A/N: Hi! I'm sorry it's taking so long between updates, but I had written chapters 10-13 all in one block, because after chapter 12, I couldn't just leave that hanging. But I will be updating at least once a week now. I won't say that's a promise, but I'll do my best.

Enjoy!

"How do you know your brother was sent to Helheim?" Jane asked. "I mean, he did basically sacrifice himself for you." she pointed out. Thor shook his head.

"The Norns have ever treated my brother poorly, and the Valkyrie haven't quite forgiven him for that one incident, when he looked upon the youngest of their sisters, and she was denied her return to Valhalla. It was purely accidental, but knowing his mischievous nature…"

"He saved you, though! That's got to count for something."

"One good deed, even one of ultimate sacrifice, is not enough to erase a lifetime of wrongs." Thor said. "Loki knew what he was doing."

"Okay, so where are we going, again?" Jane asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"Niflheim. More specifically, Amsvartnir. We are almost there." Thor said. "Then, we shall search for Fenrir, and free him from his bonds." Jane glanced over at him.

"Why did you bring me and Darcy along again?" She was tired of traveling by now, and Darcy was much the same. They weren't used to riding, and here they'd spent almost two days on horseback.

"I don't trust my father to not harm anyone sympathetic to Loki. I could never forgive myself if something happened to you because of me." Thor replied, looking sad. He rode alongside her, ready to offer aid if she needed it. Jane reached over and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey, we're going to get your brother back. I know it." she said quietly. Thor took her hand in his, smiling a little.

"Thank you for standing by me. It gives me more comfort than I can say." He kissed her hand, but didn't let go as they rode. Darcy watched the two of them, a tad jealous. Why was it that Jane always seemed to attract more guys, and she wasn't even interested, while Darcy was left to herself? It just wasn't fair.

A blast of cold wind hit her and she shivered violently, all envious thoughts gone. A sudden warmth draped across her back. She looked up to see Fandral riding alongside her, his fur-lined coat now resting heavy on her shoulders.

"Th-th-thanks…" she said, her teeth chattering together.

"All you had to do was ask." He said. Darcy gave him a brief smile before turning her attention back to guiding her horse along the rocky path. After another hour of silent riding, the hills evened out, and turned from barren rocky ground to a level plain, covered in dead brown grass. Darcy covered her mouth and nose with her scarf, hoping to block out the stench of death that seemed to creep across the narrow channel that separated Niflheim from the realm of the living. It didn't work.

A grey pall of mist lay over the island, making it hard to see what was land and what wasn't. But even worse than the sight or smell of it, were the mournful cries that echoed across the water. Every now and then, a forlorn howl of a wolf broke through. Thor winced when he realized that it was Fenrir. He led the group to the bridge and they slowly picked their way across. Darcy peered over the edge. After a moment, she had to look back up.

"Are you okay, Darcy?" Jane called.

"Yeah, I'm good. I'm, uh, yeah." As the stepped onto the grey rocky shore, shadows ducked in and out of the mist. Some were apparently armed, and others backing away in fear at the approach of the living. Thor ignored them.

"They cannot harm us, do not fear them." He said. "But neither will you make any move to harm them." The last sentence was aimed at Fandral, who looked more than a little unnerved by the ghouls. His hand gripped the hilt of his sword, ready to draw it at the least provocation. Thor stared into the mist, looking confused. Jane followed his stare.

"What is it?" A familiar figure stood in the pathway, grinning up at them. Thor jumped down from the saddle and ran to the figure, and threw his arms around him.

"Loki!" He held him tight, not wanting to let him go, for fear of him disappearing again. After an indecisive moment, Loki returned them embrace, burying his face in Thor's shoulder.

"Hello, brother." Loki whispered, choking up a little, and most certainly not wanting to show it. Thor held him out at arms length, completely at a loss.

"How are you not a ghoul as well? I-I saw you die…" he stammered. Loki grinned.

"I have my ways, but you have my daughter to thank for that." He turned to the side in time to see Hela step out of the fog. Thor took an instinctive step back. Hela smiled a little.

"I no longer pose a threat to you, Son of Odin." Thor smiled a little.

"I'm afraid we were never properly introduced, milady." He gave a slight bow. Hela grinned then, a somewhat terrifying expression, given her half-rotted state.

"But we each already know who the other is, there is no need for introductions." She pointed out. "But I am honored to finally meet you, Uncle." She held out her good hand, and Thor took it, gently gracing it with a kiss.

"Shall we free your brother?" he said quietly, making himself look her in the eye. The girl nodded.

"I'd like that."

They silently made their way toward the low fortress where the wolf was housed, with Loki in the lead. He saw the guards, and before they could blink, a flash of light had blinded them and they fell to the ground senseless. They were through the doors before anyone else could see them.

"How are we going to free him? The leash binding him is unbreakable. Nothing is a match for it." Fandral said. Loki turned to glare at the warrior.

"And what would you know of this?" he hissed. Fandral stopped, blushing in shame.

"I was one of the ones who oversaw the dwarves during the crafting of Gleipnir. I'm sorry for my part in it, I truly am. I didn't realize at the time who or what Fenrir was." Loki's expression became less severe.

"Apology accepted."

They rounded the corner, Loki turned around.

"Thor, you didn't happen to bring my sword, did you?" he asked. Thor nodded, and handed the weapon over to Loki.

"Take back what is yours." He said.

"Oh, I plan to." Loki said devilishly, pulling the blade free of the leather sheath. Darcy held up a hand.

"Umm, didn't Fandral say that this leash thing is unbreakable?" she asked. Loki took a deep breath, trying to be patient.

"Laevateinn is no ordinary sword." He said finally. "It can shear through any number of spells and wards." He turned quickly and went into the chamber where the wolf lay bound.

He stared at the form of his son for a moment, wondering what would happen once the chain was gone. Would he remain in this form, or, if he didn't, what would he become? What manner of spell had been placed over him?

Only one way to find out.

The others watched as Loki raised the sword and brought it down on the chain. It was shorn cleanly in two. Instantly, the fur-covered body shrank down to reveal a blue-skinned child cowering on the stone floor. Loki knelt next to him, unsure of what to do next.

"Fenrir?" he whispered, gently touching the boy's shoulder. "Son, look at me." Fenrir wiped his nose with the back of his hand, and threw his arms around Loki's neck.

Leagues away, on Asgard, Odin felt the spell break. He had spent so much time fueling the spell, that it's absence was noticeable. It had become almost an old friend.

Of course, it had to be Fenrir that they had freed first.

Their next stop would most definitely be Midgard. He stood up from his throne, and went down to the weapons vault. If Thor was going to unwittingly help Loki bring about the twilight of the gods, then he would face the same consequences.

The king stopped before the barred door at the end of the hall, a steely look in his eye. He brought Gungnir down on the tiled floor. The Destroyer stepped forward, ready for orders.

"Ensure that they do not free the Serpent. Do not slay them, unless there is no other option."