A/N: I'm dedicating this one to my dear friend, Clarra-Night. Thank you for all of your encouragement these past few years...this is being published because of you. :)

This story is loosely based on Emily Carroll's web comic, His Face All Red. I HIGHLY recommend checking out her work, but for spoilers sake, I would refrain from doing so until you've read this story. Side-note: Thor and Loki are the human equivalent of about 17 and 15 in this story. Enjoy.

The beast had ravaged the countryside for months.

At first, many paid no heed to the warnings of the devastation the beast had wrought. "Surely not our farm," some would say. "Surely 'tis only a problem to be dealt with in regions far from here." And as if their very words brought a curse upon them, it was not long after that the beast paid them a visit leaving naught but destruction in its wake.

Animals were slaughtered violently, their bodies torn to shreds and strewn about in the dark of night. Fences and animals' quarters soon followed, collapsed and smashed to the ground as if a great wind had swept through. Needed crops were shredded to bits or ground into the dirt to render any surviving seed unusable. Many soon found themselves with nothing left, in the mere blink of an eye; they departed with the little that remained in their possession to seek sanctuary in another village. Others fled in terror, convinced they would be next if they chose to stay.

The origin and hiding place of the beast were entirely unknown. No one had seen it, though stories ran rampant of supposed sightings. Witches and weathered peddlers spoke of an ancient evil that had re-emerged as a sign of Asgard's impending doom. Panicked country residents insisted it was merely the actions of youthful troublemakers whose wicked intentions could not last for long before they were caught. Still others wondered if it was trapped spirits of the dead: angry souls still wandering between the realm of the living and everlasting perdition.

All were wrong.

"Come brother, the time is nearly upon us!"

Loki ran, panting, as he hauled the burden of Thor's training equipment on his back. "Gracious Thor, what is the hurry? The sun has scarcely even begun to set."

"Aye, but I'm famished and have no patience for lagging." It was here Thor finally turned around, his eyes squinting as he faced the departing rays of the sun. His golden hair was plastered to his forehead with fresh sweat and his skin glowed with the lingering warmth of the autumn evening. "Though I suppose...I could assist."

"Nonsense." Loki swatted away his outstretched arm and nearly lost a rather heavy shield in the process. "I can manage. You are slow enough as it is without the burden of added weight." Thor burst out laughing and ruffled his hair, a childhood gesture he still would not accept his brother despised.

"Even so, brother mine," he chortled as he swiped a sword despite his younger brother's cries of indignation. "You are not my servant and so will not be treated as such." A solid kick at Thor's boot invited a return punch, and it scarcely took any time at all for the two to launch into a full-on wrestle battle. Not twenty minutes later they ran up to the entry of the palace, covered in filth and just a tad worse for wear than they had been right after their training session's end. After they had dropped off their weapons, they shot one last verbal barb at each other before heading towards the chambers of Odin's throne.

Such an action was not unusual for the two young princes. Though occasionally the doors were barred and they were not allowed entry due to some pressing political matter within, the sons of Odin were used to giving their father a brief recap of the progress they'd made in training that day before supper.

The two had just crossed the threshold of the chambers when Loki noticed the disheveled man currently beseeching the king in a rather frantic tone, down on his knees before the throne. Thor was ready to burst into a lengthy diatribe of his prowess, interrupting as he usually did, but there was something in this man's stance and pleading that intrigued his curiosity. Without thinking, he placed a restraining hand on Thor's arm and he stopped, staring at him incredulously. But in a moment, he understood the quizzical look on Loki's face.

"...utter devastation, my king," the man was saying. They could not see his face but it sounded as if he was on the verge of tears as his voice echoed in the vast expanse of the place. "We have laid many a trap and placed many a guard to try and spot, if not slay, this unknown beast. But it is as if this...this thing knows our actions before we attempt them. No one has seen it. No one can catch it. We are so...so..."

"Afraid," Odin finished for him. He glanced briefly at his sons but did not acknowledge them. "How long as this beast plagued you so?"

"It has been..." The man swallowed. "It has been many months, my king."

"Why do you only seek my aid now?"

"My liege," the man practically whispered. "I have only just witnessed the true horror of this creature. My farm, my livestock, my family -"

"Beast?" Thor hollered. Loki flinched beside him, silently cursing him in his own head. "Show me this beast and I will slay it for you."

"My p-prince," the man stuttered upon turning, quickly falling to one knee with a fist over his heart in salute. "Forgive me, I did not see you." Loki raised an eyebrow at the usage of the singular term prince. Was he not standing here as well?

"From what province do you hail?" Thor asked as the man stood. "I have not yet heard of this creature of terror. By my hand he will fall and by my sword you will be saved. Do not fear - "

"Silence." Odin commanded attention from all as he stood, and his eye was heavily trained on his eldest. "Depart from here, my sons. I will speak to Halvor alone."

"Yes father," Loki mumbled, turning, but Thor was...well, he was Thor.

"I should like to stay, father," he said. It was here even Loki looked upon him with awe, that he should challenge the All-father. There was a moment of terse silence, as if the king was considering it.

"Go, my son." It was not to be argued, that much was evident. The two had heard this tone before and pushing against it would do more harm than good.

"Come brother," Loki said softly, taking him by the arm. "I am sure we will know all soon." It was a tempered lie, of course. Odin rarely shared the inner workings with his still coming-of-age sons unless there was a needed reason for it. Yet even he could admit this particular report was of interest and could not blame his brother for his wanting to stay and listen. They departed slowly, desperately hoping to catch on to one last word. The man continued.

"It came from the woods." Right before the doors shut, they heard Odin's calm reply.

"Indeed," said he. "Most strange things do."

"I should like to know more about that man today, father." Loki's spoon froze on its way up to his mouth, and even their mother paused to stare at her eldest son. It was not a common nightly occurrence that the king should choose to dine with his family, and it seemed Thor had taken advantage of his presence to ask such a forward question.

Gods, why wouldn't he let this go? It had been several hours past their encounter with the strange man, but Thor had spoken of little else since. And now, upon their father just barely sitting to join them for supper, he posed the question as if in mid-conversation.

"What man?" Odin replied, eyeing his son with a near-mirthful gaze. Loki frowned.

"The one who spoke of the mysterious beast." Thor was unusually reserved; a trait he possessed only when he wanted something. Despite the situation, Loki struggled to hide a smile. "I was curious as to where these attacks were occurring."

"Is that so?" The great king leaned back in his chair and tiled his head only slightly. "And why is this man's report of such interest to you? Many a poor farmer has sought my aid these past few years, and not once have you paid those souls any mind."

"This man spoke of a subject with some actual import, father," Thor huffed. "I can be of little help to a farmer whose crops will not grow because of a witch's spell, or a maiden seeking a cure for her barren womb. This...this man though, he seemed distressed. I believe I can be of assistance." It was at that moment Odin glanced at his youngest, and said prince startled; he had not realized he was gazing with such intensity at his father awaiting his reply.

"I admire your concern over this matter, my son," Odin said, shifting his eye to Thor once more. "But do understand that any creature who seeks counsel before my throne shall receive it, whether their request is of great or little significance."

"Yes father," Thor said hurriedly, "but the man. What did he have to say about the beast?"

"This man," Odin spoke slowly. "Do you recall his name?" Thor's mouth shot open as if to reply, then promptly shut it.

"I do not understand what -"

"My son." The king folded his hands together and leaned in just a fraction. "You will find one day that many details you think unnecessary will end up playing a much larger part in your decisions. Do not forsake the worth of even the most paltry request; for what may be unimportant to you could be life and death to your subject. Do you understand?"

"Yes." Thor stared glumly down at his plate, looking much like an impertinent child. Loki shared a quick glance with Frigga, who gave him a small wink. For some reason he found the gesture to be utterly hysterical and could not stop himself from chuckling out loud. Thor shot him a dirty glare, undoubtedly assuming he was mocking their father's slight admonition towards him. "And I suppose you think yourself above reproach?" he snapped. Loki raised an eyebrow.

"Why brother," he said with mock sincerity, placing a hand over his heart. "I said not a word."

"By the Norns," Thor scoffed. "I doubt even you recall the man's name." Even as the words left his mouth, a shadow of doubt crossed his features. Loki's face split into a rakish smile.

"Indeed I do," Loki replied, taking a bite of pudding. He took the time to savor it, swallow, and then smiled even wider at his brother. "His name is Halvor." Thor stood up quickly, palms splayed flat against the table, knocking his chair backwards in the process.

"Boys," Frigga warned, but their father intervened instead.

"This is not a competition. Settle down." Thor slowly sat back down, never taking his eyes off of his brother as they sparkled an electric blue. Loki clicked his tongue, and shrunk only slightly in his chair when Odin shot him a warning glance. "You boys are coming of age. Thor...as my eldest, you are first heir to the throne. Therefore, you should understand what I am about to say." Thor shot Loki a smirk so subtle that both parents missed it. Loki's jovial mood suddenly turned sour. "As you heard, there is a mysterious beast plaguing the northern outskirts of Myrkviðr. Livestock is found mutilated by day, but not a sound is heard by night when the attacks occur. Fences are crushed, cowsheds and storehouses are found in ruins. I was told there have even been a few farmhouses that have been destroyed, but they were abandoned at the time. No one was hurt."

"So it is probably just a wolf then," Thor said, his disappointment evident.

"No, my son." Odin's voice softened as if his mind was elsewhere. "The animals that are killed are not consumed. They are simply...torn asunder." Loki's ears perked up and he tuned back into the conversation. "Whatever this beast is, destruction is its purpose. It ruins and kills not for survival, but for sport."

"Have any of the country-dwellers been attacked?" Loki asked, wide-eyed. Odin shook his head.

"Nay, but that serves as little reassurance to them. No man has yet been attacked, but they fear the beast will soon turn its dangerous attentions to them when it runs out of livestock. Many are fleeing."

"And this has been ongoing?" Loki pressed. "Why are we only hearing of these reports now?"

"It appears as if the attacks have become more frequent," Odin said. "There is little time for reprieve before someone else suffers."

"Why have they not formed a hunting party and tracked this creature?" Loki's mind was racing was questions he could not help but ask, but his father did not seem at all bothered by the interrogation.

"Some have tried," he said. "They can find nothing. Not a dwelling, nor blood trail nor even a paw print. It is almost as if it is an apparition that comes only at night. None have yet laid eyes upon it. Halvor is a village elder, but came only when his own livestock were attacked. The village near the woods is so large; he did not know the true extent of the horrors until it found him."

"Let me go father!" Thor suddenly blurted. Both Loki and Odin stared at him, but he merely stood back up and continued. "I can find this beast, be it of a true or spiritual nature. The people will be proud to have a prince in their midst, fighting for their cause. Please father, I have had enough training and...and..." His voice trailed off as Odin simply raised a hand and gave a slight shake of his head.

"No, my son. It is not yet time for that. As heir to my throne, you must be kept otherwise occupied until you are properly trained in the art of battle. You are not ready."

"So we are to do nothing?" Thor exploded. Frigga gasped quietly, and her youngest shared her sentiments. Never before had they seen Thor challenge the All-Father so - and multiple times in one day no less. "We cannot just leave these people to their own defenses when -"

"Aye, boy!" It took scarcely two seconds for the king's commanding tone to quiet Thor down and have him settle back into his seat once more. He bowed his head in respect, but his eyes were still alight with a rebellious fire. "You are driven only by the hope for glory, Thor. I'll not have your prideful sentiments challenge me in this way. Do you understand me?"

"Yes father," Thor bit out.

"Good." The king settled back into his chair himself and resumed eating. "Your outburst prevented me from sharing the news that I have sent Tyr with a band of his finest soldiers to survey the situation. You must calm yourself, boy. Until I know the full extent of this danger, you are not permitted to act so rashly. You cannot be put in harm's way." There was a slight pause and then Odin narrowed his eye at Loki. "Either of you. I will not have any form of subterfuge, and punishment will be dealt swiftly if I find out either of you have meddled in these affairs. Am I clear?"

"Why do you look upon me that way?" Loki said, throwing his hands up. "I would not disobey you, father."

"For Norns' sake, may we please discuss something other than this dreadful business?" Frigga suddenly said.

"Do I make myself clear?" Odin ignored all, and switched his gaze back and forth between the two boys.

"Yes father," they said in unison.

"Good. Let us speak of this no more. Heed your mother." Supper resumed and their parents began to discuss the ongoing tensions in the Western regions over an unexpected drought. The brothers, however, eyed each other from across the table and seemed to share the same thought:

This is far from over.

Both the king and his queen remained unaware of the silent exchange between them.

Another quick side-note: Myrkviðr is actually from Germanic mythology and is Old Norse for "mirky wood, dark wood, or black forest." J.R.R adapted it into "Mirkwood," in case there are any LOTR readers out there thinking I jacked his style. At least, this is what ye olde Wikipedia tells me. I'm not versed in the specifics of the kingdom of Asgard, mythological or not, so I'm merely adding in my own head canon for outlying districts, names, etc.

If it suits your fancy, share your thoughts!