oOo

Chapter 9 – My Bargain

"Are we at war?"

"No."

"What would you have my men do?"

"Keep them stationed at the gates," Frigga ordered. "Keep the towers occupied, ready our weapons, have ships search the waters and block all entrances. Be ready to raise our shields in case it is needed."

"Of course."

Sif and the warriors four quickly entered the throne room. As soon as Frigga saw them, she immediately dismissed the Einherjar. The four knelt in front of her, as she walked in front of Hlidskjalf and stood regal. She wore her light armor and a blade at her hip.

"I have grave news," Frigga frowned.

The four looked up.

"Loki went to Jotunheim and hasn't returned since yesterday. Heimdall cannot see him. For some reason, the Jotnar have managed to cast an age old Seidr to block his gaze. I've already sent our men to Jotunheim and they came back with a negotiation."

"Does everyone know?" Fandral asked.

"No," Frigga grimaced. "No one knows of Loki's capture and I would like it to stay that way. Laufey had spoken. They hold my son ransom for the casket."

"They cannot have the casket," Sif voiced.

"That is mad," Volstagg said.

"Laufey will keep Loki there until he sees fit," Frigga sighed. "Even if he gains the casket, he will not keep to his words. He will only invoke more chaos as Odin sleeps."

"Why would Loki go there?" Fandral wondered.

"I assume he went there to fix the confusion and complicated affairs."

"He must've put up a fight," Volstagg voiced.

"I hope he did," Fandral nodded.

"The Jotnar must've found a way to suppress it," Frigga sadly voiced. "I know not if you know this, but Loki had been pushing himself these past few days since Thor's banishment and since his temporary kingship. He tried to settle affairs throughout Asgard and landed himself in a position that exhausted him to the point of illness."

"Illness?" Sif repeated.

"A fever."

"Do you request we rescue him?"

"No," Frigga shook her head. "It is too much of a risk."

"What of Thor?" Hogun asked.

"I cannot undo his banishment for it is Odin's word." Frigga thought for a moment before she found a solution.

"Find Thor."

The four stared at their Queen.

"Tell my son what has transpired, convince him to try and gain back his worth to return. Heimdall waits for you at the Bifrost. The longer we leave Loki in Laufey's hands, the danger rises. We shall see what to do from there when Laufey makes contact again."

"Then we will leave immediately," Sif bowed.


oOo

"Wonderful," Loki thought.

He was stripped off his armor and left with his loose green tunic, pants and boots. He was bound with a collar and chains on his wrists connected to the walls as he sat in the middle of his strangely large cell. Now that Loki was fully aware, the cell looked rather beautiful. There were ice crystals everywhere, glowing dimly.

Apparently, not everything was made of ice.

But it was covered in frost.

He had been in and out of consciousness yesterday when a Jotun carried him to his cell. Jotunheim looked beautiful, even if towers were tipped over, the designs were flawless. The patterns intricate, some plants that still lived were covered in frost. But of course, that wasn't what Loki was interested in.

It was his blue skin.

"My finger nails are black."

He eyed them for a while until he noticed the marks on his skin. He traced a finger on the marks on his hand and trailed it down to his arm. He felt an odd sensation ripple through his body. It felt like a small amount of pleasure and it was odd. He traveled another finger on his neck and traced it to his cheek.

"I wonder what these patterns mean."

Loki walked over to the nearest crystal and eyed his reflection.

Norn, his eyes were red!

"So this is what I truly look like," He tilted his head. "It does not seem so bad."

What was he thinking?

It was horrible!

He looked nothing like them at all!

At least, he believed so.

"Admiring your features," Laufey came forward and Loki immediately pulled away from the crystal. "Have you not been granted knowledge of where you came from?"

"No," Loki bitterly answered.

"What do they call you in Asgard?"

"What?"

"What are you called?"

"Why does that matter?"

The chains on Loki's wrists clanked as he stood up, backing away. Laufey chuckled as he walked into the cell and the guards closed the bars. The ground shook as the King walked and Loki reminded himself to be more cautious around him. As soon as Laufey sat on what looked like an icy bench, Loki made the comparison. The room was small to a Jotnar but huge to an Aesir.

"I merely question what they call my bastard," Laufey voiced.

"You left me to die," Loki bit back. "Why would my name matter to my killer?"

"I am your dam."

Loki took a while to realize what Laufey had said, and the Jotun King began to laugh hysterically at Loki's expression. Loki bowed his head in shame as he flushed at the idea.

"Do you not want to know the name I thought to call you had I kept you?" He grinned as laughter died down. "Do not be shy boy. You and I finally speak after a thousand years. You can ask me what you wish. I only ask your name."

"Loki."

Laufey snorted.

"Is something funny about my name?" Loki glared.

"I would have named you Loptr."

Loki rolled his eyes.

"You are not the grateful type, are you?" Laufey shook his head. "I should have expected this. Odin's arrogance has rubbed off on you."

"Why must I be grateful to my killer?" Loki sneered. "You locked me up after I helped you."

Laufey leaned forward, and Loki felt trapped. In his Jotun form without his armor including the bounds on his neck and wrist, he looked tinier, if that was possible.

"We Jotnar are never meant to be warm," Laufey spoke.

"My fever," Loki gasped.

How could he have forgotten?

Now that Loki thought of it, he did not feel sicker than he was before. To be honest, he felt better than he had in days. He cautiously looked back at Laufey, who smiled at him. The man knew how to play his cards well, and Loki wondered if Loki inherited his so called Father's cunningness. If so, the rumors of the Jotnar being unintelligent were false after all.

Norns, what else was false?

"What did you do to me?" Loki asked softly.

"So quick to accuse," Laufey threw his head back in a laugh. "As much as I want you dead, such warmth or illness can kill us, perhaps you most of all, given how small you are. But I have plans for you."

Loki flushed and rubbed his irritated wrists.

Laufey felt sentimental.

The boy was small, fragile, yet in his eyes Laufey saw potential. Laufey admitted he felt no love for Loki, but deep down, there was still an ache that never left him. The truth stood in front of him, as light as day. Loki was temporary King of Asgard and the boy had a life there, something Laufey could not give in Jotunheim.

"You think I do not care of you."

"Why would you?" Loki questioned. "It is not like we know each other."

"We do not."

"Then why bother?"

"You were raised differently."

"Does that bother you?"

"No."

"I would not be raised differently had I not been left here to die."

"You were better off dead," Laufey sneered. "Better gone than raised into a poor world Odin had left us to. Jotunheim was beautiful. The lands glistened of frost, food was rich here, when the sky lights up, so does the ice. But now, without the casket… this world is forsaken. Turned into an age of darkness because of the man you call your Father."

Loki felt guilty.

"Why did you leave me in the cold to perish?"

The innocent question caught King Laufey off guard.

When he stared at Loki, into those soft red eyes that reflected his, a pang in his heart was felt. Laufey lowered his gaze and hardened his heart.

"I'd rather not spill blood on my hands with the babe I bore," He snorted.

"So you left the cold to finish me off?"

"You were never meant to survive. You would have fallen to illness, and hunger, too small to fight with us, too small to rule. No one will take you seriously, my bastard."

"It's because I'm weak." Loki voiced.

"Had you survived, you would have died otherwise." Laufey stood up. "I'd rather see you dead without sense than die with knowledge to blame."

Loki felt a tug in his own heart.

"I owe the All-Father my life," Loki declared.

"And yet you betrayed him." Laufey snorted. "I know you only found out of your birth, but had all of Asgard known, you'd be a slave or worse, you'd be tortured and raped. You may even be used to bear their young."

"I'm nothing like that!"

"You are what I think you are!"

"Why?!"

"Because Odin has corrupted you," Laufey shouted and Loki was taken back. "Lies that man has spoken, it is clear he thinks us the weak race, so why not slander my own child while he is at it. Make you fear us, and hate us. That was brilliant of him to do so. He had made you his own weapon."

Laufey's broken laughter echoed.

"Worry not," He smiled. "I've already made negotiations for the casket through you."

"They will not give it to you," Loki confidently said.

"Who says that is my only plan?"

"What?"

"Trust me, boy." Laufey grinned. "This is simply the beginning."

Laufey turned and motioned to the guards. He whispered something to them while he stared at Loki. The two Jotuns nodded and they walked into the cell. Laufey stood far, watching the scene unfold. Loki backed away to the corner, but one held him while the other took out a bottle.

"What are you doing?" Loki struggled.

"Making my terms known," Laufey voiced. "As soon as I am done with you, I will have what I want."

They pried Loki's mouth open and a strange warm liquid was forced into him. Loki meant to spit it out, but they held him down and put a hand to his lips. Unable to breath, Loki swallowed it. As soon as he finished the entire bottle, the two Jotun left him on the floor.

"I will speak with you afterwards." Laufey said.

Loki's vision blurred as he watched them walk away.

It was dark…

But soon, he started to hear things he shouldn't have, to see things that shouldn't be, to feel what shouldn't be felt. The hallucinations went on and on, they twisted his memories, gave him answers he never thought to look at.

What made it unbearable was the truth that came with it.


oOo

"So tell us more about your brother," Darcy smiled at him. "Don't be shy."

"I've told you a lot of things about him."

"I still can't believe that not all of the stories are true," Erik voiced. "I expected things to be more…"

"Chaotic?" Thor supplied.

"Confusing."

Thor wanted no more than to burn the book Erik had showed him. The seers and Norns had a cruel game, a story, a prophecy. It was written, but they do not believe it. They knew they were worthy to write their own story. And Loki's tale was badly written, condemned to pain and suffering all his life, to be the bringer of chaos and destruction.

It was wrong.

"Erik," Jane scolded. "Leave him alone."

"I love my brother," Thor opened. "He is everything to me. My heart aches for him, and I promised him I would stay with him but I broke that. I told you he came to me the other day, he looked sickly too."

"I wish we can help you get home."

"I hope so too."

"Well, Jane can always create something." Darcy smirked. "What? Like hell you won't."

"I can try, but I'm low on supplies." Jane chuckled. "I wouldn't even know where to start."

"You are good people," Thor declared. "I am overjoyed to have you all at my side. No matter what had happened. I only wish I can try and show you what my world is."

"That hammer of yours is still with Shield," Erik said.

"I will gain it once I am worthy of it again."

"How?" Darcy asked.

"I do not know what it takes to be worthy, but I will try."

"Cheer up, Thor." Jane patted him on the back. "I'll make some eggs for breakfast."

"I want one!" Darcy raised her hands.

"Fine," Jane went to the stove and started to cook. "Hey Thor, you like talking about Loki right? Do you want to talk about him more? I mean… you seem to have a lot of adventures with him. And you said he's smart… and we know you're worried."

"I'll only burden you with my thoughts."

"Nonsense," Erik dismissed him. "We'll try and help as best we can."

"Talking helps." Darcy nodded.

"I fear for Loki," Thor grimaced. "He looked tired and troubled. He lied about my coronation, he had slipped and I assume I am correct. And he does not want the throne. At least I know he does not. To be King at such an age is a burden to him more than it is a right."

He lowered his gaze.

"I miss him, I truly do."

They stopped their conversation there and allowed themselves to eat in silence, but not before long had the warriors four ended up by the glass door, knocking with a heavy smile on their faces. Thor stood happily to see his friends, while the others unexpectedly gaped at their entrance.

"I didn't get readings," Jane mouthed. "I didn't get any readings."

"We're on a break," Darcy voiced. "Come on."

"It's real," Erik gaped.

"My friends," Thor welcomed them. "I am glad to see you."

They exchanged manly embraces, but Thor was good enough to know that their arrival was not of a friendly one. From all the centuries Thor had practiced to notice Loki's movements, the tense expressions of Sif and the Warriors Three's faces were a dead giveaway. When they parted from each other, they all forced a smile.

"Lady Sif," Volstagg introduced them. "And the Warriors Three."

"Hello," Jane waved.

"Hey!" Darcy smiled.

"Right," Erik nodded. "Hello!"

Jane and Erik exchanged looks of excitement at the discovery. Thor smiled at them, but as soon as he turned to them to ask, the warriors looked at each other and Sif stepped forward. Sif lowered her gaze and prepared herself when she turned to Thor, the tension began.

"I bring grave news."

Thor's smile disappeared.

"As much as we wish to take you home," Sif frowned. "Your sentence forbids us."

"We are not here for a mere visit either." Fandral said.

"I know that my Father's word is conditional upon my exile." Thor said. "Loki said as much."

"He had been here?" Volstagg asked.

"There is no better way of saying it," Fandral swallowed. "Loki is… well… your brother… he uh… well our Prince…"

"Thor," Hogun stepped forward. "Loki is being held ransom by the Jotnar."

There was a heavy silence.

"I… I don't understand," Thor said slowly. "Loki is…"

"He is gone, Thor." Sif said.

"The Queen ordered us to convince you to try and return home quickly," Fandral stated. "We were told that Loki came to fix mistakes brought upon Jotunheim, but since he is ill, they were quick to capture him. Laufey wants the Casket of Ancient Winters for Loki's safe return, but your mother does not believe in his words."

"Neither would I," Thor shook his head. "They will try and rip information from them."

"Are you going to save him?" Jane breathed.

"We cannot go there," Volstagg said. "We will risk his life."

"We could only wait," Sif declared. "We will stay here with you, Thor. Until we are called back to Asgard, till then we have to hope Loki survives."

"You actually sound worried."

"Hush Fandral," She glared at him. "There is one thing I hate more than Loki's tricks. Those are the Jotnar."

"Loki will keep silent," Hogun said.

Thor sat on the nearest chair as he contemplated the idea of Loki trapped and possibly tortured by the people who were supposed to be his family. Thor could think of no other mercy given to his brother. The Jotnar were ruthless if they needed to be. And Loki would be the brunt of their attacks.

"Thor?" Jane moved forward.

"I am helpless," Thor palmed his face. "I cannot save him."

"The Queen will call us when there is news," Sif announced. "Trust in Loki, he will live."

"My brother has limits, Sif."

"But if I still know Loki, he will no sooner place Asgard above himself. For all his tricks and mischief, he is still loyal."

"That is what I fear."

Thor shook his head and couldn't think of an answer.

"Why?" Thor sighed. "What was he doing there in the first place? It is not just to correct past mistakes, Loki is beyond that. And to think he had gone there when he is ill. I knew I felt something when I saw him, I had though… He had been mentally and emotionally exhausted for weeks now."

"Thor," Fandral opened up. "Have you found Mjolnir?"

"Mew mew?" Darcy said.

"I found it, but I am unable to lift it." Thor palmed his face. "The enchantment prevents it. I can feel it but it is beyond my grasps. My brother is in danger and here I am unable to lift it to return to my home land."

"It almost responded to you," Jane said. "Back at that base."

"You can try." Erik nodded.

"I cannot," Thor lost confidence. "I cannot, I tried."

The warriors four stood there, unable to figure out what else to do. They had not prepared themselves enough for this. A few hours later after they spoke tales to each other, a black van stopped by the door. Coulson came out with Agent Barton and entered their place.

"You," Thor voiced.

"You really haven't been honest with us," Coulson smiled. "We just want to talk."

The warriors four were ready to attack, but Thor stopped them.

"Aye," Thor nodded. "We must speak."


oOo

You were just a babe, Loki.

How long had it been since he was under that wretched potion?

He called me an Ergi.

Loki had snapped from the first one, and Laufey always sat there watching him. A day had passed and he was given no food or water. Loki figured they had meant to torture him.

We're friends, Loki.

Day two began when he was questioned of Asgard.

He remained silent.

By the middle of the day, he was put under the damn potion again and began to hallucinate, rather vivid memories. The voices that mocked him would not stop, and they seemed to be everywhere.

In each conversation, there was always a whisper.

You think us that weak?

Day three.

Laufey told him about Jotunheim and what Odin had really done to his realm. Loki listened, exhausted and hungry. He listened. Though it pained him, he wanted to know.

By the end of the day, he was still put under that potion.

How does curiosity follow indignation?

Day four.

"You seem to be coherent enough," Laufey chuckled. "I see you are still under a bit of that drug we gave you. Worry not it will wear off in a while."

"I thought you were more into brutal punishment," Loki slurred.

"You are not the only one who does not relish in bloodshed," He said.

"What… do you want?"

"Seidr comes natural to the Jotnar race," Loki looked up from where he lay. "You are useful to me, Loki. More than you are to Odin, if you would simply comply right now. I will end your suffering."

"You think this is suffering," He bitterly chuckled. "To put me under heavy drug to hallucinate harsh memories, to experience such pains."

"I am merely opening your eyes."

"To the life I was given?"

"To the truth that sits right in front of you." Laufey glared. "Had Odin appreciated every sacrifice you gave him?"

Loki remained silent.

"That is a no then."

"Why are you doing this to me?" Loki said. "They will not give you the Casket."

"Because I am still your dam."

"And I am your bastard, so why would you care?"

"Because you are more useful to me now than you were before. You can restore power back to Jotunheim, and I will convince you otherwise. You've proven your worth, and I will see to it you and I will come to an understanding."

Loki's mind blurred.

And no sooner was that vile liquid poured down his throat once more and he was under their wretched spells.

I have sacrificed time for you when I could be doing other things.

What more do you want to deprive me of?

Is it my time with my wife and son?

The voices shouted around him as different people from Asgard, Vanaheim and Alfheim came to view. Different races targeted him with equally harsh words that Loki drowned in it. He went in and out of consciousness as his head swam in different memories all dark, harsh and hurtful. He never knew he had so many terrible memories in Asgard.

It was as if he was being told that he should never have existed.

You can never be worthy of the throne!

Loki recalled Laufey's option, the words he had spoken. Had Odin appreciated him at all… because Loki could find no answer to that question. He cannot recall a single praise to his sacrifice.

Day…

Loki believed it had been…

Day Nine.

Loki lay on the cold floor, red eyes blank and absent from the drugs infused in him. The collar and chain on his wrist drained his energy. He was very hungry and he was still blue. Laufey had come back after a few hours and sat there, watching him.

They will warm up to you.

When?

The time will come when they see you as who you are.

You'll always be second.

Both of you were born to be Kings.

Loki lifted his gaze to Laufey, who pitied him. Loki had long since wanted to agree, he was not built to be like Thor. He was not built to withstand torture. He was only himself. He could simply agree, let it fall to his plans. Both would be winners…

"You and I can end this game," Laufey slowly said. "Help me restore Jotunheim's glory and you will be thought of as someone other than the second Odinson."

Loki blinked and carefully lifted himself up.

"You will be known as Loki."

He wasn't convinced.

"Say it and I will end this. You have the means, I have the rights. So… Do we have a bargain or not, Loki?"

Loki stared at him tiredly before opening his mouth…


oOo

The Helicarrier floated near Oklahoma.

"Sir," Hill voiced. "We have a target headed from the South West."

"Put it on screen." Fury ordered.

The feed showed an incoming target that sped towards them. The screens beeped red for the obvious intrusion and the song 'Back in Black' went on. Fury rolled his eyes and nearly everyone in the room groaned. The doors were hacked open and the target went in.

"Sir, what are your orders?" Hill wondered.

"Leave him."

After a few minutes, the door to the main room opened and a very arrogant billionaire walked in with a tux and sunglasses.

"A bit formal, don't you think?" Fury asked.

"I was in Vegas." Tony said.

"You're still not authorized to be here, Mr. Stark."

"Yeah," He dismissed. "Now, where are you hiding your new toys?"

"You're lucky we didn't blow your Iron Man suit off the coast." Fury glared. "Don't you have better things to do than to snoop around Shield business?"

"I was curious why Coulson was reassigned," Tony admitted. "Then Agent Natasha also said bye-bye."

"I wasn't meant to stay," Natasha said as she walked in. She turned to Fury. "I heard the alarm."

"Rushman!"

"You're stepping boundaries as a consultant." She scolded.

"He's always stepping his boundaries," Fury grimaced.

"Hey, I got curious about New Mexico," Tony raised his hands. "Dug my way into your files, said you got an 084 on your hands. Dug deeper, found out about the spikes you're receiving. Did a little something-something on my own, tracked signals and monitored them. And hey, new files got updated about five new incomers."

"And you want to play along?"

"Hell yeah," He smiled. "And I'd love to know about that Einstein-Rosen Bridge theory."

"I'm not consulting you in this." Fury grimaced.

"I'm consulting myself," Tony grinned. "Come on, you obviously need help and a bit of genius around, and what better way than my expertise. You took these five recruits a week ago."

"They're not recruits," Natasha said.

"Come on, I'm helping Shield with this."

"Mr. Stark," Fury explained. "The only reason Thor and his friends agreed to be taken to the Helicarrier a week ago was so that any belongings taken from Jane Foster were returned to her and she would be given protection and active funding for her future discoveries."

"She's now a consultant of Shield." Natasha added.

"Any signal concerning the Bifrost would be immediately reported to them. Thor is a potential ally when he gains the right to his hammer. If the myths are true, if he's worthy, he'll lift it."

"Yeah which is still in New Mexico," Tony scoffed. "I had Jarvis check satellite feeds. Seriously, a god on earth?"

"Their strengths and mythology back up some claims," Fury said.

"They're not gods," Natasha voiced. "Thor said they weren't immortal."

Suddenly, the door to the main room opened.

"Coulson."

"Natasha."

"Where's Barton?"

"Guarding the hammer back at New Mexico," He smiled and turned to Fury. "Sir, we're actively testing out the other four's strengths and limits as agreed upon. They were really actively willing to demonstrate their techniques, said something about training young men in arenas."

"So Viking like," Tony grinned.

"Mr. Stark."

"Agent."

"What about Thor?" Fury questioned. "How is he holding up?"

"He was in contact with Jane Foster an hour ago," Coulson supplied. "The ravens haven't been in contact since the other day. Thor said he's willing to wait to get word about his brother."

"Yeah," Tony piped in. "What's up with that story?"

"Thor's a bit depressed that his brother was captured and they can't do anything about it until negotiations happen. They'll have to wait."

"A bit weird those aliens do negotiations too," Natasha whispered.

"Alright," Fury nodded. "Keep me posted."

"Yes, Sir."

"And Coulson," He raised an eyebrow. "Escort Stark out of here while you're at it."

"I'm keeping my mouth shut!" Tony pretended to zip it. "But I'm not leaving just yet. I just got here and think about the things I can discover under your watch. Think about it."

"Get him a damn room."

"Yes!"

Coulson shook his head and pushed Tony out the door, who babbled about that cellist he discovered. Coulson humored him out. Natasha and Hill were left alone with Fury in the main room, but Hill remained silent and went on her duty. Natasha walked forward and stared at the Director.

"Something you'd like to say, Romanov?"

"This is something we weren't prepared for," She voiced. "That initiative, will it be in use?"

"If we're under attack," Fury said. "It will be."

"You think there will be hostile force among Thor's people?"

"No. Other people."

"What do you mean?" She crossed her arms.

"You saw the feed when Thor explained that nine realms shit." Fury shook his head. "There're still a lot of worlds out there that we don't know about. And if it comes down to Earth, we need to be prepared. So I hope you don't mean to step out of line, Agent."

"Nothing like that, Sir."

"Good." Fury turned away. "Keep an eye on Stark in case we need him. Do you remember Phase 2?"

"As clear as day."

"Then be prepared, we might start early."

"Sir," Hill spoke up.

The screens began to beep wildly, as if a force took control. The screen fizzled and the energy spike grew before it disappeared quickly and returned the controls. The Agents were dumfounded and Fury began ordering people to check it.

"Incoming," Natasha pointed at a camera.


oOo

It had been a tiresome month for Thor.

His coronation, his banishment, the truth of Loki's heritage, Jane and everything! Now… he was there.

The moment Thor, Sif, Fandral, Volstagg and Hogun had gotten into Shield, Thor had let out his heart and story to these people in hopes they understood him. They listened to his story, and managed to back up their claims that earned them Shield's trust. Thor promised he would help as soon as he was able, and that only strengthened their bonds though short it may have been.

They stayed there for a week in exchange for Jane's safety and belongings. It had been a good deal offered and returned.

The Warriors four began to question a lot of things that did not make sense, for which Thor opened up the truth of what had happened to them. He tried his hardest not to speak of Loki's heritage, but eventually he had to let it slip. They needed to understand, in case they found out on their own. Thor threatened the four warriors that if they harmed Loki because of his race, Thor would end all ties with them.

The four understood enough to agree.

Although Sif and the three had other questions for Thor, they had left Thor's explanation be and let the truth seep in first. They knew that eventually they would have had to consult Loki about it. There was no use preventing the inevitable. Now that they were simply lounging around and waiting for news, Thor had been busy thinking of ways to return home, but the more he made it technical, the farther he was from being worthy.

As Thor thought, he had not expected Muninn to drop by.

There was a small parchment on his leg.

Thor read it.

We are to send what does not belong to you.

There was also a time underneath it.

Sunset.

The moment Thor received it. He knew what Laufey had meant. The writing was of the Jotnar. And the ribbon attached to it was Frigga's. So Thor knew that his mother had been in contact with them. Thor immediately stood up and looked for his friends and called for them to follow him. Fury was quick to order Natasha to the area to escort all five of them to the main room. They were ordered to actively avoid Stark and Coulson on their way there.

Thor walked into the main room followed by Sif and the warriors three.

Muninn was perched on Thor's shoulders. They all had a terrible expression on their face. They hadn't bothered to sit down and immediately went to business.

"We must return to the Bifrost Site." Thor opened.


oOo

Shield had gotten what information and agreement they needed from the five and gave them leeway to return to New Mexico. Coulson was there with them to escort them to the site, but Thor was not allowed to return. Jane, Erik and Darcy were also there to see the four go. The warriors had a strange expression on their faces.

"See my brother to safety," Thor grimaced.

"Thor," Sif voiced. "This knowledge you gave us of Loki will not change anything. He is still our Prince, and is still your brother."

"Aye," Fandral grinned slightly. "It makes your brother all the more exotic."

"We will see him safely," Volstagg bowed.

"Ease yourself," Hogun nodded.

"Please," Thor begged. "Find out what happened. And do not let others know. I trust this knowledge to you, my friends. I cannot go with you, but I will wait. I will join you soon. I only ask you put my brother before me. Treat him not as what you have been led to believe."

"You have our word." Sif bowed.

"This is not goodbye," Thor nodded.

As soon as they finished, the Bifrost opened and beamed the four into the sky. Shield was able to monitor the progress, while Jane and Erik did the same. The agreement still stood between them, and as long as nothing was happening, they were all clear.

Once the four dropped to the Bifrost, Heimdall greeted him.

"Has he returned?" Sif immediately questioned.

"Where is he?" Fandral wondered.

"Sunset," Heimdall said. "The Queen worries and waits in the throne room. I have spoken to the Queen of your new knowledge and question whether your aims are still loyal to Asgard."

"Of course it is," Volstagg said feeling offended.

"The Queen ordered you return her son to her."

"That is it?" Sif questioned. "Loki will be returned without the casket?"

"Aye."

"Why?"

"Laufey had not said anything." Heimdall voiced. "The Queen was given a message that the King was tired of games and holding the Prince will gain him nothing when the All-Father wakes."

"That is suspicious," Fandral chuckled darkly. "Truly suspicious."

"I watch over them," He said. "They cannot keep their gaze from me forever. Even that, falters."

"So you hear them?"

"Whispers."

"We will wait for Loki."

After they waited for a few minutes, Heimdall had flinched and immediately activated the Bifrost. The warriors who had been lounging around were now up on their heels as they waited by the side. They readied their weapons in case a Jotun appeared. They had been anticipating this. The Bifrost swirled in different colors and the blinding light enveloped the entire room.

When it died down a figure coated with fur had collapsed on the floor.

"Loki!"

They ran to him.

When Fandral turned him over, his mouth gaped.

"He is blue."


oOo

TBC…

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