Chapter 36: Contest of Champions
With her children by her side, Brigid managed to slip into sleep once again. She was glad that her children were safe and in her arms once more. Alas, despite even her children's presence, sleep did not return easy for Brigid. She tossed and turned in her sleep, trapped in another terrible dream.
Brigid lay chained to a bed. She looked all around her as she struggled to free herself from her chains. She created an illusion of herself and managed to escape, but Topaz, the Grandmaster's beastly guard, was there to put her right back and re-secure her bonds.
"Get off me, you beast of a woman!" Brigid cried desperately.
"Can't do that, darling. It's time to make the Grandmaster happy," Topaz said.
Brigid thrashed against her chains as Topaz left her with a grin. As Brigid turned, she saw the Grandmaster, dressed as ever in his golden robes.
"No, leave me alone!" Brigid said desperately.
The Grandmaster said nothing but only grinned as he advanced closer to the bed.
"Get away from me! Stay away!" Brigid screamed.
The Grandmaster kissed her as she struggled. "Now, Princess, that is not polite. You should mind your manners."
Brigid thrashed wildly. "No, no! Get away from me! Get away!"
Brigid heard Loki call to her as she struggled. "My love, you're dreaming again. It's only a terrible dream. Please, wake up. Brigid, please wake up, my love."
Brigid only screamed, but she did not open her eyes.
"Fenrir! Fenrir, please, help!" Loki cried.
Fenrir came quickly to Loki's side, spear drawn. She knelt at Loki's side, next to a shaking Brigid.
"Help her, Fenrir. She won't stop screaming and thrashing," Loki said desperately. "I don't know what else to do."
Fenrir tried her best to hold Brigid down. "My Queen, wake. There is no one here to harm you. You are safe with your children, my Queen. Please, wake."
Alas, Brigid did not wake and only continued to thrash about.
"I've never seen her like this. You must help her," Loki said.
Fenrir sighed. "To be fair, I am not sure what more can be done, my King. I thought that reuniting her with her children would be enough to heal her mind, but the Grandmaster's wounds seem to go much further."
"What can be done for her?" Loki asked fearfully.
Fenrir did not speak for a long moment. "Perhaps we could use a spell on her, but it could be complicated. If we get it wrong, it could have serious consequences on her mind or even kill her."
Loki winced and looked back at the trembling Brigid. "Let's do what we must. I cannot bear to see her like this any longer."
Just as Loki spoke, Baby Thor's cries called his attention. Loki picked up his baby boy and swayed him in his arms. Despite his attempts to calm him, Baby Thor only cried harder.
"He's hungry," Loki said wisely.
Loki conjured a bottle and fed his son. After he gave Baby Thor his bottle, Loki tried to lull his son to sleep. However, little Thor was as stubborn as his mother.
"Shh, easy, little prince. Shh, come on, little prince," Loki whispered, turning to Fenrir. "He wants his mother. He won't sleep without her."
Loki rocked Baby Thor in his arms and sang him his lullaby:
Day is gone, the sun has fallen
The moon and stars are risen
Weep not, child, they are your company
Until the sun returns and you are with me
Again
Slowly, almost unwillingly, Baby Thor's eyes closed and then Loki heard little snores against his chest, much to his relief.
"He's stubborn when his mother is not present when putting him to sleep. He's quite attached to her," Loki said. "Please, let us get on with the spell. My children need their mother, and I cannot bear to see her like this any longer."
"Let us begin my King," Fenrir said.
Fenrir closed her eyes and held her hands to Brigid's temples. After a long moment, a glowing white light appeared from her hands and flowed into Brigid's head. Fenrir held on for nearly ten minutes before opening her eyes again.
"What did you do?" Loki asked.
"I quieted her mind and gave her peace," Fenrir replied. "I could see it all in her mind. You must do your part and take away the memory, my King."
"I shall do my best," Loki said.
He held his hands to Brigid's temples just as Fenrir did, and closed his eyes. Fenrir placed her hand on Brigid's forehead. From Loki's hands, a glimmering blue light shone and flowed into Brigid's head. Loki held on for as long as he could to erase all memory of that night from Brigid's mind.
"My King! My King, stop! You've done it. You'll kill her if you hold on longer! Let go," Fenrir cried after a long moment.
Loki let go with a gasp. "Are you certain we erased that terrible memory from her mind?"
Fenrir nodded. "Yes. I could see into her mind. She will not remember that night with the Grandmaster at all. You gave her peace."
Loki nodded. "Thank you, Fenrir. I am forever grateful for this, and I know she is, as well."
"I am grateful to serve my King and Queen," Fenrir replied.
As dawn arose, Brigid arose from a restful sleep for the first time in days with Loki by her side.
"Good morning, my darling," Loki greeted.
"Good morning, my love," Brigid replied.
Brigid filled Loki into her arms and kissed him.
"I would ask how are you this morning, but I think I already answered my question," Loki laughed.
"How kind you are to ask of my well-being," Brigid giggled.
"Well, your well-being is my well-being," Loki said.
"And how are you this morning, my love?" Brigid asked.
"Immensely well," Loki replied, kissing Brigid deeply.
Before Brigid and Loki could go any further, the children, led by little Bruce and Tony, ran into the room, crying, "Mama, Mama, Mama!"
"Oh my goodness, it's an army!" Brigid cried as the children jumped on the bed and hugged her.
"Mama, all better?" Frigga asked.
"Yes, little princess," Brigid replied. "Mama is fine."
"No bad dreams?" Bruce asked.
"No more bad dreams for Mama," Brigid reassured him.
Fenrir came in carrying little Thor in her arms. "Someone wanted to say good morning to his mother."
Brigid took her baby boy in her arms and kissed him. "Good morning, little prince!"
Just then, Topaz entered. "You've been summoned to dine with the Grandmaster."
"Brilliant. What's the occasion?" Loki asked.
"He wishes you to meet his new contender," Topaz replied.
"We will gladly be there," Loki relied graciously.
Topaz exited to the room. Loki and Brigid dressed in the new blue and purple outfits the Grandmaster had gifted to them. As they prepared, they could not anticipate their meeting with this new contender.
Loki, Brigid and the children sat on a grand, red leather loveseat as the guests gathered around them. Fenrir stood guard behind them as ever. Loki and Brigid soaked in all the attention like hungry infants, and their children loved the attention as well. They sat drinking purple wine, while the children ran around and played, using their endless energy. The guests marveled at the sight of the children around them.
"My, what beautiful children!" they gasped. "Are they all yours?"
"Yes," Brigid replied. "I gave birth to all four of them."
"My word! You really birthed all four of these blessings yourself?" one guest gasped in awe. "You must have nerves of steel."
"Well, it's nothing because I love all of them," Brigid replied lovingly. "but in the delivery room, that steel does help."
"And speaking of steel, Loki, you fell through a wormhole to get here?" one guest asked.
Loki sipped his wine and spoke. "Yes, but that is nothing to the wormhole I fell through after I fell from Asgard."
"What was that like?" the guests asked.
"Well, it was very simple," Loki replied, sipping his wine. "There was a wormhole in space and time beneath me. At that moment, I let go."
Loki and Brigid laughed with their guests as they were amused by his anecdote. Suddenly, they heard a familiar voice call out, "Loki, Brigid! Over here!". They looked up and saw Thor, struggling and bound to a chair in the middle of the room. Brigid and Loki smiled and excused themselves from their guests before quietly making their way to Thor.
"Shh, shh! You're alive?" Loki gasped.
"Course I'm alive!" Thor replied.
"What are you doing here?" Loki whispered.
"What do you mean, what am I doing here? I'm stuck in this stupid chair. Where's your chair?"
"We didn't get a chair."
"Get me out of this one. Get me out."
"I can't."
"Not to mention you look good in it," Brigid said with a smirk.
"We can't," Loki replied. "We've made friends with this man. He's called the Grandmaster."
"He's crazy!" Thor said anxiously.
"We've gained his favor," Brigid replied.
"The Bifrost found us out here weeks ago," Loki whispered.
"Weeks ago? I just got here," Thor said, baffled. "And how did you gain his favor?"
Before Loki or Brigid could answer, Grandmaster was right in front of them. "What are you whispering about?"
The three siblings stared at him, startled.
"Time works real different round these parts," Grandmaster explained. "On any other world, I'd be like, millions of years old, but here on Sakaar..."
The Grandmaster shot an appreciative wink to Loki and Brigid, who stared at him, uncomfortable. Fenrir glared at him.
"In any case, you know this...Lord of Thunder?" Grandmaster asked.
"God of Thunder," Thor corrected, nodding at Loki and Brigid. "Tell him."
"We've never seen this man before," Loki said.
"Their my brother and sister!" Thor growled.
"Adopted," Loki countered.
"In-law," Brigid added.
"Is he any kind of a fighter?" Grandmaster asked.
"You take this thing out of my neck, and I'll show you," Thor laughed.
"Listen to that. He's threatening me," Grandmaster said, amused. "Hey, Sparkles, here's the deal. Any contender who defeats my champion, their freedom they shall win."
"Fine, then point me in the direction of whoever's butt I have to kick!" Thor grumbled.
"That's what I call a contender!" Grandmaster said in approval. "Direction would be this way, Lord!"
Waving his wand, Thor's chair was moved away as Thor called out, "Loki! Brigid!"
"Well, he most certainly is a contender!" the Grandmaster chuckled.
"Oh, I am sure, my friend," Loki said. "I anticipate the contest greatly."
"As do I," Grandmaster replied. "Speaking of fighters, I do admire that beauty guarding your wife. Is she any kind of a fighter?"
"I can spear you and you'll find out," Fenrir growled as she came to Brigid's side.
"Fenrir!" Loki said, aghast.
"Oh, ha ha! She's threatening me, I love it!" Grandmaster laughed. "She's certainly a fighter. I like her. Would you care for a drink, Miss, Fenrir, was it?"
"I would, but I am finicky about company," Fenrir said sharply.
The Grandmaster chuckled slightly. "Well then, I shall see you all at the contest tomorrow."
"Looking forward to it, my friend," Loki said.
"You shall have the best seats in the house," Grandmaster said.
"I appreciate your generosity," Brigid said. "Until tomorrow."
The Grandmaster left them, and they turned to Fenrir.
"Fenrir, play nicely," Loki laughed as Fenrir scoffed in reply.
"Wispy old man," Fenrir said.
"I must speak to my brother," Loki said. "Please, ensure the children don't get into mischief."
"I shall, but they are your children, my King. Mischief is in their nature," Fenrir said with a smirk.
"Fair enough," Loki said.
Using their magic, Brigid and Loki cast illusions of themselves to find Thor in the gladiatorial cells.
"Odin, I bid you take your place in the halls of Valhalla, where the brave shall live forever," Thor whispered. "Nor shall we morn but rejoice for all those who have died-"
"The glorious death," Loki finished.
Thor turned and saw Loki and Brigid standing there before him.
"Hurts, doesn't it? Being lied to," Loki said, a hint of smile on his face. "Being told your one thing and learning it's all a fiction."
"Or being used your entire life," Brigid added. "Yeah, that can be hurtful, too. You're not alone, brother."
Thor did not like what he had heard. Instead, he picked up a pebble and tossed it at Loki to no effect.
"Of course. Throw things first, ask questions later. Will you never learn?" Brigid asked.
Loki laughed at his brother's blind rage as Thor tossed rocks at him while he spoke. "You didn't think I'd really come to see you, did you? This place is disgusting. Does this mean you don't want our help? We couldn't jeopardize our position with the Grandmaster. It took a great deal to win his trust. You have no idea. He's a lunatic, but he can be amenable. What I'm telling you is you could join us at the Grandmaster's side. Perhaps an accident befalls the Grandmaster and then..."
Loki gestured to Brigid, himself, and Thor and held up two thumbs. Thor said nothing in reply and threw more rocks, much to Loki and Brigid's disappointment.
"Typical. Throw something, ask questions later," Brigid said.
"You're not seriously thinking of going back are you?" Loki asked. "Our sister destroyed your hammer like a piece of glass. She's stronger than me, she's stronger than you. You don't stand a chance."
"Thor, if you endanger my children, your niece and nephews, I will personally kill you if Hela doesn't first," Brigid growled.
Thor again remained silent, to their frustration.
"Fine. We'll just have to go it alone. Like always. Won't you say something? Say something!" Loki snapped.
"What would you like me to say?" Thor asked angrily. "You both fake your deaths, stole the throne, stripped Odin of his power, stranded him on Earth to die, releasing the Goddess of Death. Have I said enough or would you like me to go back further than the past two days?"
"I think you've said enough except you forgot the paper cuts," Brigid laughed. "Or what about your niece and nephews? Surely, they are worth it."
"You know, we haven't seen this beloved champion he talks of, but I've heard he's astonishingly savage," Loki said. "We've placed a large wager against you tomorrow. Don't let us down."
Brigid and Loki vanished just before Thor could toss a bottle at them.
"Is he always so taciturn?" Brigid asked.
"Only when he's cross," Loki replied.
"I hope for our sake Grandmaster's champion beats some sense into him before I do," Brigid said.
"Well, I'll say this. His champion cannot be as as fierce as you," Loki laughed.
"Thank you, my darling. If only your brother understood this, we would've had a conversation," Brigid said.
The next afternoon came the day of the great Contest of Champions. Brigid and Loki as well as Fenrir and the children gathered to see Thor, or the "Lord of Thunder" take on the Grandmaster's champion. Brigid and Loki helped themselves to wine as the children played. As the children played, the Grandmaster greeted them.
"Ah, you made it!" he said. "My, my, my! Look at these little cherubs running around. Are they yours?"
"Yes, all mine," Loki replied.
"My goodness, what beautiful children," Grandmaster said. "If I were a single woman man, I'd love some. These are loveliest little things."
"Thank you. I am quite lucky," Brigid said.
"Indeed, you are," Grandmaster said, winking at her.
Brigid nodded uncomfortably and sat on a far end of a couch with Loki, Baby Thor in her arms and Fenrir close by.
"Children, come! The Contest is about to start," Brigid beckoned.
Brigid and Loki looked on as Thor emerged from the arena. His hair was shorn and he wore red pain streaked on his face.
"Look, children! It's Uncle Thor!" Loki said, pointing to Thor in the arena.
Tony, Bruce and Frigga waved wildly to their Uncle. Suddenly, green clouds of smoke exploded in the air and the ground began to crack and thud.
"I don't like that sound," Loki said.
"Ladies and gentleman, I give you your Incredible-"
Then, from the arena, a massive green creature wearing a gladiator's helmet and armor exploded into the pit.
"Hulk! Hulk!" it roared.
Loki paled at the sight of the green behemoth he had not seen since New York all those years ago. Visions of the beast smashing him into the ground spun in his head.
"We have to get off this planet," he said, terrified.
"What are you doing?" Brigid asked.
"We have to go now," Loki said.
Before Loki could go any further, Grandmaster stopped him. "Hey, hey, hey. Where you going?"
Loki twitched nervously in his seat as Thor pointed to the monster.
"You're not seriously terrified of him, are you?" Brigid asked. "That's Banner, our childrens' godfather."
"No, that is the monster," Loki argued.
"They are two halves of the same person, and they make up Banner. It's him and that is our childrens' godfather," Brigid replied.
"If you insist," Loki said.
"Look, children, it's Uncle Banner!" Brigid said, pointing to the Hulk.
Bruce and the children waved to the Hulk who growled in response as he proceeded to pummel their Uncle Thor.
"Don't worry, children. Your uncles are only playing," Loki reassurred them.
Just then, Thor took a large hammer and smashed it into Hulk, sending him flying. For a moment, it looked as if he was trying and succeeding in taming the beast. Alas for Thor, it was not to be. Hulk snatched his leg and smashed him into the ground several times and tossed him away, roaring in triumph.
Loki was on his feet. "Yes! That's how it feels! Whoo!"
"Bash him again!" Brigid cheered.
Grandmaster stared at them.
"Just huge fans of the sport," Loki laughed.
The children giggled as their uncle was smashed by the Hulk. Brigid and Loki watched as their brother seemed to have the upper hand until he made to jump with his large hammer. Hulk grabbed the hammer and tossed him into the air. Thor stumbled and ended up on his back and Hulk was on top of him, pulverizing him relentlessly. For Brigid and Loki, it was hard to watch, but they smiled, as their children thought it all in good fun. Their children giggled as their uncles "played."
"Is that funny, my darlings?" Brigid laughed.
"Uncle Thor funny!" Frigga giggled.
Suddenly, there was a blast of lightning, sending Hulk into the air and on his back. Thor was glowing in sparks as he charged at Hulk and sent off another blast, shaking the entire arena. The crowd erupted in chants of "Thunder! Thunder! Thunder!" Before Thor could finish off his opponent, he suddenly fell unconscious. Hulk leapt into the air and that was the end of the match.
Grandmaster presented Loki and Brigid with a large purse. "Well, whadya think? Great match, huh?"
"Indeed, my friend," Loki said. "And thank you for your generosity again. I look forward to the next match."
"As do I. Please bring your little cherubs, too. They are a delight," Grandmaster said.
"Certainly," Loki said.
Brigid and Loki, along with their children, retired to their chambers.
"Did you enjoy that, children?" Loki asked.
"Uncle Thor funny!" Frigga laughed.
"Yes? He always made me laugh," Loki said.
"Did you miss your Uncle Bruce?" Brigid asked.
"Yes! Love Uncle Bruce," the children agreed.
Bruce and the children went about and played while Loki looked concerned.
"I've never seen anything so savage," he said. "He was gentle with me. That was simply barbaric."
"If there is one thing I know about your brother is that he can fall off the edge of the world and land on his feet," Brigid said. "Or maybe his head. That would explain a few things."
Loki laughed. "It would, indeed."
"It was hilarious to see him get tossed around like that. I'll never forget the look on his face," Brigid laughed.
Loki giggled. "It's not often my brother gets what's coming to him, but it feels so good when he does."
"Speaking of feeling good, you seem troubled. Let me help you...unburden yourself," Brigid said.
"Fenrir," Loki beckoned as his guard came to the chambers. "Please take the children."
Fenrir nodded and the children were taken out of the room. Once their children were out of sight, Loki and Brigid's lips met like hungry infants. Brigid made quick work of her husband's blue leather tunic, tossing it across the room before bringing herself back to his lips. Both of them collapsed to the bed, where Loki's hands found her belly and he chuckled.
"What?" Brigid asked.
"I truly am beginning to miss the kicks in your belly," Loki laughed. "It was wonderful."
"Well, if you keep going, perhaps you won't have to," Brigid said with a smirk.
"Yes, darling," Loki whispered.
Brigid closed her eyes as Loki planted kisses all over her belly. She gasped when she felt a tongue on her navel and Loki smiling against her skin. Loki continued lower, making Brigid gasp louder. His lips found her thighs and he devoured them like a predator and its prey. His lips continued their work downward and to her other leg, until he made his way back up her stomach to her lips. Brigid turned him over and smiled deviously. She bent down and kissed and sucked on his neck, like a vampire.
"Oh, you wicked goddess," Loki said in pleasure.
Brigid smiled, knowing her spell was working as she continued her work on his neck. She left his neck and then made work of his chest, kissing everywhere on his abdomen and then lingering there for a long moment before journeying further.
"You wicked woman!" Loki gasped.
Brigid smiled as she worked her way back up to his lips, caressing his ivory skin as she worked her way back under him.
"My darling, you certainly find new ways to make my troubles fall away," Loki sighed.
"As do you," Brigid said.
As Brigid and Loki lay in each others arms, all of the troubles from before did not matter. They were only a distant memory for them now.
A/N: Whoo! Nothing like a tournament and some spice to put an end to their troubles! This is for my readers, followers, reviewers, favorites, etc. This story is for you and is nothing without you!