On my word that's sooo sad! Is it Odin feeling remorseful? Because I don't
know how he can ever fix the damage he's done but he'd better try! The rat
scene was so horrible I wanted to cry! Poor Loki...
Perhaps Odin does feel bad. You'll just have to keep reading to find out! Thanks so much for the review Erikstrulove! You are amazing!
To everyone else who has reviewed, followed or favorited thank you so much! It means so, so much! You guys are absolutely amazing! Now, onward!
ONE STEP FORWARD, FOUR STEPS BACK
A THOR/AVENGERS FANFICTION
CHAPTER FIVE: Thor Returns
WARNING: This chapter implies the psychological torture and refers to the physical torture of a minor. If you don't like, don't read. And please, no hate.
It had nearly been two weeks and Odin still wouldn't allow Thor to see Loki. It was frustrating and troubling at the same time. Thor knew how seriously the Høndla-Fjørlag* took guarding their dwelling, but he still found it odd that he wasn't allowed to see Loki. Frigga was mad with worry, and Thor was desperate; he had to see Loki, make sure Loki was okay. And if he wasn't, Thor was prepared to go against Odin's wishes and rescue Loki. He'd take Loki to Midgard and hide there among Jane or his others allies there. Thor only hoped they could be wiser than Odin and see Loki as he truly was; a child. Not as a war criminal, but as a five-year-old child. That was maybe the greatest challenge of all.
On the tenth day since Loki's imprisonment, a realization struck Thor. There were soldiers in charge of dropping prisoners off at Fjørlag-Bryggja and knew the way well. Askr and Thor had grown close since Loki's arrest and Thor recalled Askr taking Loki away. It was slim that the loyal young solider would help Thor disobey Odin, but he had to try; he had to see Loki.
Askr was easy to find. He and Lady Sif were sparring blades in the early afternoon air, the sun warm. This worried Thor; he and Sif weren't exactly on good terms. They had had a falling out since Loki's arrest, Sif siding with the All-Father. He was worried about how she would react to him even daring to talk to her. Taking a deep breath to calm is rapid heart Thor walked over, his head high.
"Greetings friends," he called. The two stopped sparring and Sif glared daggers at Thor. Askr bowed deeply.
"Greetings Lord Thor," he said.
"I am sorry to intrude, but I must speak to Askr." Sif opened her mouth to protest but was silenced by Thor's massive hand. "It is an urgent and private matter, Sif." Sif's eyes narrowed.
"Is this about Loki?" she asked. Thor scowled.
"That doesn't concern you, Sif," Thor said. Sif was growing very irritating indeed. Her distrust in Thor had spread faster through the kingdom than the plague. Not only did the entire kingdom know Thor's position on Loki but they also knew how Sif felt. Sif was known in Asgard for her sharp blade and her even sharper tongue. She had been sulking around the cobbled streets, proclaiming her disapproval and distrust of Thor, people murmuring in agreement with her. Thor couldn't even leave the palace because the jeers of his people had reached heights he felt even Loki didn't know. After Thor had silenced Sif, Askr turned to face him.
"What do you need to say dear friend?" he asked, putting his sword away. Thor gestured to the palace.
"Let's speak there," Thor said. Both men bid Sif farewell (Sif never acknowledging Thor again) and left, Thor leading the way. He went into the library-arguably his least favorite place in the palace but Loki's favorite- and shut the door. Thor looked around, looking for something.
"What are you doing?" Askr asked.
"Loki once showed me a hideaway that he found here when we were both children. I'm trying to remember where it is." Thor explained, walking away. Askr followed him in confusion, the rows of books seeming more ominous as Thor continued not to speak. After about ten minutes, Thor made a little gasping sound and grabbed a ladder. He began climbing up it and Askr followed. They climbed the entire length of the ladder and Thor crawled on top of the shelf and disappeared. Askr's brow lowered in confusion as he reached the top. He climbed on to the shelf and saw a square opening and crawled inside. Thor was already there, sitting in the cramped hole.
"It was bigger when we were smaller," Thor mused, thinking on happier times. Askr sighed and sat down. He pitied Thor; he had lost his best friend in more ways than one. It was painful for everyone to watch Thor and Loki grow apart as they aged, their paths splitting from each other. And now that they had a chance to rebuild their bond, Odin ripped them apart once more. It truly was heartbreaking.
"I'm sure it was Lord Thor. What do you need?" Askr asked.
"I must see Loki and I know you know where he is." Thor said, jumping straight to the point. Askr looked up and his eyes narrowed. Thor was worried Askr was going to refuse and belittle him right there. He knew it was a foolish to ask Askr to help him with such a task, but he wasn't sure who else to turn to. Askr was one of the only people who would still speak with him.
"That's dangerous talk, Lord Thor," Askr said softly.
"Aye, but it is important. Loki is a boy, a young one at that. I vowed I would protect him and have been unable to do so. You offer me a chance. Please, noble Askr, assist me." Thor said, getting on his knees, attempting to kneel before Askr inside Loki's cramped hideaway. Askr backed away slowly, clearly uncomfortable.
"I'm not sure that is wise, Thor. We both risk too much in sneaking into the Fjørlag-Bryggja unannounced." Askr said. Thor lifted his head and locked eyes with Askr.
"I beg you. Get me in then get me out. I just need to see him. Please." Thor begged, lowering his head again. Askr sighed deeply.
"Bring your hammer. The Høndla-Fjørlag don't take kindly to intruders." Askr said reluctantly. Thor flashed Askr a smile and stood.
"Hopefully I will not need its strength at all," Thor replied cheerfully. Askr smiled weakly back and the two began planning their entry into Fjørlag-Bryggja.
The following day, Thor had Mjölnir at his waist and walked to the meeting place he and Askr had agreed to. Askr was there already, his back up against the wall, eyes closed in thought. Thor approached feeling slightly guilty that he was putting Askr under so much pressure-but he had to see Loki.
"Morning Askr," Thor said. Askr opened his eyes and glanced up.
"Thor. Do you have it?" Askr asked softly. Thor nodded.
"Aye," he answered. "Are you prepared to leave?" Thor asked.
"As prepared as I shall ever be," Askr replied, moving from his post.
"Then let's go."
Askr led Thor past the armory and down a long skinny corridor lit by few torches. At the end of the hall was a drop off. The light was dim and Thor couldn't see what was beyond the drop off. He walked forward to get a better look, but Askr grabbed his arm, holding him back. Thor gave Askr a look and Askr shook his head.
"You cannot know yet." Askr said simply, moving toward the drop off. Thor heard him inhale deeply and kneel down. Askr began sliding his hands across the floor, as if looking for something. Thor watched closely as he did this, watching what Askr did so he could repeat it later if needed to. After a couple minutes, Askr stopped, his hand folding over something that Thor couldn't see. Askr made a pulling motion then stood up, the ground rumbling beneath his feet. Thor backed away a couple steps in surprise.
"Loki wasn't as startled. Then again, he was just sentenced to..." Askr trailed off, not meeting Thor's eyes. "Look to it now." Askr said, pointing toward the drop off. Thor cautiously walked over and peered down, his eyes widening. There was a slanted path down ward, lit by a single torch at the top. He couldn't see what lay deeper, but he now knew this was the entrance to Fjørlag-Bryggja. He had no idea that the most feared prison in all of Asgard had been below his home for so long. Askr was now standing next to him, looking down the hall.
"Did you watch?" Askr said. Thor nodded.
"Aye; I now know how to make the entrance appear." Thor responded. Askr grabbed a nearby torch and began walking.
"We must make haste. The Høndla-Fjørlag will be aware of this within an hour." Thor nodded and followed Askr down the path to Fjørlag-Bryggja.
It only took ten minutes for Thor to understand why this place was called Fjørlag-Bryggja. People from many realms were in spaced out cells that lined the walls. All of them were thin, pale and battered. Many of them were moaning softly, some even begging to Thor to save them.
"Please Odinson! End it!" They would cry out but Thor wouldn't look them in the eyes. He glanced over and thought he saw dead bodies in some of the cells; he thought he smelled it. Please let this fate not be that of poor Loki, Thor thought. Askr kept his head down the entire time, not looking at anyone. He had made this trek multiple times and knew better than to look; it would haunt dreams if he did. Eventually, Askr paused and looked around, obviously confused. They were in front of an empty cell. Thor walked to his side, possibly just as or more confused than Askr was.
"What troubles you?" Thor asked softly. Askr shook his head.
"This is Loki's cell, but he's not here." Askr said. Thor's eyes widened.
"Is it... Is he..." Thor couldn't finish his sentence. To his relief, Askr shook his head.
"Nay, friend; he goes after high noon. It is an hour before noon now. He should be here." Askr explained. Thor knew what Askr meant when he said Loki left after noon. Askr was referring to the daily torture sessions all prisoners were subjected to. Thor hated thinking about Loki having to live through that day after day. He looked at the empty cell, panic rising in his chest.
"Then...where is Loki?" Thor asked sadly.
"I may know, but you will not enjoy it." Askr said, moving away from the cell.
The two moved deeper into Fjørlag-Bryggja in search of Loki. Askr was moving quickly, Thor right behind him. They walked for five minutes down a musty hallway that smelled of dried blood when Askr stopped at a door.
"Loki may be in here, friend," Askr said. Thor hurried over and clutched the nob; it was locked.
"Dammit! It's locked!" Thor cried. He grabbed his hammer and prepared to strike it but Askr held him back.
"No you can't! That will alert the Høndla-Fjørlag to our presence all the more quickly! Allow me," Askr stepped in front of Thor and began to pick the lock. Thor blinked, surprised that Askr held that talent. It only took a few seconds, the click sounding and Askr opening the door. They both slipped inside, the torch brightening the dark room. The smell of the room was grotesque, Thor's eyes watering as he stepped inside. Thor searched around anxiously and his eyes locked on a small heap in the far left corner of the room.
"Loki," he breathed.
"Do not run to him. It will only frighten him. Be cautious and talk slowly to him." Askr said. Thor nodded and slowly walked over to the lump. He knelt down and gently shook the boy. Loki jerked awake and looked around frantically, his eyes wide. Thor noticed that the boy felt hot, like he was running a fever.
"Loki," Thor said gently. The boy swung his head around and met Thor's gaze.
"T-Thor?" Loki asked. His voice was small and raspy. Thor nodded.
"Aye; it is me." Thor said softly. Loki's body convulsed and a loud sob came from him. He flung himself onto Thor, his tears wetting Thor's shirt. Thor rubbed his back and picked him up, angered by how light Loki was. Thor cradled the boy closely, hushing him as he sobbed. Askr watched as Thor did this, the torch still flickering softly.
"You came back," Loki said through his sobs. Thor smiled at him.
"But of course brother. It was more delayed than I would have liked, but I did come." Loki looked up at Thor with hopeful eyes.
"I knew you would. The Shadow said you wouldn', but I knew you'd come." Loki said softly. Thor's brow furrowed in confusion.
"The Shadow? Who's the Shadow?" Thor asked gently. Loki lowered his gaze and was shaking slightly. Thor wondered if it was because of sickness or fear.
"It's a monster," Loki whispered.
"Lord Thor," Askr said softly, "We must make haste. It is almost high noon." Thor nodded.
"Are you taking me home Thor?" Loki asked, innocence ringing in his voice. Thor lowered his gaze, unwilling to look him in the eyes as he told him no.
"Not today," he replied. Loki clung tighter.
"Please take me home. I wanna go home!" Thor shook his head.
"Loki, I swear, I shall come again and take you from this place. Just not today," Thor said. Loki looked up at Thor, his green eyes swimming.
"Promise?" Loki asked. Thor nodded.
"I swear it," Thor answered. Loki buried his face in Thor's shoulder and inhaled Thor's scent.
"I love you," Loki whispered into Thor's ear. Thor patted Loki's back then placed him on the ground. Now that Askr had come near with the light, Thor could see Loki more clearly. He had burns, bruises and lacerations all over his body. His clothes were filthy, covered with crusted vomit and blood. Thor felt a deep swell anger toward the Høndla-Fjørlag and the one Loki called "The Shadow". They had tortured the boy to the point where he was sick from his wounds. It was disgusting. As he studied his battered brother, a new question entered Thor's mind; how long had Loki been alone in this room? How long had it been since he ate? Thor shook his head. It didn't matter; in a couple days' time, Loki would be free.
Askr motioned to leave once more and Thor said good bye to Loki. As Thor was leaving, he heard Loki whisper, "Please don' leave". Thor sighed heavily and left, shutting the door. Askr locked it and he and Thor left, feeling very down trodden as they went.
"He is running a fever," Thor commented as they walked away from the door. Askr nodded.
"I was afraid that would happen. Prisoners don't receive healthcare while in Fjørlag-Bryggja." Askr explained his voice sad.
"What sort of illness is it?" Thor asked.
"Infection. Since no one cleans his wounds, they got infected." Askr answered. He fell silent and Thor didn't feel like talking after that. He hated seeing Loki like that; so small and helpless. It made Thor experience anger that he had seldom felt before, it boiling in his chest and infecting the rest of his body. They reached the end of the hall in silence when Thor saw Askr stiffen.
"What?" he asked softly. Askr's eyes grew wide.
"No...not now..." Askr whispered, his body shaking.
"Friend! What is wrong?" Thor asked, a little louder. Askr didn't speak again, and Thor strained his ears, listening. Footsteps, slow and steady, coming straight for them. Thor gripped Mjölnir and turned around. Coming toward him was a completely black figure; it had to be one of the Høndla-Fjørlag. Thor stood tall, ready for battle. Askr was a weary, not looking at the figure but drawing his sword regardless.
"Leaving so soon?" the figure asked in a high pitched, strangely masculine, voice. Thor growled lowly. It chuckled darkly and continued, "You don't want to join us?"
"Who are you?" Thor bellowed. The figured walked forward stopped only when mere feet separated it and Thor.
"I am called Margr-Vígaferli. Who are you? Why did you come here?" Margr-Vígaferli asked, it's voice amused sounding.
"I am Thor, son of Odin. My business here is not yours to know." Thor said proudly. Margr-Vígaferli's posture changed to a slouch. It was difficult to read it seeing as its face was covered.
"If you did not intend to stay, you shouldn't have come...Odinson." Margr-Vígaferli said, it's voice high and icy. It got closer and Thor tensed, his grip on Mjölnir tightening.
"Are you threatening a son of Odin?" Thor asked coolly. Margr-Vígaferli stopped again, a mere foot away from Thor. It's nails were long and bloodstained. Margr-Vígaferli exhaled in Thor's face and its breath smelled like death itself.
"I thought that I already had," it said. In a swift motion, Margr-Vígaferli had lunged at Thor, digging its nails into Thor's arm. He tried swinging Mjölnir, but his arm wouldn't respond at all. Margr-Vígaferli laughed-at least that's what Thor thought it did-then it removed its nails and pierced the other arm.
"Funny, isn't it?" Margr-Vígaferli asked in amused tone.
"What did you do?" Thor asked, both arms unresponsive.
"Didn't you know? The Høndla-Fjørlag's nails secrete a chemical that paralyzes instantly. It's temporary of course, so no need for alarm." Thor glanced back at Askr, who was now out of sight. The solider had fled, leaving Thor to fight off the Høndla-Fjørlag alone. Margr-Vígaferli was now stabbing Thor's legs, rendering him helpless. Thor collapsed in a heap as his legs gave way under him, only able to look up and glare at his attacker.
"You see, Odinson, one doesn't just walk into Fjørlag-Bryggja and then walk out again." It got close to Thor's face, it's disgusting breath entering his nostrils. "You're mine." Just then, a warrior's battle cry was heard ringing from the hall. Thor looked up and saw Askr drop to the floor and put distance between himself and Margr-Vígaferli.
"You will not harm a second son of Odin," Askr growled, the tip of his sword at Margr-Vígaferli's neck. The two held their positions for a moment, both weighing the options. Askr stood ready to strike at any moment while Margr-Vígaferli just stood, waiting. After a few minutes, Margr-Vígaferli shifted its weight and backed away.
"I've always liked you, Askr. I never want to see Thor in Fjørlag-Bryggja again, or he will be mine." Margr-Vígaferli turned its back to them and stalked away. Askr then scooped up Thor from the floor and placed him on his back.
"Thank you," Thor said as Askr carried him out of Fjørlag-Bryggja.
"My pleasure, Lord Thor. It was...nice to see young Loki again." Askr said awkwardly.
"Hmm...How long does the paralysis last?" Thor asked.
"No longer than six hours," Askr replied.
"Good," Thor said, "I must prepare for my trip back to Fjørlag-Bryggja. Loki cannot remain there." Askr signed.
"Is that wise? Don't get me wrong, Thor. I agree that the child shouldn't stay there, but can't you wait until Odin pardons him?" Askr asked. Thor sighed deeply.
"Then you don't understand. Odin still believes this to be a scheme of Loki's. He is not safe here, especially now that he is sick." Askr narrowed his eyes. He glanced back at Thor and gave him a confused look.
"Thor, when you rescue Loki, where will you take him?" Askr asked.
"To Midgard. I have allies there." Thor answered.
"That is true, but they may not agree to hide the boy. They may be as blind as all of Asgard." Thor sighed deeply.
"Yes, I know. But I have to try."
They were silent the rest of the journey out of Fjørlag-Bryggja. Multiple thoughts were swarming in Thor's head like angry bees. He didn't know for sure when he would return to the Fjørlag-Bryggja, but he knew Loki wouldn't survive much longer. If he were a man, things would be different, but seeing as he is a child he would die if left alone in that room for much longer. That gave Thor mere days to devise an escape plan that ensure both their safety. Askr took Thor to his chamber and bid him good night, adding that when Thor went back to Fjørlag-Bryggja, that he was on his own. Thor nodded in understanding and bid Askr farewell. He wasn't sure when he would see Askr again. Feeling was returning to his arms and he managed to pull himself up to his pillow and get under his blankets. Thor was finally comfortable when he heard someone knock on his door.
"Come," he called tiredly. The door opened and Odin walked in. He walked over to the bed and sat on it.
"I didn't see you all day," Odin began, "Sif thought you were...up to something." Thor kept a straight face.
"She hasn't been fond of me, father, since you told all of Asgard about my position on Loki." Thor said softly. Odin chuckled softly.
"She should have been born a boy; it would have suited her well." Odin commented lightly.
"What brings you here?" Thor asked. Odin shifted slightly.
"I heard something odd," Odin began. Thor raised an eyebrow.
"Oh," he said, keeping his voice steady.
"Indeed. I heard that you and Askr snuck into Fjørlag-Bryggja today." Odin said calmly. Thor knew better than to lie.
"Yes. We did sneak into Fjørlag-Bryggja. It was on my hands, father. Askr only agreed out of friendship." Thor said.
"Why?" Odin said.
"To see Loki," Thor replied. Odin sighed.
"You dishonor me, son, by going there. No son of Odin should go." Odin said. Thor grit his teeth.
"What you fail to realize is that a son of yours is currently down there suffering. You have no idea what they've done to him father." Thor said sadly.
"But I do." Thor fought to keep his voice steady.
"So then you know that his wounds are infected and he has a fever?" he asked angrily as Odin stood.
"Yes. Not to worry son; he will soon be ready to leave and rejoin our family." Odin said. Thor scowled.
"You mean if he survives?" Thor spat bitterly then continued, "And then what? Be bullied and hated by all? That's no life for a boy. You must release him now father, clear his name. Allow him a chance at a decent life! At a life at all!" Thor bellowed.
"So," Odin said slowly, "you believe this is irreversible?" Thor shrugged.
"I am uncertain," Thor admitted, "but I hope it is permanent. Fate has given Loki a second chance. This time I will ensure he chooses good." Odin's brow furrowed.
"Nevertheless, it is worth looking into." Odin said, leaving.
"Oh, and Thor," Odin turned to face him, "I will release Loki on my timing. And if you ever return to Fjørlag-Bryggja again, you will regret it." Thor stared blankly at Odin as he left, then at the closed door. Thor lay down and rolled over, pondering Odin's words. When he said regret, did he threaten the same punishment of Loki's? Surely not, but Thor wasn't entirely sure. He didn't really trust Odin any more, not since Loki's imprisonment. He felt regret that their relationship had suffered, but feared what would become of Loki more. Thor closed his eyes, but never slept at all that night.