oOo

Chapter 13 – Goodbye

Frigga wore her chest armor and paced around her chambers, knowing full well that Odin lay on her bed. She fiddled with the dagger and continued to pace when the door opened. Startled, she readied herself until she saw her son.

"Loki!"

She couldn't believe her eyes. Loki looked worse than he did when he was sick. His emerald eyes were dull and full of pain, his hair in curly disarray and his clothing torn. She ran to him and checked his injury. She gently prodded the wound that made Loki hiss.

"You are hurt!"

"I am well," Loki embraced her and pulled away. "Please forgive me, Mother."

"Why," Frigga asked. "Why would you do this?"

"I'm sorry."

She stared into Loki's eyes and saw despair in them. She pushed a strand of his hair away from his face and kissed his forehead. Loki looked so young and his voice small and vulnerable. She couldn't blame her son for doing what he did.

"Hush now," She softly said. "Do not despair."

"I regret it. I am sorry."

"It is… it is fine."

"The All-Father, has he not woken yet?" Loki asked. "He is needed…"

"He has stirred, but has fallen back into sleep."

"We need him to take charge."

"I do not know what to do, Loki." Frigga whispered. "I am as lost as you."

"It is my fault." He whimpered. "I caused this."

"This must end."

"I know."

"We must stop this without Odin's help."

"Tyr survived the battle on the bridge, and he is leading the Einherjar around the city to round the Jotnar and stop them. But… they have taken the Casket and the All-Father's scepter."

"Oh, Loki," Frigga sighed. "I wish I understood why you did it."

"I… I had no choice." Loki shook his head.

"Loki—"

"I cannot justify it, Mother."

"This must end."

"I will do what I can."

"What of your injury?" Frigga asked worriedly. "At least let me heal you before you seek battle."

"There is no time, Mother." Loki embraced her once more. "I love you."

"I love you too, Loki."

"I'll stop it."

"I believe you." She nodded. "Go, make us proud."

oOo

"Forgive me for the delay," Erland apologized. "I took a while to find the All-Father's ravens. They were not where they were supposed to be."

"No, you were just on time," Thor said. "What is happening?"

"Loki," Erland shook his head. "I know not exactly. He is injured and I know not where he is. He told me to bring you here."

"What of our people?" Volstagg questioned.

"They…"

"Speak quickly, Elf!" Fandral urged.

"Many were able to evacuate to the hidden passes." He grimaced. "We are doing what we can to save as many as we can. I think Tyr's men are handling the situation. Loki told me to join them when I am done here."

"Then we must—"

Thor was suddenly disrupted when a roar sounded from the door. They turned and saw Laufey standing with a smirk on his face. His head held high, eyes blood red. He pointed Gungnir at them and walked forward.

"If it isn't the Odinson," Laufey sneered. "And his merry little friends."

"King Laufey."

"I had wondered where you had gone."

"Surprised?" Thor glared.

"I thought Loki had disposed of you." He laughed. "Now where is the All-Father hiding? Would you be kind to tell me? I wish to pay him a visit and return a certain gift of his."

"Thor?" Sif questioned.

"My friends," Thor frowned. "You must leave him to me."

"We cannot leave you alone with him." Fandral scolded. "You need us."

"You cannot fight alone," Hogun stated.

"Asgard needs you," Thor argued. "Go and find Heimdall, the King and the Queen, then secure the city."

"But Thor," Volstagg protested.

"Erland," Thor turned to the Elf. "Go with them and help. Loki gave you an order. Do it."

"Of course," Erland nodded.

The Elf ran away to the open exit to the courtyard from the throne room, unable to wait for the warriors still hesitant to leave their Prince. But Erland was different. His duty was solely for Loki's benefit, not for any other. He may listen to Thor, but only if he chose to, now he must fulfill Loki's wishes.

"Leave him to me," Thor ordered.

"Thor—"

"Go now!"

Without any more argument, the warriors four raced after the Elf to find Heimdall and Tyr to secure the city. Thor dangled Mjolnir threateningly as he waited for Laufey to approach.

"Strange," Laufey mocked. "You seem different, Odinson."

"That is because I am."

"No one can change so quickly."

"Then you are mistaken."

"I have no time for you, Odinson." Laufey glared. "I should have done this the moment I saw you."

Laufey pointed Gungnir at him and attacked.

Thor shielded himself with Mjolnir as the beam strengthened. Thor was pushed back as the beam got stronger. He felt one of his knees buckle and touch the ground as he was further pushed back. Thor pulled Mjolnir up and side stepped the attack. Laufey brutally engaged him and they exchanged blow after blow.

It was Gungnir who could come up somewhat to par with Mjolnir.

"Enough bloodshed, Laufey."

"Was there mercy when the All-Father tried to stop us a thousand years ago?" Laufey swung the scepter at him.

"Your definition of—" Thor spun and sidestepped. "Mercy— is distorted."

"Your Father enslaved my people!" Laufey shot ice on the ground. "And ruined our lives!"

"He did no such thing." Thor jumped.

"You knew nothing of it!" Laufey sneered as he dodged Mjolnir and they exchanged blow after blow. "You were too young to know!"

"We can remedy this!"

"It is too late for peace, Odinson."

They exchanged a few more attacks before Thor got tired of the scuffle. He quickly saw an opening right at Laufey's chest and threw Mjolnir at the Jotun King. Laufey hadn't expected the attack. He was thrown back and Gungnir flew out of his hand. His breath was knocked out as he hit several walls at Mjolnir's impact.

"Forgive me," Thor said. "But you are wasting my time."

Thor felt merciful and figured there was no need for bloodshed. So he took Gungnir and ran with it to the halls.

oOo

"No, it cannot be."

Loki observed the Bifrost which was completely encased in ice and it was spreading to the rainbow bridge. Loki saw broken ice on the floor and wondered where Heimdall had gone. But he couldn't worry about the gatekeeper now. The Bifrost was already damaged and dangerous.

"Norns give me strength," Loki panted.

What was he going to do?

"By the nine, why must this happen?"

He cautiously entered the Bifrost and noticed Heimdall's sword in the middle. Loki's eyes widened when he barely avoided the stray lightning headed his way. Loki fell to his knees and groaned when he felt his injury worsen.

"Please let me correct this."

He walked to the center and tried to touch the sword, but it emitted sparks and electrocuted him. Loki panted and tried to hold it but the searing pain was unbearable.

"No," His eyes watered.

He hoped for an alternative.

"If I do not stop it, Alfheim will be destroyed."

So Loki gathered enough strength to brace himself for the worse. He grabbed the handle and felt his skin burning from the electricity, even with the frost, it was painful. Loki could see his hands turning blue, but also purple from the burns.

But Loki managed to turn it away for a moment, but to where should he point it directly?

"Forgive me," Loki muttered.

He had an idea, but it was a cruel and unjust one. He had never thought of it before, but what choice did he have left? This was Laufey's fault, but mostly it was his own. There was no other way.

Loki twisted the sword and pointed the Bifrost at Jotunheim.

"You left me no choice."

oOo

"That stupid child," Laufey hissed.

There was a strange sensation in the back of his head that something had gone wrong with his plan. Laufey felt the change of the Bifrost and the danger it spread. Something had changed and he needed to see what it was.

"Curse that child." He growled.

He pushed the rubble off him and pushed himself to his feet.

Laufey dusted himself and saw Einherjar scuffle around him to barricade him. Fools they are. He grabbed a hand full of debris and threw it at them before they could react. He slammed his hand and ice formed on the ground and spiked up, killing each of his targets.

"You wanted blood, Odinson." He chuckled. "You have it."

He headed to the Bifrost and backhanded the Einherjar that came his way as he proceeded to head towards the bridge.

"You will not deprive me of my victory." Laufey thought. "I will win this war."

oOo

"Thor!"

"Tyr, I thought you were—"

"Please Thor, hear me." Tyr panted. "Forgive me for what I had done when I—"

"You were following the command of your King," Thor grimaced at the memory. "Forget what you had done to me, for it is in the past. You did what you were ordered. You've done the All-Father service."

Tyr nodded.

"Now to pressing matters," Thor looked around. "Where are the Queen and King?"

"They are safely secured in their chambers."

"They are being guarded?"

"Aye."

"Good." Thor felt relieved. "Did you meet with Sif and the warriors three?"

"Aye, they bring Heimdall to Eir."

"Heimdall?"

"He came to warn us of the Bifrost's attack on Alfheim."

"By the nine," Thor grimaced. "What of Erland?"

"If you are talking about that Elf Loki has around, he has warned us of the same thing. He had spoken to Loki of it. Now what is your command my Prince?"

Thor threw Gungnir at him.

"Put this back where it belongs and have the vault secure."

"Aye."

"Before I go, how are things on your end?"

"The Jotnar are diminishing, we have a slight advantage in number."

"Good."

"But we still have Laufey's sons to worry about. They have subdued one of Laufey's guards and killed the other one. My men and I are still hunting Helblindi and Byleistr. They have the Casket, but where destruction is, we will find them. I'll have others secure the vault then we will take them down."

"Go, be swift." Thor said as he walked away. "I must see to correct this."

When Thor reached the outside, he swung Mjolnir around and around to gain momentum. Deep in Thor's thoughts, he just hoped it wasn't too late to save his people, but most especially his brother. He knew how Loki's mind had been damaged by the lies spun around him for years and that Loki must feel out of place. He was just as much the cause as his parents.

"Norns let me be on time."

He swung Mjolnir up and he was gone into the sky.

oOo

As chaos reigned over Asgard, in their chambers were Frigga and Odin. The All-Father lay like the dead, his pale skin felt faded and old. Frigga had murmured sweet nothings to him before, but now, she could not bring herself to do so. Part of her blamed Odin for the chaos, but part of her believed of the purpose he tried to push through.

"Odin, you must wake," Frigga urged.

The All-Father did not stir.

"Asgard is in ruins."

Odin-sleep must have pushed him too deep into slumber and rest, that even he could not penetrate his own weariness of the situation. Such dire and heartbreaking consequences had happened.

"Is it guilt?" Frigga whispered. "Do you hide because of it?"

Frigga wiped tears from her eyes. She feared for her people, but she feared most for her sons. She felt something stir within her, a longing. There was dread in her heart, a foreboding of ill omen. Frigga did not want to believe its hold on her.

"Wake, my love," She called. "Help your sons."

Frigga could not blame Odin for not waking so soon.

He had been so weary, and old. He had done so much in his reign with little rest. It was the burden of being King of Asgard and protector of the Nine Realms. Odin had given so much, gained so much, but lost equally.

"Wake…"

Odin's hand twitched.

"Please wake."

oOo

Loki pulled away from the sword and looked at his burnt hands.

It was painful, as was his left injury. He heard the Bifrost creaking and he was so sure that it was ready to break at any moment. Loki just hoped that Alfheim wasn't too destroyed and that Laufey's aim wasn't as good as he believed it was.

"It is time to flee."

Loki walked out at a small distance out of the Bifrost and sat down.

"You've done enough." He thought.

He was so tired that he wanted to sleep forever. He regretted everything, and it was killing him slowly. The guilt, the truth and the shame he brought to his family and to Asgard was nothing like he ever experienced before.

If he was not dying yet, he was already dead inside.

"You've come a long way," He closed his eyes. "What redemption you thought is your ill demise."

He sat there as large sparks came out of the Bifrost. Cogs took off, and the metal bent from underneath. There was a strong gust of wind and the Bifrost continued to power up and destroy Jotunheim. From the movement of the destruction, the bridge was near collapse as well.

"I failed you, Brother." Loki lowered his gaze. "I failed you."

The sound was wild. Loki knew it was only moments before it would explode and probably kill him. He figured it was the best choice. He wanted to end the pain he felt and the pain he caused. Had he not done what he did, none would be hurt.

"Mocking me by watching your victory," Laufey growled.

Loki did not have enough time to react.

"What—?"

So when he turned, he was backhanded towards the Bifrost. It nearly brought him to the edge of the bridge, but it only slid him a little way into the entrance and the edge. Loki pushed himself up on his wobbling knees and wiped the blood off his lips.

"What have you done?" Laufey glared at him.

"Can you not tell?"

"What did you do you foolish child!?"

"I am correcting my mistake."

"Let us see you correct it again when I kill you."

Laufey charged at him, so Loki brought his hands to his back to reach for his daggers. It was painful as his burnt hands felt the hilt of his daggers. He gripped them tightly hoping that they wouldn't slip from his grasp. He dodged Laufey and went under him, trying to run. But Laufey grabbed at his collar and threw him back.

Loki felt one dagger slip and fall off the Bifrost.

He tucked back the only dagger he has left behind him safely, hoping he would never have to use it for later.

"Norns have mercy."

There the bridge quaked and the noise grew louder and the wind harsher and wild. Loki's hair whipped to the side as he staggered to stand. He half hoped that Laufey wouldn't throw him inside.

Otherwise, he'd die in an instant.

"I should have killed you myself when I had the chance," Laufey growled. "You are a disappointment."

"Tell me something I do not know," Loki murmured.

"Do not worry, I will remedy that mistake."

Laufey slammed both of his hands and ice formed on the bridge. A heavy ice blocked him from behind, and spikes protruded from the ground one by one towards him to the edge of the bridge. Startled, Loki took a step back and knew there was no way for him to go. Loki felt the ice becoming slippery and he could hear Laufey's maniac laughter.

Before he knew it, he was lost his footing.

And he fell.

"LOOKIII! NOO!"

The bridge shook when Thor dropped down.

"How dare you!?"

"Do not move, Odinson." Laufey hissed. "Or I will end him."

"Thor!" Loki called.

Thor turned and saw Loki's hand gripping the edge of the bridge. Loki dangled, crying out in pain as he felt his left wound open further as he was stretched to hold onto his weight. His burnt palms also hindered him from holding on for too long.

Loki felt tears prick his eyes, knowing that he could end himself there and then.

But Thor was finally there, wasn't he?

There was finally hope?

"Where is your bloodlust now, Odinson?" Laufey shouted and laughed. "You think to help the traitor who led Asgard to its destruction?"

"Thor," Loki whined.

"He made mistakes," Thor looked at Loki pitifully. "But he is my brother."

Loki clung on to the bridge, trying to push himself up, but he could barely hold his own weight. Moving his arm only caused his wound to open further, making it impossible for him to pull himself up. And the loss of blood made him nauseous and weary.

Was it the end?

Loki had lost track of what was happening. He could see Thor and Laufey exchanging blows, but Thor wasn't fighting wildly.

"What are you doing, Brother?" Loki thought.

Laufey was able to hold his ground because Thor had to be delicate with the situation.

If Thor broke the bridge, they would all die. And if he carelessly threw his hammer, he could shake the bridge and let Loki fall. There was no alternative but by being careful and calculated. Laufey formed as many ice spikes on the bridge as he could, and an ice dagger to follow his movement when Thor lost his balance at the surprise.

Thor managed break all of the spikes and clear the bridge of any obstacle.

"Thor!" Loki felt himself slipping.

"Hold on, Brother!"

"I cannot hold on any longer!"

Loki couldn't magic himself away. His Seidr was drained from the exhaustion and nausea he felt. How he wished it would end soon and the battle cease.

"Do not let go, Loki!" Thor begged as he dodged Laufey.

"But—"

"No matter what you do, do not let go!" He growled. "I will think of a way to stop the Bifrost."

"There is no need!" Loki shouted.

"But Loki—"

"You will die if you go in, Thor!" He struggled to stay still as the wind picked up. "It is not attacking Alfheim anymore. I redirected the Bifrost to Jotunheim!"

"WHAT?!" Laufey screamed.

"Your realm is more barren than others!" Loki felt himself weakening. "I had no choice."

"BASTARDS YOU ALL ARE!"

"Stop!" Thor ordered. "You will die if you go in!"

"You mean to kill my people and make my realm more a wasteland than it already is!" He sneered. "I am not letting you kill my race and render us extinct!"

"Listen to us, Laufey!"

"It is my realm!" He growled. "The realm of my children and my people!"

"It can be stopped!"

Laufey ignored Thor and went into the Bifrost without a moment's hesitation. Thor did his best to block Laufey's path, but the King had made up his mind.

"NO, WAIT!" Loki cried out.

But Laufey had already gone inside, and the bright light took him.

Cogs fell all around, and parts of the Bifrost fell into the water and out into space. Thor immediately rushed to pull Loki up, but his brother did not notice. Loki kept his gaze at the Bifrost where Laufey once entered. Tears fell out of his eyes as he trembled in Thor's tight embrace.

"Why," Loki cried. "Why would he—"

Had Laufey truly cared for his people that he sacrificed himself to save them?

"We have to stop the Bifrost!" Thor said.

"What are you going to do?" Loki questioned. "It is beyond repair!"

"I have to destroy the bridge."

"That would cause more damage than naught!" He screamed. "We would no longer have means to travel and all the realms will know we are defenseless!"

"You know paths connecting to other worlds!" Thor pushed them both up. "If we do nothing it will destroy Jotunheim."

"But—"

"Do you want Laufey's sacrifice to be for naught?"

Loki was silenced.

"Stand back," Thor pushed Loki further behind him.

And Thor swung the hammer down.

oOo

Odin woke and bolted upright.

"You are awake!" Frigga embraced him. "Quickly, you must go!"

"The Bifrost," He wheezed.

"Please Odin!" She urged. "To your sons…"

There was still time, but not enough. So he got up and prepared himself as quickly as he could with the help of Frigga. His body was still laden, and his movement sluggish. It was the effects of waking up from Odin-sleep. He pressed on, hoping it was not too late.

"Get me my horse," He ordered. "Quickly."

oOo

Loki felt the impact as he was thrown away.

Yet he never expected to feel Thor's right hand grip his left at such moment's notice. With luck, Thor was thrown backwards towards part of the bridge but Loki fell short to the edge. Thor held Loki's hand tighter as he fell off to the side of the bridge.

Snap.

Thor cried out when he stopped Loki from falling.

Thor's right arm had hit the sharp edge of the bridge and Loki's weight doubled the impact, snapping his bone.

"Thor!?"

Thor moved himself to the side to see Loki still dangling, holding his hand. Thor reached out his other hand to grab at Loki's, trying not to move his broken right arm. He had to save Loki quickly. Otherwise, his grip would falter at any moment.

"Thor let go!"

"No!" Thor growled.

"Brother, please!"

"How dare you suggest that, after the trouble it took to save you!?" Thor cried out as the wind moved Loki. Thor felt the snapped bone move as well. "Argh…"

"Thor," Loki whined, feeling guilty. "Your arm—"

"I a-am fine!"

"You're hurt!"

"Not as…" Thor gritted his teeth. "—hurt as you are."

"Let go, please."

"You are not doing this, Brother!" He tightened his grip on Loki's wrist as he panted. "Stay with me."

"Please?"

Thor's eyes were watering, but not because of the weight on his broken arm. He saw through Loki's desperate emerald eyes. His brother looked so exhausted of life and Thor knew nothing of how to remedy it. The Bifrost was gone, and they were so close to tumbling down into the void.

"Stay with me," Thor trembled.

"It is my fault," Loki weakly said.

"Then face these faults with me," Thor reached for Loki.

"Do not make me."

Thor reached for Loki. His brother did not struggle as Thor pulled him up to the center of the bridge. Loki cast his gaze downward as Thor embraced him. He was careful of his broken arm as he held Loki close to his heart.

"Do not say you want this," Thor felt himself choke. "Do not say it."

"I do not," Loki murmured. "But at the same time—"

"No, I need you."

"You do not need me, Brother."

"I do."

"No more lies," Loki begged. "We both need peace, do we not?"

"This is not the solution."

"It is the only way."

Thor cried on Loki's shoulders as Loki allowed the moment to happen. He did not move, nor did he push Thor away as his brother sobbed. Debris continued to fall and the void continued to spin underneath.

"I have learned my lesson, Loki." Thor trembled. "No more fighting. No more argument. Stay with me, Brother."

"I made you promise," Loki absently said. "You took to your vow and now…"

"Do not, Brother."

Thor pulled away as he watched Loki stare blankly at him. His eyes were dim and clouded with tears threatening to fall. His brother was still injured and so was he, but surely it would get better. Thor held Loki's hand and felt the burns marring his brother's skin. His poor little brother so tired and exhausted.

"I am so sorry." Loki reached behind him. "Know that I am doing this because I love you, Thor."

Thor was surprised when something collided on his stomach. The sharp pain dulled from the shock he felt, but he soon quickly grabbed Loki's wrist and held them there. Loki looked up at Thor's eyes as Thor stared back at him.

"You are not leaving me," He determinately said.

"Let go, Thor!" Loki tried to pull away, but Thor gripped him tighter. "You do not need me!"

"I do."

"You do not!"

Instead of pulling, Loki pushed the dagger and twisted it. He heard Thor cry out in pain, making Loki cry in tears. Thor released his hold and Loki managed to move backwards towards the edge of the bridge where it broke.

"No!" Thor wheezed. "Loki, please."

"I am so sorry." He cried.

Thor was going to die in Loki's hands if Loki did not do anything. He knew what was to come if he continued to stay. He was nothing more than a chaos bringer.

He deserved punishment.

And he was better off dead.

"Loki, think of what you are doing!"

"I've given it thought."

"What?"

"Numerous times, Brother," Loki sobbed. "This is the only time I would act on it."

"This is not the solution!" Thor called out and pulled the dagger off his stomach and threw it away. "Come back to me, Brother!"

"I cannot."

"I will not let them harm you!"

"It is not them I fear," Loki said as his hair whipped from the wind. "It is not them."

"Then what?" Thor struggled on his feet.

"You!"

"W-what?"

"I am afraid for you, Brother." Loki took a step back. "I love you, Thor. My decisions nearly got you killed. It nearly destroyed Asgard and my family."

"Please, Loki."

"That's ENOUGH!" Odin shouted.

Loki was shocked, and he felt himself freeze. There stood Odin, right behind Thor. He put a hand on Thor's shoulder and Loki felt his heart tore in two. What should he do? Should he stay and atone for his sins or would he try and escape and destroy himself from the world? Loki felt a sob escape his lips.

"That is enough, Loki." Odin softly whispered. "Come home."

"Home?" Loki cried out. "There was never a home for me."

"That is not true."

"Is it not?" He trembled.

"Do not do this, boy." Odin stared at him. "Think of the wonder you've done to Asgard."

"Wonder?" Loki bitterly chuckled. "More like the calm before a storm had hit it. I've only brought ruin and death to our people. Nay, to your people."

"It can be changed."

"How?"

"I know not, but we will remedy this, boy." Odin said. "Return to us, and face this."

"I will face it in darkness." Loki lowered his gaze. "I am not needed here."

"Loki, do not do this."

"Forgive me, All-Father. I cannot go on."

"Loki, do not do this," Thor begged. "Please."

"This is goodbye, Brother."

Neither Thor nor Odin was prepared when Loki took a step back.

"NOOOOOOOO!"

Thor pushed himself to his feet over to the edge, but he was too late. Loki fell, his eyes closed, fearful of the darkness. It was too late. Thor fell to his knees and Odin stood there for a long time, unable to do or say anything. The silence was deafening, and even more so when Loki was swallowed into the void.

Loki did not want to see their tears.

He did not want to live.

What kind of home would he return to if he did?

Everything was a wasteland.

Thor slumped and slammed his uninjured hand to the ground. His heart bled for the loss of his sweet brother. Whatever madness ever drove Loki to kill himself, Thor would never understand. So he wept as hard as he could, until his voice croaked and his heart ached.

"How could you be so selfish?" Thor broke. "How could you leave me?"

He did not hear Odin crept forward.

"How could you?" Thor called out. "How dare you, coward!?"

Too late was he when he acted.

His words fell short.

"Thor," Odin's voice was velvet and dark.

"He is gone," Thor wept. "He is gone, no matter what I did…"

"It… it will be well."

"No," He shook his head. "It will never be well."

Odin knelt by his side and put a hand to his shoulder, bringing them as close as they could be. Odin could not weep, but he allowed Thor to share the burden for them both. Odin had to be the stronger of the two. If only he had been quick on his feet, he could have avoided this.

"I saved him twice," Thor sobbed. "Yet he… he still…"

"Hush now, Thor."

"Selfish," He grumbled. "He was selfish."

"Do not say anymore you will regret, my son." Odin sighed.

"I loved him. I loved him with all my heart." He cried to his Father. "How could I save him from himself, Father? I should have known he would—"

"Nobody could have known."

"It hurts, Father."

Thor slumped heavily on his Father as he felt his soul and heart rip slowly in two.

Gone…

Loki was gone…

Forever.

oOo

TBC…

Please review and tell me what you think. :D