Chapter 10
It seemed to take forever for Thor to return, but perhaps that was just because Leya had nothing to do. Jane looked worried, and Leya tried to think of something comforting to say, but she couldn't find the right words. So Leya stayed silent and started pacing while Jane sat wringing her hands.
When Thor finally did return, Jane stood so quickly the chair fell over. Both women approached Thor, who motioned for them to come with him. The two followed him out the door.
"Where are we going?" Leya demanded.
Thor replied, "We're meeting Sif and the others at transport dock."
The trio hurried through the hallways until they arrived in a large, open walkway crowned by arches that had, surprisingly, remained intact. Next to one of the columns, Leya saw Hogun, Volstagg, Fandral, Lady Sif, and. . . Loki. He's fine, he's safe. Leya's relief overwhelmed her, and she broke into a run. The entire group turned to watch her as her footfalls echoed on the stones. Suddenly feeling awkward, Leya came to an abrupt halt just as she reached Loki.
"What happened to you?" she asked breathlessly. She kept her eyes locked on his face, feeling almost as if she might lose him again if she lost sight of him.
"It would seem that Odin wanted to make sure I didn't try to escape during the chaos," Loki paused, "He had stuck me back in my cell, until dear brother here was kind enough to sneak me out. Although he needs me, he clearly doesn't trust me." Loki held up his hands, which were in handcuffs of some sort, then turned and gave Thor a sardonic smile, who frowned at him. Well, would you really expect anyone to trust you?
"Only because we need you to get to Svartalfheim" Thor said sternly.
Leya forced herself to tear her eyes away from Loki and instead looked at Sif and the warriors three. She had to admit, none of them looked particularly happy about Loki's presence. Well, you don't necessarily trust him either, now do you?
The group started toward the transport dock, but they must have been spotted, because they heard a shout behind them. They turned to see a crowd of soldiers coming at them.
"Thor, go. Take Jane, Loki, and Leya. We'll hold them off," Sif drew her double-bladed sword.
Thor hesitated, and Sif glanced back at him "Go!" she shouted.
Thor gestured for Leya and Jane to get onto a ship. Jane turned and ran, but Leya hesitated, wondering if she should stay behind and help Sif and the warriors.
"Sif – " she began, but was cut off as Thor yelled "Run!" Loki turned and put his hand on Leya's arm, gently pushing her backward.
"Leya, you need to come with us," Loki said gently. Leya reluctantly turned and ran with Loki after Jane, Thor close behind them.
Leya and Jane got onto a speeder-boat type flying ship and immediately began flipping the controls on.
"Have you ever flown one of these things?" Jane asked.
"Uh," Leya said, fiddling with a knob that made a red light start beeping and flashing, "No. But I can certainly try." What I'd give to have Thom with me right now.
Of course, Thom wasn't there, and it was Loki who appeared next to her. "No need for that," he muttered, and he and Thor took over the controls. They pulled out of the transport dock, and Leya looked down at Sif and the warriors three, hoping they would be all right. When she turned back, Thor had given Loki control of steering.
"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Thor asked as they narrowly avoided scraping a giant stone statue.
"Yes, Thor, please do stop nagging," Loki replied condescendingly.
"Loki!" Thor exclaimed abruptly. Leya looked up and saw they were heading toward a giant, very solid-looking cliff.
"Just trust me, Thor!" Loki snapped back.
"I don't trust you!" Thor shouted back. Loki ignored the comment and accelerated.
Leya heard a gasp and a thud behind her. She turned to see Jane slumped on the floor. Thor turned as well, and Leya knelt to check on her.
"She's just unconscious for now, but hurry!" Leya said. Loki accelerated even more.
Now, Leya could see what looked like a small crack in the cliff. Is that where we're heading?! Loki seemed to read her thoughts.
"If it were easy, everyone would do it," Loki muttered, flashing a grim smile as he guided the little ship. Thor and Leya held their breath as they rapidly approached the cliff. Suddenly, with a whooshing noise, they blasted through the cliff and out the other side. Except it wasn't just the other side of the cliff; it was the dark, desolate dunes of Svartalfheim.
"Ta-daa," Loki sang as he gently landed the speeder boat. Thor and Leya couldn't help but roll their eyes. The group disembarked, Thor carrying Jane, who was gradually regaining consciousness.
But they hadn't gotten more than a few yards when Malekith and the Dark Elves appeared a few dunes away. The group abruptly stopped, Leya pulling out her dagger and Thor setting Jane down, who was well enough to stand on her own at that point. Thor looked at Loki.
"Ready?" Thor asked.
Ready for what? Confused, Leya looked to Loki.
Loki held out his bound hands, and Thor looked down at them.
Wait, what's happening?
"You still don't trust me, Brother?" Loki asked. Thor eyed him skeptically and removed the cuffs. Loki rubbed his wrists, "And my dagger?" Thor sighed, then reluctantly pulled out Loki's dagger and handed it to him.
"Wonderful," Loki stated, a smile coming to his face. He glanced at Leya, who apparently wasn't hiding her confusion very well.
"Don't worry," Loki said, emphasizing the two words.
Is that supposed to be reassuring?
Loki turned back to Thor, "Now then." He suddenly lashed out, hitting Thor hard in the stomach and sending him flying forward.
"Thor!" Jane cried out.
"Loki!" Leya shouted at the same time. The two women glanced at each other with a mixture of exasperation and shock.
Loki ran after Thor and kicked him before Thor could rise. Then Loki pulled out his dagger and sliced Thor's hand off. Jane screamed. She turned to Leya, her expression pleading.
Everyone seems to think Loki actually listens to me. . . that's not true – I don't think – but if it makes them feel better. . . Leya ran to Loki, jumping to grab his dagger arm, but she was too short. Why do you have to be so tall?! She managed to grab Loki's arm and pulled, hoping to throw him off balance, but he shook her off like a butterfly, sending her crashing backward.
Ow, Leya thought as she slammed against the stony ground. She tried to stand, but her head felt dizzy, and her right ankle was throbbing. Leya looked up to see Loki looking back at her, something like concern, or an apology, written on his face before he turned back to Thor.
At that point, Malekith and the Dark Elves had reached them. Loki grabbed Jane's arm, pulling her up and holding his dagger at her throat. Loki! Leya was incredulous. This is why no one trusts you. . .
"What is this?" Malekith demanded.
"A bargain. I give you the girl, and all I ask for in return is a good seat from which to watch Asgard burn," Loki replied.
"That is all?" Malekith hissed.
Loki gave a terse nod, and after a tense moment, Malekith dipped his own head in agreement. Loki released Jane, shoving her toward Malekith. Jane whirled to face Loki.
"Thor trusted you! And you betrayed him," she spat at him. Leya thought she saw remorse flash across Loki's features, but perhaps it was a trick of the light. Or my head, which was still throbbing.
Malekith raised his hand and suddenly Jane was in the air. She struggled, but Malekith's hold was firm. He began pulling the aether out of her. Jane was forced upward, limbs splayed wide, head back and mouth open as the black-red substance flowed out of her.
"Now, Loki!" Leya's head whipped around as she heard Thor shout. Loki turned and shot a blast of green light at Thor. Immediately, Thor's cut-off hand was restored, and his hammer soared back into his grasp. Thor harnessed his power and directed it all at the aether just as the last remnants of it left Jane, who collapsed on the ground, unconscious. Leya crawled over to Jane, checking that she was still breathing.
Thor's lightning collided with the aether, and a spectacular explosion lit up the dull landscape. For a minute, Leya thought their fool plan might actually work. But then the lightning dissipated, and the aether returned to its original master, Malekith, who welcomed it with open arms.
Thor's face fell, and even Loki frowned as Malekith absorbed the aether. As soon as the last bits of aether disappeared into him, Malekith's gaze shot straight to Thor, and he started after him. Thor readied his hammer, but fueled by the aether, Malekith was too fast. With a swipe of his hand, Malekith tossed Thor like a stuffed animal across the grey dunes. Loki started after him, but immediately, the other Dark Elves sprang into action around him and Leya. Loki attempted to block Leya, but she struggled to her feet even as her ankle burned in pain. Leya limped up next to Loki.
"You're a jerk for not telling me your brilliant plan, but if we're going to die now," Leya said, wincing in pain, "I'd rather we die together."
Loki held her gaze for a moment, a strange mixture of mirth, affection, and solemnity flitting across his face. He nodded, "Together."