Okay. Chapter 16- the beginning of the end! In all seriousness, this is when things really take a dive into darkness. Things are going to become really complicated for the characters from here on out. This one was much harder to write than the last few. But, then again, that may be due to the head cold. It really is hard to think when you have a migraine and you're sneezing every three to five minutes. Anyway, enough of my troubles. Enjoy the chapter!

Song of the Chapter: Breath of Life ~ Florence + the Machine

Chapter 16

Masked Familiarity

"It was a mistake, you said. But the cruel thing was, it felt like the mistake was mine, for trusting you."

―David Levithan

Freyja stood before the door that led to Kenna's temporary rooms in the palace just before dusk, hesitant about what she was about to do. There was an obscenely large possibility that what she was planning would blow up spectacularly in her face. But Loki had suggested it and she knew Freyr would appreciate the attempt. Besides, origin aside, the Jotun was her sister and she had so little family left. Best not to look a gift horse in the mouth, she supposed. Or, more suitably, antagonize an ill-tempered dragon.

With a sigh of resignation, she knocked three times and took a step back. The door opened within three minutes, revealing Kenna through the small space she left to gaze out. Though she had shortened her form to at least keep from towering over everyone, she still kept her dark blue skin and red eyes. The Jotun narrowed her eyes suspiciously as she realized it was Freyja.

"What do you want?" the Jotun demanded, voice sharp.

"I was wondering if you'd allow me to enter for a few minutes. I would have words with you that I would rather not speak in public."

She glanced into her chambers before returning her attention to the Vanir, "Alright. But I will not restrain myself if you antagonize me."

Freyja nodded in understanding, walking through the doorway quickly as her half-sister allowed her in. Though the rooms were not as large as her own, they were a good deal more spacious than what she had thought they would be. There was also a thin layer of frost on most of the furnishings, causing her to shiver.

"You'll have to forgive the ice," Kenna announced, shutting the door behind her. "I find it uncomfortably warm in Asgard, so I attempt to make it at least bearable in my chambers."

Freyja nodded, "Loki used to complain of the heat when he was younger. I never understood why until I learned of his true heritage."

"Being a creature of fire must make it quite agreeable for you," she said, sitting down in one of the armchairs.

"Not completely," Freyja replied, remaining on her feet. "Vanaheim experienced four seasons of varying climates. I miss it dreadfully."

The Jotun woman raised a questioning eyebrow at her, "Are you going to stand there as a mountain would for the remainder of your speech? You may sit down, if you'd like."

Freyja smiled, taking a seat on the chair across from Kenna, "It's Asgardian custom not to seat one's self before invited. Certain things tend to rub off when you stay here long enough."

"I suppose that makes sense. Now, what was it you wanted so desperately to say? I know it must bear some importance if it drives you to speak with me."

"Yes, about that. I have been behaving terribly towards you since you arrived. I wanted to apologize for everything I have said to you. It was wrong of me to do so."

Kenna blinked in surprise, "You're…apologizing? To me?"

"Yes."

The Jotun raised her eyebrows, "What caused this sudden change of heart?"

Freyja shrugged, "Call it a fresh perspective if you'd like. If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to perhaps start anew with you. I never should have shown you such scorn for no reason."

Kenna shook her head, "Loki told me why you have behaved in such a way. I can rationalize with your situation. I would have done the same had I been in your position."

"What all did he tell you, just to be certain?"

"He told me that there is a prophecy predicting your death and how I shall replace you in the Realms. I am sorry that you must suffer such a fate."

"I have grown accustomed to it as best I can, which has not been pleasant for you, I'm afraid."

"Your actions were understandable. And I have not behaved pleasantly towards you, either."

"I acted terribly towards you and you responded in kind."

Kenna shook her head, "But that was not entirely true. I am ashamed to say it, but whenever you approach, I sense the presence of something malevolent."

"Malevolent?"

"It's similar to the energy signature of magic, sort of a second aura."

"I think you may speak of the Tesseract's energy in my blood."

"Why would you have Tesseract energy within your blood?"

"I was born deathly ill and it was the only way I could be saved."

"But what would be within the cube to cause such an aura?"

Freyja frowned, "I wish I could say, but I may only reveal that if the need is dire."

Kenna nodded in understanding before stopping suddenly, tilting her head slightly, "Well, what a surprise this is…"

"I'm sorry?"

Kenna smiled, "We've been within the same room for more than twenty minutes and haven't yet attempted to strangle each other. Freyr will never believe such a miracle."

Freyja couldn't help the smile on her face, "By the Wise One, the worlds are ending!"

The two fell into a comfortable fit of laughter, too surprised at the change in atmosphere to do anything else. It seemed almost absurd that it had only taken one apology for them to reconcile. As their giggling subsided, Freyja stood and offered her hand to the Jotun. Kenna smiled and grasped her half-sister's forearm in the customary sign of agreement in Jotunheim.

"I believe we could learn a good deal from each other," Kenna noted.

"I share the sentiment."

"Would you be adverse to my aid in finding the man murdering the Asgardians? After what he has done to Freyr, I wouldn't mind repaying the sentiment."

"Not at all. Any help is a blessing. But, if you'll excuse me, I have some matters I would like to attend to."

Kenna let go of Freyja's arm, "Go ahead. I've been hoping to see how Freyr is. Word around the palace is that he is almost fully healed, truly in better health than before."

"Give him my regards, will you?" she asked as she opened the door.

"Of course."

Freyja watched her half-sister walk down the corridor that led to the Healing Rooms. Though it had been an uneasy conversation to begin with, she felt as if a weight had been taken from her shoulders. It was as if making peace with Kenna had shattered much of the tension she had been feeling of late. As she turned to return to her chambers, she found herself running straight into Thor's armored chest.

Before she could react, he scooped her up and spun her around with a hearty laugh. She took a few steps back as he let her down again, a sun-bright smile splitting his face. It was almost impossible to fight her own smile at his mirth.

"And what, pray tell, has put you in such a wonderful mood?"

"Have you not heard?" he asked, voice rising higher in volume with his happiness. "I am to be a father and you are to be an aunt!"

She laughed at the unadulterated glee in his blue eyes, "Well, I believe congratulations are in order. And perhaps a wedding?"

Thor shrugged, "Sif and I have agreed that we will marry when the time comes. She wishes to wait, despite the child, and I will respect her wishes. For now, we are off to celebrate!"

He threw an arm around her shoulder and walked down the corridor with her.

"I believe that a night of festivities is in order; singing, dancing, drinks, a feast. What say you?"

"That sounds lovely. When are the preparations?"

"They commence as we speak," he replied as they reached her chambers. "So go inform Loki and prepare yourself."

He nudged her towards her door eagerly, causing her to chuckle once again. She could practically feel the excitement rolling off of him. So she allowed him to usher her through her door before he made off to announce the news to the rest of Asgard. As she walked into her bedchamber, she found Loki on her bed. He was laying on his side, propped up on his elbow, as he read from a Vaniric text she had kept since her first journey to Asgard.

She crawled closer to him, careful not to move his book. Tilting her head, she managed to recognize what he was reading.

"I wasn't aware you enjoyed our myths and tales so greatly," she said as she gave him a peck on the cheek. "These are common fables."

"They are different from Asgard's and I find them to be intriguing," he replied, turning to face her. "This one in particular is peculiar. Was there truly a woman who was burned thrice and still walked away unharmed?"

"Heid?" she asked. "Of course she was real. That was the price she paid to keep the peace between Asgard and Vanaheim."

"And yet we still went to war a century later," he muttered, closing the book.

"There was little to be done. Besides, that was in the past and I have excellent news."

"Oh?" he said, raising his eyebrows. "And what would that be?"

"Sif is expecting."

"Really? What an interesting turn of events."

"Indeed. Thor is planning a celebration in honor of the event."

"What are your thoughts on the matter?"

She shrugged, "It's definitely something Thor would do. After all, he does enjoy a good celebration-"

"I meant about him having a child."

She stopped, looking at his emerald eyes carefully, "Why?"

"All I asked was your opinion on the matter of children," he pointed out.

"Well, what is yours?"

"I have three children, love. My opinion on them should be fairly obvious."

She sighed in resignation, "I adore children, Loki. You know that."

"You don't sound overly enthusiastic."

"You want children, but I'm unsure on my own wishes," she explained.

"Are you afraid that if we had children, they would face prejudice?"

She laughed, "That is the least of my worries. My people already see you as one of us, and my nature has been more than embraced at this point."

"Then what worries you?"

"It doesn't matter," she said. "We should prepare for the festivities."

She slid off the bed easily, walking to her armoire as Loki followed her.

"What are you going to wear?" he muttered, leaning into her shoulder until she could feel his cool breath against her skin.

"I'm unsure, but there must be something in here to wear."

"Why not this?" he asked, pulling out a multi-layered top of gossamer material and a matching skirt. "I've never seen you wear this."

"That would be because you Asgardians would find it highly improper."

He held up the garment, examining it carefully. It was one of the few clothes that came directly from Vanaheim, where propriety had different standards. Though the fabric was sheer, the many layers made it impossible to see the skin beneath. But, aside from that, it showed a fair bit of flesh by keeping the arms and midriff bare. The skirt itself was floor-length, but was made of several overlapping pieces of different sizes to allow better movement and different angles of skin to be seen.

"You may be right. It is a bit revealing, is it not?" he grinned suddenly. "Perhaps you could wear it on a night when we are alone."

"You wish for me to wear something you will no doubt remove within twenty minutes?" she asked with a roll of her eyes. "How helpful."

"Aright, let's see what else you have…"

Freyja stopped as Loki dug through the contents of her armoire, thinking carefully. She had been entertaining a certain thought since Ottar's death and now she believed she had reached a decision.

"Loki," she started hesitantly.

He froze at the tone of her voice, sensing something wrong with her sudden change in mood. Straightening up, he turned to face her.

"Yes?"

"Will you do something for me?"

He smiled, though it was tainted by apprehension, "Of course. You need not even ask, love. You know that."

From the pouch tied to her belt, or rather the belt she had 'borrowed' from Loki, she pulled out a silver chain necklace. Hanging on the end, miniaturized to the size of an ordinary pendant, was the Tesseract. Loki blinked in confusion, not truly wanting to be near the power source.

"Will you keep this safe for me?"

"But, according to your laws, you are the only one allowed to keep the Tesseract-"

"Unless I deem it safer in the hands of another," Freyja finished. "Yes. And I believe it is not as safe with me as it once was. Will you keep it for me?"

He glanced at the pendant anxiously, "Is it not true that, if something were to happen to it, the damage would be mirrored on you?"

"It is, which is why I want you to protect it."

"How would it be any safer in my hands when you believe the murderer is after me?"

"Because he would not dare to harm the bearer of the Tesseract. Thanos wanted it too greatly for him to allow his servant to harm it."

Loki hesitated for a single moment before taking the chain from her, "If you believe it best, then I will trust your judgment. The Wise One knows it's better than my own."

Freyja smiled in amusement, "Thank you."

Giving her little time to say anything else, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.

"You know I would do anything for you," he breathed. "This is the least I can do."

The festivities were lively, to say the least. Lanterns of every color hung on ropes stretched across the streets of Asgard, painting the city in shifting patterns of lights and shapes. Music echoed through the skies and Freyja could feel the drums reverberating through the cobblestones and the thin soles of her shoes. After many minutes of arguing with Loki, she had decided on a simple gown of golden silk that hung on her figure like a toga. It had surprised her that Loki had put so much thought into what she was going to wear but, though she would never say it aloud, she suspected he just wanted an excuse to see her traditional Vanaheim wear.

The atmosphere of Asgard was enough to make her smile. In the dark times that had surrounded her of late, the celebration was a welcome distraction. Even if it wasn't entirely appropriate. From where she leaned against one of the closed shops, she had a perfect view of Loki. Though he was dressed in his ceremonial armor, he moved effortlessly as he danced with a young Vanir girl who had asked him to join her. She couldn't have been over a century old, but it was a platonic act and Freyja didn't mind sharing. Something about Loki caused her people to admire him unlike any outsider. And he enjoyed their acceptance greatly.

As the music took a turn from Asgardian to Vaniric, Freyja realized she recognized the song. Loki, who had finished his dance with the girl, traipsed back towards her with a grin on his lips.

"Well, you seem to be enjoying yourself," he chuckled. "Were you admiring the view?"

"Perhaps," she replied, giving him a playful smirk.

"I, myself, am quite parched. She was quite the lively dancer. Remind me not to dance with such a young partner again," he said with a laugh. "Shall I find us a drink or two?"

Freyja took a second's hesitation. The party had become a distraction for her, but not enough to remove a worry for Loki's safety. She still believed he would be the next target and didn't truly want to leave him out of her sight. But, on the other hand, there were many eyes out to watch Loki and it would be foolish for the murderer to attempt anything with so many watching. Besides, Loki still had the Tesseract and, if the murderer did choose to strike, he would stop the second he recognized it.

"You may if you'd like," she answered. "I believe I will remain here, if it does not bother you. I am much wearier than I had previously believed."

"I'll find a glass of rose mead for you," he promised, brushing a rogue strand of hair from her face.

He had barely brushed his lips against hers before he was walking off into the crowds. It hadn't been a half-truth when she said she was tired. The sleepless nights had done nothing to help her strength, nor had the inability to eat properly. She was doing better, however, and would soon reach her usual health once more. Halfway through her thoughts, a familiar voice broke through her reverie.

"You look as though you may be enjoying yourself, sister."

Freyja turned to see her brother walking towards her with a smile. He wore his usual red leather coat and brown trousers but his strawberry-blonde curls remained as tangled as ever. She had never understood why he kept his hair so messy when he could easily use magic to make it more manageable. Still, he looked much livelier than he had in the recent months. She had expected him to seem even more sickly after the attack three days before, and yet it was quite the opposite.

"And you look to be quite well," she replied.

"Yes, there was a new Healer, brilliant young Vanir, who has begun working with new techniques. She was more than helpful in my recovery."

"I'm glad to hear such wonderful news."

"Speaking of wonderful news, Kenna tells me you and she have resolve your feud."

"Indeed we have," she replied, smile widening.

"And now there will be an heir to the Asgardian throne."

"It seems as though fate may be turning in our favor now," she noted.

He nodded in agreement, "I believe this calls for a toast."

Before she could respond that Loki had just left to find drinks, Freyr summoned a silver chalice with a flick of his wrist. Though it was a simple feat of magic, it gave her hope. If he was well enough to complete small incantations, then he would be fully healed by the end of the week. He handed her the goblet and summoned one for himself as he did. Raising it towards her, he gave her a smile.

"To new beginnings," she announced, tapping the rim of her glass to his.

"And to the endings that precede them," he added as she took a drink.

She blinked in surprise at his words, thinking them over. It was not like him to think of endings or the past. He was always one for looking forward optimistically.

"Strange words coming from you," Freyja remarked.

"I suppose that was not something I would normally say," he mused, eyes flashing with an emotion she didn't recognize.

When she looked up, finding his tone to be strange, something in his face seemed wrong. She looked closely as amusement flickered through his eyes and immediately realized what was different. The crystal chalice fell from her fingers and shattered against the uneven road. Even in the noise of the music and laughter, she could hear every piece breaking.

"Is something wrong?" he asked, smile growing into a feral smirk.

She opened her mouth to speak, but no words left her lips. A wave of dizziness washed over her. Unable to stay upright, she stumbled forward into her brother's arm. Immediately, a look of worry passed over his face.

"Are you feeling unwell, Freyja?"

She tried to push herself away, but her muscles refused to respond. Instead, Freyr clung to her, wrapping one of her arms around his shoulders to support her.

"Let us return you to the palace," he said, walking through the crowds and towards the castle.

Desperate for escape, Freyja mentally screamed out for aid from anyone. But whatever was caused her dizziness was also affecting her mind. She couldn't think properly and her magic was seemingly out of her reach. Instead, when a few of the people asked what was amiss with her, Freyr answered that she was feeling ill and he would take her back to the palace for help. Though they all looked him in the face, they were blind to what was different.

So he half-dragged her up to the palace with little to no difficulties. The delirium had morphed into a burning pain for Freyja that raced through her veins like liquid fire. She knew it must be the Tesseract energy within her trying to burn out whatever drug she had ingested, but it wasn't a promise that her addled mind would clear.

Before she knew it, she and Freyr were in her chambers. The concerned façade fell from his face as he locked the door behind them. Instead, his features twisted into a cruel smile that was new to his face but all too familiar on another's. He tangled his fingers in her hair, dragging her painfully to her bedchamber.

Upon entering the second room, Freyr tossed her onto the bed with little trouble. Freyja winced as every cell in her body protested at the abuse. Not only was the burning sensation still present, but it felt as if someone was sticking her with several pins throughout her body. Freyr leaned over her slightly, watching her reaction with interest.

"Fascinating, is it not?" he asked, never taking his eyes from her.

She could say nothing to him, as her mouth still refused to cooperate with her mind. Instead, she watched him carefully in waiting for his next words.

"It's a rare paralytic that I found amongst the dead forests of Curvatuo. Do you remember? It was the Realm where you escaped my grasp with the help of your mad friend. But I returned the gesture. Now he is reunited with his family, something he longed for. Consider it a kindness on my accounts."

He paused again, as if waiting for a reply.

"Do not fret, though," he continued. "It is not permanent and should wear off within a handful of hours or so. Just enough time to finish my work. And, once I have nearly completed my task, I will allow you to watch the finale. Though I must add, Freyja, I am slightly disappointed that you did not see it before. But then, sentiment does tend to blind others."

He leaned closer, "You only saw your brother slipping away, but you did not see why or how. The Healers could not recognize my presence and you could not differentiate the Tesseract energy in my mind from that in your own. You would have scoffed at any who said your dearest brother was the man behind the murders. And now you pay the price for your foolishness.

"I destroyed your home once, but you simply made a new one. So I shall make certain you never find a Realm to find peace within, starting with this one. But, alas, you have hidden the Tesseract from me once more. Luckily, your people were very generous with their powerful gifts to the Asgardians. Though there is little left, there should still be enough energy to use."

Freyr stopped once more, standing up straight as he did.

"But I waste too much precious time here. You will understand when the herbs wear off. I warned you and your little Jotun. Now I shall act. Think on your sins, Freyja. For all you can do now is repent and pray the Wise One will be merciful."

Without another word, he walked briskly from the room. Freyja lay against the sheets, unable to move. With nothing left to do, she fought against the restraining effects of the toxins. As she struggled, she managed to painfully send one mental plea to someone she knew would hear.

She could not count the time that had passed when she heard the sound of something heavy making contact with her door. Though some of the paralytic's effects had worn away, she could not move enough to reach the door. There was a thundering crash as the wood and incantations gave way and someone stumbled into her chambers.

"Freyja!" Loki called, eyes wild as he rushed through the doorway.

"Red bottle," she hissed, the words heavy on her tongue.

He nodded in understanding, running towards her vanity table and opening the drawer which held her tinctures and potions. The sound of crystal bottles smacking into each other filled the room before Loki returned with the red bottle. Freyja took the bottle with shaking fingers and downed the contents.

"What happened?" he demanded, being careful not to hold her shoulders too tightly.

"Freyr," she muttered. "Freyr has blue eyes."

Loki stopped, frozen in shock by her words. Four simple words that changed everything. Freyr's eyes were silver, as was the way with all Vanir. But when Freyja had looked into them, they were blue. They had been blue as the Tesseract, as her own eyes, as Thanos's.

Erland had been right. The day he died, Freyr's eyes had been blue, not silver. And she had been too blind to notice.