So sorry it took me forever to get this chapter up guys. With Hurricane Sandy I hadn't had power for some time and then school was canceled(which was good) but I couldn't even write there. Then work was hectic and things have just been pretty busy lately. But this is a long chapter, the longest one yet and it's an Echo one. I'm not sure how everyone feels about her yet but this chapter definitely broadened things and delve more into her character and the relationship between her and Loki. Also I noticed that I got a bunch more followers after that last one and I thank you guys so much :) I'm glad you are liking it. The next one is going to be a Tom one again. That should be quicker cause it's so much easier to write about him and Kate then big battle scenes and angry gods lol. I'll do my absolute best to get it up before the end of the week. I can't promise it but I will try. So thank you for being patient with me and enjoy this next chapter. :)


Chapter 7

Jotunheim

Thor storms into the dining hall, anger coursing through his veins. He's angry with his father; he doesn't understand why the All-Father refuses to punish the Jotuns for their transgression. He feels if he were king he'd have taken an army into Jotunheim. He searches for a way to vent his anger at the situation: about not becoming king and also not being able to reason with his father.

Loki walks silently into the room and gazes upon his brother. Thor looks to the dining table which is neatly plaid in assortments of food, golden plates, wine goblets and utensils. He finds the display infuriating.

That was made to be my meal as king, he thinks. He stomps towards it and lifts the table from underneath flipping it over. The contents scatter all over as the table lands on its opposite side. Loki shakes his head, a little embarrassed to be in the room right now.

Why does he always feel the need to draw attention to himself? It's humiliating to say the least.

Thor after flipping the table takes a deep breath and walks over to sit on the stairs, his anger still relatively apparent. Loki walks over to him and Thor senses him before he sits next to him.

"It's not wise to be in my presence right now brother," Thor says.

"When have you ever known me to be wise?" Loki says teasingly as he sits down and looks to his brother.

Sif and the Warriors Three walk into the dining hall and take in the scene before them. Sif is dressed in her armor from the ceremony her weapons now holstered to her sides. She has long black hair up in a pony-tail and her dark eyes survey the room. Volstagg has shock written all over his face. He is a larger man with a long, scruffy ginger-colored beard, dressed in armor fit only for one of the Warriors Three. Hogun looks greatly displeased as he looks around. He has dark black hair and is of Asian descent, yet quite skilled in his speed as a warrior. Fandral snickers as he sees everything scattered all over the floor. He has short blonde hair and scruffy beard, yet he has a confident air about him. He's not easily swayed by negative things.

"Redecorating are we?" Sif asks sarcastically looking to Thor.

"What's this?!" Volstagg exclaims as he sees all the food lying all over the ground. His stomach grumbles wanting to eat it. He looks and finds some meats and bread. He picks them up and begins to stack it together avoiding the fact it was momentarily on the ground.

"This was to be my day of triumph," Thor says frustration filling his voice.

Echo appears suddenly, in the doorway, out of thin air, having teleported to the dining hall. No one seems alarmed at her sudden appearance, very aware of the fact that only a very few in the kingdom have that ability. She looks to Loki and Thor and walks over to them.

"It will be. In time," Loki says as he leans over closer to Thor, "If it's any consolation, I think you're right."

Thor looks to him curiously as he continues, "About the Frost Giants, about everything. If a few of them could infiltrate our defenses, what's to stop them from coming here with a whole army?"

"Yes, exactly!" Thor exclaims.

"But there's nothing we can do without defying Father," Loki says. Thor thinks about his words for a moment and smiles. Loki recognizes the look he wears and concern grows in his eyes, "No, no, no, no, no, no! I know that look!"

"It's the only way to ensure the safety of our borders," Thor says standing up.

"It's madness!" Loki shouts.

"Thor your father and I will take care of our defenses and figure out how they got in, there is no need for rash action, "Echo says raising her hands trying to show him to think things through first. Loki practically flinches at her words. He realizes if she finds out it was him who let the frost giants in that it wouldn't turn out well for him. He worries what she will think of him. He only meant it as a little fun, not for it to turn into a mess he now has no way to clean up.

"What is this so-called madness?" Volstagg asks.

"We're going to Jotunheim," Thor says his resolve made. Echo sighs heavily as the room grows silent, not wanting to believe Thor's words. Fandral is the first to speak, "This is not like a trip to Earth, where you conjure up a little lightning and the mortals worship you, this is Jotunheim."

"He's right, we'd be walking to our deaths," Echo says starting to get a little irritated. She cares about Thor but his rash nature makes it difficult to stop him once he gets his mind set on something.

"Thor, of all the laws of Asgard, this is one you must not break, "Sif says trying to reason with him. Loki watches with concern, and lowers his head, his hand reaching has face to try and relieve building tension.

"If the frost giants don't kill you, your father will!" Volstagg yells.

"My father fought into Jotunheim, defeated their armies and took their Casket. We'd only be looking for answers," Thor says.

"It is forbidden!" Sif shouts.

Thor laughs and says charismatically, "My friends, have you forgotten all that we've done together?"

He begins to turn to each of his friends and plays on what makes each of them unique. He attempts to flatter each of them to join his cause. He references bringing Volstagg to such rich and succulent food. He chuckles remembering the fond memories. He has Fandral reminisce on all the beautiful and exotic maidens he's been accustomed too. He smiles as he remembers. Hogun remembers the many glorious battles Thor refers to and relishes in the excitement he always felt whenever he entered a battle.

"And who proved wrong all who believed that a beautiful maiden could be the fiercest of warriors in all the Realms?"

"I did, "Sif says proudly.

"True. But I supported you, "Thor says.

"And Echo are you not the one who is proclaimed as Guardian of the Realms and has fought gallantly at our side so many times, to protect us all?"

"I am," she says, "But Thor even my power can be limited. A place such as Jotunheim is not one to tread through with such small numbers."

He eyes her like he can't believe those words just came from her mouth, "Now Echo, you don't doubt your title as Guardian, now do you?"

She looks at him a little shocked realizing he's challenging her, but blushes even against her will.

"N-No, "she stutters, "I only worry."

"Then you may worry, my dear friend, "he says walking towards her and placing a hand on her shoulder and she looks up at him concerned, "But with you at our side, there is no way we will not come back." She shakes her head clearly still irritated with him, but she finally sighs in defeat. She turns away from him and looks at Loki who worries for her. He wishes his brother weren't so selfish and rash. That he would see the danger he's about to put all of them in.

Thor turns to look back at the others, "My friends, I ask of you, trust me now." They look to one another with concerned looks, but know there is no convincing him.

"Come now, you're not going to let me and my brother here take all the glory are you?" Thor says with a grin. Loki looks relatively shocked, yet inside he knew his brother would drag him into his mess, "What?"

"You are coming with me, are you not?" Thor asks. Loki is quiet for a moment but then smiles and says, "Of course. I wouldn't let my brother march into Jotunheim alone. I will stand by his side." As angry as he is with his brother for dragging him into it he truly cares for him and would not wish for him to make this journey alone, especially if Echo chooses to follow him. He would not dare leave the woman he loves in the hand of his reckless brother. He does not doubt her ability but he knows she would do something reckless if it meant saving someone she felt she needed to protect.

Echo's concern shifted to Loki the moment she heard Thor say he was going to bring him along. She thought maybe she could find a way to stop him if the others had refused to join but now that Loki was dragged in she knew she had no choice. She would not let him go to Jotunheim alone with Thor. His magic is powerful but she wouldn't be able to live with herself should something happen to him and she wasn't there to protect him. They look to one another and share a silent moment. They know that if one goes the other will follow. They both nod as the others say they are going to join Thor on his trek.

"My friends, we march to Jotunheim," he says his voice filled with excitement.

The group gathers together at the foot of the bridge that would lead them to the BiFrost. They all mount their own horse and urge them to gallop towards the Observatory. As they march across the expansive bridge its colors are ever changing. They ride forward passing the beautiful Asgardian landscape as they go. The large ocean spread out beneath them its water glistening. Large mountains are seen on the outskirts of the land, and as they continue down the bridge the city of Asgard, even with its towering architecture, shrinks in the distance.

They reach the Observatory where the machine that summons the BiFrost is kept. Heimdall, the god who watches over the BiFrost and all of Yggdrasil, stands at its entrance. His armor portrays his strength and his loyal nature. His armor holds its own shade of gold, and a helmet of horns rests upon his head. His leather holds a deep crimson color to it. A large sword is gripped between both hands. He has dark skin and eyes that shine a swirl of golden red. He watches the group curiously as they approach even though he was aware of their intentions before they even stepped foot out of the dining hall. His very keen senses allow him to hear and see almost all that goes on in Asgard and the Nine Realms.

The group dismounts their horses and walks towards Heimdall unsure of how they are going to find a way past him. Loki confident in his ability to string words says, "Let me handle this." He walks forward to speak with Heimdall.

"Good Heimdall-" Loki starts to say.

"You are not dressed warmly enough," he says interrupting Loki. The others eye each other warily.

"I'm sorry?" Loki questions.

"You think you can deceive me?" Heimdall asks his voice rising, "I who watch all."

"You must be mistaken. We're not-" Loki insists.

"Enough!" Thor yells stepping forward, clearly impatient. Loki goes quiet, yet irritation begins after being so rudely interrupted by his brother. Echo silently watches, distress written on her face. She worries about the events that are about to unfold.

"Heimdall, may we pass?" Thor asks as he continues to speak.

"For centuries I have guarded Asgard and its people from those who would do it harm. In all my time, never once has an enemy slipped by unnoticed. I wish to know how that happened," he says his eyes serious, yet with a hint of curiosity in them.

"Then tell no one where we have gone," Thor says as he steps past Heimdall and enters the Observatory. The others begin to move as Volstagg asks Loki mockingly, "What happened, silver tongue turn to lead?" Loki eyes him angrily and says, "Not quite. Get me off this bridge before it grumbles beneath your girth." Volstagg laughs as he disappears into the Observatory. Echo walks forward and places a light hand on Loki's arm. He turns to look at her, "We can turn back now. I surely would not mind it in the least." He glares at the entrance of the Observatory not wanting to deal with Thor and his band of imbeciles. Echo gives him a soft smile, "I would, but I'd be disobeying my promise." He looks to her curiously as she continues, "To protect you, your family, and those who need help."

He sighs in defeat, knowing he'll have no choice but to go if she does. He eyes her longingly and gives her a smile mimicking her own, "Well we wouldn't want you breaking your promise, now would we?" She gives him a kiss on the cheek and right then and there he wants to hold her tight and kiss her. Screw his brother and his apparent friends; he wants to leave with her now. He searches her eyes for some semblance of the same wish, and he sees it for a split moment, but then it vanishes. He takes a deep breath, knowing her resolve is set. He also knows he told his brother he would join him, and as frustrated as it makes him feel, he will stick with his decision.

They head inside the Observatory as the others gather onto the platform at the edge. Heimdall walks up a set of stairs in the center to a circular platform where the apparatus is held. He inserts his sword into the control panel to start the machine as electricity shoots out above him. The Observatory begins to rotate, its speed increases as it sets its direction. Once it locates it a large powerful beam of energy is released into the depths of the atmosphere. The group looks on at the ever changing colors, swirling violently with one another.

Heimdall speaks, his voice grave, "Know this. I will honor my sworn oath to protect this realm as its Gatekeeper. Should your return threaten the safety of this realm the BiFrost will remain closed and you will be left to die in Jotunheim." Nervous expressions form on all the groups' faces, except Thor. He grins arrogantly, "I have no plans to die today."

"None do," Heimdall says plunging his sword deeper into the control panel. Their bodies are pulled into the maelstrom, stretching them, their entire being elongated as they disappear into the BiFrost.

A hole rips its way open in the sky, the BiFrost shooting out of it. It crashes towards the ground. The group lands on their feet as the BiFrost vanishes out of thin air, leaving them on the icy landscape of Jotunheim. The group looks out into the land before them. It is solely covered in ice. Dark mountains of ice can be seen, chunks of ice break off of their edges.

"This realm is unstable," Echo says her brows furrow as she surveys the land, "We shouldn't be here."

"Do not worry, my friend," Thor says turning to her and giving her his attempt at a reassuring smile, "This won't take long." His eyes shine will the possibility of a battle ahead, betraying his earlier words of reassurance. Echo eyes him clearly irritated, but she keeps silent.

He ushers the group forward and they begin to move. They traverse beneath arches of ice and maneuver past breaking chunks of it. The structures of old have crumbled over time since the war that took place on the realm. The group, aside from Thor, grows wary as they continue to make their way deeper into Jotunheim. They finally reach an open area, the central plaza.

"Where are they?" Sif questions warily.

"Hiding, as cowards always do," Thor says as they continue on farther into the plaza. The group aside from Echo seems unaware of the figures shadowed by the pillars of ice begin to surround them. She grips Loki's arm and he stops in his tracks. He looks at her and sees her head move from side to side as she looks around them. He notices the anxiety in her eyes.

"We mustn't draw attention," she whispers, "If we try and run they will attack. We need to find a way to leave peacefully." He nods and takes her hand leading her to keep them with the group. He knows he now needs to figure out a way to get them out safely without starting a battle.

"Why are you here Asgardians?" asks an aged, yet powerful, voice from above a cragged cliff. It is Laufey, king of the Jotuns. He holds only animosity towards Asgard for his people's suffering, and he doesn't take kindly to the group who has now set foot on his realm.

"You are-" Thor attempts to ask.

"I am Laufey, King of Jotunheim," he says not wanting to deal with these children before him, "And we know who you are, son of Odin. Now answer my question as to why you decided to bring your filth to my realm?" Thor clearly irritated yells, "We demand answers!"

"You demand?!" Laufey yells as he stands and looks down upon them.

"How did your people get into Asgard?" he asks not at all swayed by the building anger of the king.

"Odin's house is full of traitors," he says, a devious smile forming on his lips. The group eyes one another as confusion begins to form. Loki swallows, hoping his eyes don't betray him. He refuses to look at Echo now, knowing the moment she saw his eyes she'd know the truth. Echo herself doesn't understand the king's words. She wonders what he means, and she wants to hear more from him, but before she can say anything Thor continues angrily, "Don't insult my father's name with your lies!"

"Your father is nothing but a murderer. He stole what was ours, and our world was left in ruins from his war," Laufey says bitterly, yet his anger is still there, "And is that why you come here, Odinson? You crave battle. I see you for who you are; a boy who is trying so desperately to prove himself a man."

"Well this boy has grown tired of your mockery," he says as he steps forward his hammer gripped firmly in his hand, ready to strike. The Jotuns come forward and block him from going any further: the blue-skinned, eight foot tall giants. They are creatures to be feared and yet their obstacle only moves to infuriate Thor more. His brother finding his chance steps forward to him, Echo as well.

"Thor, look around you. We are clearly outnumbered," he implores, trying to make his brother see reason.

"Know your place, brother," Thor says, wanting nothing more than to destroy every Jotun before him. Echo clearly done with the whole situation says to Thor, anger in her voice, "Enough with your foolishness Thor. You are not only putting yourself in danger with your reckless attitude, you also put all of us, not to mention Asgard, in danger as well. Stop this now!" He looks to Echo and for a moment she catches a glimpse of regret in his eyes for his current actions, but it disappears the moment Laufey speaks again.

"You should listen to their counsel. You know not what you actions would unleash. Yet I do. Go now, while I still allow it."

Thor glares at Laufey as Loki says, "We will accept your most gracious of offers." The others plead with Thor in their eyes, hoping he will accept and walk away. He does and he turns to walk away, but before they get the chance to leave a lone Jotun says, "Run home now, little princess." Echo sighs as she shuts her eyes and Loki only utters one word, "Damn."

An elated grin spreads across Thor's face at this change of events. He grips Mjolnir in his hand and spins around quickly slamming it into the Jotun forcing him to fly backwards into a pillar of ice. That attack sparked the rest of the Jotuns into action. They charge at the group from all sides. Each one of them spring into action ready to defend themselves.

Echo unsheathes a sword from its scabbard at her side. She teleports behind a charging Jotun and drives her sword into its back. A cry of pain is heard. It spins around and attempts to hit her with its fist. She raises her arms to protect her face, having strength greater than most, her block succeeds. She pushes the Jotun off and flame is sparked from her hands. A ring of fire surrounds the Jotun and then engulfs it. The Jotun cries out as it is being burned. Her attention is drawn away as other Jotuns approach her. Fire is not the only element at her disposal. Her foot shifts forward and the ice begins to crack and split in front of her. The Jotuns unprepared fall through the crack. She turns and grabs her sword from the charred body of the Jotun who had previously attacked her.

One after another the Jotuns converge on Thor yet each time he uses Mjolnir to strike against them. Each swing cracks into the hard skin of the Jotuns, shattering their insides and flinging them away, like rag dolls. Even after their comrades fall the Jotuns continue to charge at Thor their numbers growing as more appear.

Sif is using her spear, one of her many blades to fight the oncoming Jotuns. She makes them fall one after the other with some significant effort. Hogun with his speed dodges attacks and slices open the Jotuns that attack him. Fandral uses his sword to strike down the Jotuns. Their numbers seem endless as more keep coming. Loki with his speed and swiftness uses throwing knives to cut down the Jotuns. One comes towards him and he's backed to the edge of a cliff. The Jotun sneers, seeing his opportunity and takes it charging at Loki. He charges right through him and straight off the cliff as the real Loki appears behind a pillar. One of his many magic appeals, his replication one came in handy at this moment. Volstagg is attempting to fight of a particular Jotun but it catches him off guard and grabs his arm, squeezing. It breaks through his armor and reaches his skin, burning it. Volstagg cries out in pain as Sif drives her spear into the Jotun's back. It falls to the side as Volstagg yells out, "Don't let them touch you!"

Loki defends against multiple Jotuns but one grabs his arm and it burns through his armor; as it reaches his skin though it doesn't burn. His skin changes from the touch to a cold blue color. Loki and the Jotun eye each other for a moment, confusion filling his thoughts. Before he takes another moment to think about it he stabs the Jotun with a dagger and it falls over to die. The blue that had formed on his arm dissipates until it finally vanishes all together.

Five Jotuns surround Echo and she calculates quickly how to eliminate them. She moves quickly and low as a Jotun attempts a high blow. Its arm encased in ice, sharpened like a weapon, similar to the way the Jotun's had theirs when they killed the soldiers in the Vault. She slices two of the Jotuns at their waists and they double over in pain. Another Jotun slams its fist into the ground ice being forced up from the ground in sharpened icicles directed at Echo. She dodges it, barely. She doesn't realize though that by doing so she put herself right in the line of an attack by another Jotun. Its arm encased in ice, in an uppercut motion, attacks her. She staggers, unable to defend herself from an attack like that as the ice slices into her skin, from her stomach driving up to her chest. She falls backwards as she screams out in agonizing pain. Loki stops as he turns to locate Echo, fear written on his face. He locates her as the Jotun who previously struck her attempts attack as she looks up from the ground, panic in her eyes. Loki's breathing stops in his throat, everything seems to stand still. Hundreds of ideas play in his mind at a rapid pace of what he could possibly do to save her. His heart shatters realizing there is nothing he can do. He watches in horror as the Jotun goes for a fatal strike.

Echo shuts her eyes, and the Jotun relishes in her defeat. Little does it know that it wasn't a sign of surrender. When she opens them again her eyes radiate and swirl a fiery blue. An aura of energy surrounds her and she forces it outward. It sends the Jotuns surrounding her flying in all directions, slamming them into the ice. Loki rushes to her quickly disposing of any Jotun who gets in his way. He crouches down next to her and checks her wounds. She winces at his touch to her stomach and sucks in a painful breath to prevent from crying out. He notices and immediately stops.

"Can you stand?" he asks, his voice ragged with worry and fatigue. She nods and he helps her up as she uses his body for support. The Jotuns once again begin to converge on the both of them. Fandral is facing off against a lone Jotun and it attacks him in a familiar fashion as it slams its fist into the ground sending a shockwave of ice straight towards Fandral. Unable to defend himself a cluster of icicles shoot up from the ground and pierce his chest. He cries out. Loki kills the Jotun who attacked Fandral and then Hogun and Volstagg pull Fandral away from the icicles.

"We must go!" Loki yells as he watches the Jotuns advance on him and Echo. A thought flashes through Echo's mind as she realizes what she needs to do.

"THOR!" Sif yells and that seems to get his attention yet he is surrounded by Jotuns, many had chosen him as their target for he was the one who dishonored their king.

"Loki," Echo whispers, her voice strained. He looks down at her and sees her expression. Somehow he understands her intentions and begins to plead with her, "No, you can't. You don't have enough strength." The Jotuns are getting closer to them, hesitant, but still advancing. They are running out of time.

"You can help," she says as she leans away from him attempting to stand on her own. She can. He nods understanding setting in. He takes her hand as one of his own begins to glow a faint green. He's sharing his strength with her. She lets go of his hand and as her eyes shine that familiar blue again. A blue light begins to form beneath her feet and traces along the ice in separate lines. They form designs and connect with one another forming a large glyph etched into the ice. The Jotuns stop in their tracks unsure of what is about to happen. A soft smile forms as she relishes in their confusion. A force is exerted from where she stands and engulfs the surrounding area where the battle is taking place.

Everything has gone still, except for the group of warriors. The Jotuns have slowed almost completely. Unable to move forward or have any control over their body they stand as statues. That is one of Echo's most powerful abilities: the ability to manipulate time. Pain shoots through her body. Loki was right, she didn't have enough strength. Manipulating time was tiring enough on her body, but with her wounds and having already used a good deal of her power she was weakened. Thor looks to his friends and sees what has befallen them as he yells, "Run!" Echo's power is fading and the Jotuns are beginning to move faster. Her eyes flash once more as a wave of energy is released, forced out in all directions, as one final attempt. As it hits the Jotuns they are immediately incinerated and their ashes crumble to the ground. It clears a path for Thor and the others to escape. Echo's legs attempt to give out but Loki catches her.

"GO!" Thor yells as Jotuns begin to appear again, "I will fend them off!" Echo looks to him with fear in her eyes, but he gives her his arrogant grin. She knows it will take more than these Jotuns to get rid of him.

"Echo, can you run?!" Loki asks frantically. She nods knowing she needs to or it'll slow them down. Her whole body is screaming at her but she trudges forward as they begin to run. Laufey having watched over the events thus far uses his own power to release a beast encased in ice. Ice begins to cave away in between two pillars and a giant grotesque looking beast is released. Laufey orders it to chase after the group as Thor fights off oncoming Jotuns.

The group runs, two of their comrades gravelly injured, which makes it difficult. They dodge pieces of falling ice and jump over large gaps in the ground. The creature that follows them gets closer. Thor begins swinging Mjolnir in his hand, spinning it at a rapid pace. No Jotun is able to get near him and he raises Mjolnir as he calls down lightning from the sky. It strikes the hammer but does no harm to Thor. He then slams the hammer into the ground sending a shockwave outward in the direction his friends ran. The ground cracks and rumble is forced up and out in a wave. That sent rippling cracks in the ice throughout the area. The creature converges on the group and attempts to attack Sif but Thor's attack sent the ice beneath the creature to fall. It disappears through the ice and the group continues to run. They cry out for Heimdall to open the gate so they can go home, but nothing happens.

At the cliff's edge the group stands. The creature which they all thought fell into a bottomless abyss appears having crawled up the side of the cliff. The group had nowhere to run. The creature raises itself on its hind legs ready to attack. Thor spins Mjolnir once again rapidly and then raises it, sending himself soaring above Jotunheim. Mjolnir gives Thor the ability to fly. He flies through the air at a fast pace. The creature looms over the group and goes to strike but doesn't get the chance as Mjolnir and Thor pierce through the creature. It falls to the ground dead and slips off the edge of the cliff. Thor lands next to the group and turns to see that they are once again surrounded by Jotuns. Backed against the edge of the cliff there is nothing they can do and nowhere they can run. The Jotuns charge.

Once again the sky rips open as the BiFrost crashes to the ground of Jotunheim. A horse rearing appears and its rider, Odin. Thor ecstatic to see his father yells, "Father! We can finish them together!"

"Silence!" he seethes. The authority in his father's voice silences Thor. Laufey appears and approaches the AllFather. Odin tries to convince Laufey to stop what he is planning and that Thor's actions were that of only a boy. Laufey doesn't listen and says, "Diplomacy will no longer work. He will get what he came for, war, bloodshed, death."

"So be it," Odin says as an ice dagger forms in Laufey's hand. He strikes at Odin but he raises Gungnir and the BiFrost appears again throwing Laufey away in its force. It lifts the group off the ground as their bodies stretch once again and disappear into the BiFrost leaving behind the cold wasteland of Jotunheim.

The group appears back in the Observatory as Odin and Thor begin quarrelling with one another. Odin tosses Heimdall his sword and yells for the others to take Frandral and Echo to the Healing Room. Echo shakes her head at them and Loki, "I'm fine. Go. I'm staying." The others leave swiftly as Thor yells, "The Jotuns must fear me, just as they once feared you!" Loki and Echo watch on, he has a form grip on her knowing that her legs would surely give out should he let her go.

"That's pride and vanity talking. Have you forgotten everything I've taught you? About patience-"

"While you wait and be patient the Nine Realms laugh at us! The old ways are done! While you stand giving speeches, Asgard falls!" Thor yells interrupting Odin.

"You are a vain, greedy, cruel boy!" Odin yells.

"And you are an old man and a fool!" he yells back to his father who stands there stunned for a moment. Echo speaks then her voice laced with something dark, she had had enough of Thor's transgressions, "He does what is needed as king of Asgard, a lesson you should learn. No good king was ever made by thrusting himself into war at every chance that presented itself." Thor looked to her at an attempt to say something spiteful back but when he saw her broken, bloody, exhaustion prevalent on her face his breath caught in his throat. His father was right, he couldn't protect his friends.

Odin breaths heavily his words pained as he says, "Yes. I was a fool. To think you were ready." Loki calls out, "Father-" But he is cut off as Odin glares at him and yells at him, silencing Loki. A pained expression forms on his face wishing his father would listen to him for once. Echo squeezes his arm lightly attempting to reassure him but to no avail. They continue to watch as the events unfold.

"Thor Odinson, you have disobeyed a direct order from your king. Through your arrogance and stupidity you have opened these peaceful realms and innocent lives to the horror of war!" Odin yells in a voice of authority he uses only as king. He thrusts Gungnir into the apparatus of the Observatory and it begins to move as electricity once again shoots out. Echo and Loki watch helpless to intervene. Odin steps forward his rage apparent. He begins to rip off the seals on Thor's armor and tears his cape off his back, "You are unworthy of these realms! Unworthy of your title! Unworthy of the loved ones you've betrayed!" The expression on Thor's face was of pure pain and confusion. Realization continued to hit him of what he had done as his father speaks as Thor's armor begins to break and crumble, "I take from you, your power! In the name of my father, and his father before him, I CAST YOU OUT!" Electricity blasts out from Mjolnir and strikes Thor forcing him into the BiFrost. He disappears. Tears stream down Echo's face and tears threaten to fall from Loki's as watches in horror. Odin brings Mjolnir close to his face and whispers, "Who should ever hold this hammer, if he be worthy, shall posess the power of Thor." He throws Mjolnir into the BiFrost as it vanishes, its journey the same one as Thor's.

The doors to Echo's room open as Loki carries her inside cradled in his arms. After the events they both witnessed she couldn't muster any strength to move. Odin had bitterly ignored both of them as he left with tears in his eyes. Loki had picked her and made the long walk back to the castle. She had managed to stay conscious the entire time but they were silent until they reached her room. He walks to her bed and lets her down slowly wishing to stand even though her legs are shaking.

"Thank you," she says her voice practically a whisper. Thoughts are running through her head as she thinks of what needs to be done now. Loki unsure of what to say looks away focusing on the golden designs etched into the wall of her room.

"I will go to him. He needs someone to watch over him," Echo straining to get the words out. Loki looks to her as multiple emotions wash over his face. First confusion as to why she would leave now of all times. Next, worry because of her injuries and how she will be able to travel such a great distance in her condition. And finally anger at how even after everything she would choose to leave him and go to his brother. Why wouldn't she stay with him, he wondered. She should be anger at the danger he had put everyone in almost getting her killed in the process. He grinds his teeth together knowing this is typical of her and everyone else to choose Thor over him.

"Why?" he asks trying desperately to hide any hints of the emotions he was feeling. She looks up at him with sadness and understanding in her eyes. He can't hide what he's feeling from her and he knows it, even though he still tries to. She gives him a soft smile and says, "You need not worry Loki, I chose you remember." She takes his face in her hands as she continues, "You're the one that I love, and after all this is settled, we will be married. You will be my husband and I your wife." She kisses him then, deeply and lovingly. He responds to the kiss and reciprocates it. He wraps his arms around her waist and lifts her. He moves and sits down upon her bed as she straddles him. The kiss deepens and becomes more heated as his grip tightens. She whimpers and winces slightly as she pulls away her face fixed with pain. Realizing what happened, having momentarily forgotten about her injuries he looks to her stomach. Fear is written all over his face as her searches hers to make sure she is alright. She gives him a pained smile and speaks through gritted teeth, chuckling lightly, "It may be too soon for that just yet."

"Is there anything I can do?" Loki asks urgently. She rests her forehead on his and looks into his eyes, "I will be alright. The healing waters will do their work." She shuts her eyes then and he does the same just listening to each other's breathing. Both ragged, both pained.

Echo then moves to get up almost stumbling but Loki catches her. Her legs are weak but she need only stand on her own for a short while. She gestures with her hand to doors near to her bed but not the ones they both had come in from. As they open a spring can be seen. It has a fountain in the center where water is continuously flowing, pouring out in miniature waterfalls. This is her bathing chamber. It is also her healing chamber. Normal healing measures do not seem to affect her here on Asgard, but she is a being of the elements and they always come to her aid: the water of Asgard giving her its unique healing properties. A short time spent in the water would heal her injuries completely. She begins to head towards it as she removes pieces of her armor one by one. Loki watches as each one falls to the floor. Soon she is fully naked. Her pale body holds its own scars from battles. Loki gazes at her as she faces away from him. He has seen her like this before, many times, but it never ceases to take his breath away. The curves of her body are beautiful. The way she walks is elegant, almost catlike. The familiar mark is imprinted on the entirety of her back of dual, black wings, a symbol of what she is. There's valkyrie blood in her system.

Loki wants to join her, but she looks over her shoulder at him shaking her head, "I need to be alone, only for a short while. Please, my love." He nods and takes in the image of her one more time before he turns and leaves. She gestures her hand once again to the bathing chamber doors and they close. She walks over and steps slowly into the water. It's warmth enticing after feeling the bitter cold of Jotunheim. She submerges herself completely in the water as she lies down on its floor for a few moments. She shuts her eyes feeling the pulsating energy of the water fill her. Washing the blood off her skin and flowing over her injuries, healing them. The wound closes and she comes back up to the surface and breathes in a gulp of air. Her body still aches but it is far less pain then what she felt before.

She spends over an hour in the water just relishing in it. She gets out and sits on the edge, pulling her legs to her chest and resting her head on her knees. She thinks back to what happened. She also knows Loki's secret. Her heart aches painfully as she thinks about it. She found out when their foreheads met. That's the weakness they both have. Their hidden thoughts, fears, pains, everything they feel comes to the surface. Their thoughts and emotions are able to mix with each other's and they can hear the others thoughts and feel the others emotions. The second it crossed his mind when he left himself open, Echo knew. Whether or not he knew, that she knew, she was unsure. He was the one who let the Jotuns into Asgard and he would be punished if Odin found out. Tears fell stinging her cheeks. As loyal as she wished to be with Odin she wouldn't betray Loki like that. She would confront him herself and demand an explanation. She only hoped it wouldn't push him away. For even she holds secrets of her own.