Chapter 8

Light flashed in the horizon, causing Loki to pull away and face the occurrence. "I have to go."

Valerie's brows knit together, "Why? What's happening?"

"Betrayal." He growled. Loki turned back to face her, his eyes softening. Slowly he raised his hand to her cheek and brought her forward to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. Valerie closed her eyes, glad to receive her Uncle's attention. After losing so much she was thankful to know someone did care. "Be careful. Remember to always trust in yourself and never forget how important you are." He placed a second kiss to her hairline, taking a moment to hold her close.

She felt his presence fade and when she opened her eyes she found herself alone in the New Mexico desert. The sand was cool beneath her bare feet and the dry desert air was already starting to become warm as the first rays of light crested over the horizon. She looked towards where the light had flashed, the town lay just beyond. Currently she didn't even care she'd been left so far out in the desert alone. Town couldn't have been more then a couple hours walk away and she needed the time to think. Slowly she took her first step, then the next. Then the next.

"My friends," Thor drew the attention of Sif and the Warriors Three back to himself. He licked his parched lips, taking a moment to gather himself. He, and the girls had been out all morning in search of Valerie since they realized she was missing a few hours before. They had returned to the lab for a moment to check on the hungover Erik and to see if Val had returned on her own when they were met by Thor's otherworldly friends. Erik was beside himself that he was in no shape to look for his only child. Darcy had stated he was overreacting but all her belongings where in her room, including her coat, shoes and ID. With how fragile his daughter's mental state has been since Vegas and with the arrival of Thor and the government he had every right to be worried. While he had agreed someone should stay behind incase she comes back he hated it had to be him. Thor also found himself with conflicting interests. With the arrival of his friends he'd just leaned of his Father's passing and Loki's take over of the throne. While it wasn't the best situation he had to put his remaining family first. He had to help look for his...daughter.

The word, the very idea was still foreign to him. He had never imagined himself with children but now he found himself with a grown daughter. At least he believed her to be his daughter. He was yet to have any proof and he hadn't voiced his thoughts to the others. He was scared and worried about what they might say. "I know you came here needing my help but instead I must request yours. Erik's daughter, Valerie has been missing since dawn. We must locate her."

"Of course." Sif answered for the group, shocked by the need Thor had to find this girl. "What does she look like? Where do we start?"

"Like that." Darcy cut in, pointing past the group to the figure walking down the road.

Valerie slowed her pace when she noticed the strangers outside the lab. As she drew near she began to recognize them from Loki's memories. They were friends with Thor. Even still, she wasn't sure she could trust them. Loki has mentioned betrayal. Had they betrayed him by coming here? What could that mean. About half a block from the building the group turned to her, noticing her approach.

Erik sighed with relief and pushed himself through the strangers. The sudden sunlight blinded him for a moment, causing his hangover to pound behind his eyes. He pushed himself through the pain and once he could focus he took off towards his daughter. As he drew near he couldn't help but notice the ripped and dirty state of her yoga pants. He paused for a brief second to wonder what had happened to her before taking her into his arms. "Valerie! Oh Valerie I was so worried.

She returned the embrace, resting her chin on his shoulder. "I'm okay Dad. I promise."

He pulled back, taking her face between his hands. "Where the hell have you been! I nearly had a heart attack!"

Valerie took his hands in hers and took a step back to look into his pale eyes. Should she tell him? How do you even tell the man that raised you, that you love as your father, that you're the descendant of a ancient God from another world who happens to be attracted to the daughter of an old friend. "I just went for a walk." She decided on.

"In the middle of the night? Without any shoes?" Erik said in disbelief.

"I just needed to get away for a bit." She said seriously. "With every that's happened I just needed some me time. Do some soul searching. Find myself" She wasn't completely lying, technically.

Erik went to speak again when they were interrupted. "Val!" Darcy fried, throwing her arms around the blonde woman. "I was so worried! Thank god you're back!"

Valerie stood her ground, shocked at the girl who being only a year or so younger then herself, could be so childish and dramatic. Unsure what to do and hoping to get the girl to leave her be, Valerie raised her hand and gently patted the girl on the shoulder. Eventually she pulled away and Valerie was greeted by Jane with a kind smile and simple words. Valerie much preferred that. The newcomers were quick to introduce themselves but Valerie hardly listened.

Erik watched his daughter as she interacted with the others. Something was different. She was calm. The most calm he'd seen her in a while. He was well aware of his daughters quick temper, even before Vegas. This was completely new.

Thor stood at the back of the group and when she caught sight of him the blood began to rush in her ears. Slowly the two approached one another. Neither knowing what to do or say, not knowing if the other even knew or how to bring it up. What do you say in this situation? Thor's deep blue eyes met her's. His eyes, the same eyes.

"So?" Valerie was the first to break the silence between them. She bit the inside of her lip, deciding in that spilt second to see how much he knew. "She worked in the kitchen?"

Thor felt relief wash over him. She knew. In that moment he didn't care how she knew but she did, and given her calm demeanour she accepted it. He smiled at her, his daughter. "Yes." Thor tried to find something more to tell Valerie about her. "Honestly I wish I could tell you more about her."

Valerie nodded. "It's okay. I get it."

His smile widened and he took a few steps to close the gap between them and tentatively they shared a hug. "I never thought I'd have a daughter." He admitted in a whisper, "but I'm glad to know you."

Valerie went to pull away, went to ask him if they could talk, but never got the chance. "LOOK OUT!" A beam of energy exploded near the group, causing everyone to duck. Thor pulled his daughter behind him. Putting himself between her and the unknown danger.

"It's the Destroyer!" One of the warriors declared. "Loki knows we've come."

"Loki?" Valerie questioned but she went unanswered.

Sif stepped forward, taking charge, "Thor, get the others to safety. We'll take care of this."

Thor turned to his daughter and their eyes locked once again. An understanding passed between them and they both nodded before turning on the others and pushing them back. As she pushed Jane and the others on a large crash echoed down the street turned battlefield.

She spun on her heel and was met with the sight of the Asgardian warriors being beat back by the large metal man they had called the Destroyer. She froze and when her feet didn't respond to continue a hand on her arm ripped her back behind the side of a building for cover.

"Valerie?" A voice broke her shock. She looked up and found her Father and Thor both looking back at her. She wasn't sure who addressed her but it didn't matter.

"We have to help them." She whispered. "They can't be in this on their own. We have to fight!" Her voice grained bravo as she spoke. Her eyes hardened and she clenched her fists. "We can't let that thing hurt anyone."

"No, no, no." Erik started up, "I won't let you go out there. This isn't-"

"She's right." Thor cut him off. "Loki's after me. I have to stop this."

"But why is he after you?" Valerie grabbed at his arm, not understanding why the man who had been somewhat kind to her, who promised to look after and protect her just hours ago would be hunting her biological father. "I don't understand."

Thor gave her a grim smile, "Neither do I." He pulled back from her and walked from their cover down the road towards the Destroyer, without backup or any protection.

"Come on Valerie." Erik urged his daughter. "Jane and Darcy are just across the way. If we stay behind the cars we should be able to make it safe."

Valerie looked at her father. This was wrong. Thor is walking into a trap. Loki had promised he'd never hurt her. She was the only one who stood a chance. It didn't matter who they were. It didn't matter if they were her family because of blood or feelings or if they were related at all. All that mattered was that she could do something about it. "I love you, Dad." She whispered, "I'm sorry."

She didn't give him a chance to respond or stop her before she bolted around the corner.

Valerie raced towards Thor and the machine as fast as she could through the debris and glass filled street, ignoring the cuts and pain forming on her bare feet. As she near she called out to them, trying to gather their attention but the attempt failed as the Destroyer backhanded Thor into a nearby telephone pole.

Time seemed to slow as the Destroyer descended onto the unconscious man. Valerie was hyper aware of the blood pooling on his chin and chest, so much so she missed the near sonic boom that echoed on the horizon. Light began to climb through the metal man's body, signalling the final attack. "NO!"

Her voice, it caused Thor to stir. He forced his eyes open only to find one had become swollen shut from the attack. He called to her as she reached him, throwing herself over him to protect him from the beam Thor in turn used the last of his strength to push his hand against her chest to push her out of the path of the beam.