Chapter 17: Surprise

Kelsey and the Asgardians headed straight for the village, only for the girl to get the surprise of her life.

"Surprise!" The townspeople gathered at the pub to throw Kelsey a surprise birthday party. The girl covered her agape mouth, completely baffled. The only words she could utter were, 'Oh my gosh!'.

It turned out the Warriors Three had set this whole thing up. Fandral and Hogun had invited the village as they decorated the tavern. Volstagg and Sif had traveled through the Bi-Frost to track down the recipe and ingredients to make the perfect chocolate cheesecake. All didn't know where or how they got the recipe, but Volstagg's wife created the cake with an airy, creamy perfection.

The party involved off-key singing, a feast fit for a king, smashing glasses, and gifts for the honored guest.

Kelsey couldn't believe the sentiment; even Loki was surprised. He confronted Sif about it, demanding why they didn't tell him about the party. Sif defended herself, claiming that it was a last-minute thing. She commended Loki for keeping the girl busy. Loki complained about not bringing a gift for Kelsey, only to get a smart-aleck remark from Sif. If Loki hadn't been so cruel, his 'friends' would've included him. It seemed like tonight was no different than the other days when Thor was here. Loki thought there was hope, but now he's back to where he started. He nestled in the shadowy corner with a drink in hand, watching the girl open gifts and offer gratitude.

Volstagg's children were bored with small talk, wanting to play a game. Kelsey saw a metal ball contraption in the boy's hand, inspiring an idea.

The people sorted two teams to play the Foster family sport - baseball. Kelsey, the birthday girl, decided whether to hit or play defense first. The girl chose defense, while Sif (the opposing captain) picked her first teammate. The goddess surprised everybody when she picked Loki.

The man thought Sif wanted nothing to do with him. However, Sif clarified that Loki should stay away from Kelsey repeatedly. No doubt, this was her way to keep Loki and Kelsey apart, becoming unnecessarily overprotective at the moment. Sif got Loki, Volstagg, and half the townsmen in her team, while Kelsey picked the other half of the men, Fandral, and Hogun.

The game began in an open field. The rules were in place by Kelsey. All eyes were on Loki when she said the number one rule - no cheating. He acted offended, but his twitching grin revealed some mischief. Rocks, trees, and logs were the bases. The tanner and a blacksmith were kind enough to make gloves, helmets, and bats for the game. As for choosing an umpire, Frigga was in the neighborhood; she kindly volunteered, not intimidated by a fastpitch ball. She wished that Odin was here. He would've enjoyed watching this competitive but potentially violent sport.

Sif was the first batter up, while Fandral threw the pitch. She managed to pull off a double with only two strikes. Kelsey kept forgetting the strength of these gods. It made her nervous. Next up was Loki. Unlike Sif, he was hitting the ball left-handed. After a 3-2 count, he pulled off a single but stole second base, which helped Sif score a run for the team. Except for Kelsey, the defense team protested, claiming that Loki cheated. Unfortunately, Kelsey and Frigga clarified that Loki was allowed to steal, for the ball was still in the catcher's glove, not the pitcher's mound. From that moment on, Loki proved to everyone that he was a force to be reckoned with.

With the score of 2 by Loki's sleazy steals and safe slide to home, he was the pitcher. All were dumbstruck by Loki's curveballs and changeups. Even the catcher had trouble keeping up, resulting in the position being switched three times. Volstagg, the current catcher, used his belly armor to bounce the balls in his glove.

Some whispered that Loki's pitching should be illegal. The audience cheered and gossiped about how Thor might not be the best at everything. Loki was shocked to hear his name in chants. He had to ask the first baseman if this was real. Sif rolled her eyes and huffed at Loki's ego clouding his eyes. Loki might be great at baseball, but that didn't mean he was better than Thor.

His mother smirked, obviously impressed. Kelsey tried not to be intimidated because, unlike the other Asgardians, she finally had an advantage over them.

Hogun hit a grounder, only to be tagged out at first.

It was the second inning with a score of 4 - 1. Sif's team was winning by three points. Two men were on first and second base; one out so far. Kelsey was up to bat - that's when Sif called a time-out.

Sif and Volstagg rushed over to the pitching circle with Loki. Sif whispered something that ignited a fire in Loki's eyes. Their whispers quickly turned into a heated argument. Volstagg stepped back with wide eyes, refusing to participate in his teammates' debate.

"What's going on?" Kelsey whispered. She stood in the batter's circle, warming up her swing and timing until she heard the yelling match.

Fandral was sitting on the grass cross-legged, sharing his canteen with a teammate, "It seems to me that Loki's time in the light is over."

"Why?" Kelsey questioned. Most of her teammates exchanged glances, not giving away a response. "Seriously? Loki is good. He struck out a lot of people. Why is Sif pulling him out now?"

"For your sake," Hogun clarified.

Kelsey's mouth dropped at that revelation, clearly annoyed, "Oh my gosh! Is she kidding me?" Neither teammate responded. That was all Kelsey needed for an answer. Although, her competitive side believed that changing pitchers might increase her team's chances of winning.

On the other hand, these people lacked faith in Loki and underestimated Kelsey's ability to hit the ball. No matter, they'll teach them a lesson the hard way.

The watchers grew bored, waiting for the timeout to end.

The girl recited a baseball chant for timeouts, singing the English alphabet, then finished it off with a simple plea, "Now I know my ABCs, next time won't you-" she stomped her foot and bat in an aggressive rhythm, "-hurry up, please!"

Neither Sif nor Loki responded to Kelsey's impatience, but their irritation increased.

Finally, Frigga stepped into the pitcher's circle to resolve this matter.

"Sif, you are not pulling me out for the good of the team," Loki seethed. "You are pulling me out for personal reasons."

"Kelsey is not like us, Loki, and-"

"And what, Sif? Do tell me. Do you think that I would intentionally hurt her? You think I am monstrous enough to do such a thing?" Sif didn't deny it. She may not have said the words either, but her face showed. Loki scoffed, "You truly think so little of me.".

"Enough," all eyes were on the umpire, especially grateful Volstagg. "Now, Sif, I know my son, and he would never intentionally harm anyone unless it deemed necessary. For you to imply that is insulting to me."

"Your majesty, I didn't-" Sif tried to object but quickly closed her mouth when Frigga resumed her speech.

"And Loki," Frigga turned to her son with an equal motherly tone, "I know you're upset and offended. Whether Sif pulls you out for personal reasons, she is still your captain. She makes the call. Let someone else pitch. Aren't your arms getting tired?"

"But mother-"

"Most grateful, Your Majesty," Sif bowed her head to the queen.

"Is Loki going to pitch or not?!" Kelsey demanded. All eyes from the pitching circle except Frigga turned to her in disbelief.

"Kelsey, you want Loki to pitch to you?" Volstagg wondered.

"Well... it would be a shame if he didn't," Kelsey swung her bat. Neither Volstagg, Sif, or Loki knew what to say. Eventually, the audience spoke their minds as well.

"Come now, let the god of mischief play!" a villager cried; others agreed. All created a chant of their own, matching Queen's memorable beat. "Let him play! Let him play!"

Loki let out a breathy laugh and stretched a sparkling grin across his face. With Thor gone, people started to see something in the other brother. The trickster was no longer in the shadows; he was shining bright. It was all thanks to the entertaining game that his friend conjured up.

Finally, keeping her head high, refusing to show defeat, Sif stepped out of the pitching circle in silence.

Volstagg whispered to Loki, a simple plea, "Go easy on her, Loki. She's just a tiny thing."

Loki's nod sealed the deal, "You have my word."

When Volstagg crossed outside the pitching circle, the crowd cheered. Kelsey applauded subtly. Frigga returned to her position, declaring it was time to play ball.

Finally. The second Kelsey set foot out of the batting circle. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She wasn't nervous about striking out but getting hit by the ball. The only thing she could do was play her best, as Pawpa coached her, with one exception - don't swing at the first pitch no matter what. She had never once agreed to that rule.

Kelsey approached the 'home plate' and extended her arm, silently telling the pitcher to hold on. She twirled her bat and dipped it across the base, readying herself in position. Then, she watched and waited with anticipation.

Loki pitched, and Kelsey swung, missing the ball.

"Strike!" Frigga called.

Kelsey resumed her batting position, ignoring the cheers afar to concentrate on the pitch.

"Come on, Kelsey! Eye on the ball! Eye on the ball!" Fandral cried.

Loki pitched again. This time, the ball flew above the strike zone; Kelsey didn't swing.

"Ball!"

Volstagg had to stand to reach the ball, resulting in a minor cramp on his left quadriceps. He massaged the area briefly before returning to his squatting position.

Loki threw the pitch. Kelsey swung and hit the ball outside the left-field line.

"Foul ball!"

The countdown was one-two. An outfielder threw the ball back to Loki. The prince rolled the ball in his hand, positioning his feet. His eyes slanted at Volstagg's glove in concentration, paying no mind to his friend. Taking a deep breath, he threw a curveball in Volstagg's glove between his ankles, an inch lower from the strike zone. The girl didn't swing, which amazed the audience.

"Ball!" Frigga called.

They oohed at how keen the girl's eyes were; not bad for a mortal.

"There you go, Kelsey! Way to watch the ball!" Fandral clapped his hands.

Kelsey swung at the upcoming pitch, resulting in a foul ball and another at the next pitch. Kelsey proved to have a keen eye. She could tell by Loki's tensed face that he was getting frustrated. He rolled the ball vigorously between his fingers, strategizing his next pitch.

"Loki," Sif cautioned. He must remember the promise.

"Whoa!" Kelsey backed off the plate when two balls charged toward her instead of one. The illusion disappeared when the real ball landed straight in Volstagg's chest. She looked at the ball, then back at Loki with an agape mouth.

"Are you kidding me, Loki?!" Kelsey exclaimed.

"What?" Loki wrinkled his brows, asking what she was talking about.

"You used magic! That's cheating! You guys saw that, right?!" In truth, neither team saw it, but they believed her, for it was something Loki would do.

"Loki," Sif prepared to scold, but Loki insisted that he didn't do anything and that the heat fogged Kelsey's vision.

"Are you calling me a liar?!" Kelsey questioned Loki, putting her hand on her hip in frustration.

"Of course not," Loki replied with an eye roll. "I believe you're mistaken, that's all."

"Loki," the umpire's authoritative tone earned the pitcher's attention, "You forget. I am not only your mother, your queen, and an umpire for this game. I am a woman of magic as well."

Loki closed his eyes and pressed his lips. His guilt-ridden face showed that he had been caught red-handed.

"The count is three-two. Loki, if you dare cheat again, the home team will score a point. Do you understand?"

Loki bowed his head, indicating that he heard her loud and clear. They all resumed the game. Both batter and pitcher were determined to win this battle. Loki rolled the ball in his hand again. Kelsey took a practice swing before stepping inside the batter's box. If Loki wanted to play dirty, she could do it, too, unless he pitched outside the strike zone.

Loki crouched down, swung his arm back, and straightened up to throw the ball. Meanwhile, Kelsey slid her top hand towards the top narrow section of the bat, quickly turned, and squared her bat and stance. Loki widened his eyes, caught off guard as the ball bounced off the bat and landed inches from the home plate.

All were taken back, but Kelsey's team encouraged her to run, which she did. Volstagg picked up the ball and debated whether to throw it at first or third. After a second delay, he finally threw it to first, but it was too late. Kelsey made it to first, while the lead runner stole home. The score was 4-2.

Another runner attempted to steal home when Sif wasn't looking. The third baseman screamed at Sif to throw home. She widened her eyes in alarm and quickly whipped her arm forward to throw the ball. Volstagg leaped on his feet to catch it and ducked his glove to tag the runner out. The lead runner slid across the rock, ignoring the slicing scrapes across his skin. The ball bounced Volstagg's belly toward the runner's face, knocking him out cold. All oohed and cringed painfully at the scene.

Kelsey was the first to take a knee, while others in the field followed her lead. Fandral asked if this sentiment was for a player's death; Kelsey denied it immediately. As far as she knew, this was baseball; nobody had died from the sport. The blacksmith should've created facemasks.

Loki grumbled about how Sif shouldn't be worried about him hurting anyone, only for Sif to retaliate with a death glare. The trickster was unfazed by her empty threats. Fortunately, the runner lived and earned another point for his team, but required a healer to deflate his bruised bump and prevent a possible concussion. Two men and the runner's wife approached the home rock to escort the man off the field. All rose from their knees and clapped to honor the fallen teammate.

Finally, Loki regained his groove and struck out two more batters, starting the final inning.

Fandral was warming up his pitches to Hogun, waiting for Volstagg to bat. His kids and teammates cheered him on as he practiced his swing.

"Play ball!" Frigga cried.

Volstagg stepped into the plate, leaning back and lifting his back ankle. His eyes narrowed, mentally preparing for the pitch. He couldn't help but blink the sweat from his eye, delaying the first swing.

"Strike!" Frigga called when the ball landed in Hogun's glove.

"Oh, come on! I have sweat in my eye!"

"Forget the sweat!" Loki snapped. "You have two eyes! Use one!"

"Shut up, Loki!" The distraction made Volstagg miss another opportunity to hit the ball. The count was 0-2, with no outs.

"You're slipping, Volstagg," Fandral laughed merrily, catching the ball in his glove. "Shall a fly cause you grief as well? What would your kids say?" They all heard what Volstagg's kids and his wife had to say. All screamed at him to focus, which he did despite the burn in his right eye.

Fandral threw a pitch, and Volstagg finally swung the bat. He hit the ball far out of the field and over the hill.

"Damn!" Kelsey cursed as she and another outfielder must split up to retrieve the ball, though there was a big chance it might've fallen into the water or outer space.

It didn't matter, for Volstagg had scored a home run for his team. After a moment of celebrating, they realized that they required a ball. Volstagg and his friends abandoned the field to find it and the missing players.

Kelsey explored the woods - a calming creak with clear waters mixed with dirt at the bottom, more bushes that bloomed on the other side. She leaped over the small stream, darkening her scenery. She knew she couldn't find a ball without proper lighting; Kelsey must return to the field.

However, her body froze when she heard the echoed screams behind her. "Sir?! Are you okay?!" It didn't sound like a frightened man but a man being tortured to death. She followed her instincts and ran away to get help, praying the villager would be alright. Kelsey didn't realize her shoelaces were untied, causing her to trip over her footing.

"Damn it!" Kelsey ignored the scraps and bruised joints as she tied her shoes. The task paused when the screams ceased, replaced by stomping and growls. Was it her, or did the humid night become colder? She hurried onto her feet, tucking the loose laces into her shoe to continue her path back to civilization.

"Holy shit!" Kelsey screeched, immediately gripping her chest and gasping for breath. Fifteen feet tall, icy blue skin with bloody red eyes staring at Kelsey. Her mind was spinning at his monstrous demeanor.

"Holy shit," Kelsey whispered. Goosebumps coated her skin, not only of fear but the chilly air. The monster's wrinkles deepened, flaring his nostrils to sniff deeply.

"You're not fully Asgard," he grunted, tilting his head slightly with curiosity.

"N-No. No, not really," a nervous smile crossed Kelsey's features, enduring the watery burn in her eyes. "H-Hi, I-I'm sorry. Y-You scared me. I-I was looking for a ball, and now..." She backed away when he stomped forward. "D-Do you work for Odin? Are you a guard or something?"

The monster growled, clenching his fists close. He seemed offended, but Kelsey didn't pay mind.

"Do you live here?" she babbled her questions. "Is this your property? Am I trespassing? I'm sorry. I didn't know. I-I can go if you want - ah!" She ducked to the ground to avoid his swinging arm. Instead of hitting her as she thought, he simply grabbed her wrist and lifted her a foot from the ground. She flexed her ankle, stretching her leg to feel the land on her toes.

His red eyes intensified, along with his tight grip. Her core shook, feeling sharp needles down her arm quickly changed by a sizzling sound. She screamed out from a burning sensation, twisting her arm out of his grip to analyze the wound. A dark blistering patch formed; the lack of blood flow caused her joints to twitch uncontrollably. Her hand was going numb along with its color - pathetic pale to concerning cyan. She gazed up at the giant with widening, tearful eyes.

"What the fuck?! What the fuck is this?! What did ya - What did you d-do?!" Kelsey started to feel it - the cooling of her body temp. She couldn't help but shiver. His bloodlust eyes and the icy shard in his arm told her he was here for a different reason. He was here to kill an enemy. Kelsey became his enemy the second she unknowingly offended his kind. She didn't wait for the villain's monologue or his next attack. She turned back around and leaped into the murky water.

Her head perked up and gasped from the cold and disgust, covered in smelly mud. She could taste the unpleasant substance on her lips. She scooped the dirt from her eyes to see the giant ready to kill.

"No!" She rolled away from his aim, gaining a giant splash on her back. As she crawled out of the water, he grabbed her ankle to offer another blistering treatment, but Kelsey twisted her leg away from his grip.

"Get off!" The twisting seemed to have given her the advantage. It was tiny and swift, something his large hand couldn't keep up. Unfortunately, his touch bit into her skin. She could already feel the stings and tickles - worse than when her foot fell asleep. It's the kind that made her cry instead of laugh. She bent her knees to keep her legs out of the monster's reach.

"Help!" She clutched her swollen hand against her chest but quickly released it. A single touch on the patch only intensified the pain. Tears mixed with mud leaked down her face. Although no weight was on it, she could still feel someone giving her an injection in the Achilles heel. She was never a fan of needles.

She didn't know where to go but must go somewhere to escape the giant. Her strained eyes were adjusting to the darkness. Her scar was throbbing. Her heart was beating fast, trying to pump blood through her limbs unsuccessfully. The veins from her wrist and ankle burned, ending their tracks. Her adrenal alerted her to run with both legs. She couldn't. The pain was too much, enough for her to trip over a wood bark. Her back collided with the ground, bumping her head. She weakly shuffled back by her right leg. The mud dried, staining the grass.

The beast towered within in her blurred, teary vision. No doubt he was lifting his ice weapon, ready to strike. Her weak attempt to escape proved pointless. She was going to taste the monster's blade.

She screamed and shielded her eyes shut, bracing for the pain. No. She didn't brace it. She wanted to believe that this wasn't happening and was all a nightmare. She didn't want her adventure to end like this, not on the week of her birthday, not in her Neverland. She pictured herself flying to the second star, the island's sun shining bright with color.

The next thing she knew, Kelsey was floating. The gush of wind through her face. Her hair stuck between her lips, tasting the mud bath again. The limb bounced and tickled.

Her eyes opened to see the ground moving. She strained her neck to see the killer far away, passing the trees. Three moving figures more miniature than him came to view. Where did they come from?

Her mind and body finally connected back to reality. Her shock wore off to finally realize what was happening. Her friends found her. Three of them were battling the monstrous beast while another carried her safely away.

Finally, Kelsey escaped the woods and slipped from her savior's broad shoulder. He set her back onto the grass, cupping her face gently to meet his worried teal gaze.

"Kelsey! Kelsey, look at me!" The next task proved to be complicated: remain calm.

"He tried to kill me!" she screeched, shaking uncontrollably. Her frosted fingers twitched. Her ears tuned out his questions and false comfort. She wanted to faint, right on this spot, until she heard it.

A roar pierced the silent night - the beast's painful cry and a clash of swords against ice. They killed him. The danger was over. She gasped and immediately reached out her free arm around the man's neck, pulling herself upright, holding him for dear life. The mud had stained his garment, but neither cared. She tightened her grip as best she could, soothed by his fingers caressing her wet hair and bruised back.

"It's alright," he whispered. His cold breath didn't do wonders for the girl's shivering frame.

"I'm so f-freakin' f-freezing... and - and I'm tired."

"I know, but you are going to be alright. I promise."

Her mind, body, and heart were all paralyzed. The stars in the sky - up close and detailed - were the last she saw before drifting into the darkness.

"Kelsey, wake up!" Loki begged, tapping her face gently. "Kelsey! Kelsey, stay with me! Wake up!"

Fandral and Sif emerged from the forest, their weapons still in hand.

"How is she?" Fandral asked.

Loki pressed two fingers against her neck, feeling for her pulse. It was fast but strong, matching her breathing pattern.

"She fainted," he planted his feet on the ground as he hauled the girl into his arms. Her neck dangled over his elbow. He shifted his joint to cradle the girl's head — a father holding a child, a hero saving a damsel in distress.

"Her skin - it touched her," Sif stated, noticing the familiar discoloration on the mortal's olive skin.

"No kidding!" Loki hissed. "Thank you, my friend, for the obvious." The male villagers gathered down the hill with pitchforks and torches, watching the scene unfold while cautiously searching for the beast. The queen led the women and children inside the castle for sanctuary.

"Loki, I'll take her to the healing room," Sif offered, stepping towards them. The trickster immediately retracted, pulling the fainted girl against him protectively. Sif blinked, not surprised by the rejection.

"Loki, the king must be warned of this intrusion."

"Then, you go!" Loki argued.

"Loki, be reasonable!" Fandral offered. "Hogun and Volstagg are disposing of its body, and there's no telling how many more are out there!"

The thought of more coming to attack forced Loki to take in his surroundings - the night was dark but empty.

"We don't know what the monster has done," Sif whispered her reason with great reluctance, "but we're well aware of Eir's routine when a woman claims an attack." The last word was hushed, indicating another definition none wished to hear.

Loki had heard the stories that cast shame and embarrassment on women. The thought of what that cretin could've done to Kelsey brought an emotion far deeper than anyone could've done to him. Kelsey wouldn't be comfortable receiving the intrusive exam with a male present. He had no choice but to respect the protocol.

Closing his eyes and exhaling from his nose, Loki slid the girl into Sif's arms. He watched the women disappear up the hill. He perked at Fandral's voice but didn't turn, not a slight budge as he listened.

"Once we dispose of it, the Warriors Three shall search for more intruders. You must warn the king and guards, Loki."

Somebody had already done just that. A shield of light rose from the ground. A dome surrounded the kingdom, keeping something from coming out and in. Why hadn't Heimdall done this sooner? This was the second time the Frost Giants had trespassed without detection.

The giants had known Asgard to be vulnerable now that their best warrior was gone. Everyone mourned for the loss, but not if Loki and Odin could help that.

The king may be on his way to meet Heimdall for the meaning of the wall. The guards were armed and ready. Loki waved a dagger in hand, joining the Warriors Three in capturing more intruders. Instead, they found the missing villager, who was unfortunately burned and butchered to death.

...

This was indeed the worst birthday ever. One villager had made the history of being possibly the first to die during a baseball game. Hours of searching into the forest, around and inside the castle - no sign of giants anywhere. According to Eir, Kelsey was never raped. However, severe burns blistered her skin, damaged muscle tissue, and constricted blood vessels. Fortunately, no amputation was required, much to everyone's relief. The healing paste should reverse the damage. Warm liquids, dry clothes, and blankets could help prevent a drop in body temperature.

Kelsey settled back into her chambers, snuggling under the covers with Sif as her guard and Nanna as her nurse.

"I'm thirsty," Kelsey complained softly. Nanna gave the girl a goblet of warm water as Kelsey's arms remained in her cacoon. Kelsey chugged the liquid down in large gulps. Its droplets dripped down her chin and neck and onto the satin blanket.

"Easy," Sif cooed gently. Nanna tipped the goblet back, allowing Kelsey to gasp for breath and recline back onto the chaise. Her eyes couldn't help but turn to the windows, spotting any signs of frost giants outside. Her almost-seventeen-year-old self disintegrated into a five-year-old who once believed in monsters hiding under beds.

The maid hushed Kelsey's fears, assuring her that no harm shall bestow on her flesh again. Kelsey wanted to believe Nanna but couldn't.

The door burst wide open, frightening the women. Sif was ready to attack, only to realize who it was. The dark prince graced his presence without bothering to knock this time. Now wasn't the time for courtesy.

"Loki," Sif stood in his view of the sofa - specifically the patient resting on it.

"I want to see how she is doing," the prince explained. He didn't understand Sif's sudden protectiveness. They both knew who was the real enemy; at least, that's what Loki thought.

"Any sign of them?" Sif demanded.

"No, now let me see her."

"Kelsey needs rest. You should go."

Kelsey would've rolled her eyes at this stupid argument. Those two acted like divorced parents trying to gain custody over their child. She wasn't a prize. She was a human being capable of making her own decisions.

"Sif, it's okay," Kelsey assured her, but it didn't drop Sif's guard. The warrior goddess intently watched Loki walk past her and kneel beside the girl.

"How are you, my friend?" he asked kindly.

"I'm okay," his friend replied with a gentle smile. "Eir says that the medicine should take effect within twelve hours... I can't find my jacket. I'm cold."

"I am certain it is around here somewhere," Nanna assured her lady. "I shall see if I can find it for you."

"You don't-"

"I insist," Nanna picked up a tray that carried only an empty soup bowl. She made sure Kelsey had her goblet of water near her bed. "Your health and well-being are far too important. Allow me to aid you."

"Okay, I appreciate that, Nanna. Thank you," Kelsey reluctantly allowed her maid to gracefully depart, "but be careful." Nanna spared a moment to assure her lady that she would be fine before she left the room, not caring whether or not her lady had accepted her word for it.

"Forgive me, Kelsey," Loki apologized, earning a confused look from his friend. "If only I were there-"

"No," Kelsey shook her head, pulling the covers to her chin. "No, you were there. All of you were. You guys are the reason why that son of the bitch didn't kill me... I'm just sorry about that guy. If I hadn't-"

"His blood did not stain your hands, Kelsey. This is on Laufey and him alone."

"Who-"

"The king of Jotunheim," Sif explained. "They trespassed our lands once for the Casket of Winters, but we didn't expect him to try again with more sacrificed lambs." She was horrified by Laufey's actions and desperation. The ice king didn't care about the cost as long as he got his treasure in the end - disgusting. "If this can convince the Allfather to bring back Thor-"

"It won't," Loki grumbled with more attitude than intended. He was annoyed by Sif's silly fantasy of Thor coming home. What will it take for her to realize that Odin won't bring Thor back?

"Thor didn't start this!" Sif argued as if she read his mind. "He tried to finish it!"

"Yes, and look how much it cost him - cost this realm."

"I'm thirsty!" Kelsey complained again. She usually avoided a heated debate, for she hated confrontation. However, Kelsey was a needy patient who refused to hear her friends fight during her recovery. Fortunately, her needs momentarily delayed the argument. Loki handed her goblet; she shifted her arms under the covers to take it. As she was sipping her drink, Kelsey blinked to see bandages around not one but both her wrists.

"I got burned on this wrist?" she asked, gesturing her good arm.

"Yes," Sif responded, "from the giant's touch."

"From its touch exactly, or does it spread?"

"No, it does not spread. You get burned by direct contact only," Loki blinked, eyes flickering to the bandage. "Why do you ask?"

"The frost giant. He scared me. He burned this wrist," Kelsey gestured to the pale blue hand hiding underneath her covers. "But I don't remember him touching this one." She waved to the other that was sticking out. Loki furrowed his brows and deepened his scowl.

"Perhaps he did, but you may have forgotten," Sif suggested.

"No... maybe..." Doubt was taking charge in her mind once more. Kelsey knew what she saw and felt. At least, she thought she did. "I - I'm not crazy. If he had hurt me elsewhere, I would've known... He didn't touch this wrist."

"Are you sure?" Loki pressed.

"Um... I think so?" Kelsey said it more as a question than a statement.

"Kelsey, I am certain the monster did," Sif insisted. "Unless another giant is lurking about, there is no other explanation."

The idea was improbable until Loki gazed at his shaky, bare hands. His mind flashbacked to the Jotunheim battle.

Loki recalled grabbing Kelsey by the arm to haul her over his shoulder to escape the beast in the forest. Worry enough to possess a tight grip without thought. Was it the same arm? As much as he wished to deny the possibility, there was a voice of doubt. What happened to him this past week didn't make sense. Why didn't he receive the bite? Why did his arm turn blue? Was he cursed? Did he possess a new power? His parents couldn't frostbite others unless...

"I must take leave," Loki rose from his seat.

"What?" Sif seemed taken aback by his announcement. He was desperate to be in the girl's company before. What was he up to?

"Why? What's wrong?" Kelsey asked, pulling her arms out, ignoring the unwanted shivers. Her nimble fingers brushed his skin, triggering immediate action. Loki leaped away and apologized for the contact that he didn't initiate.

"I'm..." Loki didn't know how to feel; he was conflicted and confused. He couldn't tell them his plan, for they wouldn't understand. "I must visit Mother," his only way out was to lie. "I must see how she is doing," His voice was strained, almost as if he was about to cry.

"Loki, what is the matter?" Sif demanded.

"Nothing!" Loki barked. "I must leave, and you must rest," he turned around with snarling teeth. It took a moment for Kelsey to realize that he was talking to her in a non-friendly way.

"Uh," the teen looked down to see that she was doing exactly that, "I am resting." That should've shifted the light off her and back on Sif, but Loki tilted his head and narrowed his eyes at her.

"I beg your pardon?" he sounded like a father challenging his daughter.

Once again, Kelsey questioned his hostility towards her, "Um-"

"You are my guest living in this castle. I saved your life. I advise you to show me some respect."

"Loki," Sif cautioned in the background.

"I am," Kelsey insisted with a sweet voice. Unlike the others, she had been nothing but friendly to Loki and gave him the benefit of the doubt. "At least, I'm trying to be. I'm sorry if I wasn't-"

"Look at me," he commanded firmly, hating the lack of eye contact. "Do not let anyone in here tonight," he pointed at the floor. "Do not leave this room unless I allow it. Never consider getting up."

"What if I have to use the bathroom?"

"Excuse me? What did I just say about your attitude?"

"What attitude?!" the polite demeanor cracked, and her frustration leaked into her tone. "I just asked if I could use the bathroom. I don't think you want me to pee on this couch, do you, your majesty?" She could hear her aunt's advice to keep her temper in check. She got lucky the last couple of times. She didn't want to make the same mistake again, but the urge was strong.

"Enough!" Loki yelled, forcing the women to jump and flinch. Kelsey raised her brows and blinked in disbelief, snuggling under her blankets again. The adjusted sheet from earlier sent a fresh breeze into her skin.

"Loki!" Sif scolded. Kelsey swallowed the mix of anger and fear she had. Her heartbeat picked up the pace, which increased her breathing. Loki cringed and closed his eyes, now regretting his outburst. Still, he couldn't lower himself into a weakling; his pride and arrogance took over. His power and authority came into play, and the women could do nothing about it.

Seeing that he was torn just as much as her.

Concerning more about him than her, Kelsey couldn't help but reach out to her friend and asked, "Loki... are you... okay?"

The inner battle in Loki didn't last too long. He couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh that made Sif cringe and gave Kelsey the butterflies. "Am I alright? Kelsey, you dare to ask another ridiculous question when you already know the answer. Am I alright? I should be asking you that! I mean, are you daft as she is?!" Loki rhetorically asked his friend while jabbing a finger at Sif.

"Excuse me?!" Sif asked angrily.

"Whoa," Kelsey deadpanned.

"Follow my command," Loki instructed, ignoring Sif's command to leave Kelsey alone. "I am a god. I am royalty, while you are nothing but a mere mortal. If your brain is functioning, you should never question my authority again. Do you understand?"

"How dare you talk to her like that!" If Sif could hit him without consequence, she would. "You have no right-"

"Well?" Loki pressed. Kelsey understood that her friend was pissed about the whole situation, but it didn't prevent the stab in her self-esteem. He assured Kelsey she wasn't at fault, yet he called her stupid. She shouldn't excuse his behavior, but...

"Yes," she submitted to prevent an escalation, averting her eyes from the blankets. Her mind screamed at Loki to go away, knowing she couldn't say it out loud. Fortunately, Sif wasn't afraid to pass Kelsey's message.

"Leave, Loki! Now!"

Meanwhile, Loki breathed out with satisfaction, keeping his face neutral. Odin was right about one thing. Mortals craved subjection. It made life simple and saved a lot of trouble. Although his heart nearly skipped a beat at Kelsey's glistening eyes about to cry. He felt horrible about the girl's condition, and now he felt worse for frightening her. If only she knew the reason beyond the situation they're in.

He couldn't fully explain his concerns to Kelsey, not with Sif in the room. Most importantly, he didn't have the answers to his own questions yet.

There was only one way to seek the truth.

Go to the Weapon's Vault.

"I trust you not to let her out of your sight," Loki barked at the goddess. Sif didn't promise him verbally, nor was it necessary, for she had already made the vow earlier. It didn't take long for him to finally leave the room, allowing the women to talk freely. Sif apologized to Kelsey for the prince's behavior and asked if she was okay. Meanwhile, questions unraveled Kelsey's mind, making her stomach hurt. She couldn't exactly find the words to describe Loki's attitude except for one question, which came out in a quiet but angry hiss.

"What the heck was that?!"