I'll admit I'm a bit discouraged at the lack of response to this story. Which means I've done something wrong. With very few story alerts (thank you to those who have) and no reviews, I've contemplated just ending it here. But then YingYang reviewed and holy platypus, I think I'm going to finish this story no matter what it takes. Thank you so much for your lovely review and I think I realized for the first time how important fans are. True fans who read multiple pieces. That just warms my heart that you've started reading this one. Thank you! And hey, maybe this is that one idea/story that just isn't popular and not going to amount much attention. It happens to every writer. Regardless, I do have an idea for this story and I only hope you continue tuning in to hear it.


Chapter 2 - Paranoid Android

As I fell further away from my surroundings, the veins within my body slowed their throbbing. My breaths skipped out in a silent melody. Even my heart offered up a passive pace.

With eyes closed, a vision spread out before me.

Darkness. Pitch, black, shadow-infested, the one your mother warned you about, type of darkness.

And just when I was ready to open up again, afraid the long distance wouldn't work, a voice initiated the first speech.

"What worries you?"

Shuddering at the enigmatic intensity of the voice, I shifted in my seated form.

"I fear I may have said too much," I admitted, the slightest of worry entering me. "We are sworn to secrecy. I know the consequences of our existence to the other realms. Have I said too much?"

"You know my answer to this. Your revealment to the other realms is not my decision. It is yours. When the time is right, the other realms will know you."

"But I don't want to be solely responsible for revealing our race. Especially when others are so adamantly against it. I need to keep this a secret."

"Do you wish for other realms to know of your existence?"

I tried not to seem surprised by the question, but as always, the universe asked of me things I rarely could answer properly.

"I do not feel like it can be beneficial. I think of all the wars I've prevented and the beings who led them. If they were aware of a realm dedicated to keeping the peace, their blood lust would be unquenchable. This would put all of us at risk. We are not warriors. We are not clever with weapons or trickery. All we are lies in the strength of knowledge and physical beauty. And even I find myself lacking in these departments. There is no possible way we could fend off an attack."

A long silence stretched over the air, the darkness seeming to blanket even the brightness of the apartment.

"You are far stronger than you can imagine. Believe in this and your decisions will be clear."

And even though I felt the presence seep away, there was a need to reel it back in. Demand what it meant by the words.

"Wait!"

This time, I said this out loud as opposed to telepathically.

The essence continued to retreat until not even my final pleads could usher it back.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Now who is that you are talking to?"

The sudden voice was so unexpected it forced a squeal from between my lips.

When the noise passed, my eyes flashed open just to see Loki, brother to Thor.

He leaned gracefully against the manila sofa I'd often sleep on, arms crossed. The ferocious green in his eyes, like a planet of eternal wilderness and jungle, stayed on my every movement. And yet, I could not find it in me to feel panicked. By far, Loki was not the worst being I've faced.

"Buddha," I answered simply, rolling back my shoulders with a calm smile. "I meditate three times a day. It helps keep the zen."

His disbelief was evident.

"Your knowledge would make some assume you are actually mortal," he pointed out after a minute of tense staring. "Certainly have studied this race enough. Tell me, what are you?"

"Um...human."

"Try again."

"Paranoid android?"

"Android?"

"Don't forge the paranoid part," I reminded, studying the pacing God.

His eyes did a slow crawl over my seated form.

"Of what realm?" he demanded.

"Knowing won't help you get your staff back."

"I do not want it."

I felt my eyebrows spring up in surprise.

"You don't want your weapon back?" I questioned indignantly.

"It is but one of many I have in my possession. I only wished to add that your death will be swift if you hand it over now."

"Oh."

This had me thinking for a moment.

"No."

Then again, another ponder.

"So, do your worst."

And perhaps my words weren't worded the greatest.

A sly grin befell his features and suddenly, I felt like I'd challenged him in some way.

"I do hope you remember those words in the coming days."

For a moment, I hesitated. Did I really just endanger the people I was meant to keep out of harm's way?

"I know you want your staff back," I tried. "You'd be foolish to leave it in the hands of another after taking such accurate measures to create it. Really a fantastic job, I've got to mention. But, you're not getting it back until you make peace with your brother."

"He is not my real brother," the God spat.

"No," I agreed, lifting myself to a standing position, "but you two have gone through enough to where that shouldn't matter. Honestly, this is probably why humans don't worship Gods anymore. Your jealousy and greed outweighs even their own. A human's God is meant to be pure and forgiving. Not cynical and merciless."

His anger shifted into a pensive frown.

"My warning will not be repeated. Give me back what is mine."

Sighing, I couldn't help but feel a bit giddy. I don't know why. The God very obviously intended to kill me.

"As of now, your and Thor's weapon are at an undisclosed location. And they will remain there until, well...you know the rest."

Just before the sentence was completed, Loki vanished into the air again. I guessed it was his astral projection, or perhaps his manipulation of illusions. Asgard was known for holding some talented sorcerers. It wasn't unlikely he'd probably learned a few talents.

Although, his sudden disappearances gave off the impression he was a tad bit bipolar. And didn't enjoy handling confrontations.

What I didn't expect, however, was the sudden appearance of the man behind me. Or the iron arm wrapping around my throat and dragging me back into his body with a soft thud, vibrations bouncing off his armor.

Which is exactly what happened and made me displace a severely unattractive BLEH! from my throat as the grip tightened and all of nature's elements combined with electricity, invaded my nostrils.

"Give. Me. Back. My. Staff."

His words came out slow and dangerous while simultaneously tugging me back further into his body. I could tell his voice was only millimeters away from my ear.

"Never," I ended up choking out for there really was nothing I could do. His grip only allowed for so much oxygen.

"Wrong answer," he hissed.

And then the one hand securing my back, suddenly fled into my hair and yanked backwards. Suddenly, my face was turned up toward the ceiling while my legs struggled to support the uncomfortable strain.

Loki's face appeared before me, one hand still snarled within my hair and the other morphing into a choke hold around my throat.

"Whatever you are," he noted, eyes scanning down my throat, "you still have little comprehension of commands."

I tried giving back an answer, but the tightness around my throat prevented even a squeak.

Eventually, he relented just the tiniest bit.

"I-."

Quickly, I swallowed.

"I might change my mind if you asked nicely."

A devilish smirk swept over his lips and for a second, the God lowered his head over mine. I could tell he wanted to say something demeaning. Or domineering. Or damned infuriating.

But all he did was stare.

I'm sure it wasn't intentional. The words were probably loaded in his throat, ready to shoot out into the room. Yet, for some reason or another, they got stuck.

And the position quickly turned from physically uncomfortable to all out nerve wracking.

Please, let me explain my thought processes to you throughout this little moment.

When his eyes bore into mine, the green evolving into a near emerald, something inside me sort of shivered. Really, I couldn't describe it to you even if I had a hand at my throat. Which...well, you can see is quite self explanatory.

My thoughts went something like this.

Why is he staring at me like I've rescued his puppy from beneath a well?

And then.

Please don't let me blush. Not again.

Once the redness in my cheeks began to ignite with a hellish flame, I felt like squeezing my eyes shut and never opening them again. In all of the years I've been alive, I have never blushed. EVER. I didn't even know one could do so until I came to Earth and witnessed it myself in the movies.

But in one day, I manage to do so TWO times with TWO different individuals.

It was horrendously embarrassing, especially since it was pulled out of me so easily.

Only when Loki took in the blush, seemingly a bit dazed himself, did he drop me to the floor.

I landed with a thud, breath momentarily receding from my lungs. I'd been withheld from oxygen before and this fall only helped portray me as a guppy out of water. Plus, the ceiling above me began to sway.

"Know that I warned you," Loki proclaimed above me, eyes back to their normal fury.

Still out of breath, I raised a fist and gave him a thumbs up as tears began to build up in my eyes.

And once again, he fled. Into the air. Like a ghost. With no remorse.

This time, he stayed gone.

TLOTLOTLOTLO

When my throat was properly able to function, I studied it for a long moment in the mirror. With the physical strength beings from other realms were blessed with, it came as no surprise to find the area bruising already. A light bronze to be more direct.

Grimacing, I rubbed over the spot delicately. Yet another thing no Queen before me had ever done. Been physically mistreated.

Although an empathetic part of me did reason that such a prestigious weapon should be pursued with some sort of vigor.

But our talent of keeping to the shadows while maintaining the peace had never resulted in our actual physical harm. We had more skill than that.

Oh what my realm would think of me now if they realized a God had put their hands on me.

Funnily enough though, they wouldn't retaliate. Our will to preserve peace must be practiced before spread. Which meant no lashing out.

Sometimes, though, I think we are peaceful to the point of ignorance. The universe creates beings who have flaws. And needs. And instincts.

Denying the immoral instinct to fight or defend ourselves isn't always an easy thing to do. But we still do. Because we'd be hypocrites to fight amongst ourselves while trying to bring about a better life.

But there are times, I think, we have to let out that pent up struggle. It isn't healthy to keep it all in.

I trailed a finger over the mark again, relieved I hadn't fought back this time. The less he knew about my abilities, the better concealed my identity would be.

And it's not like he could even begin to even imagine what I was. There's no name for us. We are vacant from any history books in any realm. Only lost dreams within troubled minds.

Swallowing, I stretched my arms up above, relieved I'd taken care of the weapons when I did.

This, however, left a problematic thought.

How far would Loki go to have his staff back?

TLOTLOTLOTLO

The answer to my question came rather shortly, actually.

Again, I was walking down a street - an area that just seems to be the epicenter of dangerous business - when a great crash erupted. I couldn't determine the area of the noise, but I quickly swallowed my hamburger and glanced around the street.

A week had gone by since Loki had entered my apartment and to say I was a bit anxious would be an understatement. The entire ordeal greatly puzzled and troubled me and everywhere I went, there was a sense of unease. Like the God himself could strike me down or someone else just because I was withholding his weapon.

Finally, my eyes picked out a corporation center. Far above, the glass holding in the windows was falling gracelessly upon the residents below. Who screamed and panicked.

Understandable.

But as I observed the windows further, a gulp elevated down my throat. Before the glass could strike the civilians, it took on a new form. Frozen icicles. As if the glass was moving through an invisible cold front and morphed into shards of crystal ice.

This was not my imagination. The day had been abnormally cool for a September, or so the weatherman told me, and with one exhale, I could see my own breath.

Which meant only one thing.

To confirm this thought, I fell into a run against the horde of pedestrians running against me. And I did acknowledge that the residents of Los Angeles had it bad. They were issued no warning of the impending trouble that was Loki. Or his thirst to destroy his brother. Wrong place, wrong time.

Especially when the city was just able to pay for the damage done on the other side of town. Luckily, the Gucci store had not been replaced.

The first Frost Giant poked his head out from behind a brown stone building, raging expression scaring away the nearest persons. But all he did was stand there.

Until I realized he was waiting for the great army behind him.

There must have been easily 50 of them, all in narrow rows, marching forward like a storm of troopers. Of course with different intentions.

And who walked before them?

None other than the God who was born in their realm.

Briefly, I wondered where Thor was. Or any other member of S.H.I.E.L.D. Didn't they handle these kind of issues? And let me stress that this was a very BIG issue.

Loki saw me before I could duck out of view and a malicious smile stemmed as a result.

"They will wreak havoc whether you give me back what is mine or not," he informed, one hand extending backwards. "But how many humans they kill...now that is negotiable."

My jaw clenched, legitimately furious for once. I wasn't sure if it came from the careless way he bargained the human lives of the planet or just his belief of superiority. Whatever it was, it forced me to stomp forward.

The streets quickly dispersed of pedestrians, but out of the corner of my eye, I did note a few already dead. Which only made me angrier.

There was a moment of inner reflection I had which asked just exactly what I planned on doing. Harm to the God would only tarnish my own beliefs. Queens did not kill. They were a source of strength in the darkest of times. A living, breathing alternative to violence. To the horrible thoughts ready to consume oneself.

My fingers twitched throughout this stride, and I knew this meant only one thing. Involuntarily, I was calling for my strengths within the universe.

The first time, when I'd taken away Thor and Loki's weapons, it was intentional. I hadn't planned on hurting them, only making a point.

This time, however, I was a bit concerned of the intent my heart carried.

When only ten feet separated us, I paused in my steps. Already, the atmosphere sent the hairs on my arms up into straight, pin points. A brutal chill I had not yet encountered. In fact, only few Queens ever made the journey to the realm of the Frost Giants. And some came back with a great deal of frost bite.

None of the Giants moved, but their red eyes swayed like murderous embers. Their claws were ready to bring on a new Ice Age. Their teeth ready to bite through flesh like butter.

Observing them all, and making a personal point not to look at Loki, I found my eyes sticking to one Giant in particular. He appeared the snarliest and most menacing of them all and as a plan began to form in my mind, I silently picked out this one for my demonstration if the situation ever got to that point.

But first thing first. Clear the air.

"Who is the leader of the Frost Giants?" I asked, my voice sounding authoritative and strong. Which really helped my case, mind you.

A few snarled in confusion, while some glanced at Loki.

"Come now," I began again, taking them in. "Surely your leader is not the God before you. He was brought up in Asgard. Adopted son of the man who nearly slayed your old leader. Which is rather ironic because Loki finished the job a few months ago."

This time, the snarls weren't aimed at me.

"She knows nothing," was Loki's defense, smile not so eager to make a presence anymore.

"Who is your leader?" I called again.

Sirens sank into the atmosphere, but they sounded far too distant. And I hoped this remained the case. If the police walked into this war zone, the death count would soar.

"We do not have one as of yet," one Frost Giant finally admitted harshly.

I didn't let out a single emotion. Instead, I nodded.

"How is the treaty with the dwarfs going?"

This question surprised them. Which in all purposes, was my intention.

As the Queen who made the treaty possible, I genuinely was curious. Attaining the peace between these realms was like dipping a match into gasoline, hoping against all hope that it wouldn't ignite.

The same one who admitted to not having a leader, spoke again.

"What is your concern? You are only prolonging our massacre."

"Then humor me," I answered, offering up a smile.

The Giant opened his jaw, ready to retort, when Loki interrupted.

"Ignore her. It is obvious she cannot prevent this and is only biding time. Kill her."

My eyes narrowed at this, but I still kept on the same smile.

And this, apparently, saved me a hell of a lot of bruises.

"They trespass on our lands."

A few hisses erupted at the disgorgement of the information, but the Frost Giant who'd spoken, snarled right back.

"It is true! Without a leader, no one is aware of this. No one can make sure they stay within their own realm."

"What could she possibly do about it?" another grumbled.

"A whole lot," I interjected before an internal spat could start. "Tell me if the dwarfs are in a pack when this occurs, or if it is just one individual who does this."

There were a few murmurs, and the picture before me couldn't fail to surprise me. The Frost Giants, known for their viciousness and lack of regard for others, a race that was quite eager to indulge in war, was currently contemplating how to solve a dispute without murder. If I was in a less tense situation, I might have cried in joy.

As they mumbled among themselves, I took this time to glance over at Loki. His green eyes were staring daggers through me, but I didn't miss the confusion and intrigue as well.

Baring my teeth, I offered him a wink before bringing my focus back on the Giants.

"In a great pack," one answered. "We believe they are searching for resources."

"Just once?" I asked, mind kicking into overdrive.

The treaty between Jotunheim and Nidavellir stated really one primary law. There would be no traveling to the others realm without probable cause or permission. The treaty was just barely agreed upon and travel in between the two realms from its beings is incredibly rare.

"I cannot recall, but it was dark when they made their appearance."

"Your entire realm is normally pitch black," I pointed out.

The Giant who'd spoken, let out a growl.

"Alright, no time for humor. This was recent?"

"Yes."

Nodding, I crossed my arms.

Blocking out the oddity of the situation was easy, but figuring out a solution provided to be a bit more challenging.

Why would the dwarfs enter Jotunheim without permission? Especially if it would start a war. It seems so careless of them. And they know, even if their pride won't let them admit it, that they would lose.

"Were they aware of their location?" I asked.

"They claimed not to have no knowledge of how they came to be in our realm."

This was followed with a wave of disgruntled agreements.

"What did you do to them?"

"What else do you think we could do for their obvious breach of the treaty? We slaughtered them."

My eyes widened. If this had indeed happened, it occurred after my journey to Earth. Maybe even sooner. And if the information reached the beings of Nidavellir...well, that certainly would not be good.

"Did you ever think that perhaps they were telling the truth?" I suggested.

"No."

And the others agreed, no guilt in their gestures.

"Has...any of your race gone missing?"

"We are very few now. We cannot afford such careless wandering."

His words for some reason, nudged my brain, informing me of something important.

Their entire race was nearly annihilated. The energy required for this sort of genocide was massive.

Like building a bridge between Asgard and Midgard?

I shook my head, flabbergasted at the thought.

Was it possible that some of the residue from the energy needed to rebuild the bridge, poked a hole in another realm. A hole that connected one realm to another. So if say a group of dwarfs were wandering through a patch of grassland one moment, they would suddenly find themselves in the icy realm of Jotunheim. Could that be possible?

And if this was the case, it worked both ways. The hole would allow the realm's beings to be slaughtered and reignite tensions to the point of terrible proportions.

"Shit," I mumbled aloud, realizing how my good intent to reunite Thor with his girlfriend, had actually led to a whole lot of unfavorable circumstances.

The Frost Giants stared at me in one collective cluster.

"The rebuilding of the bridge between Asgard and Midgard," I explained, "sent excess energy throughout the universe. Somehow, this was deflected to tear a hole into your realm and the dwarfs. If my theory is correct, this is the reason they were in your realm."

"And if you are wrong?" one grunted.

"Then there's another explanation. But the hole has to be fixed before it grows wider. Who knows how many of their race will end up in your realm next time?"

There was a collective snarl of disapproval at this thought.

"So," I stated, feeling like a Queen for once, "here's your choice. You can either wage war with humanity, something that will not go unpunished, mind you. Earth has agencies committed to destroying all that is harmful to mankind. Or go back to your realm, and fix the damn hole letting in the dwarfs. This decision will save a whole bunch of your people dying and continue a fairly valid peace treaty."

I knew their answers before even they did. Which was odd considering I never had that much confidence in my solutions. They were always thrown out there before they could be properly mulled over.

"We accept."

The next voice of discontent came from Loki whom I'd nearly forgotten altogether about.

"I command-."

"You are not our leader, Asgardian God. Remember your place and know it is not with us."

The split second of anguish on Loki's face made a flinch pass through me. He was being denied by both of his families now. And who would take the brunt of his anger?

Yep. That would be me.

Briefly, I considered asking the Frost Giants to apologize. They did unfairly slay a group of dwarfs. And although their reasoning wasn't exactly an act of war, the deaths could remain a trigger for some dwarfs not as content with the results.

Before I could voice this, the Frost Giants had dissolved into the atmosphere, returning to their realm.

I watched this with an air of fascination. Did I really just negotiate with a group of Frost Giants that were momentarily hell bent on destroying Los Angeles?

Yes. Yes I did.

"What are you?"

I faced Loki, unsure how to answer his sudden question.

This didn't deter him. In fact, the expression befalling him only grew more inquisitive the longer he took me in.

"You are not human. Far too knowledgeable of events in other realms. You are neither a light elf or dark. The ears tend to be a giveaway. Not a dwarf or giant, as your height is that of a healthy human. The death realms would not take you because all of your organs still function life."

He ventured forward a few steps, eyes scrambling over me like a madman.

"Demon? No. Your intentions are not to harm. Which only leaves Vanaheim. And I doubt this one as well. The women of their realm are highly inclined to war, just as Asgardians are. They are nearly twins. And your abilities...those are not normal of any realm. Not even sorcerer's can teach that type of separation."

I had to give him a silent applaud for his perception. If Thor had the bravery to be King, Loki held the smarts.

"Maybe I'm a mix, like you?" I offered.

His curiosity made way for a frown.

"How is it you played upon the Giants' weakness?"

"Weakness?" I laughed.

But the God was quite serious.

"It is not a weakness. I simply offered them reason."

"Reason? There exists no such thing. Your reason is nothing but madness."

"And it would be safe to say that you carry a ton of reason then?" I questioned, far more amused about the situation than I should be.

Loki didn't answer, but I did share another laugh at his expense.

"War," I recounted, "is the result of a lack in reason. Give reason to a warring side and the thirst for battle is suddenly not so important. You've got to get it all down to basics in the end. The way that every one of us, be it dwarf or elf or human, is wired. We share so many common emotions. It's a matter of figuring out which the opposing side is feeling and understanding it."

"What...if it cannot be understood?"

The sudden shift in tone nearly made me freeze altogether. This was a side I did not see. Or think was seen often by others.

"There's always someone who will try their hardest to understand what you're feeling. You already have that person. All you need to do is speak to them."

Whether my words had any impact, I doubt it. But it felt good saying them. Right in a way.

It made me feel like the Queens before my time were proud of me for saying it.

Above us, rain suddenly descended. And with the chill atmosphere in the area, it felt like goblets of ice.

In the distance, a bolt of lightning fled from the ashen clowds.

"I think your brother is near," I mentioned, eyes glued to the skies above.

By the time I glanced back down, Loki was gone.


Weird? Stupid? Go-die-in-a-hole-awful? Let me know your thoughts in a review! And...with the 9 realms. They are pretty much accurrate with the Marvel Comics world. One for dwarfs. One for light elves. One for dark elves. One for demons. One for the dead, honorable and dishonorable spirits. One for humans. One for Gods. One for Frost Giants (whom I called Frozen Giants all throughout the first chapter). And one for female warriors/Gods. Just own the 10th realm...which doesn't have a name yet. Any suggestions?