The Infinity Stone

14

As the Giants moved in for the kill, a deafening roar interrupted them. A hole opened up, and the Bifrost blasts down onto the inner edge of the planet. From within the maelstrom, they all could hear the sound of loud hooves, and to the shock of all, tearing across the frozen wasteland was, the Allfather himself.

He rides his powerful, eight-legged steed, and is clad in his battle armor, Gungnir in his hand. The Giants part away from the Allfather in fear as he tears his way into their ranks, stopping before Laufey, and the Asgardians. Laufey slams his fist into the ground, and the ice beneath his feet raised him towards Odin. The warriors start to react, thinking he was going to attack them, but Laufey just stood face to face with Odin.

Both parties waited to see what would happen, as Laufey sized up to Odin. In doing so, he notices he is not as powerful as he once was. The two rulers talked quietly, out of the earshot from most of the others.

" Laufey, end this."

" Your boy sought this out."

" You're right. These are the actions of a boy. Treat them as such. You and I can stop this before there's further bloodshed." Loki helped keep Aria straight on her feet, as she questioned the look the Juton King held.

" We are beyond diplomacy now, Allfather. He'll get what he came for; war and death." Odin looked stern, and determined. " So be it."

Without warning, Laufey swings an ice blade at Odin, but was caught by a swarm of yellow. Aria turns the blade to face Laufey, while Odin brought his spear down upon the ice, sending the Jotuns near backwards in a wave, the ice now cracking beneath their feet. " Aria let it go." Loki pleaded in her ear, to which she complies. The other Frost Giants turn and run away from them, Thor stood watching the fleeing Jotuns with pure delight.

" Now! We'll finish them together!"

" Silence!" Odin raised his spear again, and the hole in the sky opens, allowing the Bifrost to envelop the Asgardians, and take them back. 

Heimdall stood, waiting for their return. Once the wait is over, Odin pulls Heimdall's sword from the control panel and throws it to him. 

" Why did you bring us back?" If she had any more energy to spare, Aria would have tried to throw him off the bridge.
" Do you realize what you've done? What you've started?" 

" I was protecting my home." Odin glanced at his comrades, and saw the effects the battle had done to them. 

" You cannot protect your friends. How can you hope to protect a kingdom?" Odin turns around to the other once more and looked at Fandral. " Get him to the healing room," he demanded, Sif, Volstagg and Hogun helped Fandral out of the room, and to a healer. 

" There won't be a kingdom to protect if you're afraid to act!" Odin, Aria, and Loki all started at Thor's shout. " Whatever the cost, the world must know that the new King of Asgard will not be held in contempt." 

" That's pride and vanity that talks! No leadership! have you forgotten everything I've taught you? What of a warrior's patience, cunning?" The quiet dou knew nothing good would come from this. 

" While you wait and be patient, the Nine Realms laugh at us! The old ways are done. You'd stand giving speeches while Asgard falls!" 

" You're a vain, greedy, cruel boy!" 

" And you are an old man and a fool!" The whole world seemed to stop at Thor's words, as Odin falls silent. When he does speak, there was a terrifying dome of calmness around his words. 

" A fool, yes. I was a fool to think you were ready." Well you're not wrong.

Loki left her side and takes a step towards Odin. " Father." Odin turns and gave Loki a look, which stops him in his tracks. Aria pulled him back and held his hand, worried what would happen next. 

" Thor Odinson... You have disobeyed the express command of your king. Through you arrogance and stupidity, you have opened these peaceful Realms and innocent lives to the horror of war." The Allfather plunges his staff into the control panel, making the Bifrost open up behind Thor, for the next journey. Odin turns angrily to his son, rage clear in his eyes.

" You are unworthy of this Realm," Odin rips a disc off of Thor's chest. " Unworthy of your title," he ripped away Thor's cloak, throwing it away from him. " Unworthy of the loved ones you've betrayed. I hereby take from you your powers." Odin extended his hand towards his son, Mjolnir flew out of Thor's hands and into Odin's grasp. 

" In the name of my father," A flash of lightning erupted from the hammer and hot Thor, disintegrating the right arm of his armor and a part of the chest piece. " And of his father before," Another strike occurred, and rid the remainder of Thor's armor. 

" I cast you out!" 

Odin aimed Mjolnir before him, a crack of thunder came from the hammer. Thor was hurled backwards into the open Bifrost and disappeared in the vortex. Odin hold Mjolnir in his hand, and stares at it bitterly. He closed his eyes and whispered something into it. Runes appeared on the side, as it carved into its smooth surface, but they lingered on for only a moment. Odin turns and threw the hammer out into the Bifrost.

After taking a moment, Odin turned to face the other two in the room. He looked at Aria, and slightly relaxed. " I am aware of what you did to protect everyone while there, while it was foolish and irresponsable, I thank you. You put your own life in danger to protect everyone else, I fear the thought of what would have happened had you not been there. You are growing stronger and better with every moment." 

Aria was stunned into silence, not daring to make a sound or sudden movement. The exhausted king let out a sigh, before continuing, " You two have had a long day, check on your friends and get some rest while I figure some things out."