"You mean to tell me that the fractals may already be in the hands of someone else?" Odin's tone was distasteful. His voice echoed off of the palace walls.

Thor's eyes drifted, his heart heavy having to bear this truth. "Yes, Father. We searched the temple on Unnamed and it was clear someone had gotten there before us."

"But who could have known its whereabouts without the ancient documents?" Odin gripped Gungnir tighter and tighter. He was visibly angered. "I send you off, you waste time with your brother and those weak Midgardians! And now, you come back bearing unwanted news, to tell me that a greater force is besting us. There… there is more knowledge to this matter than even Asgard possesses."

"How is that possible? Asgard is the protector of all Nine Realms. How could there be knowledge of the universe beyond what we possess?" Thor didn't allow his father's anger to affect him, as he knew the situation at hand mattered more than emotions. However, it still threatened to put him on edge.

Odin's fury began to cool into what appeared to be sadness, but he hid it well. "It is the same misconception that we have about ourselves being gods, as we are not. We cannot be all things, although to some, we are. And in that knowledge, we do not know all things. Loki often forgot these truths." Odin was silent for a moment, as if to grieve his second son, but he stopped himself. "I may not have knowledge of the fractals, but I have known of the Infinity Stones for quite some time. I was foolish not to embark after their security sooner, wanting to stay away from what balances our universe… I regrettably did not foresee the trouble it would cause us."

"Father," Thor approached the throne that Odin stood in front of, "do you suggest we continue after the stones as well?"

Odin nodded, turning to face his son. "I do wish for us to collect both fractals and stones, but with our previously failed efforts, I believe it would be best if the stones are sought after first. They may lead us to the fractals."

"Will we neglect the fractals until all stones are found?"

"At least until what we find will also lead us to the collection of these fractals. We will never make progress without this approach."

A pit sat in Thor's stomach. He knew that whoever their enemy was already had a lead and was collecting the fractals fast. Searching for the stones was clearly the only way forward, but he wished there was a better option. He wondered how long Jennica would be able to manage her fractals, that if whoever was trying to use them would be stalled by the light magic given by the Light Elves. They were running out of time, and fast.

Thor finally spoke again. "The royalty of Alfheim has been a formidable aid. Loki and I took refuge there before our journey to Unnamed and they have offered us helpful guidance."

The Allfather grew tense. Immediately, Thor knew that what he said was revealing to Odin in a way he would not have liked it to be. Was it bringing up Loki's name? The mention of the Light Elves? He closed his mouth shut.

"Thor…" Odin began to approach his son with urgency filling his voice. "How could you involve another realm in these affairs?!"

Taken aback by his father's response, Thor replied, "The Light Elves are good creatures, and Alfheim is where we went after the Avengers decided it best that we deal with our matters off of their planet. How is it that my human friends are welcomed and not the others?"

"The humans are weak, they can do nothing. My son, we cannot have the Nine Realms in knowledge of what we are pursuing. Power this great is a revealer of dishonorable hearts. I fear that if we were to greatly involve others, we would lose this battle." Odin leaned against his staff, trying not to show his exhaustion from age. He heaved a sigh. "I cannot… will not allow us, allow Asgard to continue this quest with Loki and the Light Elves."

Thor froze. "What?"

"Loki is banished for a reason, he is not trustworthy, and the princess will only lead to their realm being deeper involved than needed."

"But father, please understand that Alfheim's help is immensely valuable, and Loki has changed, he would not—"

"That is my word, Thor, and I do not intend to change it. There will be no more involvement of them as this is now a matter of Asgard alone. Do I make myself clear?"

Trying to keep the swelling anger at bay, Thor looked upon Odin with as much respect as he could. He loved his father, but when his heart was stubborn, it was nearly impossible to get through to him.

"And if I defy?" Thor asked, eyes glossing from the thought of leaving Loki behind.

Odin looked pained. "Then I would have to prevent your return."

The Allfather was colder without Frigga. Thor could see how his age weakened him and it was harder to find the softness of the father he loved. The threat of banishment surprised him. He had experienced it once before and it was justified, but to know that his father would do it again wounded him. He could not defy. It would mean separation from his brother and the Light Elves, but he would be making progress for them. It was only for a time, it had to be alright.

"Will you allow me to tell Loki that I must leave?" Thor asked.

Odin was silent for a moment, pondering. Would he allow Loki to know? Thor's eyes were pleading, although he was respectful. "I… yes. You may, but your immediate return is crucial. I want to begin this quest right away."

Thor nodded, clasping a fist to his chest. "I shall be swift."

Leaving the palace behind, Thor left the throne room and made way for the Bifrost, Mjolnir as his transport. He did not want to go through the villages for risk of being stopped by the commoners. There wasn't a moment to waste and Odin would be waiting.

As Mjolnir propelled him through the sky, his jaw clenched in frustration, hating the news he would have to bring. Loki and Jennica were waiting for news of guidance back on Alfheim, only for him to abandon their group and continue the mission without them. His brother would not receive the news kindly. It would be a mess.

The Bifrost dome approached where Heimdall stood out front, waiting. As Thor landed, he knew he didn't need to explain anything. Heimdall saw all.

"Your father did not take kindly to your work on Alfheim." Heimdall said. He led the way into the dome.

Thor replied despondently, "He is a stubborn man. I only wish his conclusion was not to reject Loki. My brother has been a great help and would have continued to be."

"As I have seen. He has definitely grown from these challenges and is for once learning to think of others beyond himself."

"I always knew it was in him." Thor watched as Heimdall readied the Bifrost Sword. "My father is not out of the question to mistrust Loki, though. I understand he has been far from honorable, but… I don't want to tear myself away from what was already wounded."

Heimdall's glowing eyes grew sincere. "You mean your care for each other?"

"The past has not been kind to us, and neither have I to him. I didn't allow myself to realize the shadow he lived in, but I wanted to mend what I could now."

Thor grew heavy again, the realization resting deeper that this might actually hurt his brother. Loki would be stranded on Alfheim without any of his magic and with no way of being allowed back home.

Eyes drifting past Heimdall, Thor could see the expanse of the universe, the stars glowing amidst the various colors that illuminated from the energy surrounding them. The golden Bifrost dome was still, but he knew it would come to life the moment Heimdall plunged the sword. Odin had said to be quick. He didn't want to do this. There was no other choice besides defiance, which Thor was not ready to do, so all he could do was move forward. Another glance at the universe beyond Asgard grounded him again. This would be hard but it would be for the good of the Nine Realms. It would leave Loki and Jennica behind, but it would also ensure their safety and the security of both stones and fractals. It was the best option. Of course, his father was so wise. The only way to move was forward.

Heimdall lowered the sword into the pedestal. "Are you ready?"

Lifting his eyes, Thor replied, "I am."

...

The sweet air of Alfheim welcomed Thor's return, but he could not enjoy its scent. Walking past a few elves that were startled by his return, he made way for the castle that was just up ahead. He pondered if he should also notify the king and queen of his departure before leaving, but the more people he had to tell, the harder it would be. Was he going for diplomacy or convenience?

He met Loki in the halls, keeping a stone face as his brother approached him.

"There you are!" Loki said upon meeting his brother. "I heard the Bifrost land. It's been hours, I was beginning to worry. How did father take the news?"

"Where is Jennica?" Thor asked, refusing to reply to Loki's question just yet.

Thor's hardened demeanor and the suddenness of the question came as a surprise to Loki. "Oh, she's in the gardens talking to her mother." His smile left him. "What happened with Father?"

"Please, just fetch her and meet me in the northern drawing room."

Loki straightened himself, his fingers fidgeting together. "It's not good news, is it?"

"Not entirely." Thor tried to smile. "I'll explain after you find Jennica."

Worried, Loki made way for the gardens, wondering what could have been said between Thor and Odin back on Asgard. He knew the Allfather was often unfair in matters that meant the most, so he didn't have very high hopes. If only Thor wasn't so loyal in reports to Odin. If this ordeal were up to himself, he would see to it that Odin was never told of what went on. It was always the Allfather that ruined his work and his fun.

The warm garden was decorated in vibrant colors accentuated in the beautiful sunshine. The Elvish gardeners were trimming bushes, watering flowers and working to care for the ever-growing plant life. As Loki found where Jennica was sitting, strange little bugs buzzed past him, to which he swatted away.

Sol and Jennica were sitting near the fountain in the center of the garden, pausing their conversation when noticing that Loki was approaching.

"My apologies for interrupting," Loki said as he neared. "Thor has returned from Asgard and wishes to speak to us, Jennica."

"Is everything alright?" Jennica stood and set down a small bundle of herbs on the stone edge of the fountain.

Loki shrugged. "Thor hasn't revealed anything, but he seems urgent. I can't imagine what cruelties Odin has fabricated this time."

Jennica looked at her mother apologetically, but Sol stood with a smile and said, "Go on, I need to catch up with your father anyway. I am sure we will be notified of these matters soon?"

"I will see to it." Loki paused, almost forgetting to add, "Your majesty."

"Then Kvasir and I will expect you shortly."

Sol left the gardens, leaving Loki to escort Jennica to the northern drawing room where Thor said to meet. Now, both of them were equally worried. They couldn't imagine what the outcome of this would be, but it was hardly encouraging.

They entered the drawing room. Thor stood, waiting.

"There is no need to stall so I will make this direct." Thor said, his arms crossed over his chest. It reminded Loki so much of the time where Thor came with his proposition when he was trapped in the dungeons below Asgard's palace. "Father has come to the conclusion that all Infinity Stones must be found in order to use their power to locate the fractals. He believes that if we limit our search to the fractals alone, they will never be found."

"That's it?" Loki laughed, almost mockingly. "That is merely a redirect. What's all the fuss about—"

"He has also concluded that I leave you here and continue the mission alone with him."

Loki and Jennica were stunned. Without them? Left behind on Alfheim? Odin was cruel.

"You're… you're not going to obey him, are you?" Loki asked, trying to comprehend that the Allfather would really suggest separating them at a time like this. "This situation is too dire for us to not work together."

Sadness deepened in Thor's eyes. "I am sorry, brother. I really am, but Father has made his commands and I am required to abide by his word."

"You oaf!" Loki snapped. "How could you? Now we just have to be stuck here while you continue the mission? Absolutely not!"

"Doesn't Odin know that this involves more than just Asgard?" Jennica added.

Thor dropped his crossed arms. "I know this well, but the Allfather has sworn to protect the Nine Realms."

"That doesn't make it his sole responsibility!"

"Jennica is right." Loki said. "And why is father taking a sudden interest in these matters while also deciding to disclude us?"

"You know father has his reasons," Thor replied. "You also know that this isn't something I want, but I have decided to trust Father. Alfheim is a safe place to stay while I at least secure the stones."

Loki slipped a dagger into his hand from underneath his cloak. "What if I don't let you leave?"

"Loki, don't." Thor's disappointment grew.

"Why not? We've come this far and all of a sudden we're being disbanded because you've decided to fall into Odin's commands. Seems to me like you're betraying us."

"I am not betraying you. Believe me when I say this decision grieves me."

"Does it now?" Loki's eyes narrowed as he stepped closer to Thor, dagger in hand. "Or does it give you a reason to leave me behind? To not have to deal with Jennica's fractals? Do be truthful with me."

"I advise you to not irk me at this time, Loki. There is nothing more to be said besides letting the king and queen know of my departure. I have made my decision and Father awaits my return."

Loki snarled. He held up his dagger, pointing at Thor with it. "You are the traitor, now."

"I wouldn't try anything. You are without magic and fighting will do no good."

"Oh, but I have my wits. You also know that Jennica could tear you apart with her fractals if she wanted to."

Jennica paled at that. She had no intention of hurting anybody as she was more surprised than frustrated by this sudden situation.

Thor also took a few steps closer to Loki, saying, "The further you threaten, the more I am beginning to see Father's side of things."

"Of course you would, you've always been the favorite." Loki spat. He pulled out a second dagger for the other hand.

"I know you won't try to kill me."

"I have tried many times! This would be no different."

Jennica raised her hands, trying to ready her power in case something were to happen. "Loki, please…"

"You're leaving us stranded," Loki continued. "What if Jennica's fractals grow out of complete control by the time you return? What if the rest of the fractals are snatched up by the time we get to them? This is mindless!"

Thor stood his ground. "Brother, I will not fight."

"Mark my words, Thor. I will laugh at the day those stones tear you apart when you try to foolishly collect them all. You and Father will be fruitless in your endeavors. You will fail!"

"At least I won't continue to put you in danger!"

In this moment, Jennica snatched Loki's daggers from his hands, willing them to her palms with the energy of the fractals. Loki spun to face her, glowering for only a second.

"Please, listen to me, Loki." Thor said, earning his brother's attention again. "Let us inform Jennica's parents so that I may be off. Even I don't understand all of why this will be beneficial, but what I do know comforts me enough to take this route. I know I am foolish to ask that you trust me in this… but I do ask it."

Loki's jaw clenched as he broke eye contact with Thor. One more glance at Jennica and the piercing glare in his eyes returned. Without saying a word, he stormed out the door, cursing under his breath. Let him leave, he thought. Thor would always be against him one way or another, even if they were fighting for the same thing.