The partial light elf's eyelids fluttered, and her head fell on one side. She squinted against the brightness she wasn't accustomed to seeing every time her eyes opened. Normally, only darkness greeted her. She grimaced against the glare, wanting nothing more than to fall back asleep. Sleep was nice. Except for the dreams. The dreams were worse than death. Maybe she could sleep without dreaming.

Loki stirred from his partial resting position by the examination table. Though, he hadn't actually rested during the past several hours, despite his mother's protests. How could he rest at a time like this? He smoothed back his unkempt hair. His expression softening as he squeezed his love's hand. "Aura? Can you hear me?"

A delicate tremble passed over her before her eyes opened, and she faced him. "W-what happened? My brain hurts."

"Do you remember the battle? You were hurt pretty badly because, well, because I left you alone. I shouldn't have. I'm so sorry. I should've known the mortals couldn't properly protect you."

She squinted. "I don't think I know what you're talking about."

He glanced at Frigga. Attempted a comforting appearance for Aura. "I suppose it would be best not to dwell on New York."

"This place looks familiar, but I don't think it's my room. Where am I?"

Loki somewhat stiffened. He didn't want to answer her question. Afraid she might relapse. Which, given her remark about her room, she may have, already.

Aura's eyes darted over him. "Where am I?"

He ran his tongue around the inside of his lips. Dropped his gaze before finally meeting hers once more. "We brought you to Asgard. But it's safe—"

"Asgard?" she gasped, voice cracking. She shot up. The soul forge dispersing around her in a cloud of golden dust, the particles dissipating into the air. "No. No, I can't be here." She pulled away. "I can't be here." Drawing into herself, she held her hands tightly against her chest. "Why am I here?"

Frigga waved away the last bits of healing magic. Placed a hand on the distraught maiden's arm. "Easy, my dear. I promise you're safe here."

Aura's deep blue eyes widened, and she froze. Turned from Queen Frigga to Loki to Thor to Loki to Queen Frigga. Her face contorting with a variety of reactions. The haze started returning over her gaze as her delirium gained control. "Am I in Valhalla? Is this Valhalla? I didn't think I was worthy. Is my soul finally free? Unless…unless this is another trick."

The queen's brows furrowed.

She scrambled off the table and into a corner. Brought her knees protectively in front of her chest. Her expression one of a frightened child. "E-explain yourselves."

Loki cautiously approached her. Held out a reassuring hand. "Please, Aura. No one has died. And there is no trick, not even from me." His volume lowered. "You did so well in the city. How have you regressed this severely?"

"No." She refused looking at him. Her shivering increased. "Don't touch me."

"Aura—"

"I don't want you."

He sighed as he gave her the space she desired. His face pallid. "This is what I meant, Mother. They must have tampered with her mind for her to continue being like this. Can you use a spell or something for her? I don't know how much more of this I can take. I know it sounds selfish, but I'm also worried she's hurting herself without realizing it."

Frigga placated him with a hand on the side of his face. "I could use magic, yes. As could you. But what ails her is not magic; it is her own mind. This is something she must overcome herself. Or she will truly not know what to believe."

His chin quivered slightly. "Can you help her?"

"It will take time, but I do believe I can. We must all be understanding with her. None of us knows exactly what she experienced on Midgard. Clearly, it was traumatic. May I see what happened when you found her?"

Loki nodded. "Of course."

She placed her fingertips on his temples. Her irises glowing with golden magic as she peered into his mind.

His eyes closed. The spell wasn't painful, but the memories were. Yet, he showed her. Showed her everything. The cold, the darkness, the way his joy had been ripped out from under him. Showed her the invasion and his wicked pleasure in it. Showed her how Aura came to his rescue, realigning him back on track, breaking him free from the scepter with her undying love.

Frigga released him. She inhaled a deep breath. With thin lips, she caressed the side of his face once more. "I'm so sorry, my son. She's not the only wounded one, is she?"

Loki's voice cracked. "Is there any way I can help her?"

She remained silent for several moments. "For the time being, I think it's best if you remain at a distance. It's not your fault, but in her delusional state, her brain fabricated an event with you. One she must overcome on her own. I'll start there, so you can mend your relationship. But you must be patient. She's been on Midgard for a long time. Please trust that what I do, I do with her best interest in mind."

He nodded. His emerald eyes glistened with unshed tears. Turning away, he rubbed the bridge of his nose. He vanished completely for a brief moment. Reappeared with a puff of green magic and wide eyes.

The thunder god snickered.

Frigga glanced at Aura, not wanting to leave her alone on the floor. Searched her youngest son. "I'm assuming you didn't do that on purpose?"

The mischief god held up trembling hands flickering with emerald static. He staggered forward and braced himself on the healing table. "I'm not entirely sure anymore."

Thor rested a hand on his brother' back. "You must be strong."

"That's all I've ever been, Thor!" His knees buckled. "That's all I've been told since I was a child. The one I love is afraid of me, I'm losing control of my magic, my sanity is slipping. There's nothing I can do about anything. Can I seriously not have one moment of weakness?"

Breathing deep, he helped the younger on his feet and embraced him. "Then I shall be strong for you."

Loki didn't fight him. Let his head fall on his brother's chest. "I'm so exhausted."

"I know."

Aura watched warily from her corner. A worried sadness etched in her delicate features.

"Is it wrong of me to wish everything was back to normal? Back to how it once was? That's all I want. I just want her back. I wish this madness would end."

Thor patted him on the back. "Nay, it is not wrong. She will be back. She is resilient, too, Brother."

Loki glanced up at him. "Given what you've seen of her, I'm honestly surprised you would say such a thing."

The thunder god shrugged. "I am a warrior. I know warriors. She is one. And she will heal, in time. Although, there is one thing that bothers me."

"And what would that be?"

"How old is she? Stark was right. She does seem like a child."

Frigga chuckled. "By my estimation, she's not much younger than Loki. But you should know from your mother, Thor, light elves never show their true age."

Thor smiled. "Of course, Mother. You are as beautiful as the fair maidens pining for the affection of warriors fresh off the battlefield for the first time."

Loki rolled his eyes. "Don't forget the ones pining for you."

"I no longer seek the attention of meaningless romances."

His brows knitted. "You've changed, Thor."

A hearty laugh filled the room. "Nay. I am the same blonde buffoon you know and love."

"Given my weakened state, I may just let you convince me you are."

"Boys, please," Frigga chastised. "I'm starting my work."

The pair silenced.

Asgard's queen approached the distraught maiden carefully. Sat on the floor in front of her, a few feet away. Smoothed her dress around her. "Please don't be frightened, my dear. Do you know who I am?"

Aura searched her. Nodded. "You're Queen Frigga."

She smiled. "Yes, good. Do you know where you are?"

Shaking her head, she retreated further into the corner.

"You are in a special place that I designed. Not even those who would seek hurting you can find us here. You remember how powerful I am, don't you?"

A nod.

"I've come to you, Aura. I've come to set you free. Would you like that?"

More nodding.

Frigga placed her hands neatly in her lap. "I know how tired you are. I know you don't sleep well and have trouble differentiating between dreams and reality. I also know you're afraid. It's okay to be afraid. Can you understand that it's okay to be afraid?"

"How did you find me?"

She provided a warm expression. "Because I'm Frigga, my dear. The most benevolent witch you will ever meet. What do I do?"

"You, you help people. Heal people. Everyone loves you."

"Well, I don't know that everyone loves me, but I do aid who I can. And you know what I did for you when you were a small one, don't you?"

"I...I don't know. My brain hurts. I can't remember anything."

"Yes, you can. Look inside your heart, delve into your mind and memories. Don't be afraid of yourself. Think back to when you were little. Can you do that for me?"

Aura's face scrunched in thought. Then she turned away. "I can't."

"Close your eyes."

Her deep blue gaze flickered over Loki. "No."

The god of mischief winced.

Frigga glanced over her shoulder at him. Faced the girl in front of her. "Would you prefer if he and Thor left? It can be just you and I. Would you like that?"

Aura swallowed. "It doesn't matter. No one goes away."

"Who doesn't go away, Aura? Can you tell me who doesn't go away?"

Her eyes welled with tears. "The bad Loki."

"Why is he bad?"

"Because he's always there. He promises to take me away, but he doesn't. I'm always trapped. The cold and darkness are always there, too. I never leave. No matter how much he promises. He's always in the corner, tormenting me. I can't take it anymore."

Frigga's brows knitted with great concern. "I can make him go away. Watch this." She waved a hand, casting an invisibility spell on the brothers. "See? All gone."

Aura searched the space. "No. He's still there."

"How can you tell? I see no one."

"I can feel him. Even when we were little, I could feel him."

The queen nodded. "Can you tell me more about what he feels like?"

The former servant's head tilted. "I don't know if I could explain it. I've never felt anyone like him before. Or since. There's so much energy, so many different kinds of energy, magic. He keeps it all hidden. Keeps it all tucked away inside. He was afraid to show me. But I," her gaze lifted as her words caught in her throat, "I never feared him."

"Why didn't you fear him when you were little?"

"Because I saw him for himself. It was like he was lost. I just wanted to help him find whatever he was looking for. I like helping people."

Frigga grinned. "Such is the bane of our Alfheim heritage. Do you know why you like helping people, though? It's because you're a very sweet girl. I actually need a favor from you. Do you think you could do me a favor?"

Aura nodded rather bashfully.

"I need help knowing more about this bad Loki. For instance, could you feel him?"

"No. I only saw him. The only I felt was the cold and darkness of my room."

"Not feeling the bad Loki helps things quite a bit. What does good Loki feel like?"

Aura furrowed in thought once more. "Warmth." Her cheeks reddened. "And love."

Frigga waved her hand again. The brothers reappeared. "You said you can feel this Loki. What does he feel like to you?"

She looked him over for a long time. "Lost."

"Like when you were children?"

A nod.

The queen folded her hands again. "Let's go back to when you were children. Loki loved telling me all the wonderful things you'd tell him. You've helped him more than I think you realize. Do you remember what you'd tell him? Do you remember how you would help him when he was lost?"

Another nod. "I would sit with him and tell him everything would be okay in the end. Because even dead flowers find their petals again. It's okay to be lost sometimes. What matters is that you're found. Even if you have to find yourself. Sometimes, you're the only one who can find yourself, and that's okay. Sometimes, it's people who love you that find you. Sometimes, it's new friends. What matters is letting yourself be found. Being lost doesn't help you; being found does. Because the sun always rises and brings new warmth for the flowers."

Loki gripped Thor's arm.

Frigga checked on her sons over her shoulder. "Don't you think the same could be applied to you? You feel lost to me, Aura. Will you help me by letting me find you?"

Aura's expression shifted. Her unspent tears flowing. "No. I'm meant to be lost. That's why I was banished. I was never meant to be found. No one should've been able to find me. I'm supposed to be lost."

Loki stepped forward, voice breaking. "That's not true. That is not true, and I won't let you believe it. If anyone deserves not to be found, it's me."

The mother goddess sent him a stern look. "I know this is intense for all of us, but you must contain yourself."

He stiffened. Allowed Thor to pull him back. "Y-yes, Mother."

"Good." She softened. "Aura, why don't you think you deserve to be found?"

The partial light elf shrunk farther back into the wall. "I've done horrible things. I've killed people. Good people don't kill others. I'm not a good person."

She couldn't help but chuckle. "My dear, everyone in this room has done horrible things. Everyone in this room has killed people. Do you think I'm a good person? What of Thor?"

She nodded. "I've never thought either of you were bad people."

"What about Loki? Do you think he's a bad person?"

"No." The heels of her palms found her eyes. "The other children didn't like him because they said he was evil. My Loki is not evil. He gets confused some times, but he's not evil."

"Then what makes you any different from us?"

"I'm a slave. The only thing I can be good at is doing what I'm told. That's why I must go back to Midgard. Odin sent me there for a reason. I need to stay there. It's my duty to the throne."

"Odin is an old fool who should never have sent you away. While he may be king, you are one of my handmaidens. Do you not listen to me anymore?"

Aura quieted. "I listen to you."

"So, you will heed my words. You are no less significant than anyone else in this room. Do you understand?"

A green glow emanated from the raven-haired prince as he seethed with growing wrath.

Frigga's eyes widened, and she rose. "Loki, do not make me warn you again. Your fine line is getting smaller."

His gaze flashed with dark magic. "If it wasn't for Odin, she wouldn't be like this."

"This is sounding like a discussion we've already had. He remains alive. If it wasn't for Odin, you wouldn't have met her in the first place."

"I believe Aura and I were destined to be together. Which means we would've met with or without him. He should pay for his transgressions." He marched out of the healing chamber, an ethereal shadow following him.

"Where do you thinking you're going?"

"I'm helping."

Frigga opened her mouth for another command, but she cut herself off. Her vision drilling her oldest. "Thor, go stop your brother."

The god of thunder nodded, trailing Loki's footsteps.

The god of mischief disappeared in a cloud of black smoke.

Thor backtracked. "He did the magic poof thing he does. Did you see?"

Frigga cursed under her breath. "Yes, I saw, and he's becoming dangerous." She paced the front of the chamber. Squared up to her oldest son and grabbed the front of his armor. "You will stop him by any means necessary. Go immediately to the throne room, and you do whatever it takes to stop him. Understand?"

His eyes were round as he nodded. "Yes, Mother." He didn't wait for further orders.

Frigga put a hand on her forehead and knelt back in front of Aura with an exasperated sigh. "Where were we?"

The younger female surveyed the door. "What happened?"

"Loki is a creature of passion. But he's also a creature of chaos. When he's unguided, he goes wherever his emotions take him, I'm afraid. Which usually leaves him lost."

She was almost inaudible. "Why are you afraid?"

Frigga frowned at her concern. "Because you're not the only broken one."

Her gaze lifted. She searched the door again. Her voice still barely above a whisper. "I have a feeling you're not talking about Thor..."

"No, my dear. Loki was never the same when he couldn't stop Odin from sending you away. He argued and pleaded on your behalf for months. I even tried reasoning with Odin, but he wouldn't listen. I warned him he would face severe consequences for his actions."

"Is that what Loki's doing now?"

"Not if Thor stops him, as I ordered."

Aura's brows knitted. "He's already killed so many people on Midgard for me."

Frigga's head tilted. "So, you do remember helping him on Midgard?"

"I-I don't want to remember, but I don't think I can ever forget those screams." She shuddered. "I never meant...did you say help him? Oh, I don't, I don't think I helped him. He's much more powerful than I am; I don't think I could be of any good for him."

"My dear, power has nothing to do with it." She took the young maiden's hands. "I saw his memories. He showed me what transpired on Midgard. You saved him from destroying that whole Realm."

"Do you, do you think he'll try destroying Asgard?"

The mother goddess sighed again. "I'm honestly not sure. He's drained, but he's still capable of great magic. I tried talking sense into him before, but children don't always listen to their mothers. I think you're the only one who's capable of getting through to him. Aura, he loves you more than anything. Won't you help him?"

Aura hesitated. "I don't know."

"The Loki that was in here—do you think he was the bad Loki or the good Loki?"

"I don't know."

Squeezing her hands, Frigga offered a gentle smile. "I think you do. You're afraid. Although you may not have enjoyed it, your life on Midgard was what you knew for a long time. Things have changed. Loki's changed, Thor's changed, I've changed. Even you're different than the last time we saw you. Remember what I said earlier? It's okay to be afraid. The only catch is, we can't let the fear control us. I want you to ask yourself something. Let's say this is a dream in your mind. Would you still want to leave Loki helpless? Do you still love him?"

Her deep blue gaze lifted. She leaned forward, tears brimming. "Queen Frigga, I love him with all my heart. I thought about him every day. It's how the bad one came into existence, I think. I wanted him to rescue me so badly. I just wanted to see him, wanted him to hold me."

"Then let's go see him and keep him from making stupid decisions, hm? I'm afraid he'll injure himself more than anyone else at the moment. He hasn't lost control of his magic in a long time, and it could be a bit disastrous with all of his pent-up emotions."

"I would never want him to be hurt."

Frigga rose. "Come with me, then, my dear."

Aura stood, but she remained in place. "Odin banished me. What happens if I'm seen in the palace?"

"I have a solution for Odin. It's a easy as giving you a disguise. We'll call you by a different name, too. This way, you can become adjusted again, without fear. Reintroduce yourself to Asgard. Everyone will think you're my newest handmaiden and won't think anything about it. Especially if I put them in their place."

"I can be someone new? What happens if I get confused?"

"You'll be with me. I won't let you forget who you really are. Think of it as rediscovering yourself. I know you must be overwhelmed, finding out about your fire abilities. Your disguise will be a neutral stance. A way for self-reflection."

"Will Loki know I'm disguised?"

"Do you want him to know?"

The partial light elf's eyes widened, and she dropped her gaze. "I don't know."

Frigga inhaled a deep breath. "If you intend on building a relationship with him, you should tell him." She surveyed the terrified maiden. "I'll cut you a deal because I suppose this could be a way you rebuild your trust in him. Maybe if you observe him without the pressures of being Aura, you'll see this is the real him. It'll be a secret only you and I know about. When you're ready, we'll let him in on our little scheme, okay?"

Aura nodded. "Okay."

"Okay." She revealed a string of small pearls from her pocket dimension. "So long as you wear this necklace, you'll be unrecognizable. You can put it on whenever you're comfortable."

She accepted the gift. Stared at it thoughtfully for several long minutes before clasping it around her neck and watching her new persona unfold with a golden shimmer. Her pale skin replaced with an olive hue, and her tri-colored hair was now a rich brown. She wore a simple white dress bordered with orange knotwork.

Aura blinked. Played with her hair. She looked at the queen. "What will my name be?" She clasped a hand over her mouth, her voice altered, as well. Its natural strength startled her.

Frigga placed a finger on her chin. Tapped it a few times. "How about Sigyn?"

Her hand slowly dropped. "That's very pretty."

"Good. Let's get going, then." She headed for the healing chamber door.

Aura caught the back of the older goddess's dress. "Wait."

The queen turned around. "What is it?"

"What if...what if Loki falls in love with this version of me that's not really me?"

Smiling, she caressed the younger's face. "Oh, my dear, that won't happen. In your absence, there were many girls who tried gaining his favor, and he wouldn't have any part in it."

"Honestly?"

"Honestly. He loves you and only you. Are you ready?"

Aura clutched her hands over her heart. Nodded. "I'm ready."