"Good morrow, Heimdall."
The Gatekeeper, diligently at his post, looked over his shoulder at the familiar voice. Inclined his head. "Good morrow, your majesty."
The queen hiked up her skirt as she stepped up the dais. "Please. It's only us. No need to be so formal."
"Of course. Frigga."
She clasped her hands in front of her. "Where is Thor on this fine day?"
He lifted his oversized sword. Sunk it back into the control mechanism.
The Bifrost broke free of its temporary slumber, whirring to life, and rotating toward the desired location. Panels opened, showcasing the Realm of ice in the far distance.
"Thor and his companions have travelled to Jotunheim today. The frost giants have been especially feral as of late."
Frigga's head slightly tilted. "I'm surprised he agreed. Given that he knows of his brother's true heritage."
"Your son didn't go there looking for a fight. He honestly tried reasoning with Laufey. But you know how their king is."
Both of her brows lifted, and her lips thinned. "Indeed."
Heimdall crossed his arms. "What is it you truly seek from me? You could've asked any number of servants for Thor's whereabouts."
She smirked. "It's almost as if you know me too well." Walking to the edge of the dais, her gaze wandered over the exposed cosmos. "I have an odd request."
He joined her. Golden eyes searching, as well. "It can't be much stranger than what you've asked of me before."
"Perhaps. I would like you to speak with Loki. It's been nearly a month, and Aura refuses to see him. I don't like him being in the dark about all this. Which reminds me." The queen pulled the magical dagger out of her pocket dimension. "I believe this is yours."
His hand moved toward it, but he frowned as he stared at it floating in the air. He eventually took it. "I warned her not to keep the incident from him."
"She's afraid of him."
"She fears his reaction? I'm having trouble understanding, given her acceptance of his response on Midgard."
Frigga gave him a pitying look. "She fears his perception of her. The poor girl doesn't want anyone to see her. She thinks everyone can see her shame. Not that she should feel ashamed, but she hasn't the slightest idea how to deal with that kind of situation. I've done what I could for her. She's shut even me out." She sighed, holding a hand against her chest. "I'm a mother goddess, Heimdall. My heart breaks for her every day."
"Given the circumstances, I'm glad she hasn't fully lashed out."
"So am I. However, I can't let her keep living like this. She needs to hear from Loki. He needs to know what happened. Odin still restricts me from seeing him. You saved her; I think it's fair if you're the one to tell him. Not to mention, you're one of the few people Loki respects."
Heimdall chuckled a bit. "We can call it that."
"It's true. The worst he's ever called you was Odin's lapdog, but he knows you're capable of making your own decisions."
His vision found her. "I am. Only, I don't see how talking with Loki is that odd of a request."
"There may be...one more thing." Her lips formed another thin line, and she rubbed the inside of one of her palms with a thumb. She refused making eye contact with him. "I want you to find a way to free him."
There was a long moment of stillness.
The Gatekeeper rubbed the bridge of his nose. "You want me, Asgard's foremost protector, to free our Realm's most dangerous prisoner?"
"Oh, please." She waved a hand. "He currently has no magic. How dangerous can he be?"
He gave her a sidelong glance. "You and I know he could take over Asgard with no magic, one dagger, and both of his hands tied behind his back."
"Now you're just flattering me. I may not have taught him everything he knows, but I've shown him quite a few things. Including how to fight without magic."
"Don't derail the conversation, Frigga. Why should I free Loki? Other than wanting to be instantly beheaded for the highest of treason."
"You don't have to be so dramatic about it. Think about what's been going on, Heimdall. He needs to be with Aura. Just as she needs him. Think about all of the things that have happened since they were separated, how chaotic the Realms have been."
"Some of that has happened by Loki's own decisions..."
"That he made because he was forced into a corner. Because he was thrust into a situation no one should have to experience. He was at a critical time in his life. Nothing but a young god who had yet to learn the inherent cruelty of Odin. You know things would be different if she was allowed to stay."
"You know I regret sending her to Midgard."
"As I regret not being able to stop it."
"We cannot change the past."
"No. But let's evaluate it, since we're already here, shall we? What happened to Aura with the wicked man...it was because I sent her after Thor. And we all know why he was a mess. What's my son attempting now? He's attempting to fix the disorder among the Realms since the invasion. And you know who's at the center of all the this. That imbecile who calls himself my husband."
Heimdall released a heavy sigh. "You know I can never argue with your logic."
Frigga placed a hand on his arm. "This all sounds incredulous, but you know it's the right thing to do. Loki is the only one who can protect Aura until she finds the confidence to protect herself. He was helping her build her confidence before she was banished. And Aura is the only one who continuously keeps him on the right side of the line. You want balance restored to the Realms? Let them be together. Who are we to stand in the way of true love? Clearly, the universe has said its opinion on the matter."
Another passing silence.
The Gatekeeper inhaled a deep breath. "I am a very noticeable being. However, I do trust that you wouldn't place me in a life-threatening situation. How do you propose I free Loki under the guise of speaking with him?"
Her demeanor turned mischievous at his compliance. "It's simple, my dear. You are a being of authority. Not to mention, Odin's favorite, outside of Thor. Odin has boasted on several occasions that he'll one day go down and siphon all of the mystic knowledge out of Loki for his gain. Which he'll never have the balls to do himself. You enter the prison under the pretense of interrogating Loki for the king. As far as freeing him, you don't have to break him out yourself. Give him an idea, and he'll figure out the logistics on his own."
"You know what will happen when he's freed, yes? He failed killing Odin once. He won't fail again."
It was Frigga's turn, taking a deep breath. "I'm well aware. And I'm willing to accept it this time. I once feared what would be attracted to Asgard once Odin left the throne, but after seeing what's befallen our Realm because of his position in power, I don't think there's that much to worry about."
"Who do you propose to man my post while I'm away? Thor and the Warrior's Three might need to return soon."
"You act as if I've never worked the Bifrost before. I should be offended. My magic may not work the same as yours, but we were both raised by witches, don't you forget." Her eyes sparkled. "I have my own seeing capabilities. I'll maintain watch until your return."
Heimdall searched her for a while before shaking his head. "It is only because you've been such a nice ruler to me that I'm doing this for you."
She patted his cheek with a smug grin. "You cannot fool me. I know you're only agreeing because you know what I can do to you if you don't."
He finally allowed an amused smile. "Of course. Your majesty."
Loki sat on the edge of the small bed he moved into the corner of the cell. Into the corner he once cowered in, until he came to his senses. His senses that returned thanks to the handmaiden. The handmaiden he hadn't seen in twenty-eight days.
No, he hadn't cared about counting the days before. But he did since the last time she visited. And now that he paid attention, it was a rather easy task.
The guards provided three meals a day. Everything was typically the same dish, but they had a penchant for saying good morning to one another. They also performed routine shift changes. Once between the fourth and fifth hours of the day. Another between the sixteenth and seventeenth hours of the day. Counting days was the simplest task.
Elbows resting on his knees, he held clasped hands under his nose. His eyes focusing on nothing, and his right leg bouncing up and down.
It had been too long since she'd visited him. He tried holding his paranoia at bay. However, anxiety leaked into his every thought. Something had happened. From his current predicament, he couldn't determine if it was good or bad. Perhaps nothing happened.
Right.
And perhaps she was only a handmaiden.
He snatched the nearest object. Lied down on his back and tossed it into the air. Caught it. Threw it towards the etched ceiling, his gaze surveying the runes. Caught the object once more. Reached back over his head to toss it again. Paused.
Of course, he wasn't one hundred percent certain, but he had his suspicions. The more he looked back on their two interactions, the more it seemed so painfully obvious. And he should've known. Should've known from the way she gasped his name when she first saw him with his mouth sewn shut.
That seemed like such a long time ago.
Okay, maybe he was fully certain. When he grabbed her and held the scissors at her throat, she never once batted an eye. His arm fell to his side, and he rubbed his face with his free hand. He shouldn't have threatened her like that. What was he thinking? Well, easy answer. He wasn't thinking at the time. He had acted on pure instinct. An opportunity presented itself, and he took advantage of it.
Did she freely hand over the scissors on purpose?
Loki sat back up. His leg bouncing again. He had gone over this up, down, and sideways. If the handmaiden truly was his beloved, she would know him. And she would know he couldn't resist potential weapons when he felt trapped. She was clever; he'd give her that.
If the handmaiden wasn't her, then it was nothing more than a stupid move.
Yet, she showed not an ounce of fear around him. Showed too much compassion and empathy for a simple servant. There were only two people in the universe who treated him in such a way. Aura and his moth…Frigga—
He ran his hand through his hair again. Leg not stopping its repetitive movements. He had been so cruel to Frigga. And it was completely undeserved. Everything she told him was the truth. She was the one who raised him and cared for him when no one else would. According to Odin, his own biological family was going to kill him.
By definition, Frigga was his mother. He was a fool to think otherwise. Hopefully, he could find a way to make it up to her. Then again, she may never let him live it down. Which she had every right to torment him for the rest of his days. He deserved it.
A long exhale left him. Emerald eyes snapping up when he heard the prison doors opening.
Two guards led in Asgard's faithful guardian.
Loki's brow's furrowed as Heimdall stopped in front of his cell. This was an interesting turn of events. What would bring Odin's lapdog all the way down here to visit a little ole chaos god?
Heimdall's deep register filled the quiet. "Grant me access. I must speak with him."
The guards hesitated. One dared countering Asgard's first line of defense. "You may speak with him from here. The barriers—"
He remained unmoved. Keeping his eyes locked with the prisoner's. "Your king has requested that I interrogate him on manners pertaining to our Realm's safety. Who better than I to see through his lies? Who are you to question your king?"
The soldiers glanced at one another before opening a doorway in the barrier. Then the silent one finally chuckled. "Just don't kill him, eh? His majesty wants that honor for himself."
"I'll make sure he's still breathing when I leave." His large frame moved through the space, and the barrier sealed behind him.
Loki slowly rose from his bed. The Gatekeeper was strong and swift. Some said Heimdall's true abilities were greater than even Thor's strength. Without magic and proper weapons, it would be a pain to beat him. But he could wear the other out. His own agility and stamina had nothing to do with magic. His smirk emerged. "The old man couldn't find the courage to face me, so he sent you?"
Heimdall approached in a deliberate manner. Towered over the mischief god and spoke low. "I am here on Frigga's behalf. However, you will play along because Asgard knows not of my treason."
"Treason?" He grunted as he was picked up by the front of his tunic and slammed into the rear wall. Hard enough to look, and feel, convincing.
The Gatekeeper's voice lowered even more in volume. His grip tightened on the other's tunic. "What I have to tell you, you're not going to like, but we have to sell this charade very well. So, you will use your anger against me. We'll fight. You pretend to be beaten. I pretend to take information upstairs. Understand?"
Loki searched him, a brow subconsciously cocking and his bare feet dangling above the floor. "I'm listening..."
"I'm sure you've noticed your lack of visitors recently."
"It may have crossed my mind."
He sighed. "There's no easy way to say this. The handmaiden, Sigyn, she was," his head hung slightly, "she was...sexually assaulted a few weeks ago. That's why she hasn't seen you. Frigga requested I come tell you since I beheaded her assailant."
Loki's chest tightened, and he swore his heart stopped beating for a solid ten seconds. He swallowed, a cottony dryness overcoming his tongue and throat. His upper lip twitched. But he managed maintaining an expressionless face. For the most part. "Why should I care about a maiden I barely know?"
"Because you and I both know who she really is." Heimdall glanced over his shoulder. Returned his gaze unto the prisoner. "This is when you can make the experience."
His rising emotions needed no further help surfacing. In one swift motion, he slipped out of his tunic, tackling the guardian at the waist. "Liar!"
Heimdall stumbled backwards and fell. He rotated, pinning the other beneath him. Lifted a fist. "I saw it. It happened under the king's watch. You have no choice but to accept the truth."
Loki dodged the perfectly timed punch. Sent a not-so-restrained strike to the other's throat. Was on his feet and in a defensive stance. The volume of his voice rising. "You honestly think that will break me? Do you not know who I am?"
The Gatekeeper coughed. Irritation briefly flashing through his golden eyes. He stood up one leg at a time. "I know exactly who are, Loki Laufeyson."
He grabbed the small metallic vase/cup/whatever it was. It was metal, and it was a good improvised weapon. Sunk it into a weak point in Heimdall's armor. Palmed it further in. A menacing tone hit his voice. "Then you know exactly what I'll do once I'm freed from this cell."
"That's why you'll never be released!" He picked up the chaos god by an arm and a leg, slamming him onto the floor. "Unless you give me the information your king commands, you'll rot in here for eternity."
Loki grimly laughed. "My king? You really think I consider that pompous fool to be my king? You've been at the Bifrost for too long. I will die before I bend to his wishes. But you can tell him something for me. Tell him he is nothing more than an ant to be crushed under my boot. And tell him he can come kiss my boot himself."
Heimdall seized him by the throat. Lifted his head off the floor. "You will not speak of our majesty that way. You, who are nothing more than a spoiled child who never got his way."
He slid his body across the floor. Brought his legs around and wrapped them around the guardian's neck. Hooked an arm around the one holding him. Breaking Heimdall's locked elbow, he used the other's weight against him, pulling him to the floor.
The Gatekeeper rolled. Snatched the entirety of the prisoner's face with one hand. Bashed the back of his torso onto the floor. He lowered his volume once more. "That's for the hit to the neck."
Loki's back arched, the air knocked out of him. He grimaced under the large hand still covering his face. "Fair. I didn't pull that one when I should've."
"In reality, I would end this here. Everyone knows I'm direct, and I have little time to waste. Have you figured out the runes, yet?"
"I have it narrowed down to three options. One by the barrier, one above the bed, and one in the opposite corner."
"Impressive." Heimdall hauled Loki onto his feet, deftly skating the glimmering dagger under the cot. He threw him into another wall. Watched him sink to the floor. "Should there be a next time, I won't be lenient."
The mischief god glared at him. "Neither will I."
He headed for the barrier. Paused. "Perhaps, one day, you'll look up and take responsibility for yourself."
One of Loki's eyes narrowed. He caught that subtle shift in tone. Glancing up, he refrained from smiling as Heimdall left the cell. He pulled his arm off the cot. This was the rune he would've went after first. Impressive, indeed. The new weapon caught the corner of his eye. He could gloat over his intelligence later.
For the time being, he stayed where he was. Drew his knees up against his chest and rested his chin on them. Keeping a subtle watch on the other inmates who had been observing his fight with the Gatekeeper.
He wouldn't make a scene this time. No. This time, he'd be patient. He'd be thoughtful. He'd be the devilishly cunning many knew him for. Right now, Odin sat high and mighty on his throne. That fool assumed he'd beaten chaos itself and most likely praised himself daily for it. Let the old man build his pedestal ever higher. So, so high.
Odin would die. There was no doubt about that. But he wouldn't kill him immediately. Everyone would expect him to strike hard and to strike quickly. Because that's what he did before. No. This time, he would wait. He would buy his time. Let the old man drive himself into hysteria with paranoia. Just when Odin returned to that false sense of security, that's when he would move with precision. And he would not miss again.
His vision travelled around the cells he could see from his location. He was still being watched. They wanted to see what he would do next.
Very well.
Loki engaged the thoughts he shoved aside since Heimdall spoke those fateful words to him. He didn't want to accept what had been said. His Aura...his beloved... Running his hands over his face multiple times, he resorted to gnawing on a thumbnail. A slight shudder passing through him.
The first thing crossing his mind was finding the individual who was responsible and torturing them into a very slow death. But Heimdall made a comment he beheaded that person. Shame. What a waste of a perfectly honorable execution. His eyebrows lifted with an idea. It had been some time since he dabbled in the necromantic arts. So long as he could find the corpse, he could administer proper justice.
No. That wasn't right.
Aura should be his first priority. She should be the only person he cared about. The gnawing of the thumb increased until his arms fell limp at his sides, and his head fell back. He searched the rune he knew he'd have to disfigure. A long exhale escaped him. Why should he even free himself? All he did was continue failing her.
In a fit of anger, he leaned forward and yelled at nothing. Punched the wall of his cell. Why couldn't he be there for her? Why must they always be separated? Was this the destiny of their relationship? Constant separation? His chest rose and fell with hard, quick breaths as he settled back into place.
He glanced at the other prisoners. No one paid attention to him anymore. Most likely, they assumed he was still in a beaten mindset. Let them think incorrectly. It would help his plan work more effectively. He snatched the dagger from under the cot. Looked up at the rune.
His emerald gaze hardened. He would no longer wallow in self-pity; he possessed the means of releasing himself. Had the means of restoring his magic. Should Aura still accept him after this, he would make sure they were never forced apart again. Not by Odin. Not by the Titan. Not by the universe itself.
Loki rose, jaw set. After a final check, he stood on the cot and thrust the dagger into the ceiling. Gripped the hilt with both hands and dragged it through the rune. He pulled the weapon out. Stuck it into a new spot, perpendicular to the first. Made another line. Returned to his spot on the floor before anyone noticed.
That's when it hit him. He grunted as his powers returned. It began in his core. Snaked throughout every fiber of his being. The chaotic magic enveloping him with the familiar cold of an old enemy one couldn't help but love. His eyes closed, and he rested his head on the wall. Sucked in air through his teeth, the energy fully spreading within him.
The lights of the cell flickered.
It had been too long since he lived a prolonged period of time without his magic. He had grown too accustomed to existing without it. His bottom jaw slid open, his body fighting to contain the amount of power surging within him. The hungry maw of the void opened up in the far reaches of his mind.
Ah.
There was his lifelong friend.
He pulled back a sleeve. The scars covered by the simple illusion spell he engrained in his abilities at a young age. The mischievous grin crawled across his face. His eyes lifted, a green glow swirling in them. He sealed the Gatekeeper's dagger away in his holding dimension. Threw himself on the floor, activating another shroud. Hoarsely called out. "Guard! Guard!"
A soldier walked down the stairs from the entry base of the prison. His expression and tone unamused. "What is it?" His eyes widened at the large pool of crimson. "What happened?"
Loki clutched his side, curling into a fetal position. "H-Heimdall. He tricked me."
The guard approached the barrier. The pacing of his voice increased. "I'll go get a healer. Just hang tight."
"There's no...time. I'm bleeding out. You must, you must help me stop it."
He bounced on his feet a bit. Glanced over his shoulder. "How do I know this isn't a trap?"
"Really?" The chaos god squinted his eyes to get a better look at the other man. "I've been powerless since I arrived. Do you," he coughed up blood, "do you want me to die before Odin kills me?"
The soldier inhaled a breath through his teeth. "I really need this job." He activated a doorway and entered the cell. Knelt beside him. "What should I do?"
Loki's normal voice returned. "You've done more than enough." Grabbing the guard's wrist, he pulled him down. Began another mirage as they wrestled. He transferred his image onto the soldier and took up the likeness of the guard. Knocked the other out with a quick bash on the back of the head.
He rose. Straightened his armor. Waving a doorway into the barrier, he left the cell. The spell on the guard would hold up for an hour. By that time, he should be well into the castle. Well on his way to Aura. He maintained the injured side illusion. Approached the soldiers at the prison door.
One stepped forward. "Gods, what happened to you?"
A grimace. "Loki. He pretended to be injured. He used my weapon against me." He held out a hand when the other guard moved. "I beat him around a bit then rendered him unconscious. He's quite weak without his powers."
"You going to be alright?"
"Yeah. I'll walk this off."
"See Eir. Just to be on the safe side. Who knows what that creature's capable of, even without magic."
Loki's brows knitted. "Are you sure?"
The second guard placed a hand on his shoulder. "Aye. We'll manage until you return."
He offered a lopsided grin. "Thanks. I'll be back as soon as I can. I really need this job."
They both laughed as the first one called after him, "don't we all?"
The mischief god smiled to himself. Headed for the palace. "Imbeciles." Although, he found it interesting they compared him unto a creature. They found him wild and unpredictable? That was a fair assessment. Instead of going for the palace's heart, he stuck with the secret passages. Maintaining the guard disguise. In case the corridors had been found during his absence.
Sighing contentedly, he traced a tendril of magic along the air. It was good to be back. He rounded a corner. So long as he could use his abilities for good this time. First on the agenda was finding Aura. He needed to make sure she was okay. But he could already guess that answer.
"May I ask what you're doing here?"
Loki paused. Glanced over his shoulder.
Frigga stood behind him, a dagger in hand.
He smiled and fully faced her. She never experienced an ounce of fear. He respected her for it. "Breaking free from prison. What are you doing here?"
She searched him. A grin broke out across her features. She trotted up and threw her arms around his neck. "It's so good to see you. I hoped Heimdall would be rather swift."
"He does prefer the direct approach, doesn't he?"
The queen pulled back. Inspecting the blood. "Are you injured?"
Loki dissolved the pair of illusions, revealing his usual form. "Do you have such little faith in me that you think I can't get past some measly guards?"
Her nose crinkled. "Do you think you can just sass me whenever you feel like it?"
His grin faded, and his head lowered. "I owe you an apology."
She softened. "It's alright, my son. It was a difficult time for all of us."
"I-I know, but it doesn't justify how I treated you. You are my mother." He gave a short laugh. "Whether I like it or not, sometimes. You've been the closest family I've had. I shouldn't disregard everything you've done for me. Shouldn't lash out at you. Bad mood or otherwise. You mean so much to me, and—"
"Loki, it's okay." She placed her hands on side of his face. "Don't stress over it. One of my jobs as a mother is to take such lashings from my children. Gods know I have from Thor. It's all a part of growth."
He pressed her hands harder against his cheeks, brows furrowing. "But what if something happened? What if those had been the last words I said to you? How would I have lived with myself if—"
"Loki." Her eyes made contact with his. "As your mother, I'm telling you to stop worrying about it. Another one of my jobs is understanding my children. Have you forgotten I've known you since you were an infant? I've seen some serious rebellion from you, but I've known, that in your heart, you've never meant a word against me. I know you love me."
Vision falling to the floor, he nodded.
"Besides. Maybe you'll finally grow a pair and make Aura your family, too, hmm? I fully expect lots of grandchildren. You know how long I've wanted grandchildren."
His face reddened slightly. "Mother..."
Frigga released him, laughing. "You have time. But I am serious. Both you and Thor will give me grandchildren. I've already decided on it. I will not die until I've held your babies."
Loki straightened with a long exhale. "Aura will need time. Heimdall told me what happened. How is she?"
"Not well, I'm afraid. She's almost in a catatonic state. Similar to how you were in the cell. And she won't speak with me any longer, either."
He nodded. "Heimdall also said he was helping me escape as a favor for you. I think it's safe, assuming you want me to speak with her."
"Yes. Come, I'll take you to her." Without missing a beat, she teleported both of them in front of a door.
The chaos god glanced around. His mother had taken extraordinary measures in keeping this room hidden from prying eyes. He searched the door. Stepped toward it in a reverent manner.
"Loki?"
He paused.
"Be gentle with her."
"I always have been."
Her lips thinned. "I know. Just...be gentle with her."
Forehead creasing with concern, he gripped the handle. Removed it and knocked, instead. "Aura? Aura, it's Loki." He waited for a response. "May I come in?" When he heard nothing, he looked at his mother. "I don't want to intrude."
She gestured him forward. "It'll be okay if you enter."
He swallowed. Pushed down on the handle and swung open the door. His vision immediately falling upon his beloved. His heart sank.