The next few days, the two medical personnel came to check on Hena. No one else. Which she knew was only so that she would begin to feel grateful to the Almighty. But, all it did was make her hate him more. Being treated as superior might be enticing to some people, but not to her. She despised putting others beneath herself. Thanos certainly had a lot to learn. Not that she cared for him to, of course.

However, they were debating on whether or not to use that to their advantage.

When the next guards came into the cell, and they were sure to come, Thor wanted to launch an attack right there. If all of them did it, they were most certainly going to overpower the two Chitari. The possibility of getting out was much slimmer, but with Loki having taken out two of Thanos' lackeys, not all of them could be controlled at once.

"He's going to continue to try and charm me." Hena said during their conversation that morning "And if that doesn't work, he'll try and gain some leverage. Loki was right. My powers are dangerous in the wrong hands, but it has to be my choice to use them."

"You do have a small advantage over Thanos though." Tony replied, making the woman tilt her head. He spread his hands.

"He's gotta give you something you. And I'm sure it'll be something damn good. Use that however you can."

"But, he will be looking out for tricks. He knows that she won't truly be willing. He will not give her something if she could use it to hinder him." Thor responded.

"Then we'll just have to outsmart him." Tony said.

"We're lacking the best person for that." Thor replied solemnly.

After a moment of silence, Captain America spoke, sounding very firm.

"Hena."

She looked at him first before slowly turning.

"Whatever you're threatened with, you can't give in to him." he said "I don't care if he's going to tear me apart, you cannot let him use your power for anything."

Hena briefly scowled at him, but blinked to try and remove it before it was noticeable.

"I'm not saying you don't already know that." Captain America said, gentler than before as if he realized his mistake "But, it's okay. You're not responsible for us."

Others murmured agreement and Hena glanced around. She sighed.

"I'm grateful for your support. I really am. But, it isn't that simple. I can't just stand in apathy while he hurts people I care about. Not my family and not any of you."

"You don't have to. But you can't let it turn you either." Captain America replied.

"I know." Hena sounded frustrated. Not with him, but at the situation "I just want to stay out of that. We need to get out of here before Thanos decides it's necessary. I want to remove the spell barring me from reaching my parents. If I could do that, we would have a chance of getting out of here."

"Another chance." Hawkeye muttered and Laura touched his shoulder.

"Hawkeye...it wasn't your fault." Hena said, staring at him sympathetically. "Don't feel guilty. Please. I don't blame you in the least."
He hadn't said anything to his friends about it, but Hena could easily read what he was feeling.

The Avenger didn't reply to that, showing that he obviously wasn't willing to forgive himself quite yet.

The guards came again, but they didn't open the door this time. Thor was set on attacking the next person who came in and it seemed like the others agreed, despite the risk.

Red Skull, happily enough, hadn't shown his face since his incident with Hena. She felt guilty about still feeling satisfied by it. She'd never exerted such a forceful amount of negative energy and, frankly she didn't enjoy it at all. And, while losing her layer of magical protection didn't put her in danger, it was still a blow. Her mother would be quite sorrowful about that. The glow was something sought on Anaheim. Although, it was unlikely that she would have been able to keep it forever.

The one sound they'd heard from Loki was apparently the only one Thanos was going to torment them with. Perhaps that was worse.

Hena had been reaching out to him cautiously, scared of feeling what she had before. But, she received nothing back. She knew that Thanos hadn't stopped because she had not been able to sense anything after Loki's pained cry either. She looked around at the others.

The cell, usually so despondent, was filled with nervous anticipation. If they escaped again, Thanos wouldn't just throw them back in. Hena was worried that their punishment would be inflicted on Loki instead.

"When are we going to go home?" Nathaniel asked abruptly, sounding slightly agitated. He looked up at his mother with furrowed eyebrows. It was as if he'd been counting down and they had just exceeded the time he'd allotted to be patient.

"I'm not sure yet." Laura replied, brushing his hair gently. Cooper was slightly more aware of what was going on, so he stayed silent. Despite all of the horrific things they'd seen so far, his little brother wasn't retaining it.

"It's been so long. You said were going to leave soon." Nathaniel was now indignant "Loki was going to come and get us."

Laura hesitated in her response, mouth shifting a bit as she tried to come up with an answer. Hena listened, refraining from reacting to the child's query.

"He said we were going to go home. And we were good in the room like you said we had to be." Nathaniel continued in accusation. His hands rose to his hips.

"We can play the game again." Tony changed the subject. He may have been the sarcastic one of the mortal group, but he was also very astute. Right now, changing the subject was certainly going to spare Hena and Thor's feelings "If you think you can beat me, that is."

"You lost every time." Nathaniel said smugly.

"Yeah, well I've been practicing." Tony retorted.

The boy very nearly rolled his eyes as he walked back over to the man.

"Loki came to your cell?" Hawkeye asked Laura quietly, gaze following his son.

His wife nodded a few times "I mean, I don't know if it was really him. He can make illusions...right?"

Without looking over, Thor just nodded at the ground. Hena herself agreed verbally.

"What did he tell you was going to happen?" Hawkeye asked fervently.

"That he was going to let the rest of you out and we needed to stay for a few more days. He told that to the children. He told me it could be longer." she sighed "I did take him at his word. He said he knew it seemed wrong and I think he could tell I didn't quite believe him. He-or his magic...picture-made sure I agreed before he went ahead with the plan. I'm not sure how long we had been here before you guys showed up at the door."

"I bet it was hard to keep them calm all by yourself." Black Widow said honestly, referring to the children. Laura nodded, looking at her husband. Hawkeye kept his gaze down upon hearing her explain what she'd seen.

A sound outside the room made Thor push off from the back wall suddenly, eyes wide. They stared at the door. It was too soon for the guards to be making their rounds. But, if the doors were opening, Thor wanted to be ready now. The others moved forward ever so slightly, except Hawkeye and Black Widow, who remained back with Laura.

"How shall we attack?" Fandral asked quietly, his stance indicating he was fully ready to fight.

"Let them come in first. Remember what Loki said. They will not be merciful. So neither can we." Thor replied, his voice hard. Fandral stared at him a moment before nodding in agreement.

The next few moments passed tensely, everyone ready to apprehend whoever came through the door.

There was a faint crash from outside, making them jump slightly. Thor couldn't believe his ears. He knew that sound. For a moment, he stood still, completely paralyzed.

"Get away from the door." he said quickly, backing up himself. He ushered Hena back too.

"What's wrong?" Captain America asked sharply.

Then the door was illuminated with a bright light. It increased in brilliance until it burst through, sending some pieces clattering to the ground.

Thor blinked down at the ground to relieve his eyes of the spots. Then he looked up with an open mouth.

Odin stood there, chin raised and looking far more suited for battle than he had in a long time. He had on armor, yes, but no frailty masked his features. Gungnir settled back down to his side.

"Father?" Thor asked in bewilderment, almost not believing it was true.

"All of you, come. We are leaving NOW." the king commanded, pointing his staff out. He backed up, eyes searching the halls vigilantly as they did as he said.

"How did you come here?" Thor asked, looking down at the two dead Chitari on the ground. They must have been on patrol.

"The Bifrost cannot reach this realm. I used other means." Odin replied, examining all of them.

Thor blinked. Rarely did his father summon dark magic, but this was the second time in the last two years. He'd used it to send Thor to Earth when the bridge had been broken. It was always a dangerous action, but he apparently found it necessary for this fight. His son opened his mouth to ask how he found them, but Odin interrupted.

"Where is Loki?" he asked, finding that they lacked a few members of their group.

"He's here." Thor said quickly, desperate to explain.

"I know." Odin cut him off again "He called Heimdall."

Thor brought his chin back in shock.

"What? How? Heimdall cannot see this realm-"

"Loki must have managed to withdraw the forces they have protecting it from our view." Odin said "It was only for a brief moment. We waited for a moment where Heimdall would be able to see again, but it did not come. So, I traveled here. Where is he?"

"He's..." Thor's mind raced as he tried to find a way to explain everything that had happened. That Loki was indeed on their side, although it hadn't appeared that way. That he had tricked Thanos. But he paused for too long and Hena stepped forward, lips pressed firmly together.

"Thanos came to Midgard and captured us. He controls several of the infamous beings that have devoted themselves to dark magic. I'm sure you've come across them before. They possess great skill and not of which is very easily fought. In fact, I'm not sure that it can be. That is how they brought us here." she paused briefly to glance at Thor "To deceive Thanos and help us, Loki acted as though he intended to be his servant again. And he fooled all of us as well for a time being. He was waiting until we had a viable way to escape. But we were found before we broke out." Finally, after all of her strong words, she faltered a bit "Loki tried stop it, but Thanos apprehended him. And imprisoned us again."

Thor nodded along with her explanation. Loki had always been the talented one with words, not him.

Odin's gaze faded to comprehension when she finished.

"Is he dead?" he asked seriously "Heimdall said he was wounded when he summoned him."

Hena noticeably flinched. Captain America looked down both directions of the hall, listening but also making sure they were not going to be ambushed. Hawkeye was holding Lila and Laura had Nathaniel in her arms, both keeping their children close. Cooper stood with Black Widow, subdued and still rather traumatized from their last escape.

"He is not dead." Thor replied, answering as far as he knew "But Thanos has him and Valhalla only knows what he's doing to him."

Odin turned to all of them without responding to his son "You're missing another as well."

"That have Banner here too. And we know where." Captain America replied, then winced as he thought about it "Well, we almost do."

"Then, we'll find him. Hena, I must ask you to bring your father here. He can take us to your realm." Odin said, turning and allowing the others to fall in behind him.

"I cannot reach my father. Loki had to inhibit my powers when he brought us here." Hena replied in distress.

Odin hit the haft of Gungnir to the floor, letting the thud echo in the hall.

"I have rescinded that action. You may call him now."

Hena hesitated for a moment as he continued down the hall without another word. Thor had never been able to understand the seemingly boundless power of Gungnir and his father. It had to have its limits, but he had never seen them.

"I am not leaving here without Loki." Hena said adamantly, staying in her place.

"Neither am I." Odin replied steadily, slowing for a moment to look back at her. Then he returned to his path. Hena exhaled anxiously.

"The guards will know where he is." Thor said, keeping pace with his father.

"So, are we just busting our way out? Loud and proud? Is that the plan?" Tony asked, holding out a hand towards him "I mean, I'm just lacking a few supplies if we're going to fight."

"I don't intend to fight today. But if I must, I will." Odin replied. Tony dropped his arm in faint annoyance, as if he wanted more than that. Obviously the king didn't expect help from them right now.

"Where do you suppose they're keeping our weapons?" Volstagg asked, reminding Thor of his own problem.

"My hammer will not come." he said immediately, staring at his father intently. He didn't try to answer his friend's question "How could they have done this? Loki does not have that power."

"I suspect they suppressed your call, not Mjolnir itself. And I do not believe it was Loki." Odin replied "We will fix that soon enough."

So, Thor fell quiet and allowed his father to lead them. It was almost as if he knew his way around the massive compound.

He looked over at Hena. By the look of her face, she had reached her parents. She stared blankly ahead with tears beginning to fall down her cheeks. Thor could only guess what kind of conversation she was having.

Odin and Thor stopped at the sound of the familiar growl. When they had gotten out last time, there hadn't been many patrols. Just as Loki planned. But, it now appeared that the weird black and yellow creatures were meant to prowl everywhere.

When they came into sight, everyone tensed, but Odin simply pointed and waved Gungnir through all of them. It killed each of them without a sound, even as they slumped to the floor.

Captain America and Tony stared with utter disbelief. It wasn't hard to see why Asgard was regarded as the leader of not only the nine realms, but others as well. And feared by most.

"Do you know what those are?" Thor asked quietly, peering at them foreboding "They're not smart, but they attack relentlessly. Without concern for their own lives. They don't leave a moment to retaliate."

"They are mindless servants belonging to a species called the Outriders." Odin replied, his own eye examining their dead bodies
"Which makes them dangerous. They are blood hunters and they will not stop but for their master's voice."

"So, Thanos only." Thor said grimly.

"They are lethal when you face them in quantities far larger than your own, but not creatures meant to rival Asgardians alone. To fight them, you cannot relent. Or you put your life in jeopardy."

Thor looked at him in surprise as he nearly repeated Loki's own advice. Odin looked back down the hall, wielding Gungir rather warningly. For a moment, the quiet murmurings were hardly audible, but whoever should come would see the dead guards and sound an alarm guaranteed. Odin and Thor went forward, pace for pace. The Warriors walked behind as they had done many times.

Without Mjolnir, Thor was still a threat to be concerned with. He stopped at the cross of the hallway, waiting until the beings came into view. They sounded more sentient and spoke English from what he could tell. And that was exactly what they needed.

As soon as a hint of skin appeared, Thor stepped to knock one of them out cold with simple, yet powerful hit. The man fell to the ground just as the other one-a woman-pulled out a sword with a clang to face Thor. Too late however, she noticed the others, and was seized by Hogun and Volstagg. She thrashed furiously, sending herself flying up for a moment. They dragged her back down and she only finally began to simmer when Odin rested Gungnir a few inches from her chest.

Thor looked in between the man and woman for a moment. They were the healers that had come multiple times for Hena. Sey and Then were their names. Neither of them were very pleasant, and Thor had no personal grudge against them, but right now, his blood was boiling.

"Where is my brother?" he spat at her, unable to wait for Odin to speak.

Sey glared back up at him. Volstagg had a firm hand over her mouth, so she wasn't able to respond, but she knew their general intention.

"Yell and I will not hesitate to end your life as you would not hesitate to end ours." Odin said calmly "Now, speak."

Volstagg removed his hand, but Sey sneered.

"Where is Loki being held?" Odin asked again, his voice becoming very threatening.

"You must be Odin. I see. The forsaken father." she said "Come to save the day. Loki would be surprised you came for him. Or is that a facade so that you can keep your status as the protector of the nine realms? Well, Odin, I will tell you one thing. I may be a medical maid, but I did not hesitate to put heat on that frost giant's treacherous skin." she raised her chin "You'd better kill me. I'd much rather die than face his fate."

Thor resisted the urge to slap her across the face.

"Where is he?" Odin repeated, the movement of his staff still making her flinch, despite her words. She remained defiant, obviously ready to die in that moment.

"I have it." Hena said earnestly "I know where he is."

Thor blinked over at her in shock, but Odin didn't show surprise.

"And Banner?" the king asked, using the mortal's name.

Sey's eyes widened slightly at Hena, able to deduce what she was doing.

"He has been moved from here. Prepared on a ship. They intend to use him against us." the Anaheimien princess said, looking more and more worried as she spoke. Upon that, Sey fell back from a sudden magical force from Gungnir. She now looked the same as her brother a few feet away.

"Then we will meet him at the inevitable war." Odin said, staff moving back to his side.

"He's dangerous. We don't want him as our enemy." Captain America replied firmly.

"I suspect he will be very safe in their hands. They intend to use him, so we will retrieve him when we fight." Odin said.

And no one protested after that. It couldn't be changed. Loki was in far worse danger.

"Lead us." Odin told Hena. It may have sounded commanding, but it was really a respectful gesture. She didn't need to be told twice. He stayed close behind her, aware that none of them were armed. They were all skilled, but very vulnerable without their weapons.

"He's below ground." Hena said, sounding as if rehearsing something in her mind. Then she reverted back to herself "They have a level dedicated to..." she didn't finish her sentence
Odin did not react, but nodded her on quickly. Thor didn't know if his father was aware of what Thanos was really like, but he himself was certainly desperate to get to Loki. And Hena's expression showed the shame.

"There are no stairs, but the floor gradually descends to the bottom level." she said tightly.

"At least he was considerate of those in wheelchairs." Tony grunted, but it was not acknowledged by most of them.

Thor knew that his father was not cruel, nor savage, but he did not hold back when they came across any of the Outriders or Chitari. He killed them before they even had a chance to turn to the group. And, given the circumstances, no one judged him.

"This way. It will lead us down." Hena said, sounding nervous. They had passed the spacious room Thanos had originally caught them in. This was the place both the Almighty and Red Skull had come from when they were apprehended.

"I don't suspect the chamber will be heavily guarded, but be on your watch." Odin spoke to all of them.

"I will watch the rear." Fandral said solemnly "They would like nothing more than to ambush us."

"Thanos will be occupied elsewhere for the time being." Odin said.

Thor blinked as he walked. There wasn't a way his father could have brought soldiers with him. It was impossible. But, he must have created another disturbance elsewhere on the realm. That was the only explanation.

As they slowly descended, the air grew much colder. The smell of death was distinctive, particularly when one recognized it well. When they came to a sealed door, Odin lifted Gungir to send a stream of energy right into it.

Up ahead was a crossroad where two Chitari were beginning to pass each other on patrol. Hearing the noise, they instantly spotted the invaders. But both fell backwards to the floor in seconds.

"Which cell?" Odin asked, speaking to Hena.

She nodded down the hall, eyes scared.

"In the far back." she said, walking forward through the rummage of the desimated door.

"I can feel him." she quickened her pace, causing the others to do so as well. The floor had stains of long dried dark blood, but some also looked fresh. Hawkeye stepped around one, holding Lila's head down so that she wouldn't have to see any of it.

Hena barely looked down the corridors she passed, causing the others to pause briefly to check. But there were not more guards here. Odin had been correct. Thanos would never have imagined the King of Asgard himself would be in their realm. Who could so easy slay his loyal guards without being detected.

"This one." Hena said, stopping in front of the last door and staring at it intently. She was freezing in the icy cold air. Frankly, everyone felt chilled, but she was the only one they could see shivering.

"It's protected by a charm." Hena said, holding out a hand to it. The invisible barrier seemed to repel any contact with it. Odin may have tried to do something himself, but she held put out both of her hands and closed her eyes. After several moments, the air lit up with orange waves, showing exactly where the barrier extended. It was like a wall across all of the cells, with a gap in between where there was no door.

Odin looked up warily as it began to shine brighter in front of their particular cell.

"Hena, be cautious." he warned.

But she didn't stop, forcing the energy of the spell to grow stronger and stronger until with a loud hissing sound, it suddenly seemed to disperse. She opened her eyes, mouth open a bit as she watched.

Odin observed that silently, keeping his expression neutral. The door to the cell opened and he quickly stepped forward.

There was a horrible wave of heat that exploded from the room. It was a stark contrast to just a few steps away where the temperature was likely below freezing. Though it felt briefly good, it was horribly hot and dry air.

Thor almost had to turn his face away from the warmth as he entered. The two temperatures mingled to slowly create more moderate air.
The cell was dark and it extended a lot farther than they expected. The light from the hall did not extend as it should have, prevented by some spell.

Hena created the same light she had in their confines, trying to see beyond a few feet. Then she drew in a sharp breath and hurried forward only to be stopped by something.

Odin walked further in after her, halting at the same place. There was a boundary there that prevented them from going forward. It was light, as if not much strength was available to be put into it, but Hena could not sense any familiar incantation there. Not something she could touch with magic.

Odin narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Frigga." he said softly, but firmly "It is Odin. We're here to help him."

Then, after a moment's pause as if considering his words, the protective constraint lifted with a gold shimmer. Thor stared, taking deep breaths. Then he lifted his gaze.

"Loki!" he exclaimed in a whisper. But his brother did not respond.

He was dangling from chains around his bound wrists, feet just barely able to scrape the ground if he stretched hard enough. Blood streaked his upper arms from where the shackles bit into his wrists.

Thor arrived beside him, eyes wide in horror, but Loki was not awake. His head hung below his shoulders, causing his arms even more weight. In the dim light, they could see his garments were torn in multiple places, but most presently across his back. There were deep, long slashes that no longer bled.

"Hold him." Odin ordered and raised Gungnir.

Captain America went forward to Thor's side and took ahold of the God of Mischief. Odin waved the staff, sending a blast that severed the binds holding the frost giant up.

The tension released and the two men very carefully lowered Loki to the ground where Hena got down beside him.

"Loki." she whispered, placing two hands on his cheeks.

But he remained motionless and unresponsive, eyes closed. His face and arms glistened with sweat. They understood now. The basement was cold for most prisoners, but that wouldn't do anything to this particular inmate. His room was hot even for Asgardians.

Hawkeye murmured something to Black Widow and Laura. He handed off Lila and the two women retreated outside with the kids.
Odin slowly knelt down by his adopted son, expression grave.

There were ragged blue marks all up and down Loki's body, seeping blood and clear fluid. The same one that Thor had seen him obtain from Red Skull. He'd seen how much pain it had caused his brother then. But these looked worse. The skin looked as though it had been completely burned away.

And cuts laced his arms. Some very long, wide and almost intricate. Others with jagged borders as if done on a whim.

The wounds on his back were deep, likely from a barbed scourge. Bruises surrounded the slices and were on most of his body as well. They covered his hands, particularly the joints.
Hena looked down at him with tears in her eyes. His throat was currently bleeding, having been cut much like hers had. But, there were several lines across it, showing that it had happened multiple times.

Odin set Gungnir aside on the floor and extended a hand. He gingerly placed it on the side of Loki's head, as if trying to sense something.

Several seconds later, the frost giant drew in a deep shuddering breath. His eyes opened partway, before his whole face clenched in pain. Hena leaned back slightly. Odin kept one hand gripping his shoulder as Loki attempted to push himself up. But his arms trembled too violently, the muscles exhausted from trying to prevent the manacles from cutting into his wrist as he hung.

From that vantage point, they could see another wound just below his chest. It looked closer to a stab wound than anything.

Loki heaved in a breath and then coughed, a raspy moan escaping him. Dark red came to his lips as he coughed in pain again, spattering blood on the ground. Hena flinched, one hand reaching out fearfully.

Odin tightly held his arm as Loki suddenly jerked forcefully. He vaguely looked as though he was trying to fight back, but was far too weak. He was already slipping back into unconsciousness.

The king slowly helped him back to the ground and placed his hand on the Jotun's head again. Loki's breathing deepened again, however uneven it was.

Hena looked at Odin anxiously "Can you feel that?"

He nodded, without moving his eyes.

"What?" Thor asked.

"They've poisoned him." Hena leaned over Loki, voice shaking "Made him take poison."

"Not quite a lethal dose." Odin replied grimly.

Thor looked in between them, unsure of what to say.

"Unless they have been slowly feeding him an antidote." Hena muttered. Odin nodded soberly.

"I'll carry him." Thor said immediately, getting down.

"Not you. We'll need you to call Mjolnir and fight when we are out." Odin replied.

"I'll do it then." Captain America spoke up right after, eyes lifting from Loki.

"You must lead your own team. Volstagg." Odin looked over at the Warrior. The man stepped forward, completely willing to oblige. The king moved back and allowed the man to pick up Loki. The hidden Jotun didn't stir even at the movement. It looked as though Odin had woken him up to see if there was any possible way he was strong enough to walk. But that had been a unlikely hope. The extent of torture could never be seen just from the outward appearance, which was bad enough already.

"We need to get him to the healers on Anaheim." Hena said, her voice shaky.

"Asgard would be better. They are more familiar with him." Odin replied.

Hena glanced once over at him, eyebrows creased as if she felt she should be surprised at his thoughtfulness. But, the truth was, she wasn't. So, she just nodded at him affirmatively.

"Let's move. Quickly." Odin said.

"My father will come." Hena told them "He is pinpointing our position."

"Good." the king replied with a similar confirmatory gesture.

Hawkeye watched as Volstagg and Thor exited first, followed by Odin and Hena. The largest Warrior made Loki look very fragile right now.

"I don't mean to bring this up at a wrong time." Hawkeye said "But, if there's a fight, we'll want our weapons. I have no idea where they're keeping them."

"Loki brought them out last time." Captain America muttered. That seemed so long ago now. Finding their weapons so neatly lined on the floor for them to take.

"I can try and see if Loki knows." Hena suggested, sounding nervous "His memories should show."

"Do that. Then we must leave." Odin said definitively.

Volstagg turned to Hena, as if she needed to be able to reach Loki. She didn't really, but making contact always made it easier. She placed one hand so very gently on his head. He'd been treated so horribly, the last thing she wanted to do was make him feel like he was being hurt anymore.

"The first time they took them," Hena spoke slowly "they were put in a secured room on an upper level. That's where they store any confiscated weaponry. He wouldn't know where they have them this time if they were moved, but I doubt they were."

"We can return for those at a later time if necessary." Odin said "I don't think it would be wise to retrieve them now while they are paranoid from your earlier escape attempt."

Hawkeye accepted that without complaint, but he didn't feel entirely comfortable. Their weapons had not helped them before, but two of Thanos' lap dogs were dead now. Some of them would have the chance to fight if it came to that again.

As Odin took the lead, Thor stayed back to walk by Volstagg and Hena. Fandral, Sif and Hogun walked right behind them. He stared at Loki, feeling a sudden surge of absolute despair. It faded within a few moments, but fury took its place. Red Skull had already indicated that this wasn't the first time his brother had been put through their hell. Thor had no doubt that Loki had chosen many things, but he also now believed that his brother had been exploited in any and every way possible. After a moment, he slipped up next to his father.

"What did Heimdall see when Loki called him?" he asked.

"Everything here." Odin replied, surveying the dead Chitari they passed them "All of you, as well as Loki. Little detail."

"How was he able to call Heimdall?" Thor scowled in confusion "If they had an enchantment over this place-"

"Loki would have been familiar with what they used." Odin reminded him "Heimdall maintains much of his focus on the nine realms. It would not be difficult to hide from him."

"I don't know why Loki didn't do that in the first place then." Thor said.

"He likely didn't want to alert Thanos or anyone else here to the fact that he was deceiving them." Odin replied, answering his son's every demanding query with eery calm "That no longer mattered when he was discovered."

"He tried to get us out." Thor said, wanting the king to understand that "Sincerely. And his plan was brilliant. But, when it failed...he...he would have been desperate for another way."

"Which is exactly what Heimdall saw. Loki couldn't maintain contact with him for more than a few moments." Odin replied.

"When I get my hammer..." Thor didn't finish his pointless threat, ending with a spit of air.

"Continue to call her. She may yet find her way here." his father replied pointedly.

They traveled back up to the main level, leaving the freezing air behind them. No one in their group was suited for such cold temperatures except Loki. It was an unnatural cold, much like the one the Warriors and Thor remembered feeling in Jotunheim. And, in all honesty, it could have been just that. Loki had been here before. Perhaps he'd used the abilities he hated so much for Thanos.

To everyone's surprise, Odin went a different way then they had been taken by the Chitari. He didn't ask Hena about her father again, but they both seemed to have come to a mutual understanding. This place had strong protections. It would be extremely difficult to penetrate Thanos' base directly. They would have to meet them outside of these walls.

Fandral continued to monitor the path behind them, eyes narrowed as he scrutinized any hint of movement. Hogun had fallen in step with him to do the same.

They avoided the Outriders, as Odin had called them, when possible. They had a good sense of hearing, but their sight was limited. Asgard's king easily took their lives when it became necessary.

The technology that they had on their realm was more advanced than Earth's. Asgard did not use it, but their power extended over machinery. That was the real reason why Thanos had stayed out of their sight until he had gained enough power to rival theirs. Not all of the beings under his command had natural power and strength like he did. But, weakening the universe's borders wasn't something any light realms had foreseen.

Fortunately, however, Odin's power seemed to be enough to cripple their watchful eyes. He couldn't hide their position as Loki would be able to, but he had other techniques he could employ.

"Outside." finally, Hena spoke. Quietly, but earnestly "He can come for us farther away from this place. We just need to get out and I can tell him where to come."

"We are near." Odin replied and Thor breathed out in relief.

They could easily deceive Thanos and escape when their captors were blissfully unaware. Their technology could be overridden and the guards could be killed. They just had to remain under the radar.

Hena kept one eye on Loki as she spoke back and forth with her father. He needed help now and she wanted healers to be ready the moment they got there.

Thor suddenly felt a draft of colder air and tensed. Odin continued on, rounding the corner and coming to a stop.

The door to the outside was already open. And about five Chitari guards stood in the entrance. They turned about halfway before Odin waved Gungnir through all of them, cutting off their attempted warning cry.

Thor's eyebrows furrowed in confusion as his father slowly walked forward again. Hawkeye pulled Lila up higher in his arms warily.

"They're still outside." Odin said, eyes narrowed thoughtfully. He didn't seem to have been expecting this and that sound pleasant to anyone.

"Be cautious as we travel." the king continued "You are noteworthy prisoners. Thanos will not send footmen to retrieve you. He will come himself."

"So we've experienced." Hawkeye replied bitterly, one hand on the back of his daughter's head. Though they would get Loki help first, he was looking forward to see if a trained doctor on Anaheim could help Lila. Hena's power had done wonders while she held it, but faded quickly after. That was only on a small scale. Perhaps with Hena helping the healers as well. He was willing to try anything.

They walked out into the barren wasteland, finally leaving that horrendous place behind. They had left a trail of death in their wake, despite many of the guards having been obliterated out of existence entirely.

Hena kept her lips pressed together in fervent prayer that her father would be able to get there sooner rather than later. Odin may have allowed her open communication with Valder, but it was still fuzzy compared to how easy it used to be. She hoped that wasn't permanent.
Cooper and Nathaniel were kept far from each other this time. Laura held the younger boy. Even though she hated to bring memories back to his head, she did remind him of what happened last time he and Cooper fought. Those memories would repeat themselves if she didn't. Luckily, her older son was being dutifully quiet.

Thor's hand opened every few moments, trying to get his hammer to return to his hand. It didn't feel different compared to calling it back any other time, so he couldn't be sure when or if his power would work. Once on Anaheim, he wanted to go right to Earth and get the weapon. He felt useless without it. No matter how strong he was, regretfully, he did rely on Mjolnir.

Loki's eyes suddenly flickered open with a sharp inhalation, making Volstagg stop briefly in surprise. Odin looked back with a scowl.

A blue light similar to that of the scepter was upon them suddenly. The surge of power hit the ground near them, and would have sent them flying farther if Gungnir had not countered part of it. The king reacting as fast as he did was astounding, given they had little to no warning.

Thor's feet scraped the ground as he got up, stunned that another attack hadn't followed.
It wasn't just similar; it WAS the scepter. In Red Skull's grasp. Either he meant to miss or he was nowhere near as familiar with it as Loki.
At that reminder, Thor turned to look for his brother, knowing full well that it was impossible his friends hadn't been knocked from their feet as well.

Red Skull was approaching them from their right, looking concentrated. He was completely alone. At least, for a moment. Then Thanos seemed to materialize from nowhere. He held another object with the same eery glow. The power of the tesseract allowed for travel through realms, but somehow they seemed to have manipulated these objects to do the same, despite only having a fraction of the Space Stone's power. Perhaps that was the reasoning behind the weakening of the borders. In the darkness, The Almighty's fist also glowed bright purple.

He was glaring at them, looking much more strained than he had the first time he saw them. Whatever Odin had done to distract them obviously worked.

Hena immediately stepped forward, focusing all of her power on Red Skull. She knew he was vulnerable now.

The mutant instantly froze, facing contorting in sudden fear. But, they must have been prepared for that because Thanos held up his fist and teleported his soldier elsewhere.
Unfortunately, that location was right within the middle of their disoriented group. Their attention was on Thanos, allowing Red Skull a chance to get to one person in particular. He was gone before they knew what happened, taking the God of Mischief with him. Hena and Thor protested in utter confusion.

A shout from either Odin or Thanos broke through the commotion. The group was behind the Asgardian king, watching with open mouths and eyes.

The two leaders were at a stand off, neither breaking the eye contact. Odin wielded Gungnir warningly, which was enough to make Thanos hold back.

"And the King of Asgard himself comes to save the day." the Almighty murmured. He made no movement otherwise.

"Your attempt on the realms of this sphere is at an end." Odin said adamantly, his jaw tight "My forces are aware of your endeavors and the nine realms will see that they cease immediately."

Thanos regarded him with the first wary expression they'd seen.

"Asgard seems to have lived in ignorance for a long time." he said coolly "And suddenly, you send your son and his frost giant aide to Earth to protect it? I think it's time you returned to the safety of your throne and allowed a new king to rule the realms?"

The remaining two aliens stepped from behind Thanos as Red Skull returned to his side. He had Loki, whom he put behind the two creatures with a smile. As the spindly hands were raised towards them, Odin hit Gungnir fiercely on the ground. The creatures remained in the same position, but their power did nothing to constrain the mortals and Asgardians. Thanos watched in silence, but he obviously hadn't expected that.

"You gave Loki's abilities a great deal of heed when they were used for your bidding." Odin replied "You're going to find many realms ready to stand against you. You face more than Asgard."

Hena stared desperately at what she could see of Loki. He was mostly blocked from her, but she could tell he was at Red Skull's feet. The former mortal smiled at her, as if he knew something she did not.

"Not if I take them one by one." Thanos said "Asgard stands without their leader. And they will kneel before me in your absence."

Thor looked around as several of the Outriders began to crawl forward from behind the Titan. They were snarling impatiently as they waited for the order to rip apart their enemies. Then the God of Thunder looked back at Thanos. He wasn't going to allow his brother to stay in their hands. And it seemed that's where Odin's attention was as well.

"I see now where Loki learned his misunderstanding of ruling." the king said coldly "You know nothing of what it means to be a king. And that is why you will never be one. Lay another hand on my son and I'll see that you face the wrath of eternal Hel. And you're well aware that I can carry that out."

Thanos briefly lowered his eyes towards the God of Mischief.

"He's just a traitor, Odin. Or is he only your traitor?" he asked "I asked him if he was strong enough to join my children. He would have been if not for the meddling by all of you."

Hena's breath caught angrily in her throat as she glared over.

"But, if you wish, I can send him home." Thanos continued "Red Skull can take him there now. Remind everyone there what he's done to them. How he tricked and killed their king. How he tried to obliterate their entire race. That would be quite fitting I think."

Thor's mind raced, realizing in that moment that he meant Jotunheim. Loki's home to him meant Asgard, but the Almighty was mocking them now.

"I'll make him seem the hero he is, don't worry." Red Skull himself spoke, crouching down beside Loki. Odin's eyes broadened ever so slightly. But, a moment later, everyone's gaze narrowed as a sudden bright light began forming between both groups.

"Go!" Thanos commanded. The Outriders began running forward, letting out screeches that made everyone's ears ring. Red Skull vanished with Loki, also heeding his master's word.

Valder and multiple guards materialized from the vivid shine, ready for immediate battle. The residual power that always remained after their transportation sent a wave of the ugly creatures flying back, but hundreds were still rapidly approaching.

"Hena!" Valder looked around desperately as he called his daughter's name.

Hena opened her mouth in a distressed cry, relieved, but mortified that Loki had just disappeared before their eyes.

"Kill them all." Thanos ordered angrily to his servants, backing up from the fight himself. He didn't want to face Gungnir's master and now another king just yet.

"Everyone, gather together now!" Valder yelled tensely, staring straight at the onslaught of enemies. They did as they were told and Anaheim's leader's gaze surveyed them briefly.

"Where's Loki?" he demanded.

"Not here now." Odin replied sharply "Take us to Anaheim."

Faced with the alternative, Valder did as he suggested and lifted his staff. Within seconds, they all dissipated into the glow, leaving a large group of Outriders to converge on their abandoned spot.

Sorry for the delay! College sucks! :)

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