~ VII ~

~o~0~o~

Loki, Val and Bruce couldn't make the Avengers listen.

Loki sighed in defeat. It was pointless.

The Aesir looked at him with hope but even they suspected something was wrong. Loki closed his eyes.

"People of Adgard. We have all endured much. But it seems that we will have to endure a little more. Midgard denied the help we asked of them, closed the gates of sanctuary before us. Mortals are ever fickle and diverged between themselves. I can only say - it doesn't matter. Hear me, citizens. I plead with you to have patience of little bit longer. I will take us all to Vanaheim as Midgard said no to Thor's people. I will- the magic I think to perform is unstable and... I will not be able to accompany you- "

" My prince! "

" Prince Loki, no! "

" But how could we-"

" Peace. The Valkyrie that fought with my brother and I is capable of keeping you safe. Trust in her as I do and Thor does. Your king will be with you shortly. Asgard as a place may be destroyed, but Asgard as people lives. So let it prosper. I pray the Norns smile upon you. Fare thee well. "

" You kissed me. "

" For luck, Lackey.

"To be kissed by a Valkyrie - my fan boy's heart sings with joy. Just don't kiss Thor, if only in this I wish to be unique."

"You got it, Highness. Just don't... Don't die. There have been enough deaths already. Hela has got enough..."

" Will you miss me then?"

" Fuck off, Odinsson.

"Bruce. I bid you fare well and ask you that she has not drunk herself to death. And... Look out for Thor's people, if it is not much trouble."

" Um... Loki I... I don't understand a thing! You - you are gonna what? Open a portal? Is it safe? Will YOU be safe? Are you... Oh. No no no. Thor NEEDS you! You can't just-"

" Of course I can. I do what I want. Just don't abandon him. He has got enough as it is. You are a good friend to him."

"We may be good friends but you are his brother! Loki!"

"Midgard denied us. I need to keep you all safe. Enough. Go. I need to prepare."

"Loki... I don't wanna…"

"Go. Tell Thor... um."

"He knows. But I will tell him. And... Thank you. You are one strange cookie."

"I don't need to remind you to be careful with Hulk. There are children present."

"Wow… Ah. You got it. Thanks."

"Good. Now go before I lose my temper and decide that Grandmaster is not so bad after all to be around."

"Yeah, Sakaar is just your place."

"Chaos. Delightful."

"Bye, Prince Loki Odinsson. May the Norns smile upon you."

Loki performed magic. Asgardians vanished in blue light. Loki collapsed. Strange appeared and whisked him away.

Thor came with the Guardians. He was enraged and hurt. He asked where Loki was now and his people. They told him. Thor felt his heart shatter. Loki was the only family he has left. Loki's power was great, but even it could give up. Thor dreaded if his brother sacrificed his life for their people. Not because it was a trick but because he had no choice. Because Thor's friends abandoned him in a time of need. Thor never felt so alone.

"Thor, could you please tell us what the hell is going on!"

"Loki has told you. I wish not to speak with you. Your betrayal is hard to forgive. And NOW that I know what it may have cost - me and my people! - I am leaving. Loki is twice the savior of Asgard and may be dead because of my mistaken trust in you. But no more. Beware mortals, the menace comes the realms had seen once and barely survived. I will ask other realms for help for but only united we can hope to overcome it. Midgard showed me that it is not ready, nor it is kind. You may hear from me but I will not make a mistake of calling you friends any longer. Good bye."

Strange takes Thor and shows him Loki. Thor is beyond happy until he sees his brother still and frail. With Strange help they are sent to Vanaheim.