"It's better to be good than evil, but one achieves goodness at a tremendous cost."- Stephen King

The spatula scraped across the already blackened pan as I was lost in my own thoughts. It was around nine in the morning on this lovely Saturday. But boy, what a week. Though I didn't take any time off, I was worried the whole entire time. Shifts at the hospital and the salon kept me busy, but I dreaded heading home every day. I just had a minor problem.

Loki.

The crazy "god" that attempted to take over the whole planet! Obviously there was something wrong with him! Why was he back? Did he escape prison? Was he imprisoned here, or back wherever he lived? And why the heck would he tell me? None of this was making sense. All I knew is that I had a god locked in my bedroom.

I scooted the scrambled eggs off of the pan and onto a plate. Why didn't he just use magic to break out? Still, I was in shock of how he transformed right in front of me. This whole thing was crazy. Astronomically insane! How the heck did he end up with me? Of all people, too!

Whining about it wasn't going to make him go away. I walked over to the door of my bedroom and pressed my ear up against it. At first I thought it was silent, until I recognized a small tinging noise from inside. I didn't know what it was, but that noise constantly came from this room. Was he trying to break out?

I cleared my voice and the noise stopped. I could hear him get up off the bed and head towards the door. "Uh, I made you eggs and salsa." I told him though the door. "I don't know if you eat that where you're from, but my mama always made it for me." There was just enough space under the door to where I could slide the thin plastic plate under it. From the other side I could feel a tug. Slowly I let go and allowed him to drag the plate into the room.

There was no other noise from him. Maybe I should talk to him. Then again, what if he's ready to kill me. I have a gun, but what good is it against some hocus pocus stuff like he's got. Probably nothing. Still, I was curious to why he was here, and what he wanted with me. Sighing, I took the key out of my pocket. After there was a click, I took a hold of the knob and pulled the door open.

My first reaction was a gasp. The man before me was not the same one that was here a week ago. His pale skin seemed to cling to his bones, the hollows of his cheeks eerily noticeable. The long black hair was still black, but it was much duller than before. The ill fitting feminine clothes were gone, and a linen shirt and pants replaced them. It was odd, because they looked as though they were ancient. His bony hand grasped the fork on the plate I slid under the door. Most of the eggs were gone at this point.

"Not exactly how you expected to see me, now is it?" He asked in a raspy voice. I was still shocked at his drastic appearance change that I could only nod. Did I do this to him? I gave him food and something to drink every day. As though he knew my thoughts, he raised his wrist. "You did nothing." Loki spoke, his voice barely a croak. If I wasn't me who did it…what was it?

"Using my magic makes me weak." That would explain his appearance and actions. "You are afraid of me, are not you mortal?" He questioned with a smirk. "I am certainly not!" I replied, standing up a bit straighter. A low laugh slowly filled the room. "Your actions betray you, then." He concluded. I finally got a good look at his bright green eyes. That was the only part of him that was still colorful and vibrant.

"You tried to take over the planet." I blurted out. "I think I have a good reason to." Loki's dark eyebrows rose up and he looked slightly amused. "I get that a lot you know." And I was sure that he did. For some reason, I felt…okay. He didn't seem like he was in a state to harm anyone.

Placing one foot in front of the other, I gingerly walked to my bed. Turning to where I would face forward, I then sat down next to him. I could hear a breath escape my lips, creating a small noise. I was sitting next to a psychopath. A crazie. Someone who thinks demonically and plots dangerous plans. A maniac. A monster. But right now, he didn't seem all that bad. He sure had a past though. A bad past.

"I am a monster." He muttered. "You don't seem like a monster." I said absentmindedly. The words slipped out of my mouth so quickly I had no time to process them. I turned to face him on the bed and met his eyes. They were squinted, almost like slits, harsh and judgmental. He blinked a few times before they softened.

"Why have you not called the law enforcement?" He asked, inches from my face. I did not move though. I didn't want to seem weak to him. "I want to hear your story." This drew another throaty laugh from the god. "Not many would ever want to." He glanced back at my face. "You are rather different, mortal."

I scooted myself to face him a bit better. "Well, are you going to explain why you are here, or should I dial 9-1-1 already?" The corners of his mouth turned up slightly. "No, no. I guess I should tell you, my Confidant." Confidant? What did he mean by that? I didn't ask, but let him tell his story.

" There was a court formed in Asguard, which is the realm I am from. Five gods returned me to Midguard, that's Earth to you,…with a catch, of course. They would truly be mad to send me back without a contract." He rolled his eyes and continued. "I signed it in my blood. I am bound to it. So I am forced to be here until I 'no longer wish to be.' In other words, I am banished here for eternity. What a horrid place to reside." He spat the words out like daggers.

Earth couldn't be that bad, could it? The thought of him being from another realm was definitely strange. "So what was the catch?" I asked. Loki was silent for a moment before replying, "Every day I am here, I must carry out good deeds."

I leaned back in surprise. This was his punishment? To just do good things here? "And your unhappy why?" I asked. His head snapped back to face me. "Because mortal," Loki hissed, "My soul is a block of ice, and it has frozen my heart for many, many years. I have no goodness left." The words dripped off his tongue like poison. Did he really believe that? I believed it for a moment or two. "Ice melts." I whispered. I could feel his harsh eyes on me again, but I didn't face him this time.

He snorted, "Ignorant mortal." He muttered under his breath. I still didn't face him. I honestly didn't know what to do. "So, you just be nice to people, and you're okay." Out of the corner of my sight, I saw him roll his eyes. "I wish. No, if I do not perform one good act a day, I will die." He stated. So that's what the catch was. Then it donned on me.

"You've been in here for a week!" I exclaimed. How could he possibly not be dead then? "I know. I cleaned your room, reorganized your closet and dresser, oh, and the shower in the bathroom if fixed. Your welcome." I turned to face him again, and he was right there. "I'm sorry." Loki laughed at this too. "I am sure you are. For the past two days, I haven't had anything to do." He motioned to himself. "That should explain my current state." He was dying? I leapt off the bed in a hurry.

"You're dying!" I practically shouted at him. "Quick! We have to find something for you to do!" I grabbed the empty plate that Loki has set down on the side of the bed. "Here, follow me into the kitchen and offer to wash it. That's something good, isn't it?" I asked, walking quickly into the hallway. "You just have to put some soap on it and toss it into the sink. I'd count that as good, because I don't have to wash it. Why didn't you say anything about…" I turned on my heels and stared though the doorway of my bedroom. Loki still sat on the bed, his gaze directed at the ground. "You…you want to die, don't you?" I whispered. That's why he hadn't said anything about it. One more day and he could have been gone.

"Fine." I said. The plate in my hands dropped to the floor with a clang. It was plastic anyways, so no harm done. "Go ahead, let yourself expire." I spat. Loki looked up from the ground to meet my eyes, his brow furrowed in confusion. "The great god, Loki. Oh, he didn't die in battle, he didn't die fighting in what he believed in, oh no. He died because he was too weak to carry out a simple punishment." I surprised myself by laughing. "Some god you are."

Loki was off of the bed in an instant. He strutted down the hallway towards me. My feet were glued to the floor, my eyes wide. His hand reached out towards my throat before pausing a few inches from it. His fingers were shaking. Slowly they curled up into a fist. "You would not know weakness even if it knocked you to your knees, you filthy mortal." Loki was absolutely livid now.

For a moment, I thought his eyes flashed red, but I could be seeing things. In one swooping motion, Loki snatched the plate and fork off of the floor and marched into the kitchen. I finally drew in a breath, and couldn't help but smile. I thought my little speech may have done the trick. Thank you Drama II.

Slowly I rounded the corner to the kitchen to see Loki scrubbing vigorously at the plastic plate. He was muttering something under his breath, and I could tell he was angry. I didn't say anything as I leaned in the doorway. Even though he was technically doing something good, nothing happened to his appearance. He still looked rather old and malnourished.

Loki's head snapped towards me and he glared. What? I hadn't even said anything! I shrugged and walked further into the small kitchen. He faced the sink as he scrubbed the last bit of egg off of it. Grabbing the towel near the dried dished on the countertop, he dried the plate off and stuck it on the counter.

Suddenly the color was apparent in his skin. He was still pale though, but it was milky instead of a sickly white. The thickness and fullness was returning as well, filling out his arms and legs, making him appear more toned. The cotton green shirt tightened across his chest and arms. His dull black hair was now shiny and youthful again. Loki's eyes were the only thing that didn't change though. I had only seen him on the television for trying to take over the world, but of course he looked a lot different in person. In other words, guys, he was attractive. Like, really attractive.

Loki smiled smugly and withheld some laughter. "What?" I said, unsure of what he was laughing at. I still hadn't said a word since he cleaned the plate. "Nothing." He muttered, with that arrogant smirk still on his face. Still, it seemed like he was going to laugh any second. "No, really, what's so funny?" I questioned. Loki shook his head and moved towards me. "Really, nothing." He said with a serious expression. "Oh, okay." I replied quietly.

Loki's instant change in demeanor was surprising. With a sigh, he took a seat on the couch. "Why did you call me your Confidant?" I wondered aloud. His head turned to face me before he leaned back on the sofa. "Ah, yes. That small, little detail." He said. It was sarcasm. What did he mean by it though?

"I told you that I was Loki, why I was here, all of that chatter we had a bit ago." I gave a nod and he continued. "In my contract agreement, I was allowed to inform one moral of my true being. And, they are supposed to help me carry out good deeds to this pathetic planet."

Wait, what? I felt my mouth open but nothing came out. I was supposed to help him? I didn't sign up for this! I have two jobs to work and a rent to pay! I just can't tell them, oh, hey, by the way, I have to help a deranged god do good things for people for a few months, see ya! What did he think I would do as he told me all of this stuff!? That I would comply; that all of this wasn't a big deal? He really was crazy, wasn't he? "Would you like a nice house? Ooh, maybe never to work again? How about all of Earth on its knees?" He asked me. "I will give you anything you desire, if you help me." Loki whispered.

Broadway. I could be on Broadway. Finally, dancing, singing, and performing for the rest of my life. My heart raced at the excitement of this opportunity. But, it would be cheating. Using magic, or whatever, to get me a spot in a Broadway show would be nice, but it wouldn't be me earning it. It wouldn't be based off of my talent. It would always be wish granted to me. Heck, I could be awful and everyone would think I'm great. I don't think I could live with that.

I took a seat next to him on the couch. "You could always decide what you wanted later. I just…" A look of desperation flashed across his face, but as quickly as it was there, it was gone. "Need to know if you will help." Loki concluded. I didn't know. I just didn't. What should I do? What would really be right? Helping a bad guy figure out how to be nice, and probably end up doing most of the work myself, or kicking him out and letting him figure it out on his own?

Loki watched me as I sat there in silence. His hand absentmindedly played with the silver cuff on his left arm. "Oh my gosh." I said, noticing the large red rings on both of his wrist. Quickly he slid the cuff over his wound so I could no longer see it. "How did you get those?" Loki looked down at them and slid the cuff back so I could see. They both looked nasty, the skin dead around the edges of the lacerations, along with pockets of puss inside the deep wounds.

"Those are definitely infected." I commented. Loki nodded curtly. "And I would heal them too, if it were not for this shackle I wear." It was just a silver cuff. I looked up at him with confusion. "That is why my magic is weak. This cuff binds part of my magic within it. When I wear both of them properly, I cannot perform any magical acts. But, because only one accidentally remains, my magic is awry."

That sort of made sense, if magic was really real. If any of this was real. "So that's why when you transformed, you couldn't change your clothes?" I asked. Loki shifted on the couch. "Yes." He replied uncomfortably. Apparently he was still slightly embarrassed about the incident.

"It is rather lovely, though. The cuff, that is." Loki raised an eyebrow and looked at it again. "What is so beautiful about it?" He stretched it out in front of me to see well. "The engraving is beautiful, and so is the metal work on it, it's like it was hand-"

Loki raised a hand to stop me from continuing on. "The engraving?" He asked quietly. "Yeah, all the symbols and stuff on it." Was his vision affected by these cuffs too or something? "What does it say?" He questioned eagerly, suddenly scooting closer to me. "Uh, I don't know." I replied, leaning away from him. "I can't read whatever language it's written in." Loki sighed and leaned back in disappointment. His bright green eyes glanced back up at me.

"Write it down." He commanded. I looked up at him, unsure of what to do. What if it would get him out of the cuff? What if he would use magic on me, or worse, try and act out again? How did I really know that he was here for what he said he was? His eyes closed painfully and something escaped his lips.

"What?" I asked, not catching what he had said. Loki breathed in again. "Please?" He muttered. Please? I was shocked that the words came out of the god's mouth. Now I was torn inside. "Since you asked nicely…" I got up off the couch and walked back into the kitchen. Grabbing a pen and some paper, I sat back down. "Let me see the cuff." Loki stretched his arm out in front of me and I began to scribble the meaningless symbols down on paper.

The symbols looked funny to me. I had never seen anything like them. But there they were, written down on the piece of paper in front of me. Ripping it off the pad, I handed it to Loki. He stared at it for a few moments in amazement. "De skal sette deg fri." He whispered. I raised my eyebrows and set the notepad on the coffee table. "What does that mean?" I asked. Loki appeared to be startled.

My eyes met his and I felt a chill run down my back. "They will set you free." He said. Who was they? And why would they inscribe that on a prison shackle? "You." He muttered, leaning back into the couch. "It was not a mere accident. They wanted you to do it." I made a face. "Uh, to do what exactly?" I asked, unsure of what I was supposed to do. Loki placed his hand in front of me.

"Remove it." The silver cuff had no evident hinge. How was I supposed to get it off? "I don't have a key or-" Loki glared at me. "Remove it, mortal." I shrugged and grabbed the silver cuff in my hands. First, I tugged forward, hoping it would slide off his tiny wrist and over his hand. That didn't work. Loki kept wincing in pain every time I dragged the cuff over his raw skin.

"Try something else!" He shouted as I dragged the cuff over the sensitive spot of skin again. "Okay, geeze." I muttered. I turned the shackle around his wrist, looking for something that would be weaker than the rest of it. Between the last symbol and the first one, there was a small seam. I almost didn't notice it. Grabbing the top of the cuff with one hand on the right side of the seam, and the bottom with my other hand and the other side of the seam, I gave a tug.

There was a tiny click, and the cuff opened up around his wrist. Gently I pulled it down so it was completely off his wrist. Slowly, Loki lifted his wrist to his face, examining it closely.

"I am free"