Hi Guys!

Welcome back! Hope you're all well and are looking forward to this next part of the story.

This was a difficult chapter for me as it is quite an importance piece of the story, especially for our main characters going forward. It's like a catalyst for what's going to happen next and possibly some character revelations and some relationship building. Plus we have some other characters coming up that I know you've been dying to make an appearance.

On a side not I just want to mention the floods that have been going on in the North of England, I know that not everyone who reads this will be from the UK, but I just want to put this here as that is where I call home. My family and I have been thankfully unaffected, but thousands of people have had to be evacuated and hundreds more have lost their homes, some for the second time in just a few years. I just want to send anyone who has been effected some love and let them know they have not been forgotten.

Sorry to be such a downer there, but I just thought it was worth mentioning. Hopefully the chapter can cheer us all up.

Cheers!

D.S x

Disclaimer: I do not own Thor, the Avengers or any other of Marvel's various properties

6

The drive was quiet, all three concentrating on their jobs to see them safely to Stuttgart. The dark of pre-morning gave away to the bright dawn, illuminating the track they trundled down. It was unlike anything on Asgard, a dark black colour and smooth under the rolling wheels of the car. Not at all like the horse tracks that Loki was used to traversing with his faithful steed Asta.

"Be careful, you don't want to get too close," Sigyn hissed as another car passed by their transport.

"It'll be fine."

"I…I wish there w…wasn't so many o…of t…them," Leif stuttered as he scrunched down in the back seat, eyeing the windows warily.

Loki shook his head and looked back to the track, his Seidr was doing most of the job, but it wouldn't be responsible of him to appear undiligent. When they had begun their journey, the track had been deserted. The long black stretch had left Wolfach behind, along with any other villages, seemingly isolated with trees or empty wilderness. Loki had to wonder why a track which was obviously meant for travel did not go through any villages, though with the way parts of it trailed off onto other smaller black tracks, he had to believe they met them at some point.

But now that the sun was high more cars had joined, surging passed the children at speeds that had Loki in slight awe at the Midgardians prowess. They had come far since the last time any of the Nine Realms had had much to do with them. Thankfully Sigyn had been able to cast a small illusion, obscuring the windows from any curious Midgardians so that they wouldn't see three children driving one of the metal beasts. As from what Loki could see, it appeared they were mainly piloted by adults.

"How far are we away?" Sigyn asked and Leif shook the map.

"N…not far."

"Can you still sense Amora?" Loki queried, shooting the Healers Apprentice a look. Sigyn furrowed her brow, closing her eyes briefly to concentrate.

"A little, we're heading in the right direction."

"Anything else?"

Sigyn shrugged, "that's all I'm getting, perhaps I'll be able to sense more once we're in the right location."

Loki nodded, directing his Seidr back into the car so that it accelerated. His hands gripped the wheel tightly, the anticipation of meeting Amora, actually confronting her made his gut twist. Whether it was with fear or anger he wasn't sure, but he knew in his heart that their meeting was inevitable, he would make it so.

Their eventual arrival into Stuttgart was quiet, with little fanfare, so unlike if Loki was to appear in any village or town on Asgard. He manoeuvred the car through the streets of the city, it was a beautiful place, with intricate buildings that appeared older and grander than the ones Loki had seen on his last ill-fated visit to Midgard.

With some helpful directions from Leif, Loki was able to park the car in some form of paddock, that contained more of the metal beasts. Sigyn was grateful to get out, even Loki was thankful to finally stand, it was only Leif that appeared fearful, glancing around with the map clutched tightly in his hand.

"What are we going to do with that?" Sigyn nodded to the car and Loki shrugged.

"Leave it there, someone will take it away at some point."

"Y…you think t…the owner will c…come for it?" Leif asked. Loki didn't answer, turning back to Sigyn.

"Can you sense her?"

Sigyn closed her eyes and breathed. Now that Loki wasn't directing his Seidr into the car he could feel her Seidr reaching out, searching for the spark of Amora's own.

"I'm not sure."

"What do you mean?"

Sigyn opened her eyes, brows drawn together in a frown. "There's traces of her Seidr, that much I'm sure, but I can't be certain if that is because she was here, is close by or just masking her presence."

"Can you feel anything further out?"

Sigyn shook her head, "no."

"Then we'll assume she's here." Loki turned and started to walk off.

"M…my Prince where a…are you going?!" Leif called.

"We should look around," Loki explained as his two companions caught up with him. "Sigyn may be able to sense Amora better if we move through the town."

"B…but …"

"Relax Leif," Loki gave his Valet a reassuring smile. "It's only Midgard, how bad can it be."

"There's so many of them."

"Keep close."

"I n…never knew there w…were so m…many Mid…Midgardians'," Leif shuffled close to Loki's side as he tried his best to avoid the swarm of Midgardians that rushed past them.

They had been wandering around Stuttgart most of the day, Sigyn unsuccessfully tracing Amora's Seidr, which only sent them in circles. It had frustrated Loki, who had unfortunately taken his ire out on Sigyn, who had not taken it lying down, sending the Young Prince scathing remarks along with stopping as much as possible.

With the sky darkened over head as evening set in the three Asgardians had arrived at what appeared to be a central area, with plenty of Midgardian's scurrying around, disappearing into the buildings which Loki believed were taverns of some kind. There was also a large stone building behind, bright lights illuminating the inside, along with large banners which were draped over the entrance promoting some event that Loki had little interest in. Through with the amount of well-dressed Midgardian's that he had seen heading into its depths it must be an event of some importance.

They weaved their way through the crowd, making it to a bench which Sigyn quickly sat down upon. "This is getting us nowhere," she grouched, rubbing at her boot covered feet. Loki didn't bother to comment, sending an unimpressed look at several Midgardians who were eyeing the three in curious confusion.

"W…why are t…they staring so m…much?" Leif asked uneasily, from his perch beside Sigyn.

"They think we look strange."

"W…why?"

"Possibly because of how we're dressed," Loki mumbled which had Sigyn's cheek twitching in irritation.

"Midgardians," she huffed. "They have no sense of style." She glared at a group of young women who as they passed by wrecked their eyes condescendingly over Sigyn's Healers robe. Loki couldn't help but compare the Apprentices attire to the Midgardians. Scantily dressed, showing ample bosoms that the Young Prince had no doubt was intentional. All in bright colours along with painted faces that he guessed was supposed to be an improvement on their actual features. Loki thought Sigyn looked much nicer.

"W...what are we s...supposed to do now?" Leif asked.

"We keep looking for Amora."

"Prince Loki, we've been searching for her all day," Sigyn moaned as she pulled her long blonde braid over her shoulder, retying some of the loose strands. "I can't get a permanent lock on her Seidr, she might not even still be here."

"We can't just give up."

"Then what would you have us do, ask the Midgardians?" Sigyn sneered.

"They might be better help than you," Loki grumbled which had Sigyn glaring.

"Keep that up and I won't help you at all."

"If I recall I didn't ask for your help in the first place. Or did you just forget your blackmail in order to tag along?"

Loki felt a thrill of victory at Sigyn's flushed cheeks.

"Please, c...can we not f...fight," Leif quietly tried to intercede as their argument was attracting a few unwanted stares.

"I should have just called the guards," Sigyn hissed like an angry feline. "So, they could take you back to your room like the spoiled noble you are."

Loki bristled at the dig, allowing his tongue loose with little thought. "At least I have some worth."

Leif gasped and Sigyn's eyes widened before the flush that had suffused her cheeks spread to her neck and chest.

"How -" the rest of her scolding reprimand was cut off as the Healers Apprentice suddenly gasped, hunching over on the bench to let out a startled yelp.

"L…Lady Sigyn!" Leif exclaimed, reaching over to hold her shoulders. Loki stared, fingers twitching as he restrained from doing the same thing.

"Oi, are you alright? What -?"

"She's here," the startled whisper had both boys falling silent. Loki frowned.

"Who are-?"

"Is everything alright over here?" the concerned voice had Loki turning to face an older Midgardian, strange cloths looking neat and tidy as he neared them.

"We're fine sir," Loki plastered on a smile, hoping to allay any suspicions that may have flared up. "She's just-" A hand grabbed his wrist and Loki was pulled so he was back facing Sigyn, a wild look in her eyes. "Sigyn, what -?"

"Amora. Amora's here Loki."

Dealing with the nosy Midgardian was promptly forgotten as the Young Prince switched his entire focus to Sigyn.

"Are you sure?" he said to which she hastily nodded. Reaching out he gripped her shoulders, clutching them painfully tight. "Where?"

Twisting, she jerked her chin behind her, right at the large building with the banners out front. Loki didn't need more information; he shoved the Apprentice aside and started to sprint away.

"P…Prince Loki!"

"Wait!"

"Children! What's wrong?!"

The well-meaning Midgardian was ignored by all as the three hurried their way to the building. Loki scaled the small number of stairs that led up to the door in a single bound, pushing several more Midgardians out of the way as he raced for the door.

"Oi, hold it there."

A large hand fell on Loki's shoulder, jerking him to a surprising stop. Glancing up the Young Prince had to freeze a scowl that wanted to break across his face at the burly mortal that glared down at him.

"Move," Loki demanded, which only had the Midgardian tightening his hold.

"Only authorised personal are allowed into the Museum right now. Do you have invitations to the Gala?" The Midgardian's raised eyebrow was enough to signal his doubt in that regard.

"I need to go in there."

"That's a no then," the Midgardian sneered, grip tightening to manoeuvre Loki away from the entrance of the Museum, where a few curious Midgardians were watching with looks of mild disgust. "You should be on your way lad, before I'm forced to throw you from the premises."

Loki clenched his fists, digging his nails hard into his palms, hoping the pain would be enough to calm his escalating thoughts of just knocking the annoying Midgardian aside.

"Look, my Father is in there right now," Loki put on an innocent expression, widening his eyes and forcing tears to creep at the edges. "I lost him in the crowds just before he went in, he has my ticket, please can I just go and meet him."

The Midgardian guard stopped, brows drawing together thoughtfully as he considered what Loki said. The Young Prince felt a spark of triumph, but it was swiftly extinguished as the Midgardian sneered.

"Nice try kid." And with a rough shove, Loki was pushed down the stairs. Tripping over his own feet, Loki thankfully did not end up flat on his face. Twisting he glared up at the smirking Midgardian, on instinct he flexed a hand, intent on summoning one of his knives to his fingers. Only they were quickly grabbed, as Sigyn and Leif finally caught up to him, both crowding around him to block the green shimmer of his Seidr from view.

"What do you think you're doing?" Sigyn hissed as Leif fussed over the Prince, checking him for injuries and asking after his wellbeing.

"He's getting in my way," Loki said through clenched teeth which earned him a scoff.

"And gutting him is going to get him out of the way?" she muttered, small fingers gripping tightly onto his wrist as she dragged him further away from the Museum. "You have to calm down."

Loki took a deep breath, as much as it pained him, she was right. He was letting his rage at Amora control his actions. He would never have normally gone in all guns blazing like that. He was known for his wit and cunning, much to his tutors' despair, right now he was behaving more like his Brother.

"You're right," he whispered, which had both Leif and Sigyn gaping at him in surprise. "We can't just charge in there, but there has to be another way."

"A…a window may…maybe?" Leif suggested.

Loki shook his head, "security is tight, they'll probably all be covered. And since someone doesn't want me to gut any Midgardians," he sent a scornful look at Sigyn, who huffed. "We'll have to think of another way in."

"A distraction?" Sigyn offered. "You or I could create something with our Seidr. Focus the mortal's attention elsewhere."

Loki pondered this, it wasn't a half bad idea, and with himself and Sigyn having Seidr on their side it was doable. "Aye, but what can we -"

The rest of the plan was lost as a series of screams erupted from inside the Museum. All three children turned to stare in shock at the doors, which were being smashed open by frightened mortals as they barrelled away from the building.

"What is happening?" Sigyn asked while Leif stuttered in worry. Loki frowned, but wasn't willing to not take advantage of a gift.

"Or we could just use that. Come on."

He didn't wait for a confirmation from his companions, heading back to the Museum to dash up the steps, no annoying Midgardian guard in sight. It was difficult to weave through the masses that were in a hurry to exit but being small had its advantages and Loki was able to slip through the legs of the Midgardians to arrive in the front foyer of the Museum.

It was a beautiful place, made of marble and metal that Loki would have appreciated if he was not in such a hurry. There were a few screaming stragglers that didn't even stop to wonder why three children were running in the opposite direction. It was as Loki headed for the stairs that he felt a familiar feeling creep up his spine. Like nails dragging along his back, sending shivers of revulsion through his body and Seidr. Pulling up short, Loki heard Sigyn curse as she almost crashed into him.

"Why did you -?"

"She's close," Loki muttered.

Sigyn snapped her mouth shut, furrowing her brow. Loki felt her reach out with her own Seidr, only to snap it back and clench her hands around her arms in a hug, as though it would be enough to protect her from the onslaught of corrupt Seidr.

"What are we going to do?" she whispered.

Loki squared his shoulders, waving his hand to summon his pocket dimension. With ease he called his spear to his hand, it appearing as though from mid-air. He heard Leif gasp and even Sigyn gaped at the complex display of Seidr.

"I'm going to confront her," Loki said, gripping the spear in his hands.

"Here?" Sigyn asked. "But there are Midgardians -"

"Most of them have fled," Loki glanced around, checking that his statement held true. "And if they are smart, they won't interfere."

"I…I do n…not like the i…idea of you c…confronting Lady A…Amora alone P…prince Loki," Leif stuttered, though he bravely took a step closer. "I in…insist that you a…allow me to h…help."

Loki snorted, "you can't fight, take Sigyn and hide."

"Excuse me, but who said I was hiding anywhere," the Apprentice spoke, glaring at Loki with venom.

"You'll both just get in the way."

"And you can't take on Amora by yourself," Sigyn stated. "She's a powerful Seidr wielder, with years more experience and power. Are you really that arrogant that you believe you can take her on alone?"

"Look just -"

"Well, well, well, I never expected to see you again, Young Prince Loki. Did you miss me that terribly?"

The three children turned back to the stairs only to see the object of their search stood poised at the top. Amora grinned down at the three of them, her floor length blue gown sweeping the floor as she began to descend her beautiful features lit up in the eerie glow of the staff she held in her hand.

Loki tensed, gripping his spear and placing it in a ready position. "Amora," he snarled which earned him a titter.

"Oh, I see you've missed me."

"I'm here to bestow Asgardian justice upon you," Loki declared, stepping closer much to the discontent of Sigyn and Leif.

"Asgardian justice?" Amora purred, head tilting to the side. "I am beyond such things as that now.

"You will answer for your crimes, you can either surrender, or I will kill you where you stand."

Loki didn't know what to expect, a denial or maybe ranting, but certainly not the laugh that came from the Witch's mouth.

"Oh, my dear little Prince, you're in over your head." She glanced around an eyebrow raised. "Where's your brother as I'm sure you'll need him to back up your threats."

Loki felt rage and humiliation well in his stomach. It caused all rational thought to leave his mind, his natural cunning and wit to flee, allowing his body to take over as he gripped his spear and rushed the Seidr wielder with a wild cry.

"Wait!"

"Prince Loki!"

Loki vaguely heard the shouts of his companions; he was so fixed on Amora whose face still retained a smug expression. He mounted the stairs, ready to meet her and thrust his blade right into her chest, but Amora was done playing games. She raised her staff, allowing the blue gem in the tip to glow before sending a concentrated blast of powerful Seidr right at Loki.

His momentum didn't give the Young Prince time to dodge, he had committed to his attack and it was that which allowed Amora's blast to hit him in the shoulder. It was akin to running into a brick wall, only this one knock Loki clear off his feet, back down the stairs to go skidding beyond Leif and Sigyn to crash into the wall. The impact squeezed the air out of his lungs, causing him to gasp. Pain welled at the top on his back, forcing his fingers to fall from the grip of his spear as he placed them out in front of himself to catch his fall.

"Prince Loki!"

The sound of feet filled Loki's ears, he heard the distant sound of yelling, then the feel of rushing Seidr. It wasn't until hands grabbed him under his arms that he was able to drag his fuzzy mind back into focus.

Blinking he was aware of Leif dragging him from his place of collapse to behind one of the various pieces of furniture that had fallen about the room as the Midgardians had fled. Reaching out he barely got his fingers to catch his spear, so it was dragged in his wake, Leif grunted at the extra weight but was able to haul both of them behind a table.

"Are you a…alright?" the Valet squatted down before Loki, hands fussing with his head.

"I'm fine," Loki slurred, though as he shifted to sit up his back twinged. The sound of something shattering was enough to have the Young Prince ignoring his pain though. He brushed Leif's hands away as he looked about desperately.

"Sigyn!" he cried. "Where's Sigyn?!"

"Lady S…Sigyn is -"

A sharp scream had Loki shoving Leif aside so he could scramble to look over the table that was serving as their shelter. There was the Healers Apprentice, still out in the open facing Amora with her hands glowing a faint light blue with her Seidr, though one was clutching at her shoulder, where it appeared, she had received a hit.

"Not bad little sorceress," Amora said, still on the stairs, not having bothered to even initiate a physical attack. "Though it seems you are more of a Healer than a fighter."

Electric blue eyes smirked at Sigyn's shoulder, which was rapidly healing under her ministrations. Sigyn huffed, seeming unimpressed with the Witch's praise.

"Medicines make the best poisons."

Amora laughed, tossing her golden head back, "very true. Though medicine is nothing in the face of true raw fire power when it comes to killing."

The attack was swift, the staff a blur as she aimed and shot. Slowed by her injury Sigyn wasn't quick enough to dodge and was caught on her calf, sending her sprawling with a cry.

"It will be such a shame to kill such promising talent," Amora shook her head. "But it seems you've taken up with the Young Prince and that is something which is unforgivable."

The staff was risen again, Loki narrowed his eyes and shot out his own hand.

"Prince Loki?"

"Quiet Leif," Loki hissed as he wrapped his own Seidr around Sigyn, managing to yank her back and away from where Amora had shot, causing the Seidr to crack against the ground, exploding stone and material in a small crater.

Sigyn sailed through the air towards the table, Loki having used a little too much Seidr in his desperate attempt at a rescue. Luckily Leif was quick to react, sliding out from behind their cover to catch the Apprentice, before scurrying her to safety.

"A…are you w…well?" he asked the stunned girl.

Sigyn said nothing, her mind most likely still trying to process what had happened. Loki took the opportunity to look at her leg. It was smoking where the Seidr had singed her robes, blood oozing out. Swiftly he placed his own hands above the wound, his Seidr following his command to heal it as best he could. Sigyn looked at him, blues eyes wide and wet.

"Thank you."

"I -"

"So, you didn't die from that last attack then, Prince Loki," the mocking call of Amora had all three children clamming up. "Then again I should have expected it, Jotun are so much more durable than Asgardians."

Loki stiffened, Leif and Sigyn glanced at him in confusion, but he said nothing.

"It appears as though you've picked up some little friends, my how things change. I'll make a deal with you Prince Loki, surrender and I will allow your friends to leave unharmed."

Loki scoffed, mumbling under his breath, "liar."

Amora descended the stairs so that she stood perched on the bottom most one, twirling her staff lazily as she waited for a response. "You don't want to take me up on my offer? I'd consider it, I've seen things you could only possibly imagine. Learned arts that would make your heart race. You know what I was capable of before I fell, that is nothing compared to the sweet torture I will inflict onto your companions should you not take up my deal."

Loki bit his lip; she had a point. There was no reason for him to drag Leif and Sigyn further into the fight. It wasn't theirs in the first place, this was all Loki's idea, his plan, his mission, his revenge and justice. If he failed, he didn't need to drag Sigyn and Leif down with him.

A ruffle and the sound of something moving at speed was all the warning Loki got as a hand slapped him in the face. He jerked back, his Seidr slipping, though Sigyn's wound had already healed. He blinked to glare at the girl herself who was scowling fiercely.

"What was -?"

"Don't even think about it," she cut him clean off with a hiss of her own. "We are not leaving you to fight Amora alone."

"You can't hope to win against her."

"And you do?" Sigyn muttered and Loki felt his insides churn angrily.

"This is my mission."

"One that you'll fail at without our help."

"I didn't ask -"

"You don't have to, it's clear you need all the help you can get," Sigyn snorted that peeved Loki something fierce.

"Lady Sigyn is r…right my P…Prince," Leif stuttered. "We cannot a...allow you to fight a...alone"

Loki wanted to argue, wanted to scream at them to run, that this had nothing to do with them. He would take his revenge, not just for Amora's slight against him, but for Alviss's death. However, another side, the less stubborn and more calculating side had to agree with Sigyn. Taking on Amora was not something at he could do alone, at least not alone and win. The Witch's Seidr and experience would hinder Loki in a fight and having possible back up would be useful.

Shifting he lifted a hand, which had Sigyn opening her mouth ready to start another argument.

"Wait," Loki whispered, turning to peer over their table to watch as Amora continued to stalk around the room, searching. With a flick of his wrist he caused three illusions to appear on the other side of the room. One of Sigyn, one of Leif and finally one of himself. They ran from behind the cover of one of the chairs, making much needed noise.

"There you are," Amora sung in glee, aiming her staff to blast Seidr at the illusions, who ducked behind a desk to move further away from their real counterparts' position.

"That should distract her for a moment, but we won't have much time."

"Time t…to do what?"

Loki smirked, reaching out with his hand, he summoned his pocket dimension along with the sword and Seidr crystals he had stashed there.

"Here," he tossed the sword to Leif, who fumbled with it until he held the hilt. "You know how to use that, right?"

The Valet appeared startled, glancing at the blade in trepidation, before turning back to Loki, a determined glint in his eye.

"Aye my P…prince," he said. Switching to Sigyn Loki handed over the crystals carefully.

"Do you know any offensive spells?" he asked to which Sigyn shuddered.

"Very little, I'm trained more in healing and shielding."

"You'll have to be our back up then," Loki said. "Stick to the rear and cover us with shields and fire any offensive spells you know. Those crystals contain some of my Seidr, they should help with amplifying and strengthening your own."

Sigyn pursed her lips, glancing at the crystals before stashing them away into her satchel with a nod of her head. Another blast and a screech came from where Amora had followed the clones. Loki jerked his head at his two companions and they quickly split. Sigyn stayed where she was, while Leif and Loki moved to different cover in opposite directions, forming a triangle where they would launch their ambush.

"Oh Loki," Amora's voice came hissing back towards them. It was swiftly followed by the Witch herself, her long dress slithering on the rubble strewn ground as she weaved back towards the staircase. "I see your little tricks have improved. Though they are still weak in comparison to my skill."

Loki had to bite his tongue from snapping a retort, he couldn't afford to give away his position. Gripping on to his spear he glanced to where Sigyn and Leif were hidden. He locked eyes with both and carefully shook his head, the only sign he could give them to tell them to wait.

"Have you disappeared little trickster?" Amora asked. "Ran away? And I thought you'd come here to dispense Asgardian justice." She stood at the centre of the room, staff twirling in her hand as she looked around, blue eyes flashing. "Though that you thought you could do such a thing was laughable. You may think highly of yourself Prince Loki, but never forget what you really are. Do your little friends know? Have you told them what truly lurks beneath the surface of your -"

"Now!"

Loki's shout had Amora startled, silencing her monologue, but it wasn't that which sent her stumbling, not that was the bolt of Seidr sent by Sigyn, right at the Witch's hand which held the staff. The crack and scream of pain were enough to have Loki and Leif moving. Both boys broke cover, converging on their target with weapons drawn.

Loki watched critically as Amora's staff fell from her hand so the Witch could cradle the limb to her chest. Leif was fast approaching from behind, unseen due to the distraction from Sigyn. Loki picked up his pace, drew back his spear, ready to thrust the weapon right through Amora's gut. Suddenly the Witch's blonde head snapped up, blue eyes glowing with feral rage. Swinging her arms in a wide arch she summoned her Seidr, sending it out in a wave to take out both of her attackers.

The Young Prince had no defence, his whole focus being on the physical attack he couldn't raise his Seidr to block the wave that took both himself and Leif off their feet. Sigyn was thankfully still safe behind her cover, though Loki was sure he heard the crunch of Leif hitting the ground somewhere, but his observation was quickly eclipsed by his own peril.

It was like hitting a wall, the blue Seidr slamming into Loki, propelling him away from Amora, across the room and out of the front glass doors and into the street. He landed heavily on the cool concrete, glass scattering around him like ice shards, raining down to clink off his light amour. Loki had landed face down, which stung with a few cuts that were rapidly starting to heal. His spear was still clutched tightly in his hand, though it scraped sharply against the ground as he pushed himself up.

"Damn Witch," he muttered, placing a hand to his head where he felt a little blood. He was surprised that anything had even managed to cut him, Asgardian skin was tough, though it was true Loki still had some growing to do and didn't have near as hard a skin as his elder Brother.

"Did you see that?"

"A child? What is a child doing here?"

"Someone should call the police."

Shaking his head Loki finally got to his feet, but it was as he did, he realised that he was surrounded by the curious gaze of many mortals. It appeared that the mortals which had fled the Museum had not run far enough, instead standing around the courtyard outside the building.

An elderly Midgardian took a cautious step closer, reaching out with aged hands as though to help the young Asgardian.

"Are you alright son?" he asked, wizened face creased with concern.

"I -"

Another blast come from within the Museum, shattering the front windows, along with the remnants of the doors Loki had come crashing through. The mortals screamed and started as one to run in the opposite direction. Loki quickly took hold of the startled mortal, turning him so he could push at his back.

"Go, run!" Loki urged.

"What -?"

The sound of clicking heels came to the Young Princes ears, he spun to see Amora. Long Midgardian gown melting away, transforming into her armour. The black and green leather clung to her frame, though Loki noticed that a bronze chest plat had been added, along with a short cape which ended at her waist. Amora twirled her staff grinning as she watched the chaos unfolding before her.

The screech of something caused all to turn to see several vehicles making their way to the courtyard, sirens blaring along with lights flashing. Amora didn't hesitate, striking out with her staff to send a blast of Seidr right at the approaching cars. Loki winced as they exploded, lighting up and causing the fleeing Midgardians to halt, watching in horror as the mortals inside were killed in an instant.

Amora smiled, turning back to the frightened crowd before tilting her head.

"Kneel before me."

Her words were ignored as the mortals turned to flee. Loki stood against the tide, though he was buffeted, sending him stumbling.

Amora sighed, then suddenly another image of her appeared on the other side of the courtyard, stopping the running Midgardians in their tracks. It wasn't the only one, and Loki could only watch in growing concern as clone after clone appeared, surrounding the mortals, trapping them like rats.

"I said. KNEEL!" Amora bellowed. Loki felt hands grip his shoulders, glancing behind he noticed that the old Midgardian was still there, though his face was pale a dark look had entered his eyes.

Slowly, with great reluctance the mortals did as ordered, bending on their knees before the smirking Asgardian, who presided over them like a Queen. Not wanting to draw attention, Loki took hold of the old Midgardian.

"Get down," he muttered, easing the mortal to the ground, though he was careful to take most of his weight. He took the moment to glance behind the victorious Amora, with bated breath he waited only to sigh with relief as he spotted two shadows sneaking out from behind the Witch and out of sight. Sigyn and Leif were alright. Loki had hoped that the two had not tried to do anything stupid when he'd been thrown and by the looks of it, they had been able to keep their heads.

Dismissing his companions for now, Loki refocused on his own peril. Luckily, he was small enough that even standing he didn't tower over the Midgardians, allowing him to blend into the crowd.

"Is this not simpler?" Amora said, voice soft and light, though it carried over the silent crowd. "Is this not your natural state? It's the unspoken truth of humanity, that you crave subjugation." Loki felt the old Midgardian tense beside him, shooting a look Loki was surprised at the amount of anger that was present on his face. He frowned, why was the mortal not cowed? Amora had already demonstrated that she was far more powerful than any Midgardian. Why then was he not cowering in fear? "The bright lure of freedom diminishes your life's joy in a scramble for power, for identity," Amora continued. "You were made to be ruled. In the end, you will always kneel."

Suddenly the old Midgardian who had been kneeling beside Loki pushed up, using Loki's shoulder as an aid.

"Not to people like you," he announced, standing as tall as he was able as Amora fixed her blue eyes on him.

"There are no people like me."

"There are always people like you."

Amora stood in silence a moment before throwing her blonde head back to laugh. "Look to your elder, people. Let him be an example."

Loki didn't need to wait to know what was coming, Amora was not known for her tolerance of defiance to her will. Taking a deep breath Loki sprung up, summoning his own Seidr to make a shield, though it was a useless gesture as at the same time someone sailed in between the blast which Amora had casually thrown and the old Midgardian, blocking it so that it was sent right back at Amora who was blasted off her feet.

Loki stood there, shock coursing through his veins. What had just happened? How had Amora's Seidr been blocked? Who was that Midgardian?

And Loki was sure he was a Midgardian, he didn't appear like any of the over races of the Nine Realms and Loki couldn't sense any Seidr coming from him. He was dressed in red, white and blue, Loki assumed it was an armour of some sort though he had to cringe at the bright colours. It would stand out far too much on the battlefield and the head gear was not something he had seen any of the warriors of Asgard sporting, far to flat and the letter did nothing to distinguish itself.

Though the armour caused Loki to wrinkle his nose in distaste the round shield the Midgardian held had his interest. It thrummed where Amora's Seidr bolt had hit it, though it appeared not a scratch had been made on the material. Unbidden Loki reached out with his Seidr, feeling at the weapon. There was not an answering call, though Loki felt that its metal was not of Midgardian origin, which begged the question of just how a Midgardian had come to own such a weapon.

"You know, the last time I was in Germany and saw a man standing above everybody else, we ended up disagreeing."

The Midgardian sounded so confident and Loki wanted to scoff, but he couldn't afford to waste an opportunity. Easing the frightened elderly Midgardian to the ground Loki slipped in between the shell-shocked crowd, placing his trusty invisibility spell over himself, making his way closer to the large space between Amora and the brave Midgardian, which was rapidly getting bigger.

Amora was quick to push herself back to her feet, a wave of her hand fixing her disarrayed hair, sneering at the Midgardian warrior.

"The Solider. A man out of time."

"I'm not the one who's out of time."

A sound came from above, the wind picked up so that Loki's raven locks whipped around his face. Along with the Midgardians Loki looked up to see a great flying creature drop from out of the clouds. It was large, larger than anything Loki had seen, a great whining noise came from it and lights flashed illuminating its black skin. Loki gaped as it came closer, but it was as it did so that the Young Prince took note of the Midgardians hidden within. Was this creature like the great metal beasts Thor had called cars?

"Amora," a female voice came from the flying machine, echoing over the crowd which was significantly smaller. Loki noticed black clad individuals ushering the mortals away from where he assumed a fight was going to break out.

And how right they were as Amora didn't even bother to respond. Quick as a snake she banished her staff sending a Seidr bolt right at the flying machine. Thankful it moved just in time to avoid a collision, though it appeared to be a distraction as the Midgardian warrior took his chance to throw his shield like a disk right at Amora.

But Amora was not just a Seidr wielder, she was also a warrior of Asgard, and they were not known for their battle prowess for nothing. She ducked, bending her back so the shield sailed over her. The Midgardian had taken his chance to get closer, but Amora was ready. Loki had to admit he was impressed with the Midgardian, he lasted longer than most of his kind would, managing to even get a hit in to Amora's chest. But the Witch danced around him, using her superior strength to take down the mortal man so that he was flat on his back, Amora's staff at his throat.

"Kneel," Amora demanded, but it earned her a barked laugh.

"Not today," suddenly the Midgardian spun, using his own legs to knock Amora's out from under her. Amora was able to save herself, but it gave the Midgardian a chance to get up, charging right back at her.

Loki watched the fight continue, annoyance starting to spike. The Midgardians had interrupted his fight. They were inserting themselves into Asgardian business and ruining his chance at revenge. Granted they were ignorant of his presence, but did they truly believe they could take down Amora.

Something brushed against his ear, he swatted at it, snorting as Amora punched the Midgardian in the chest making him stumble.

"Oi, don't brush me off."

The voice startled Loki and he looked around wildly, finding no one.

"Sigyn?" he whispered which earned him a scoff.

"I'm not there, idiot. I'm sending my voice to you through my Seidr."

Loki blinked than had to stop himself from smacking at his head for his ignorance. That was the brush he felt against his ear, Sigyn's Seidr trying to interact with him. "You know a thought projection spell?"

"Comes in handy with unresponsive patients, and Princes it seems."

"Where are you? Is Leif with you?"

"He is and we're fine by the way," Sigyn said. "Amora didn't bother with us after she sent you flying, we snuck out after she left."

"I saw," Loki nodded, wincing as Amora tried to cut the Midgardian, catching his arm which ripped the armour.

"Who are these Midgardians?" Sigyn asked.

"I don't know, but we are going to have to work around them, we need to capture Amora and get her away from them."

Sigyn was silent a moment before answering. "Leif and I don't think that's a good idea."

"I didn't ask for your opinion."

"Prince Loki we're outnumbered," Sigyn tried to reason. "We couldn't take down Amora when she was on her own. And though it looks as though the Midgardian is not her ally, we can't trust that he will fall on our side if we try to attack again."

Loki had to agree with Sigyn, he didn't know the Midgardians, nor did he trust them. Besides he was annoyed that they had interfered in the first place.

"We can't let them have Amora though," Loki tried to reason.

"Loki -"

Sigyn's admonishment was cut off though as noise suddenly blasted through the air. Loki winced, hands coming to cover his ears.

"What is that?" he heard Sigyn howl. Loki didn't answer as something descended from above. As the shadow passed over head a blast came, it struck Amora, sending her off her feet and skidding a few feet away. Loki gaped at the display of power, unaware that Midgardians could produce such blasts. Though he didn't have time to ponder long as the flying shadow quickly came back. It was smaller than the black flying machine from earlier, able to land right beside the red, white and blue Midgardian warrior.

Loki could only gape as he took in the sight of a walking armour. It was coloured bright red and gold, Thor's colours, but that was where the similarity ended. Loki assumed it was made to look like a Midgardian, but the face was blank, simple slits that made up the eyes and mouth looked dispassionate on the metal plate they were etched into. The whirr of gears had Loki marvelling at how such an intricate thing had been made, but it was the bright glow that came from the armours chest that had the Young Prince captivated.

It didn't feel like Seidr, at least not traditional Seidr, but Loki could feel something powerful emitting from it.

A whine came from the armour and the blank face plat was lifted revealing a living Midgardian inside. Loki had to stop himself from gasping, how had the Midgardian gotten inside the armour?

"Your move Blondie," the second Midgardian said to Amora, who was getting back to her feet. She glanced between both mortals, blue eyes calculating. Loki braced himself, ready for the fight to restart. Only the Witch raised her hands, staff held loosely as her armour melted away.

"Alright, you win. I give up."

Loki wasn't the only one shocked, the two Midgardians even seemed surprised while Sigyn cursed up a storm in his ear.

"What does she think she's doing?" the Healers Apprentice asked as Loki watched in horror as the Midgardians started to advance on the surrendered Amora.

"I don't know, but I'm not going to let the Midgardians beat us."

"Prince Loki?"

But Loki ignored her, banishing his spear in order to summon one of his knives. The action forced him to drop his invisibility spell, but Loki was confident that he would be able to act before anyone could possibly stop him. Flipping the knife Loki aimed and with practised ease threw the weapon right at the Witch. It sailed, end over end right at his target, he would take Amora's head one way or another.

Though it appeared as though his lapse in releasing his invisibility spell was enough of a warning for Amora. Her duck to the side had the Midgardians yelling but it was the sharp hiss the Witch emitted as Loki's dagger embedded in her hand which held the staff, causing it to fall to the floor with a clang, that had everyone stilling.

Loki cursed, drawing another dagger, rushing forward swiftly. Amora took a knee, clutching her bleeding hand before laughing, even as the two Midgardians yelled at her to stand up.

"Well played Young Prince," she muttered, rolling to the side as Loki dived between the two shell shocked Midgardians in a vein attempted to stab the Witch in the face. Loki tucked a and rolled, abandoning yet another dagger which was impaled in the ground, his hands instead finding Amora's staff, twisting it so it was in front of his body even as he crouched down low.

"I will make you pay Amora," Loki snarled which became feral as Amora laughed in his face.

"Oh, little Prince, this is way over your head."

Lunging, Loki swung the Witch's staff, only for it to clang off the Midgardian warriors shield as he stepped between the two Asgardians.

"Whoa, calm down son," the Midgardian said. Loki sneered, jumping back, trying to get distance between himself and the interfering Midgardians. The red, white and blue warrior stood in front of Amora, the red and gold armour stomping to come up next to him.

"No one said anything about a second one," the red armour muttered.

"That's because there wasn't."

"Figured the super spies would have better intel than this," the man inside the armour huffed then lifted a metal encrusted hand to his head. "Natashile we have a situation."

"Hand me the staff son." Loki watched the Midgardian warrior shift his shield to the side, effecting a smile onto his face as he reached out his hand. Loki scoffed even as Sigyn continued to twitter in his ear.

"Don't interfere mortal," he glowered, clutching the staff tighter. For some reason now that he was holding it, he found it difficult to even think about letting the thing go. Loki would normally have found this strange and would be investigating it with his Seidr, but he didn't have the time for such things. His revenge was being thwarted.

"Ok, ok," the warrior said, lifting both his palms up. "No one's going to hurt you, but I really need you to give up the staff. I don't think you truly understand what's going on here, but it could be very dangerous."

Loki did sneer in contempt at that, "I don't need a Midgardian to tell me that it's dangerous. I think you'll find that I have much more understanding of what is happening here than you could possibly comprehend."

The warrior blinked, whether from confusion or just plain stupidity Loki didn't know, but the laugh from the red and gold armour had both turning to look as it came back beside the warrior.

"Man, you talk like an old English textbook, will Shakespeare be making an appearance next?"

"Stark," the warrior hissed but it appeared the armour, also known as Stark, had had enough. Lifting his, as Loki was sure it was male even with the lack of visible genitalia, hands something bright white glowed at the centre of the palms threateningly.

"Look I don't want to hurt you kid," and from the way he sounded, tired and resigned, Loki was inclined to believe him. "But we need the glow stick of death, so hand it over nice and slow and I don't have to do something that will have Capsical blowing a gasket."

Loki did not fully understand all that came out of the armoured mortal, but he was not about to follow a command he did comprehend. "No!" he shouted, lifting the staff to charge at the two. He wasn't worried about retaliation, these mortals couldn't hurt him, he was from Asgard after –

The blast from the armours hand impacted right in the centre of Loki's chest. It drilled into him like a punch from one of the training instructors when they were intent on teaching the Cohort exactly what damage could be inflicted if they got to confident and underestimated the Masters. It took Loki clean off his feet, sending him skidding backwards until he finally stopped, staff still clutched in his hand as he stared up at the sky, breathing coming out in panting gasps.

"Stark!" he heard the warrior bellow.

"He's not dead."

"He's a child!"

"An alien child who nearly took our heads off a minuet ago. I'm sure he can take a repulser blast."

Loki heard someone mutter under their breath before feet started to come over in his direction. His chest hurt, his arms too, along with his back where he had scrapped along the ground. It would heal swiftly, his Seidr already setting to work cleaning up the damage, but it wouldn't be soon enough, not with the Midgardians coming. He tried to stand up, but his vision blurred a little and he had to take a moment. The red armour was stronger than it looked. Shaking his head, he looked up to see both Midgardians heading over, just behind he saw a gaggle of black suited individuals surrounding Amora. The Witch paid them no heed though, content to watch the scene play out before her with a smirk. Loki scowled and tried to get up again, but the sting in his ribs had him hissing.

"Hey, careful, you don't want to move around so much after a shot like that," the shield warrior said, hand outstretched, though Loki snarled at it.

"I think he's gone feral."

"Shut up Stark, you shouldn't have shot him in the first place."

Stark shrugged, striding forward to loom over Loki. "It worked didn't it. Call some of the lacky's over here, they'll probably want to take him into -"

"Loki get down!"

The shout in his ear was all Loki got as warning when Leif suddenly appeared from the right, sword in hand as he dove at Stark. The red armour jumped back in surprise as Loki ducked and rolled away, though it wasn't enough to save Stark from the Leif's sharp blade, which scrapped along the metal of the armour, slicing through it like a knife through lard.

"Shit!" the Midgardian howled, as Leif twisted his footing, completing his attack.

"S…Sorry!" the Valet cried, though he didn't stop to see if the Midgardian heard him. Rushing to Loki to gather the Prince swiftly to his feet. "Come on my Prince!"

"Leif, what are you -?" as Loki tried to get answers, he was distracted by the sound of peppered shots coming from behind them. He turned to see the black clad Midgardians surging forward, all with a small weapon held in their hands which was shooting pieces of metal that pinged off Loki's armour.

"Stop! Don't shoot! They're just kids!" Loki heard the shield warrior cry, but he was dutifully ignored. Leif pushed Loki's head down as they continued to retreat.

"L…Lady Sigyn!" he called, and Loki felt a wash of Seidr come over him. He felt his own in there, along with Sigyn's.

"Where did they go?!"

"They just disappeared."

"All units start a search; we need to find the OA4's along with the staff. It is critical the staff is found."

The rest of the orders were lost to Loki and Leif, both boys running as fast as they were able, Amora's staff still clutched securely in Loki's hands as they disappeared into the dark night of the Midgardian city.