Loki's POV

Right when he was about to fall asleep, he heard a crash from downstairs. He sat up immediately, got out of bed, got out of his room quickly though quietly as he went to inspect the noise. It was probably the feline again. Once he checked the kitchen, it was spotless, nothing out of the ordinary. He heard a sound again, this time from Annaleise's room. He tried not to read too much into it, it could just be a sudden room rearrange. But then the crashes were more frequent and sounded like a struggle. Rushing to the door, he knocked loudly.

"Annaleise?"

The crashes were louder now, he tried to open the door but it was locked. It sounded like something was being thrown around the room. He was completely scared now for her safety.

"Annaleise!"

He tried to slam his body on the door but it wouldn't budge.

He couldn't hear her, not even her breathing. It worried him greatly.

"I'm breaking the door!"

It was a fierce statement as he backed up and kicked the door in. It swung open at the same time a window shattered. He rushed in to see the room a mess, the night breeze came in through the broken window flowing in the curtains. Not only was the glass shattered but the wood on the frames of the window was broken and forced outlining to a large round shape. Lots of objects were thrown on the floor and the heavy stuff knocked over.

But what scared him the most was the shredded clothes on the floor, and the blood near the window. There were large claw marks on the wood which indicates a wild animal had done this. But he didn't see a point of entry, only an exit. Meaning the animal must have been let in. She let a wild animal in and it attacked her?! But she was nowhere to be found…

It must have dragged her off or she followed it. He was wrong before, that woman was a damned moron. She has no regard for her safety whatsoever. It was the only thing that could explain the evidence, since he couldn't go by her word. SHE WAS GONE.

He jumped out of the window making an observation of the tracks. There was blood and pawprints, no feet. She must have been dragged off. But there were no drag marks, meaning this animal was not only large but strong as well. His only hope to go on was that she was still alive. He swiftly followed the tracks summoning his daggers for protection. He tried not to think or put too much into it. He didn't want to worry over nothing, or be distracted and caught off guard making him useless if he were needed to save her.

He prayed for her, he begged some higher power for her to still be alive. He didn't want to lose someone who has been so kind to him. Someone that no matter what saw him for who he was not what he was capable of. He didn't think he could go on living in this realm without her presence. She had become truly precious to him, and he'd be damned if he were to lose her now!

The tracks were harder to spot now in all this darkness. The moonlight not shining as often from all the trees, the deeper he went into the woods. He decided it was best to use his magic. If he were discovered by her he would rather explain to her then let her die for failing to get to her in time. Kneeling down to the last visible mark to be seen on the ground he hovered his hand over it. Casting a spell as he made the tracks glow and lead deeper into the woods.

As quickly as possible he ran following the tracks, unable to focus on anything else. Not even his surroundings, the tracks started to glow brighter which meant he wasn't far from the creature. Suddenly it wasn't a path anymore, it was an open clearing as the light of the moon shone down in the meadow. He looked around swiftly, not finding any other clues of the creature's presence. Even the tracks were faded, which meant a higher power was at play here. Something or someone is hiding this beast, he could feel a powerful force in this meadow. He noticed that this place seemed familiar, that was when he spotted a stump and some bended trees on an edge of the meadow. This was his crash sight.

Why here?

Why did he sense this force now?

Was he too weak to notice it before?

His thoughts were ripped from him as a white flash ran across the clearing. The moonlight makes its white fur more noticeable. It was the eyes that he saw next, big bright eyes that shone in the night. It was low to the ground, probably hiding or ready to pounce.

Ever since he caught a glimpse of this creature, he never once let it out of his sight.

"Hiding is futile, you dull creature! You're too obvious in this environment, your fur doesn't suit you well here. If you're going to pounce then do it! The quicker I kill you, the safer Annaleise will be once I find her."

Slowly the animal rose tall, it didn't stop till it was larger than a horse. This was a predator, it's large claws and teeth made it obvious. It had cuts on its shoulder probably from the glass. That was the only blood visible, none coming from its mouth. He just had to assume she was safe for now. But this creature was too large of a threat to get to live. It must be illuminated, to keep it from causing damage in the future. To keep it from hurting Annaleise… wherever she is…

By its posture it seemed frightened, with no confidence in its stance. Such a large creature, and yet it still feared something like him. Truly just a dumb animal.

"If you run I will only hunt you down, I can't let you live. You've already become a threat, just by simply invading her home. I'm sorry but you must die."

The creature's ears were down, making it look more scared than threatening. It was like it understood his level of desire to destroy it. With more observation, as the creature stood still. He slowly began to see the similarities of the creature's he's read about. This was a Canis lupus, also known as a wolf. It looked to be the size of an Asgardian wolf, their wolves were pups in comparison.

What was it doing here?

Midgard wolves were big enough to be at his hip in height. This creature is taller than him, it was an abnormality to nature. A creature not meant to exist, he was doing this realm a favor by killing it.

He charged at the creature, daggers in hand. Right before he could strike the creature leapt over him avoiding his attack. He turned as the creature ran far enough away only to turn and face him once more.

"Is this some sort of game to you?"

He charged at it again this time ready if it were to avoid him again. As he swung his dagger the creature swept at his blade knocking it out of his hand and kicked him, sending him on his back.

He looked at this creature with confusion, it wasn't trying to hurt him. It's only desire is to dodge his attacks and get him away. He sat up getting ready to stand pointing his blade at it. Only for that dagger to be knocked out of his hand as well. As the creature places its massive paw on his chest forcing him to the ground. He groaned as the air left him, it was heavy on his chest.

As if the creature knew that it lightened up its pressure on him. He expected it to attack since it had an advantage. But it didn't, it only stared down at him. It's eyes…

They looked kind and familiar. So familiar…

he couldn't believe what he said next.

"Annaleise?"

The creature jumped back as if shocked and backed away as he got up. He couldn't get past it, it was way too obvious now. It made the most sense, yet it didn't at all…

"No… It can't be you…"

The creature looked at him painfully. The more he looked at it the more he could see that expression on her and the less he saw a wild animal.

"It is you isn't it…"

He grew shocked as the creature nodded. This wolf… WAS Annaleise.

Suddenly something snapped around his ankle and wiped him into the air making his vision of the world upside down. As he looked at the concerned wolf in front of him, he could feel the blood rush to his head.

He might have just stumbled upon this force. His view changed as he was turned to face a large tree. He looked at his feet to see a tree branch wrapped tightly around them.

A tree?

A tree is this powerful force?

It was a massive tree, the biggest in the forest. It would look normal if it didn't have a radiant glow.

The tree started to glow a vibrant yellow as it spoke.

"Who dares disturb my peaceful meadow with such violence?"

He was completely speechless... a talking tree… now he has seen everything.

"It was a bad start on my part I guess, just a big misunderstanding. There's no violence here."

"Oh? Then what are these?"

A branch stretched out to show his daggers laying flat upon it. The trees glowing colors turning a radiant red, like blood. As it's voice turned cold.

"Oh well, those are for protection."

"Then explain to me why these have the aura of death around them. These have been once used to kill. Were you planning to use them here?"

"No, of course not! I merely was using them to put a point across. Like I said it was a misunderstanding, I have no need for them anymore."

"Very well, then I shall dispose of them."

"What?"

The daggers were turned to dust as the branch glewed a bright light upon them. It disintegrated them by a mere touch. He definitely did not want to get on this trees bad side, even though those were his favorite daggers. Its colors turned to a yellowish orange as they vanish.

"G-Good I don't need them anymore… I wouldn't dare use them against Annaleise."

"So you know the truth then? That your friend is that creature you were about to kill."

"Uhhh… protect actually, I was trying to protect Annaleise from the creature. Though now that I know it is her there is no need for protection."

"Hmmm, like how you said you couldn't let her live, it was all just a meaningless threat."

"Exactly! It was all just a ruse to frighten the creature off."

"Do you think I'm stupid? Cause I am certainly not deaf, you will have to be a better liar than that, trickster."

"M-my apologies I did not mean to offend. You are right. I came to kill this 'beast' hoping to save my friend. If it put her in danger or already harmed her, I didn't know. I wanted her safe, but now that I see she is safe… I would never harm a hair on her head. "

"This meadow is my domain, and it will remain in peace as long as I reside in it. If you

become a threat again I will not hesitate to destroy you. No matter how much Anna likes you."

"So that really is Annaleise?"

He said, turning to look at the creature as it watched them. Like a third party in their conversation. Probably unable to answer in a way he could understand, as to why she was silent. The tree shook him lightly trying to gain back his attention, as he did.

"Yes, you are clever, but not enough to fool me. This meadow can only be found by those who have been here before or who I deem worthy. Anyone who tries, will be lost as I bend and twist the paths to steer them away. You were a different case, falling from the sky like you did. How of all the places you could have ended up, you landed here? That will continue to baffle me. Not only did you fall from the sky but I could sense your power. It was much heavier before… darker. You seem brighter since I last saw you, but still powerful nonetheless. Although, the more time I've had to hear about you, the more I began to feel that it wasn't a coincidence… but fate."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Your bond with Annaleise made you come to realize her truth without you needing to be taught. You discovered that all on your own. Meaning you must really be smart or you may care for her more than you say you do. The way she talks about you, makes me think she doesn't want to lose you. Anyone else would have been dead by now, if that weren't a proven fact. She hates everyone else, as do I. But you managed to weasl your way into her life and seem to keep on sticking around. You also seem to respect her boundaries and not be an unbelievable pest. You're definitely special to Annaleise, but know you're only alive right now because of that alone."

He looked in her direction once again, the wolf looked bashful and nervous. A face he imagined she made as a human when he caught her singing. He was lucky to find out it was her, he could have hurt her or worse. Something he could never forgive himself for if it had happened.

"And maybe I do care for her, but what does that have anything to do with this… situation."

"I'm trying to debate on whether I should let you live or not."

He swallowed hard as his throat grew dry. He was really debating on switching on his silver tongue. But this tree could see right through him, so there was no point even trying. He was literally hoping to survive from a talking tree… that holds a lot power in this situation. Not just the power, it's radiating.

"A-And?"

"I feel I have come to a divide in the road. Unknowing of which path to choose. You now know her truth which means you will either leave, and be forced to live out your life never to see her again. Or I obliterate you right now, but only to break her heart once more as she has to suffer the loss of someone she cares for. I still don't understand why. You are selfish, spoiled, narcissistic and rash. Not to mention a pathological liar, you might betray her if I were to let you live."

"Never!"

"Then how do you feel knowing she is what she is? Is she not a monster?"

"Annaleise has never been a monster and never could be! No matter what shape or form she comes in, I will never forget who she has been to me!"

He said with fire in his voice enough to make the branch loosen its grasp on his feet making him fall to the ground. With a groan he tried to get back to his feet as he was nudged to sit up by a large furry snout. He turned to see Annaleise's large worried wolf eyes on him. He couldn't help but place a hand on the head and pet her to ease her worry. He felt her flinch under his touch only to relax as he continued.

"So the Liar can tell the truth, enough so that I could truly believe you. You really do care for her, which makes me want to offer you this. You can chose to leave and never return-"

"Or?"

He interrupted, unable to wait to hear the tree's counter offer.

"Or… stay and protect Annaleise and her secret. But I warn you… you must reveal anything you hide from her, as she must do the same. There must be no boundaries between you, if you are to trust in keeping each other safe."

"Is that all?"

"No… I also want you to never speak of this to anyone whether you leave or stay. Or I will have no choice but to make her hunt you down. For once you are out of my reach I cannot harm you, but she can. I would hate to force such a task on her… I'm sure you would too… So Loki… What is your decision?"

He didn't even have to think about it. He knew what he wanted. Even with her abilities, she was still his one and only friend. She was still precious to him. She was still Annaleise. He couldn't imagine surviving in this realm without her in it.

"I will stay, and protect Annaleise and her secret with my life."

He could feel the weight of a big furry head lean on him. He could feel the relief falling off of her, he could tell she was worried about everything that's been happening. Though there were still some there, no doubt from having to soon admit her secrets.

"Very well."

The voice of the tree had less venom and a deep sense of threat, to more of a soft loving voice much like a mothers. And the tree's colors turned to a light blue as its leaves danced in the night's wind.

"Is there anything you wish to know?"

"I'm sure she can tell me once she changes back."

"Then you will have to wait."

"What do you mean? Can't she change on her own?"

"No this ability is not under her control, she cannot control when or what she changes into."

"So she didn't do this on purpose and she can change into more than one creature?"

"Correct."

"When will she change back?"

"She can sleep through it and eventually return to her original form. Anything else you wish to know she can tell you better than I."

"Okay… is there anything I can call you, if we are to meet again."

"Call me Nexus. I have a feeling I will see more of you Loki."

"Alright then, Nexus, If we are to meet again hopefully you won't have to threaten me."

"Yes, let's hope for that."

Nexus had a giggle and her light faded and her branches returned to normal. Making her look like just an ordinary tree. Both him and Annaleise got up and headed to leave from the Meadow. His mind racing with questions, no doubt hers as well. All he could do now was have a one sided conversation as they headed home.

Annaleise's POV

She couldn't believe of all the animals she turned into; she had to turn into a wolf. When she changes the animals are always larger than normal size because of her gift she guessed. She wished she would have turned into a mouse or a bird. Not something so large as to wake him up and force him to worry about her. But that's just it, he admitted to worrying about her, of course he thought she was a dumb animal. He was willing to kill a beast to protect her. Even though the beast was her.

He admitted to caring for her…

It made her happy, her tail would almost wag at the thought… it shouldn't make her happy he wanted to kill her. But it was for what it represented at the time.

Everything he said warmed her heart.

It made her happy he knew the truth as well, that she didn't have to hide anything from him anymore. But now she felt like she put him in danger.

He seemed like he could handle himself well, if she didn't know how to fight she would have been cut by his blade. She was lucky she's been training all these years. It still made her worry.

What if she couldn't keep him safe?

How can she live with herself if someone else died because of her abilities?

Especially someone as important as him, she's never had a friend before. Not with this deep of a connection, she didn't know how to handle it. Her heart pounded when he was close and she got butterflies whenever he walked into the room. Was this a crush?

She shook the thought from her head as she heard him speak up beside her.

"So this is what you feared me knowing? That you can turn into animals, and I'm assuming you can talk with them too. Like the incident with the fox."

She nodded, even if she tried to talk it would come out sounding like a bark or a whine. So she could only move her head to give him a yes or a no.

"I assumed you had some sort of ability, I guessed it was a divination spell, never that it could be a shifting spell."

'Spells? Does he believe in magic? He couldn't be more wrong though.'

She looked at him shaking her head, which was enough of an answer for him.

"Oh, so it's not magic? Then was it something you were born with?"

She shook her head again.

"Okay… If I really want to know, I'll have to wait till I can understand you I guess."

She nodded to him, as they came walking up to the house.

"I'm sorry I startled you, I'm the reason you got hurt."

She stopped walking to look at him with determination as she shook her head vigorously.

'I was scared to lose you, not of you… I thought that if you had walked in you would leave me. I did what I did to protect myself… from losing you… oh, if only you could understand me.'

"So you don't blame me, huh? Were you just scared I'd find you in your current state?"

'You do understand me… I am truly lucky to have someone who isn't afraid of what I could be… you must have a lot more of a past than I realized to be this understanding of a monster. That or you're just really brave.'

Although she knew he couldn't hear her thoughts, she still thought them nonetheless. Responding in a way he could understand, by nodding to him.

"Why did you go and do that for? Do you have no regard for your safety? You could barely fit through a door, why hurt yourself just to get out a small window? The way you look did scare me, only because I thought you were a creature that hurt… well YOU. If you would have just told me, this wouldn't have happened. You don't need to go protect me, if you haven't noticed I can handle myself. You saw it, did you not?"

She nodded once again.

'You are the most amazing person, you're strong and brave. I am so lucky you care for me. You're everything I wish I could be. I would be too scared to tell you in person though. But I.. I care for you… more than I should… That's why I wanted to protect you. You're my best friend, the best I've ever had. If I lost you, I couldn't live anymore.'

"I'm a lot stronger than you know, I will tell you more when I can hear your voice again. But for now I think it's best we sleep."

They walked up to the house and he opened the door only to halt as he must have realized she couldn't go in. She was already making herself comfortable on the porch.

"You can't be serious, you're sleeping outside!? Why in bloody hell can't you just change back? Is it that hard for you to try?! I won't let you catch your death out here!"

She could tell he was worried he sounded like a nagging mother. Which was funny since it wasn't cold enough to complain about it. It was still a cool summer night, she can hardly feel through her thick fur. She only shook her head as she laid it down ready to rest. She jumped as he slammed the door and heard his footsteps fade into the house. She then felt a small furry presence lay close to her.

'Hey Cleo.'

'He's moody as usual.'

'Wouldn't you be if I was forced to sleep outside?'

'Uhh, you are. I don't see what the big deal is though. Outside is fun, yea the inside might have food and is toasty or cool when you want it to be. But outside is fresh and full of life, it's called nature because it provides. Sure you gotta look for it but that's what makes it fun.'

'He's just worried about me, I guess.'

'Then why did he slam the door like that?'

'He probably just doesn't like the situation, and decided to avoid it rather than trying to fix it when there's no point. I could get cut again if I try to go inside the window. I'm forced to stay out of the house or get hurt trying. So, I guess I can understand why he's so mad.'

'I still don't like him, he's a cold blooded killer. I saw it!'

'He was protecting me.'

'He was protecting himself. Just admit it, you let him walk all over you because he's pretty.'

'T-That's not true, he has a heart. He just has trouble seeing it, he feels he's not worthy of love so he pushes people away. That doesn't make him a bad guy, he doesn't walk all over me. He walks beside me and helps me, despite being… pretty. He's a good person.'

'Whatever you say that makes you sleep at night… He is still a liar and I stand by that. You knew he fell from the sky and still denied his power. Choose to believe what he said rather than what you saw. He made you blind. But I won't stand by once he hurts you. He will need a new pair of eyes when I'm done with him, he will be actually blind.'

'You might seem selfish sometimes Cleo, but I can tell you care more than you say.'

'Whatever…'

The door opened once more only to a view of legs and arms. Unable to see a face or body due to the large blankets and pillows that were being carried. He walked over and plopped everything down beside her. She watched as he grabbed a first aid kit off the top.

"I might not be able to place a bandage on you, but I will try to disinfect it."

Her eyes followed his hands as he grabbed what was necessary to do the job. He placed a large cloth on her that was covered in alcohol on her cut. It made her wince and whine harshly.

"I'm sorry but I won't let you get an infection. I don't mean to be so rough but I've never done this sort of thing before. So I apologize."

She nodded to let him know it was okay. He moved the cloth to another cut further down her front leg.

"At least it's easy to spot your wounds with the red clashing with your white fur. You know I'm surprised I didn't realize sooner it was you. I guess because I'm around you so much, white hair has become a part of my daily life so I don't see it being irregular."

She wondered how he knew it was her, so she nudged him as a way to tell him to continue.

"What? You're wondering how I knew?"

She nodded.

"Your eyes, I had to look in those eyes of yours to see that it was you. You're the only person I have met that has eyes that remind me of the beauty of space. They are so different from others, it was too obvious it was you after you pinned be down forcing me to stare into those gorgeous eyes."

She felt a rush of heat on her face, she was glad she had fur cause she would be bright red if she were human. He just complimented her without even thinking about it, and it made her really happy.

He grabbed the miracle concoction and opened it, looking full of distaste as he put his hand in it to get a decent amount. He quickly placed it on her cuts, she felt relieved as it settled under her fur. Once he was done he put up everything, sliding the box away.

Then got up throwing a blanket down on her and another not far from her.

'What are you doing?'

She looked down at Cleo.

'Is he doing what I think he's doing?'

'I think he is…'

"It doesn't feel right to sleep in your house, comfortablely in a bed. While you have to sleep outside on a hard floor. I will try to create some distance so you won't get uncomfortable with me sleeping so close."

'He should know that I wouldn't mind him being close, that what bothers me is that he is staying outside as well.'

'Then he's just as stupid as I said he was. And you are too for trusting his stupid butt.'

She growled at Cleo for her remark, making Loki flinch.

"Did I offend you?"

She looked at him shaking her head.

"Oh good, I was worried I somehow said something that made you angry with me."

She shook her head once again, making sure he saw it so he wouldn't misunderstand anything.

"I will be over here if that's alright with you."

She honestly thought he would catch a cold out here if he wasn't warm enough. So she did something that was unexpected even to her.

She wrapped her paw around his torso and pulled him into her making him give out a sound of a 'Oof'

"W-What are you-"

She barely let him finish as she placed her head on his lap and wrapped her body close around him.

'You'll be warmer this way.'

Cleo was gone, she went into the house pouting for whatever reason.

"Are you sure about this? I am a man after all."

She only responded in a way she knew how and that was to nuzzle her head under his arm. Forcing his hand to be on top of her head. He must have accepted it, because he started to pet the top of her head.

"Your fur is so soft."

She looked up at him with a gleam in her eye. She was enjoying this more than she should.

"It's hard to believe how a night could turn out like this. When I thought you were hiding something I figured it was small, not so important. Not something so… incredible. I honestly can't wait to talk to you more about it."

She smiled at that, too tired to nod.

'Me too, goodnight Loki.'

"Goodnight Annaleise."

All they did up until they fell asleep was remain silent, as their worlds drifted off into their dreams.