Gods and Goddesses are no myth. We exist freely on Asgard, watching over the Nine Realms and protecting all life around. Enemies have aroused from our existence and are eliminated just as easily. I do not petty myself with war and violence, however I do possess the power and skill to destroy someone as much as Thor does along with magic as powerful as the mischievous Loki. I am Cadence, the Goddess of the Arts and I live in the palace along with Thor, Odin and Lady Frigga. Loki has disappeared after attacking Thor when he was banished to Midgard, even though I warned him to leave the mortals alone.

Midgard was perhaps my favorite realm, full of happiness, freedom and music and I would commonly find myself spending days on end down there, going to concerts and performances that make my heart swoon. Lady Sif and the Warriors Three would always jest about how my heart belonged on Midgard but I could never leave my home, instead bringing back silly little souvenirs such as iPods or clothes. Luckily for me, I was able to wield magic as well as my sharpened iron whips that hung at my side, truly a force to be reckoned with. No one dared tell me that residing a lot of time on Midgard was garish and ridiculous, because generally I would retaliate with an outrageous prank that has had me scolded by Odin more times than one.

I was considered beautiful, even by Asgard standards and I didn't mind flaunting around in the loveliest of silks and cotton. Although I did favor black leather pants that clung to my legs and hung low on my hips with a midriff black top with short sleeves and glimmering silver armor on my shoulders that accompanied my silver boots. I kept my raven ringlets pulled in a high ponytail mostly, with my bangs hanging out and my sharp silver eyes were always alight with mischief and happiness. But not lately. Our King and Queen are grief-stricken with every rumor of Loki's actions on Midgard, wanting to stop his advances, but allowing Thor and his friends to try first. Loki was my best friend since I was a small child and when he discovered his true heritage, he wanted nothing to do with me and it broke my heart.

We used to spar, play tricks on one another and spend every waking moment in each other's company and he just cut off our bond as easily as a sharp blade would destroy a rope. Even when I was a young girl, knee-high to a grasshopper, I developed my first crush of the young God, blushing when he touched me and laughing at everything he did. This warm feeling still resides in my chest, aching at the loss of his warm smile and desperate for his long and graceful fingers to touch my cheek in admiration. I've never admitted these foolish feelings to him, scared of losing a friend so I hid them and felt my heart break every time he would have a girl at his side. But still, this was all before he went crazy.

When my best friend told me that he was a Jotun, I tried to hug him but he pushed me away as if I would be burnt. I wept in fear knowing his negative reaction and how he would not listen to reason, but he though I cried because he was a monster. Loki was never one for logic and reason. He became the unofficial King that day as Odin slept, also ordering the guards to keep me locked away from the madness that would befall Asgard for the next few days. He banned me from travelling to Midgard, using my magic and to have any contact with Lady Sif and the Warriors Three. Deep in my playful heart, I knew he was trying to protect me, but I also couldn't deny that he hid me from my own people and the race I had come to love.

Those treacherous few days were full of self-torment and tears, trying to will myself to be strong but not wanting to hurt my best friend. When my chambers were finally re-opened, I had hoped it was Loki coming to his senses with a heart-felt smile, but no; it was Thor whom seemed to be depressed and grieving over something. After a few moments, he had the guts to explain how Loki had fallen into the abyss along with the obliterated Bifrost. It tore me apart to know that the last time I had seen Loki, we were arguing.

Now, ever since he disappeared, I only mope around. I no longer listen to bubbly mortal music or dance as I moved, but I shuffle my feet and hang my head low, listening to heart-breaking and woeful ballads that flood my chest with memories. Thor and I became ridiculously close since then, closer than we've ever been and all because we shared each other's loss. Even if Loki wasn't my brother, I still cared for him as much as Thor did… Probably more. I've stopped caring about my appearance and the Arts, not even bothering to visit Midgard for anything anymore.

My friends are concerned for me, as they should be, but I brush them off as if I don't even know them anymore. I was walking back to my quarters when I unintentionally ran into Lady Sif. She looked down with a sympathetic gaze. "My Lady Cadence, you are really concerning everyone and we want to help you. Please, what upsets you so gravely? Is it because of Loki?"

My head snapped up and I was suddenly filled with an unruly anger. "If the company I keep does not realize that my heart desires the return of my closest friend then they are not truly concerned at all. Good day, Lady Sif and I will see you at supper."

With those final rude words I stormed off to my quarters where I slammed the door and slumped against the hard wood. It was not long until the banquet and I really did not want to go, but Thor had insisted yesterday that I should attend in respect for others and just because I haven't eat much in the past week. I didn't feel like dressing up for the little party, so I stayed in my regular clothes but brushed my ringlets and let them hang loose so that they flowed down my back.

After doing my hair, I sat and looked in the mirror for a while. My normally glowing skin was hollowed from malnourishment, my liquid silver eyes not a dull grey and always blood shot from tears, and my cheek bones were even more defined from weight loss. I haven't been healthy in a long, long time. Eventually I got up, finding the strength to move, and left my room to head to the party.

People whom were friends of the Royal family were bustling with excitement as they hurried past me and into the great banquet hall and I moved slowly behind them, building up the confidence I needed to be around that many people. I felt a large hand on my shoulder that made me jump and I looked up to see Thor smiling down at me with a guilty look. Thor had seemed to move on from the loss, accepting his brother's fate, but I was still far behind.

I think it hits me harder because I am a creature of such happiness and life, nothing horrible has ever happened to me. But now since a personal tragedy has struck, I am unable to move on and accept it. Bad things don't happened to people like me, and I'll be damned to let them start now. "I'm glad to see that you've finally decided to join a feast, my Lady Cadence."

Thor was always so kind, and he has found happiness with his Midgardian girlfriend Jane, no matter that he hasn't seen her since the Bifrost was destroyed. Frequently he tells me tales of his short time with her and one time I even sat for two hours while he merely explained her lovely complexion to me. I smiled at the large God. "I figured it was time that I let the people know that I am alive and well."

He chuckled, but it was half-hearted and void of humor. "My Lady, you are certainly alive… But you are not well."

Thor was right as always and I nodded as he pushed me in. I knew he was going to make me eat, even if I had no appetite and deep down I was grateful. Everyone else tries to leave me be, but this one keeps pressing me to return to my former glory. Thor motioned for me to sit in a seat he drew and I sat quietly, feeling nauseous at the sight of all the food in front of me. He sat next to me, his blue eyes hopeful as he took my plate from in front of me and chose carefully from the food in front of us. Behind me I could hear drunken tirades and songs filled with drunken laughter, but I blocked it out and focused on the food that was being gathered on my behalf.

When the plate was placed back in front of me, I was surprised by how little was actually there. A small slab of meat, two pieces of potato and some small berries donned the large plate and I looked at the God of Thunder in curiosity. He smiled intelligently. "Since your lack of food, your stomach has contracted in size so it cannot contain as much. If I over load your plate, my Lady, then you will be sick."

He looked proud and I chuckled at him. "I see someone has visited the library after last time you tried to feed me."

I ended up in the bathroom all night throwing up the contents of my small stomach because Thor hadn't listened when I said I was full from the pile he left on my dinner plate. He'd felt guilty and continued apologizing for a week until I had used magic to take his mouth away. I admit it had felt good to use magic, but I just don't feel the passion for anything anymore.

The small amount on my plate looked really good I had to admit, so I didn't hesitate to dig in. Oh I missed food. I still eat of course, but only just enough to keep me going. Hopefully my first step in moving on will be my diet… Yeah, that would be really good. I started with the meat so I had protein in my system and then I gradually made my way through the rest of the meal. Thor's stare was boring into the side in my head and I knew he was smiling when I cleared the plate.

I sighed in content as I leant back to pat my stomach and smile at my good friend. His grin was goofy, added to by the pile of meat stuffed into his mouth. His swallowed before saying, "I see the sustenance has left you in a finer mood, Lady Cadence."

I patted my slightly bloating stomach and nodded in approval. My happiness however was ruined by a drunken Fandral stumbling over to lean beside me. "Ah, beautiful Lady! Why do you not dance and sing for us anymore?"

The cropped blonde man as smiling with his eyes closed and I cringed at the smell of his breath. "It is none of your concern as to my actions, Warrior. So, I suggest that you move on and enjoy the party."

One of his feet slipped which almost resulted in him face planting the table, but caught himself just in time. "I swear, if it is still because of that traitorous swine Loki, you do not need to be sad anymore!"

Trying to ignore the cruel words said by Fandral, I clenched my fists and looked at him with curiosity. "Why should I not be sad anymore, Warrior Fandral?"

"Because he is no-" His mouth was clamped shut by Thor and Lady Sif, whom both looked distraught at what he was going to say. If it is news about Loki, then I demand to know. I stood from my chair, still weak but filled with food and glared at the Lady and Thor.

"What are you two hiding from me?" They looked to each other for guidance and I huffed at their unspoken conversation. Finally, Sif nodded and Thor looked to me sympathetically.

"Loki is not dead. There are reports of him in the other realms." My eyes widened in shock and I suddenly found it difficult to breathe. The utter concept of my best friend and childhood crush still living in the Nine Realms was utter glorious and unbelievable. Slowly, a surge of happiness took over me and I felt magic flood through my veins as I was lifted off the ground.

I was the only Goddess to ever have dominance over the power of flight, aside from Thor who gains it from Mjolnir, and my happiness has often been expressed through flying. This was certainly one of those times and I felt my feet leave the surface and a slight trail of silver stars follow where my path had been.

I drifted high enough so I could back-flip and squeal with glee. Returning to the worried Asgardians, I hovered in front of their faces. "Oh, this is wonderful news!"

Thor took my hand and brought me to the ground where I was still smiling, but his face looked ashen. "My Lady Cadence, he has not returned on good terms. There is word of an army he has control of and is terrorizing the other realms."

This couldn't be Loki. The one I know is loving, witty and funny; not hostile, violent and lethal. I shook my head at Thor. "Then we must go and help him see the error of his ways! He can come back and live with us and-…"

"He is not going to come back, my Lady. His mind is too far gone. We were afraid to tell you because we knew you would go barreling after him when it would only result in your death. You're too unhealthy to leave anyway, Lady Cadence." I frowned at him, still refusing to accept evil in Loki and still beaming with the idea that I could see him again.

"I will return to health, Thor. Just you watch! And this has only begun, so it's not too late." His eyes dropped from mine and he played with my hands and I felt the brunt of the secret coming.

"Cadence, he has been back for a near 3 Midgardian months now." He's been back so long? So long and no one has even thought to tell me?! Rage filled my heart, along with a breaking that shattered the stitches his return had caused.

I left the room then, no longer flying, but running away from the people that let me believe that my best friend was dead. Although as the tears streamed down my cheeks in my escape, I could help to smile because Loki is alive.

Hey Guys! This is just something I am writing for shits and giggles because I'm a little Loki-obsessed right now. Please don't expect me to update like every week because this story is not my priority. If you are interested in DC Comics too, then go look at my much more successful story "Show No Mercy"... It's pretty cool.

Anyway, enjoy this while it lasts (It'll only be like 10 - 15 Chapters) and please review if you like it and suggest anything that could occur in here! - BATMEMMI x