Chapter 82: Trial and Sentence

Brigid and Loki spent all night in the cold Wakandan cells. The cells reminded them greatly of the one they shared on Asgard, with its force field walls made of vibranium and white floors. Unlike their Asgardian cell, there were no comforts to ease their imprisonment. Frigga was not there to help them, and Thor could not help them, as this was not his kingdom. Thus they suffered on the cold stone floor waiting for their fate.

"Well, I will say, the Wakandans truly know how to decorate their prison," Loki said.

"Indeed," Brigid said. "It's not Asgard, but what can you do?"

Brigid then frowned and Loki held her. "My love, what troubles you?"

"You heard very well our childrens' cries," Brigid said grimly. "Our children are my life. Being taken from them is death for me."

Loki shivered and held Brigid closer. "I would rather suffer Hel a thousand times than have our children ripped from us," Loki said. "Their cries were more painful to me than a blade through the heart."

"You said that the sun would shine on us again," Brigid said. "Did you mean that? Is it true?"

Loki smiled. "I would never lie to you, my love. I meant every word."

"Brigid, Brigid."

Brigid turned in her cell to find Loki gone but standing before her once again was someone she knew all too well.

"Father, Father, I'm here!"

Tony wore a grim expression that bore into Brigid's soul. "Brigid, look what you have done."

"Father, no," Brigid said. "What are you talking about?"

"You're in a cell. You were supposed to take care of your children," Tony said.

Brigid shook her head. "Father, you don't understand. Everything I did was for my children. Please."

Tony shook his head. "You're in here because of yourself. I don't know you anymore. I don't think I ever did."

Brigid's eyes welled with tears. "Father, please, it's me!"

Icy water startled Brigid awake as it doused her body. The same was done to Loki as they were greeted with punches to the face.

"Wake up, you murdering scum!"

Brigid and Loki found Okoye in their cell, a bucket of water in her hand.

"What, no breakfast? I think you could be at least a little amenable," Loki said.

"I mean, your manners could be worked on," Brigid said.

Okoye pointed her spear at Loki's neck, forcing his chin higher at the tip. "I would keep curb my tongue before I lost it if I were you."

"Oh, so you're not as fun," Loki commented.

Okoye punched Loki in the leg with her spear, making him cry out and bringing him to his knees. "I'll make my own fun if you don't shut your mouth."

"Okoye!"

Loki and Brigid turned to find T'Challa in the cells.

"My King," Okoye said, lowering her head.

"Bind the prisoners and bring them to the hall," T'Challa said.

"Yes, my King," Okoye said.

T'Challa watched as Loki and Brigid were bound in chains.

"Are you about to parade us in shame, Your Majesty?" Loki asked.

"I've never seen a Wakandan parade," Brigid remarked. "Do you have parades?"

Okoye scoffed. "My King, may I suggest we gag the prisoners?"

T'Challa held up his hand. "That won't be necessary, Okoye. Just get prepare them for the trial."

"Trial?" Brigid asked.

"Unlike what you may think, we are not savages," T'Challa said. "You will have your trial and your fate will be decided."

Brigid and Loki were loaded onto a hovercraft in heavy chains around their wrists and ankles as they were taken to the Wakandan throne room for their trial. As they were loaded into the throne room, everyone whom they had known and offended was there to give witness. Loki and Brigid took note of Shuri and Wanda staring coldly at them as well as fellow their fellow Avengers. Brigid and Loki did not let it deter them; they still smiled, despite the chains chafing their wrists and ankles and T'Challa staring coldly at them. The only comfort was Banner and Thor sitting with Frigga, Fenrir, Tony, and Bruce. Thor sat with baby Maria in his arms while Banner held Ikol. This lifted Loki and Brigid's spirits as they prepared to be judged.

"My, this is quite a fuss, all for us," Brigid said.

"Really, this is quite the spectacle," Loki said.

T'Challa narrowed his gaze. "Do you have no humility in the face of your crimes?"

"Crime?" Loki asked. "Is it a crime to defend your loved ones, even to the death if necessary?"

"I don't consider a parent's love a crime," Brigid added.

"You killed a man, a comrade, in cold blood," T'Challa said. "You stole the Infinity Stones from his cold body."

"We needed the stones to bring back our children!" Brigid argued. "Thanks to the efforts of Barton and the Witch, we haven't succeeded."

"But because of you two men you fought with are dead," T'Challa said. "And the Infinity Stones are destroyed. Do you have any remorse for your actions?"

"I would truly love to say yes, but that would taste a lie," Loki said.

"I am only sorry that the good Captain died in vain," Brigid said, turning to her children. "but if I had to do it all again, for the sake of my children, I would."

Dead silence. The room had dropped to the cold of dead winter to freeze blood.

"It is time to pass judgment," T'Challa announced.

"Guilty," said Wanda.

"Guilty," said Sam.

"Guilty," cried Rhodes.

"Guilty," said Shuri.

Everywhere around the room, the cries rang out "guilty, guilty, guilty." Only Thor and Banner did what little they could do vote nay. But their efforts were for naught. Everyone in the room had sealed Brigid's fate, and they sealed theirs.

T'Challa leaned forward. "Brigid and Loki Odinson, you have been found guilty of the murder of Steve Rogers and James Barnes. For that, in the kingdom of Wakanda, the sentence is death."

A/N: Oh no! They're going to die! This is for my readers, followers, favorites, reviewers, etc. This story is for you and would be nothing without you!