Chapter 1

An Offering

Why did it feel so damn cold? And what was this weird feeling of being watched? This was so weird...Paola had never been one to be scared of these kinds of things. Supernatural things, she meant. But up until now she had managed to ignore it...because it had never been so pronounced. Up til now, Paola had managed to ignore this, but right now, it has reached the point where she can no longer do so. Forcing herself to move, she had forgotten how much her feet hurt after a long day of work, she stumbled her way to the door. Little did she know her feelings were actually more real than she gave them credit for.

Just as she passed by, Loki watched from a corner of what seemed to be this woman's room. It was fairly small for what he was used to see of his own. Why was he here instead of somewhere else? It bothered him greatly that he couldn't pull away from this place he despised so much. So why stay...? Why was he so intrigued by this one mortal in particular?

"Hello?" Paola called out after poking her head through the open door, but no one answered. Even if he wanted to answer, to call and interrogate this midgardian woman, but Loki knew there was no way in particular to make that happen. Not that it called for it specifically, anyways. Keeping silent, he peeled his eyes from her, and looked around. The place was...cozy, of sorts. It didn't have much, just like his own cell, it simply had the necessary stuff, like a bed and places to hide utensils. But he did notice a pronounced repetition of using dark colors on everything he identified. Machines he didn't know what they were for, clicked and made funny noises, to which he simply couldn't find any motives for. In his...more than needed time on this realm, he still couldn't get through on how petty they were. He noticed how she sighed, finally giving up after not receiving any answers. He waited until she passed right by his line of vision. He finally found it in him to speak. Loki knew it would take a lot more ability than usual, but he somehow knew it would be all worth it...besides, he was here, why not entertain himself while he's at it?

"...mortal..." He called out, but manages to keep his focus strong enough to keep himself hidden from her eyes. Paola stood still, knowing what she had heard. She had no idea what was going on, and right now, she wasn't really sure if she was alone or not."You have a desire...to protect." There it was again! On no she wasn't hallucinating, she was sure now. A man was talking to her, but how? There was no one in the house with her, she made sure of that...didn't she? "W-who is there?! Show yourself! I'll call the police!" she heard herself scream into the air. She knew this was probably stupid, and product of how tired she was, but the adrenaline pumping through her veins told her the opposite. She felt like her heart was about to jump out of her chest as she quickly looked around her room, finding nothing.

"I am the one...who can grant you your desire."

Loki was having way too much fun with this, and he didn't care. He couldn't help but let a sinister smirk spread across his face, watching her scramble around her own room, seeming to want to grab a device she had resting on her messy bed. He had to hand it to her, she seems to be taking him talking to her way easier than others. Oh yeah, he had seen much worst answers, but not specifically by a human. "No no no no no no..."he could hear her breath out, seeming to hyperventilate. He did notice she reached for the device, but it didn't take much to actually have it destroyed, so he did.

"Why so nervous,midgardian?" Paola could almost hear the enthusiasm in the man's voice, as she reached and held the phone up, but to her horror, it was not responding to her commands. Whether hitting, or talking, or poking it didn't make it react. She started to feel closed, to feel cornered, and very scared. Her mind started to race, to put all kinds of scenarios...and none were helping her to keep calm. She reached a point where she couldn't take it anymore, falling to the floor and pushing herself against the bed's side, hugging her knees. She knows it didn't make any difference, but trying to make herself seem smaller usually gave her a sense of counter attack, it made her know she could at least see everything.

"Who...who are you?" her voice failed her so bad, cracking and trembling as her eyes scanned around the room, aimlessly searching the origin of the voice.

Loki believed it was about time he would stop tormenting the woman. Again, why was he wasting up so much energy in this? Oh right because he was having so much fun with it. "I am a God, little mortal." he called, as he concentrated harder. To create a doppelganger in another realm, he wasn't even sure if it was possible, but it was something that right now called for stupid decisions. Forcing more energy into his effort, and slowly, a doppelganger came forth, staring down at the mortal woman with that air of supremacy he so much enjoyed. He saw it...the fear. That one feeling that he so much mistakes for benevolence towards him...that even still now, he does. She cringed, obviously shocked at what she just experienced, and seemed to curl up tighter into herself, her deep brown eyes huge.

"No...no,it can't be..." Paola shuddered, realization creeping up her mind. She knew him...well,she knew who he was. Known from mythology books, but she never thought such myths could become true, much less have one of the many Gods standing here, in her room...she only wished it was one of the good ones. Loki smirked, moving a hand in a dusting motion in the air, wanting her to leave her fears aside, "Fear not, I have no need or want for your pathetic realm any longer." He said sincerely, something that he knew right now, no one would believe. But he didn't care...even if his,once brother, told him he was incapable of sincerity, they would be surprised at how often he was simply telling the truth at their faces. "Then why? Why are you here?" Paola whined, her mind racing, she couldn't be more confused and scared. She hugged her knees, watching as this...pale man radiated a dark aura out of him, slowly took steps along the room, seeming to study every single detail in it. To her, it seemed like he was looking at some sort of cage for a specimen bound to go be experimented on, and that spooked her more than it should. Finally, after picking up her dead phone and examining it in his hand, he dropped it on the bed and took some steps towards her, squatting down with his elbows on his knees, his jade green eyes resting upon her with deep consideration, a glare that almost seemed to be forever glued to his face.

"You." Loki said, simple and dry. He was here...because of her. It was the pure truth, no matter how much he wanted that to actually be a lie. "...what...?" She asked, clearly confused. The shock hadn't fully disappeared from her face, which made Loki believe she would most probably pass out. She tried to pull away from him, forgetting that she had her back against the bed, trying to make herself smaller. Loki sighed and simply said "I am here because of you, midgardian." He tried again, this time more slow as he pointed at her with his hand. Okay, she was slow, and as more time passed, the weakest he turned. "...no...go away...I'll scream, I swear..." Paola made her mind up that showing fear was actually what he wanted her to do, so she forced herself to be strong and act as defiant as possible. She used her fear as a little push, maybe that would work. Frowning at him, she tried to glare back to him as hard as she could, though she had a slight feeling she was seriously not helping her case. Loki sighed and looked away, "And no one will hear you, though the way you are taking this is not the reason either." He chuckled, at the last part and pushed himself up, making himself stand again. He was very tall and intimidating, Paola found it odd and scary how a someone who seemed to be barely able to lift a box full of books and rocks could give out such intimidating aura. "I am not thinking of anything but you deciding to come back here to entertain yourself by killing me." Paola knew being smart mouthed and snarky wasn't something very good coming from her, but right now it was the only thing she could think of that could keep him entertained long enough. At least until she could think of a plan to get out of this one alive. Which she doubted with all her heart and that scared her even further.

"And you see, I am not here to do that either." Loki gestured waving a finger slightly around in consideration. He had to hand it to her, she had heart...and bravery. Who would've thought he would actually be having a conversation with a midgardian female without resorting to force or other methods. Then again, if the time comes... "Then why?!" she demanded which actually caught Loki off guard. So this woman actually had the guts to scream at him, or was it fear that was starting to consume her? Either way, it meant he was starting to run out of time. He needed to act and quick.

"To make you an offer."

"No."

Loki smirked, hearing her response, simple and without thinking. She thought like anyone else, that anything he offered was not exactly good, to which he found out, it pleased him. To have earned a name for himself, too bad it wouldn't get him anywhere. "You don't even know what it is yet..." He said with a slight sadistic enthusiasm to his voice. "Coming from someone like you, it can't be something I'm likely to say 'yes' to." she replied, Loki could hear and read the acid in her words. She was brave indeed, but again, his time and energy is running out. He had to get this over with and fast... "Ah but my offer is simple, you fear for yourself and your friends."

What? What is he...talking about? How? Paola felt exposed, spooked to know this man of myths and legends knew things about her that not even she was so sure of. How? He had just snuck his way into the house, how did he know so much, just how?! "Do not pretend to lie to me mortal, you know I speak the truth." he said, his voice calm and so cold, it sent chills down Paola's spine. How could he be so...heartless? She had to do something... he couldn't let her live, he was clearly enjoying mentally torturing her, but she wouldn't let him know more. She can't...if she was to die, she wasn't going down without a fight. "What does that matter to you...'God'?" she spat out that one word she was not ever used to saying. She had never been devoted...to anything in specific. Right now it made no difference either...God or not, this man had killed more people than what she ever remembered someone in history do so fast. To her, that didn't even deserved to be called 'sanity'. She slowly moved back, and rested her hands on a nearby table, where her drawings and artistic stuff laid available. She couldn't recall moving so slow, and she was halfway sure he didn't notice that she held her scissors in her hand behind her back, her fingers painfully curling around it. Loki raised an eyebrow higher up his emerald eyes, his face held an expression not even she could read...

"Let's just say...you interest me."

Loki was starting to lose the grip on the seemingly endless patience he has been having for her till now. He held his hands behind his back just to make sure he didn't do something stupid, staring down at her crumpling form. "There's something interesting about you, and I'd like to know what it is." he said again, starting to sound like he has been saying the same thing all his life. Paola didn't respond this time, she held herself and slightly rocked back and forth against the wall. Something about her in that position...with those feelings...dropped him back to that night at Jotunheimr. When everything in his world had fallen apart. No...he cannot let it go to that...not now. "I assure you, I intend to keep my side of the bargain." he said in a softer tone of voice, trying to not make this go overboard. But again, nothing happened...she just kept there, whimpering, hugging herself hard. Okay, that's it, he's not going to try anymore, "Oh would you calm down?" he groaned, passing his hand along his head to push his messy hair back from his face again. He despised this nervous habit he has of messing with his hair when he knows he is running out of patience, and right now was no difference. At least she moved this time, she turned her teary, bloodshot eyes up at him, every single drop of anger fueling her body pouring out at him. He didn't blame her one bit, but that doesn't mean he would simply stay here to deal with her attitude. Okay, he could think of one way to make her calm down...or at least shut her up, for the matter. Loki took slow steps toward her, noticing how she cringed away from his being when he squatted to her eye level, "You are forgetting my side of the deal." he mumbled. At least she seemed to suddenly turn interested...kind of.

"...what...?" she mumbled, genuinely confused. Is this guy nuts?! What is he talking about, why can't anything he says make any sense? "I said that I would make you a goddess...remember?" he raised an eyebrow, his jade colored eyes seemed to scream 'trust me on this' all around, as he slowly raised a hand to her. How can this man be so...heartless? To actually use any kind of method to get his own way. Paola glared and pulled away from his big, pale hand."Like that is going to come from you of all people..." she spat out, noticing how his eyebrows twitched together a bit. Good, at least he stopped. Loki sighed, Paola could see he was running out of patience, but she didn't care. He's done enough already, he won't make things worst for her. "I intend to keep my part of the bargain. Now stay still." he warned, and moved his hands towards her once more, this time more determined. "No! Don't touch me, stay away!" Paola's heart raced as she realized she really had no escape, she was trapped here, and clearly couldn't do anything to defend herself as much as she wanted to poke his pretty green eyes out of his sockets.

The ground rumbled slightly under their feet, making them both stop on their tracks. Paola looked from his hand, which was barely inches away from her cheek, to the walls around them. What was going on? Loki kept his eyes glued to a specific wall, "...why now...?" she heard him whisper to himself, which caught Paola's attention. She suddenly felt scared when she noticed there was something different in his eyes...an expression that, in the short time they have been together, she never thought she'd see. It was worry. Loki turned and looked at her, his eyes huge and urgent, but they never lost that sharp edge they seemed to always have. "You will hide. Now." he mumbled to her in a no-nonsense tone that made Paola shudder. Without another word, she groaned and ran to the farthest, biggest place she could hide behind. She didn't wanted more trouble dropped upon her. She was spooked to bits, hyperventilating as she tried to keep herself hidden in a fetal position behind what seemed to be his bed...which he kind of uses more of a stand to place all kinds of things in a messy bunch. Slowly, she made herself breath in a slower pace, and focused on listening.

At least this time she didn't protest. Alright, now it's time to deal with another problem... Loki stood up, his eyes glued to where the 'entrance' should be. The pure white wall faded away, and along came Thor, all mighty and in full armor. It took all of his will power not to roll his eyes, yet Loki noticed that two other guards followed in after. Really? Was that really necessary? He did notice one of them though, the very same guard whom he had turned his tongue into solid silver. Or at least made it seem like that. He looked okay...of course, it was just an illusion. He had to of found out eventually. Loki raised his chin as the guard stopped on their tracks, pretty well knowing what would happen to them if they came too close. Good, at least this time they learned. "I came to escort you, brother." announced Thor with a stern voice. Loki knew he was following orders, he never really showed such intense determination unless he was on to do something stupid...or if he's following orders. Raising an eyebrow in genuine interest, he grinned, slowly taking silent steps to stand fairly far away, but still on their line of view, "Oh? To what do I owe such a pleasure?". Thor started to take solid, big steps toward him, his face stern and straight. No matter how serious he tries to look, he always seemed like a mindless twit in Loki's eyes. He was sure that depiction would never change either, no matter how much time he spends locked up in here. "Father wants to investigate something. I am not allowed to say more." he said, stopping just about arm's reach from Loki. Even if they were exactly the same height, Loki always considered that he was not the 'giant' between the two. He was never considered such a thing for brawls, yet he cannot deny he does feel smaller. He gave out a loud, theatrical sigh, clearly trying to get on Thor's nerves. Maybe that way he would leave him alone. "I'm afraid I must decline your request." He was doing a better job than he thought, Thor let out a grumble, reaching over to his belt. Not again... Loki watched with hateful eyes at the handcuffs his brother had held onto, then to him, "I am not asking you Loki, I am stating." Oh? Interesting. Like threatening with being handcuffed and chained again was something he wasn't used to already. Thor really needed to find other methods to impress him for sure.

"And I am doing the same, 'brother'." Loki smirked, putting acid into that one single word...that apparently he cannot let go, no matter how much he tried, "I see no reason to return to Asgard. So off with you, swinging your hammer along." he dusted him off. He needed to get these people out. Never did Loki think he'd deny going back to Asgard on his own will, but if he wanted to keep his head on, he would have to stay here. The guards seemed to be turning impatient, one of them looking around at the messy place. Why can't they just go away? "I bid you follow the orders. It is for your own good." Thor lowered his voice in the most convincing tone he can manage. His eyes seemed to grow big as he slowly lowered his head. Loki knew what he was trying to do. Why can't they just find someone else to bother? He was halfway sure Frigga had told him to do this exact thing...too bad with him it didn't work at all. "For my own good? And how am I to believe that exactly?" he chuckled the last part, opening his arms and gesturing to their surroundings. His patience is running out, again. Funny how things keep building up on top of him and nothing came out right. Just why... Thor's eyes turned hard and edgy, which clearly told Loki to shut up, but how could he? It was just too much fun to play around like this. "You are not dead by now, keep that in your mind." he said, and reached for Loki, placing his hand behind his head, holding it firmly. That one gesture of reassurance, that always made him feel like he was not alone. That he belonged right next to him...no. Not next to him, but behind him. In the shadows...like it has always been. "Please?"

Loki stared with emotionless eyes for the longest of time, until anger had built up inside enough to look away, to where the bed was. Where she was. At least she did something right and hid herself well. Hooray for that. Finally, Loki took a step back with a sigh, "I really don't have the time. A book I truly need to finish and such." he lied, gesturing with his open palm at where all the stacked books were. Technically, it was halfway true, he'd eventually find a book to read all the way through, but he also knew he would toss it aside noticing he knows the words in the sentences by heart, until eventually he passed out from boredom. Thor sighed and just as quick as Loki moved, just as quick as he had already placed the handcuffs on him. They 'clicked' and whirled some, adjusting to his wrists. They hurt some, actually scratched him, but somehow he had already gotten used to the feeling of cold metal on his skin. "I don't want to resort to violence...again." he warned, leaning to grab the...once again...unneeded chain. Really, this is getting ridiculous. "Physically fight you brother, i wouldn't dream of it." he chuckled with sarcasm as he slightly got pulled, seeming that Thor didn't wanted to respond. "Come along." he mumbled. Okay so maybe if he played along this would come out right. It was tedious, he'd rather stay and do nothing, eventually pass out and start over again. But then again, this was something different. If Odin calls for him, he must be really bored...or angry for the matter. This he couldn't afford to miss. With a sigh of resignation, Loki nodded and walked after his brother, his hand clenched some as he used his magic to change his appearance once more. This time he choose something less loose, as the familiar feeling of leather and metal weighted down on him. It had been a while since he's put this on, it is almost nostalgic.

"No,wait!" Paola had enough. She couldn't keep quiet anymore. She feared...for both him and herself. He was being taken away to Odin...who knew what that would mean for Loki, remembering from the little things she had read, they were never in good terms with each other. Not to mention what would happen to her being left out here. She froze, just about to move closer...realizing the stupidity she had done. Oh no. All of them turned to look at her, but her eyes turned quickly towards Loki, who stared at her with an 'are you serious?' expression on his more than surprised face. On the other hand, Thor stared at her for a while then turned to look at his brother, "What in Odin's name...?" he breathed out. Paola cringed away as the guards that escorted them quickly moved with...clearly deadly spears, pointed at her. "Uhm...please don't hurt him..." She whimpered, lowering her head an rising her hands in a surrendering gesture. She could swear the blades from the spears emitted heat, she could feel it on her skin where they were pointing to. Thor stared at Loki with scorning eyes "Who is she and why is she here?" he demanded, to which he only got a shrug and silence. She had already ruined everything, she couldn't be as dumb to make things worst. "I'm Paola, and he brought me here with him." she responded, pointing at Loki. Well, he was wrong, she could make things worst. She knew she was not helping, she was doing it on purpose. Loki stared at her with emotionless eyes, doing all he could to keep silent. Thor sighed once more, which made Loki smile and gave him another shrug. "If you'd come with us lady..." he called, to which the guards rested down the weapons and waited for her. Thankfully, but she was still scared, "W-why...?" she knew he was supposed to be a good guy, but he answered to someone else...someone even more powerful. Who knew what they would eventually come up with for her and Loki... "Because we'll be able to send you back home." Thor said in a sweet voice, so much different from his brother's, who simply stared at her. As Paola rested her eyes on Loki's, she noticed something about them...something that no matter how much she tried to see, couldn't quite grasp it, and right now, it was practically screaming out at her. Honesty...and a plead. He gave her the slightest of nods with his head and Paola for once understood what he was saying...fully and without doubts:

Do it, for your own good.

Paola sighed "Okay." and let the guards escort her out of the claustrophobic cube-shaped cell, along with the two God brothers...to their sentence.