Breaking

Chapter 1

I blocked several of Sif's attacks.

"Why aren't you making this a challenge for me, Loki?" Sif continued aimed for my head.

I managed a small laugh as I struggled to hold her back. "I thought I was." I kicked her down. "After all, if none of your attacks marked me, isn't that a challenege?"

Sif glared and rolled onto her feet. She jumped into the air to slam her sword onto me.

I stepped aside as I noticed a guard I sent for arriving. "Perhaps some other time I'll land a hit on you." I felt Sif's glare on me as I left with the guard. "How much time until the meeting," I asked the guard.

"A brief moment."

"Good. I didn't break a sweat." I used magic to make myself look presentable.

Thor entered the hall from the side. A small amount of sweat covered his forehead. He raised a brow as he laughed. "You look strangely refreshed."

"My skills are seeming to improve." I gestured for the guard to leave us. "Besides, I have to be able to represent a fine prince of Asgard."

My brother and I continued walking down the large golden hall.

"Loki, we should hurry to--"

"Meet the Crimson Hawks in the foyer?" I turned to Thor as I adjusted my sleeves. "I wouldn't say hurry. We have time."

Thor let out a small laugh. "Does my rushing bother you?"

"Usually I am the one pressing you for time. Why is this so important to you?" I adjusted the cloth around my neck as we walked down the hall. "Meetings are not something you look forward to handling. You're always looking for adventure and battles. Or is it that this meeting excites you as it has more to do with our guard rather than our policies?"

"Father said it was important. The Crimson Hawks will begin a new training routine. What could be more exciting than a new battle style put to use?"

My brows furrowed. "Why does he want to change the routine? They're the elite guard of father in defense of Asgard. They haven't failed before."

"Father said I am to join them."

I paused. "Congradulations, brother." I forced a smile as he nodded in graditude.

"Thank you."

Saying nothing more as we reached the large double doors to the foyer, I prepared to be invisible to father.

"Thor," father said as he sat on the throne of the foyer. "Loki." I walked with Thor down the middle of two lines of men.

"Father," Thor and I said at the same time, slightly bowing.

There were two lines of Asgardians in red armor on either side of us. In unison, they clenched their swords and shields and turned to us.

At least father didn't let the name of our guard die down. 

"Thor, Loki, step forward," father commanded.

We did so, and I tried to hold my head high. I wondered why my father was regarding me in the same manner as Thor even for a moment. After all, Thor was the only one of us to recieve news that he would join the Crimson Hawks. I was simply here for the general meeting. I looked at the doors, checking if there was enough space for me to make my escape if needed, and I looked at father.

"My sons," father began, "this guard has protected and fought for Asgard for centuries. Routines have changed and traditions have remained. I say it is now time to change our routines once more."

"Do you fear there is an enemy upon us," I asked.

Father raised a brow out of impression. "I do not have fear, Loki. However, I would like to rid of the southern border's threats. As you know, there are some new members in our guard. One of our noble warriors is soon to be married, and I wish him and all of our warriors a safe return home."

"Thank you, your majesty," a man not too far from me said.

Father smiled. "You have my best wishes, Theoric. I can only ask what you have to offer. With that said," he rose to his feet, "I would like Tilda and Thor to change the routine to a fast and efficient way of ridding the trolls at our southern border. I am now announcing them as captains of the guard."

"I am honored, father," Thor said.

I shifted on my feet, losing interest for standing here to hear Thor's glory.

"Loki."

My head rose quickly. I stared into my father's eyes. Perhaps I was to become the new captain. Perhaps, he actually regarded me more highly than Thor.

"I would like you to see the activity of the trolls with some of the guard and report to Thor and Tilda. Will you do this for me, Loki?"

I nodded hesitantly. "Yes. I will."

Father gave me a quick smile. "Then I now announce Loki as our scout and tactical forcaster. Thor, you may take your lead on Loki's word," father said.

Father went on. However, I was facing the doors. I was never acknowledged by most Asgardians, but now I would have acknowledgement if everyone knew I was the one who planned our guard's tactics. But that's when I noticed her, in the middle of father's speech to the guard.

She was such a little thing with her blonde hair and blue eyes. There was something hidden within her, making my gaze difficult to turn away. She was staring at someone in the guard, trying to hide behind the large door. I paused as she noticed my staring. She paused also, and she smiled faintly before disappearing behind the door.

I walked to the door, but she wasn't there. There was no trace of her, not even a glimpse of her down the hall.

"Loki," father called.

I turned to face him and everyone else. I looked at all of them before smiling. "When do we start?"