"Where is Aura?" Thor repeated, walking to the edge of the cliff and peering over. He shielded his eyes from the sun glaring off the water down below. "I do not think she has fallen."

"I don't…I don't know what happened. She should be with us. She should be here, needs to be here. I can't, I can't have lost her. I can't lose her. Not again." Loki searched the immediate area around them. A trail of flattened grass catching his attention. His heart jumped. Could it be this simple? After what seemed like an eternity after Thor asked the question the first time, could it really be this simple? Running down the hull, he slid to a stop in the grass.

The thunder god turned around with an inclined head. Calling as he left the cliff by itself. "What is it, Brother?"

Loki's breath held as he gingerly lifted Aura's unconscious body off the ground and into his arms. "I don't, I don't know what went wrong." He brushed strands of hair off her sweating skin. His eyes found her torso wound, and his jaw set. He pulled out a dagger without hesitation. Shredded apart his cape for a tourniquet.

"How stupid am I? How insanely stupid am I? Extremely stupid, yes. Because I've known, haven't I?" His tone quickened its pace and hit a higher register. "I knew before I teleported us here that she had an injury. I knew, but I did it anyway, because I was thinking only of my needs, not hers, but the teleportation shouldn't have harmed her as it's a completely harmless spell, so I don't—"

Thor clamped a large hand on one of Loki's shoulders. "Snap yourself out of this."

Wild emerald eyes lifted.

Bright blue eyes darkened with concern. "We both know how drastically you act when you live in anxiousness. Please, Brother. Calm yourself."

A snarl formed. "How can you tell me to calm myself, Thor? How dare you tell me to be calm. She's unconscious, and her pulse is fading. She's dying in my arms, and you want me to be calm?" Small tears trickled down his face. "I just found her, Thor. After so long of searching, I found her, and I'm losing her. Her mind is barely here, and now her body is leaving, too."

Thor's brows furrowed. Mjolnir fell out of his grasp and into the vibrantly green grass. But he found silence. Found solemnness as Loki's words settled in his mind.

For some time, the only sound was the waves crashing against the rocks far down at the base of the rocks. A steady reassurance of the forces of nature on Midgard. A steady, lonely sound. Until it was greeted with a strong wind off the sea. The wind surged up and over the cliff, swaying the grass with serene hisses.

Loki cradled Aura's head against his neck. Closing his eyes, he rested his lips against her forehead and left them there. Gently rocked back and forth with her.

Thor blinked a few times. He looked up. Searching the clear blue sky for answers.

Moments passed.

Painfully drawn out moments of nothing but sea and wind.

Asgard's favored prince finally dropped his gaze. "Can you not harness your magic to heal her?"

A long pause before Loki answered. "No."

"Why not?"

"Because I can't."

"Can you not do anything you please with your magic? I have witnessed the most marvelous things because of your magic. You can heal her, can you not?"

Why did his brother insist on being so persistent? Masking his growing panic, Loki lined his voice with irritation. "No, I cannot."

"Yes, you can. I have seen the power you wield—"

"I don't know any healing spells, Thor!" he roared, bestowing a glare on his brother. "They never…they never stuck. I can't heal anyone. I'm too, too chaotic for restoration magic. You have to be a certain type of person for white magic. I am not one of them."

Thor's brows furrowed once more. "Why not?"

His eyes flashed with indignation. "I don't know why you must ask so many questions, but we were raised alongside each other. I've spent my whole life with you. You should know by now what I am. White magic requires a soul-level innocence I lost long ago. Healing others comes from the goodness of one's essence. Again, I'm a master of chaos here, so, no, I can't heal her. I'm useless."

Thor set his jaw. "You are not useless; there is just something you have yet to learn. But if anyone can overcome what is deemed impossible, I know it is you. Because my brother has never allowed impossible to stand in his way. Nor has my brother ever backed down from a challenge."

Loki stared at him. Stared at him with a blank expression. Thor truly believed the words he so boldly claimed. Even though he didn't have the slightest inclination on how magic truly worked. There were laws in magic. Laws….

A smile tugged on the far corners of his mouth. Laws were made to be broken, and he was the perfect one to defy them. Thor knew this, hence his encouraging statements. He supposed white magic could be in the realm of possibility for him. The thought of magical anarchy relaxed him a bit.

But something changed. Loki blinked. Something in this scene was missing. He glanced across the still-dancing grass. Realization washing over him. Shallow breaths no longer brushed the hairs along his neck. "Aura?" He tilted her head away from him. "Aura?"

No response. No moving of her chest or eyelids. No air escaping through her nose or mouth.

He stroked her hair over and over again. "Aura? Please. Please respond to me. I'm not letting you go. You know I'm here for you, don't you? Aura…" Tears splattered onto her pale cheek. "I'm not letting you go. Aura, please hear me. You have to listen to me. I'm here. It's me. I'm here. I've always been here. Please."

Thor summoned his hammer into his hand. Knelt on a knee beside them. "You listen to me, Brother. If you can find us a way home, I have thought of a way I may be of some assistance."

Loki looked up with a stained face. Studied the bulky thunder god then the weapon. "I think…I think I have an idea of what you're planning, but I don't know if I'll let you do it."

"Why not? I am the one who controls my hammer."

"If you kill her…"

"Is she not already dead?"

"Thor, you have exactly one second of life before I kill you."

"Can you find us a way home? Yes or no?

"Yes. The spell has a long casting time, but I think I can—"

"Place the maiden on the ground, lest you desire revitalization, as well."

Loki clutched Aura's body tighter than before. Yes, Thor claimed he could control the power Mjolnir wielded, but he severely doubted this plan. How many battles were started because his brother couldn't maintain control of his actions? Then again, the present Thor was much different than the one he once knew.

His chest rose and fell with several deep yet quick breaths. He looked up and blinked before kissing Aura's forehead. His voice dropped to a whisper. "I promise I'll get us home. Just come back to me." Gently setting her body in the grass, he hesitantly rose. Addressed the other in a rather cold manner. "Do not mess this up. You only have one shot at this."

Thor matched his stare. "As do you. I am not the one I worry for." Gripping Mjolnir's handle, he slowly summoned a growing field of energy.

Determination etched in Loki's face. Green magic swirled around his arms, cultivating in his hands. His eyes imitating the glow. Mouth moving with a silent incantation.

Under his brother's watchful gaze, the blond warrior held his hammer over Aura's chest. His jaw set. Released a short burst of electricity.

The light elf's body jolted then relaxed. But there was no other response.

Loki's gaze shifted. "Was it successful?"

Thor shook his head. "Nay." He dropped to both knees. Placed Mjolnir on her chest.

"Thor…"

"I am in control of my hammer. Fear not and focus on your own task." Resting his hand on the opposite face of the weapon, he inhaled a deep breath. Discharged a stronger blast.

Aura's body convulsed again before settling back in the grass.

Thor looked up. Eyebrows knitting, he shook his head.

Loki lowered an arm. The rune magic surrounding it faded.

The thunder god pushed himself on his feet. A new purpose in his expression. He pointed Mjolnir at Loki. "Do not stop with your spell." His hammer thrust into the sky.

Clouds formed in the empty sky.

"Thor!"

"Stay on your task, and I will stay on mine. I am in control of my hammer! Place your trust in me."

Thunder echoed over the land.

Loki released a small cry of helpless rage. Held out his arms and began his incantation again with newfound vigor.

A bolt of lightning streaked down into the waiting Mjolnir.

Thor unleashed his own battle cry as he directed the lightning through his body and out his other hand, the electricity arcing into the maiden on the ground.

Aura's back arched with the flowing energy. Her eyes snapped wide. Gasping for air, she jolted into a sitting position.

Loki paused.

"Continue, brother. We must return home." Thor quickly knelt once more. Removing his cape and wrapping it around the trembling girl. Slid his arms around her shoulders and under her legs. Carefully lifted her as he rose.

Her eyes fluttered. Her voice hoarse. "Loki…"

"Nay. I am Thor."

Aura grimaced. "Where…"

"He is creating a passage home." Thor's gaze lifted.

The mischief god swallowed, but he didn't stop his spell. He couldn't believe it worked. In all reality, it probably shouldn't have, but it did. His brother was either crazy or a genius. Most likely a little bit of both. Regardless, Aura was alive, and that was all that mattered.

"Will Heimdall know we are coming?"

"We've been hidden from him since I first teleported us. Let me concentrate."

Thor nodded. Looked around before focusing on the girl in his grasp. He frowned at her ragged breathing. However, he stayed quiet.

Incantation complete, Loki clapped a hand on his brother's arm. His expression softened when his vision rested on Aura. A surge of magic released from him as he uttered the final phrase with gumption.

The green magic pulsed, shuddered. It swarmed out and around before enveloping the trio. Faint runes flickering. Swirling until it transported the group between Realms. The magic faded, revealing a well-lit, well-furnished cavern.

Loki dropped to one knee. Sweat trickled down his temples. He held up a hand before Thor could react. "I have expelled a lot of magic today. I'll be fine." But he held onto the corner of a simple desk for support. His eyes squeezed shut. Unsure if this would work. Mother, he mentally called, I know you can find us. We need your help. Please, Mother. Find us.

A few seconds passed.

Delicate swirls of gold magic revealed Asgard's queen. Her eyes immediately searching the grand cave, face filled with hope and fear.

Thor offered an unconscious body. "Can you save her?"

Frigga stared at Aura. Blinked and seemingly snapped herself back into the present. Ethereal energy left her fingertips, and she hovered her hand over the once servant girl. Allowed a few moments of concentration. "She is stable for the time being. However, she must be taken to the healing ward for further investigation. Her trauma is severe."

The older son nodded. "Thank you, Mother."

The queen's unrelenting gaze relocated.

Loki held his breath as he pushed himself to his feet. His voice barely above a whisper. "Hello, Mother."

She temporarily remained frozen. Tears brimming, she rushed him. Holding him in a tight embrace and smoothing back his hair. "Oh, my son. I thought we lost you." Her voice cracked. "I thought I lost you."

He melted into her, burying his head in her neck. "I'm so sorry. I didn't, I didn't think—"

"No, you didn't think." Frigga took his face in both hands and held him back for her scrutinization. "You are my son, but much has changed."

"I-I know. I want to tell you everything, I do, but can we care for Aura first?"

"Yes. Yes, we will." She kissed his forehead. Took Thor's face and repeated the display of affection. "Come. Follow me in single file, and I will keep you hidden from all eyes." She effortlessly waved a hand, and those following her turned invisible. Teleported them inside the main fortress.

The Queen of Asgard maintained her usual demeanor through the halls of the golden palace. Maintained a calm, regal pace as she approached the healing ward. Pleasantly smiling at all who acknowledged her.

Eir, the head healer approached when they entered the ward. Bowed. "Ah, my queen. How may I serve you today?"

She waved away the formalities. "Are any chambers free? I've discovered quite a bit of research and require one to myself for some time."

"Of course, my lady. Choose whichever one you like. None are occupied at the moment. Tis a quiet day in the palace."

"Thank you, dear." Frigga led her band of invisible followers into an empty chamber. Magically sealed it shut before releasing the invisibility. "Place her on the table. I'll start the soul forge."

Thor followed her instructions. Backed away and crossed his arms.

Loki took one of Aura's hands and rubbed the back of it with a thumb. "This is my fault."

Frigga glanced up from the appearing magic. "How?"

"If I never declared my love for her in the first place, she would've never been banished."

She stopped and straightened. "Are you sorry for loving her in the first place?"

"No. No, I have no regrets loving her."

"Then do not apologize. Did you inflict these wounds upon her?"

"No. But I left her with incompetent—"

"You have nothing to apologize for. While we're on the subject, though, tell me what happened after you left Asgard."

Loki sighed. His gaze trained on Aura so he wouldn't have to meet his mother's stare. "I…I let go. I fell into space. Honestly, I was prepared to die."

Thor looked up.

"It felt like an eternity, but I was finally picked up by a warship. Thanos's warship."

Frigga sucked in a breath. "I know what that monster is capable of and what he seeks. What did he have you do for his despicable plans?"

Loki continued focusing on Aura. "He tortured me for a long time. Thought he could break me, but he underestimated my willpower. It took an Infinity Stone for him to influence me enough, but he still didn't have full control. Although, it played up my worst traits, I will admit. He sent me to Midgard for the tesseract. Originally, my plan was warning the Midgardians about his impending threat, but when I saw they imprisoned Aura, I…well, my plans changed."

Thor's voice turned matter-of-fact. "He released an invasion which decimated one of their prominent cities. I am most certain the Midgardians are fighting the chitauri that escaped to other continents. The chitauri are cut off from their source and will most likely engage in blind bloodshed until destroyed."

Loki glared at his brother.

Frigga slowly nodded. "I'm not sure if an invasion was an appropriate response, but I do understand your motivation behind it. Sweet little Aura was in prison? That explains my initial read on her. What reason would they have for imprisoning her?"

"Barbaric experimentation, I'm sure. She wasn't fully aware when I found her. She thought me an illusion at first, lashed out and tried burning me. She fought me for a long time before accepting I was real. Honestly, she may still think me fake. I swear they did something to her, but she claimed she wanted the treatment? I'm not sure what to make of it."

The queen's nostrils flared with a deep breath as she continued working the forge. "Such mental damage? Well. I hate saying it, but there's not much I can do about that until she wakes up and is cognizant."

The thunder god's weight shifted. "What will Father do if he sees her in Asgard again? Is it true he banished her to begin with? He is the one who began all this?"

A green glow emanated from Loki's eyes. "I know what I'll do to him if he dares looking at her—"

Frigga held up a hand to silence his anger. Addressed Thor. "It is true your father banished her. He does that often with servants who fall out of his…temperamental favor."

Thor blinked and furrowed his brows. "Why? What's wrong with the servants?"

"He deems them beneath us. Even though they're not. I saved as many as I could, but he found a way to continue doing it without my knowledge. I do not like that he knows of ways of hiding things from me. That takes great magic."

Loki lifted his head. "I will show him great magic."

Her eyes burned with a mother's ire. "You of all people know the strength of Gungnir. And it is only because Odin sits on the throne that many enemies are held at bay, including Thanos. Odin may be many things, but he is powerful above all else."

He straightened, though his hand remained clasped around Aura's. "He deserves to die for what he did. Above all else."

Frigga matched his stance, her voice more commanding than his. "You will control your wrath. There are many things I desiring doing unto him, and none of them include making love, but I have left him on the throne for a reason. If you kill him now, you will destroy many things I've worked too hard and too long to build."

Loki searched her. Nostrils flaring, he broke eye contact first.

"What do you say to your mother?"

He glanced at her. Looked away again. "Very well."

"Good." The queen settled. "When the time is right, I will look the other way. But until then, I have to at least defend his life. Even if it's only so Asgard may live."

Thor mused. "Why do you not sit on the throne, Mother? Are you not just as powerful as he?"

Frigga smiled. "Perhaps I am. Perhaps I'm more powerful. But the fact remains. If Odin dies, the throne falls to the eldest son as the successor, not me. I'm technically not Asgardian."

He frowned. "Why must it fall on me? You are the queen; you can change the laws. You are far more than capable. I dare say more qualified than any of us."

Loki nodded. "You'd be a far wiser ruler than Odin."

She checked the readings of the soul forge then beckoned for her pair of sons. Hugged them both as tightly as she could. "I appreciate the flattery, but I do prefer staying behind the scenes. It allows me to perform more…delicate tasks." She winked at them when she released them.

The raven-haired prince returned at his place by Aura's side. Tucked strands of hair behind her ears. "Will she be okay?"

"Of course, dear. She's under my care. I'm not healing her all at once because it seems she was nursing that torso wound for some time. Her blood loss was significant. Not to mention the psychological damage she's suffered. I do see she finally found her Muspelheim heritage."

"Yes, she did. Her personality changed when she occupied that form. The complete opposite of how she normally acts. Will this be a normal occurrence for her when she shifts?"

Frigga chuckled. "Given her mother? Yes."

"Who's her mother?"

"Sinmara."

Thor's brows furrowed again. "Who is Sinmara?"

Loki stiffened. His emerald eyes wide. "Surtur's wife."

His eyes widened in turn. "Surtur has a wife? I did not know a woman would marry someone such a him."

A smirk graced the queen's face. "Not many know of Sinmara. She spends little time in Muspelheim or with Surtur. She's also not much for loyalty and has had an affair with everybody who holds positions of power. Even Odin, once or twice. It's why she dropped Aura off at our palace doors. She thought her his child."

The brothers glanced at each other.

"I can assure you, she's not. Her father is a light elf of Alfheim, though I have yet to figure out who. The light elves have a slightly different political system than Asgard, so he would be quite a prominent leader for her piqued interest."

Loki released an exhale. He honestly didn't know what he would've done with information of Aura being Odin's daughter. Sinmara as her mother was already enough to take in. Did Sinmara know her grown child existed? Did Surtur know of Aura? His heart stopped. What would Surtur do with that information? He blinked away the possibilities. "I do have a concern."

Frigga faced him. "What is it?"

"When we were in New York, I teleported Aura, Thor, and I to a different location on Midgard. Somehow, I feel it damaged Aura further. S-she, she died. Thor resuscitated her with Mjolnir. It's absurd, but it worked."

Thor puffed out his chest. "I told you. I possess control of my hammer."

"I do thank you, Brother. But I feel as though I did something wrong with the teleportation. Did her wound make it affect her so severely this time? I've teleported her before, and it's never been a problem."

Frigga placed a hand on the side of his face. "As much as I wish I could say it's not your fault, it somewhat is. There's something you should remember from your studies of fire giants."

Loki searched her. His mind racking through the various texts he read.

"Despite how powerful they can be, strong magic can cause a drain on them if they're not prepared. She was imprisoned for who knows how long on Midgard. We don't know what they did to her. If her mind was as gone as you say it was, and if she already had this wound, your magic drained her. It's as simple as that." She rested her hands on his shoulders. "You are an extremely powerful magic user. From what I've gathered, you both were mentally unstable at the time. Her weakened state couldn't keep up."

He set his jaw and looked down. This was something he should've remembered. Something he should've been aware of from the very beginning. He long had his suspicions of Aura's heritage. Hence his devotion into studying the fire giants. He should've realized.

No matter how preoccupied he became with destroying a Realm. No matter how preoccupied he became with saving her. He should've remembered. But no. His wrath consumed him, and he willingly allowed it. It drove his cognitive thinking out the wayside. It caused her, caused her death.

He caused her death.

"Loki, look at me."

His eyes fluttered.

"Look at your mother when she speaks to you."

Loki found her gaze. His expression betraying his true exhaustion.

Frigga cupped his face in both hands. "Do not dwell on what could have been. What happened is what happened. All three of you are safe. All three of you are in Asgard. All three of you are with me. If you dare think I'm going to let anyone take any of you away from me again, I will smite you myself, understand?"

He nodded.

"You have utilized much more magic than you should be capable of. You've drained yourself. Never trust the questioning thoughts of fatigue. They will only lead you astray. Aura is alive and under my care. Rest and regain your strength. Regain your right mind. Then we will speak more on sensitive matters, yes?"

Loki simply nodded some more.

Her breath caught, and she wiped at her eyes.

"Mother?"

She smiled through her happy cries. "Everything is alright. I just…I missed you so much."

He swallowed. Unable to stop his own tears. "I missed you, too." Wrapping his arms around her, he buried himself in her.

Frigga clutched him. Afraid he might disappear once again. Kissing the top of his head multiple times. "My son." Then she held out a hand for Thor.

The thunder god joined the hug. "Our family is whole once more."

"Yes, my son." She kissed his head. Held on to them both much longer than necessary, but no one showed signs of releasing. "No one will take either of you away from me again. I will burn the entirety of the universe before I allow either of you to be taken from me."

Thor chuckled. "You know you are the one Loki takes after, aye, Mother?"

Loki snickered. "You're just a meat head. What would you know?"

"More than you. I knew my hammer trick would work."

"That wasn't a trick. And it could've very well killed her."

"Aye, but she was already dead."

"I meant you could've rendered her unable for revival."

"I told you I was in control of my hammer."

"Your hammer has a name. At least I know that."

"You do not understand my ways of magic with it."

"You're not magical, Thor. You're only dumb luck."

"If you do not retract your words, I will—"

"That is quite enough," Frigga reprimanded, grabbing both of their ears. "I will not brook this bickering while poor Aura rests."

"Mother," the pair of men whined in unison.

She displayed a devilish grin before releasing them. "Our family is whole once more."