Balder sits in an Asgardian tavern, seated at a table in the corner of the tavern. Around him are the sounds of chaos, as beer bottles fly in all directions, as well as occasional bodies.

Fandral the dashing leaps onto the table next to Balder’s. Balder looks up through the end of his glass to see Fandral, smiling with his usual enthusiasm in battle, kick another Asgardian in the face, sending him crashing to the ground!

“This fray cannot take too long, my friends,” Fandral boasts, while leaping back into the action. “A fair maiden awaits my attention!”

Hogun the Grim is submerged beneath three large men, who are trying to take down the warrior. Soon, he spreads out his arms and two of the men go flying back, crashing into the bar, sending bottles of mead flying and crashing down onto the floor and onto the walls. The third, however, is not so fortunate. Hogun swings his mace, slamming it against his opponent’s cheek with great force—sending him into an unconscious mass on the floor.

Volstagg holds a large chicken leg in one hand, and slams a large bowl (open-end down) onto the head of an approaching opponent.

“Aye, Fandrall,” Volstagg comments, sticking out his leg, and catching another rushing opponent squarely in the mid-section, bringing him down as well. “The lion of Asgard hath much that needs be done as well. However, let it not be said that Volstagg the voluminous—of whom the sages constantly speak—will not take the time to help his dear friends when in need.”

Suddenly, Hermod rushes into the tavern, stopping directly in front of Balder’s table, as all manner of papers and light objects are thrown about in his wake.

“Hail, good Balder!” Hermod greets his close friend. “Odin summons thee forward!”

“Then let us away, friend Hermod,” Balder replies without hesitation. “I am ever the allfather’s servant.”

On the planet Onaque, the mighty Thor has just discovered the supreme ruler of this world, as well as its sole deity—the power-mad renegade Watcher known as Kraktu! The villainous Watcher stands well over thirty feet tall, glaring down at Thor with a sinister smile on his evil face, as power radiates from his hands. His very body glows with cosmic energy, as he prepares to repel this invader from his land.

“I must kill you, Thor,” Kraktu announces with calm reserve. “I am sure that you are well aware of that fact. However, there is something I must know. How is it you are here? What brought you here? This planet is well distant from your adoptive world, Earth.”

“Fiend!” Thor exclaims in return. “I know not how I came to be here, nor does it matter. Though this world be distant from Midgard, that is true, there is no distance too great from the glistening spheres of Asgard...nor from justice!”

“Fascinating,” the Watcher replies coldly, paying little attention to Thor’s indignant words. “You do not know how you came to be here? I would surmise that you are lying. However, I am aware that you are an honorable being. Lying is not something you would normally engage in. Could it be that my brothers have finally discovered my whereabouts after all these centuries? That could have disastrous results, to be sure. However, I do not understand how they could have gotten through my cloaking mechanisms. I thought my powers well-hidden from their annoying gazes. Those fools must have discovered some method of getting through my cloaking devices.”

“The Watchers?” Thor demands. “Sayest thou that they are responsible for transporting me hither? That is indeed strange, for they do not normally interfere in such matters. However, it is obvious why I have been sent here...to stop thee!”

“Ah yes, of course,” Kraktu responds coldly, annoying Thor with his arrogant, aloof nature. “I suppose that it was their belief that to actively contact you would be to interfere. Therefore, they opened up a portal and sent you through it—more or less under your own power—so that you could stop me when you got here...that is their plan. Those cretins! Always bound by their own precious rules! They do not have the courage—or, I’ll warrant, the power—to stop me! They would prefer to send out lackeys to do their work for them! The fools! The unmitigated fools! This just displays once again their weakness! I welcome it! They will not have to come looking for me! I will go to them! These menial conquests of worlds are promising, but nothing compared to the conquest of the fools who I used to consider my peers! But, I am not of their seed! I am of my own! There is no one who can stop me now...NO ONE! I should have considered this before! They will all fall before me and learn just how much power I control! Power! That is what is important...and control! Not some redundant task of merely watching! What good is watching, when you cannot act?! But, I have been acting, Thor! And those actions are but the beginning. There is nothing that can stop me now. My eyes have been opened. Now is the time for Kraktu to assume his rightful position as lord of the universe!”

“Thou art mad!” Thor exclaims, positioning his hammer in front of him. He sends out a wave of energy at the self-absorbed Watcher, hitting him squarely in the stomach, doubling him over and sending him flying back across the planet! He smashes into—and through—a huge mountain range! Before he comes to a stop, he has pulverized three mountains, roughly equal in size to Mount McKinley! The sound of battle sends the Watcher’s priests scurrying in all directions, seized by fear at the awesome display that their eyes have never before beheld!. They do not understand who this invader can be, but they have never seen anyone cause any inconvenience to their master...until now!

Thor takes to the air, preparing to continue his attack against the Watcher. He flies over the mountain range, noticing the immense damage to the three mountains. He looks down, as he floats over the range, at all of the rubble that is piled up in the valley below...rubble that would constitute a mile in land area.

“The villain is under the rubble, but I know he will not be for long,” Thor considers. “I must needs...” But, before the noble god of thunder can say another word, the rubble explodes upward, as huge boulders and ash fly in all directions! Thor rotates his hammer in front of him, decimating huge boulders before they can reach him. “’Twould seem that he hath recovered.”

Kraktu appears suddenly, throwing back his arms in frustration and intense anger, as the remainder of what was once three mountains flies off, away from his body, many of the huge boulders flying miles away in nanoseconds! “You will pay for that indignity!” the villain booms, as he unleashes energy in all directions, causing the very surface temperature of the planet to increase fifteen degrees planet-wide.

“I will take great pride in your death, fool!” Kraktu remarks, unleashing his energy at Thor, catching the thunder god squarely in the chest, sending him flying back! He smashes through two mountains on his way back, cleaving holes through them, as if a giant drill motor had gone through them. Thor continues to fly back, smashing into the ocean of this world, which stops his backward momentum all at once.

Thor starts to swim toward the surface, as he recovers from the energy blast. “Kraktu is indeed a powerful foe,” he thinks. “He is as powerful as is any Watcher, and he must be stopped all the more because of it.” With that, Thor surges to the surface, where he remains in beneath the waist, as he looks up, seeing the powerful, vengeful form of Kraktu hovering above the water, a look of contempt—mixed with a trace of surprise—on his face.

“That did not kill you,” Kraktu remarks, with some surprise in his voice. “Good.” With that, he raises his hands above him, as an evil smile crosses his sinister face. “I want to...toy with you first. You will need to learn a powerful lesson...a final lesson! It will be a lesson that will be learned by many on my ascent to complete power. That lesson is one of power...and the meaning of true power! Feel it, Thor! It will be the last sensation you will ever experience!”

So saying, Kraktu sends down waves of energy that strike the water on all sides of the noble thunder god! Instantly, the stunned Teutonic warrior sees the entire ocean evaporate with him in it! He falls...and falls to the very bottom of what was once the largest body of water on the entire planet! All that is left is the mud in which Thor has fallen...three miles from the point he was mere seconds ago!

As Loki walks up to a stream, the stream starts to boil with intense heat, bubbles appearing on a stream that turns from an aqua green to a crimson red in the speed of thought. A slight smile crosses Loki’s face, as steam shoots up from the Styx-like body of water.

Loki floats over the water, through the stream, undaunted by the challenges that have thus far been sent his way, in an effort to deter any unwelcome guests from greeting the master of this realm.

As Loki appears on the other side of the stream, he returns to the ground, which quickly turns into quicksand, as Loki starts to sink into it. However, Loki merely levitates above the quicksand, taking a moment to appreciate the masterful illusions that permeate this realm. He knows that, had he allowed himself to believe it, the quicksand would be as real as any found on Midgard.

Looking upwards, he beholds a well-adorned throne. Upon the throne sits the one he came to see...NIGHTMARE!

“Loki,” Nightmare remarks, looking down from his throne at Loki, who stands on the sands of the shoreline. “What brings you to my realm?”

“I come before thee with an offer,” Loki replies. “I have need of thy services, and will offer a prize unlike any thou hath seen before.”

“You intrigue me, Loki,” Nightmare responds, leaning forward on the armrests of his throne, as he looks at Loki with interest. “Tell me more.”

“Thor hides from no man!” the thunder god exclaims, as he takes to the air, sending out his own godly energy at Kraktu! However, the cosmic villain erects an energy shield that deflects the energies that were coming his way, scattering them in all directions! The energy meeting energy acts to light up the eastern sky, causing the people below to shield the eyes in terror!

“Ah, but that is the point, is it not?” Kraktu responds, sending out a surge of energy at Thor. However, Thor spins his hammer before him, deflecting the energy as well. “I am no man. I am no mere immortal like yourself, Thor. I am a god! And not the kind of god you and the Asgardians claim to be, but a real god! One who understands the principles of power. One who is destined to rule over the universe. Before I am through, your father—and your people—will bow to me as their master, as it should be!” Kraktu smiles, as he looks down at Thor, who is growing ever more enraged by the second. “Think of it, Thor. Your father groveling to me, your wife, and all the women of Asgard to do with as I please...all in my power. All under my supreme control! What do you say to that?!”

“Thy arrogance knows no end!” Thor exclaims, throwing his hammer with supreme force! The hammer is glowing with energy, as it strikes Kraktu, sending his head jerking back and lifting him above the spot where he once stood, sending him flying back through the air...miles distant! The people below continue to scurry off as the battle gets closer to them! They rush for caves and other structures to get away from Kraktu and the battle-mad thunder god! Kraktu falls twenty-nine miles away, demolishing one of the temples built to his honor, landing directly on one of this very statutes, which is instantly demolished.

Thor continues to fly forward, as his hammer continues to race towards him! He catches it in his outstretched hand, and continues to fly to the very spot where he knocked Kraktu! At this very moment, the villain is getting to his feet. Beneath him are demolished buildings, as well as a network of paved roads, which are cracked and buckled, leaving people stranded in their vehicles, unable to move, stricken by fear at what is transpiring before their very eyes. Many of them get out of their primitive vehicles and kneel beside them, praying for comfort and protection. Kraktu notices this and laughs all the harder.

“Look at my pets,” Kraktu arrogantly proclaims. “Even now they pray to me for deliverance!” He looks down, noticing with intense satisfaction the sight of the people cowering, humbled before him. “And they shall get their deliverance as well! For am I not a god who is receptive to his subjects?”

“NAY!” Thor interjects, flying over to Kraktu, delivering a massive blow to his face, which jerks Kraktu’s head back under the power of the blow! “Thou art a brutal murderer who takes delight in the suffering of others! Thou hath not helped these people! These people look upon thee not with affection, but with fear. That is not the way a ruler should treat his subjects, nor the way a god should act. Thou art a braggart and a liar. Deliverance will come to these people—with thy punishment!”

However, Kraktu quickly recovers from the blow, sending our a blow of his own that sends Thor flying, smashing into another temple, shattering it under the force of the impact! Thor flies out of the rubble, however, even before it finishes falling to the ground, utilizing his super-speed.

“Is this jealousy, Thor?” Kraktu mockingly asks. “After all, have not you and your father fallen from mortal grace? Perhaps the truth of the matter is that you look to me in jealousy, angered indeed at the fact that I have taken the position you wish you could have again. But the time for your kind is past, is it not? The mortals did not want such weaklings in charge. But, they will bow before me. All beings in the universe will.”

“’Tis true that it is time for mortals to look not to beings such as myself for worship,” Thor replies. “There is a force in the universe far greater than myself—or thee! These people’s ignorance thou did use to enslave them. Thou counted not on my arrival, villain. And it will be thine undoing!”

“I think not!” Kraktu replies, unleashing a savage blow at Thor, but the noble god of the storms avoids the blow by flying out of the way a split-second before it connects! It hits a large tower, smashing it in two, sending a large chunk of granite towards the ground, where people rush desperately to avoid being crushed! However, Thor notices that not everyone will be able to get out of the way in time! A look of concern crosses his regal brow, as he flies down towards the ground, effortlessly lifting the large chunk of granite, which was once the upper half of a 10,000,000 ton tower! He catches it and holds it fast, then tosses it away from the people, who all react with surprise at the sight!

“Your weakness has just killed you, Thor!” Kraktu proclaims, as he unleashes a bolt of energy that strikes the mighty Thor in the back, sending him flying face first to the ground! He hits the hard pavement, and his winged helmet falls from his head, bouncing a few feet away. Thor is stunned from the blast of energy, which he did not have time to deflect, nor prepare for. Thor struggles to rise, fighting off the effects of the energy blast.

Balder approaches the throne of Odin, who sits with his two birds on either side of him, and his large wolves seated at each side of the throne. As Balder steps along the stairs, he kneels at the foot of the throne.

‘Thou didst call me, sire?” Balder asks.

“Aye, noble Balder,” Odin responds, gesturing for Balder to arise, as he stands up from his throne. “I have a matter of urgency to discuss with thee.”

“My sword is ever thine, sire,” Balder replies, rising as he was bid to do.

“That I know well, Balder,” Odin replies, nodding his head. His respect for Balder shows through in his tone in addressing the noble god of light. “However, the task I would have for thee is of another matter...but one of equally great import.”

The two walk over to a window overlooking the city below. Balder and Odin continue to talk, as the people mingle on the streets below, going about their lives as they always do. However, the golden city’s beauty is very prominent from this point, from the majestic lakes to the golden buildings, to the outer walls that surround the city.

‘Balder,” Odin continues, “There is much coming for which we must all be prepared...including myself. The legions of evil are preparing for an onslaught, and we must all be prepared.”

“Aye, sire,” Balder responds without hesitation. “I am ever prepared to meet anyone in battle for the defense of Asgard.”

“That day will come, noble one,” Odin responds, putting his hand on Balder’s shoulder. “However, a king must be prepared as well. That is why I must needs rest up for the coming battle. It is time for the Odin sleep.”

Balder nods in understand. Odin then continues: “In my absence, I will need thee to rule the people.”

“Me, sire?” Balder asks. “Surely thou can find someone more worthy. Indeed, Thor should have that honor.”

“Thor is involved in much preparation for the coming battle, and will be unable to do so,” Odin replies. “I can think of no one more qualified to rule than thee, Balder.”

“If that is thy wish, sire,” Balder responds humbly. “When would you have me start?”

“Immediately,” Odin replies. “The Odin sleep must begin. There can be no further delay.”

Kraktu advances on Thor menacingly, slamming his foot down on Thor’s back, as Thor is sent deep into the surface of the world. The evil Watcher looks on with pleasure, an evil smile crossing his face. “This is but the beginning, foolish Asgardian!” he proclaims, as Thor turns his head slightly, looking up at his opponent. Thor is propped up with his elbows, as he continues his efforts to rise up. “When I have killed you, I will go directly to Asgard, delivering your corpse to your father. Perhaps I will toss it at his feet, in his very throne room. I am sure that your death will have a demoralizing effect on your people, who hold you to be something of a hero...do they not? Well, no matter. After I have done this, I will destroy Asgard, starting with Odin himself! Then, I will go to Olympus and destroy Zeus and the other gods there. Only then will I turn my attention to the world of the Watchers. They do not deserve my immediate attention. They will all die before my hands. I cannot take the chance of one of them growing a backbone after centuries of complacency. Yes, Thor. Your death will be but the beginning of something truly glorious. This is an honor to you, Thor. I will remember it always!” With that, Kraktu prepares to send down another blast of energy at Thor, who has gotten to his knees.

At that precise moment, several of the people start to throw rocks and fire their weapons at Kraktu. This distracts the renegade Watcher, who is completely taken aback by their unexpected behavior. He takes his attention from Thor for a moment, as he looks at the people attacking him with their primitive weapons, most of which do not even reach him.

“Cretins!” he exclaims with disgust at their display. “Perhaps I have been to merciful with you. No more! You must learn what it is to defy the will of Kraktu!” With that, he sends out a wave of energy that completely decimates everyone within a fifty foot radius of him, leaving only bone fragments to mark their passage.

“And now, Thor!” Kraktu proclaims, as he unleashes a devastating amount of energy, which is sufficient to destroy a planet, at the mighty Thor. Thor, in turn, holds up his hammer in front of him. All of the energy strikes the hammer and is absorbed into it.

“Aye, Kraktu,” Thor responds. He is on one knee, braced to take the impact of the energy discharge. He absorbs all of the energy into his hammer for a brief instant, then unleashes it back against the Watcher, who is completely stunned by Thor’s counter-attack! He is sent flying back, landing on his back. Thor is quickly on his feet, as he throws his hammer at the fallen villain immediately, before he has the opportunity to rise! “Now, villain, the time of reckoning has come for thee! ‘Tis time for thee to pay for thy crimes in the way it is ordained for thee to pay!”

As the thunder god speaks, his hammer spins around his foe at speeds far in excess of the speed of light! Thor hears a loud scream of “NO!” and the Watcher is gone, teleported to the Watchers’ World!

“Gone,” Thor comments, as he walks over to stand near the people, his hammer returning to his hand like a faithful servant. “He is now on his own home planet, where he will cause no more harm. Whatever fate is in store for the villain will be decided by his own people. I have done what I had to do. Justice has once more been done.”

Thor notices a young boy holding his helmet. The boy offers it to him sheepishly. Thor smiles and takes it, running his fingers through the boy’s hair. He stands, tossing his arms into the sky. In the distance, rain and lightning explode, making a tremendous sound.

“Listen, people of Onaque,” Thor addresses the stunned populace, as the rains once more fill up the ocean that was dried up by the evil Kraktu. “The villain who once ruled thee is gone. You must now live as mortals were meant to live. Thou must make thine own way. Thou will not have such as Kraktu to protect thee, but nor will thou have him to make thy decisions for thee. Thou will find out in time that this is much better. But, for now, I must take my leave.”

With that, the god of thunder takes to the air, waving once more at the people below, who look up to him in awe and great admiration, as he flies further, out of orbit and into space, as he starts his long journey back to his adoptive planet...Earth!

NEXT: More on Loki’s schemes, and a serious threat to the universe emerges! Miss it not!