So my lovelies, I really hope you are enjoying this so far just to let you know, that this is very much nearing its end in preparation for the last sequel. I really hope you like this chapter, and I hope it gives you an idea of what is to come in relation to Thor, Loki and Loki's safety etc. I do hope I have not been boring you with the past few chapters, but they were just there to help lead up to what is to come. So one again, please enjoy and review. I love hearing what you think.
A big shout out to the anonymous person whom inboxed me with a request of something they would like to see. If you are reading this again tonight, I hope this is a good start to that request! Much love. And also
To my new anonymous review on fanfiction on the 26/7/12: Sorry about that, no worries, im finishing it soon to the final part, where things get real interesting and with more of a plot to the next sequel. I hope you can stick around long enough to see it. Thank you anyway for reading, means a lot!
Anonymous 3:30 : Your great… that is all.
…..
As promised, the emerald green god returned the medals to the two guards he had spoken to during lunch time and sent them on their way. Gerathaim had arrived also to Loki's command and stood at the far end of the golden hall, close enough to walk to Loki when needed. Sharing a peaceful meal, with Odin forever glancing at Loki with warm smiles, Leera and Loki sat side by side, holding each-others hand while Frigga held little Leymina in her arms. Loki watched intently at the small child and his mother, to look out for a reaction that might signify Leymina revealing something to Frigga. And indeed, Loki spotted the raise of eyebrows on his mother's silent face and Leymina grabbed hold of Frigga's finger happily. The golden queen looked up at her youngest son, smiling knowingly, but said to him with her eyes that she would not utter a word to Odin and for that, he was thankful. The remainder of the meal was silent, but not awkward, each person revelling in each-others company. It was not until Loki and Odin finished what was left in their goblets that the door's opened with a flustered guard. Bowing quickly, the guard rushed towards the All-Father's table, and breathed heavily, clearly out of breath from having run a far way. Odin rose to his feet, placing the goblet on the table and opened his mouth, his voice bellowing. "What news is there that you come to me in such a manor?"
"My lord, I come with word from Heimdall…" The guard said quickly, leaning on his spear.
"Well, speak; what does good Heimdall have to say?" Odin replied, raising his eyebrow.
"All-Father, it is your son, Thor. He is in grave danger, both he and his companions." The guard replied and Odin gasped. Loki turned around quickly to face the man who, delivered the news and stood to his feet, unsure as to why he suddenly felt fearful for his 'brother'.
"Why, what's happened?" Loki demanded.
"My lord, Prince Thor and company set off to Vanaheim for an afternoon of hunting. Heimdall knows not what happened within the hour of them arriving, but when he turned his gaze to those in Vanaheim, he saw red. Prince Thor and his friends are trapped in some sort of cave, Heimdall perceived. Lady Sif and Prince Thor are injured quite severely. The warrior's three cannot get to them, for a barrier of rock that collapsed, separates them. Good Heimdall has sent me to fetch Prince Loki. He believes that his abilities in the crafts would aid those in need quite effectively." The guard replied, bowing his head slightly. Loki looked back to Odin with his mouth open, he knew his brother needed help, and the All-Father could not go for his presence was needed in Asgard. But the sickening thought hovered in his mind of Odin's words earlier that morning when he said that as long as he resided within this realm, he was safe and the Chitauri had no way of reaching him. But aiding his brother would mean leaving his place of safety, offering himself up as bait. Loki had a choice to make; protect himself and let his brother and friends succumb to the fate of near death, or help his brother, and in turn subject himself to the possible fate of being captured by the Chitauri. Loki swallowed hard and he knew that Odin was thinking the same thing. For once Loki was thinking of someone else's life and the feeling made him warm. Breathing heavily, Loki looked across the grand hall to Gerathaim whom still stood against the wall.
"Gerathaim, please, fetch me Dilenreen" Loki spoke and returned his gaze to his father and mother, both of whom looked terrified, bearing in mind what was spoken about during their morning meeting, all the while, Leera sat oblivious to it. Dismissing the guard, Odin sat down, face fully of worry for both his sons. Walking around to his mother, Loki reached his face forward and placed a kiss on his daughter's head, knowing that possibly, if he wasn't lucky enough, if the Chitauri did not forget about him, then this may be the last time in which he would see his little Leymina. Pulling away, Loki looked into the eyes of his mother, warning her not to let her tears fall. Leera stood and walked to Loki's side after noticing the scared expressions on the royal family's faces. "Leera, come with me to the healing chambers, I wish to see my son before I leave for Vanaheim" Loki said, taking his wife's arm in his hand, pulling her away towards the door. Loki watched his wife walk on ahead then looked back over his shoulder to the elder beings and noticed a tear trickle down from Odin's only eye. Loki just nodded to the both of them and continued on ahead.
"Will Thor be ok, and Sif, will she?" Leera asked frantically as she walked down the corridor with her husband.
"Let's hope so…" Loki replied, never removing his gaze from the space up ahead.
"You will bring them back, won't you? All of them?" Leera replied, casting a look towards the silent god.
"Of course…" Loki replied, almost a whisper.
"Be safe Loki, I don't want to see any scratched on you" Leera answered and Loki felt suddenly sick and guilty. Sick because he might not see his wife, or return from Vanaheim and guilty because she does not know why. Stopping suddenly, Loki grabbed Leera and spun her around, pressing her back up against the nearest wall. Leera gasped at the sudden contact and watched as Loki leaned his and placed his head against her's, his eyes full of sorrow.
"I love you my sweetheart, my soul" Loki whispered, his voice sounding pained. Leera frowned and wrapped her arms around Loki's neck.
"I love you too Loki." Leera spoke gently and lovingly.
"Never forget that I love you…" Loki sighed and placed his forehead against the crook of Leera's neck. Leera felt suddenly uneasy at Loki's change of demeanour and stroked his black locks.
"Loki, your worrying me. Why do you speak as if you are about to leave for battle and may not return. You are going to return aren't you? You, Thor, Sif and the warriors three; your all coming back"
"Yes, yes of course" Loki tried to sound reassuring, but thanks to the long years of practice of telling lies, Leera accepted what she heard and pulled Loki's head back slightly, capturing his mouth in a kiss. Loki relished the embrace for a little while longer then pulled away and stepped back. "Come, I wish to say farewell to Loofney" Leera nodded and both dark haired gods rushed to the healing chambers, knowing that Loki needed to arrive at the Bifrost soon for time with Thor and Sif was precious. Loofney lay asleep, peaceful and dreaming of marvellous adventures, and Loki did not want to disturb that. Leaning over and pressing his lips to his head, Loki kissed his and whispered a quiet farewell to Loofney and he told him how much he loved him. Straightening up and turning to face Gerathaim whom had found them moments ago, Loki reached out his hand and took Dilenreen form Gerathaim's hand. Breathing in sharply, Loki felt the power surge form the staff through his body. Preparing himself and in a flash of gold, Loki appeared in armoured form, a form which Leera had not yet seen. Loki stood proudly in his fastenings of green and gold buckles, a long green cape and upon his head rested the infamous signature horns that Loki was so well known for.
Gasping at the sight, Leera felt so small for a few moments; Dressed like he was at that moment, Loki looked powerful, strong and a force not to be reckoned with. For just a split second Leera felt afraid at this mighty figure before her. Loki, in his entire armoured garb looked vicious, daunting, but handsome at the same time. Nodding his thanks to Gerathaim, Loki looked once more to his son, then to his wife and kissed her once more. "Inform Theyna of what has happened my love, I presume she will not have been told anything" Loki said to his wife and turned his back, walking from the chambers. Loki tried not to say any more farewells or let on that this moment he was about to leave, may be the last time he sets eyes on his wife, for he did not want her to know, to worry, to stop him from saving his brother. Giving a slight wave goodbye to Leera, Loki and Gerathaim left the healing chambers and rushed on foot to the stables, where two horses waited to take the men to the Bifrost.
Riding at full speed along the new bridge, Loki was filled with slight nostalgia as memories of his and Thor's battle raided his mind, and Loki thought at that moment, that it was not a good thing to think of at this moment. Arriving within a few paces of the entrance to the Golden Sphere where Heimdall stood in all his Authority, Loki jumped down from the horse and looked to Gerathaim. "I do not require you to come with me, Gerathaim…" The guard in question looked abashed and crossed his arms in defiance.
"I am your bodyguard my prince, I am here to protect you if the situation demands it of me. I shall go with you"
"No, you are to stay here and watch over my family, do you understand? I can manage, I have before and I can do it again. I hope you will respect my decision Gerathaim" Loki replied and watched the guards face harden and he placed his fist over his chest and bowed. Mounting his horse, Gerathaim bid Loki a good journey and succession and hesitantly rode back to the palace. Watching his guard ride back for a few moments longer, Loki felt scared. He could do with this man's help, but Loki found himself thinking once more of this man's wife and family and that if he did go with him and fall prey to whatever caused damage and hurt to Thor and the others, this woman would be made a widow and Loki could not deal with that. Not liking these new feelings he was experiencing, the trickster god turned on his heels and marched into the golden sphere towards the tall watcher of all. "Good Heimdall, you sent for me" Loki acknowledged.
"Indeed. You know what it is you are to do. I bid you have safe passage to the realm. I shall leave the Bifrost open, waiting your return, though if I sense a warning that would pose threat to Asgard's defences, I will not hesitate to close the portal" Heimdall's voice echoed.
"We shall return quickly, I assure you, for I do not want to reside there for long" Loki admitted and faced the opening of the portal, waiting for Heimdall to release his sword to send him to Vanaheim. Heimdall twisted his golden sword and an array of colours consumed the portal. Bursting forth, a light consume Loki, causing his body to thrust forward, and in a matter of seconds, he was gone.
. . .
"Thor, can you hear me?" Sif said in the darkness of the cave and she dragged her left foot along the stony floor towards the body of the god of thunder a yard away. Holding her side and grunting at the pain that shot down her leg, Sif coughed loudly, her eyes aimlessly searching the darkened place for a way of escape. Finding none, Sif slowly dropped to her knees and crawled the rest of the way to the body on the floor. Thor led still, his once golden hair upon his head now red and his armour battered and torn. His breathing was shallow and unsteady and his eyes remained closed. Leaning over the god, Sif cupped his face and looked with terror at the scratched up and bloodied god. "Thor, wake up…" Sif's voice cracked. No response came and the female warrior began to panic. Falling backwards and leaning against the wall, Sif yelled with desperation "Can anyone hear me? Help us please!" A slight rumble of stones and rocks was heard on the other side of the cave wall and a gruff voice replied in a shout as loud as her own.
"Sif, dear Sif is that you?" Volstagg called out.
"Yes, yes it is! Are you alright? Are Hogun and Fandral with you?" Sif replied and heard the calls of Fandral and Hogun in response.
"Yes, we are all here and are all well. What of you Sif, how do you fare? Is Thor with you?" Fandral replied through the wall, his voice slightly muffled.
"I think I have broken my foot, I am not sure, but Thor, he will not wake, I fear for him!" Sif shouted back, frightened.
"Is he breathing?" Volstagg asked worriedly in response.
"Yes, but only just. Tell me, do you think you could try and knock the wall through? If only I had the strength to wield Miljonir, I could break down that wall" Sid said desperately.
"We can try!" Hogun responded and within seconds the cave that Sif and Thor resided in was filled with the echoes of the onslaught on the wall from the other side. The drumming and crashing of the weapons and rocks against the wall continued for what seemed like a lifetime until it all fell silent and discouraged groans dripped from each beings mouth. "It is no use. We cannot move this wall with our weapons. We need something stronger. I cannot believe these words are about to leave my mouth, but, if only we studied the arts with Loki, magic would give us a great advantage against this barrier"
"Indeed. Maybe he is on his way. Surely Heimdall must have seen this and sent word to Odin and Loki" Fandral replied, sighing exhaustingly from the attack against the stone wall.
"Let's just hope he is, for all our sakes and for Thor" Sif called back, closing her eyes, trying to think of everything but the pain in her foot.
. . . . .
With a flash of gold, Loki landed in a crouching position on a vast expanse of field in Vanaheim, very similar in appearance, Loki thought, to the field that he once fell upon in Midgard. Surveying his surroundings, Dilenreen in hand, Loki pondered for a moment as to how he was to find his brother and friends. Then, muttering to hid staff of power, Dilenreen shot forth form its emerald eye, a bolt of blue energy. Hovering in front of the youngest son of Odin, the light sparked and glittered. Thinking a moment, Loki looked around once more thinking. Deciding to give his sudden idea a try, and to also test Odin's claim that the power within this vessel was not only powerful source, but an intelligent source, Loki leant forward and commanded the blue array of light to lead him to the eldest son of Odin. Feeling slightly foolish in that moment for commanding a 'light' to lead him to a place, Loki tutted and looked to the ground, but the light suddenly caught his eye, and the god of mischief looked up and witnessed as the light shot forth at an amazing speed, leaving behind a lighter line of light, leaving a trail for the god to follow. Feeling instantly proud that his idea had worked and the Odin was true to his claim that Loki was in possession of a powerful vessel, Loki quickly took off into a run, following the trail, and all the while silently cursing his heavy armour and it's thickness, but, nevertheless, the god powered on and never stopped a moment. Loki had passed numerous trees, boulders and the odd bridge here and there until the orb of blue light came to a halt at the entrance of a dark, thick fur forest. Groaning slightly and the unwelcoming sight, Loki urged the light to guide a clear path for him.
Entering the unwelcoming darkness within the trees, the lie smith looked from left to right, eyeing the surrounding and keeping ever watchful for a possible threat, but thank the heavens, there was none. Finally approaching what seemed to be a small hut in the centre of the woods, Loki grasped Dilenreen defensively and changed his stance into that of one ready to fight and oncoming attacker. Edging ever so slowly to the entrance of the hut, Loki sent the orb inside to highlight whatever was there. To Loki's relief, it was empty, but when he got closer, Loki found a heap of rubble and large rocks on the floor, something that was seemingly out of place. Casting a final glance over his shoulder, Loki dropped to his knees and removed his helmet, so that he could lean an ear to the floor to listen for any movement that might be beneath.
As if sensing the god's presence, Loki heard a variety of movements and muffled wailings, and knew instantly that this is where his brother and friends were. Standing to his feet, and feeling the surge of energy within Dilenreen, Loki thrust his staff forwards and with the burst of power the flew forth, the four walls of the hut flew backwards and across the forest floor, leaving the pile of rubble unprotected and ready to be moved. Pointing Dilenreen to the rocks, Loki grinned and watched as the light that shot the walls of the hut across the forest ground, lifted the rocks into the air and flung them into the distance, leaving a gaping hole in the ground. Placing his helmet on once more, Loki carefully descended into the blackness and dropped onto a stony floor a little way down. Standing up and using his free hand to brush the dirt from his knees, Loki held Dilenreen in front of him and lit up the darkness. Looking around the blackened room, Loki stilled on hearing movement behind him. Turning slowly around Loki thrust the beam of light out in front of him and his eyes widened at the maker of the noise.
"Loki, is that you?" A female voice echoed through the cave.
"Sif?" Loki said, walking forward. As he approached the light brightened the expanse of darkness and the trickster god stumbled upon the Lady in question, sitting on the floor, her leg stretched out, and Thor, his brother, laying down in a bloodied heap among the stones and dirt.