Once again I thank you all for being patient! Here you go! Let me know what you think.
The army landed on the wasteland of the Jotunheim. All that lay before them was a sea of ice.
"I do not believe they knew we were coming, Father," Thor bounced in anticipation.
"They know we are here," Odin said eyeing their surroundings. "They are so confident in our defeat; they want us to come to them."
Loki came running up from the rear of the formation. "We need to move now. We are so close."
"Loki, you need to go back." Odin said sternly. "We need to keep you hidden until it is time."
"I cannot hide in the back! I need to be up front to kill…."
"You are too easily recognized Loki," Thor interrupted. "They will see you immediately."
"I can take care of that." Loki took a few steps back and started a quiet chant. He crossed his arms above his head and pulled them down quickly in front of him. As the flash of light disappeared a stranger stood before them.
"Will this work?" Loki's voice came from a stranger's body.
Odin and Thor stared at a man that had the same height and build as Loki, but his hair was blond and the facial features were completely different.
Thor walked up to Loki and laughed. "This never ceases to amaze me brother."
"Yes, Loki, I think that will work just fine." Odin nodded in appreciation.
"Then let's go," Loki turned towards the city.
The army moved quickly across the frozen wasteland towards the Frost Giant city. Loki grew more restless the closer they came. He sensed Ellie was near. If all went well he would see her soon and have her back…if she still wanted him.
As the men came over a rise in the ice they saw the line of the enemy. Odin had been right. The Giant army was lined up right outside the city. They did not feel that they should work any harder than they had to. Odin ordered for the men to spread out in three rows to either side and ready themselves. Once the men were lined up they began to move as one towards the Giants.
Thor walked to his Father's right side and Loki became part of the small contingency that protected Odin's back. As they moved closer, Loki scanned the giant army looking for Helbindi but he could not find him. Irritation prickled over Loki's skin. He would still find him and rip the giants head from his body like he planned.
….
Helbindi stood on a ledge in the ice above his men. Ellie crouched near the wall behind him trying to keep herself warm. He surveyed the Asgardian army as they crossed the field of ice. There were more men than he had originally anticipated, but no matter. All of his warriors were at the ready and he knew this battle would be over quickly.
"Look, little elf, your rescuers approach," Helbindi laughed.
Ellie looked up, but could barely see. She had wrapped a piece of rag around her head to cover one eye to stop the bleeding from the gash. The other was swollen shut. Ellie could hear the approaching army over the sounds the Frost Giants were making below her. Her mind wanted to be happy they were coming for her, but with all that had happened, her heart was not in it.
Helbindi watched as the approaching force stopped. Each side analyzed the other and for a moment all was quiet.
"We have come for the Elven queen," Odin's voice boomed breaking the silence. "Return her and we can end this peacefully."
Loki bounced on the balls of his feet. Peacefully, he laughed to himself. This would definitely not end peacefully.
Helbindi let out a thunderous roaring laugh and Ellie cringed behind him. The line of giants below him laughed as well.
"There will be no peace and the little elf stays with us," Helbindi stated plainly.
Loki looked around trying to find where the voice came from. Finally he saw Helbindi standing up on a ledge above the other giants. Once again he was letting his men do the dirty work. Loki could not wait for the battle to begin. The sooner it was over the sooner he could kill that monster and find Ellie.
"I believe you should reconsider," Odin said calmly. "Otherwise you will not care for the outcome."
Helbindi laughed confidently. "Why should I reconsider? We will easily wipe you out and the little elf is already in my possession."
"I think you underestimate us," Thor yelled out.
"I can be rid of you as easily as I rid the realms of your brother," Helbindi glared.
Thor fumed, but Loki laughed to himself. The giants did think he was dead. This made Loki burst with anticipation.
"I have become more powerful than you realize, Odin," Helbindi glared down. "Once I gain the power of the little elf I will become invincible."
"The elven queen's power will be impossible for you to gain," Odin smiled.
"I do not think it will," Helbindi turned around to grab Ellie.
The army could hear Ellie cry out in pain as he yanked her to her feet and brought her into view. A slow roar spread through the men as they all saw the state she was in. Ellie was dressed in rags and appeared to be bruised from head to toe. Dried blood was smeared on what could be seen of her face and clothing. Loki took a step forward, but quickly stopped himself. He was so enraged by what he saw that his magic flowed over him like a second skin. Taking deep breaths, he tried to calm himself.
"I have already made her mine," Helbindi said as his hand brushed her cheek. "So when I decide to unbind her magic it will naturally transfer to me."
Ellie flinched away from his touch and lowered her head in defeat. Now everyone knew that she had been defiled in the cruelest of ways. The elves would no longer want her. Ellie wished she could just disappear into nothingness.
Loki felt almost numb. Did that thing lay his unworthy hands upon the woman he loved? If Anson had not stepped to his side and grabbed his arm, Loki would have broken his cover and charged the giant. His hate seethed through him.
Loki could sense the men became more anxious around him. They were as ready for this battle as he was.
"Just remember Helbindi that you brought this upon yourself," Odin said with anger lacing through his voice.
Helbindi laughed. "Enough of this! Take them out!"
The giant army charged.
"Now!" Thor yelled.
Loki moved in step with the rest of the men. This was the moment he had been waiting for. The armies clashed and Loki went to work on taking down the giants. He ducked and weaved between them throwing his knives, not bothering to watch them fall. His magic flowed around him just waiting to be unleashed, but Loki knew he needed to hold back. To stay hidden. For now.
The warriors fought hard to bring down the giants one after another. They seemed to be on the winning end of the fight when all of a sudden there was a huge roar. Loki turned and saw another line of giants advancing on them from behind.
"Alfather! Thor!" Loki yelled out. "Behind us!"
Thor and Odin turned to see the new additions to the giant army. Odin, without hesitation, ordered for the men to shift their formation and brace for the new onslaught. Thor and Loki flew into the fray as the men were now outnumbered. The Asgard soldiers fought with all they had, but the giants began to gain the advantage. Loki began to throw small bursts of magic here and there to try and bring the battle back into their favor without showing himself. Yet no matter what they did, the giants continued to break the men down.
"To me!" Odin finally yelled out.
All the soldiers broke from their fight, grabbed the wounded and surrounded Odin.
"Father, what are you doing?!" Thor uttered flabbergasted. "We need to be bringing these monsters down."
"What we need to do is change our tactics," Odin surveyed his men. "We need to bide some time or we will be defeated."
"Bide our time!? For what?" Thor burst out.
The men were pressed together as the giants surrounded what was left of them. Loki turned and looked up to Helbindi who could be seen laughing from his perch with Ellie still held next to him.
"Now you will see what is left of the pathetic army cut down where they stand," Helbindi smiled with approval.
Ellie could barely make out what was taking place on the field of ice and what she could make out was not good. Bodies lay scattered across the wasteland. The men that were left standing were greatly outnumbered. Ellie closed her eyes and lowered her head because she could not bear to watch.
Loki saw Ellie's reaction to their situation. She was giving up hope. Turning in a circle, he assessed the giants around them. He had to reveal himself now. Loki stood with his feet apart and let the magic swirl over his skin. He could take these giants down and turn them all to ash. As he started to raise his hands from his sides Odin grabbed his arm.
"Save your strength."
Loki turned on him with a glare. "I can end this now!"
"We will take care of the giants Loki," Odin said as he looked up to Ellie. "You will need all your energy for her."
Loki followed his gaze. Helbindi now held Ellie by the back of the head to force her watch what was to come. Loki's anger flared again. Odin squeezed his arm to draw back his attention.
"Soon, my son. Watch for them."
"What?" Loki asked confused.
Before he could get a response there was a large disturbance amongst the giants. The Asgardian warriors turned to see what had the giants agitated. On the rise above the wasteland a new group appeared.
"More giants," The men grumbled amongst themselves.
"No," Loki said as his heart raced with anticipation. "Elves."
A slow hum spread through the men. They felt a rush of adrenaline with the realization the elves were joining the fight.
Helbindi took a step back from the edge. He could not believe the elves would come now. They chose not to believe that he had found the missing queen. Yet now they come when Odin brings his army to steal her back. Taking another step back Helbindi pulled Ellie with him conjuring a barrier around them.
Odin raised his staff into the air and the army of elves stormed down onto the battlefield. Loki turned his attention back onto the giants and the battle began anew. Loki fought his enemy with a renewed fervor. Now with the contingency of elves, the battle became an even match.
"It will be now or never, my son! You must go get her," Odin yelled to Loki. "We will cover your back!"
Ellie watched as the mass of bodies moved and shifted beneath her. All the people she cared about were down there fighting for her. Odin was surely there. She could hear Thor bellowing as he threw his hammer. Anson would be there as well. Her heart pounded in her chest knowing Loki was not there.
Loki fought hard to remove the giants that stood between him and the ice wall. He needed to get to Ellie. He needed to show her that he was still alive. Once he reached the base of the wall he stopped and stared up at his "brother." Oh how he hated that giant more than he ever hated anyone. That beast had dared to hurt the woman he loved.
Helbindi's attention was on the mass of fighting bodies, leaving time for Loki to contemplate his next move. The ledge was about 30 feet above his head and there was no visible way to gain access from where he stood. Now or never, he thought to himself. Loki let his magic ripple down his arms. Pulling back he threw a huge burst of magic directly at Helbindi's head hoping it would not harm Ellie. Just as it was about to reach its target, the ball dissipated into nothing.
Helbindi's head whipped in Loki's direction. Confusion passed across his face not recognizing the man below him. A disguise? "You! It is not possible!" he rumbled.
Before Loki could respond Helbindi threw bolts of dark magic. Rolling out of the way he kept trying to throw bursts of his own, but they fizzled out before they reached Helbindi. Loki did not know what to do. As he twisted out of the way of Helbindi's onslaught, he was hit in the back. The dark magic oozed across him taking his breath away. He managed to avoid a few more bursts and realized he needed help.
"Thor!" Loki called out. "I need you!"
His brother landed by his side and deflected a few more bursts of magic. Loki regained his feet and they both began to throw what they had at Helbindi. Loki used his magic and Thor threw his hammer, but neither had any effect.
"We need to change our tactic!" Thor said as he caught his hammer.
Loki looked around quickly trying to find a way up to the ledge. There was nothing they could do from down on the ground.
Helbindi stood above them looking down with a twisted smile on his face. It was evident that Loki was no match for him. This time he would kill the little pest himself to make sure the deed was done.
The idea hit Loki hard. If he could not reach Helbindi up on the ledge, he would bring Helbindi to him.
"You have to crack the ice wall!" Loki yelled to his brother.
Thor looked at him confused for a moment, but realization hit when he saw Loki brewing his magic into one large ball. He threw Mjolnir with all his might creating a huge crack that spider webbed below the ledge.
"You will need to catch her!" Loki yelled as he released his magic.
Helbindi watched as the burst of magic flew in his direction. Another wasted effort he thought, but then it hit the wall below him causing the ledge to crumble beneath his feet. Ellie flew from his hands.
Once Helbindi's hands released Ellie, Thor flew into the air and grabbed her before she disappeared into the rubble. Cradling her in his arms, he landed behind Loki. Loki stood at the ready, but watched as Helbindi disappeared into the remains of the ice wall. For a moment he watched and waited, but the rubble did not move.
"Loki," Thor drew his attention.
Loki turned quickly and looked at Ellie. She lay unconscious in Thor's arms. Kneeling down next to her, he pulled her into his arms. Thor released her and stood to protect them if anything would come near. What had they done to her? Her face was bruised, her eye and lips were swollen and she was covered in blood. He pulled the rag from her eye revealing the gash. Loki hung his head and swore to himself. The state she was in was unfathomable. Pulling her tight to his chest he pressed his lips to her forehead.
Ellie could feel herself wrapped in someone's arms. The scent that reached her nose was so familiar. Leather, musk and man. Loki. She must be dead. Ellie opened her eyes to look at the man she loved, but when her eyes came into focus she saw a stranger in front of her.
Ellie began to struggle and lashed out at the man. "Get off of me! Don't touch me!" she screamed as she rolled out of the man's arms. Ellie desperately tried to stand, but kept losing her balance and falling back to the ground.
Loki tried to reach for her, but she screamed and slapped his hands away. Ellie clumsily crawled on her knees trying to get as far away as she could.
"Ellie it is me," Loki said holding his hand out to her.
Ellie stopped unsure if she just heard Loki's voice. Squinting her swollen eyes she tried to focus on the man. All she could make out was the blonde hair. "I don't know you! Stay away!"
Loki nodded his head as he remembered. Starting a quiet chant he raised his arms. Ellie flinched away and closed her eyes at the flash of light. When she opened them again someone different stood in front of her. He held his hand out to her and she shook her head to clear her mind.
"Loki?" she whispered.
"Yes, my love, it is me," he replied with a smile.
"You're dead," she practically cried. "I saw them….."
Loki knelt down a few feet in front of her. "I was dead," Loki held up his hand, "but the thought of you saved me."
Ellie tentatively reached out her hand and touched his to see if he was even real. Letting out a sob she crawled her way into Loki's arms. He met her halfway and pulled her into his embrace. Kissing her with all he had was all he wanted, but her face was so battered that he feared he would hurt her.
So he whispered quietly "I love you" into her hair. Ellie cuddled into his chest and whispered "I love you" even quieter.
"We need to get you out of here," he said as he gathered her up and stood. Loki looked around trying to figure out the best escape.
A deep rumble came from behind them. Loki spun around just in time to see Helbindi break through the rubble of fallen ice. Before he had time to react a burst of magic hit them and flung Ellie out of his arms. Loki hit the ground hard, but immediately reached for Ellie who landed a few feet away.
"Thought you could come and take what is rightfully mine you little pest," Helbindi said as he stalked towards them. "This time I will kill you and make sure the job is done properly!"
Loki quickly tried to move towards Ellie, but Helbindi reached her first and kicked her away. Before he could move out of the way, Helbindi's foot came up and made contact with his face. Loki flipped through the air and landed on his back. When Loki looked up he saw Mjolnir fly at Helbindi's head, but he waved his hand and it fell to the ground. This was not going to be easy, Loki thought to himself. Now he understood why his father had wanted him to save his strength.
Thor called his hammer back and stepped to Loki's side. "We will need to work together, brother."
Loki eyed Helbindi. Ellie lay on the ground behind him, curled up in a ball. He needed a new plan and quickly. His power seemed to be useless and Ellie's was bound. As he stood, not knowing what to do, the pendant around his neck began to pulsate. Ellie's power was bound, but it waited for her around his neck. A new plan quickly formed in his head and he needed to get to Ellie. Loki turned to Thor and quickly relayed his idea. Thor nodded without question and they both charged at Helbindi.
Helbindi laughed as he threw bursts of magic at them and they deflected what they could. When they were close enough Thor threw himself at Helbindi. He knocked Thor out of the way and when he turned his attention to Loki he was surrounded by him. He rapidly blinked his eyes, but there were about twenty Loki's surrounding him. They circled him and laughed. Helbindi roared as he sent bursts of magic at them trying to find which one was the real one.
As Helbindi was distracted Loki managed to make his way over to Ellie unnoticed. She flinched away from him when his hands touched her.
"It is me, my love," he whispered.
Ellie lay still, feeling she had nothing left. No matter what happened Helbindi seemed to get his hands on her. Even though Loki was her with her now, she struggled to breath, fearing she would end up back in that monsters possession.
Loki could see her willpower was used up. He needed to bring her back to him. Knowing he only had a short time Loki pulled Ellie to him and began to speak the unbinding spell. He drew the pendant out from underneath his shirt and held it over Ellie's heart.
Ellie felt the warmth begin to prickle back into her skin. She did not understand what was happening at first, but then she heard Loki's voice murmuring words near her ear. She could feel it. It felt like chains were lifting. The thrum of magic burst into a crescendo. Loki held onto Ellie as her head and arms were thrown back and a bright light burst from her chest. The light turned into a wave that spread across the battlefield knocking the giants off their feet, leaving the men and elves to stare in confusion.
Loki lost his grip on Ellie and fell to the ground as his body felt completely drained. When he looked up at Ellie, she stood in a luminous glow. All her power had returned.
Helbindi roared charging at them when he realized what was happening. He threw bursts of dark magic at the elf, but they disappeared before they ever reached her. Ellie retaliated with golden glowing orbs of her own. The men and elves just stood and watched in wonder as she went after Helbindi with all she had. However, one seemed to be making no effect on the other.
Loki watched his love fight with all the power she possessed. The beauty of her glow was awe inspiring but he could see she needed help. Odin said that she would need him. He realized they had to fight him together. Together they could defeat him.
Loki stood up off the ground and reached down into his soul to bring all his magic to the surface. The pendant on his neck began to pulse again as he stepped up behind Ellie and wrapped his arms around her waist. Ellie leaned back into him pressing the pendant tightly between their bodies. Loki turned his face into Ellie and kissed that sensitive spot behind her ear that he loved so much. A small smile played across his face as he saw the rage on Helbindi's.
Helbindi threw everything that he had the pair, but to no effect. Ellie spread her arms out to the side and began to murmur causing the glow to intensify. Ellie rest her head back against Loki's chest and he began to feel them rise up off the ground. Loki opened himself up to Ellie and let all his magic flow. Ellie reached out and grabbed his hands. As one they brought their hands forward and sent a continuous burst of magic directly at Helbindi.
At first it was deflected by his shield, but it slowly started to break down. Helbindi desperately threw back magic of his own but to no avail. He let out an ear piercing roar as his shield exploded in a black cloud. Little pieces of onyx crystals scattered and bounced across the ground. When the air cleared, Helbindi was gone.
Ellie and Loki slowly lowered to the ground. They both stood there for a moment in a complete daze. Ellie slowly turned in his arms just in time to watch Loki slide to the ground.
"Loki!" she cried as she sank to her knees next to him.
"I am alright," Loki said grabbing her hand and pulling it to his lips. "I think I used all of my energy is all."
Ellie tried to smile, but the pain in her face prevented her from making any more than a slight smirk.
"We need to get you home," Loki said as he brought himself back to his feet.
Reaching down he helped Ellie up. Loki gently brought his hand to her face and lightly brushed a finger across her cheek. Ellie turned her face away.
"We will fix that my….." Loki stopped then wrapped his arm behind her waist and the other went under her knees. He scooped her up and cradled her to his chest.
Thor came up next to them. He looked between them and looked as though he did not know what to say. Instead of words, he threw his arms around them both, and hugged them tight. Without a word he let them go. Ellie smiled timidly at Thor and then turned her head into Loki's chest.
As Loki carried her off the battlefield Ellie lifted her head and looked around at all the men. They bowed to her as she passed. Leaning back into Loki she whispered, "Who are all these other men?"
He smiled and replied. "They are elves. Your subjects, my queen."
