Lifetime (Loki x Aesir!Reader)

Lifetime

“Could I hold you for a lifetime? Could I look into your eyes? Could I have this night, to share this night together? Could I hold you close beside me? Could I hold you for all time? Could I, could I have this kiss forever…”[1]

~*~

Chapter 5: Bad Company[2]

"I have brought him home as promised my Lord," you say loudly the moment you reached the foot of the large throne where Odin sat proudly, you then turned to bow respectfully at Queen Frigga who stood onto your left, "my Lady," you spoke gently then handed the large heavy chain where you were were dragging Loki from, to one of the many guards who escorted the pair of you down the stretch of the throne room.

Stepping aside without looking at the chained man you walked to take your place back next to the Queen's right side.

"Loki," Frigga called her son's name kindly.

"Hello mother," Loki spoke softly as he turned to look at the Allmother and smiled kindly, "have I made you proud?"

"Please, don't make this worse..."

"Define 'worse'."

"Enough!" Odin spoke loud enough to make the sound echo throughout the vast room, "I shall speak to the prisoner alone,"

With that you escort the Queen out of the throne room and away from both prying eyes and ears. It was only until then that she spoke freely with you, "Do you believe the Allfather will spare him?"

"I cannot say my Lady," you speak respectfully, "Loki has committed so many crimes and broken so many of the rules the Allfather had placed in order to ensure that peace is kept between worlds. If it is the King's rule that Loki will be set to die--"

"Is that what you believe __________?" she now turned to look at you, sadness had filled her eyes.

With a soft sigh you shake your head, "If it is to be the King's choice, I doubt that he would sentence his own son to death. Otherwise he would have allowed Loki to perish all those years ago when he was a babe."

Frigga smiles and places her hand on your shoulder, "Well said," the Queen turns on her heel once more and you follow her stride, "I have yet another task for you to fulfill,"

An ominous dread began to spread over your chest while the Queen began to tell you in full detail of this new task she had just for you.

~*~

It was true that the King had spared Loki's life but the Allfather had sentenced his youngest son to a lifetime of imprisonment. He was to be hidden and forgotten behind locked doors and down in the darkness. Your feet quickly carried you toward the dungeon ward while the various guards who stood by watched you carefully; you chose to ignore their stares.

Coming by the first cell on your left on the ground floor is where you find Loki, who was reclining on a lounge seat with a book in one hand while his other hand was balled into a fist, his cheek resting upon it.

"Of all those that I have offended, I never thought you would be the first one to come visit me."

“This is not a visit, I had to see for myself with my own eyes that the King had spared you,” you partially lied, you were not there for that.

"As you can see I am now well contained," he spoke, his eyes still on the pages of his book, "why are you here? Do you feel sorry for me?"

“No, I will not feel sorry for you for being in here. In fact I am glad of it. It is where you deserve to be for everything that you’ve done and everything that you could do.”

“You wouldn’t be talking to me like this had it not been for this gilded cage of mine,”

You couldn’t help it but you laughed, you genuinely and openly laughed at him, “Loki I am not afraid of you whether you look at me with those sea colored eyes or through blood red ones,” you see a small jolt on the muscles of his cheek when you subtly mention his Jotunn heritage, “because I know how you are.”

“Think you have me all figured out then?” he sneered, you could tell he was trying to ignore you by the manner of how he held his book then turns the pages, not even he could read that quickly.

“You have changed me, I wasn’t always like this,” you admit as you stare at his enchanting face, his eyes then raise to meet your (e/c) ones; eyes which now reminded you of colored glass, “you are toxic, you are poison, you are disgusting and manipulative,” it had hurt you to say such things to him, but how can you deny your anger toward someone you love? Toward the man you would always love. Things were never easy between the two of you anyway.

“If you find me to be so appalling, then why are you still here?” he snapped and closed his book with a loud slam!

“Because I’ve come to look into the eyes of the monster that destroyed my life.” You hissed and watched as Loki rose up from his place and changed into his Jotunn form expecting you to cringe with fear.

“IS THIS THE MONSTER YOU SEEK?!” he bellowed and glared at you with unfamiliar red eyes, you hate to admit it but even in his true form, Loki was still just as enchanting as if he were looking at you with his ocean eyes.

“Tch,” you snorted and smile sardonically, “those crimson eyes do not belong to the monster I am familiar with. The monster I know has eyes the same color as the unrepentant sea.”

"Why are you really here?" he continued to glare while he changed back.

You transport yourself into his cell and turned both of your hands palm side up. A tray with food materializes from your now upturned hands and you presented it to him, "Your mother asked me to bring this to you."

He looks at the tray then back up at you, “Must you do everything my mother asks of you?”

“If it is her will, then yes I am honor bound to do so.” You place the tray over the small writing desk in his cell, “Eat before your food gets cold, I shall return later for the filthy dishes.”

“So in the end you eventually became someone’s Wet Nurse after all.” You felt your stomach drop to the floor at his words and you turn to glare at him.

“I hate this just as much as you do. Believe me when I say that my desire for your demise is greater than anything I’ve ever felt towards another living being. There is nothing that you can say or nothing that you can do to make up for the treason you’ve shown me and my family. I promise you that the debt that you owe me will not be forgotten.” You meant every word that falls from your lips and Loki knew that for he continued to stare as though he couldn’t believe that the things you just said came from your own mouth.

Transporting yourself out of his cell you turn without giving him a second look and while walking briskly away your heart further hammered from your encounter.

~*~

"You're distracted my Lady," Fandral spoke not in his usual cocky manner but with that of friendly concern, "are you well?"

It had been several weeks later since your return to Asgard and you were now on the sparring grounds with Fandral who was your partner at the moment.

"Aye," you say while you rolled your neck and shoulders, you feel your joints pop from the movement while you practice a swing with your long sword before facing the blond man anew, "again."

"If you so wish it my Lady," there was that arrogant Swordsmith again and you charge for him, your thoughts wandered again to that of Loki when Fandral knocks your sword so easily out of your hand and pointed the end of his close to your nose, "Admit it, you are distracted." he pulled back then retrieves your weapon for you, he handed it back by the hilt.

"I will admit I do have a weight on my mind," you sigh, the two of you head inside for a refreshment of cool water and sit at a table.

"Tell me?" Fandral had been kind to you these last couple of years almost to the point that there had been moments where you could share secrets with him and he with you.

"It's about Loki," you say and immediately you saw the reaction on the blond man's face, "what?"

"Don't tell me that you're still soft hearted over the trickster..."

You feel your face heat up automatically; you had to admit that these last few weeks of bringing Loki his meals had indeed put things into perspective. Although he still acted proud and remorseless for the horrors he had committed in the recent years, you still couldn't help but hoped that, in time, he would be his old self again. That his hungry ambition to be King was just a phase he would eventually grow out of.

"Well I--"

"__________, no..."

"I can't help it!" you argued while trying to get him to understand, "Queen Frigga asked me to do this for her because she trusts me, you haven't seen him, he's gotten quite docile now that he's grounded."

"You know," Fandral started while reaching for your hand to take it into his, "there are other options."

"What are you getting at?"

"There are other men," he teases and brings your hand up to his lips to place gentle kisses on your knuckles.

You make a sound of disgust and pulled your hand away from him, "Fandral you must be joking if you think I will give you so much as a side ways glance,"

"You've done so in the past," he smiled charmingly while taking in both your expression and reaction.

You felt your cheeks heat at that, it was true that once you as well had found the blond Swordsmith attractive and upon occasion he had caught you staring at him, it was not the same thing as to what he was implying, "That isn't the same thing," you huff then get up from the table, "and I don't have time for this, I've got to head for the kitchen." you say dismissively and you begin to make your way toward the kitchens to prepare Loki his meal tray.

Fandral waited until you were almost out of the door way when he called your name, "__________," this caused you to stop, "you know where to find me if you change your mind,"

"Don't hold your breath, Swordsmith." you sneer and proudly made your way out of the room.

~*~

"Do you ever regret sharing your magic with him?"

It was later that same day, evening had befallen the kingdom and you heard the familiar tenor of Thor's voice the moment you've returned to the Queen's chambers to give her your report on Loki. You couldn't help but overhear the conversation between mother and son.

"No, you and your father cast large shadows, I had hoped that by sharing my gifts with Loki that he could find some sun for himself."

Thor chuckled and continued, "I admire your optimism, your com--" as he slightly turned he had noticed your presence behind them and greeted you with a quiet smile. The Queen as well turned with an expectant smile on her face. It seemed as though she had wanted you to hear their conversation, you said nothing on the subject.

"Welcome home Prince Thor," you greeted him politely, "I'm glad to see you've returned safely," you now look to your Queen and bow, "my Lady,"

"You've delivered the tray to Loki?"

"Of course my Queen, I never leave a task nor a request unfinished."

You see from the corner of your eye the manner of how Thor looked to his mother, "And you have food catered to him as well?"

"Ask the guards once more, I was never there," Frigga countered then smiles at the two of you.

"My Lady Queen is there anything else that you wish of me?"

"No my dear, now that my eldest son is home at last, I will rest much easily tonight. You may go, I shall see you tomorrow."

"As you wish my Queen," you say with a smile and a bow and just as you were about to go did you hear Thor call your name.

"Lady __________? Wait," you feel his hand around your arm.

"Yes Prince Thor?" you asked as you turned and looked up at him with concern.

"Might you accompany me to dinner tonight?"

How could you deny that invitation? With a much easier smile you nod and slightly bow your head to him, "Of course my friend, I would be delighted!"

~*~

"...cracking under the strain I threw the beast off! But six more beat me to the ground, crushing my blade as if it was paper." You were all sitting around a vast wooden table enjoying a warm dinner, fine ale and one of Volstagg's many adventurous stories; his stories were so famous in fact a group of curious children decided to join in to listen, "Oh! Come here, you're missing the best part!" once he settled a young girl onto his knee, he furrowed his eyebrows with confusion, "...where was I?"

"You were surrounded," said Thor who sat to your left.

"Tackled by eight," you added while you raised your tankard of ale to your lips and winked at Thor knowingly; he smiled then turned to watch Volstagg continue his story.

"Oh yes! Eight of the most vile criminals the Nine Realms have ever produced. To our left, savage beasts with fangs like knives! To our right, soldiers of fortune, their blades dripping with blood. And who was there to face the horde but Fandral the Dashing..."

"I was!" shouted Fandral who raised his pint with his free hand, the other was occupied by holding close one of his usual girls.

"Hogun the Grim and Volstagg the..."

"Voluminous?" suggested the other of Fandral's lady companions.

"Fat?" Fandral suggested himself.

"Full bodied?" you added with a smirk.

Laughter surrounded the table at the suggestions until finally the large ginger man answered, "Invincible!"

"Ahhh..." you say and you take another sip of your ale.

"I don't mind telling you, I feared for Thor's life."

"Why was he ill?"

More laughter ensued.

"But with steely courage, intrepid spirit and an axe, victory was ours!"

The room cheered while Volstagg took a long drink from his tankard.

"Truly a tale for the ages." Thor smiled and raised his pint.

"Indeed," you agree while raising your glass as well, "it keeps changing more and more each time I hear it," the second part you say quietly for Thor to hear, his smile you noticed became much more at ease and less forced.

Good, that was at least a start.

"No doubt he'll be telling it that long as well," Fandral added while about to take a sip from his own pint.

"Another!" Volstagg called just as he smashed his tankard to the floor as did the many around your table who cheered in unison.

You didn't care much for it, it only added more work to the serving women to clean up after and you suddenly thought of your mother. Perhaps tomorrow after your rounds with the Queen you would take time to stop by the kitchen and have a meal with her properly.

"A penny for your thoughts, my friend?" Thor asks as you turned to look at him, you smile and shake your head.

"I was just thinking of my mother," you admitted while looking down into your pint, "I haven't spent much time with her as of late, I was also thinking of sitting down to have a meal with her like I used to. I long for the warmth and scent of her kitchen."

The Prince smiled fondly at your words and you feel his hand on your shoulder, "I am sure your mother would be most pleased to see you. How's your father?"

"He's well, simply taking it one day at a time," you smile as your thoughts now drifted to your father, "He's one to also tell extravagant stories as well, my favorite is about how he and my brother took on the bilgesnipe beast,"

"Oh? How does it go?"

You had opened your mouth to tell the elaborate tale you had heard so many times as a child when the image of Viggo's face entered your mind you stop and instead finished off the ale in your cup.

"I could never tell it properly, I never get the details right anyway," you chuckled and wave at one of the servant girls for a bowl of spiced soup before readdressing Thor again, "though if you were to join me and my parents one time I'm sure my father would favor you with the tale." you smiled at him to conceal your sudden nostalgic mood.

"Yes I suppose he would, eh pardon me my friend I shall see you tomorrow?" Thor gets up while leaving his empty tankard behind.

"Of course, until tomorrow." you echo until your attention was now caught by the warm spicy smell of the soup placed in front of you. Minutes passed and already you were on your second bowl when you feel a shifting weight on the bench next to you.

"How do you do it?" you hear Sif's soft urgent voice on your right side; oh no...

"How do I do what?" you asked casually and take another sip of soup.

"You know what."

"With Thor?" you lick your lips and shrug nonchalantly, "That's easy we're friends, it's not that big of a deal." you then take some bread from the center of the table and dip it into the hearty red broth. Mmm...

"Well what do you talk about?"

Here we go... she was trying so desperately to win both his attentions and affections but how could she? What with that mortal as well as other important things to occupy Thor's mind? Perhaps it would be best to be direct with her, woman to woman.

You swallow the bit of food in your mouth before addressing her again, "Sif, he has a lot on his mind I can tell. The last thing he needs is someone easily throwing themselves at him."

"You speak as though you know what he needs," Seriously? Why was she acting like a jealous girlfriend.

"Well, why do you think he asked me to escort him to dinner and not you?" you snip back at her while turning your body to face her from where you sat.

You see the manner of how her eyes widened and her cheeks were now a blotchy pink of embarrassment though you continued speaking, "Look Sif, unless by some miracle Thor happens to forget about the mortal he fell deeply in love with, I suggest not waiting for him."

"You dare lecture me?" you could hear the outrage in her voice, "You know very well what one sided affection feels like! Perhaps you should heed your own advice in terms of waiting for things to change."

"If you are referring to Loki, then allow me to explain something. The difference between the relationship that I had with him versus the relationship that you have with Thor, is that in my case Loki reciprocated my affections. You keep pressuring Thor the way you are now and he will never look your way."

"So what do you suggest?"

"Live your life Sif, even if Thor can only play the part as your friend and fellow warrior on the battle field ." now that the desire to finish your meal left a sudden bitter taste in your mouth you get up and you had decided to retire for the rest of the evening.

"So you mean to say that even if you have obtained the one you love into your life, it wouldn't give you some sort of satisfaction or happiness?"

You meet Sif's steady gaze as the words flowed out of your mouth without a second thought or hesitation, "I don't need a man to make me happy, I make my own happiness. Goodnight Sif."

~*~

"So this is the famous Jane Foster?" you asked with a smile and a small bow, "What a pleasure,"

The following day was when things had started to go into motion, what with Thor making a quick travel to Midgard and bringing back the one mortal that would change everything.

"Jane this is Lady __________, she is my mother's personal guard and one of my oldest and dearest friends,"

"Prince Thor you flatter me," you snort and playfully punch his arm, "you've also forgotten to mention how I managed to whip you for years before you've acquired Mjolnir."

"Aye tis true!" he chuckled and ruffled your hair affectionately; you laughed.

"You guys seem so comfortable with each other," you hear the young mortal say a bit sadly, "I'm actually kinda jealous."

"Fret not Lady Jane," you say trying your best to assure her, "I am not the one that holds a torch for Prince Thor,"

Jane slightly cocks her head at your words while little did you know, Thor was staring hard at you, "Oh?"

"Indeed! Her name is Lady S--mmrrph!" your reply was cut short when Thor clapped a hand around your mouth.

"Do pardon us Jane, mother, but Lady __________, and I have a few things that we must discuss," he said with a growl as you could see his anger flare in those usually cool blue eyes of his; you began to dread the worst especially while he dragged you off to share those "few things".

Wiggling out of his grasp you glared at him, "What was that for?!"

"How dare you say such lies to Jane?"

"Lies? Forgive me if I'm wrong my Prince but isn't it quite obvious that Sif harbors romantic interests in you?"

Thor didn't say anything; ah, so he did know... you continued, "Perhaps it would be in everyone's best interests that you let the woman down easy and to avoid stringing her along so much."

"And what of you and Fandral?"

"What do you mean?"

"Is it not prudent to follow your own advice?" Where have you heard that before?

"My Prince," you give him an incredulous look, "I can assure you that there is nothing between the Swordsmith and I. And even if there was something it would be absolutely one sided."

"Then why does it upset you?"

"What makes you think I am upset?"

"You have this odd look on your face and simply because I know you too well." he gives you a knowing little smile.

"You think you have me all figured out?" you suddenly think of Loki who some time ago spoke those exact same words to you. Blushing slightly you straightened yourself and give him a pointed look, "Besides, you are being far too cheeky, m'lord,"

"Now you are being cruel..."

Thor hated when you called him "m'lord" he had mentioned long ago that by the manner of how you always addressed him as such, it had always sounded forced and slightly condescending.

"If we've quite finished then perhaps we should return to your mother and Lady Jane?"

"Aye, it would be most wise..." he agreed and followed you back to the two women who waited for you.

Time passes until you could hear a dull explosion from far away; suddenly flashbacks from three years ago began to flood your memory and you felt your stomach drop to the ground.

"The Prisons..." Queen Frigga spoke just as the four of you saw the rising white cloud eminating from the prison ward.

"Loki!"

"Go, we will look after her,"

You see the expression on Jane's face as she watched Thor fly off with Mjolnir in hand, "Amazing isn't he?" you whispered close to the young woman who turned to stare at you with wide eyes and flushed cheeks; she was adorable, it made you grin.

The three of you walked quickly into the large golden palace until you all met with Odin who was leading a squadron of guards whilst giving them orders.

"Odin!"

"Frigga!" he greeted her then looks to you then finally at Jane, "It's a skirmish, you have nothing to fear."

"You've never been a very good liar," Frigga smiled knowingly when the Allfather looks to you again.

"Take and secure the Queen and the girl to the Queen's chambers, I will come for them when it's safe."

"Understood my Lord," you answer with your fist over shoulder.

"Take care," Frigga places her hand lovingly upon her husband's shoulder.

"Despite all I have survived, my Queen still worries over me." he replied while caressing her cheek fondly before departing her side.

You smiled at their exchange, "It's only because I worry over you that you have survived," your smile breaks out into a full grin as you begin to escort the two women toward the Queen's chambers as Odin had suspected you to do, but you knew better the moment the three of you turned a corner.

While taking a long sword from behind one of the passing guards, the Queen began to whisper to both you and Lady Jane, "Listen to me now, I need you to do everything I ask, no questions,"

"Always my Lady," you say obediently with small nod of your head.

"Yes, ma'am," echoed Jane between the two of you.

“__________, you will take Jane to my chambers and guard her there, she will be safe with you.”

“Yes my Queen but what of you?” Despite her request at "no questions" you always questioned her and she knew that.

“I will be alright and keep the enemy at bay.”

“Are you certain that is wise my Queen? I can easily have Lady Jane secured and come back for—“

“No __________, that will not be necessary,” she interrupts you as well as dismisses you, you still didn’t feel right about leaving her alone and unguarded.

With a silent bow you quickly escort Lady Jane to the Queen’s chambers where you made sure the room was secured before turning to the mortal, “Lady Jane I will ask you to stay here until I return with Queen Frigga,”

“But isn’t that going against what she asked you to do?”

You glance over at her and smile kindly, “I love the Queen as dearly as I love my own mother, wouldn’t you do the same in order to ensure that she survives?”

Jane sat quietly in her chair and nods just as you were about to leave when Jane stops you again, “But how are you going to make sure she doesn’t see you?”

You smile and raise a finger to your lips just as you disappear; making yourself invisible you then hurry swiftly out of the room while locking the door behind you. Your feet quickly carry you to the main room where you had left the Queen; she had just gotten herself captured by the two creatures: the Dark Elf and his beastly horned minion.

"WITCH!" the Dark Elf growled and slowly walked toward her, "Where is the Aether?"

"I'll never tell you," she spoke defiantly and you suddenly developed a new admiration for your Queen.

"I believe you."

Just before the horned beast plunges his sword into the Queen did you rematerialize out of thin air from behind the beast, grab him by the horns and snap his neck. You watched as his arms go limp at his sides; dropping both the sword and the Queen to the floor, his knees buckled and he topples over onto his side dead. Your eyes then look up at the menacing dark elf who stares at you stoically as a slow and smug smile lifts your lips until the Dark Elf says something which causes the beast to rise to his feet once more.

Shit.

Taking the small dagger you carry on the side of your hip you hold it up defensively while with one hand you reach behind you to draw your sword and held it up while shielding your Queen from the dangers of the beast now approaching you.

The beast itself stares at you with demonic blue eyes until it draws back its large clawed hand to swipe at you but you hold your ground upon impact, bracing your feet and holding up both your sword and dagger against the heavy appendage.

Your arms begin to shake at the stoutness pressing its weight down upon you, until the beast growls and knocked both your sword and dagger out of your trembling hands. You gasp and try to reach for your weapons when the beast grabs you by the neck and lifts you up. You were choking and gagging and you could feel the clawed hand he had on you starting to burn at your skin like fire.

Right before you met with oblivion did you feel your sword back in your hand and you plunge the sharp bottom half of the hilt into the beast's right eye as hard as you could hoping to get him right before he killed you; the beast releases a pained howl and dropped you.

Coughing you get up once more until you hear a roar like shout followed by a bolt of lightning shooting over and strikes at the dark elf against his face. Thor came charging in along with Odin as the King rushes over to his Queen and the Prince runs after the Dark Elf who had been pushed back at the impact of the lightening and was bracing himself against the balcony.

The beast then forgets about you and heads for his master whom he grabbed and lifted as they both plunge over the edge of the stone balcony, you then watched as both figures fly away on their large ominous looking ship. Thor even went as far as throwing Mjolnir at them to try and knock them off their flying device but they had then vanished.

“Frigga, are you alright?” Odin asks while helping his wife to her feet, Frigga seemed winded though she was alright.

Thor turned to you, graciousness and admiration now shinned in his blue eyes, “Lady __________, I thank you for saving my mother’s life. Had you not been here she could have—“

You shake your head and grab at his shoulder, you then offer him a smile, “Best not think of unpleasant circumstances my Prince,” your voice rasped, your eyes widened at the sound you produced and you grabbed at your throat where you felt the burnt bits of skin and you stared up at him with alarm, “does it look bad?” you rasped once more then uncovered your hand from your neck.

You see Thor’s eyes scan at your skin then looked back up into your eyes and then offered you a smile, “Nothing that the Healers can’t easily mend, allow me to escort you to them, for it is the very least I can do.”

“__________?” Queen Frigga calls to you, “Where is Jane?”

“Lady Jane is safely secured in your chambers just as you requested my Queen.” You then turn to Thor and nod at him, “You should go to her my Prince, I will be alright I know where the Healing rooms are,” you turn and walk toward your King and Queen, bow to them properly and excuse yourself while heading to the Medical Wing.

~*~

"A word with Lady __________ if I may?" it had been some time later, after you had left Queen Frigga with King Odin when Thor comes to find you again.

"Yes of course Prince Thor," spoke the young Healing maiden who tended to you and leaves the two of you alone.

"How are you feeling?"

"It could have been a lot worst," you say, your throat sounded a lot worst than it felt yet the healing process was already starting especially with the tea that you were given to soothe your throat.

"Do your wounds still ache?"

"I will be alright, nothing a few days of this salve and some rest wouldn't do," you smiled at him to show that you were alright, however his eyes continued to linger at your throat, "What's the matter?"

"I know I would be asking you too much at this time my friend, but I am in need of your assistance and I know that you can be trusted,"

"Of course Thor, what is it that you need?" you rasp softly, your voice still under the healing affects.

As he began to fill you in on the details of his plan you suddenly wished that you had not say that you were feeling quickly on the mend. Oh no, of all the insane schemes that Thor had thought of in the past, this one took the whole cake.

You now had a lot of work to do and most of it was to make sure everything fell into place starting with the man you assisted in sending to prison; Loki.

It was shortly after this encounter that a ceremony to remember the dead that had fallen that very day commenced. Soldiers, prisoners and the like were given a proper farewell to the heavens, it was just as painfully beautiful as the one that was held for your brother and the soldiers that fell almost three years ago.

A little after the ceremony you were given the task to escort the Queen as well as Lady Jane to the Queen's chambers to watch other them dutifully, you knew that with this threat of not only the Aether falling into the wrong hands but that the Dark Elves threatened the life of the Queen of Asgard; the Allfather was furious.

Speaking of the King, he at the moment was in the throne room gathering intel with his most trusted discussing about the damage of the shields which had once surrounded the palace when needed be.

"We are still unable to restore the palace shields, our artillery cannot detect them. Even Heimdall cannot see them," Fandral spoke, explaining the excessive damage the enemy had brought upon the world eternal, "My King," the swordsmith nervously licked his lips, "We are but defenseless."

Heavy footfalls could be heard as Thor stood at the bottom step before the remains of where the once large golden throne resided, Odin looked upon his son, "So she is your prisoner now?"

"Leave us," the Allfather spoke while the warriors bowed before departing leaving both father and son alone.

"I do not wish to fight with you,"

"Nor I with you but I intend to pursue Malekith."

Odin slowly shook his head and began to walk the long way toward the doors of the throneroom, "We possess the Aether, Malekith will come to us."

"Yes and he will destroy us," Thor insisted, his feet falling after those of his father.

"You overestimate these creatures powers."

"No," Thor argued, "I value our people's lives."

At that Odin stopped and Thor continued on, "I will take Jane to the Dark World and draw the enemy away from Asgard. When Malekith pulls the Aether away from Jane it will be exposed and vulnerable! Then I will destroy it and him."

"And if you fail," Odin turns toward his son, "you risk this weapon falling into the hands of our enemies. The risk is far greater than if we do nothing."

"But his ship could be over us right now and we would never even know it!"

"And if he comes his men will fall on 10,000 Asgardian blades."

"And how many of our men shall fall on theirs?!"

"AS MANY AS NEEDED!"

Thor stared at his father in disbelief while Odin sighs unable to bear the look his son was giving him, "We will fight!" the Allfather continued, "Till the last Asgardian breath, till the last drop of Asgardian blood."

"Then how are you different from Malekith?"

Odin chucked, "The difference my son, is that I will win!" Thor watches his father depart while he now became more than determined to fall through with his own plan all he needed was to enlist a little more help.

~*~

The two of you headed quickly toward Loki's cell moments after the conversation between the six of you which had been also after Thor came to collect you to fill you in on what was needed to be done. Jane would be brought to you both later. Frigga, not having known of Odin's plans had been more than willingly helpful in distracting him for what Thor had in mind.

You however, had that feeling somewhere deep inside your soul that something momentus was going to happen.

>>>

"What I'm about to ask of you is treason of the highest order. Success will bring us exile and failure shall mean death. Malekith knew the Aether was here, he could sense its power. Is we do nothing he will come for it again but this time he will lay waste to Asgard. So we must move Jane off-world."

There were six of you in the room; Thor, Sif, Fandral, Volstagg, Heimdall and yourself; Thor had been explaining the earlier encounter with the King and what he had planned if and when Malekith would return for the Aether, "The Bifrost has been shut down and the Tesseract locked away in the vault," he continued cautiously while looking upon each of his most trusted allies, you knew what he was going to say, after all he had approached you first, "There are other paths off Asgard. Ways only known to a few. One Actually."

You saw the look in Volstagg's eyes as he realized to whom the Prince had been referring to, "No."

You shifted uncomfortably and let out a small sigh, you then felt four pairs of eyes on you, "You mean you knew?"

"It's only obvious to whom Thor is referring to," you rolled your eyes and crossed your arms over your chest.

"You know he can't be trusted."

"Yes I know," Thor nodded solemnly, his hands folded over the table.

"Which is why I will be going with him to collect Loki," you say to which you could see the manner of how Fandral looked at you.

"He will betray you," the Swordsmith was ever so kind to point out.

"He will try."

"Well what then? Your lovely mortal is being guarded by a legion of Einherjar who will see you coming from miles away."

"Actually," you interrupted, "she's not, it only appears that way."

"You don't mean--"

"I won't be the one who comes for her, she will be brought to me." Thor now turns to look at Sif who's eyes widened when silently given the task to collect Jane for him.

"And what of the Allfather?" Heindal inquired, "It is my sworn duty to notify him of crimes against the throne."

"Then you will inform him of said crimes and stop him however you can."

"Assuming you can get Loki's help, and you can free this mortal what good will it do? We'll all be dead the minute we step one foot outside the palace."

"That my friend, is why we won't be leaving by foot."

>>>

"Thor, after all this time and now you come to visit me, why?"

Both you and Thor said nothing, your eyes and the top half of your face were hidden under your hood, all you could see were Loki's legs and feet.

"Have you come to gloat?" the Trickster hissed, "To mock?"

"Loki enough," Thor spoke gently, you knew how hard this was going to be not only to convince Loki to help him but that this was the first time he had ever come to see him trapped behind four walls, "No more illusions."

Although you and Loki had been physically apart for so long since his return, you felt the gentle bristle of his magic while he dropped the illusion he had earlier projected. Looking up you see him as well as the mess that now cascaded all around his cell. Papers scattered, furniture overturned, some of the dinner you had delivered to him on your behalf was spilled all over the floor; he was like a subdued wild creature who had earlier thrashed about until he was satisfied with the distruction around him.

"Now you see me brother," his voice sounded so tired, your heart ached at the sound, "Is she alright?"

Thor looks over at you and you to he when he spoke, "She's mother, what would you expect from her? __________, guarded her very well," You smiled at his words then he continued, "I've come to offer the chance of a far richer sacrament,"

"...go on."

"I know you seek retaliation as much as I do, you help me escape Asgard and I will grant it to you. Vengeance and afterward this cell."

There was silence for a moment when you hear the small stifling arrogant little chuckle you once adored hearing, "You must truly be desperate to come to me for help. What makes you think you can trust me?"

"I don't but Mother does. Then again she isn't the only one." Your reaction was instant the moment you turn your attention to him and you saw the tiniest smirk on his lips, "But you should know that when we fought each other in the past, I did so with a glimmer of hope that my brother was still in there somewhere. That hope no longer exists to protect you. You betray be and I will kill you."

You now look to Loki who then shifted his attention toward you, "And you've been awfully quiet this whole time, haven't you anything to say on this?"

You shake your head silently before answering, "Your brother's wrong, I don't trust you." you rasp, your voice still wasn't back to normal just yet, perhaps in a few more hours it would be.

You could then see by Loki's reaction that he had noticed the change in your voice, he looks back to Thor again, "When do we start?"

The moment you and Thor break Loki out of his cell you kept to the back while Loki and Thor hurried down the hall in the front.

"This is so unlike you brother!" Loki spoke gleefully while keeping up with Thor's large steps, "So clandestine! Are you sure you wouldn't rather just punch your way out?"

"If you keep speaking I just might."

"Fine," Loki spoke while sounding civil, "as you wish, I'm not even here."

You see him transform into one of the royal guard and you couldn't help but roll your eyes at his showing off, "Is this better?" he asked Thor then looked over his shoulder at you when you turn your gaze away and looked behind you to make sure you weren't being followed.

"It's better company at least," Thor replied, you smirked because that would be a very Thor-like answer to anything Loki antic related.

"Still, we could be less conspicuous..." the younger suggested as another flash of green light rebounded the hall and you look to see Lady Sif next to Loki, "Mmm, brother, you look ravishing."

There was no way that it was-- "It will hurt no less when I kill you in this form." Yep, that was Thor alright, oh dear...

"Very well," Loki continued to taunt him, "Perhaps you prefer one of your new companions, given you seem to like them so much."

Yet another flash of green light surrounded the two brothers and suddenly Steve Rogers, or at least a doppelgänger of him walked besides the blond Thunderer, "Oh this is much better!"

You couldn't help yourself as your eyes landed to the seat of those blue cladded trousers, though the real Steve Rogers' arse was much more fuller than the one currently walking away, "Ooh, the costume's a bit much," Good Lord, he even sounded like him, "it's so tight! But the confidence...I can feel a righteousness surging!"

Thor turns to look at you and as you both made eye contact, you fought to suppress a laugh, your face hot with embarrassment at getting caught looking at the other man and you shrug helplessly; Loki however continued talking, "Hey do you want to have a rousing discussion about truth?" you face palmed, "Honor? Patriotism? God bless Ameri--"

Thor could no longer hold back his irritation when he grabs Loki by the back of his neck and smothers his mouth with Thor's other palm then presses him against a pillar.

"What?"

"Shhh, shut your hole," you rasp at him again when you noticed that Loki was staring at your neck.

"What's that?"

"None of your concern," you insisted and watched with Thor as two sentry guards passed by together down the corridor, "but if you must know it's a small price to pay to be the Queen's personal guard." He said nothing until you felt a hand pull aside the bottom half of your hood to reveal your healing wounds.

Loki gingerly touches at the puckered flesh under your hood, “The beast will pay for what he has done to you, I will make sure of that,” a part of you wanted so badly to believe him, then again he wasn’t considered the god of lies for nothing and after everything that has happened between the two of you in the more recent years how could you?

You snort and move away from his touch, “Don’t be stupid,” you retaliate and stand closer to Thor, “If anyone is going to slay the beast, it will be me.”

"Brother, you could at least furnish me with a weapon. My dagger, something." At least the idiot knew how to change the subject.

You roll your eyes as the two brothers look to each other when Thor retrieves something from on his person to give to Loki, "At last, a little common sense," the trickster smiled until you hear a small resounding click like a lock.

Looking at Loki anew, you couldn't help the slow grin that blossomed onto your face and especially when the brunet before you lifts his arms up just as the magical suppression cuffs lock into place once more.

"And I thought you liked tricks," Thor grinned and looked to you for approval which you did.

"You're terrible," you chuckled and looked up to meet with Loki's eyes, “Though personally, I rather like them,” you grin smugly then you walked to catch up with Thor who had already gone ahead.

Once the three of you reached the meeting point where Sif and Jane would be waiting, you all had just arrived when both women in question came walking quickly. You noticed how Jane's attention quickly locked in on the tall brunet next to you.

"You're..." she said pointing at Loki and continued walking right up to him.

"I'm Loki, you may have heard of m--"

CRACK!

Jane punched him as hard as she could, "That was for New York!"

"Oh I like her..." Loki smiled sardonically at his brother.

You couldn't help yourself while you looked away to stop from laughing any further than the snort that passed through your nose, "Sorry I had to sneeze..." you lied.

"There they are, take them!" called the commanding officer of his troupe, "On my command!"

"I'll hold them off, take her," you watched as Sif and Thor exchanged quick farewells then turns to you all and takes Jane by the hand leading her off you soon follow behind them when you heard the sound of an unsheathed sword.

"Betray him and I'll kill you."

"It's good to see you too Sif."

Sif then withdraws her blade from over his throat allowing him to pass and walked quickly next to you until the four of you reached the second meeting point where Volstagg stood before the large Dark Elf plane.

"I will give you as much time as I can."

"Thank you my friend."

Jane gave the large ginger man a silent grateful nod, as did you along with a a gentle pat on his shoulder. As for Loki however, you could feel the power in that arm that stopped the Trickster from moving any further.

"If you even think about betraying him..." Volstagg started to threaten when Loki looks at him and says, "You'll kill me? Evidently, there will be a line."

The four of you had just entered the ship when Loki turns to look at you again, "And how about you __________? Are you not going to inanely threaten me as well like the others?"

"Why should I?" you asked with a nonchalant shrug, "Everyone knows that I will be in front of the line." You heard the soft little scoff behind your back as Loki now turned his attention to Thor who ws at the moment, pressing every button on the ship. Perhaps the golden Prince had been hoping that one of those so called buttons would start the ship to life.

"I thought you said you knew how to fly this thing?"

"No... what I said was, 'How hard can it be?'"

Suddenly there were sounds of a battle coming from outside of the ship, "Thor, I don't mean to pressure you--" you say, your hand itching to get to your sword in the case Volstagg had fallen.

"Well whatever you're doing brother, I suggest you go faster."

"Shut up Loki."

You heard the exasperated sigh coming from the Trickster while the small click clacks of Thor's frantick button pushing echoed in the small space of the ship.

"You must have missed something..." Loki murmurs sounding a little bored.

"No I didn't, I am pressing every button on this thing."

"No, no don't hit it, just press it gently."

"I AM pressing it gently and it's not working!" just as Thor finished touching every last button he could find, the ship went dark followed by the glowing blue lights that now begin to surround you.

You couldn't help but laugh at them. It had seemed as though they were truly brothers once again and that the three years between them had not happened at all, there was still hope yet and it warmed your heart gratefully.

At last Thor must have pressed every button just as he said for the ship began to rumble and start up sluggishly. It seemed however that Thor was having some difficulty pushing forward for you could feel the slight spinning from the ship as well as the turbulent impact of the tall pillars of the hall crumbling all around the outside.

"I think you missed a column." Loki commentated knowingly at his brother.

"Shut up!"

Thor had pressed another button which caused you to lose your balance and you surge forward, landing onto the floor with a surprised grunt, you then quickly get back up and held on tightly to a part of the plane.

"Look why don't you let me take over?"

"Is that right? Well out of the two of us which one can actually fly?"

"Well actually," you interjected while holding onto a jagged side of the plane, "there are three of us and I've flown as well. In fact I can grow my own wings to do it."

Just as you all clip another building with the plane did Jane collapse to the floor.

"Oh dear... is she dead?"

"Jane!"

"I'm fine..." Jane spoke weakly and waves a frail looking hand at them.

The plane then shakes violently while the lights blinked red signaling that you were not only being pursued but also being shot at.

"Now they're following us and firing at us!"

"Yes thank you for the commentary Loki, it's not at all distracting!"

"Pity neither one of you can hit that button and make this ship disappear!" you shout over the noise while another spectacular sounding crash was made outside.

"Well done... you've just decapitated your grandfather."

You all narrowly continue to escape when it was evident that the plane was no longer stable and that the sentries would not give up until the ship was obliterated.

"Well this is wonderful, this is a tremendous idea. Let's steal the biggest, most obvious ship in the universe and escape in that! Flying around the city, smashing everything in sight so that everyone can see us! IT'S BRILLIANT THOR! IT'S TRULY BRILLIANT!"

Just then Thor pushes Loki out the side of the now exposed exit. You could hear Loki's alarmed yell the moment he was shoved out of sight.

"Oh... you said I could do it," you pout at Thor just before you dive out and land swiftly on the boat that Fandral was flying.

"Lady __________! How wonderful that you could join us. For a moment I thought there were angels falling from heaven!"

"You've stroked my ego far too much Swordsmith," you say while you stood up to make room for Jane and Thor who landed a short moment later.

"I'm guessing that's not all I can stroke of yours my Lady,"

You make a disgusted sound and as you turned to glare at him you see Loki glaring at Fandral as well, was he jealous? Oh this bodes well, "Don't act too familiar with me Fandral," you continued cheekily.

"What I mean to say is that I could stroke your hair, or your cheeks," those lustful blue eyes of his lowered down your body, "there are also your thighs or even those twin voluptuous ample bre--"

"Alright that's enough!" you felt your face burn with embarrassment and look away from the two men in the back of the boat.

Thor gave you a knowing smile to which you retaliated with irritation in your voice, "Oh don't give me that look," you snap at him and look away still embarrassed; the Dark Elf ship flew over your heads as well as a few long boats firing at the ship as well.

"You lied to me!" Loki stood to confront Thor, who turned to look at him the moment after he settled Jane on the longboat, "I'm rather impressed..."

"I'm glad you're pleased."

"Now as promised, take us to your secret pathway."

Things were going well, until there was a long boat following and shooting at you.

"Fandral," Thor said as you turned to look at the other blond man who had already grabbed the fastened rope.

"For Asgard!" he called over the wind and just before he swung down he looks at you and gives you a wink; you roll your eyes, the showoff.

Fandral was able to subdue the ship following you all as you headed toward the large mountain peak, "Loki..." Thor called from over his shoulder to his brother who seemed far too happy for your liking.

"If it were easy, everyone would do it."

"Are you mad?!"

"Possibly!"

"Hold onto something sturdy!" You shout while Jane was pressed to the floor, Thor was covering her and holding onto the sides of the boat while you held on near the top to where Loki had been steering.

The sides of the boat began to glow and you were shot through the portal with an impressive rainbow colored explosion. A heavy dusk surrounded your long boat as you all crashed through into the Dark world, "Ta-da!" You hear Loki's sardonic an noumena that you had all made it safe and in one peace. The only thing now was to wait for Malekith.

Loki continued steering slowly at the stern, with Thor settling Jane comfortably at the bow and you sat on the starboard side looking out upon the vast dimness of the world before you while it was Loki who broke the sudden silence.

"What I could do with the power that flows through those veins..."

"Oh, don't start that up again." You rolled your eyes and groaned.

"It would consume you." Replied Thor who sounded just as annoyed as you did.

"She's holding up alright."

"For now, she's strong in ways you'd never even know."

"Then say good bye."

"Not this day."

"This day, the next, a hundred years; it's nothing. It's a heartbeat. You'll never be ready. The only woman who's heart you've prized will be snatched from you."

You listened to his words and they suddenly stroke a cord in you, yet you say nothing nor did you turn your attention toward him.

"And will that satisfy you?"

"Satisfaction is not in my nature."

"Surrender is not in mine."

"The son of Odin."

"No, no just of Odin. You think you alone are loved by mother? You may have her tricks but I have her trust."

"Trust? Do you truly think so? Trust? When she was nearly killed?"

"What help were you in your cell?"

"Who put me there?!"

"You know damn well! YOU KNOW DAMN WELL WHO!"

"Boys!" you say dangerously from your spot on the boat, "do not make me get up and break you apart,"

"...she wouldn't want us to fight."

"Well she wouldn't exactly be shocked."

"I wish I could trust you."

"Trust my rage."

~*~

What felt like several hours you saw how Jane had stirred awake and rose to look up over the edge of the boat,

"Jane?" Thor inquired as he stood by in case she was in any immediate danger.

"...Malekith." Jane had whispered and stared straight ahead toward a large mountain where the Dark Elf must have been quickly approaching them.

Loki managed to land the boat as you all climbed out and headed toward the mountain top to find that indeed the small group of the creatures had been approaching and awaiting all of you.

"Are you alright?" Thor addressed you as well as Loki, Jane had been behind the three of you.

"I'm ready," replied Loki with a small nod.

"As am I." You say, your voice finally returning to normal.

"You know this plan of yours is going to get us killed."

"Yes, possibly..."

Loki now turns to Thor and held up his wrists so that Thor could remove the cuffs, Thor however looked at the cuffs cautiously.

"...you still don't trust me brother?" Loki smiled arrogantly and raised an eyebrow.

"Would you?" Thor asked and finally released Loki from his magically suppressed cuffs, Loki rubbed his wrists one right after the other.

"No, I wouldn't." He spoke and seemed to inflict some sort of damage into Thor's side which caused the taller Prince to stagger over and then Loki pushed him down so that Thor rolled down that steep dusty hill.

"Loki no!" you shouted and you slide down after them.

"Thor!"

"You really think I care for Frigga? About any of you?" Loki sneered while continuing to kick Thor who rolled and curled onto his side, "All I ever wanted was for you and Odin dead at my feet."

Following after the pair, you rose to your feet and ran toward them, "What are you doing?! Stop!"

"Know your place woman!" Loki sneered and grabs at your neck then lifts you high off the ground, you then grabbed at his wrist which you began to beat at for him to release you.

> you hear his voice in your head and although he glares at you fiercely, the voice you heard was that of the warmth and kindness you knew from years ago.

Relaxing your body against his hold you say in your best monotone voice, "Yes... my Lord..."

As much as you wanted to assist Thor to his feet you stood by while he extended his hand to call out Mjolnir. Just as the hammer's hilt was inches away from his grasp did Loki sever that hand with a swift flick of his wrist.

Thor releases a howl of pain then curls onto his side while cradling the bleeding stump. Just then Loki grabs Jane up by the arm and holds her tightly, "Malekith! I am Loki of Jotunheim and I bring you a gift!" he then throws Jane down at his feet, "I ask only one thing in return, a good seat from which to watch Asgard burn." you stood by just as the Horned Beast looks at Loki before saying something to the Dark Elf, to which Malekith turns his full attention down at Thor. He walks over to the fallen Prince menacingly, "Look at me."

Just as Thor refuses, Malekith raises his hand over to Jane who rose in midair, the crimson powder of the Aether began to filter itself from her body until it was at last eradicated from her.

"LOKI, __________ NOW!"

Jumping into action you raised your hands over both Jane and Loki in order to create a magical barrier almost like the one that surrounded Loki's cell. It wasn't as powerful as the golden one but it was still strong enough to protect you three from the debris.

Though it had seemed that even the power of Mjolnir could not destroy a weapon as powerful as the Aether. The small red crystal like shards rose from the ground and traveled into it's sinister Master. A new glow shone in Malekith's eyes while the dark elves began to retreat for their ship, the horned beast from earlier gripped a stone like object and tossed it into your direction when Loki pushes Jane toward you as a dark hole appeared from where the stone had been tossed.

"LOKI!" You screamed and you reached one of your hands up toward his, Jane was safely tucked under your arm.

Thor seemed to have flown from out of nowhere when he rescued Loki from being sucked in. A wave of relief washed over you and you take Jane somewhere safe for the time being. A moment later Loki had been surrounded by more of those masked elves while Thor was currently battling with the horned beast. Seeing as how Loki had begun to disband the troupe around him easily with his daggers and magic, you decided to help Thor in bringing down the beast. You had arrived while the beast had raised a large boulder over his head, preparing to toss it at Thor who had been currently knocked onto the side of a mountain.

Using your magic, you were able to slow the beast down but you were finding it difficult in doing so, for your own magic wasn't as strong as you would have liked it to have been. The pressure was beginning to take a toll on your body as you continued to will the boulder to fall down on top of the beast as to crush him.

"Come on..." You strained, "COME ON!" The rock crumbled and fell to bits all around him, his attention now focused on you while you panted and reach one hand behind you to grab the hilt of your sword, your other hand reached for your dagger which rested near your hip.

Between both you and Thor the two of you were a match for the best until he hits you across the face with one punch which sends you flying and you crash near a pile of large dark rock.

"Are you alright? Can you stand?" Loki was there to help you up when you get up on your own.

"I'm fine go help Thor!"

Now that there were three of you fighting with the beast, Loki had caught him by surprise and stabs him with a spear; the sharp jagged point protruded from the center of the beast's chest when he stared at Loki stoically before he grabbed him and crushed him against his chest. The pointed end of the spear had also stabbed Loki in the process.

"NO!" Both you and Thor cry as you watched Loki crumble to the ground, a look of proud defiance still on his pained face.

"See you in hell monster."

You couldn't hear the sickening crack and crunching of the monster caving in on himself, all you felt was your stomach hitting the ground the moment Loki touched at his midsection and the dark blood stained his hand. The image of the monster plunging the blade into Loki kept replaying over and over into your head until you found yourself kneeling at his side; you were almost too afraid to touch or move him.

"You fool you didn't listen!" Thor chastised him gently.

"I'm a fool, I'm a fool." Loki agreed with a frantic nod.

“Loki, you can’t keep doing this to me! I won't let you, I will not lose you again!” you sob, the tears roll freely down your cheeks as he turned to look at you.

Placing one of your hands on his cheek the other you smooth at his hair starting from his temple he only manages a tiny smile, “We were supposed to be—I have so many—“ you couldn’t even think until you hear him say the words to you as well.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry __________, for everything.”

“Shhh, stop talking. I’m going to get you back home, you’ll be alright, I promise.” You smile encouragingly at him and lower your face towards his, your foreheads press together.

“It wasn’t,” you feel him shiver and you open your eyes to look into his own glass looking ones which were staring into your own, “it wasn’t worth losing you. None of it.”

You chuckle sob and gently rub your thumbs over his cheek bones, “Why are you starting to make sense now?” you ask rhetorically, “Idiot.”

You feel him shiver against you and you shush him quietly while whispering more words of encouragement. Yet there was something in your heart that dreaded that he wouldn't make it and it forced you to tell him exactly how you felt; that even though you were still angry with him, he would always have a place in your heart.

“I forgive you,” you sniffle and bite at your lips, “I forgive you because I love you, I will always love you, Loki.”

"I'll also tell father what you did."

"I didn't do it for him." You see tears in his eyes as he gave you both one last shaken smile before he closed his eyes and finally lets go.

"No!" Thor shouts on Loki's other side while you held his now lifeless body tightly, your tears wouldn't stop until you finally look up at Thor.

“Go on Thor, I will take his body back to your Mother and Father.”

"Lady __________, are you certain you can do that?"

"Of course I am!" you nod while you continued holding Loki's still body, "Prince Thor, do not let his sacrifice go in vain, stop Malekith and restore peace throughout the realms."

"I apologize for this burden that has befallen you __________..."

"It is not a burden my Prince, we all have our place and our duties, this one just so happens to be mine..." you find yourself saying and you look down at Loki's body who's skin had turned a grayish blue tint, your hand reaches up to run your fingers through his still soft hair.

Without another word Thor takes Jane back to the cave and out of the now swelling sand storm. The moment you stand you outstretched your hands over the body to conjure up a stretcher when you hear a voice from behind you.

“Did you mean what you said?”

Your eyes widen and you turn slightly to see Loki standing there alive and well, not a scratch on him. You turn to look at the dead Loki lying on the ground to see that he disappeared with a lingering powdered green and golden residue. Turning back to face him, you then walk over to him slowly.

“Why did you--?”

“Fake my death?” he smirks and shrugs his shoulders, “I find that my brother fights at his best when properly motivated. By the way, lovely words of encouragement my dear, 'Do not let his sacrifice go in vain, stop Malekith and restore peace throughout the realms.'" he spoke in your voice while grinning, "brava!” he then spoke in his own voice again.

“But he thinks you’re dead! What do you think he’s going to do when he finds that you are not?”

“I’ll tell him that you saved my life; that I wasn’t actually dead, simply unconscious and that when you took me to the Healing Ward they found that I was still alive and they managed to revive me. Simple.”

You only stared at him, to which Loki raises his hands and says, “Ta-da!”

The moment he said that you aimed a punch directly for his face, “Idiot! Charlatan! Faker! Phony! Arrogant cheeseprick arsehat!” with each insult you gave him you continued to hit and punch at every part of his body above the belt.

He laughs at your insults and finally holds your hands away from hitting him further, “This feels just like the old days when you loved me.”

You stop and stared hard at him, “Come on you fool let’s go home and clean up this Dark Elf mess.” Pulling away from him you began to walk toward the spot you were you had all appeared while on the long boat.

“You never answered my question, did you mean what you said?”

“I meant it only because I thought you were dying but now since that is no longer the case I take it back. You’re still on punishment, I’m still angry and I still loathe you.”

“Where are you going?” he calls from behind you as you trudge through the sudden dark sand storm toward the flying boat.

“I’m trying to find a way out of here! Now that you’ve finished playing dead perhaps you can make yourself useful and help me figure out a way home!” you shout until you stop and turned to glare at him, "I can't believe you got me again!"

"What do you mean?" he asked innocently... innocent my ass.

"I was practically preparing a speech for your parents the moment I would arrive back with your body. It's not as if I could look at them in the eyes and say, 'Thor was wrong, the Dark Elves have the Aether and by the way Loki is dead, that's his body on the stretcher!'"

"I'm sure with your eloquence for words you would have thought of something, since it is quite obvious that you now hold my mother's ear so tentatively."

"And just what do you mean by that?"

"Ever since my so call demise from Asgard three years ago, you have become quite attached to the Allmother, do you deny it?"

"I do not deny that we have developed a bond over the last few years, I love her as if she were my own mother, just as you love her as if she were your very own."

Loki stared at you as though he was fighting with himself to believe you or not, "I suppose you do then again you've always been such a good girl always doing as you're told. Obeying every wish an command of the hypocritical aristocracy."

You rolled your eyes at his words, "I am fairly certain that if you were King you would be expecting the same loyalty from not only myself but all of Asgard."

"At least I would have made a better ruler than someone who had kept a dirty secret within the walls of the palace for so long and is still keeping it though now said dirty secret is being hidden in the dungeons."

"Loki, I can not speak for the actions of the Allfather but simply speculate that perhaps he thought he was doing his best as a father, just as all fathers do when it comes to their children."

"He is not my fath--!"

"Perhaps not by blood but he sure as well kept you!" you stop and held your ground while staring up at those ocean colored eyes, "He wanted you when your own people abandoned you simply because you were too small and too weak in their eyes but perhaps Odin saw the potential that they could not. You truly are a powerful being Loki, the only one who never truly believed he was good enough was yourself."

"I am sure that if the Allfather had heard you now you would be expecting--"

You quickly turn to face him, "Never assume that you know me now Loki. I meant what I said when I first visited you in your cell: knowing this version of you has changed me. I will not be fooled into your charming promises and clever schemes because they will only lead to misery and distruction."

"I'm most certain that you would not be speaking this way to me if I were King,"

"Loki, it was never your title or your status that I was after, all I ever wanted was you. This trickster persona of yours is only half of who you really are, in my mind you're still that young boy who scraped his knee and was too proud to cry even though he wanted to."

"If you expect me to be that same little boy then I'm afraid you're disillusioning yourself, darling. Know that I am what I am, not half or part, but whole. I would expect if you make a statement like that you would understand my displeasure with you painting me as but two sides of a coin. I'm complex, far more so than anyone, or you for that matter at this moment, might understand."

You snorted at his remark before you had the chance to stop yourself, "Complex?" you chuckled and shake your head, "There is nothing complex about you if you truly believe in what you just said in regards of your whole nature. With that in mind I am beginning to think that perhaps you are starting to believe in your own lies, which in my opinion, makes you a genuine fool."

"You are insulting me madam, don't you know who I am?"

"I have yet to decide between a complex liar and a genuine fool."

You feel him grabbing you by the arm and he turns you around so quickly that all you could see were a set of the most terrifyingly brilliant sea colored eyes, you gulp softly, "How did it all come down to this, you and me?"

"Now who is insulting who?" it had been ages since you were this close to him and you could feel the rapid beat of your heart and the heat rising to your cheeks; you pull yourself away from him and continued to walk, "If you can't figure it out on your own then there is no way I am going to tell you the answer!"

After several more rounds of bickering between the two of you, the both of you had arrived back to Asgard while everything was starting to fall into place. Upon the moment you walked into the throne room to give the King your report, you had seen the look of disappointment in both his eyes and that of the Allmother once you had finished speaking. It was obvious that there was the issue of treason in regards to the manner of how you all departed but you knew that you would be pardoned, after all you were not the only one who had to pay for the same crime.

Loki's body was taken to the Healing ward almost in a similar fashion as to how Viggo's was when you walked in demanding to see his remains, however one of the women exclaimed that she felt the soft pulse of life within the Prince's body and demanded to her other handmaidens to rush the young man into a warming room to revive him. When word had reached the Allmother she had quickly dashed toward the healing chambers to see that indeed her second son was still alive. Now that, that was taken care of the only thing you could do is to stand by while Thor and his mortal woman finished the task of ridding the universe of the Dark Elves.

You watched the skies while the different worlds bled together; it was both an amazing sight to behold yet also quite terrifying. Your anxiety in wanting to help spiked while the frustration you felt soon after only furthered your need to do something to occupy your time.

You had not wanted to see Loki in the healing ward, knowing that he was alright it was simply a ruse to make the people as well as the King and Queen believe that he had fallen on the battlefield.

Then it was finally over, the realms were safe once again and you felt as though a heavy burden was lifted from over your shoulders. You had then decided to retreat to your room and enjoy a long hot soak when you turned a corner to find the Warriors Three along with Lady Sif who all seemed to be in light but jovial conversation; then something hits you the moment to see the smile on the SwordSmith's face.

"I don't care anymore," you find yourself saying while walking up to Fandral who turned to see you walking toward him and he smiles expectantly, "I don't." Reaching out to him once he was at arm's reach you pull him into you and you press your lips over his, your eyes shutting slowly while you begin to pour everything you felt in your heart into that kiss.

Fandral must have know something was going on for he didn't stop you nor did he response to your embrace until you pull back to look into his eyes, you were desperate for him to understand what it was you needed.

"Come on," he said and takes your hand in his then leads you away from the hallway where Volstagg catcalls at your retreating forms; yet you still didn't care.

The moment the two of you were alone did he pull you in to reciprocate your earlier embrace, you felt as though your breath were taken away until you pull away from him; his lips now lavishing your neck and pulse with attention, it sent shivers up your spine.

"I'm tired of waiting and I need your help to forget. Please Fandral, help me forget." you murmur huskily, your fingers grip at the back of his golden locks.

"...If that is what you want my Lady." he replied while removing your armor followed by his own.

"Yes, it is."

…

Notes

A/N: So FINALLY I finished this chapter, it took what felt like forever to finish but it's finally done. I had to watch Thor: The Dark World like a million times so I can get inspiration to finish this chapter and a fair warning this chapter is LONG and I do mean long, it's like 12K words which for me that many words in ONE chapter? Damn.

Anyway hope you enjoy! :)

1] Can I Have This Kiss Forever - Enrique Iglesias & Whitney Houston

[2] Bad Company - Five Finger Death Punch