Chapter 25

Earth.

The sight before me was unknown. I wasn't familiar with the harsh environment and the severe weather. Surprisingly, the cold didn't bite in my bones though I was dressed lightly. I looked up to sky, bright sunlight making me close my eyes. I missed this more than I allowed myself to. The wind blowing my hair in all directions making me frustrated, the rain soaking through my clothes, the ice making me slip on the way to my truck and the Sun burning my fair skin. I never appreciated any of that before and now while barefooted stepping in knee high snow, I had the urge to lie down in the cold and wait for my teeth to chatter. The Earth is my home, but I don't belong here and I feel like an alien breathing in unfamiliar air.

'' Mistress, our base has been set underground.'' Sigyn informed me.

'' And Odin?''

'' Allfather will wake when you see it as appropriate.''

'' You did well.''

I wanted to say something more just to hear my voice again, but Sigyn left to attend assignments I've given her. It was pleasing and at the same time odd how words rolled off my tongue. I spoke like a foreigner in another country, not fluently or naturally as I used to while I still had to adapt to it and figure once again how to place my tongue in my mouth. I wasn't overly excited about going around with my tongue sticking out causing me to drool like a dog. Thankfully, I mastered the skill during two days I spent underground, then I headed south and encountered old friends.

'' I never imagined you'd slip so easily.'' I said to my red eyed company.

'' It is not a slip out if it was done purposely.''

''Of course not, Emmet.''

I didn't question what caused the diet change, but I learned Emmet was not the only one. Jasper suggested human blood before the encounter with newborn army and Rosalie and Emmet agreed. After defeating the newborns, red eyes caused the row in the family and Rosalie, Emmet and Jasper left. Surprisingly, though, the Cullen treaty with wolves is still intact and that is why I met Emmet on my way to Charlie's grave. I had no time to start a fight with him so I was polite. After all, my problem wasn't with him.

'' How is it there..? Up I mean.''

''Boring.''

'' It cannot be that boring if you have tongue again.'' Well that is true.

''It is complicated and it should be frightening, but it is just... I don't really know how to explain it. Gods are hard to deal with, but I cannot change them and I cannot forget Asgard is the place I'll always go back to.''

'' Has some douchy god seduced you or what?'' I laughed. '' Can't you stay here? We can protect you.''

'' That is sweet, but only I can protect myself against all coming my way. I'm not safe here.

The second I left Asgard, I knew I'm only making short trip. I put Heimdall under a spell, the weakling allowed me to pass with two guards carrying Odin. I put him away and waited for a right time to return. Loki already wants my head, I only irked him further. I stood at Charlie's grave for a while, couldn't find the words to say so I just stared at his gravestone. I heard howls in the distance and decided it was time to leave. It would be nice to see Jacob, but at the same time, it would remind me of the things I can no longer have.

"Heimdall!" Obedient servant took me to Asgard in seconds.

"King is waiting for you in his chambers." His eyes were shining in blue.

"Noted." I turned to two guards Loki sent to wait for me. "Hello boys." No reply. "You two are no fun... But you will be."

I ordered them to dance with Heimdall. No wonder Hawkeye detests mind control, just look how stupid one can look dancing polka in the observatory. I continued down the Bifrost alone, I had all time in the world to reach my destination. I walked in the palace with confidence I never knew I could have. It felt good and I was certain in wouldn't fade when I reach Loki. He must be waiting for me with a butcher. Oh well, the butcher might end cutting his own head off.

"Have you missed me?" I announced my arrival to Loki, who was standing by the window.

"You kissed me." There was just that statement and no butcher in sight.

"And poisoned you." I pointed out.

"You killed Lorelei to spite me."

"I attacked Sif to protect you."

"You took Odin."

"I took insurance."

"You took Infinity Gauntlet from Vault."

"I sent one stone to Thanos."

"Why?"

"From King and Queen."

"Why are you doing all of this?"

Because the stone in my chest influenced me to do bad things, because it has twisted my mind not to feel any guilt. Because I spent years in fear, my heart skipping a beat at every corner, I used to fear so much that fear became overworked emotion I can no longer feel. Because I made a deal with the devil and saw Death for what she is. Endless void and suffering in darkest places in one's mind. Because I overcame hatred for monster and became one myself.

"I am protecting myself from your paranoia."

"Things are not always as they appear."

"So those images in your head when you climax after killing me is actually you picking daisies?"

"What you saw were nightmares, fears... Tell me Isabella, am I not allowed to fear? Have somebody dear to me and worry you will be taken from me?" He almost convinced me.

"It wasn't a nightmare when you considered giving me to Thanos to save your skin."

Anger.

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