AN: Hey guys, sorry for the delay! Here's the 11th chapter! Mostly dialogue, but you get to meet Loki's second child. Yes, originally Jormungandr is male, but for my story, I'm making it a female. And I noticed I misspelled Ariynn's name in the previous chapter's AN, sorry. The correct spelling is Ariynn not Aryinn. I hope you enjoy this new chapter! Thank you for all the story favorites/follows/reviews! They are very much appreciated.
I do not own anything, some stuff belongs to Marvel and other to Square Enix. Also a footnote for later in the story; the battle between Thor and Jormungandr is kinda what sets off Ragnarok.
Fury walked down the golden hallway, leaving the throne room. He struggled to keep his head held high after the debate about the coming war with the King of Asgard. The discussion did not go over well to say the least and Fury couldn't help the sense of impending doom that fell over him. He also hadn't properly prepared himself for speaking with the All-Father. Fury was used to being the intimidator, not the intimidatee. On another note, it was slightly comical for two eye-patched men to be arguing.
"How'd it go?" Steve asked hopefully as Fury entered the waiting room where the other Avengers were.
Fury glared at him. "Make an educated guess from the look on my face." All the Avengers grimaced while D.G. watched nonchalantly.
Natasha crossed her arms. "That bad?"
"What is wrong with Asgardians?" Clint demanded. "Surely he knows that if Midgard falls, it will disrupt the other realms. And I doubt Thor would be too happy with his decision."
"I mentioned both those points to him..." Fury rubbed his goatee. "He only responded that he'd handle it when the time is right. Whenever that is."
"Probably when Asgard is threatened directly." Natasha commented.
There was a lull in the conversation as everyone took a moment to think about how Odin's choice would affect Midgard.
"What do we do now?" Steve voiced the question that was on everyone's mind.
"Go home. There's nothing else we can do." Fury answered, feeling slightly defeated.
Trying to contain his anger, Clint started to pace. "He would not even lend us soldiers?"
"Yeah, what about Thor's friends? He mentioned them a few times." Steve suggested, recalling his talks with the friendly god.
Fury shrugged. "Odin didn't speak of them."
"Then we'll find them ourselves and ask." Natasha decided. "Come on, Clint. We'll scout them out." She grabbed Clint's hand, not waiting for his or Fury's permission. They left.
Tony scoffed. "If I ever meet Thor's dad, I'm telling him how much of a douchebag he is. I'm thinking king-sized. I mean, really. First, tells his kids 'sure, you'll both be king!' though that's impossible. Then, when his second son finds out he's adopted, Odin falls asleep. Third, son gets suicidal, tells him he's not good enough. By the way, do any of the Avengers have good parents?"
"Quiet!" D.G. hissed. "Heimdall can hear and see everything."
Tony hmphed, but remained silent.
xOxOx
Natasha continued to drag Barton around the palace until they came to a secluded area. She whipped around to face Clint when they stopped and slapped him.
Clint flinched and took a step back. "What in the world was that for?"
"Making sure the Tesseract still doesn't have a hold on you." She joked without humor. "What is wrong with you?" Natasha stared at him as if he were a completely different person. They both had changed. "I've never seen... this kind of anger from you. I'm the fiery passion and you're the calm and collected. Lately, it feels like we've switched roles."
"I-... I know." Clint admitted softly. "I'm not sure what's wrong with me exactly. But I think he's still in my head."
"Who?" Natasha tenderly stroked his cheek and then pulled her hand away quickly. While they cared deeply for each other, they rarely showed it.
"Him. Loki. Or maybe it's the Tesseract. I don't know!" Clint shook his head and pulled at his hair in frustration.
"I don't... I don't think it was ever Loki. I think it's something else." Natasha thought for a moment. "Perhaps we can ask Loki for help in fixing this."
"Why are you so friendly to him? Has everyone forgotten about what he's done?"
"Of course not." Natasha replied. "But... Lara seems to trust him and he is trying to help-..."
"So?!" Clint's emotions exploded. "He still committed horrible crimes."
Natasha inhaled deeply. "So have I, Barton. But S.H.I.E.L.D. gave me a second chance. I think we should do the same for Loki. Like you did for me." She whispered softly.
"Don't you remember how he treated you? And what he did to me?" Clint growled.
"He may still be able to help you. Now, come. We'll speak more of this later." Natasha gave up the subject and decided it would be best to distract Clint by continuing to search for Thor's companions.
xOxOx
They found the Warriors Three and Sif in a courtyard training. Natasha approached and questioned them about assisting. They paused and glanced at each other.
Sif began nervously. "If the All-Father forbids it-..."
"But what if he's wrong?" Natasha countered. "Thor needs your help. Midgard needs your help. Can you stand by while innocent civilians are slaughtered?"
Obviously regretful of the situation, Sif remained silent. The three male warriors exchanged glances and the blonde-haired one, Fandral, stepped forward. "Sif, perhaps-... I mean, we went to Midgard before and helped Thor. How is this so different?"
"Because we were 'disobeying' Loki. Not the true King of Asgard! It's a tad different." Sif snapped and then faced Natasha. "You may not even require our help. Your leader, Fury, mentioned that Loki was the one who provided the facts of Hel's plan. What if he's lying? Or what if he's wrong? We will step in if these things come to pass, but until then... we will follow Odin's orders." Sif backed away and focused on her training again, ending the conversation.
The Warriors Three gazed at the humans sympathetically. Fandral spoke again. "You'll have to forgive her. We want to help, but we are used to trusting in Odin. And we'll continue to do so. I'm sorry. We wish you luck." He bowed his head and, with the other two in tow, rejoined Sif in the battling arena. Natasha sighed, knowing it would be pointless to try and persuade them. Heading back to the other Avengers, she and Clint left the arena.
"She has a point, you know?" Clint stated as they strolled. "What if Loki is wrong?"
Natasha pondered for a moment before she answered. "It's possible, but we don't have a lot of options. We should prepare for the worse, anyhow."
Clint stayed quiet, grudingly agreeing with her words. He paused when he heard the sound of footsteps behind them. Natasha stopped and turned to find a tall, graceful woman approaching them. She wore no dress like most of the female Aesir, but light green armor with a brown tunic underneath.
"You are part of the Avengers, heroes of Midgard, correct?" She asked in a pleasant voice.
Natasha nodded uncertainly. "Who are you?"
The woman bowed her head slightly when she stood before them. "Apologies, my name is Ariynn. I have already met two of your others, Steve and Tony."
"Oh, I bet that was fun." Clint commented sarcastically.
Ariynn ignored him. "I heard your request to the All-Father was denied. The same as the answer the Warriors Three and Sif gave you. Do not blame them for their actions. I know in their hearts they disagree with Odin's decision, but they fear what would happen if they oppose him." Ariynn tucked a strand of hair that had escaped from her bun behind her ear. "But I believe things will change once Hel storms Midgard with her army."
"So you trust Loki's assumptions?" Natasha raised an eyebrow.
The Aesir woman's face softened at the mention of Loki's name. "He may be the god of lies, but he'll not be playing the trickster this time. Do you have any idea what this battle could entail?" When neither Natasha nor Clint replied, she continued. "If Thor or Loki perish in this war... If Hel wins, Ragnarok could begin. Why do you think Hel is interested in Midgard? It's not because the leader of the Chitauri wants it; she wants it for her own gain. Your realm contains eight billion lives that could easily become part of her army."
"You mean she'll kill everyone?" Clint's brow furrowed.
Aryinn nodded. "And after she has her army, Hel will attack Asgard. Ragnarok will commence." She finished gravely. "Where is Thor and Loki?"
"They went off to try and find help from other gods. Namely, his children." Black Widow provided.
"I certainly hope Jormungandr will be in a good mood. If she joins Hel, she's destined to kill Thor. You are here protecting the Tesseract?"
"Yes. Loki suggested it in case Thanos decided to come for it. You disagree?"
"I doubt Thanos will come. The Chitauri might not even be present for this battle. But I'll recommend to the Warriors Three to keep a close eye on the Tesseract, in case I'm mistaken. I've gotten off subject here. I wish to offer up my services." Ariynn smiled brightly.
"Really?" Natasha was grateful for the offer. "You seem... awfully happy about this?"
"I have hope you'll come out on top. And I'll do anything to assist that feat. Most Asgardians find Midgard a weak and pathetic realm, but I actually find it quite fascinating."
"What about Odin?" Clint asked.
"Well, I'm not exactly Aesir. So technically I'm not under his rule." She tapped the tip of her ear which was clearly pointed. "I'm a Ljosalfr. Or a Light Elf from the realm, Alfheim."
"Could they send help?"
Ariynn chuckled sadly. "The Light Elves are even more unfriendly than the Asgardians."
Natasha nodded solemnly. "Come on, Fury will want to meet you."
xOxOx
Lara was unprepared for this teleportation trip and her breath was sucked away from her as Fenrir snapped his fingers. She felt suspended in darkness for a moment and then she was falling. She landed on grassy ground with a grunt. The ground was inclined and she began to roll down the hill. She heard Thor and Loki's noise of protest as they landed and rolled too. At least we arrived together this time.
At the bottom of the tall hill, Lara managed to stop herself when Loki accidentally rolled on top of her. They gazed at each other until Loki smirked. "Hmm, this is a preferred position." Lara scoffed, shoving him off while he chuckled. Thor stood and dusted himself off.
It was night time, wherever they were. Stars twinkled above in the pitch black sky with no moon visible this night. Lara could see little, but she felt the cold air and heard waves splashing against an unseen shore.
Thor heard it too. "The ocean?"
"I doubt it." Lara replied. "It's not loud enough, and the high hill suggests otherwise." She clicked on her small flashlight that was attached to her chest. "What realm do you think?"
Loki studied the stars for a moment. "Midgard."
"That's surprising. From what I know of your son, I would think he'd teleport us somewhere much worse." Lara commented while observing her surroundings.
Loki used his magic to create a small hovering light. He then split it into two; one for himself and one to float above Thor. Thor moved towards the sound of flowing water and Loki touched Lara's shoulder when she tried to follow him.
"Are you all right?" Loki blocked her way.
Lara chuckled humorlessly. "You already asked me. I'm fine." She tried to move past him, but he caught her arm. She whipped back to face him. "Like father, like son, hmm? The first time we greeted each other wasn't so different from my first meeting with your son." She saw the hurt flash across his face and she felt a moment of regret. "But truly, Loki, don't concern yourself. I've been through worse."
The god of Mischief nodded curtly and released Lara, allowing her to pursue after Thor. He followed closely behind.
"Where is this?" Thor asked in his deep voice, surveying the large lake.
"There's some lights over there. A town. We can find out there." Lara pointed at the glowing yellow lights across the water.
"Or," Loki smirked. "We could stay here and have a lovely chat with my daughter."
Lara and Thor exchanged confused looks.
"I'm sure, Lara, you know of this lake's legendary monster? What did you mortals call it? ...Look? Lock?" Loki rummaged his mind for the correct title.
"Wait... We're at Loch Ness?" Lara questioned. "And you're daughter is the fabled Loch Ness monster?"
Loki shrugged. "Some of the locals spotted her once and the legend began. That pathetic picture they faked of her does not even closely resemble Jormungandr in her true form. This is only one of her many homes." He stepped knee-deep in the water. "It'll take a few moments to perform the ritual to get her attention."
"Oh, good." Lara sighed. "Waiting."
Thor chuckled. "I understand how you feel."
Lara and Thor sat down a few feet away from the shore while Loki executed his magic. Lara regarded Loki as he mumbled lowly in old Norse. His small magic light illuminated his dark, raven hair that laid on his shoulders. Thor observed Lara quietly as she watched him.
"Are you still angry with him?" Thor barely managed a whisper with his booming voice.
She reflected on the question for a moment. "I suppose not. He promised to help me determine who my ancestors are once this is all over." Thor nodded solemnly. Lara continued. "Do you think he already knows and is not telling me?"
"It is difficult to tell with him." Thor cocked his head to the side while he thought. "I suspect he has an idea, but I doubt he will tell you until he is certain." He paused. "He does not wish to hurt you further."
The tomb raider had no response to this. She began to play with the blades of grass as she waited and grew bored.
"Is he your first?" Lara glanced up at Thor, unsure of what he meant. "Your first love?" The Thunderer reiterated.
She gave him a doubtful look, not entirely willing to admit that she may possibly be in love with Loki. Thor just smirked eerily like his 'brother'. Lara gazed back down at the grass between her fingers. She thought of other men she had been with, but only for short periods time. Honestly, with her... 'career', she had little time for romance and it had never bothered her. Until recently. There had been small crushes in college like any normal young woman. Though I've never been normal, have I? She remembered Alex, the boy who unnecessarily died because he wanted to impress her. Lara had lost count of how many times she berated herself for leaving him, even though deep inside she knew there was nothing else she could have done. She had had small flings throughout her life, but nothing she ever deemed serious. "I've never been in love." Lara finally answered. "But he is certainly not my first."
"Could you love him?"
"Perhaps." Lara responded softly after several long moments.
There was a soft pulse throughout the water that caused the ground to shake slightly. A large wave was created and flowed all the way to the other side of the lake, hitting the surrounding shore. Finished with the ritual, Loki dropped his hands. Thor and Lara approached the beach and stood close to Loki.
"That's it?" Lara placed her hands on her hips.
"Don't act so unimpressed." Loki chided jokingly. He turned to face Thor. "Now, Thor, please try to remain calm during this meeting... I'd rather not start Ragnarok tonight."
"Yes, I know." Thor snapped at his younger brother. "I will keep my temper intact."
Loki nodded slowly and mumbled, "He says as he angrily cuts me off..."
Thor rolled his eyes, silently hiding his chagrin at Loki's correct remark. Lara shook her head at the two gods when she noticed movement in the water. First, it was just ripples in the cool liquid. Then a blast of water shot up into the air. A row of fins parted the water shortly after and then disappeared beneath the waves.
"Question." Lara began, slightly awed by the size this creature must be, judging by those fins. "Jormungandr was known to be long enough to encircle all of Midgard, biting her tongue to hold it together. How can she possibly fit in Loch Ness?"
"I believe she shortens herself..." Loki replied, suddenly distracted.
She stepped closer to him. "Is something wrong? She's not going to try and rape me too, is she?"
Signaling to her that that joke wasn't funny, Loki glared deathly at her. "No, of course not."
"Then what is the problem?"
"Jory and I... we were once close."
"Jory?" Lara raised an eyebrow.
The ends of Loki's lips twitched up. "Jormungandr can be a mouthful. She's not nearly as... sadistic as the others. I have always been fond of her. She's the only one who doesn't completely hate my guts."
"You're nervous about seeing her again?"
"Things did not... end well between us last time we spoke. I haven't seen her since then." Loki ruminated on past events with his daughter. "I believe she will be more friendly to our cause. She cares for Midgard and considers it under her protection."
"She didn't do much when you attacked." Lara pointed out.
"I wasn't planning on committing genocide. She knows what will happen if Hel comes with her army. There will be nothing alive left in this realm." Loki countered.
Before Lara could utter a reply, the freshwater near the beach began to ripple and part. A tall, slender woman emerged from the water, but arose completely dry, as if she deterred the water. Her long ebony hair fell in waves down to her waist and framed a pale, but attractive face. Her eyes were a venom green and had a luminescent glow to them. She wore an old century, plain white dress that trailed behind in the murky water.
She nodded her head to Loki. "Father."
Loki copied the movement and replied, "Jormungandr."
"It's been a while." Jormungandr commented. She glanced at Lara and threw Thor a dirty look. "Hello, 'uncle'."
"I come here in peace. Let's not begin Ragnarok this night." Thor stated politely, feeling strange in his mortal enemy's presence.
Jormungandr remained silent, and then agreed. "Not like we'll have to wait long for that to happen anyway." She added with a smirk. She turned back to her father. "Long time, no see. What did I manage to do to gain your attention?"
"We came here to speak to you. About your sister and her plans. I assume you know of them?" Loki asked.
"Yes, I do... You're wasting your breath." She twisted to leave, but Loki stopped her.
"Wait, Jory! I mean, Jormungandr." He corrected himself. "At least hear me out. There was a time you hated Hel and now you've decided to stand by and let her do what she wishes to your realm? This isn't like you."
"I've changed a lot." Jormungandr whispered. "But... I suppose I'll have an audience with you. Come inside, it's unwise to stay out here in the open." She used her magic to part the water and created a deep, underwater tunnel. She lead the way with Loki behind her, Lara in third, and Thor bringing up the rear. Once they all entered, the water at the entrance meshed back together. "Who's the... 'mortal'?" Jory asked.
Even she knew? Lara thought, surprised. "Lara. Lara Croft. What gave myself away?"
"Your energy is different from any other mortal I've encountered... It was more an educated guess. Do you know of your parentage?"
"We have yet to determine that." Loki cut in.
He said that awfully quick... could he be hiding something? Lara feared and sincerely hoped it wasn't true. Jormungandr seemed slightly suprised by Loki's response, but quickly hid her emotions. They traveled further through the tunnel. Lara poked the side of the underpass and her finger went into the cold water. A few moments later, an eel accidentally swam into the tunnel and plopped on the floor in front of Lara, jolting her. Jormungandr passed Loki and picked up the wriggling eel and helped it slither back into the water. No one said anything and they continued on their way.
Finally, the shaft ended at an aged, wooden door. Loki's daughter opened it and allowed them all inside, the water collapsing in on the tunnel once the door was closed. Her home was strange. On the small side, and filled with bizarre trinkets. Lara observed her surroundings, not in the least expecting this place to be the Midgard Serpent's home.
Jormungandr took a seat in the middle of her 'living room' and urged Loki to continue with a wave of her hand. Loki stood before her while Thor and Lara waited behind him. Loki thought for a moment, trying to choose his words. He folded his hands in front of him and began, "You know why we are here."
"True," Jormungandr tapped her chin with a long, pointy fingernail. "But I'd still like to hear what you have to say. Even though there is little chance I will change my mind, I will be fair and hear your side of the argument."
Loki's brow furrowed. " 'Change your mind' ? Hel has already visited you?"
"Of course she has."
"And you've agreed to aid her and her plans?" Loki asked, stunned.
"Don't act so surprised." Jormungandr leaned forward. "I'm doing what it takes to safeguard this realm."
"Safeguarding it?! You're allowing the ruler of Helheim walk all over like she owns the place! You are not protecting Midgard by doing this. If anything you are damning it!"
Jormungandr glared at him for a while before narrowing her eyes and replying, "Why do you care so much all of a sudden? Last I checked Midgard was a realm far beneath you. What's your angle?"
"My angle is survival. Midgard may not be the highest on my list, but it is also just a doorway to the other realms for Hel. She will not stop here. She will never stop. Surely you can see this." Loki paused. "What did she promise you?"
"Once she's wiped out any... resisitance, Midgard will be mine."
"Midgard is already yours."
"Yes, but she has promised to let me have free reign and that she wouldn't bother this realm ever again."
"It can't be that easy." Loki crossed his arms.
Jory bit her lip. "She did request that I raise her up an army for future endeavors."
"Because an army of mortals would be so effective against Asgard."
"They were strong enough to thwart you and your plan." Jormungandr countered swiftly.
Lara snickered softly and Loki threw her a look that shushed her quickly. Loki returned his attention to Jory. "Don't tell me you can't smell the trap?"
"Why would Hel want Midgard? Answer is she doesn't. Her sight is on Asgard, along with Thanos'." Jormungandr argued.
"And so you're happy to stand by and let that happen? If the realms stand apart, we have no chance in this. If Asgard falls, we all will. Hel must be restrained to Helheim."
Jormungandr shrugged nonchalantly. "That's not my job."
Loki was shocked by her behavior. "You didn't used to be like this."
"Oh?" Jory hissed, her pupils changing from round to slits like a reptile's. "Neither did you! You used to not care about anyone, but yourself! Not even your own children. You abandoned us, just like your own father, because being in contact with us damaged your chances at the throne! Now, finally, I follow in your footsteps and you're angry with me, but at least I have your attention now!"
Lara and Thor shared awkward glances, unsure of what to do. Jormungandr was struggling to retain her control and calm down while Loki looked completely out of place. After a while, he slowly laid a hand on her shoulder. Jory tensed, but made no other move.
"Everything you just said is true, and I will not try to act like it isn't. I suppose I shouldn't have been so angry with Odin since I am a worse father than he is. I am sorry and you have every right to hate me and go against me... But don't sacrifice the realm you care for just to try and harm me or be like me. Trust me, I'm not worth it." Loki's hand moved from her shoulder to her chin, and he nudged her face softly up so their eyes would meet. "Do what you deem necessary. I'm sorry." Gently he kissed the top of her head. "We'll leave now."
Hiding his raging emotions, Loki dropped his hand and returned to Lara and Thor's sides. "I'll teleport us back up top and we'll... figure out where to go from there." Lara gingerly touched Loki's arm. Loki prepared to teleport them.
"Wait." Jormungandr halted them. "I will... take your words into consideration." She gradually approached Lara and touched her shoulder. Jory gazed into Lara's eyes and Lara raised an eyebrow. "He does not know. I'm not sure how, but he doesn't."
Confused, Loki glimpsed a look at Lara. Lara replied eagerly, "Does that mean you know?"
Jory sighed. "Yes, but it was requested of me to not inform you if we ever met."
"Why?" Lara demanded and grabbed her. "You have to tell me! At least tell me which... which parent isn't..."
Loki's daughter was silent for a moment before a slight smirk passed her lips. "Well, I suppose I wasn't not told to mention this to you." Jory tenderly brushed Lara's cheek with her fingers. Lara was not used to this kind of contact, but she did not shy away. "Do not fret, Lara. Your parents, both of them, are yours."
Jormungandr snapped her fingers and the three travelers were gone.
Thank you for reading! Please review! I apologize for any grammar, spelling, or plot mistakes. Some of the dialogue wasn't so great, but I really wanted to get this chapter posted. Also if anyone didn't realize this, I will not be including any of Thor 2 in this, and including all Tomb Raider games, Tomb Raider 2013 is considered as the very beginning for Lara.