Disclaimer: I own nothing and no one

Wow, stares boggily eyed at the number of reviews

Maybe I should put out challenges more often

Part Ten

For a moment Thor hesitated, lips thin as his eyes darted between his brother, Jormungandr, and back again. It was a scream of terror from one of the few remaining Aesir warriors that ultimately forced his hand. Tightening his grip on his hammer, the god of thunder turned to face the world serpent, taking a single step forward as he rose into the air.

"Are you absolutely certain you want to do that brother," came Loki's mocking voice from behind. "Nine steps doesn't the story go." Nine steps until the god of thunder dropped dead from his wounds after defeating his enemy that is. The black haired man would have been more worried about Jor, save for two things. First, neither he nor any of his brood believed in prophecy. And second, he had absolutely no qualms about hitting his brother from behind if it appeared his son was in peril.

Holding Ariana in a firm, but gentle grip, Loki watched as the pair clashed. It didn't take long to see just who had the upper hand. Thor was powerful true, but he was making one glaring mistake; that of treating Jormungandr like an animal, as though his third born son was some mad creature ruled by blood lust, striking out blindly with rage and pain. He wasn't.

Oh, the world serpent was angry yes. Anyone would be under these circumstances; stupid though, that was something else. Jor didn't even try to knock Mjolnir out of his uncle's hands, knowing full well the mystical weapon would just return to its master. And while Thor was battle savvy enough to be wary of the massive snake-dragon's coils and tail he was not prepared for his opponent to begin using the other Aesir as ranged missiles.

The first one was a complete surprise, mass and speed combining as the warrior smashed into his prince, causing Thor to reel. Jormungandr was quick to take advantage, launching Aesir after Aesir with the aid of his coils. The god of thunder couldn't even defend himself, mindful of the fact that some of the warriors were still alive.

The salt water burned Thor's eyes. Blood, both his own and that of his comrades, splashing on his skin. And that is when Jormungandr struck. Tail whipping around with a force that would have probably killed any other man, any other god, sending the thunderer tumbling headfirst into the serpent's strong coils.

Loki could not help but smile as his son pinned the god of thunder's arms to his side. Thor was still holding Mjolnir, for all the good it did him. He did not have the room to swing it, and dropping it would only be an option if Jormungandr was kind enough to move his head into the proper position. Something which was unlikely to say the least.

Slowly, the coils began to construct, but not too much. Despite how angry he was, Jormungandr knew his Father/Mother didn't really want his brother dead. If he did the golden prince would have rotting underground by now, assuming his body had been found at all. Personally, the world serpent did not share those feeling, however he didn't want to cause Loki pain either.

That, and only that, was the sole reason Thor was going to live. But, that didn't mean he couldn't hurt him. The god of thunder groaned as his ribs began to crack, the pressure on his lungs making it difficult to breathe. That is when another party entered the scene.

"Hold!" a powerful voice echoed over the field of battle, attracting the attention of all present and spoiling Loki's good mood. Of course Odin would show up to save his favored son. The fact that he was mounted on Sleipnir was just adding insult to injury. Though the god of mischief was pleased to note his eldest wasn't any happier about the situation then he was, as it was clear from the eight legged horse's movements that a lesser rider would have found themselves flat on their back by now.

"Allfather," Loki greeted calmly, letting none of his true emotions bleed through, and reveling in the fact that for once he had the upper hand. Odin would never jeopardize the life of his only blood son, a life the sorcerer could end with a word. He smiled. "What brings thee to Midgard on this fine morn?"

Eye of the Beholder

Hmm, may end up being two more chapters instead of one

I'll have to see how it goes. Until then, hope you enjoyed

And please, keep the reviews coming. It is nice to be appreciated.