Warning: contains yaoi and I do not know anything. Things are moving forward and we are now in the Dark World. Onward!

Chapter 16

Clint kept the hood pulled over his face, hiding his identity as best he could while Thor cover Jane with a blanket. When his coronation took place, his safety would be secured but he didn't want to risk Jane. He had a suspicion that Jane knew exactly who he was but she was wisely keeping silent on the matter. He hoped his new status of almost Queen would be able to pardon all those who helped with this plan, including himself. It wasn't spoken over the table while they planned but there was many knowing looks about his new status.

Loki sighed, turning to Clint and keeping his voice quiet. "Do you know anything more? Did Father say anything to you?"

Clint gripped his bow tighter. "There will be an official ceremony once everything settles."

Loki grinned, nudging Thor. "You are getting the Queen to go against the King, brother."

Thor didn't speak but reached over to take Clint's hand. The simple touch spoke all the words that didn't need to be exchanged. Thor understood why Clint was taking the throne so soon and he knew his time would come when it was right. Clint pulled Thor's hand up, kissing his fingertips, giving a silent promise to remain by his side.

Loki scoffed at the sight. "I guess it would be hard to arrest the Queen without starting a revolution.

The plan was simple. Thor and Loki would fight, as if Loki was betraying Thor and present Jane as a gift. They would get Malekith to draw the Aether out of Jane, saving her life. Clint would be close by, ready to kill Malekith with an arrow and Thor was destroy the Aether with his hammer. Plans never go the way they plan. Neither Thor nor Loki expected Clint to be tackled down from his perch by another Dark Elf or that Thor's hammer would sail harmlessly through the Aether. Loki turned for a moment at Clint and the Elf as they grappled on the ground. Clint hit the elf with his bow, throwing him off.

"GO!"

Loki dashed off, following Thor as they both tried to stop the Dark Elves from leaving. Clint stabbed his attacker with a hidden dagger and got to his feet, following the brothers.

Thor swung his hammer, taking out part of the attackers while Loki spun around, taking another down. Clint shot off several arrows, raining down upon the elves. He sent a few after Malekith, each disappearing in red. Thor jumped up, swinging his hammer to stop the Dark Elf. Malekith dodged, spinning around to let Thor run harmlessly next to him.

"Oh, you annoy me." Malekith turned, raising his hands, and gathering the glow of the Aether, bright red casting a horrible light on the land. Malekith aimed toward Thor, who was rising to his feet. Clint ran up, throwing himself in between Thor and the red beam as it released from Malekith's hands. The light hit him in the chest, a scream catching in his throat as he fell to the ground.

"NO!"

Malekith grinned and turned, walking away to his ship as Loki and Thor pushed themselves to the fallen archer's side.

Thor gently picked Clint up, placing him in his lap, touching his ashen cheek. "Clint? Clint! Please... don't. You're going to be fine." Thor didn't know what else to say as they watched red blossom over Clint's chest, his eyes hazy with pain. Loki kneeled down, taking one of Clint's hands. None of them noticed Jane step up, watching the scene.

"Thor," Clint whispered, his voice full of pain. "You have to stop him... You can't just..."

"I'll get you help. We'll go back to Asgard..."

"Not enough," Clint gasped, touching Thor's cheek. "Please... stop him..."

"Thor," Loki whispered, running his thumb over Clint's fingers. "There isn't enough time for him."

Thor glanced up in horror before going back to Clint, taking his hand as tears flowed from his eyes. "I can't leave you..."

"You must," Clint said, gasping. "You mustn't sacrifice... the world... for... me..."

Thor shook his head. "What is the world without you?"

Clint tried to shake his head but took a sharp intake of breath. "I'm not... please... stop..."

"For you."

"Loki," Clint said, turning to the trickster briefly. "Please... tell Odin... forgive..."

"Of course." Loki tightened his grip on Clint's hand, bowing his head.

"Clint," Thor said, his tears stinging his eyes. "I love you."

Clint smiled, his breath heavy. "I love you too..." His voice trailed off and Clint's hand fell limp, the light leaving his eyes. Loki dropped the hand he was holding, watching in horror as Clint's chest stopped.

"No..." Thor pulled Clint's body close, dropping his head onto the archer's shoulder. He ignored Loki's hand on his shoulder and Jane's footsteps. All that mattered was the man he loved was lost.

"Brother," Loki said, his voice tight. "I know... but you must go. For him. I will take him home so he can be buried properly. I make sure to wait for your return. I promise." Thor met Loki's eyes and nodding in understanding. Thor leaned down, placing a last kiss on Clint's lips before letting Loki gather the archer in his arms.

Loki cradled Clint to his chest, watching as Thor and Jane took off an another portal. Loki ignored Jane's question about Clint and Thor couldn't say anything. They had lost too much in this fight.

Author's Note: So sad! For those who are keeping up with this story, thanks! Special thanks to Katie MacAlphine and a Guest for the reviews. I will be disappearing for a little bit so I figured I would update before I do so. Reviews, favorites, and follows are appreciated. Until next time!