Summary: The war between Jotunheim and Asgard draws to a close, but thanks to a horrible twist of Fate (or perhaps not), the nameless runt of Laufey-King is not discovered by Odin and so begins a remarkable journey of life that should not have been. Jotun!Loki AU. Set pre-/during-/after Thor/Avengers Assemble. MCU-verse only.

Warnings: ANGST! Loki-whump! Language, adult situations, violence, child abuse, dub-con, sexual assault (also of a minor), substance abuse, one abortion scene (sort of), slavery, sex trade (maybe), some mild original character/Loki M/M pairings.

Comments: This is not a slash fic. Sorry. It's Loki-centric, although I definitely show the rest of the Avengers and etc. Please review! Constructive criticism welcome.

Disclaimer: I do not own Avengers. Marvel owns it. I do not get paid for this piece of work. Sadly, but understandably. LOL.

Thanks to my awesome reviewers! To: DragonsFlame117, Winter Cicada, ClaMiAl, wbss21, Immortal Sailor Cosmos, Ellie. Thanks you guys! You rock!

Winter Cicada: Yes! Hurrah for foreshadowing and setup! A much needed dialogue... yeah... Ellie: Welcome! I'm so glad you are enjoying this fic! Thanks a ton for the shoutout!

SO WHO WATCHED TOM HIDDLESTON AT HALL H? I YOUTUBED IT TO DEATH! DEATH! AND MY OVARIES DIED! AND MY BRAINS!

AND HOW CAN I WRITE, MR. HIDDLESTON, WHEN YOU DISTRACT ME SO? You and your face and your deep commanding voice and your gorgeousness... (sigh)

Warning! Slavery! Warning! Angst! Warning!


Distortions In Time
[Bitter Desolation, Incandescent Harmony]

Chapter 28
Gathering Light I

[... Where is magic found –]

[... but here...]

Magic is everywhere. It is in the multitudinous voices of the wind. It is in the chatter of water. It is in the rumble of earth – and the crackle of fire. It is the flashes of lightning and the song of thunder. It is in the roar of a thousand burning suns. It is everything. It is everywhere.

It is Us.

That is what the Mages averred time and again, speaking the Rites to the youths of Jotunheim who could never understand the Truth of Tradition. One day, the younglings would be the future Mages of Jotunheim, but their Office, like the Aldinn Stathr, was empty – and meaningless. Motion without meaning.

However, the magic was still there – faint to the senses and growing fainter still since the removal of the Out-Pouring, the Gap Between What Is and What Is Not, the Kero Fornvetr, the Casket of Ancient Winters. And now – and now – weaker and growing more so by the century, the spirit of Jotunheim struggled on. Heimsrsal was there, but no one could hear her voice for the Sithr Efingi had been stolen away. A double-blow, an unknown double-blow, to Jotunheim.

Yet, Magic is everywhere. What Is and What Is Not – these make up what is seen and what is not seen and all the spaces in between. Even far away on the desolate planet of Sharda'aa, there was a thread easily tapped into, for no place part of the cosmos and What Is can ever be separated from What Is Not.

On Sharda'aa, there is no honour, no respect given to the Powers That Be. It is a matter of utility and ability, stringently calculated into varying levels as science continued (continues) to attempt full understanding of the Unknowable. A crass attempt, but understandable considering what dangers the cosmos held.

[... and they are many indeed...]

These sorcerers, these would-be magicians dabbled in the lower levels. Within their own rating system, they could only achieve Eno'vee or Eno'yul – and above them, ensconced within their blessed Realm, the Mages of Asgard worked at Eno'ko. Beyond (Eno'ah), the elves stood with Odin Allfather.

Kol'la, the Jotun-in-disguise, the fighting and entertainment slave, knew what his limits were. They had been beaten into him at the hands of the Boss-man and later Shax's Enforcers. From his lofty height of Prince and Warrior Extraordinaire, Thor let Kol'la know how weak he stood and the hopelessness of his situation. As if I need reminding, the young man thought sourly. Even now, after another bloody battle within the third week of Thor's captivity, Kol'la's abilities were once again reassessed.

Even if I were to be freed, he thought, watching the Magician Suppressor Aga'no tote up the requisite calculations, nodding and shaking his dark-blue-purple head and scratching the bizarre white fur which grew off the tip of his ears and in tufts above his eyes. The Third Madam's eyes were also narrowed. Even if I were to be freed, would I have the power to fend for myself on this world?

"His power grows," Aga'no muttered. "Daily. The boy is a natural –"
"And that is why Shax keeps him, despite his effeminate ways and sharp tongue," the Third Madame cut him off, eyeing the dark-haired slave suspiciously.
"It will take longer, at any rate," Aga'no clucked, "this time around. Bleed some of it off – good thing I brought the Atraxia crystals with me today."

Kol'la glared at the two mutinously. Talking as if I am not there, he bit down on the vitriol which threatened to spill from his lips. As if I were... nothing. When the pudgy Mage finished setting the crystals into their various slots in a square machine at one end of the table, the Third Madame pressed Kol'la's head down onto the table, the better for Aga'no to attach long lines and wires to the box at the opposite end. For a few minutes, he tinkered with the settings and Kol'la squeezed his eyes shut, preparing himself for the usual uncomfortable feelings of pressure which resulted from increased restriction of his magic. As I were stuffed and inflated, he thought wryly. Unable to breathe... but not as bad as the opposite.

Releasing restrictions was a delicate process and much more painful. There was fire. Burning in the veins, and in unfortunate cases unable to channel the excess built-up energy elsewhere – explosion. Bursting at the seams, the joyous, wonderful light within could tear you apart on the most basic, fundamental level. More powerful mage's self-immolating in this way had taken out entire mega-blocks and small moons, leaving only shadows of those too close to the blast zone.

Fifteen minutes passed but Kol'la said nothing, ignoring the uncomfortable shooting pains racing up his spine from his unnatural low bow. And then it was done – and he felt more lethargic than usual, which was not surprising judging by the healthy glow of Aga'no's Atraxia crystals. The tight feeling isn't so bad this time, Kol'la sighed, keeping his eyes down and away from the stones which held his power. His. Power. Mine. Stolen like everything else.

[... this is the way of blasphemy...]

[... this is the hunger of those who carry in the Void in their hearts...]

That night, Kol'la was less inclined to speak. It was obvious now, to him, what he needed to do in order to uphold his bargain with Thor. To get rid of the collar, he thought, I will need a boost. Aga'no is easily Eno'yul. And if his calculations are right, then I am merely a level below him – uncollared. I will need to rise two levels temporarily then, if I am to break free of these bonds set by him.

Kol'la sighed. But to gather that much power is impossible. He steered his mind away from a mental picture of what a devastated mega-block would look like. Steered his mind away to the glorious row of glowing, sparkling stones. Atraxia crystals – not unlike the Healing Stones of Jotunheim, except that these crystals lasted longer, being used for storage and not just for healing or concentration.

If I could place the stones in my staff disguised as decorative jewels, then I would be able to store my energy over time. Channel the power to them. In a matter of days, I will have the requisite amount needed. And then it is a matter of waiting.

There is the matter of gaining the stones... Kol'la fell asleep considering the matter.

[... as the old saying goes...]

[... where the water flows, a path is carved...]

[... the will makes all things possible...]

Over the following days, Kol'la made discreet inquiries and discovered that as the rumours had promised, one of the regular cooks in the slave-fighter canteen was open for negotiations. What Kol'la needed was very particular – and the cook shook his head slowly as he read through Kol'la's specifications.

"I can't get this kind of thing..." he murmured. "Not my level of clearance... but..." The Skrull paused in thought. "I do know someone who might know someone. Let me ask about."

In the end, the other 'someone' did indeed know 'someone' who would cut the crystals – for a price: Kol'la's services. Over the period of the third week of Thor's "stay", Kol'la be-spelled armour and potions, created time-lapse attack spells encased in various objects, and paid for the crystals with other similar, magic-related services.

During the fourth week, news came that his order was ready for delivery – and would be brought by an innocuous dancer from his old workplace.

"A friend visiting a friend," the cook said, "much easier achieved than me attempting to slip you something during mid-day meal."

He winked at Kol'la who rolled his eyes and nodded, mildly annoyed. "Whatever you think best. When will it get here?"

"Tonight – maybe. Hallway Ko'ah. You know the one. My friend will be at the far end."
"And this... courier. How much will they demand in payment for their services?"
"Depends," the cook laughed then. "Payment may not as difficult as you fear, fiery one."

Kol'la scowled at the cook's laughter and mysterious words. The last thing he needed right now was a contest in riddles.

"Now, now, I must go," the Skrull cook flicked a long tongue at Kol'la. "Be patient, Silvertongue. It will come in time."
"Time is something I am short on," Kol'la bit out – and swept off, knowing that the Skrull was enjoying his discomfiture.

-0-0-0-

Later on that evening, Kol'la wandered down Hallway Ko'ah, forcing himself to keep a calm pace at the sight of a vague figure not easily seen in the flickering, dim lights of the lower hall. It was rarely frequented and therefore the favoured spot for such illegal transactions as this. And in the small storage rooms along the far end, perfect spots for slaking one's passions. Or so they said. If you believed the staff's gossip.

Beyond two shelving units, he stopped and eyed the being before him, wondering for a split-second if there had been some mix-up.

She was not very short, but not as tall as he. Her green skin, obviously illusory purple-black hair and wide, glittering eyes pronounced her Skrull. A short skirt and tight top – all in shades of purple and black – revealed her background easily enough: dancer. There was the swaying grace and the collar of an indentured servant hung about her slender neck. Gaudy accessories – a thick silver necklace falling over a plenteous swell of breast, several thick bangles on her wrists and ankles plus a heavily studded belt, spoke of a fair attempt at high fashion. Perhaps, in the end, it was her confidence which spoke volumes. Confidence and a wide smile which spoke of good-will and a modicum of hard-earned happiness.

Contentment. Green eyes widened as they met dark ones. Widened in recognition, for there was no doubting that he knew her. Had known her well – as a friend, some might have said, so long ago. It feels so long ago, Kol'la thought dazedly.

"Kol'la! It is you!" She said, eyes lighting up.

He did not move as she moved forward to draw him into a hug before pulling back to look him up and down.

"Don't tell me that you have forgotten already!"
"Of course not," he replied automatically. "I am just... surprised."
"Now, why is that?" She pouted. "I follow your exploits, you know. We all do. Boss-man is very pleased. You proved him right after all."
"Indeed?" A pause then he smiled. "I am sure he is, Glo-Glo."

Glo-Glo. Dancing girl Number 371 of the zGa Run.

Kol'la smiled.


I apologize for the length. I'll update sooner! I promise!

Review! It's a great encouragement and helps keep me focussed! (bats eyelashes)

Be sure to chat and let me know what you thot of smexy Hiddlesloki at Hall H!

Ja~!KI

Information on Levels of Mage/Magical Abilities

Level 1 – Eno'sa
Level 2 – Eno'tho – Thanos
Level 3 – Eno'frei
Level 4 – Eno'ah – Elven Mages/Odin
Level 5 – Eno'ko – Asgard/Jotun/Any Other Healthy Realm Mage
Level 6 – Eno'yul – Sharda'aa/Regular Mage
Level 7 – Eno'vee – Uncollared Kol'la
Level 8 – Eno'mah – Collared Kol'la
Level 9 – Eno'lei
Level 10 – Eno'sanai

Numbers (for this quadrant):

0 - nai
1 - sa
2 - tho
3 - frei
4 - ah
5 - ko
6 - yul
7 - vee
8 - mah
9 - lei

Alien Glossary:

'auzha – fucker
Dou'ma – idiot
r'senk'ne – a kind of deer/cow hybrid
n'ch'nka – a kind of cow
chi'iano – a radioactive piece of rock similar to uranium
kol-sava'atha – a titanium-rich ore
Morning-star - a mace.
oma'auzha – mother-effer
udji'oo – a drug, like opium

Jotunheim Glossary:

Aldinn Stathr – Ancient Place
Atfirth – energies

blakkrbjorr – black beer
Blakkrbjorn – black bear
blakkrgras – black grass
blargras – blue grass

Dagaheim
dvegr – dwarf
dyrspeki – zoologist

Eybjarg (Chasms of Forever)

fauld – a part of armour around the lower midsection
Flara River – Treacherous River
For-Eldra – Ancestors
Forn Vegr – Old Ways

Gastropnir
Gnottvatn (Lake of Abundance)
Gothahus – temple
Grarfjall – Grey Mountains
grarulfr – grey wolves
Griotunagardar

hafnathr – sea serpents
heillgrjot – healing stones
Heimsrsal – Soul of the Realm
heithrsker – crystal flowers
Holdra River – Hero's River
holkimurtr – small flat fish
Holkn Vollr – Flat Plains
holmganga – a method of ending feuds/disagreements
hota-eik – white oak
hvaeta – wheat

Innaheim – Inner Realm

jarnkottr – iron cat (beast which Laufey released in Thor)
jarnvithr – iron wood

Kaldrfjall (Cold Mountains)
Kero Fornvetr – Casket of Ancient Winters
kostrboth – a method of proving virility for the purpose of marriage

lagreinn – small one (epithet)
Lengi Ofrithr – Long War
luthrblom – trumpet flower

manisilfr – moonsilver
melrakki – white fox
Myrkr Skogr – shadow forest

Nattura – spirits
Northri Stjarna – North Star

silvralmr – silver elm
silvrfiskr – silver fish
Sithr Efingi – True Heir
Skalldi
skordyr – Jotunheim goat
snaerharra – snow rabbit
Storrholl – Great Hall

thurblakulfr – giant black wolves
tunglbom (moonflower)

ulfrbarn - wolf child
Utanheim – Outer Realm
Utgard

vaetki – nothing
ventrmellin – winter melon
villrkyr – wild ox
Virtha Aevi – Coming of Age
Vollrvatn – Lake of the Plains