on his tongue,

"I do." Was all Thor did speak, yet he felt not power. He felt a biting cold right to the bone, right to the soul.

"We move towards the source. Be silent, Odinson." Thor had no choice but to follow. The more they advanced towards the power the colder, the weaker, the more miserable he felt. Loki on the other hand felt stronger, vitalised.

They entered a great hall, blood red as the eyes of Loki-and Thor, immediately upon he laid eyes on the enemy, let out a mighty roar and charged towards Sitaan who was standing over Sigyn, who in turn was…levitating over a stone table, her eyes wide open and glowing.

Thor was completely knocked out and completely of no use to Loki. Sitaan, without even turning his gaze from Sigyn's form, had cast a bolt of energy upon Thor effectively reducing him to a crumpled up heap on the floor.

"Do you feel it vitalising you, frost giant?" Loki sneered behind Sitaan's back, approaching the figure slowly.

"Indeed I do, fire demon…but you…a creature of fire…it must waste at you…terribly." Sitaan laughed heartily, still not facing Loki. It was only when Loki had turned around the stone table and faced Sitaan that he realised that Sitaan's eyes too were open wide and glowing ice blue like Sigyn's.

"That is why, Frostling, I use Sigyn here as a vessel." Loki sneered again, his upper lip curling over his teeth.

"She will not last long. It will kill her." Sitaan laughed again,

"I know that…all I require is that she last for a few more minutes. Laufeyson…Asgardia is almost mine." Glancing out the great window adjacent to them he saw a great tear between the dimensional planes…a great tear whish flowed shadow and winter into Asgardia like a gushing wound.

A thought occurred to him suddenly amongst the chaos, "You knew Sigyn would fail in bringing the casket to you, didn't you-but all you wanted really was the power to be transferred into her. You knew the casket would never survive a journey through dimensions…that is why you employed such a foolhardy plan…"

"Indeed you are a burning flame of intelligence, Laufeyson." Sitaan smiled-a mirthful, malevolent smile-a smile made to enrage.

"But you will fail." Said Loki, inching closer to Sigyn's levitated form. Sitaan laughed hard, for the third time.

"How do you intend to stop me?" Loki grabbed Sigyn's wrist.

"I will fight you. I will fight you for her!"

Loki consciousness, along with Sigyn and Sitaan were transported into the astral plane.

This is nearing the end…I hope you like, and maybe…only if I'm lucky…you might like enough to review…

:-)